From Sant Joan Despí, Roger Graells has completed ten years as communications director for UE Sant Andreu, a journey that began during a period of great instability for the entity. His first month coincided with the resignation of half the board of directors and a major crisis at the end of the 2015-2016 season, the club's first year in Tercera División after relegation with Dinorah Santa Ana, ex-wife of Dani Alves, as president.
“"'Where have you gotten yourself into, Roger?', I asked myself many times. The following season was already more normal and calmer."
Graells highlights the club's evolution, especially the growth of its social base. After the promotion to Segunda RFEF in Salamanca, the number of members increased from one thousand to three thousand in one month, currently reaching 5,300. This conversation took place on March 5, with the team pursuing promotion to Primera RFEF, a goal that could be achieved on Sunday the 19th, depending on the results of CD Atlético Baleares.
The current success is attributed to the return of Natxo González to the bench and the investment of Taito Suzuki, club president since November 14, 2024. Graells describes him as a president “very close to the fans” and involved in the club's professionalization, with a solid marketing and sponsorship structure. The communications director admits to having taken on tasks outside his duties during delicate moments, out of “activism” and the desire to see UESA prosper, although this has entailed personal sacrifices.
“"The club has changed a lot and the social base has also grown tremendously."
With the club's professionalization and economic improvement, Graells has been able to delegate responsibilities. Initially, he focused on media relations, match information, and monitoring on X (formerly Twitter). Subsequently, they created a radio station and broadcast matches via Twitch, always with the aim of informing and resolving queries. His dedication is such that his wife described UESA as his “mistress” on their wedding day.
The inauguration of the official UESA store on February 8 represents a new source of income, complementing the online store that ships throughout Europe and beyond. The club has members in over 110 municipalities in Catalonia. During the inauguration, Graells received a surprise tribute for his ten years as press chief, with a jersey bearing his name and the number 10.
Graells' connection to UE Sant Andreu dates back 14 years, from his first report as a Journalism student at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). He has covered all the club's matches as a journalist and confesses that he finds it hard to imagine attending only as a spectator. The promotion in Salamanca was one of the happiest moments, a “liberation” after many years of searching. Now, he eagerly awaits promotion to Primera RFEF, the result of an unstoppable second half of the season with 17 unbeaten matches, a streak that ended on the 12th against Valencia Mestalla.
Graells, known for his organization, values the club's Catalanist and anti-fascist identity, which funded militias in the 1930s. He maintains a professional distance from the players, although he suffers when they leave, fondly remembering former captains like Dani Guerrero. Finally, he confesses his desire to write a book about UESA, a pending project due to lack of time.
