There may be a few famous English teams known by the nickname of the Reds. But on the small Canary Island of Lanzarote that appellation means only one thing – UD Lanzarote. - the keenly supported island favourites who are currently plying their trade in the third tier of the Spanish league.

Union Deportiva Lanzarote were founded in 1970 – and had to battle it out in small local and inter island leagues for a decade before hitting the relative big time of the Spanish third division in 1980.

Since then then the Rojillos have established themselves as regular fixtures in Segunda B – as well as formidable cup giant killers.

In 2001 they humbled then Primera Liga Canarian cousins Tenerife in the Copa del Rey before being rewarded with the ultimate plum draw of Real Madrid at home. A fixture which bought unparalleled scenes of crowd congestion and fervour as well over 12,000 people crammed into the Cuidad Deportiva in the heart of the island capital Arrecife. Enjoying a cracking first half that ended all square at one apiece before the class of Zidane, Figo et al finally showed through, leaving the final score at 1-3.

But far from being a one off little Lanzarote from the Canaries were back knocking much bigger terms off their perches in the 2003-4 season. Beating both Real Mallocra and the mighty Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey before finally succumbing to Sevilla.

Last year the club finished 13th after a decent start. And off the pitch faced financial difficulties which looked to have sounded the death knell for the Reds. But an eleventh hour bail out has kept the club in business. To the delight of their many supporters on the island, which includes a decent chunk of the British expatriate community.

One of their leading UK born fans is Ian Lane – who is so enthused with the club that he has created an excellent website – Mercancia Lanzarote - dedicated to all things UD Lanzarote. And which also offers a great range of official UD merchandise for those looking for a seriously eclectic strip or soccer related holiday souvenir.