[Boromir88]

A Union of the Two Towers
-Boro

This year TTN is covering the offseason happenings of 8 teams. Some of them lie well outside our regional influence, but that hasn't stopped TTN from scattering field reporters all over Arda to inform you on what several teams have been up to during the offseason.

The 1st part in the series takes you to Isengard where in 2012 Saruman's squad finished 3rd in Group F. Failing to make it out of the group stage meant Isengard took a moderate hit to their finances and left many anxious over the future of Isengard.

To completely understand we have to take you back to the 2009 year when Isengard was a colossal flop in the tournament, Saruman left quickly to join Bywater and the team disbanded. Further investigation into the "books" revealed Saruman had been running an intricate ponzi scheme even forcing Isengard players to invest in the team with the promises of future fortune. Yet, when the team went bust after an awful 2009 campaign, Saruman bolted with the money, leaving Isengard in ruins.

In 2012, when Isengarders needed a buyer in order to reform a team, it was an even bigger shock Saruman reared up his head again, and was approved as the sole owner given the Maia's checkered financial history. However, Saruman's clever tongue apparently satisfied league officials and assured that his auto-parts manufacturing business was completely legitimate.

As noted, 2012 saw a loss for Saruman with Isengard's failure to make it out of the group stage. And anytime fans see their team's salary driven down, morale and hope for better days goes with it. How far would Saruman cut salary to make up for some of the losses? And how much of a cut would the more talented players from 2012 be willing to stomach before departing for better deals?

The answers are not yet fully known, but it is confirmed Saruman has sold part ownership of Isengard to another interested buyer that will help absorb some of the loss from last year. It is none other than Sauron. So, the Two Towers are in league once again, this time Orthanc Motors and Barad-dur's Gold & Jewelers have reached a deal to be part owners of Isengard in 2013.

There are more than a few watching the situation with a cautious eye as Sauron seems to be throwing his money to every team that needs financial assistance. Theoden of Rohan feels if Sauron can reach Isengard it won't be long until his encroaching business comes to Rohan: "Sauron's arm has grown long indeed. But let it be known Rohan has never given tribute to Sauron, nor will we ever accept tribute from him."

Sauron responded to allegations of his over-reaching by saying: "I've been wearing the same size black armor since the 2nd Age." However, Sauron's plans for the ancient Numenorean stronghold are well documented, leaving many to speculate it's only a matter of time before Sauron places a new lieutenant in Isengard. One more worthy of running a soccer club.

Saruman says the small change in ownership will not alter the make-up of the team which he wants to take after the traits of the metal industry. "We will run like a well-oiled machine, be as hard as steel and as grinding as gears."

Although, we wonder if it's not more likely 2013 Isengard will sink like a heavy, clunky, and rusted-iron ship.