Blendio Sinfín retires iconic No.29 of José Manuel Herrero “Lon” as he begins coaching debut
- Blendio Sinfín will retire the legendary No.29 in honor of José Manuel Herrero “Lon”.
- Lon retires at 48 after 15 seasons with Sinfín: 446 matches and 1,459 goals.
- His first official match as coach will be against Trops Málaga at La Albericia.
- Club president servando Revuelta led the decision; the move follows the signing of Rubén Garabaya by Pelister (Macedonia).
- Lon’s career includes two ASOBAL promotions with Sinfín and additional promotions with Garbel Zaragoza and Torrevieja, plus a European beach handball title.
Intro: One of Santander’s most beloved handball figures, José manuel Herrero – widely known as “Lon” - has closed his storied playing chapter at Blendio Sinfín and taken the reins of the team as its coach.The club has decided to retire his iconic number 29 jersey, ensuring no future Sinfín player will wear the shirt that became a symbol of loyalty, goals and leadership.
From club legend to coach: the context
The move comes after Rubén Garabaya accepted a coaching position at pelister in North Macedonia,which opened talks between Lon and the club’s board. At age 48, Lon accepted the invitation from Blendio Sinfín’s board to retire as a player and instantly take charge of the first team – a transition that honors his long association with the club and leverages his experience as a player and technical secretary.
Why the No.29 matters
Blendio Sinfín president Servando Revuelta announced that the club will retire the No.29 shirt worn by Lon during his 15 seasons at La Albericia. The decision recognizes Lon’s status as:
- The club’s all-time top scorer with 1,459 goals.
- A central figure across 446 official matches for Sinfín.
- One of the top scorers in Liga ASOBAL during his playing days.
What retiring a jersey means
Retiring a number is a symbolic but powerful gesture in sport. For Blendio Sinfín, it signals the club’s appreciation for Lon’s years of service and cements his place in the club’s history - no future player will wear 29 for the Santander team.
Lon’s career highlights
Lon’s career is notable for steady excellence across club and beach handball:
- 15 seasons with Blendio Sinfín (La Albericia), becoming the club’s historic top scorer.
- 446 official matches for Sinfín and 1,459 goals scored.
- Two promotions to ASOBAL with Blendio Sinfín plus two more promotions earned while at garbel Zaragoza and Torrevieja.
- European champion with his national side in beach handball.
- Served simultaneously as a player and the club’s technical secretary toward the end of his playing career.
Coach debut: Trops Málaga at La Albericia
Lon’s first official match as the team’s head coach will be played at La Albericia against Trops Málaga - a fitting tribute and a high-profile moment for the club and its fans. The club and supporters will watch closely as the former captain attempts to translate his on-court leadership into coaching success.
Immediate expectations
- Short-term: Stabilize team morale and honor club traditions around Lon’s figure.
- Medium-term: Implement tactical identity influenced by Lon’s playing experience at six meters and his work as technical secretary.
- Long-term: Build a competitive Blendio Sinfín side in ASOBAL and continue developing local talent.
Rapid career snapshot (table)
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Seasons with Sinfín | 15 |
| Matches for Sinfín | 446 |
| Goals for Sinfín | 1,459 |
| ASOBAL promotions | 4 (2 with sinfín) |
| Notable title | European champion (beach handball) |
What this means for Blendio Sinfín and Santander handball
Retiring Lon’s jersey and naming him coach creates a narrative continuity that strengthens the club identity. Fans get a seamless transition from player to mentor, and the club preserves a living link to its recent golden moments. For local handball in Santander, it’s a reminder of the value of homegrown legends and of investing in figures who know the club from the inside out.
Potential challenges
- Transition from teammate to coach can be delicate – Lon must redefine relationships with players.
- Immediate pressure to secure good results in a competitive league.
- Managing expectations: symbolic gestures like retiring a jersey raise the bar for on-field performance.
Final note
José Manuel Herrero “Lon” leaves an indelible mark on Blendio Sinfín and Spanish handball. Retiring the No.29 and entrusting him with the coaching baton shows the club’s faith in his leadership. Supporters will gather at La Albericia to watch his first official steps from the bench - a new chapter for a local hero.
Source and credits:
- Cadena SER Cantabria – original reporting on Blendio Sinfín and José Manuel Herrero “lon”: https://cadenaser.com/cantabria/2025/09/20/el-blendio-sinfin-retira-el-29-iconico-dorsal-de-herrero-lon-radio-santander/