FM 06: Peterborough United - Return of The Posh [Archive]

Butter

04-20-2006, 02:14 PM

My alter ego, guiding the club out of dire straits, is Butter O'Sixty-Nine. He's Irish, but shares my birthday and passion for Posh football.

I am announced as new manager just prior to the start of the new season by Chairman Barry Fry. The media believe Peterborough to have the players to contend for the League Two title, but are also skeptical of my qualifications to guide them there. I have been put on a one-year contract worth $40k... and have been handed a transfer budget of $50k, along with a wage budget of around $1.7M.

Club finances

I open up the books only to notice them awash in red. We are $365,000 in the hole, and owe another $45k per month to the bank through the end of July, 2006. We are currently nearly $100k over our desired wage budget of $1.7 million. So, you know what that means... time to check the roster, and see who we can part with... and check for cheap talent to bring in.

Squad

Not a long summary is required here, because we have 22 players on the roster, including 2 on the reserve team (mostly filled out with drones), and 1 player away on loan at League One Swindon Town.... but who may need to be recalled.

Goalkeepers

1.Mark Tyler - 28, $160k wage, $120k value
2.Lee Harrison - 33, $50k, $6k
Reserve Luke McShane - 19, $30k, $4k

Tyler is the clear starter here. He possesses a good set of physical attributes, and is adept at handling, rushing at defenders, and using his reflexes to make saves. He is substandard at most else though, but this is the level of talent in League Two. If we can find a decent enough replacement, Tyler may be one of the first to go, despite having been with The Posh his entire professional career (dating back to his 17th birthday). Lee Harrison excels more at the mental aspects of goalkeeping, including being superb at positioning... but his physical skills are sub-par. He played in the Championship for a few years at Fulham and Charlton Athletic in the early 1990's... and is a new player to us, coming over from Leyton Orient on a free transfer this summer. Luke McShane is raw, and won't see action unless there is an emergency.

Defenders

-SW/DC Phil Bolland - 28, $55k, $24k
-DR Dean Holden - 25, $120k, $28k
-DRC Sean St. Ledger - 20, $75k, $30k
-DR/DM/MRC Paul Carden - 26, $50k, $22k
-DC Mark Arber - 27, $120k, $50k
-DC Chris Plummer - 28, $90k, $12k
-D/WB-R/AMR Adam Newton - 24, $160k, $40k
-D-WB-ML Peter Kennedy - 31, $200k, $18k
-D/M-C Shane Huke - 19, $35k, $9k - broken foot, begins season out for 3 months
-WB/M-L Jamie Day - 19, $30k, $14k

Best man markers: St. Ledger, Kennedy, Holden, Arber
Fastest: Newton, Bolland, Holden, Plummer
Best at heading: Holden, St. Ledger, Arber, Plummer
Best at positioning: St. Ledger, Newton, Holden, Kennedy, Carden

St. Ledger, Holden, and Kennedy look to be our main 3.... while Plummer and Arber look more than passable. Bolland and Carden will probably be mostly backups. Huke's skills are better suited for midfield play, while Day is a reserve who won't see much field time. The big question will be, should I play a flat-back 4, or get fancy with a 5-3-2, pushing our wing-backs forward. Kennedy, Newton, and Carden all look well-suited to attack from the back. Most likely, I'll stick with a 4 man back. Problem with Kennedy is, he's probably our best midfielder, so will probably play up there more than back here. Our main problem is Kennedy is the only player specialized on the left of defense, so he may find himself back here a good bit.

Midfielders

-Paul Carden
-Adam Newton
-Peter Kennedy
-Shane Huke
-MLC Peter Gain - 28, $160k, $50k
-MC Andre Boucaud - 20, $50k, $50k
-MC Adam Fry - 20, $60k, $22k
-AMR Ryan Semple - 20, $50k, $24k
-AML David Farrell - 33, $80k, $26k
-AM/F-C Danny Crow - 19, $40k, $14k
-AM-R/L, ST Trevor Benjamin - 26, $90k, $70k

Best passers: Kennedy, Gain, Benjamin
Best dribblers: Newton, Farrell, Benjamin
Best creativity: Kennedy, Gain, Crow, Boucaud
Flair: Crow, Boucaud, Farrell

It's fairly clear to me that Kennedy and Benjamin are our 2 best midfielders. Problem is, Benjamin is loaned out right now, for all season. I can recall him, and may well have to do so if injuries or league performance require it. But he is a good player whose talents are best tested at higher levels of competition. Likely our starting midfield will consist of Kennedy, Boucaud, Gain, and Newton. Crow is a flashy youngster, but needs seasoning. Fry and Semple look unremarkable on paper, while Farrell still has a bit of use left.

Strikers

-Danny Crow
-Trevor Benjamin
-James Quinn - 30, $90k, $120k
-Richard Logan - 23, $65k, $20k

Quinn and Logan will start here almost by default, as we only have 3 healthy forwards/strikers on the roster. Quinn is a good-looking player, but he is 30 years old and not what one would call fleet-of-foot. But he is an above average passer, and can stay on his feet against tough competition. Logan is not as good as his counterpart, but depends on determination and hard work to get open and score. He is strong and fit, but lacks the technique of Quinn. Danny Crow's youthful exuberance and the numbers game will see him start his fair share up front... and we'll probably hit the transfer market hard to try and find a 4th, as Benjamin continues his loan at Swindon.

Likely opening Starting XI:

GK: Mark Tyler
D (L to R): Kennedy, St. Ledger, Arber, Holden
M: Farrell, Boucaud, Gain, Newton
S: Quinn, Logan

But all that may change, depending on what we can pick up on the transfer market.

I smartly assign everyone to a tough pre-season strength and aerobic regimen prior to our first pre-season friendly coming in 6 days.

Butter

04-21-2006, 08:56 AM

I nab my first player in, as 20 year old reserve striker Alex Varney agrees to join us on loan from Charlton Athletic's reserves. Varney will be joining us for the entire season, and we will pay 100% of his $20k per annum wage bill. Varney is less than what I had hoped… but he is a body. High praise, eh?

We fail in a bid for impressive looking young Malawian striker Jimmy Zakazaka. He signs with Rosario Central of Argentina. Zakazaka looked good and cheap too, but we couldn’t quite put together a good enough wage for him.

I decide to pull the trigger, and recall AM/ST Trevor Benjamin from his loan to League One Swindon. He will join the team in a week.

Opening tactics:
We decide to go with a standard counter-attacking 4-4-2 to start… Kennedy and Newton both with long forward runs down the wings to play balls into the box for Logan and Quinn. We play an aggressive high risk/reward offside scheme that requires good communication in the back, and good long passing to the strikers to be effective.

July 16
Friendly #1, v. Leicester (Champ.)
Leicester get off to an early start, scoring twice before the end of the first half-hour. But after that, we actually do a pretty good job of holding the ball, and keeping the Foxes out of our end. In the end, our striker quality is just not good enough, and we lose 2-0 despite holding 55% of the ball for the 90 minutes.

We agree to let reserve keeper Luke McShane leave for $6k on transfer to semi-pro non-league squad Worthing. He didn’t figure in our plans, and frankly wasn’t going to be re-signed after the season.

July 20
Friendly #2, @ Halifax (Conf. Nat’l)
Alex Varney with an impressive debut, scoring in the 6th minute to put us up 1-0 early, then scoring again in the 20th minute after a bad backpass is stolen by Trevor Benjamin. Sandwiched in there is a goal by young Danny Crow. Halifax make it a reasonable 3-1 score at the break. Sadly, Varney is injured early in the 2nd half, and is forced to come out. We hold on for a 3-1 win, despite pretty much going to pieces in the 2nd half.

Luckily for us, Varney’s injury is just a gashed leg, so he won’t miss significant time.

July 23
Friendly #3, v. Queen’s Park Rangers (Champ.)
We dominate QPR in the first half, finally breaking through on a James Quinn goal in the 42nd minute. QPR gets it back shortly after the restart on a 22 yard free kick. They dominate the second half, but we’re able to hold on for a 1-1 draw.

July 27
Friendly #4, v. Ipswich (Champ.)
Trevor Benjamin puts us up early, poaching a mishandled cross by the Ipswich keeper, but Ipswich comes back to level in the 14th minute. 2 minutes later, Andre Boucaud hits a brilliant screaming 30 yard goal curling into the top right corner. Arber with a bad mistake in the 33rd to allow Ipswich a 2nd goal. Arber is benched rating a 4, while Semple and Crow come out with minor injuries. In the 64th, Benjamin scores again off a Kennedy cross. And in the 71st, Benjamin picks up a hat trick off a long ball from Boucaud. We’re able to kill off the rest of the game, and finish a strong 4-2 win.
The team’s morale is sky-high following the win, just where you want it heading into the season. But, we have one more friendly to tackle before entering league play.

If there’s one thing the home friendlies are doing, it’s boosting the team’s coffers. We’ve made over $270k in ticket sales and nearly $50k in concession and merchandise sales off our first 3 friendlies, with one still to go. We’ve also netted over $140k from season ticket sales, and hope to pack the stadium during the season with good play and a high table position. As such, even after adding nearly $100k to the wage budget by bringing Benjamin back from loan early and adding Varney, our debt is holding steady at around $360k.

I set the training regimen for the season, which involves intensive strength conditioning for the defense and strikers, and aerobic conditioning for the midfield. Also, heavy tactics conditioning for the defense and midfield, and of course, heavy shooting and set piece work for the attackers. I also place heavy emphasis on ball control for all 3 positions.

August 1
Friendly #5, v. Crewe Alexandra (Champ.)
I try out Trevor Benjamin on the left wing here, and move Kennedy back to fullback. James Quinn nearly strikes in a free kick in the 15th minute, and then just 3 minutes later, he converts one from nearly the same spot about 20 yards out. Crewe strikes back in the 36th, converting a breakaway against a broken offsides trap. Crewe come back in the 68th and pick up the winner off a poor clearance from Chris Plummer. But overall, we played well, and had a couple chances to equalize. But we couldn’t, and drop a 2-1 decision.

So, we finish up the preseason well, performing better than I expected against teams 2 levels above our own. Hopefully, this bodes well for the regular season, and the tactics I have installed.

Next, it’s on to the regular season.

Butter

04-21-2006, 11:04 AM

So much for a long run in the League Cup, as we draw a road game against QPR. Sure, we drew them at home, but I doubt our ability to hang with them in actual competition, unless they’re resting several players.

We’ll continue to run our basic 4-4-2 counter-attacking style, with Kennedy playing at left back until we can find another left sided defender that’ll let him play up at left wing. Farrell starts out at left wing today, with Benjamin and Quinn our opening day strike force pairing.

Aug. 6, League Match 1, v. Torquay United
Torquay are a League Two regular, who just got relegated back from League One after their first trip there in well over a decade.

A terrible start for us, as central defender Sean St. Ledger is booked twice in the opening quarter hour, and gets sent to the baths. Carden enters for Fry, and we move to a 4-4-1, diamond look. Almost inevitably, the Gulls pounce and beat our trap with some crisp passing, taking a 1-0 halftime lead.

Not willing to sacrifice a chance at victory or a point while risking a 4-0 drubbing, we stick with our counterattacking look in the 2nd half. Luckily for us, poor defense leads to a gilt-edged walk-in for Benjamin, and he converts to make it 1-1. That’s how it ends, as show some nice resiliency in the 2nd half to take a point.

Draw, 1-1, begin in 15th place

Danny Crow picks up a dead leg in the last match… and Sean St. Ledger gets a 1 match ban for his red card.

We finally nick another left back, as 21 year old Andrew Nicholas agrees to join the Posh on loan from League One Swindon Town, where he was playing on the reserve team. We’ll pay 50% of his wages ($80k/yr.) during the 6 month loan. Nicholas is very fast, and looks to be a developing star, with many attributes at 12 (out of 20) and over, including heading and tackling. He will be an immediate defensive help, and will allow us to throw Kennedy into the midfield.

Promotion odds
Our archrivals, Northampton, have been made favorites to gain promotion at 6:4 odds. We’re set as 2nd best, along with Lincoln, Wycombe, and Macclesfield at 7:4.

Aug. 9, Match 2 @ Cheltenham (13th place)
Andrew Nicholas moves straight into the starting lineup at left back, and Benjamin gets a 2nd straight start at striker, as Alex Varney, the young loanee, is having problems keeping fit.

Moving Kennedy up to midfield pays immediate dividends, as he takes a free kick from the left, and drives it straight into the six, where Benjamin heads it in during the 5th minute. Richard Logan makes it 2-0 just 10 minutes later off a long ball from defender Mark Arber. Towards halftime, Arber gives it back, as his backpass to Tyler is stolen and scored to make it 2-1 at the interval.

Kennedy leaves at halftime thanks to a minor injury. New signing Andrew Nicholas is forced to leave early in the 2nd half as well with injury. We survive some nervy moments later (as there always are in a one-goal game), and take the victory.

Win, 2-1, up to 8th place

Leyton Orient and Lincoln sit atop the table, both the only teams to win their first two.

Butter

04-21-2006, 03:20 PM

Next up for us, bitter rivals Northampton. The game is made all the more significant by the fact that both of our teams are expected to contend for the title this season.

Luckily, Andrew Nicholas suffered a facial injury that is not believed to be serious, but Nicholas is to be assessed by the Swindon Town staff before we know how long he will be out for sure.

We send our 2 scouts off to England and Scandinavia respectively… Scandinavia has been a wealth of cheap talent over the years, and boy could I use some.

Aug. 13, Match 3 v. #5 Northampton
Alex Varney with his first start for us in this one.

A slow early start, but the game picks up in the 19th, as a Northampton defender is given a straight red for felling Richard Logan on a breakaway. Sadly, it is the Cobblers that score the breakthrough, as Tyler stands rooted to the goal line on a long distance early cross in, and it is headed in behind him. Despite our best efforts, we are unable to pull this one out. The commentary notes that “Peterborough should have won easily!”

Loss, 1-0, drop to 11th

We get a week off, and spend that time trying to shore up the team.

We blow half of our $50k transfer budget, agreeing to a structured $26k deal to sign 19 year old Scunthorpe Reserve D/M-L Marcus Williams. Williams is a fine looking young player, with a 17 for pace, and a 14 rating in each of the 3 key defensive technical attributes (marking/tackling/heading). He needs some work on his technique, but should help us right away. Plus, he signs cheap, commanding just $55k per year for 3 seasons.

Aug. 20, Match 4 @ #15 Nottingham County
In the 18th minute, a Peter Kennedy cross finds Ryan Semple, who is hauled down… but Kennedy misses the ensuing PK. Trevor Benjamin converts his 3rd goal of the season, stealing a backpass and chipping it over the far out of position Notts Co. keeper. Benjamin is a scoring machine so far this season… he has been by far the most successful at striker than at playing either of the wing positions. And in the 54th minute, Benjamin strikes again… Quinn’s cross to the left finds Kennedy, who nods down for Benjamin, and his low 12 yard shot finds the net.

In the 58th, left winger Peter Gain somehow finds himself 5 yards clear just across the midfield line… and when he is pulled down, it’s no surprise that the defender is sent to the showers early. We play keep away the rest of the match, and take home all 3 points.

Win, 2-0, up to 6th place

The board of directors comments on our impressive road win against the Magpies. Sadly, young Danny Crow picks up another injury, this time of the foot variety. It shouldn’t keep him out long, but the lad is looking to be fragile.

We make another good signing, this one designed to give us a boost in mid-season. 20 year old Icelandic central midfielder Palmi Rafn Palmason signs for the Posh on a free transfer. His contract is up on Dec. 31, 2005, and he will come over on that date, signing a 3 year deal worth $110k per. Palmason is a bit raw technically, but is already a skilled passer and very quick. He is also a great student of the game, and an exceptionally hard worker. This should boost our midfield considerably.

Left-sided defender Andrew Nicholas returns to training following his head injury.

Aug. 24, Carling Cup First Round, @ Queen’s Park Rangers (14th in Championship)
Adam Newton with a clumsy challenge in the box, and QPR converts the awarded penalty in the 11th minute to take an early lead. QPR makes it 2-0 on a far too easy goal behind the offside trap. A direct free in the 30th minute makes it 3-0, QPR. Safe to say that Lee Harrison’s first start of the year in goal was an unequivocal disaster, as the goals weren’t finished at Loftus Road.

Loss, 4-0, out of Carling Cup

Neon_Chaos

04-22-2006, 03:14 PM

Sorry to butt in. :) Are you, by any chance running a 4-4-2 Farrow for the squad?

I've found success in running a 4-1-2-1-2 Diamond RoT(rule of two) at Home Games, and a 4-2-2-1-1 RoT during Away games, and it's been working wonders for me. I tend to narrow down the field during away games because the damn AI loves to run a lot on their home field. DMs and my running midfielders usually win the games for me, keeping the damn ball out of my side of the turf most of the time.

Currently used it on L2, L1 and the CH leagues. Not sure if it will work any higher than that though. :)

Butter

04-24-2006, 11:49 AM

No, just a standard 4-4-2 defensive/counter-attacking tactic. I assume the Farrow is a user-created tactic? If so, I've not looked at it before.

Butter

04-24-2006, 11:51 AM

Sean St. Ledger, who I had figured as one of my best, if not the best, central defender on the team coming into the season, is languishing with a 5.67 average rating through 3 starts. That’s two 6’s and a 5, for those keeping track. A 5 being a poor performance, and 6 being mediocre. Meanwhile, Mark Arber has been terrific, netting an 8 and a 7 through 2 starts… he may well supplant St. Ledger as a starter if trends continue.

Aug. 27, Match 5 v. #22 Chester
Again, we control play during the first half, but are unable to convert any chances into goals. We get our deserved breakthrough in the 68th, as Peter Kennedy notches his team leading 3rd assist with a great cross into the middle, where midfielder Peter Gain connects with a diving header to give us a 1-0 lead. St. Ledger finally has a decent game, capping it with a great long ball to Benjamin in the 80th… Trevor heads down for Richard Logan, who taps it in to give us the clincher.
Win, 2-0, up to 3rd place

Aug. 29, Match 6 @ #12 Wycombe
A quick turnaround here, with a Monday game following our Saturday victory. In the 17th, Alex Varney catches the keeper way out of goal, and mishandling a pass… he just nips in, steals it, and scores into an open net from 30 yards out for his first Posh score. In the 65th, defender Andrew Johnson sends a 50-50 ball into the box… several players go at it with studs flying… and the referee signals a penalty! Midfielder Andre Boucaud gets studded out of the game, but it is striker Richard Logan drawing the foul to earn the PK. Alex Varney steps up and converts, his 2nd of the game and season. Just minutes later, Wycombe scores on a fantastic volley off a deep cross in. We put it away in the 90th as right-winger Ryan Semple crosses to 2 unmarked men… Varney leaves it for Peter Gain, who connects on his 2nd goal of the season to close out a nice road win.
Win, 3-1, remain 3rd

We close out August with a 4-1-1 league record, bouncing up into 3rd… and with 3 automatic promotion spots out of this league, we’re starting out with some nice form.

As the transfer window comes to a close, we make a few moves to try and shore up the team once and for all, and improve our depth.

First, we loan in Crystal Palace U-18 forward Eero Peltonen from Finland. Peltonen will join us on a full season’s loan, and we’ll pick up his $16k per year salary. Peltonen with deadly finishing and passing skill, and good pace. He needs some help keeping his head in the game, but should be a solid acquisition… plus, if we get promoted there’s a good chance we could afford to buy him outright.

Next up, we nick Rotherham U-18 winger Lee Whittington for $7k + 20% of next sale. Whittington is a cheap young prospect, who looks like he could develop into a good one. He won’t start for us, but he’ll get his shots. He’s only 17, so the future is bright for him.

Third, we’re able to sign Swedish striker Simon Hagman away from his club team for $2k, and a cheap yearly salary. Hagman with a natural first touch, and blazing pace. He needs work with his passing and decision making, but he should be a good young project at age 21.

Finally, we pick up U-18 keeper Mark Cousins from League One Colchester. Cousins commands an $8k transfer fee, plus we’ll owe Colchester 35% of his next transfer fee. But he is a good looking 17 year old keeper, with top notch reflexes, and good command of the box.

We try to sell backup keeper Lee Harrison and striker James Quinn before the transfer deadline to save a bit of cash, but no one is willing to pay our price… so we look ahead to September with a nice, full roster and growing optimism.

Butter

04-24-2006, 03:22 PM

September

A big early-season clash in store for us on this FIFA International weekend that sees 4 of our players away on international duty.

Sept. 3, Match 7 @ #4 Barnet
Barnet are playing well above their heads in this, their first season back in the league structure since 2000/01.

Lee Whittington makes his first start at right wing today, while new acquisitions Lee Cousins and Simon Hagman are on the bench as subs. Former Posh striker Giuliani Grazioli gets the Bees off to a good start, scoring through a Dean Holden challenge in the 19th minute. We bring on both new acquisitions in the 2nd half, but are unable to get anything going against a stifling Barnet defense. We fall in London, and drop from the top 3.
Loss, 1-0, drop to 5th

A reporter approaches me after the game, asking about young Lee Whittington. No real need to single him out, no one played well in this one. I tell him not to judge him by one performance, that I feel he will be a good signing in time. I notice after this, that Whittington now “wants to repay the faith shown in him by the manager” or some such positive comment. Can’t destroy the lad’s fragile ego at 17, now can I?

Sept. 10, Match 8 v. #16 Boston Utd.
New signing Eero Peltonen is part of our strike force today. As if to underscore my positive effect on Whittington, he starts again at right wing, and the first highlight of the game is a brilliantly weighted ball into the box from 45 yards by Whittington for Benjamin… he pounces on it and scores past the Pilgrims’ keeper. 10 minutes later, Eero Peltonen gets a pass, swivels and beats his defender like a rented mule, then curls a classy shot around the keeper and inside the net. Top-quality finishing by the young Finn. We’re never really troubled by Boston Utd., and take a comfortable home win.
Win, 2-0, up to 2nd place

Lincoln City lose to Leyton Orient in a battle of the top 2, and we pass Lincoln into second place for the time being.

Danny Crow returns from injury to full training for the first time in nearly a month.

A positive start through the first month and a half of the season…I can only hope that we can keep it up, and get out of this league after just one season! I really think that we may well have the talent on the roster now to compete at the next level… we’re just one midfielder and defender away from complete domination of League Two.

Now, after that tirade, it must be time for the slump to hit us.

SirFozzie

04-24-2006, 03:24 PM

And the Posh are still SCUM!

Butter

04-25-2006, 10:49 AM

Sept. 17, Match 9 @ #13 Darlington
We start Peltonen a 2nd time up front alongside Benjamin. Peter Gain has also found himself a regular fixture in central midfield, as he is the only midfielder to have scored for the Posh, netting 2 goals in 7 apps so far. Arber and Bolland continue to start for us in central defense, both averaging a 7.4 rating in the league so far.

In the 7th, Arber steals a corner kick, and sends it long to Peltonen… Peltonen is clear behind the defense, and slots it home to the keeper’s right for his 2nd goal in 2 starts. In the 33rd, Gain again shows his goal-scoring prowess, working a quality one-two with Holden, and finishing with a splendid 10 yard left-footed volley to make it 2-0 Posh. Then, just when we’ve packed it in and sent some key players to the bench, Darlington strikes back with 2 goals in 4 minutes (78th and 82nd) to earn a draw. Terrible breakdown at the end of the game… but at least one of the goals should’ve been flagged for offside. Tough two points to lose here.
Draw, 2-2, drop to 3rd

Dean Holden, our starting right back, picks up a groin strain and will be sidelined 2-4 weeks. He joins midfielder Andre Boucaud on the trainer’s table… but Boucaud should be about ready to return in a week or so from his own groin injury.

We pick up a young French free agent on a scouting trip, as 16 year old striker Florian Da Costa signs a youth contract with the Posh. He is raw, but cheap, and could pay off down the road.

One day later, another scouting report gives us another new signing… 18 year old Belgain free agent left winger Luigi Fiore (yes, Belgian) signs a contract with the Posh. He is even rawer than Da Costa, but both will be sent to the reserves.

Sept. 24, Match 10 v. #14 Macclesfield
One player for each side is forced to go off injured within the first ten minutes… our injury is to right back Sean St. Ledger, who was just making his first appearance in several weeks after a bad run of form. A boring first half followed by a goal in the 1st minute of the 2nd half by Macclesfield. We throw everything but the kitchen sink at them, and make a couple of interesting plays from the 70th minute on, but can’t find the equalizer. An embarrassing home loss.
Loss, 1-0, drop to 7th place

Sean St. Ledger has a broken shoulder, and he’ll miss most of a month in rehab.

I notice that among the 8,000 or so teams taking part in the FA Cup’s Qualifying Rounds, there is a team named “Matlock”. One can only hope that Andy Griffith is involved with them somehow.

We sign another Central European free agent, this time it’s 19 year old midfielder David Perisset who signs for cheap to join the reserves. He is a bit lacking physically, but already possesses good technique and sense of team play. We’ll see what happens with the lad.

Sept. 27, Match 11 @ #17 Rochdale
A drab first half until the 39th, when Phil Bolland is dismissed for a professional foul on a Rochdale breakaway. With no center backs on the bench, we switch to an odd 2-3-3-1, and hope for the best. Our defense tries their hearts out, but a poor pass by Tyler opens the door to a 2-on-1, and an easy goal for Rochdale in the 72nd minute that finishes us off. Carden with a poor pass in the 82nd to allow a second goal, then literally off the next kickoff, Boucaud with a giveaway that leads to a third goal… and we’re looking rather bad all of a sudden.
Loss, 3-0, drop to 11th place

Even with the embarrassing loss, we’re still just 4 points out of 2nd, and 3 out of 3rd… a tightly bunched group from 2nd through 15th really.

That finishes off a rather poor September for us… after such a promising start, we’ve hit a bad patch, going 1-1-3.

Butter

04-25-2006, 03:22 PM

October
The draw for the English LDV Vans Trophy is held, a competition for League 1, League 2, and Conference teams. We draw a road game at Rushden & Diamonds for our first game in the competition, which will be on October 18th.

Sadly, at the outset of the month, our financial position is becoming increasingly unstable. My signings have plunged the wage bill around $300k overbudget, and the club’s deficit is now over half a million dollars. We need to start winning, and selling players. Maybe when the transfer window re-opens in January, we’ll be able to get some interest in our players. Getting promoted would help a lot also.

Oct. 1, Match 12 v. #23 Shrewsbury
In the opening minutes, former Posh defender Sagi Burton takes down Trevor Benjamin in the box, and earns us a penalty kick. Mark Arber steps up, and buries it to give us an early lead. It stays that way until late, in the 82nd minute, when Paul Carden sends an early cross in to an unmarked Peter Gain at the back post… and Gain buries his header for his 4th goal of the year, and gives us the insurance goal we need. 2 minutes later, Andre Boucaud buries a nice 15 yarder and makes it a 3 goal margin.
Win, 3-0, up to 6th place

We drop to 9th on the following Saturday, as we have too many players missing for international duty to play our scheduled match… it has been re-set for the last Wednesday of the month. Our next match on the next Tuesday was also re-scheduled due to international call-ups. So, we’ll have 2 games in hand on most of our League Two foes for a couple of weeks, but the price of our in-action is dropping to 11th place.

Oct. 15, Match 13 @ #21 Rushden & Diamonds
In the 16th, Mark Arber handballs in the box… but Tyler steps up and saves the PK. In the 29th, R&D get their breakthrough though, as Tyler can’t handle a close-in shot, giving up an easy tap-in. In the 34th we equalize, as Peter Kennedy finally shows his skill, burying a 30 yard free kick into the top right corner. Just after the break, Peter Gain with a great through ball for Trevor Benjamin… and Benjamin breaks his mini-drought, burying his 6th of the season in 10 starts to put us ahead. R&D put us to the test, but we hold on to take all 3 points.
Win, 2-1, up to 8th

Striker James Quinn goes public with his discontent at being shopped around. So far, we’ve had no takers… but we have indeed been trying to get rid of the striker, who has done absolutely zilch this season.

In an effort to save money, we terminate the loan deals of Andrew Nicholas and Alex Varney, neither of whom have been seeing much field time.

Oct. 18, LDV Vans Trophy South First Round, @ Rushden & Diamonds
This fixture looks familiar. As much as I’d like to win, I need to win in the league… so we start backups mostly today. Rushden gets on the board first, on a soft goal from a weak 15 yard shot. They score again before the first half hour is up, and our scrubs are getting a beating. We don’t allow any more goals, but we play like total crap.
Loss, 2-0, out of LDV Vans Trophy

We pick up $3,900 in prize money for our first round appearance. Whoopty-doo.

Butter

04-26-2006, 09:53 AM

We finally dump some salary, as aging left winger David Farrell agrees to a free transfer to Bristol Rovers. That will rid us of some $80k in salary… but we have more than that coming in on January 1, so I’ll have to keep at it.

Oct. 22, Match 14 v. #4 Mansfield
The best chance either team can come up with is a 25 yard Peter Kennedy free kick that is just barely tipped aside in the 78th minute. Other than that, this was a snoozer.
Draw, 0-0, drop to 9th

Lincoln are now 9 points clear of 2nd place Northampton, and are looking to run away with the championship early. We get our own shot at the Imps in a couple of weeks.

The board has provided a “cash injection” of $160k to help with the club’s running costs… that reduces our deficit to around $450k and gets our official financial standing from “insecure” to “OK”… but we still have some way to go before we can declare ourselves truly solvent.

We get another bad draw, this time in the FA Cup… we do get a much needed home game for the finances, but unfortunately it’s against League One Doncaster Rovers. Doncaster is in the bottom half of the League One table, so we could conceivably have a shot at them. Frankly, a couple of home games in the cup could be just what the bottom line needs, provided we can draw our average of around 3,900 fans.

Keeper Mark Tyler hurts his wrist lifting weights, and will miss his next scheduled start… and possibly 2. That leaves newboy Mark Cousins to man the pipes for us. This should be interesting. And by “interesting”, I mean “potentially disasterous”.

Oct. 26, Match 15 @ #7 Grimsby
Peter Kennedy strikes off a free kick for the second time this year, nailing a 25 yarder to put us ahead after 7 minutes. In the 23rd minute, Grimsby equalize with an easy cross and header in thanks to some poor defense. In the 29th, Grimsby just pick apart our defense, and again score on an easy ball through the box tapped in at the back post. We come out playing hard after the break, and get the equalizer just six minutes into the second half, as Dean Holden finds a wide open Eero Peltonen in front of the keeper, and he settles, shoots, and scores to make it 2-2. Both teams get some possession in and around the area late, but no goals come of it. Cousins with a fairly decent game here, making a late save to keep it level.
Draw, 2-2, up to 8th

Another key match for us to round out the month… and 17 year old Mark Cousins still in goal for us. We switch from an offside trap to a more standard back 4 to try and keep the pressure off the youngster.

Oct. 29, Match 16 @ #5 Leyton Orient
In the 3rd minute, Cousins sends a long ball up the middle that Quinn heads down right onto the run of midfielder Andre Boucaud… and Boucaud finishes confidently to give us an early lead. Then, in the 18th, Quinn and Gain play the one-two, leaving Quinn in by himself on the Orient keeper… and he scores his first of the year to make it 2-0! Sadly, just one minute later Leyton Orient get on the scoresheet as Cousins misplays a cross and allows it to be headed in behind him. It stays that way through halftime, as I implore the team to not let their performance drop. If we could hold on, this would be our biggest win of the season so far. 3 minutes in to the 2nd half, Benjamin plays Logan onside… his shot is stopped, but Quinn picks up the pieces and scores his 2nd of the match! And then in the 87th, Andre Boucaud’s free kick finds Trevor Benjamin in the box, who started at left wing today… he heads it past the keeper for his 7th of the year and puts this one in the books! Our best performance of the season by far, as Trevor Benjamin nets the rare “10” for his performance.
Win, 4-1, up to 2nd place

James Quinn showed his massive value in this last game as a target man… a talent I have not at all utilized this season.

We vault into 2nd place by virtue of our +10 goal difference, just beating out both Grimsby and Northampton, both of whom also have 28 points.

Starting right-back Dean Holden picks up a back strain in training, and will likely miss 3-4 weeks of action. Holden has played very well this season, so this is an important loss.

Chris Plummer, our central defender, finishes 2nd in voting for Player of the Month of October.

We finish up a very strong October, going 3-2-0 with our only loss coming in the Vans Trophy to Rushden.

Butter

04-26-2006, 11:47 AM

November

The board likes what we’re doing, but we continue to hemorrhage cash, losing over $100k in October to drop our deficit to $700k.

Nov. 2, Match 17 v. #13 Carlisle
We burn through our last game-in-hand on the field with this mid-week tilt against Carlisle. In the 18th minute, a defensive misplay allows Benjamin a free shot at an undefended goal from 20 yards, and he buries it. 8 goals in 14 starts now for Jamaican striker Trevor Benjamin. Then, in the 34th, we go a man up as a Carlisle defender is red-carded for being the last man and taking down Eero Peltonen. Then, to make matters worse, Peter Kennedy is able to goad another Carlisle player into a stupid play… as the Carlisle striker kicks Kennedy in the calf and gets his own red card to put us up 2 men for the final 45. We absolutely barrage Carlisle for the final half hour, but don’t come away with any more goals.
Win, 1-0, remain 2nd - 9 points behind 1st place Lincoln, 3 points clear of 3rd place Grimsby

The news now reports after the game that previous game’s man of the match Mark Arber “despite not being one of the team’s top earners, may still find his position under threat should the club’s reported financial crisis worsen.”

Yikes.

Nov. 5, FA Cup First Round v. Doncaster Rovers (10th in League One)
The Rovers get on the board after 11 minutes, with a good cross and a header in behind Cousins. But we equalize in the 16th, as Kennedy’s cross to the back post finds an unmarked Lee Whittington who heads in his first goal in Posh blue. Just 2 minutes later, though, Doncaster re-take the lead on a long range low shot that beats Cousins to the left post. We gradually up our attack until we’re playing a 3-4-1-2 by the end… and in the 90th minute, Peltonen gets free on the Rovers’ keeper… but sends his shot blazing into the stands. A good effort, really, but not enough.
Loss, 2-1, out of FA Cup

We make another roster move, this one in an attempt to shore up our finances in a couple of months. We sign aging 37 year old keeper Jorg Stiel to a player/coach contract worth $55k for the remainder of the season. He will play this year, then retire… then stay on as coach. But Stiel will be our main keeper for the remainder of the season… which allows us to put our top money attraction, GK Mark Tyler, up for sale in January, then sign someone new in the offseason. Stiel has world class skill, so this is a big step up for our defense.

The board is now appearing as “concerned about the club’s financial future”. Uh-oh. I better do something, and fast. We look at our top wage earners, and pretty much offer them all off onto the transfer market or offer them out for loan. Except for Peter Kennedy, that is.

Tyler and Quinn are both increasingly angry at being shopped around. Everyone else is pretty non-committal about it. The press even warns me that I risk having a revolt if I don’t assure Tyler of his place in the club.

Stay tuned….

Butter

04-27-2006, 03:30 PM

We get a couple more days off thanks to more international call-ups… in case you’re wondering, here are the players beholden to international teams:

Peter Kennedy, Ryan Semple, & James Quinn (N. Ireland)
Trevor Benjamin (Jamaica)
Sean St. Ledger (Ireland)
Eero Peltonen (Finland)
Adam Newton (St. Kitts & Nevis)
Andre Boucaud (Trinidad & Tobago)

Nov. 19, Match 18 v. #1 Lincoln City
Eero Peltonen scores after a mad scramble in front ensues off a Benjamin shot that nicks the post. Then, in the 68th we get the insurance goal we seek as Trevor Benjamin steals a poor backpass, then strikes it past the shocked Lincoln keeper to make it 2-0. Marcus Williams picks up a careless red in the 90th minute, so he’ll miss our next match. But a very good win here, as we have made the race for first something more than a foregone conclusion.
Win, 2-0, close to within 6 pts. of 1st place with a game in hand

We actually drew a good crowd of over 4,600 for that last match… each home match is worth about $80k in profit to us, it appears, and coming up is the 4th of 4 consecutive home games which should help us re-gain some cash. Also, the board has given us another “cash injection”, this time to the tune of $325k, which cuts our deficit back under $400k.

Nov. 26, Match 19 v. #10 Stockport
Jorg Stiel with his first start in goal for us in this one. Stockport work a nice one-two, and score an easy goal past a marooned Jorg Stiel to open the scoring in the 38th. In the 61st, a long throw-in bobbles free in the box, and Mark Arber has an uncontested pop from 15 yards… and buries it in the top left corner to even things up. After some player shifts, we move Trevor Benjamin up front mid-game… the move works, as Ryan Semple’s early ball to the near post finds a streaking Benjamin, who scores his 10th of the season in the 82nd minute… and that proves to be the game-winner.
Win, 2-1, remain 6 pts. behind Lincoln
Cash balance: ($291,626)

Trevor Benjamin picks up a thigh strain in the last match, which is a big deal seeing as he’s scored one-third of our league goals this year. He is scheduled to be out for 1-4 weeks.

Nov. 30, Match 20 @ #12 Wrexham
Our goal is under constant assault early on, and their 3rd good chance finds a breakthrough, from an 18 yard screamer into the top right corner, and Wrexham lead 1-0 early. But just 3 minutes later, Richard Logan heads in a cross from Peter Kennedy, and we’re back on level terms. In the 34th, Mark Arber barges over a Wrexham striker, and a PK is given… but Stiel saves it! The 2nd half goes by fairly ploddingly, but in the 79th, Kennedy’s cross for Peltonen is just a bit too high… but Lee Whittington is at the back post to tap it in! Whittington’s first Posh goal is a huge one, extending our league winning streak to 5 matches, and we’re unbeaten in 9.
Win, 2-1, close gap with Lincoln to 3 pts.
Cash balance: ($336,244)

Our November closes 4-0-0 in league, with a loss in the FA Cup our only blemish.

Butter

04-28-2006, 10:47 AM

A fine November ends with me picking up Manager of the Month, and Trevor Benjamin picking up Player of the Month… and Mark Arber finishes 2nd.

December

Dec. 6, Match 21 @ #15 Bristol Rovers
Boring and uneventful first half. In the 63rd minute, Logan crosses to the near post… Whittington and the keeper collide, but there is no whistle, and it leaves Eero Peltonen for the tap-in… his 5th goal of the season puts us in front. Bristol put together several great chances late, and finally get the leveler in the 88th, as Stiel gives up a rebound on a close-in shot.
Draw, 1-1, drop to 5 pts. behind Lincoln, remain 5 pts. ahead of 3rd place
Cash balance: ($559,325)

Dec. 10, Match 22 v. #24 Bury
Bury are buried at the bottom of the table… this is a game we should win with ease. And we start off well, as James Quinn is taken down in the clear… earning the Bury defender an early bath. And I mean very early, the 3rd minute in fact. In the 11th minute, the Bury keeper seems to have a brain freeze, as he’s caught WAY off the line on a routine pass near the box… Quinn turns, and lobs a simple shot into the net for a 1-0 lead. After that, Bury settle down and play a good game… and we’re actually forced to hold on for the win, as Bury nearly equalize a couple of times late.
Win, 1-0, close to within 2 pts. of 1st place Lincoln
Cash balance: ($484,532)

Both Mark Tyler and Richard Logan suffer injuries that will keep them out multiple weeks.

Dec. 17, Match 23 @ #21 Oxford
I tell the team they are playing very disappointingly after a scoreless first 45’. The 2nd half is more of the same, and we take a boring point away from Oxford. A win would’ve put us top… but it’s hard to argue with a 12 match unbeaten streak.
Draw, 0-0, close to within 1 pt. of 1st place Lincoln
Cash balance: ($539,255)

I have given young forward Danny Crow a number of opportunities in the absence of Trevor Benjamin to prove himself… and he has come up with a number of blah performances. I send him down to the reserves for more seasoning, and promote recently acquired Simon Hagman to the senior club. Hagman has 7 goals in 15 starts for the reservists, and has shown marked improvement in training… so he deserves a shot. Plus, if he does well, he may increase his re-sale value.

As the transfer window gets ready to re-open and we prepare to welcome 3 new arrivals… I also must consider who may well be leaving us. Mark Tyler is definitely one big name who may well be out of here. 29 year old defender Chris Plummer has become a fixture in our starting lineup… but as he is wanted by a few other teams and commands a nearly 6-figure salary, he may well be sold also considering his contract is up at year’s end. I’d love to dump useless Adam Newton, who hasn’t played in months… but his salary is $160k, so is not likely to fetch us much. James Quinn is also a candidate for a ticket out of here, as is fellow striker Richard Logan. Whichever of them sells first will be gone, the other kept.

Dec. 26, Match 24 @ #14 Torquay
Striker Simon Hagman with his first career senior start today. For the 2nd straight game, we’re just getting outclassed. We can’t create anything, and are barely withstanding multiple opposition attacks. We miss Trevor Benjamin A LOT. In the 42nd, Sean St. Ledger yields a penalty to Torquay, and they convert it. In the 60th, Torquay with an easy goal as Stiel misses a punch on an early cross, allowing an easy tap-in. Torquay make it 3-0 in 2nd half stoppage time on a direct free kick. All good things must come to an end, and this match is the end of our unbeaten streak.
Loss, 3-0, drop to 4 pts. out of 1st

Dec. 28, Match 25 v. #6 Notts Co.
Trevor Benjamin returns to the lineup today for the first time since late November, when he had just finished scoring 4 goals in 5 matches. Again, we are unable to get anything going in the first half, going to the dressing rooms at zeroes. For the first time all season, I rip the team a new one at halftime, trying to light a fire. And it seems to work, as in the 47th Lee Whittington’s corner kick finds Andre Boucaud, who heads it in powerfully for his 3rd goal of the season. Then, in the 55th, we pick up a PK as soon-to-depart left-winger David Farrell is barged over. Again, it’s Lee Whittington making the play, scoring the PK to put us up two goals. Notts Co. presses everyone up on a corner in the 70th, and Arber’s headed clearance finds Benjamin in the clear… and he picks up where he left off, scoring his 11th of the year. A fine 2nd half performance.
Win, 3-0, close to within 1 pt. of 1st

Mansfield have put together a nice run, and now sit in 3rd with 47 points… we’re 2nd with 48 pts…. and Lincoln are 1st with 49.

2005 comes to a close, and we finish December with another nice league record… 2-2-1. The year ends, and we’re in excellent position to gain promotion… provided we can avoid a SERIOUS financial crisis.

Butter

04-28-2006, 03:25 PM

January, 2006

We begin the New Year with a balance of -$571,362. We have lost over $200k so far this season.

We do welcome in 3 new signings, and say goodbye to one.

Bristol Rovers sign former Posh midfielder David Farrell to a contract through year’s end. Farrell’s $90k per year wage bill is easy to part with, as is his mere 6 appearances with a 6.83 average rating. He had just 1 assist in his playing time… but had been with us since 1997.

First new signing is 20 year old Belgian DRC David Van Den Broeck who moves over after a $4k payment to his club team. His salary is hefty, at $160k per year… but he instantly becomes our finest center back, with a heading rating of 17, a pace of 15, a strength of 16, and positioning rated at 18. He is signed for 3 seasons.

Next is 21 year old Icelandic MC Palmi Rafn Palmason. Palmason is instantly valued at $300k, and his wage is $120k per season. Palmason is another fast player, who has few holes, and should dominate at this level. He can pass, create, and score from central midfield. He is also signed through 2008.

Finally, 18 year old Norwegian GK Morten Bredal-Thorsen signs as a project with the reserves. He’ll command just $8k per year through 2008, but has good potential if he can get his mental house in order.

The new signings plunge us to around $725k in the red. But if they can earn us promotion, it should be worth it.

January 2, Match 26 @ #4 Northampton
Another key clash with bitter rivals Northampton. Palmason and Van Den Broeck both start for us in this one, Van Den Broeck at center back, Palmason at central midfield. Jorg Stiel with 2 massive point blank saves in the 13th minute to keep the sheets clean. But in the 19th, Northampton get the breakthrough, as a missed clearance allows a walk-in, and Stiel can’t stop this one. Van Den Broeck’s first half with the Posh is a nightmare, as he gives a PK in 1st half stoppage time… but Stiel saves our hide again. Could’ve been 4-0 without the confident work of Stiel in the first half. Trevor Benjamin misses 2 glorious chances within the first 5 minutes of half #2. But he redeems himself in the 66th, as he beats the keeper on a nice breakaway and buries a perfect shot. We pick up a much needed point… but get passed by red-hot Mansfield in the process.
Draw, 1-1, drop to 3rd place

A journalist approaches me about Van Den Broeck’s horrific game, but I stay positive and say that he’ll prove eventually to be an excellent signing.

We make a Bosman signing, as 22 year old Austrian GK Markus Probst agrees to a cheap deal with the Posh… he signs for just $35k per season for 3 years… and should definitely be able to be our first-team keeper next season. He has all the necessary goalkeeping attributes (everything except Eccentricity is above an 11 rating), and his physical and mental attributes are solid as well. Great find by the scouts!

Our second Bosman signing is 20 year old Moroccan AMC Rachid Tiberkanine, who will join us for slightly over $100k per season from the Ajax U-21 squad. Tiberkanine is a deadly finisher, with blazing pace and a great head for the game. He should improve our midfield immediately.

We accept offers for both DC Chris Plummer and GK Mark Tyler. The two of them leaving would save us $250k in wages, and net us over $50k in transfer fees. That would pretty much equal the wages of the 2 players we’ve brought in, and hopefully be enough to keep us solvent for the remainder of the season.

January 4, Match 27 v. #10 Cheltenham
Peter Gain finally breaks his scoring drought, heading in his 5th of the year off a Phil Bolland cross in the 28th. Cheltenham pick up the equalizer in the 68th, as Jorg Stiel can’t hold a long distance shot, leading to an easy rebound goal. We switch to a 3-4-3 with about 15 minutes left, getting Benjamin onto the field. The final kick of the ball is a 20+ yard free kick by Andre Boucaud… and it’s just tipped aside to save the game for Cheltenham!
Draw, 1-1, up to 2nd place
Cash balance: ($672,900)

Mark Tyler signs with Championship side Derby for a $45k fee, telling the press he’s “satisfied” to be leaving my company. We save $160k per year on his salary, and also gain a bit towards our mounting debt. I note that the fans are now in “full support” of my management of the team, and the board continues to be pleased with me while remaining concerned about the team’s financial status.

January 7, Match 28 @ #24 Chester
Marcus Williams yields a Chester penalty in the 2nd minute of the match… and the bottom-dwellers convert, taking a shock 1-0 early lead. Williams makes up for it A BIT, by crossing in for Simon Hagman in the 79th, and Hagman converts his first Posh senior goal, levelling the match. Then, with just 2 minutes left, Peter Kennedy’s short pass in the box is shot first-time by Andre Boucaud… the shot takes a deflection and goes in to give us a very late lead, and ultimately the win.
Win, 2-0, remain 3 pts. behind Lincoln
Cash balance: ($628,554)

Sadly for us, Peter Kennedy has broken his arm, and is due to miss 3-5 weeks of action.

I offer both Mark Arber and Chris Plummer around in a further attempt to lower our wage bill. They make over $200k combined, and Arber is currently worth nearly $150k, with Rotherham showing interest in him. I am sure I can cover the center back position with a couple of loaners, even though Arber has by far been our best defender this year. We would still have 3 central defenders on the roster in St. Ledger, Bolland, and Van Den Broeck if these 2 were sold…. With Bolland and Van Den Broeck both seemingly capable of doing the job, while St. Ledger has struggled this year.

3 teams show interest in Arber at our $140k asking price, and 4 in Plummer (who I am offering around on a free transfer).

I make our 3rd Bosman signing, as this time it is 20 year old Rwandan left-winger/forward Honore Kabongo who’ll join the team this summer. Kabongo has a terrific first touch, and is a good passer and scorer, with above average speed. He’ll boost our strike force considerably.

January 14, Match 29 v. #21 Wycombe
A bad backpass finds Eero Peltonen with a wide open goal to shoot at from 25 yards, and he buries his 6th goal of the year. In the 26th, another errant backpass finds Trevor Benjamin nicking in and tapping it past the distraught Wycombe keeper. The first was just a bad pass, the second was a blind backpass without noting the positions of our strikers. We make it 3-0 in the 59th, as Peltonen crosses in for Boucaud, and he heads in his 5th of the year… a terrifically placed header from 12 yards that brushes the inside of the post.
Win, 3-0, remain 3 pts. out of 1st
Cash balance: ($590,886)

That game starts a string of 3 straight home contests through month’s end for us… and hopefully this will signal the end of our financial difficulties, with the sales of Arber and Plummer…. Arber signs with League One Swansea, while Plummer signs with League Two relegation-battlers Shrewsbury. The 2 departures of salary lower our wage bill to only $8,000 over our allowed $1.9 million, while the $140k transfer fee cuts our cash deficit to under $450k.

We make several offers for loan of a number of young center-backs… we get two acceptances, and that is a 3-month loan in of 18 year old DC Mark Hughes, who is currently with Everton’s U-18’s. Also, 18 year old Dutchman Evander Sno agrees to come on for the remainder of the season from Feyenoord’s U-21’s.

January 21, Match 30 v. #13 Barnet
Evander Sno makes his Posh debut in this one. In the 34th, Marcus Williams long centering ball zips across the middle… Whittington then tries to re-center for Benjamin, but the ball ricochets off a Barnet defender and in! Whittington is credited with his 4th goal of the year, and we take the 1-0 lead into halftime. Mark Hughes is also forced into his first Posh action when right-back Dean Holden earns 2 yellows in the 2nd half. Pretty much off the restart of that foul, Barnet are able to equalize, as a shot hits the crossbar, but is headed back in just over the line. Disaster in the 70th minute, as Evander Sno is given a straight red for taking down a streaking into the clear Barnet striker. We’re 2 men down with 20+ minutes to play. Just when I thought we had escaped with a point, Mark Hughes gets caught trying to play his way out of trouble, and Barnet ends up with a 3-on-0 and are easily able to beat Stiel for the game winner in the 2nd minute of 4 extra. Nightmarish game, this one.
Loss, 2-1, remain 3 pts. behind Lincoln for 1st
Cash balance: ($424,652)

Butter

05-02-2006, 03:30 PM

Hopefully, the sale of our 2 best central defenders and their subsequent replacement with youth won’t cause a sudden and prolonged slide.

We make another Bosman signing, as this time it’s 28 year old veteran forward Matt Jansen agreeing a transfer from the Premiership Bolton Wanderers’ reserve team. Jansen scored 23 goals in the top flight for Blackburn Rovers in the 2000/01 season after coming over for $8 million from Crystal Palace… but has not been anywhere near that form since, and has made just 5 substitute appearances for Bolton this year, with nothing to show for it. He signs for $170k per season through 2008, and a $60k signing bonus. He is a superb player with a few good years left in him. He is also a left-footed forward, which are hard to find.

January 28, Match 31 v. #19 Darlington
Mark Cousins yields a pretty soft goal right before halftime, allowing a fairly soft 20+ yard shot to nestle into the top corner. We actually had dominated up until then, so I have to hope our form proves to be too much for Darlington in the second half. I gradually up our attack… and finally in the 86th, the equalizer comes, as sub. Richard Logan strikes home a rebound. We apply more pressure late, but it finishes tied.
Draw, 1-1, drop to 5 pts. behind Lincoln

Not a good result there, at home against a far inferior squad in Darlington. We need to pick it up on both sides of the pitch.

We finish January with a poor result, but continue to hang in the top 3 for automatic promotion… so I can’t be too disappointed right now. We finish the month 2-3-1, only 9 points from a possible 18.

We finish the month with a final Bosman signing, as 19 year old Blackburn reserve striker Keith Barker agrees to terms with the Posh. Barker signs for just $14k per season for 2 years… but has great potential, and could be a very important signing. He needs work on his movement with the ball, but his finishing, speed, and work ethic are top notch.

February

We made a profit of over $150k last month, but still sit at a deficit of over $500k. We need some more home games.

Feb. 4, Match 32 @ #13 Macclesfield
Again, we suffer through a lackluster first 45 minutes. Then in the 53rd, Palmason with a great square ball to Gain, who charges into the box and buries it inside the right post. Six minutes later, Semple is pulled down in the box, and Trevor Benjamin converts the PK to give us a two goal cushion. To wrap things up, Andre Boucaud strikes home a direct free kick in the 85th. Young defender Evander Sno is named Man of the Match, his first high quality game for us.
Win, 3-0, remain 5 pts. out of first

The Board of Directors praises me for the job I’m doing after the game, and I note that both they and the fans are “very pleased” with the job I’m doing right now.

Our deficit dips yet again, this time under the $600k mark.

And we make another Bosman signing, this time it’s 28 year old Algerian defender Malek Ait Alia who will join us in July from French League Two squad Laval. Ait Alia possesses a number of impressive attributes, not the least of which is a 20 (max. rating) for heading and strength, and a 19 for jumping. He can play right back, right fullback, center back, and right wing. A good signing at $130k per season for 2 years.

I note that since being demoted to the reserves, forward Danny Crow has hit a nice patch of form, scoring 5 goals in 8 starts.

February 11, Match 33 @ #20 Boston Utd.
Peter Kennedy with his first match back from a broken arm today. P.R. Palmason with a rough start, as he picks up a minor injury early on, then is yellow carded after 8 minutes. We control the first half-hour, but find ourselves down 1-0 after the center of defense parts and allows an easy 10 yard shot to zip past Stiel and into the back of the net. In the 52nd, Eero Peltonen misses a completely open net after a keeper misplay. But just one minute later, Peltonen atones with a wonderful ball to Benjamin, who scores his 15th of the year to tie the match at 1. We spend the last 5 minutes-plus in the Boston Utd. Half… then in the closing seconds, a mental lapse allows a breakaway… David Van Den Broeck with a takedown in the box… he is red-carded and the penalty is given. It’s up to Jorg Stiel to save us a point. The PK taker steps up…. Stiel stares him down…. The kick…. And Stiel saves it!!!!!!
Draw, 1-1, up to 4 pts. behind 1st place Lincoln

We salvage the point on the road draw… but our form lately has been spotty at best. We never come out looking good… the best I can hope for any more is one good half, and it’s usually the second half.

Van Den Broeck will miss a game after the red card.

The board again gives us some more cash, injecting $325k into the coffers that lowers our deficit from near $700k back to around $375k.

Feb. 14, Match 34 v. #11 Rochdale
Sean St. Ledger and Mark Hughes both miss interception attempts, allowing a clean shot on goal for Rochdale, and they convert it for a 1-0 lead after just 3 minutes. Simon Hagman has several good looks at shots through the remainder of the first half, but can’t convert any of them… going inches wide once, and heading another off the post. For the first time this year, I question the team’s passion to win the game. 5 minutes into the 2nd half, Sean St. Ledger with an early cross to the near post… Adam Fry gets his head to it and scores his first of the year to level the match. 3 minutes later, though, Rochdale’s striker bends an incredible shot in past Cousins from 25 yards. Maybe the goal of the year. I consider removing Simon Hagman, but don’t, switching to a 3-4-3. Luckily for me, it works, as Hagman is played clean through… and he finishes past the sprawling keeper for yet another equalizer. 3 minutes later, Hagman picks up a loose ball on the right, then crosses for Richard Logan, who pretty much pulls down his man, and finishes past the stunned keeper… no whistle, and we take a 3-2 lead! We hold on for the tough win. Again, we take one half off, but it doesn’t cost us.
Win, 3-2, remain 4 pts. out of first

Mark Cousins severely twists his ankle in this one, and will miss 3-5 weeks of action.

Butter

05-03-2006, 11:17 AM

Feb. 18, Match 35 @ #23 Shrewsbury
Another 0-0 first half. And it also ends 0-0, as we muster just one shot on target for the entire match. A horrible game to watch, but at least we drag another point out of the proceedings. Unfortunately for Shrewsbury, it’s not enough to keep them from falling into last place.
Draw, 0-0, drop to 6 points behind 1st place Lincoln

Keeper Jorg Stiel notes to the press my tirade following the match, noting that I didn’t hold back from telling the players exactly what I thought of them.

Feb. 25, Match 36 v. #16 Grimsby
In the 5th minute, Benjamin and Gain play the one-two, and Benjamin with acres of space inside the box scores easily. Finally, we get an early lead and can make our counter-attack even more effective. Sadly, just after halftime, Mark Hughes makes a mistake, missing a tackle… that allows a clean breakaway and a goal for Grimsby Town. Eero Peltonen gets loose in the box in the 58th… the ball is slide tackled away from him, but Benjamin is in perfect position for an easy tap-in to make it 2-1. In the 71st, Peter Gain with a great ball right onto the spot from 40 yards… Palmason with a half-volley, and he nestles it inside the left post. A dynamic first ever goal for midfielder P.R. Palmason makes it 3-1. Evander Sno then scores an own goal for Grimsby in stoppage time, but we still hold on for the win.
Win, 3-2, close to within 3 points of Lincoln

We sign yet another young striker, as this time it’s 19 year old Middlesbrough Reserve Danny Reed who agrees to a 3 year, $20k per contract with Peterborough. Reed has good finishing skill, and quality mental and physical attributes… he just needs to work on technique a bit more.

From now until the end of the season, all of our games are on Saturdays except for one. So, we should get a bit of a break from having to dip too far down the bench for players due to fatigue.

We sit 5 points clear of 4th place, so if we can keep up the form a bit longer, we should be able to secure automatic promotion.

Carling Cup Final
Tottenham H. 2:1 Crystal Palace (CH)

We finish February 3-2-0, another undefeated league month… and I pick up my second Manager of the Month award this season.

March
Cash balance: ($459,963)

March 4, Match 37 @ #14 Carlisle
Carlisle utterly dominate us through the first half hour, but we survive the onslaught and go into the locker rooms scoreless. Just after halftime, we get a good chance, as Palmason sends Logan through… he has it tackled away, but Quinn is there, and smashes the ball over the keeper’s shoulder and into the goal for a 1-0 lead. We do a good job of clearing our lines, and hold on for all 3 points.
Win, 1-0, remain 3 points behind Lincoln for 1st

We hold a +1 GD lead on Lincoln, so it looks like the title may very well come down to our meeting on April 8th at Sincil Bank Stadium in London against the league leaders.

March 11, Match 38 v. #19 Rushden & Diamonds
Again, we dominate a team for an entire half, but fail to turn that dominance into a lead. We continue to dominate in the second half, and finally in the 59th we turn it into a goal… Semple’s corner finds Hagman’s head, and we’re in front. R&D actually turn in some nice chances late, but we hang on for another tight win.
Win, 1-0, draw to within 1 pt. of 1st

We’re now 10 pts. clear of 4th place and nearly assured of a promotion spot.

Simon Hagman gets sent home with the flu… then Eero Peltonen pulls a hammy in practice sprints. So, we’re down to 3 healthy strikers.

March 18, Match 39 @ #5 Mansfield
In the 9th, Jorg Stiel misplays a backpass, and gets the ball stolen and put in for an easy Mansfield goal. We strike back in the 24th, as Palmason strips a player in midfield, then plays Benjamin through the trap… he then makes a classy move around the keeper and scores his 18th of the year. Just before the halftime whistle, Trevor Benjamin sends a cross in from the touch line into the center, where Richard Logan heads it in from 8 yards. In the 62nd, Mansfield with a flukey goal, as a series of 3 headers ricochet from the top of the box, and just in past Stiel to level the match. Then, in the 71st, a bad clearance by Carden allows Mansfield an easy chance that Stiel can’t save, and it’s 3-2. In the dying seconds, Peter Gain takes a straight on 20 yard free kick… it hits the wall and deflects inches past the post. Our unbeaten streak is over.
Loss, 3-2, remain 1 pt. behind Lincoln

FA Cup Quarterfinals
Preston 0:3 Newcastle
Middlesbrough 1:2 Arsenal
Chelsea 2:0 Bolton
Reading 2:2 Everton (Reading win replay on PK’s)

March 25, Match 40 v. #8 Wrexham
A poor and boring match all around, as it finishes 0-0. But on the plus side, Lincoln loses and we jump into first for the first time this season.
Draw, 0-0, up to 1st place

Stories begin to surface criticizing the continued selection of Jorg Stiel as first-team keeper, saying that Stiel is over the hill. Maybe so, but he is the best we’ve got since the sale of Mark Tyler.

We sign another reserve player, this time it’s 17 year old Italian central middie Michael Cia agreeing to a 2 year, $9k per deal with the Posh. Cia needs a lot of work… but we’re building our reserves from the ground up essentially, and he is a good looking passer… and not much else.

We finish March 2-1-1, good enough to ascend into first.

April
Cash balance: ($670,445)

You have been offered a 3 year contract at $50k per year by the board.

Due to the club’s perilous financial situation, the board regret that there will be no transfer funds available next season. They are confident that the club’s fortunes will change in the future however and the entire board have every faith in your ability to help turn the club around.

The current wage bill stands at approx. $2M per year which the board consider a healthy level for a club of this size.

I agree to the contract extension.

Adam Newton fails to turn up for reserve training, and I offer him an early contract termination. He is scheduled to make another $160k next season, but is pretty much useless to me… and no one has been willing to sign him on a free transfer. He agrees to early termination for a $95k severance. That would save me about $85k on the face of it, so I agree.

The board is delighted that I have agreed to the contract extension… and midfielder Peter Gain states that he is pleased with it as well.

April 1, Match 41 @ #11 Stockport
Mark Hughes gives up a penalty on a corner in the 4th minute, and Stockport convert to take a quick lead. Stockport with another goal in the 12th, as their striker just hammers a 12 yard tight angle shot past a flailing Stiel. We nearly score a couple of times before the half, but go in trailing by 2. In the 58th, Simon Hagman takes a speculative 25 yarder, and the keeper fails to smother it, allowing it to roll in behind him. That’s Hagman’s 4th of the season. We threaten several other times, and Jorg Stiel plays a great second half to keep us in it, but in the end we can’t come up with the equalizer.
Loss, 2-1, remain 1st

Lincoln also fall… their 14th loss of the season, which is not a good mark… but a league-best 24 wins is keeping them in 2nd.

Trevor Benjamin comes up with an injured hamstring in this last game, and he’ll miss upwards of a month.

We terminate the loan contract of Eero Peltonen, as his hamstring still isn’t healed, and we probably won’t need him much after the Lincoln game anyway.

Champions League Quarterfinals (aggregate scores)
Arsenal 3:1 Real Madrid
Real Betis 2:4 Barcelona
Chelsea 2:0 Liverpool
AC Milan 1:3 Inter Milan

Marcus Williams picks up a groin strain in training, and he’s likely to miss most of the remainder of the season.

UEFA Cup Quarterfinals (aggregate scores)
Ajax 4:1 Club Brugge
Benfica 3:1 Atletico Madrid
Dinamo Kiev 2:3 Galatasaray
Sampdoria 3:1 Espanyol

April 8, Match 42 @ #2 Lincoln
Mark Cousins returns to the lineup at keeper today, following continuing criticism of Stiel. In the 6th minute, Dean Holden sends in a free kick from the right… Logan heads it in at the near post to give us a quick lead. It stays that way until the 85th, when Hagman gets a breakaway, and nets the clincher, his 5th of the season… which also sends Lincoln to a 4th straight defeat.
Win, 2-0, lead by 3 pts.

Not to sound too cocky… but I think we just locked up the title. A 3 point lead with 4 matches to play is by no means impenetrable… but the way Lincoln’s playing, I like our chances of staying on top.

flere-imsaho

05-03-2006, 12:27 PM

Great reading!

Butter

05-03-2006, 02:24 PM

Thanks!

Butter

05-03-2006, 02:25 PM

We’ve at least clinched a playoff spot by now, but still have some work to do to clinch a promotion spot.

April 15, Match 43 v. #6 Leyton Orient
Orient are 4 points clear of 8th, but can’t afford to drop points now, as their goal difference (+1) is terrible compared to their competitors. In the 18th, Gain sends a good ball to Hagman down the left… Hagman drags the ball back across the six, and Semple is at the far post to pound it home! Semple’s first goal of the season puts us ahead. At the half hour, the Hagman show continues as this time Semple plays him through, and he finishes inside the right post with a nicely placed low shot to make it 2-0. At the 38th, Gain sends in a nice ball for Hagman, and he scores again… 7 goals in 13 appearances, and a star is forming at London Road. Orient grab one back in the 53rd… then in the 71st, Hagman completes his hat trick, after a nifty pass from Palmason finds him open from 12 yards. Hagman leaves to a standing ovation, earning just the second 10 of any player on the squad this season (Benjamin has the other).
Win, 4-1, lead increases to 5 pts. over Northampton

Lincoln’s free fall continues, as they lose again and drop to 3rd, now just 2 points clear of being out of the automatic promotion spots.

Southampton have won promotion to the English Premier League.

As our deficit hits $800k, the board provides us with another $425k for operating expenses… that gives us a deficit now of $336,094. Plus, our bank loan will be paid off as of July 31, so better times are hopefully shortly to come.

Defender Mark Hughes loan period finishes, and he returns to Everton. Hughes was mediocre in his 9 starts with the Posh, averaging a 6.70, but he suffered from some poor decision making that lead straight to several goals.

One point from our last 3 now clinches a promotion spot… while a win today would clinch at least 2nd place.

April 17, Match 44 v. #20 Bristol Rovers
Not much of note going on in this one until the 78th… Peter Gain sends in a nice ball to the arc, where Logan controls it, turns, and scores past the Bristol R. keeper. Sadly, David Van Den Broeck brings down a Rovers’ attacker in the box, and they are able to level it on a 2nd minute of stoppage time penalty shot.

But after the game, word filters out that we have all but clinched the title as Northampton have lost, while Lincoln have as well to give us a 6 point cushion and a nearly insurmountable +13 GD advantage with 2 to play! We have essentially won the championship!
Draw, 1-1, lead increases to 6 pts.

Sadly for us, we officially have not even clinched promotion yet, as there are 3 teams now on 76 points, while we have 82… Lincoln, Northampton, and Notts Co.

Last year’s League Two champions, Yeovil, have lost the fight and are relegated from League One.

April 22, Match 45 @ #24 Bury
Bury are realistically 4 points from safety, considering they have the worst GD in League Two… so they must win their next 2 to stay up, and have Shrewsbury lose and/or draw both of their matches. And it doesn’t start well for the bottom-dwellers, as Semple’s 2nd minute cross for Peter Gain finds the target, and Gain knocks home his 7th of the season. In the 35th, Bury appear to level the match, but the goal is ruled out for offsides. At halftime, we’re just 45 minutes away from earning our way back to League One in style… In the 75th, the celebration can begin… A low pass from Danny Crow finds the feet of Lee Whittington, and he strikes it low and hard toward the left post… it bounces off it and goes in! Whittington’s 5th of the year confirms it…

PETERBOROUGH UNITED HAVE WON LEAGUE TWO!

Sadly for Bury, it also means they are going to be relegated from League football. In the 84th, Whittington strikes again thanks to a deflected 15 yard shot.
Win, 3-0, clinch league title

Neither Northampton, Lincoln, nor Notts Co. can muster a win, so all 3 will go to the final weekend with a shot at the 2nd and 3rd place slots. Leyton Orient has slipped from 6th just 2 games ago, all the way to 10th and effectively out of the playoff spot running.

A local journalist approaches:
Youngsters do Peterborough proud
Someone once famously said that you can’t win anything with kids but your title-winning first-team squad has an average age of just twenty-four. What is your response?

I say “My boys have proved themselves the best in the league. I can see this team just getting better and better.”

Another approaches after a period of celebration:
Peterborough need to face higher challenge
Congratulations on securing promotion to the League One. Do you think that your current squad is capable of playing at a higher level?

I comment that “I have no doubts in my mind that these players of mine will be able to make the step up.”

FA Cup Semifinals
Arsenal 2:1 Chelsea (in extra time)
Reading 0:1 Newcastle

Champions League Semifinals (aggregate scores)
Arsenal 5:3 Inter
Chelsea 5:1 Barcelona

UEFA Cup Semis
Benfica 1:1 Galatasaray (Galatasaray adv. On away goals)
Sampdoria 0:3 Ajax

April 29, Match 46 v. #19 Oxford
We bring up several reserves to start the final match of the season. 6 players see their Posh debut in this one. Young keeper Morten Bredal-Thorsen gets the ball stripped from him outside of the box, and Oxford take a 1-0 lead in the 38th. That’s how it ends… Midfielder David Perisset is the only newcomer to rate above a 6.
Loss, 1-0, finish with 85 pts.

Northampton and Lincoln both win the automatic promotion spots. So, our biggest rivals, Northampton, will be making the trek to League One with us.

We send everybody home for vacation pretty much right after the season ends… July 1 comes early. Everyone will get only about 2 months off before the pre-season training begins, then matches will start early in August.

Final standings:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/agprice98/05-06finalstandings.jpg

Final player stats:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/agprice98/05-06playerstats.jpg

Player values/contracts:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/agprice98/05-06playercontracts.jpg

Butter

05-04-2006, 09:59 AM

Final statistics
Avg. attendance: 4,153 (11th, 1st: Notts Co (6,660))
Goals scored/conceded: 71/40 (1st/1st)

Average rating:
1. Trevor Benjamin (7.45)
2. Mark Arber (7.44)
3. Lewis Brooks – Boston Utd. (7.43)

Goals:
1. Andy Kirk – Northampton (24)
2. Jo Kuffour – Torquay (21)
3. Trevor Benjamin (18)

No other Posh in top-10 of any other category.

Summary by position:

Goalkeeper
Mark Cousins actually played pretty well here when given the reins. Jorg Stiel is retiring, which is just as well, considering his performances were going straight downhill by the end. Morten Bredal-Thorsen needs some more seasoning, and Lee Harrison is on his way out.

Players out: Lee Harrison
Players in: 22 year old Austrian Markus Probst.

Outlook: Probst and Cousins will fight for the starting job… and I’m going to leave the fight wide open. Both are very cheap, and should be more than adequate to fit what we need. On paper, Probst looks better… but Cousins’ performance this season can’t be overlooked: 5 clean sheets in 10 league starts, allowing just 12 goals total in 13 appearances in all competitions.

Defense
We ditched our 2 best central defenders in midseason, but still finished allowing the fewest goals in the league, thanks to our defensive, counter-attacking style that looks to create from the other team’s failed attacks. Phil Bolland was perhaps the best player of the ones who remained, but he is going to be 30 soon, and is out of contract. He also does not look impressive on paper, so will not be re-signed. We may look to re-loan Evander Sno from Feyenoord’s reserves… Sno is only $5k for a transfer fee, but we have no transfer money available at this time. New signing David Van Den Broeck had a rough start, but finished strong, and showed he could play both right and center positions equally well. Dean Holden had a good, if unspectacular year at right back. Sean St. Ledger and Paul Carden both performed well below expectations, while Marcus Williams was expected to be a bit more of an attacking threat than he turned out to be at left back.

Players out: Evander Sno, Phil Bolland, Jamie Day (Res.)
Players in: 29 year old Algerian Malek Ait-Alia

Outlook: Ait-Alia can start at both center and right back positions… we’ll probably go with Williams, Van Den Broeck, Ait-Alia, and Holden as our main 4 to start the season, with St. Ledger, Carden, and Kennedy as the main backups. We’re thin here, and will look to likely loan in some more defenders once the season starts… or sign more once we see how our 2006/07 budget shakes out.

Midfield
We’re going to have a crapload of midfielders next season… so many, that a 2-7-1 might be in order. OK, just kidding. Peter Kennedy had a decent, if unspectacular season at left wing. I actually expected more from him, despite leading the team in assists (8). Peter Gain was the surprise player of the season, finishing #1 among midfielders in goals, with 7. He also finished #2 in assists, with 7. On paper, he looks beyond ordinary, but he had just a super season… he made the most appearances of anyone on the team, but his role as we move up leagues may be reduced. Andre Boucaud was mediocre from the MC spot, scoring 6 goals, but only picking up 1 assist. Adam Fry was slightly better on average than Boucaud, but didn’t get one single assist so was allowed to sign elsewhere. The emerging star at this spot is Palmi Rafn Palmason. The 21 year old Icelander finished with the 2nd highest average rating on the team… he did disappear at times, but seemed to get much better towards season’s end. Right wing was manned largely unspectacularly by Lee Whittington and Ryan Semple. Whittington also seemed to improve as the season went along, scoring 2 goals in our 2nd to last match, and finishing the season with 2 quality performances.

Players out: Adam Fry
Players in: 21 year old Moroccan AMC Rachid Tiberkanine, 17 year old Italian MC Michael Cia, 28 year old AMLC Matt Jansen, 20 year old Rwandan AML Honore Kabongo

Outlook: Michael Cia will be a reservist. Matt Jansen and Honore Kabongo will likely be tried both at left wing and at striker. Tiberkanine presents the most interesting case… he will probably be given a lot of chances to play in central midfield, although he prefers playing more forward. In fact, his signing to the team is the strongest argument yet to switch to my preferred formation… the 4-4-2 diamond. But with no quality DM’s on the roster, the switch is probably still a year away. So, our starting midfield next season probably will be Jansen, Tiberkanine, Palmason, and Whittington… unless we can loan in another right winger, as that is an area of deficiency. Defender Malek Ait-Alia can also play in midfield, and will likely be asked to do so.

Striker
The best call I made last season was recalling Trevor Benjamin from loan. I can’t imagine winning the league without him. 22 year old Swede Simon Hagman made his case for being our #2 late in the season, with a stretch of 4 starts with 6 goals toward the end of the season. Danny Crow was awful in his 15 appearances, but still shows so much in training that I am loathe to part with him. Meanwhile, Richard Logan and James Quinn were serviceable strikers, but Quinn fell out of favor mid-season, as he got increasingly pissed at me shopping him around.

Players out: None
Players in: Matt Jansen, Honore Kabongo (see midfield), 19 year old Keith Barker, 19 year old Danny Reed

Outlook: We should be well set at striker, as Keith Barker looks the most impressive of the youngsters to come in. He is fast and hard working, but is injury prone. He probably will be given a lot of looks alongside Benjamin early in the season. We will have 3 left footed strikers, which is a god-send for a team that runs 2 strikers… left footers are particularly deadly playing up the left side. Our pairs will probably look something like this: Benjamin/Barker, Jansen/Hagman, Kabongo/Reed. Reed is a bit raw, but should fit in well in spot work. You’ll notice I haven’t mentioned Logan or Quinn. Playing time will be hard to come by for them. So they had better make the most of their chances next season.

Butter

05-04-2006, 12:25 PM

May
Cash balance: ($234,062)

Central midfielder Palmi Rafn Palmason wins Young Player of the Month in League Two, while defender David Van Den Broeck comes in 2nd for the award.

Striker James Quinn complains about not having been in the first team most of the season, and threatens to explore his options should that not change. I offer him a mutual contract termination, but he refuses.

I really need to sign another defender or two… but I don’t want to break the bank. Fortunately for us, Feyenoord is more than willing to essentially hand us Evander Sno for no transfer fee. And Sno wants to work cheap, for just $45k per year for 3 seasons. I try to lowball him a bit, offering $40k through 2008/09, with a $5k signing bonus… Sno agrees, and our defense looks to be much better. One more left-sided defender would clinch it. Sno is only 19, but with tremendous upside.

Chelsea have won the English Premier League, while Sunderland and West Ham have earned demotion… while Portsmouth lose on the final weekend to Newcastle to become the last of the 3 relegated. Wigan finish a surprise 7th.

UEFA Cup Final
Galatasaray 0:1 Ajax
-A 69th minute Wesley Sneijder goal proves the difference in this one.

FA Cup Final
Newcastle 0:1 Arsenal
-Francesc Fabregas made Newcastle pay for an early missed PK, as he headed in a corner in the 80th minute to win the hardware for the Gunners.

UEFA Champions League Final
Arsenal 0:2 Chelsea
Chelsea win the Champions League for the first time in their history.

League Two Playoffs
Semis:
Cheltenham 1:0 Torquay
Notts Co 9:4 Mansfield

Final:
Cheltenham 1:2 Notts Co

The hammer finally falls, as Trevor Benjamin voices his concern at being so poorly compensated for being such a high caliber player. I tell him to wait until the start of the new season… and Benjamin responds with relief that I would consider a new deal. Frankly, it all depends on how our finances work out.

We may well have to try unloading Peter Kennedy (our most expensive current player) in order to afford Benjamin.

Trevor Benjamin and Peter Gain are both selected to the League Two Team of the Year. I pick up the Manager of the Year award.

June
Cash balance: ($818,999)

Ugh, even though the season is over, our money worries never cease. Luckily, another season is just around the bend.

Following a 5th place table finish, Manchester United sack Alex Ferguson and appoint assistant manager Carlos Queiroz as head man.

The board announce that there will be no transfer money available for the upcoming season… and “they recommend that you use this opportunity to give some of the club’s youth squad first-team experience.” Yeah, thanks a bundle.

World Cup 2006
Group standings:
Group A:Brazil 7, South Africa 5, USA 4, Greece 0
Group B:Croatia 5, France 5, South Korea 3, Ecuador 1
Group C:Cote d’Ivoire 7, Mexico 6, Sweden 3, Ukraine 1
Group D:Portugal 7, Germany 6, Nigeria 2, Bahrain 1
Group E:England 6, Spain 5, Uruguay 4, Japan 1
Group F:Italy 5, Russia 5, Iran 2, Paraguay 2
Group G:Argentina 9, Czech Rep. 6, Togo 1, Jamaica 1
Group H:Holland 7, Poland 5, Morocco 4, Saudi Arabia 0

-Crushing loss for the US, as they give up a goal to Brazil on literally the last kick of the game, blowing what would have been an advancement-clinching 0-0 draw.

Round of 16
Brazil 2:0 France
Croatia 2:1 South Africa
Mexico 1:1 Portugal (MEX advance on PK’s)
Cote d’Ivoire 2:1 Germany
Spain 0:0 Italy (ITA advance on PK’s)
England 2:1 Russia
Holland 1:0 Czech Rep.
Poland 0:2 Argentina

Quarterfinals
Croatia 2:1 Cote d’Ivoire
Brazil 1:0 Mexico
Italy 1:0 Argentina
England 1:0 Holland

Semifinals
Brazil 1:1 Italy (ITA advance on PK’s)
Croatia 0:1 England (in extra time)

Final
England 0:0 Italy
-In a largely negative match, Ashley Cole scores the 5th of 5 PK’s for England, making Vincenzo Iaquinta’s miss the loser for Italy, and the winner for England.

France, Germany, Portugal, and Spain among others fire their head coaches.

Trevor Benjamin has been named the Fans’ Player of the Year.

We have been given $575k for TV rights for the upcoming season. That and ticket sales for the upcoming season reduce our debt to $121k. But that will soon shoot back up as our new players and their salaries begin to arrive.

The board expects us to avoid relegation this year… they and the fans are “very pleased” with my management of the club.

I offer Peter Kennedy and his $200k per season salary around for $10k. Hull of the Coca-Cola Championship League agree to our fee, and begin contract talks with the Northern Irish left winger. Kennedy soon agrees to a deal with the Tigers, and another $200k is off our books with a bunch more getting set to arrive.

Butter

05-04-2006, 02:37 PM

July
Cash balance: ($369,506)

Jorg Stiel officially retires, and the new signings roll in: Honore Kabongo, Matt Jansen, Keith Barker, Malek Ait-Alia, Danny Reed, Evander Sno, Rachid Tiberkanine, and Markus Probst all join the Posh. The fans’ excitement over the Keith Barker signing is actually noted in the local newspaper.

Double good news for us… all the new signings don’t significantly increase our deficit. Plus, our wage budget has been significantly increased, from $1.6M to $2.3M. We currently sit at just under $1.9M, giving us some room for a couple of late signings.

League One squad Walsall sign former Scotland striker Duncan Ferguson to a one year contract.

Rather than sign fan favorite Trevor Benjamin to a new contract, I decide to offer him around. His value will never be higher than it is right now, and frankly, looking at his attributes, he is not going to do very well in the higher leagues in my opinion. He is the highest valued striker we have, aside from the newboys. I have burned often times in the past by refusing to sell a player when that player has hit his ceiling… so I feel the time is right, even though I know this won’t be a popular move with the fans. I get several takers at his $350k asking price, and he ultimately signs with Crewe of the Championship League. Good-bye, Trevor Benjamin. We’ll never forget our first year together.

With the sale, for the first time in my tenure we are in the black. We have $130,157 in cash on hand, and we’ve been given a $148k transfer budget.

Here is our friendly list:
7/6 v. Fulham
7/12 v. Southampton
7/18 v. Nott’m Forest
7/23 v. Leicester
7/27 v. Crystal Palace
7/31 @ Chesterfield

We get 5 home friendlies with bigger clubs to try and draw the fans and make some cash.

July 6, Friendly #1 v. Fulham
Zac Knight gets the Cottagers on the board inside 4 minutes. Collins John scores 2, and Steed Malbranque adds another before halftime to put us in the locker room down 4-0. Collins John adds one more after halftime to complete the humiliation.
Loss, 5-0

Out of the blue, Portsmouth offer us $85k +30% of next sale for Simon Hagman. I turn that down.

We get our first loaner in, as Feyenoord Reserve’s 19 year old DLC Lorenzo Davids agrees to a year long loan with us. Davids is cheap, fast, and tough. Should be a good signing for the left side of our defense.

July 12, Friendly #2 v. Southampton
The Saints bury a shot inside the first 40 seconds. Then they score a goal in the final 40 seconds of the half to take a 2-0 lead into the break. The defense does well to prevent any further lapses, and we actually finish with a respectable loss.
Loss, 2-0

July 18, Friendly #3 v. Nottingham Forest
We continue to improve each game, as this first half goes scoreless. Forest get on the board in the 62nd, as a through ball is deflected by Ait-Alia, but not far enough, as it falls perfectly to a striker to give our opponents a 1-0 lead. Then 5 minutes later, St. Ledger is dispossessed leading to goal #2.
Loss, 2-0

So, we continue to get our brains beat in playing some high class competition in the pre-season.

July 23, Friendly #4 v. Leicester
Finally, we get on the board after 285 minutes of scoreless friendly action… as Honore Kabongo hooks up with Simon Hagman, and the Swede delivers a nicely placed goal. Hagman continues to terrorize the Foxes through the first half, but they equalize on a deflected goal in the 32nd minute. The Foxes take full command, scoring on a direct free in the 35th minute.
Loss, 2-1

Our coffers are nearly overflowing, as we now sit at a balance of nearly $300,000, with one more home friendly to go.

We make a signing scouring the wire for unsigned players; 18 year old former Ajax fullback Adilio Augustin signs a reserve contract with the Posh. Augustin has the skill to develop into a quality player in a few years’ time, if we can keep a hold of him.

July 27, Friendly #5 v. Crystal Palace
The Eagles get on the board first, as Andy Johnson buries an open shot in the 8th minute. Then, Dean Shiels heads in a cross in the 11th to put us down two. Danny Reed finds the net for us in the 14th, scoring off an errant backpass. Sean St. Ledger gets red-carded for a kick late, but we play a pretty nice game in this one, staying within striking distance the whole way.
Loss, 2-1

We actually did put in a good effort in that game, and weren’t far off from a draw after we settled down.

Inter Milan pay Chelsea $74M for Arjen Robben.

We make one more free agent signing, penning 33 year old right wing/fullback Firmin Sanou from Burkina Faso to a 2 year deal worth about $60k per season. Sanou looks like a good choice at either position, and helps solidify our right wing slot.

July 31, Friendly #6 @ Chesterfield
We try out a different formation here, running a 4-3-1-2, with Ait-Alia playing central midfield, trying out Sanou on the right, and Tiberkanine at AMC. A good flow to the match, but no goals until the 70th, when Chesterfield finally break through our defense and score past Cousins. Chesterfield beat the defense again in the 84th to make it a 2-0 win.
Loss, 2-0

A fairly disasterous pre-season comes to an end. We were outscored 15-2, and didn’t win or draw a single match. We’ll keep that 4-3-1-2 in the pocket, but will open with our basic 4-4-2.

Chas in Cinti

05-04-2006, 03:04 PM

Really enjoying this...

-Chas

SirFozzie

05-04-2006, 03:21 PM

Boo hiss, getting rid of a Cambridge boy like Benjamin

Butter

05-04-2006, 03:29 PM

Thanks!

Butter

05-05-2006, 12:13 PM

August
Cash balance: $348,500

The 4-4-2 diamond still intrigues me, as we do actually have 4 players on the roster who CAN play at the DM spot. In fact, Ait-Alia and Sanou list DM as their “natural” position, although both were signed with their defensive positions in mind. I may try to start mixing in that formation, along with our standard 4-4-2.

The First Round Carling Cup draw is held, and we’ll host Championship side Luton on August 23rd.

Simon Hagman broke a rib in our last friendly, he’ll be out 2-4 weeks.

Aug. 5th, Match 1 @ Bradford City
Bradford City are made slight favorites in this match… hard to know what the media think of our chances yet, as the promotion odds have not yet been released. My best guess is we’ll be picked to finish mid-table. We break out the 4-4-2 diamond to start the season, with Ait-Alia playing DM, and Sanou playing right back. Keith Barker and Honore Kabongo are our opening day strike force. We apply good pressure early, but get off to a bad start, as Evander Sno scores an own goal in the 15th minute to put City ahead. Van Den Broeck then misses an interception on a pass intended for Dean Windass (my favorite lower level player name)… and Windass scores past Probst to give Bradford a 2-0 lead before the ¼ mark. We start attacking much better after halftime, but Bradford keeper Donovan Ricketts just refuses to let one in. Evander Sno having a rough go of it, as he is red-carded for a “cynical” foul in the 60th minute, which puts any comeback hopes we had to bed. In the 78th, while Jansen lies prone on the field, Bradford complete a nice attacking move essentially over his back, as Windass buries a tough shot from 15 yards. Then, Windass completes his hat-trick in the 83rd, heading in a 35 yard free kick.
Loss, 4-0, begin in last place (24th)

Couldn’t go much worse than that. We have nowhere to go but up.

English Charity Shield
Arsenal 0:0 Chelsea (Chelsea win on PK’s)

League One Promotion Odds from totalbet.com
Hartlepool, Swansea, Bradford City – 7:4
Sheffield Wed. – 5:2
Barnsley, Oldham – 3:1
.
.
Peterborough Utd. – 33:1

Apparently, the 33:1 means we have an outside chance at promotion. Unfortunately, there are only 2 automatic promotion spots, then 4 more playoff spots… so one less chance at it here than in League Two.

Aug. 8, Match 2 @ #18 AFC Bournemouth
We switch back to ol’ reliable, the flat 4-4-2 with counter-attacking tactics, starting Jansen and Logan at striker. Again, some tentative defending leads to an easy shot for the opposition, as Davids failed clearance leads to a Cherries goal. 3 minutes later, Van Den Broeck fails to poke another through ball away, and Cousins has no chance to save the toe poked shot. 2-0, Bournemouth after 18’. 3 minutes later, Bournemouth score again, heading in a corner past the stunned Cousins. We fight back, though, as Matt Jansen heads in an Honore Kabongo corner in the 26th. Then, we catch a break in the 32nd, as a Bournemouth defender is sent off for hauling down Jansen on a breakaway. Another poor defensive play allows a shot from the right side for Bournemouth, and it culrs in around Cousins… 4-1, Bournemouth at the half. We switch to a 3-4-1-2 after the break, hoping to get back in it… but instead, the Cherries take a 5-1 lead at the 50’ mark. Luckily, we hold them off from scoring any more… but we look like absolute rubbish right now.
Loss, 5-1, remain 24th

We’re by far the worst team in the league at the moment. Embarrassing start to say the least. Luckily, the fans and board haven’t started to turn on me… yet. For now, we have to put the promotion dreams on hold, and just work on winning a game. Our fortunes may be helped by the fact that our next opponent is fellow League One newbies Northampton. I’m sure nothing would please our rivals more, however, than to step on our throats while we are down.

Our strike force has been horrible early, so we loan in another player… 20 year old Blackburn reserve Matt Derbyshire agrees to come to London road. Derbyshire features an 18 for finishing, and a 16 for pace. Should be a great addition to a team that is struggling to find the net right now.

We also pick up another youngster on loan, as 20 year old right winger Peter Till agrees to join us from the Birmingham reserves. Till should end any questions we have about our right wing play.

Aug. 12, Match 3 v. #16 Northampton
Matt Derbyshire and Peter Till start today. Derbyshire pays immediate dividends, as Lorenzo Davids crosses to the far post, and Derbyshire volleys it home! A 3rd minute goal puts us ahead. We get a break, as a Northampton defender is sent off for a 2nd yellow inside a half hour. In the 52nd, Peter Till chips a ball in to Derbyshire, and he takes it first time and scores past the Northampton keeper. We keep them scoreless, and hang on for our first win of the season.
Win, 2-0, up to 20th place

We climb just out of the relegation zone. I think we shall stick with the flat 4-4-2 for a while.

Aug. 19, Match 4 v. #21 Notts Co
A hotly contested first half, but it ends goalless. Jansen, Kabongo, and Gain all pick up minor knocks in this match. Early 2nd half, Kabongo is brought down on a breakaway, and the defender is red-carded giving us a one man advantage. In the 74th, young striker Danny Reed is played through… but he holds the ball up waiting for support, then plays it back to left fullback Lorenzo Davids, who chips towards the six… Rachid Tiberkanine is there, and heads it in past the keeper! Notts Co level it in the 87th, however, as Whittington loses a header in midfield, leading to an early cross and header past Markus Probst. We really can’t afford to leave points on the field against the bottom-dwellers if we wish to avoid becoming one ourselves.
Draw, 1-1, up to 17th place

Aug. 23, League Cup First Round v. Luton (CH)
In the 25th, Palmason’s free kick is fingertipped away by the Hatters’ keeper, but Gain is there to pounce on the rebound and score! Luton score off the 2nd half kickoff to level the match. Sadly, no one can find a winner through 90 minutes, so we go to extra time. Luton score off a free kick in the 101st, and that takes care of us in the League Cup in the first round for the 2nd straight year.
Loss, 2-1, out of Carling Cup

Aug. 26, Match 5 @ #20 Swindon
So many players are injured or exhausted from our last match, that this match is sort of just picking who’s fit to play, not who we want to play. Striker Leon Best scores for Swindon inside 30 seconds, and we’ve not got the best start on our hands. Luckily for us, in the 6th minute a poor backpass is nipped by Danny Crow, and he finishes from 20 yards. Then, 2 minutes later, Rachid Tiberkanine beats 2 men and gets in alone on the Swindon keeper… and he slots it home! A great quick comeback after the worst possible start. Swindon get back on level terms in the 24th minute, after Probst fails to control a fairly soft shot. Then, just before halftime, Matt Jansen crosses to the back post, and Whittington nods it home to give us a 3-2 hafltime lead. In the 77th, Swindon bury a 20+ yard free kick to level things again. Unfortunately, we can’t find another goal, and take a single point.
Draw, 3-3, remain 17th

We cannot get any defense so far this season. I’m not sure if it’s the keepers, or the midfield play not keeping enough of the ball, or the defenders turning it over too much or not marking well enough that is causing our poor play… but we need to do something about it. I think I’m going to try to get a keeper in here now before the transfer window snaps shut.

Aug. 28, Match 6 v. #24 Chesterfield
Chesterfield put consistent early pressure on us, and find the opener in the 17th minute. In the 2nd half, Matt Jansen hounds a Chesterfield defender, then flat strips him… he drags the ball up the left side, then centers for Matt Derbyshire, who buries it into an open net to even the proceedings. No one can find the decider, so we get yet another point.
Draw, 1-1, drop to 19th

We put out feelers on a crapload of Premiership reserve players, trying to strengthen the squad one final time. We’re struggling badly through the first month… and frankly, I saw this team challenging for promotion when I put it together, so the horrible defense I have witnessed through this first month just isn’t going to fly. I can’t sit and watch it for 8 more months. We must act now.

We get one loaner who doesn’t mind coming down to lowly League One. 19 year old Liverpool fullback Antonio Barragan joins the Posh on a 4 month loan. Barragan should be sensational on the right wing, and in defense… his crossing and first touch are absolutely deadly, and he is a very aggressive and smart player. Plus, we are only paying $12k for his rights for 4 months.

We finish August a disappointing 1-3-2 in the league, and lose in the League Cup.

Butter

05-05-2006, 03:27 PM

September
Cash balance: $324,361

We DO have a 4 game unbeaten string going in the league… even though 3 of those non-losses are draws, it’s still something to build on. But this month won’t be easy.

Sept. 2, Match 7 @ #6 Sheffield Wednesday
We alter our tactics a bit going into this match, going from long passing to a more mixed style, trying to keep possession longer… we also shift our “mindset” from defensive to “normal”. New loaner Antonio Barragan to start on the right wing. Barragan picks up an bad injury within 10 minutes and is forced to the bench. In the 27th, after we survive an Owls onslaught, Sanou gets a cross in to the near post… and Derbyshire is there to volley it home! Derbyshire’s 4th of the season puts us ahead. Sadly, in the 54th, Paul Dickov heads home a corner kick to put Wednesday back even. Dickov strikes again in the 73rd off a cross in, and now we’re behind again. Matt Derbyshire puts a shot inches wide with a minute or so to play, and that’s the closest we get to the equalizer. Another tough loss.
Loss, 2-1, drop to 21st

Every team seems to have a striker that we just can’t contend with, frankly. We’re getting killed on crosses in, and our defenders are not winning the headers they need to. Just have to try and improve in that area somehow… perhaps we need to switch back to closing down all over the pitch, instead of just sometimes. Or maybe I’m overreacting to losing a close game to a quality opponent on the road.

Sept. 9, Match 8 v. #22 Rotherham
Simon Hagman makes his first appearance of the season today. And it pays off in the 27th, as he steals the ball from a roaming keeper, then skims it home from 25 yards. Rotherham with another giveaway in the 55th, and Matt Derbyshire capitalizes this time, making it 2-0. Can we get another win? Lorenzo Davids makes it a bit tougher with his 2nd yellow in the 77th. Then we go 2 men down, as Rachid Tiberkanine limps off with a serious injury in the 79th, after we’ve used all 3 substitutions. We go into a defensive shell, and are able to hold on for a much-needed win.
Win, 2-0, up to 18th place

Bad news on AMC Rachid Tiberkanine… he is suffering from a serious hip injury. I decide to send him to a specialist, and he will be out through Christmas, and possibly beyond. Too bad, as he was one of the few playing well so far.

Sept. 16, Match 9 @ #5 Huddersfield
In the 36th, it appears that we’ve taken the lead, as Honore Kabongo heads in a Palmason free kick… but it is ruled that Kabongo committed a foul on his way to the ball. Then, in the 44th minute, Huddersfield work a nice through ball, and score past Probst to take a halftime lead. In the 58th, Barker is clean through on goal, but unselfishly passes up a chance at goal to lay the ball off for Kabongo… who promptly pelts the fans in the stands with the ball. We switch to a 3-4-3 in the final 10 minutes, and in the 85th it pays off… Jansen with a great header to play Hagman onside… he’s dragged down in the box, and the defender is given a red card while we get a penalty kick! Youngster Lee Whittington to take the EXTREMELY IMPORTANT spot kick… I hold my breath… and he buries it! Both teams throw men forward late, and Matt Jansen just misses a shot with about 30 seconds to go. But we do get a point out of it.
Draw, 1-1, up to 18th place

Sept. 23, Match 10 v. #5 Gillingham
A lot of action, but no scoring in this one… until the 81st. Barragan with a pass to Jansen, who picks out Hagman on a diagonal run… Hagman’s shot is deflected back out to the arc… where Jansen has the goal at his mercy, and finishes it! Then, in the 2nd added minute, Kabongo tracks down a long Van Den Broeck clearance… Kabongo sends a low ball into the middle for Palmason, who shoots first time and scores! Finally, it seems like we’re on track.
Win, 2-0, up to 13th place

For the first time all season, I can say that we’re safely mid-table. 4 more points, and we’re in the playoff places. We are definitely playing much better lately, and I credit much of it to the improved form of Markus Probst, the keeper, and central defender Malek Ait-Alia… Ait-Alia has 2 Man of the Match awards this season now, and has been spectacularly in form the last 4 games.

Sept. 26, Match 11 @ #10 Tranmere Rovers
Kabongo nearly scores just 30 seconds in, as he heads a floated in free kick wide…. Then just 30 more seconds later, striker Calvin Zola slips behind our defense, and buries a nice low shot to put Rovers ahead. Tranmere score again just 3 minutes later, and we’re down 2-0 less than 5 minutes in. Keith Barker appears to have scored his first in the 21st, but his goal is called back for offsides. We play fairly well, but Tranmere score again just prior to halftime to make it 3-0. And that’s how it ends after a dull second half. We were very close to putting 2 goals in, and unlucky to concede 2 of the 3 goals, so the scoreline is a bit misleading for me here.
Loss, 3-0, drop to 17th

Backup keeper Mark Cousins breaks a finger in practice, so we’ll be short a keeper for 4-7 weeks… Morten Bredal-Thorsen must be summoned from the reserves in his place.

Sept. 30, Match 12 v. #2 Oldham Athletic
A boring, scoreless first half. Oldham dominate, until the 74th minute, when Jansen sends a chip to the far post, where Antonio Barragan heads it just inside the left post for a goal! We’re able to hold on, and the crowd erupts as the final whistle goes, and we get a huge win!
Win, 1-0, up to 13th

So, we finish September 3-1-2… an improvement, but we still have work to do to contend.

Butter

05-08-2006, 03:27 PM

October
Cash balance: +$210,810

Again, we get an early weekend off thanks to heavy international call-ups from our squad. We drop to 15th thanks to the weekend of play without us.

Match 13, v. #21 Scunthorpe
In the 23rd, Firmin Sanou pressing up from his right-back position sends in a nice low pass to Jansen, who wheels, shoots, and scores from 15 yards out. In the 37th, it’s Barragan this time from the right wing sending in a quick cross… again it’s Jansen receiving the pass, and he scores again. Seems as though I’ve been playing Jansen in the wrong spot… he’s a natural striker, and I’ve been wasting him at left wing for 2 months now. Scunthorpe grab one back in the 41st minute, as an early cross finds its way to an open striker directly in front of goal, and he heads it past Probst. Shortly after the break, Gain sends in an early ball for Jansen, who picks it up on the left side of the box, and finishes inside the right post for his hat-trick! Jansen is the well-deserved man of the match. His 3 goals single-handedly push us to victory.
Win, 3-1, up to 12th

We make another signing to bolster our reserve corps, as it’s 17 year old Slovenian D/M-LC Andrej Mlinaric signing a cheapie contract with the Posh, in exchange for $6k to his club team, NK Aluminij. Mlinaric possesses a solid base of technical skill, now just needs to become a better student of the game to improve as a player.

Arsene Wenger is sacked as manager of Arsenal, following a poor start that finds the Gunners in 9th, with just 2 wins in 10 matches in the EPL.

Oct. 17, LDV Vans Trophy, South First Round v. #9 Brighton
The Gulls score in the 6th minute off an easy cross and header. Keith Barker misses a point blank volley in the 19th that could’ve put us even. Brighton then put in a 2nd off a rebound, as reserve keeper Morten Bredal-Thorsen is being exposed in this one. Brighton makes it 3-0 in the 40th, after Marcus Williams is sent off for a studs up challenge near the box. Richard Logan gets one back for us in the 57th minute off a rebound of a Keith Barker shot. Brighton put an end to our comeback hopes in the 67th, though, as Brighton bury a 15 yard volley past Bredal-Thorsen. The goals keep coming, and I zone out. At the end, I notice that 5 players rate a 4, and actually one of my players, Honore Kabongo, picked up a 3 at left wing. That’s the worst rating I’ve ever seen.
Loss, 6-1, out of Vans Trophy

I decide to rip Kabongo to the media, and tell him just how crap he is. That’s simply unacceptable…. The fans agree with my public calling out of the player… but apparently it has no affect on him. He has no comment, nor does he seem to be perturbed in any way.

Oct. 21, Match 14 @ #2 Walsall
A long ball bounces through about 3 players, and settles perfectly for Dexter Blackstock, who blasts home a goal from 17 yards to give Walsall an early lead. Derbyshire has a terrific shot just tipped aside in the 50th minute. In the 64th, Probst’s free kick finds Davids, who sends in a perfect long ball to Jansen… Jansen chips the keeper from inside 20 yards, and scores! Jansen’s 6th of the year is a lovely strike. We hunker down and earn our point… a good result against a league leader.
Draw, 1-1, drop to 14th

We get another crappy draw, this time for the FA Cup… we get a home game, but it’s against League One Gilligham. Couldn’t even draw a League Two team NOOOOO, had to draw freakin’ Gillingham, who have been near the top all season.

Oct. 28, Match 15 v. #16 Colchester
Under 7 minutes in, we get a free kick on the right… Barragan takes it, and finds Derbyshire just outside the six… he turns, shoots, and sneaks it under the keeper for his 6th goal of the season! We’re able to keep it level through halftime… and apply good pressure throughout the 2nd half as well… then we get the clincher in the 75th, as Derbyshire and Jansen hook up for some nice attacking play, Jansen with another nice chip to score. We keep a rare clean sheet, and take all 3 points.
Win, 2-0, remain 15th

We have 23 points in 15th place… and still are just 4 points out of 6th place… but our -1 GD is hurting us, leaving us 2 spots lower than Bradford City, who also have 23 points.

A barren October finds us going 2-1-0 in 3 league matches, but getting absolutely crushed in our lone cup match.

Butter

05-08-2006, 03:30 PM

Note: I used the "wide" "field width" setting in all games this month, and it did seem to keep those damned crosses down. It could be just a product of our better play, but the goals against have been much easier to handle of late. Our defenders are playing great, making key interceptions when needed, and are passing it wonderfully. I have also gone from a "long" passing scheme, to a more "Direct" scheme, which allows more midfield control... trying to utilize my clearly superior midfielders and especially defenders to push forward and make those short passes to pick apart defenders. And with Jansen and Derbyshire finishing the chances of late, things are looking up.

Izulde

05-08-2006, 07:18 PM

Looks like Danny Crow sucked for you too. :D

Butter

05-09-2006, 07:35 AM

Yes, big time. He looks so good on paper, too. I'm keeping him in the reserves just in case, though... maybe eventually, something will click. Until then, I'd be surprised if anybody will pay him enough to pry him away.

Butter

05-09-2006, 03:24 PM

November
Cash balance: $93,500

So it seems we’re still losing money, but still are holding on to a surplus… but just barely. Maybe we can pull off a couple of FA Cup home wins and bring some extra money in.

We sign another coach, bringing our total to 4… and our physio total to 3 as we signed one of those last month as well. Our goalkeeping regimen is rated 4 stars thanks to Coach Jorg Stiel, and our attacking regimen is now rated at 3 stars thanks to new coach Colin West, formerly of Stockport. Everything else is rated 2 stars.

Nov. 1, Match 16 v. #5 Hartlepool
Markus Probst spends the first 15 minutes of the match saving our hides at least 3 times. Then, in the 18th, Palmason wins a loose ball in midfield and passes to Derbyshire… 2 defenders run at him, and Jansen is left with a wide open lane to goal… and he doesn’t miss. The fans are thrilled with Jansen’s recent form, and we take the lead. A similar chance happens in the 35th, only this time it is Palmason to Jansen to Derbyshire, and Matt Derbyshire makes it 2-0… then 2 minutes later, Peter Gain with a great long ball to Derbyshire at the top of the box, he collects it on the dead run, takes one touch, and finishes past the keeper! What a first half we played… by far our best of the season. The play-by-play notes that Hartlepool play more defensively in the second half… and we wile the clock away and take the big win.
Win, 3-0, up to 9th place

We crack the top 10 for the first time all season, and still hold a game in hand on everyone in the top 8… we now lie just 1 point out of the playoff places, and are playing fantastic football.

The news notes that despite our recent good form “all but the real die-hard fans of Peterborough expect their early good form to peter out and for the team to be unable to maintain a challenge for the title.” Hey, suck it, Trebek.

Lee Whittington is nearing a return to full health, following a long absence due to a badly twisted knee. Whittington was just hitting his stride when he got injured, having scored 2 goals in 6 matches, and playing fairly well in midfield.

I notice that Sheffield Wednesday are snooping around Palmi Rafn Palmason… and Palmason has a $1 million release clause. We’ll see what happens.

Nov. 5, FA Cup First Round v. Gillingham (#8 in League One)
Our FA Cup tie with the Gills has been picked as a featured TV Sunday match. This is our first TV appearance in my season and a half as Posh boss. We can’t start all the starters, as we have a league match in 3 days… but I have confidence in who we do start, including young French reserve midfielder David Perisset. Perisset has been absolutely masterful in training of late, and has earned his callup. Honore Kabongo seems determined to impress a bit more in this cup match, as he buries a spectacular volley from just inside the area in the 3rd minute. The rest of the half is fairly uneventful, but a nice beginning for the TV audience here. Probst with 2 marvelous point blank saves in the 58th minute to keep us ahead… then in the 75th, we get the insurance goal as Kabongo’s cross finds Barker at the near post… he tries to stuff it in past the keeper, and his second chance crosses the line for the youngster’s first goal in Posh blue. Perisset with a decent starter for United, as he rates a 7, but was fairly absent through much of the match.
Win, 2-0, advance to FA Cup Second Round

We pick up $30k for our win… not an insignificant amount for us.

Our first cup win, and it comes in fairly impressive fashion. I cross my fingers and hope for another home game next, preferably against a Conference side. The Second Round draw is held the next day, and we do get the prayed for home match… but it’s against another tough opponent, league mates Oldham Athletic who currently sit 3rd in the table.

DC Evander Sno fractures some ribs, and will be out 5-7 weeks. Yuk.

We make another signing for January, as 19 year old Sheffield Wednesday reserve defender Tommy Spurr agrees to a cheapie deal with The Posh. Spurr costs us just $1k in transfer fees, and should be a capable left side backup for Davids once he arrives. Plus, he’ll cost us less than $20k per season through 2010. Spurr has 14+ ratings in heading, marking, and tackling, decent pace, and good mental and physical attributes. He has rated a 7.65 for the Owls’ reserves, and a 7.33 in 3 starts for the parent club.

I decide to give David Perisset a start in midfield in a proper league match, just to see what the lad can do. His superb flair, creativity, teamwork, and passing ratings (all 16+) promise great things.

Nov. 8, Match 17 @ #20 Crewe Alexandra
Crewe features former Posh striker Trevor Benjamin at AML. Benjamin has 2 goals and 3 assists in 17 starts for Crewe this season, averaging a 6.76. But it is midfielder Kenny Lunt getting Crewe on the board in the 3rd minute, after an Ait-Alia clearance fails to clear the box, Lunt stays open and scores to put us behind early. We level things just 4 minutes later, though, as Jansen’s shot deflects to Derbyshire, who one-times it past the keeper from 10 yards. Malek Ait-Alia is having a rough time in this one, rating a 4 for most of the half, before settling on a 5 at halftime. I pull him in favor of Sean St. Ledger. The rest of the game is played very tightly, but Probst makes a good one-on-one save to give us a point, denying a Crewe breakaway in stoppage time.
Draw, 1-1, up to 7th place

We now trail 6th place Sheffield Wednesday on just goal difference.

Our starting keeper, Markus Probst, picks up a jammed finger in this match, and needs treatment. A jammed finger? Screw that buddy, you’re playing… except he shows up as unavailable due to injury for our next match. Mark Cousins, our normal #2 is still about a week away from his return from a broken finger… and our U-17 keeper is injured as well. So it’s just lonely ol’ Morten Bredal-Thorsen for this one…. He’s on a part-time contract and starting for us in a league match. Pray for him.

Nov. 11, Match 18 @ #15 Barnsley
In the 4th minute, Barnsley hammer in a 20+ yard free kick over the wall. 1 minute later, they score again, as our defense apparently don’t feel the need to show up today. They score again in the 11th minute, and I feel another drubbing coming on. Luckily, we’re able to hold them off from scoring for the rest of the half. Just after halftime, Simon Hagman scores off a nice low pass from Keith Barker, but Barnsley pick up their 4th in the 56th off some bad marking. Bredal-Thorsen comes up with a couple of nice saves late, but the damage is done. Our GD drops to -1 after the 3 goal loss, and we miss a chance to jump into the top 6.
Loss, 4-1, remain 7th

I’ve learned my lesson about keeping only 2 halfway-decent keepers on the roster. I vow to head to the loaner list next time I’m down to one healthy keeper. But to be fair, I did try and loan in a number of EPL reserve keepers earlier this year, but none of them were willing to stoop to our level.

Malek Ait-Alia will miss our next match after accumulating 5 yellow cards this season.

Surprisingly, Rachid Tiberkanine returns early from rehab, and should be fit to play by the beginning of December. His hip injury was feared to be much worse than it actually was… his return would significantly bolster our central midfield.

Peter Gain suffers a broken shoulder during training, and he’ll miss upwards of a month.

Nov. 18, Match 19 v. #1 Doncaster
Doncaster with a good start, as a low 18 yard shot just sneaks in under the glove of Probst in the 4th minute. We’re able to equalize, as Perisset starts a move that finds Derbyshire take an open shot… and Jansen stuffing in the rebound! It goes to halftime all square. Rovers find themselves back in front in the 58th, as Probst is caught out trying to smother a cross in, but it is poked past him to the far post, where a Doncaster striker has an easy tap-in. We switch to a 3-4-3 in the 65th minute, and it pays off in the 78th… Palmason’s free kick is blocked right back to him… he advances into the box, then shoots again from 15 yards… the shot deflects through a sea of legs, and past the Rovers keeper for the equalizer. Then, a stunning turn of events, as Van Den Broeck just slips and falls on a pass inside our own box… allowing a Rovers striker to run onto it and strike it past Probst for the game winner. Unbelievable and horrible loss for us, in a game we should’ve at least drawn.
Loss, 3-2, drop to 11th

Then, to make matters worse, Matt Jansen strains his thigh in this match, and will miss 1-4 weeks.

A win in that match would’ve found us in 7th place still… and a draw would’ve left us 9th… but the loss drops us all the way to 11th. This is going to be a hard task to get into the top 6… much harder than I thought.

One more match in November to come, then our FA Cup Second Round game against Oldham, which it was just announced was moved to a Friday night for TV.

flere-imsaho

05-09-2006, 03:41 PM

How do you (personally) watch the matches? Do you watch the 2D view? Whole game? Sped-up? Highlights-only?

It seems that you could take forever if you watched all of each match. On the other hand, you'd get a really good idea of what your team can (or can't) do....

Butter

05-10-2006, 08:37 AM

I watch the highlights only, sped up to one below the max. speed.... with the match speed at the lowest speed possible. I trust the match ratings to tell me what I need to know... and I can see on goals and key plays who is playing well and who isn't. It's always worked for me in the past. I don't have the time or the patience to watch the entire game, even at super-high speed. At that speed, I can't tell what's going on anyway.

Butter

05-10-2006, 11:28 AM

Nov. 25, Match 20 @ #13 Lincoln
Kabongo’s low cross finds Derbyshire… his shot is stopped, but Hagman cleans up the mess, and puts us ahead just 11 minutes in. Derbyshire and Hagman continue to apply pressure, but the Imps’ keeper does well to keep them in it… then Van Den Broeck with a bad pass to Sanou that is stolen… a quick cross and a shot later, and we’re all tied up. A fairly dull second half finds little in the way of attacking play… but in the final seconds, Matt Derbyshire seems to have a breakaway… then inexplicably, the referee blows his whistle and points to the locker rooms! The game is blown dead during our best scoring chance of the 2nd half! Ridiculous.
Draw, 1-1, drop to 12th place

I decide to terminate the loan deals of Antonio Barragan and Peter Till. Till has been just awful in 12 appearances, averaging a 6.17 in midfield and on the right wing. I kept playing him hoping he’d snap out of it, but he never did. Barragan has been injury prone, and currently is listed as being out 2-4 weeks… and his loan is only due to last another 5 weeks or so. Both players are right wingers for me… and my other right winger, Lee Whittington, just cracked a rib and is going to miss a couple of weeks. So I hit the loan market and try to bring in some more wingers.

That said, I’m very happy with David Perisset in midfield so far… he has hit a 7 rating in 4 starts, and a 6 in the other one so far. He has proven confident with the ball, and quite skilled… a number of times proving to be the catalyst that leads to a scoring chance… often not the direct passer leading to the goal, but finding a winger in space, or slipping a ball just behind the defense. Just wish he was a bit faster, as he tends to get dispossessed a bit too easily.

I decide to check out some of the French reserve teams, and see if I can loan in any talent from there. The reserve teams in League One are absolutely packed with talent, and I make several 3 month loan offers.

Defender/midfielder Firmin Sanou comes up with a groin strain, and will miss 2-4 weeks.

December
Cash balance: +$180,057

Dec. 1, FA Cup Second Round v. #2 Oldham Athletic (TV)
Lorenzo Davids picks up a red card in the 34th minute for a last ditch tackle to try and save a breakaway. We switch to a 3-4-2. 3 minutes later, Oldham score on a corner kick and header past Probst. In the 61st, Simon Hagman plays what even the play-by-play calls a “crazy backpass” that Probst makes an effort at, but can’t reach before the Latics nick it and score. This sad display will bring our brief cup run to an end… I sit back and watch the carnage unfold. Very late, Keith Barker scores on a nice header from a Perisset free kick to make it look not totally horrific.
Loss, 3-1, out of FA Cup

We’re really hurting injury-wise right now, as 5 first choicers are on the injured/suspended list right now: Defenders Evander Sno, Lorenzo Davids, and Firmin Sanou; midfielder Peter Gain, and winger/striker Matt Jansen.

Dec. 5, Match 21 v. #7 Blackpool
Simon Hagman shoots one right into the keeper’s stomach on a clean breakaway in the 11th minute. Sadly, we concede a penalty towards the end of the first half, and Blackpool convert to take a 1-0 advantage into the break. Just before the break, though, Simon Hagman hits the post with a 10-yarder. I tell the team at the half “we must get a result.” We get our own penalty just after the break, as Derbyshire is upended just inside the box… David Van Den Broeck takes the spot kick and buries it. Van Den Broeck and Derbyshire are playing as if possessed in the second half, as Van Den Broeck sends in a lofted ball from 50 yards, and Derbyshire is able to bring it down and shoot quickly… and it goes in off the post for his 10th goal of the season to give us the lead. Blackpool equalize off a terrific header in the 76th minute. Blackpool dominate late, but Markus Probst saves our hide more than once, preserving a point.
Draw, 2-2, remain 12th

It looks like unless we can turn it around fairly soon, we’re going to be consigned to a mid-table finish. I know we’re only halfway into the season, but this team just doesn’t have the horses to get it done right now.

Dec. 9, Match 22 @ #10 Swansea
Another bad start, as Swansea score in the 5th minute after the center of defense just parts and lets them right inside the box. A sloppy pitch in this one means it’s going to be hard to score… unless you’re Swansea. They put in a second in the 17th minute, and the squad look lost at this point. It’s 3-0 after 24 minutes, then 4-0 after 26... everyone looks disconsolate, and they really should. It’s 5-1 at halftime… yes, they got 5 in the first half. I pulled Probst after the 4th, and they still put in another. Derbyshire got one back in the 41st, but that is our only consolation.
Loss, 6-1, drop to 13th

Next up for us is the other team that destroyed us 6-1 this season: Brighton.

Dec. 16, Match 23 v. #10 Brighton
Again, we’re behind early as Brighton score in the 14th minute. We level the match in the 35th, though, as Marcus Williams flashes a rare bit of brilliance, sending a cross to the back post where Lee Whittington finishes it. A boring second half leads us to a draw. Frankly, that’s progress considering they way we have been playing.
Draw, 1-1, remain 13th

In an attempt to strengthen the squad in any way possible, and to lift it out of a 7 game winless streak now… I make an odd signing. 38 year old Italian winger/striker Paolo Di Canio signs a 6 month contract with the Posh. He leaves West Ham United where he had fallen from the first team. We sign him for a $2k fee to the Hammers, and he’ll get half of about a $230k per year salary to spend January-April (and possibly longer) with The Posh.

Butter

05-10-2006, 03:30 PM

I throw out some more loan requests, aimed this time at the EPL reserve squads again, after unsuccessfully trying to trawl through the Spanish and Italian major clubs’ reserves.

First loaner to agree to come is again, 19 year old D/M-R Antonio Barragan. This’ll be his 2nd loan spell of the season with us, and he’s practically recovered from that bad ankle injury from over a month ago.

Next up is 19 year old DC Phil Cave who joins us for 3 months from Newcastle United’s reserves.

Third to agree to join us is 19 year old DMC Floribert N’Galula, who comes in from Manchester United’s reserves. This Belgian has some nice mental attributes and is a skillful passer, and will also be on board for 3 months.

Fourth 3 month loaner in is 21 year old AMR Martin Brittain, who also comes to us from Newcastle’s reserves. Brittain looks solid if unspectacular on paper… but we need some continuity right now, so hopefully he can provide it.

That makes us reach our max. of short-term loaners, at 4.

Dec. 23, Match 24 v. #17 Bournemouth
Bournemouth absolutely eviscerated us in our first encounter this season. Cave, Brittain, and N’Galula all start in this one. Bournemouth dominate us early on, but we put together a nice counter in the 15th, as Brittain finds Derbyshire about 40 yards from goal… he runs by his man with the ball, then cuts inside another, and classily finishes inside the far post! Terrific individual effort by the youngster. Martin Brittain is forced to leave with an injury in the 27th minute. We pick up an insurance goal in the 73rd, as Whittington’s throw to Derbyshire is a good one… he crosses to N’Galula who heads at goal… his header is off-line, but Jansen is there to touch it into the net! Jansen’s 10th of the year puts us up 2. Bournemouth get one back with 30 seconds to play, but the whistle goes off the next kickoff to give us all 3 points.
Win, 2-1, up to 12th

We continue to sit mid-table, on 33 points… 21st place is 11 points behind us at 22, and 6th place is 5 points in front of us on 38. Doncaster are currently running away with things, 25 points ahead of us on 58, comfortably in first place.

Dec. 26, Match 25 @ #21 Notts Co.
Notts Co with an easy goal to start, a cross in to a completely unmarked striker at 9 yards, and he puts it away… and we’re behind in the 4th minute. Just 2 minutes later, though, a long ball to Jansen is nodded down to Derbyshire, and he one-times it past the keeper to make it 1-1. Unfortunately, a Notts Co deflected shot falls perfectly to one of their attackers, and it’s buried to put us behind yet again. Matt Jansen limps off late in this match, and we fail to equalize… again displaying the ol’ no fight-back spirit.
Loss, 2-1, remain 12th, 7 points from playoff places

Luckily, Matt Jansen just suffers from a gashed arm that requires stitches, but shouldn’t miss a long stretch of time.

Dec. 30, Match 26 @ #19 Northampton
Lee Whittington is forced off after just 6 minutes… I put Barragan on the sub list, but he’s only around 80%, certainly not enough to go a whole match. So I end up putting Paul Carden in at right back, and moving Malek Ait-Alia to right wing for the first time this season. The move pays off towards the end of the first half, as Ait-Alia creates some space, then crosses to the six… Simon Hagman’s diving header is on target and beats the keeper to put us ahead. Simon Hagman with a great individual goal from 12 yards a bit later, as he nets his 5th of the year to put us up 2. We knock the ball around, and take a nice win. Probably our best team performance of the season, as 3 players pick up ratings of 9, while most others rate an 8.
Win, 2-0, up to 10th place, 5 points out of playoff places

December ends, and it looks like we’re turning things around at last. We post a mediocre 2-2-2 record for the month, and an FA Cup loss.

January, 2007
Cash balance: +$226,180

A few signings come in at the re-opening of the transfer window.

The first is 17 year old D/M-LC Andrej Mlinaric. Mlinaric is a bit of a project, but could possibly see time at left wing late in the season, if our fate were already determined. He’s a good looking prospect, signing for just $10k per season.

Next is 19 year old DLC Tommy Spurr, who arrives on a transfer from Sheffield Wednesday. Spurr will definitely be allowed a chance in the first team, but probably needs a bit more seasoning to be a regular contributor. He signs for $20k per season through 2010.

Finally, 38 year old winger/striker Paolo Di Canio joins us to see out his career starting. He transfers in from West Ham United. Di Canio will be given the chance to play as much as his body will let him for the final 4 months of the season.

Jan. 1, Match 27 v. #15 Bradford
Di Canio and Spurr make their Posh debuts in this one. We also start Kabongo as Di Canio’s running mate up front. Kabongo gets clean through on goal in the 16th minute, and buries a high hard shot from 15 yards to put us ahead. We dominate the rest of the half, and go in ahead for a change. Di Canio played well enough, but never looked very dangerous. In the 79th minute, Honore Kabongo buries his 2nd goal of the match, a screaming volley hit off an early ball from Tommy Spurr. Matt Derbyshire caps things, as he scores from a nice pass from N’Galula, scoring as a sub for Di Canio.
Win, 3-0, remain 10th, 3 points out of 6th

2 fine performances in a row… maybe we can make a run at this thing after all….

Butter

05-11-2006, 10:50 AM

It’s that time of year again… yes, it’s BOSMAN TIME!!!!! That time of year when a bunch of player contracts reach the 6 months or less remaining mark, and the point at which you can sign them away from their current team so that they’ll join you in time for next year’s training camp.

We’re quite busy on this front. But before we get to the signings, let’s look at who’ll be leaving us come summer:
Departures
DR Dean Holden, $130k per season wage
D/M Paul Carden, $50k
AM/ST Paolo Di Canio, $210k
ST James Quinn, $90k
ST Richard Logan, $70k
MC Andre Boucaud, $75k
AMR Ryan Semple, $55k
AM/F Danny Crow, $45k
D/M Shane Huke, $45k
D/M Andrej Mlinaric, $10k

That’s $790k off the books… combined with the $183k in loan wages that will be gone by next fall, and we’ll be cutting our wage budget by over $950k by not re-signing most of these stiffs. I tried to get Lorenzo Davids and Matt Derbyshire so sign a contract with us, since both are out of contract this summer, but neither one had any interest in coming to Peterborough on a regular basis. I might actually consider signing Crow and Mlinaric if they’re amenable to the idea.

To give you an idea of how that will affect us, we are currently at $2.376M in wages, with a budget of $2.3M. So, our wage budget will be almost $900k under budget once these players all depart.

That gives me quite a bit of leeway to bring in some impact players, and not worry about possibly overpaying one or two of them. The board won’t allow me to offer anyone more than $230k per season, so my hands are tied somewhat… but frankly, that income level should be enough to attract anyone to London Road that would actually want to come here in the first place… especially if we don’t get promoted this season. Plus, I always can use some loans in next season to fill in the gaps.

As far as what positions I’m targeting… well, everywhere. Our injury problems this season have proven that more depth is desperately needed so we can ride out those tough early season stretches that are packed with fixtures.

So, with all that out of the way, let the signings begin!

Our first catch is a big one: 22 year old Spanish keeper Ivan Cuellar will be joining us from the Atletico Madrid B squad. Cuellar lacks only in his command of the area, but should be a step up from Markus Probst, who has been a disappointment this season.

We also make a couple of signings of some African players currently playing in France… but those are pending work permit approval. I will note when those come through.

Our second major signing is picking up 32 year old Bolton reserve AM-LC Khalilou Fadiga. Fadiga is a very skillful player, with barely a weakness in his game. He is aging, but we sign him to just a one year deal.

Jan. 6, Match 28 v. #20 Swindon
Swindon get on the board first, as Probst gets caught out of goal a bit on a long ball, and the striker chips it over him for a goal in the 25th. We tinker a bit at halftime, putting Di Canio on the right wing… Then in the 61st, Jansen’s shot is blocked, but Palmason hits a nice volley straight in past the keeper to put us back on level terms. Di Canio played well enough, but we can’t find a winner later.
Draw, 1-1, remain 10th, 5 pts. out of sixth

Our 3rd signing is another AM-LC, this time 25 year old Cherif Toure-Maman from Togo, who’ll join us from French League One side Metz’s reserve team. Toure-Maman comes over with blazing pace, superb technique, and great off the ball skills.

We still can’t seem to find a right-winger to come to us yet, though.

Antonio Barragan suffers another long-term injury, and I once again terminate his loan deal and send him back to the Reds.

Jan. 13, Match 29 @ #17 Chesterfield
P.R. Palmason picks up an injury very early, and is forced off. We go in at halftime scoreless, despite each team having a couple of good chances. Probst allows in a weak 25 yard shot in the 50th, and Chesterfield is up 1-0. Just 3 minutes later, though, Hagman and Barker play the one-two, and Hagman’s quick shot off the return pass puts us level. Hagman scores again in the 61st, but it’s ruled out for offsides. The defense parts open and allows a wide open 12 yard shot in the 76th, and the Blues take advantage, going back on top 2-1. Just when it looked like things were lost, though, Phil Cave sends a long ball into the box from 55 yards… the Blues’ defender misses the header, and Hagman is able to control the ball… then shoot it past the keeper just inside the far post for the dramatic equalizer!
Draw, 2-2, drop to 11th, 7 points from 6th place

2 serious injuries stemming from our previous match. Palmason picks up a severely injured ankle, and will miss 3-6 weeks. Meanwhile, Honore Kabongo may well miss 2-3 months with a serious hip injury.

Reserve striker Richard Logan signs with Rushden & Diamonds of League Two, and I let him go for no signing fee. Dumping his $70k salary bumps us back under our wage budget.

Jan. 20, Match 30 v. #3 Sheffield Wednesday
We come out today in a new formation. A 4-2-3-1, with 2 defensive midfielders, N’Galula and Sanou playing around the center circle, and retreating to help in defense when needed. The 3 withdrawn attackers are Jansen on the left, Tiberkanine in the middle, and Di Canio on the right. The lone striker is Matt Derbyshire, who is finally back and healthy. We go with attacking tactics… let’s see what happens.

In the 13th minute, Di Canio finally flashes some brilliance, dribbling past a defender on his way to the end line, then cutting it back for Matt Derbyshire, who finishes with his 15th goal of the year. Then, just 3 minutes later, Derbyshire slips behind the defense after a Tiberkanine clearance, and beats the keeper after a long run. 2-0 Posh after just 15 minutes. Later, N’Galula with a great through ball to Matt Derbyshire, and he nets his hat-trick before the stroke of halftime! We successfully keep Sheffield Wednesday out of our net in the second half, despite being down 2 men by the end due to injuries to Sanou and Sno following our use of all 3 subs. Possibly our most dominant win of the season!
Win, 3-0, up to 9th place, 5 pts. from 6th

Evander Sno’s injury is not serious from the last match, but Firmin Sanou will miss 4-7 weeks with a badly sprained ankle.

The board is very pleased with our win, while Owls’ striker Paul Dickov notes that their manager ripped them a new one following this defeat.

We make our biggest Bosman signing yet, and possibly the biggest of my tenure next: 27 year old striker Malcolm Christie will join the Posh from Middlesbrough next season. Christie signs for a whopping $150k signing bonus, and $240k per season through 2009. Christie is not blazing fast, but is not slow either. His finishing and touch with the ball are deadly, and his movement without the ball is outstanding. He only lacks a bit in strength, but that can be helped.

That will end our foray into free agency right now, I think. Although I am still on the lookout for more defenders and right wing players.

Jan. 27, Match 31 @ #21 Rotherham
Derbyshire gets clean through on goal in the 22nd… but he decides to lay it off for Jansen… he hesitates and his initial shot is stopped… but his follow-up is on target! 10 minutes later, Derbyshire is through again, and this time he shoots… but his shot hits the post! Just after halftime, Derbyshire nips past a defender and gets a good shot in… it is stopped, but the rebound falls perfectly to Whittington, and he finishes the chance! In the 63rd, Rotherham pull one back on a cross and header past Probst. In the 80th, though, we put the game beyond doubt, as N’Galula’s long ball finds Barker… he draws 3 defenders and the keeper, but is able to toe poke the ball to Di Canio, who scores into an open goal! Di Canio’s first Posh goal. And we top things off with a Floribert N’Galula goal off a Jansen cross. Matt Jansen picks up a 10 rating in this match.
Win, 4-1, remain 9th - 2 pts. out of 6th

This tactics switch has been absolutely sensational so far. We are dominating the ball, keeping it out of our defensive end, and keeping it in the hands of our skilled attacking forwards and defensive midfielders.

I’m not sure why but our attendance has been through the roof of late. We drew over 10,000 to the Sheffield Wed. match a couple of weeks back, and as a result our earnings are shooting through the roof now. I notice that so far this season, we’ve made a better than $1.5M profit through January 27th, largely thanks to increasing gate receipts. Our average attendance early in the season was around 4,500, but it has shot up to over 6,000 with some recent games drawing over 8k.

We finish January a strong 4-2-0 in the league, and are now contenders for the playoffs... whereas just a few weeks ago I thought we were dead and buried.

Butter

05-11-2006, 03:19 PM

February
Cash balance: +$449,396

Floribert N’Galula comes in 2nd in Player of the Month voting, finishing the month with 1 goal, 3 assists, and a 7.5 avR in 6 starts. Very impressive. Matt Derbyshire picks up the Young Player of the Month award, picking up 4 goals this month in just 3 appearances. I finish 3rd in Manager of the Month voting.

Feb. 3, Match 32 v. #6 Huddersfield
We lay siege to the Huddersfield goal, and finally get our breakthrough in the 37th, as Derbyshire breaks through the back line of defense after a Phil Cave clearance, and he finishes the chance to put us ahead. H-Town gets their goal back in the 68th, as Tommy Spurr’s poor clearance leaves the ball sitting up 5 yards from goal for an easy strike. Not much else goes on, and we take a disappointing draw. Tommy Spurr rates a 4 in this one, and was subbed out in the 2nd half. I wanted a win here REAL BAD too. Oh well. Another big crowd of over 9,000 on hand.
Draw, 1-1, up to 8th – 5 pts. behind 6th place

Feb. 10, Match 33 @ #2 Oldham Athletic
Oldham strike first, hitting us on the counter attack in the 9th minute. They almost strike again in the 17th, but a goal is waved off for offsides. We tie it up in the 28th, as an early ball into the far post by Van Den Broeck finds Matt Jansen unmarked, and he scores. Marcus Williams is hit with a yellow card, and Oldham are awarded a penalty in the 65th… but the PK hits the post, and the 1-1 scoreline is preserved. In the 79th minute, Jansen sends in a low cross to the center of the box… then Hagman charges onto it and volleys it home! Oldham level it 4 minutes later on a breakaway, though, and that’s how it ends. Another chance to gain points on the leaders, and we fail.
Draw, 2-2, remain in 8th place – 5 pts. behind 6th

We’re now on an 8 match unbeaten streak… but we need more of those to be wins in order to pick up ground on the top 6. We only have 13 more matches to get things done…. And one of those things is to finish in the top 6 and at least give ourselves a chance at promotion.

Matt Jansen is sent home suffering from the flu, so he’ll likely miss our next match.

Feb. 13, Match 34 @ #5 Gillingham
Tommy Spurr yields a penalty to the Gills in the 11th minute, and they convert it to go ahead. 10 minutes later, Phil Cave handles the ball in the box, and another PK is awarded, which they also bury. 2-0 after 22 minutes. Just before halftime, we’re fed a lifeline by Paolo Di Canio, who buries a 20+ yard free kick. In the 81st, shortly after being brought on, Simon Hagman steals a square pass between defenders, then is able to chip the keeper from 25 yards out as he rushed out to meet him to equal things at 2. Off the ensuing kickoff, Lee Whittington makes a nice steal, then hits one ahead of Derbyshire… he blows by his man and latches onto it… then chips the charging keeper again, and scores!!! Despite pushing men back in defense, though, our center-backs allow an easy shot for Darren Byfield, and he equalizes. Both Cave and Spurr pick up 5’s in the center of our defense. Another gut-wrenching draw as we allow a late goal.
Draw, 3-3, remain 8th – 5 pts. out of 6th

Feb. 17, Match 35 v. #14 Tranmere
Tranmere have a 19th minute goal called back for offsides. Then in the 23rd, Tranmere are called for a handball in the box… and the PK is given. Lee Whittington takes it and makes it, his 5th of the year puts us ahead. The game is leveled in the 57th, as Van Den Broeck’s attempted interception is missed, leaving a wide open striker on top of Probst. Both teams squander good scoring chances in the last 5 minutes, and we have our 4th consecutive draw.
Draw, 1-1, drop to 9th – 4 pts. from 6th

We’ve now gone 10 straight without a loss… but still can’t break into the top 6. Very frustrating.

Shocker in the UEFA Cup, as Celtic win 2-0 at White Hart Lane to send Tottenham Hotspur packing.

Feb. 24, Match 36 @ #10 Hartlepool
Phil Cave is sent off for a last-ditch challenge in the 16th minute. We back down to a defensive 4-4-1 diamond formation, but that doesn’t stop Hartlepool from opening the scoring in the 27th minute on a nice 20 yard strike. We nearly score in the 38th, but an acrobatic save keeps it 1-0 at halftime. I dress down the players at the half, and try to convince them that we can still win. Just 2 minutes after I tell the team to push forward more, Hartlepool score their 2nd to end our 10 game unbeaten run. It just gets worse from there.
Loss, 4-0, drop to 10th – 5 pts. from 6th place

Not sure what to do now, we have less than 10 games left to try and right the ship… and our weak goal difference is not going to help us at the end of the season either. The 4-2-3-1 has been a defensive nightmare in the past few games, and our defense has just been playing awful. The attack hasn’t been all that great lately either… but we have had several injuries, including 2 to key players Matt Jansen and Palmi Rafn Palmason. I imagine my mistake was trying to stick with this formation despite the absence of both Jansen and Tiberkanine at AML and AMC. But even so, it’s not as though our traditional 4-4-2 was setting the world afire.

League Cup Final
Chelsea 1:0 Man Utd.

We end February at an uninspiring 0-4-1.

March
Cash balance: +$459,029

March 3, Match 37 v. #12 Crewe
We get a break in the 11th minute, as Crewe score an own goal, trying to clear the ball away from Di Canio. Unfortunately, one minute after we have a 2nd goal ruled out for offsides, Crewe score off a free kick. Crewe end up scoring again in the 81st, and put this game on ice. Our playoff chances are sinking fast.
Loss, 2-1, drop to 12th – 8 pts. from 6th place

Our goal of boosting our defense this offseason gets a boost, as 22 year old Congolese D-LC Aime Lavie agrees to a deal with the Posh. Lavie has quality heading and tackling marks, while his marking is at a good but not eye-popping 14. He makes up for it with very good speed, jumping ability, and wonderful bravery.

dixieflatline

05-11-2006, 03:59 PM

Just wanted to say this has been a nice read Butter. I have been shying away from reading dynasties lately as they all seem to start and stop. Anyway keep up the good work.

Butter

05-12-2006, 07:44 AM

Thanks! I know I've had a start-stop one in the past, but I'm fired up about this one, and getting this team into the EPL. Just hope I can actually DO it.

cschex

05-12-2006, 08:42 AM

You're really inspiring me to do a write-up of my Grimsby Town career, where I am trying to advance to the EPL as well. Good luck, and if you can, try and get your hands on N'Guala permanently, as he is a beast in the lower leagues.

Butter

05-12-2006, 01:25 PM

Mar. 10, Match 38 @ #24 Scunthorpe
We switch back to the 4-4-2 counter attacking formation we used most of this year. A tight first half ends scoreless… but Derbyshire blew a couple of quality chances during the half. Pretty boring 2nd half as well, and just when it looks like we’ll be heading for a scoreless draw, Simon Hagman sends a long ball into the box from midfield… Jansen latches onto the end of it, takes a touch, then powers it in with his left foot! Just seconds from full time, we pick up a 2nd goal, as Jansen’s cross is headed into the goal by Palmi Rafn Palmason. An important win to set us back on track.
Win, 2-0, up to 10th – 5 pts. out of 6th place

Mar. 17, Match 39 v. #8 Walsall
A key promotion 6-pointer here today. We can pull to within 1 point of Walsall in the standings with a win at home today. Anything other than a win… and frankly, we’re dead and buried. We need wins at this point. 7 games left, we’ve got several points to make up on multiple teams. They won’t all lose.

I make the nearly unpardonable mistake of starting Palmi Rafn Palmason in this match. Why a mistake? His stamina is at 70% to start…. Oops. 17th minute, Paolo Di Canio scores his 3rd goal of the season, and his 2nd on a direct free kick for the Posh. I’m able to nurse Palmason through halftime, and I slide Di Canio back from striker to midfield, and put Derbyshire up front alongside Hagman. In the 59th minute, Probst with a good long ball to Jansen who is just onside down the left flank… Jansen with a low cross to Derbyshire at the near post… his shot is stopped, but Hagman with good control on the rebound, and he scores! Hagman’s 10th of the year, and we lead by 2! Walsall with barely a sniff at goal the remainder of the match, and we take a vital 3 points!
Win, 2-0, up to 9th – 2 points out of 6th place

Doncaster and Sheffield Wednesday have all but clinched the top 2 spots… but we have put ourselves in position to have a chance at the playoffs after a long, often frustrating season. The last 6 matches will tell the story... can we really achieve promotion this season?

First order of business is to examine Markus Probst after the game… he picked up a minor injury during the game, but was able to soldier on. No physio report, so that’s good. Looks like he’ll be ok to keep starting.

We’re able to extend the loans of right winger Martin Brittain and DM Floribert N’Galula another 2 months… but Newcastle won’t let us keep Phil Cave, so we’re down another DC… which is OK because that’s one area where we do have a good bit of depth. Maybe not quality depth, but depth nonetheless.

Good news, as Honore Kabongo is nearing a return from the injury list.

Mar. 24, Match 40 @ #22 Colchester
Di Canio and Derbyshire partner up front today, with Jansen starting at left wing in the standard 4-4-2. In the 22nd minute, a good interception turns into an attack, as Di Canio sends a brilliant ball down the middle to Rachid Tiberkanine, who has a yard on his man… Tiberkanine closes in on goal… and slots it home past the keeper! His 3rd of the year is a massive one! In the 30th, Probst with a point blank save on a free header inside the six. Probst with a couple more nice saves early in the 2nd half. Then he restarts from an offside, and sends the ball long down the right… Brittain wins the header, and flicks onto an open N’Galula… N’Galula with a great pass to Di Canio, who is played onside by opposite side defenders… he is free on goal, and he slots it home!!! 2-0, Posh, and the Peterborough fans are in ecstasy! 5 minutes later, it’s Jansen centering for Di Canio, he controls it, dribbles left and slots it home! 3-0 Posh on Di Canio’s 5th of the season. We play out the string, as Colchester tries long shot after long shot… but we take the win. Young defender Tommy Spurr with a terrific performance, earning a 9 rating and man of the match honors… surprising considering what Di Canio did.
Win, 3-0, up to 8th – 2 pts. from 6th

Blackpool drops from 6th to 9th with a loss, but both 7th and 8th place teams also win and move up, keeping us 2 spots out of the playoff zone.

We even managed to win the last match with regulars left-back Lorenzo Davids and midfielder P.R. Palmason away on international duty.

Bad news as Matt Derbyshire injures his chest during weight training. Being a loaner, his medical care is treated very seriously, and without consultation with us. He will likely miss about 3 weeks.

Mar. 31, Match 41 v. #16 Barnsley
About 40 minutes into this game, I realize that Barnsley are just packing it in… they are playing with all 11 men inside 45 yards of the box when we have the ball. As such, I switch from a defensive counter-attacking tactic, to a 4-3-2-1 attacking tactic, with 2 midfield wingers, and 2 AM’s, subbing in Tiberkanine for a tiring Palmason, moving him to AM, and leaving N’Galula at MC. 3 minutes later, it’s Tommy Spurr lofting a ball forward to Tiberkanine… he heads it into the box, and Hagman volleys it home! We keep up the attack early in the 2nd half to try and pick up another goal. With 15 minutes left, we switch to a defensive 4-4-2, and push Di Canio back to midfield and N’Galula back to DM to make it a 4-5-1. We switch to a 5-4-1 with 4 minutes left… and the referee allows 5 minutes of stoppage time, but we’re able to weather the storm and take the win! We didn’t play our best, but still gutted out the 1-0 victory.
Win, 1-0, up to 6th place – 1 point ahead of 7th place Huddersfield

4 straight shutout wins now…. Are we peaking a bit too soon? We’ll find out, as I warn the team against complacency following the match… next up, a date at #1 Doncaster.

We finish March with 4 straight wins, after starting it with a loss to Crewe.

Butter

05-12-2006, 03:22 PM

April
Cash balance: $552,221

Swansea with a make-up game in mid-week, and they pass us for 6th place by the strength of their +9 goal difference, compared to our +7.

April 7, Match 42 @ #1 Doncaster
Doncaster have lost 4 straight… maybe counting their title before it hatched. They’re still 10 points clear of 3rd place… but they have to start feeling a tiny bit of pressure, considering they had an 18 point gap on 3rd with 7 games to play. Doncaster play in the hard to defend 4-2-4 formation. We stick with what’s been working, the 4-4-2 counter-attacking style.

We have 2 quality chances saved in the first 8 minutes, and another close shot whistle over the bar. In the 30th minute, a Simon Hagman cross for Di Canio is handled, and we are awarded a PK! Captain Paolo Di Canio to take the spot kick… and was there ever any doubt??? GOAL! Lorenzo Davids is forced off at halftime with an injury. Doncaster come out from the locker rooms determined, but some good defense and a fine save by Probst beats back their advance. Then in the 61st, Simon Hagman is played onside by Rachid Tiberkanine, and he chips the keeper and scores! Doncaster are able to pull one back in the 90th minute, and we have to ride out 3 nervous minutes of stoppage time now… but we do it and take a huge road win against the league leaders!
Win, 2-1, up to 6th – 3 pts. ahead of 7th place Hartlepool

Swansea lose, and fall back behind Hartlepool, as now we’re just 2 points from 3rd place Oldham.

With the win over the league leaders, confidence is sky high at London Road… can we sneak into the playoffs after being 12th just about a month ago?

Our final short turnaround match of the season… and they’re all critical now. We can’t afford to drop points.

Apr. 9, Match 43 v. #13 Lincoln
We kick this game off with a bang, as Davids free kick from the left finds Hagman near the spot, and he buries a low shot to give us a 3rd minute lead. In the 10th minute, our players are flying all over the pitch… this time it’s a midfield scrum that results in a ball to the open Matt Jansen on the left… Jansen’s low ball to a healthy Honore Kabongo is a good one… and he’s barged over! Penalty! It’s Paolo Di Canio for the kick… and he scores it! We’re forced to use 2 subs in the first half-hour, as Kabongo and Spurr suffer injuries. Just before halftime, a Whittington cross finds Jansen, but his volley is stopped… however, Rachid Tiberkanine’s follow up goes in off the left post! 3-0 Posh… and it’s 4-0 at the break, as Jansen’s cross with his back to goal finds Tiberkanine, and he heads it home for his 2nd of the match. It’s 5-0 in the 55th, as Di Canio buries another free kick…. And then he hits another in the 63rd for his hat-trick. A 6-0 lead, and Di Canio has 9 goals in a half-season. A handball in the 78th gives us another PK… and guess who takes it? That’s right… Paolo Di Canio scores his 4th of the match and 10th of the season for the Posh. A complete dismantling comes to an end as the referee blows for full time. What a display! Paolo Di Canio gets an unsurprising 10 for his 4 goal outburst.
Win, 7-0, up to 3rd – 8 pts. behind 2nd place, 3 pts. ahead of 7th

We’re still not safe, but that huge win gives us a big goal difference edge, boosting our advantage to +15, the best among the 8 teams or so vying for the 4 playoff spots.

What a run we’re on! That last game may be the finest offensive game I’ve ever witnessed…. And that’s saying something considering I’ve been playing this game in various iterations for years. That helps make up for those multiple 6-1 drubbings we suffered earlier this season.

After that display, I ask Paolo Di Canio to reconsider retirement. He is certainly proving that he’s far from finished as a footballer. 10 goals in his short time with the club is quite remarkable… and he’s played all over the pitch at striker, AM, right-winger, central midfield. He’s been a superb mid-season addition to a club that was struggling to find itself for several months.

Apr. 14, Match 44 @ #8 Blackpool
In the 18th minute, we go up a man, as Paolo Di Canio is hacked down on a breakaway that probably would’ve resulted in at least a very good chance…and the Blackpool defender is sent off. We switch to an attacking mode, and it fails us, as Blackpool get a breakaway on a counter-attack, and are able to finish it off to take a 1-0 lead in the 38th. Blackpool need to win this to stay in the playoff hunt, so their effort is not surprising. We switch to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 at halftime… but it is ineffective through the 72nd minute. We switch to a 3-3-3-1, with an offside trap with 15 minutes to play. Finally, we look human in this one, and are never able to mount a serious attack on Blackpool. Not a totally unexpected loss, I must say.
Loss, 1-0, drop to 5th – 2 pts. ahead of 7th place Blackpool

Can’t afford to stop winning now. We must win our last home game, and at least get a draw from our other match in order to clinch a playoff spot. Blackpool has a +1 GD advantage on us, but I think a win and a draw should see us through to the playoffs.

Doncaster and Sheffield Wednesday both officially clinch promotion to the League Championship following the weekend’s results.

Paolo Di Canio rebuffs our pleas to reconsider retirement and reiterates his desire to hang up the boots at the end of the season.

Apr. 21, Match 45 v. #9 Swansea
Yet another team that needs a win badly. And unfortunately, last week shows we can be had. We need a win at home, to save us from the pressure of HAVING to win next week.

Matt Derbyshire returns from injury, and starts up front alongside Hagman today… Di Canio is at right wing. In the 19th minute, a loose ball near the box bobbles loose for Simon Hagman, and he takes a quick shot… and scores! His 14th of the season puts us ahead! In the 38th, we get another goal, as this time it’s Hagman supplying the cross, and Derbyshire finishing the move! Derbyshire scores his 20th of the season from point blank range. The Swans barely get into the box in the second half, and we take the huge 2-0 win.
Win, 2-0, up to 3rd place

With the win, and Blackpool and Gillingham’s losses… we’ve clinched a playoff berth! We’re on 72 points, and the best that any 7th place team can do is 71 points, as both 7th and 8th are currently on 68 with 1 game left. Now the question is, how badly do I want 3rd place? Probably not all that badly to be honest.

Chelsea win the EPL title for the 3rd straight season.

Chelsea also make the final of the Champions League, where they will face Juventus.

In the UEFA Cup Final, it will be Bayern Munich v. Arsenal.

Apr. 28, Match 46 @ #13 Brighton
Rather than shake up team chemistry, I decide to leave the same XI out there that have been playing lately. After a weird series of bounces, Brighton end up scoring on a half volley from about 10 yards out in the 17th minute. Then, they make it 2-0 in the 35th with a nice curling 20 yarder. My decision not to use scrubs for this game bites me in the ass in the 65th, as Paolo Di Canio heads to the bench with an injury. We barely threaten in the entire match, and take home a bad loss. Not the way to head into the playoffs.
Loss, 2-0, finish 3rd

We still finish 3rd with the loss… and our Playoff opponent will be drawn on May 7th.

Paolo Di Canio suffered a facial laceration in the last match… but should most likely be fit for our playoff matches.

We finish April 3-0-2, but earn our way into the playoffs with a sizzling 5 match streak that started back in March. We don’t end the season well, but look to be the in-form favorites heading into the Playoffs, considering our jump from 12th to 3rd in 2 months’ time.

Butter

05-12-2006, 03:30 PM

May
Cash balance: $613,770

West Bromwich Albion, Blackburn Rovers, and Wigan Athletic are the teams relegated to the League Championship from the EPL this season. Meanwhile, Portsmouth wins the LC, and returns to the EPL after just one season in the lower tier.

We will face 6th place Walsall in the Semifinals, starting on Sunday, May 13th.

UEFA Cup Final
Arsenal 0:1 Bayern Munich

FA Cup Final
Liverpool 2:2 Arsenal (Liverpool win on PK’s)

League One Semifinal, First Leg
Huddersfield 0:3 Blackpool

Next week, it’s time to start up the 2-legged playoffs, as we'll travel to Walsall where The Posh seek promotion for a second consecutive season.

Butter

05-15-2006, 10:36 AM

May 13, League One Playoff Semi-Final @ Walsall
Posh lineup:
GK: Probst
D (L to R): Davids, Van Den Broeck, Ait-Alia, Sanou
M: Jansen, Palmason, N’Galula, Whittington
S: Di Canio, Derbyshire
Subs: GK Bredal-Thorsen, ST Hagman, ST/AML Kabongo, AMC Tiberkanine, D Spurr

We get a break, as an N’Galula cross is headed into Walsall’s goal by their own defender, and we take a 1-0 lead after 9 minutes. Then in the 27th, Palmason’s cross goes into a sea of players… it hits Di Canio, then Derbyshire is able to stuff it through a number of Walsall players to give us a 2-0 lead. In the 53rd minute, N’Galula is fouled in the box, and we’re awarded a PK! It’s defender David Van Den Broeck to take it… and he hits it high, hard, and true… we lead 3-0. Rachid Tiberkanine nearly makes it 4-0 with a 25 yard curling shot, but it hits the crossbar and bounces clear. We run out the clock, and take a convincing opening match win.

Win, 3-0, Leg 2 @ London Road on May 16th

Not a long rest between the 2 legs of this tie… but luckily, we didn’t get too fatigued in this match. We did lose Lee Whittington for the remainder of the playoffs with a severely sprained ankle, however. I could’ve given him injections to get through our next match… but seeing as we’re up 3 goals, I decided not to risk him.

League One Semi-Final, Second Leg
Blackpool 2:0 Huddersfield (Blackpool advance 5-0 on aggregate)

May 16, League One Playoff Semi-Final Second Leg v. Walsall
Posh lead 3-0
Lineup:
GK: Probst
D: Davids, Spurr, Ait-Alia, Sanou
M: Jansen, Tiberkanine, N’Galula, Di Canio
S: Derbyshire, Hagman
Subs: GK Bredal-Thorsen, D Van Den Broeck, ST Barker, M Palmason, AM/ST Kabongo

Matt Derbyshire buries a 17th minute shot from 10 yards to put us up 4-0. Walsall are given a penalty in the 22nd minute, and convert it to get on the board. Kabongo is fouled in the 35th minute in the box, and Di Canio buries the spot kick to restore our 4 goal margin. Walsall make it 2-2 (5-2) in the 42nd, with a nice long ball and goal on a counter-attack. The rest of the match is a pretty dull affair, as we manage to make our 3 goal advantage from Leg 1 stand up, but don’t look very pretty doing it.

Draw, 2-2, Posh advance to Final 5-2 on aggregate

Our attendance in the last match of 15,298 is a record high. And those gate receipts of $450k don’t hurt either. The final will be on May 26th, at Wembley Stadium in London.

Lorenzo Davids injures his calf in this match, and may miss the Final.

UEFA Champions League Final
Chelsea 1:3 Juventus
Chelsea fail to pull of the repeat, as a 3 goal first half from the Torino club finds them winning Europe for the first time since 1996.

Sadly for us, Floribert N’Galula’s loan deal expires, and he returns to Manchester United after we’re unable to work out a brief extension. Shortly thereafter, he signs a new contract with Southampton. N’Galula played well for us this year, rating a 7.18 in 22 appearances, with 1 goal and 6 assists out of central midfield.

Martin Brittain also returns to Newcastle after his loan finishes… but we won’t miss him as much. Brittain was given plenty of opportunities in our lineup, but in 9 appearances, averaged just a 6.33 and provided only 1 assist.

Wolves win the Championship Playoff, so they will join Portsmouth and West Ham in the Premiership next season.

Can Paolo Di Canio go out in style, and lead us to our 2nd successive promotion? Or will we run out of magic one match short?

Chas in Cinti

05-15-2006, 10:56 AM

Ugh... nailbite endings suck...

Butter

05-15-2006, 11:14 AM

May 26, League One Playoff Final v. Blackpool – From Wembley Stadium, London
Lineup:
GK: Probst
D: Spurr, Van Den Broeck, Ait-Alia, Sanou
M: Palmason, Gain, Jansen, Tiberkanine, Di Canio
S: Derbyshire
Subs: GK Cousins, AM/ST Kabongo, ST Hagman, ST Barker, D/M Williams

Coming out in a 4-2-3-1 today, to try and confuse Blackpool. They dominated us this year… we were lucky to secure the single point from our 2 matches.

Both teams seem tight early… Di Canio heads one to Tiberkanine, who passes for Derbyshire in the 23rd… Derbyshire finds a bit of space, and shoots low… and scores! Tucks it inside the left post, and we take the lead! Frankly, it could’ve been as much as 3-0 by halftime, but a couple of brilliant saves by the Blackpool keeper keep them in it at the break.

I warn the team against a performance drop, and hold my breath… 45 more minutes to promotion. Blackpool with a couple of good build-ups, but their shooting is bad today. In the 69th, Derbyshire knocks a ball ahead of Jansen… he tracks it down near the flag, then bends a cross to the far post… where Di Canio touches it into the back of the net! 2-0 Posh, and the London Road faithful who’ve made the trip are in hysterics! We drop into a 4-5-1 with the same personnel, and try to keep people in front of the ball. Blackpool miss a sitter in the 78th minute, and it looks like we’re well on our way! The seconds tick off, and I celebrate with my assistants, as Peterborough United have won the League One Playoffs!
Win, 2-0, promotion to Championship

The stats really do tell the story of that match, as we had 8 shots, 7 of which were on target, while of Blackpool’s 11 shots, 10 were off target.

PETERBOROUGH REJOICE IN PROMOTION SUCCESS

Peterborough fans are absolutely ecstatic after their boss Butter O’Sixty-Nine beat all the odds to gain promotion from the English League One.

One fans’ spokesperson was heard to remark that O’Sixty-Nine had performed wonders with the resources at his disposal and that a manager of O’Sixty-Nine’s caliber would be coveted by a lot of higher profile clubs.

PETERBOROUGH BOARD PRAISE ‘UNBELIEVABLE’ PROMOTION

The Peterborough board have declared that gaining promotion from the English League One is a quite unbelievable achievement given the skepticism surrounding the club’s chances of promotion when the season began.

They stated that manager Butter O’Sixty-Nine had done a remarkable job at London Road and hope he will continue to be a success for the club for years to come.

PALMASON PRAISES O’SIXTY-NINE FOLLOWING PROMOTION

Palmi Rafn Palmason heaped praise on his current manager following Peterborough’s promotion from English League One.

Palmason claimed that O’Sixty-Nine had done a remarkable job in getting the team promoted and that a lot of the plaudits should head in the manager’s direction.

Now the real reason Palmason cares:

Palmi Rafn Palmason has been given an automatic 15% pay rise as a result of Peterborough winning promotion to the Championship.

Another great season… it started rough, but once we figured out how to use some of our players, and got some good mid-season players in, it all came together for us.

Now, onward and upward for Peterborough United! Time to fight the good fight against relegation in the League Championship.

Butter

05-15-2006, 11:17 AM

Final standings:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/agprice98/06-07finalstandings.jpg

Final player stats:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/agprice98/06-07playerstats.jpg

Player contract summary:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/agprice98/06-07playercontracts.jpg

flere-imsaho

05-15-2006, 12:07 PM

Congratulations! That's fantastic news!

Butter

05-15-2006, 12:25 PM

Final statistics:
Avg. attendance: 7,509 (11th, 1st: Sheff. Wed. (23,493))
Goals scored/conceded: 85/66 (3rd/14th)

Average rating:
1. Kenny Lunt – Crewe (7.45)
19. Matt Jansen (7.20)
23. Matt Derbyshire (7.18)

Goals:
1. Paul Heffernan – Doncaster (37)
6t. Matt Derbyshire (23)
23t. Simon Hagman (14)

Assists:
1. Jon Paul McGovern – Sheff. Wed. (19)
7t. Matt Jansen (12)
9t. Matt Derbyshire (10)

Man of the Match awards:
1. Dean Windass – Bradford (7)
2t. Matt Jansen (6)
10t. Matt Derbyshire (5)

Summary by position:
{Note: Loaned players not included in players out section)

Goalkeeper
Markus Probst was our clear #1. He allowed 58 goals in 49 starts, with 18 clean sheets. Not the stellar record I like from my keepers, but he certainly did the job in the final. Mark Cousins was expected to compete for the #1 job this season, but those plans were put on hold after a couple of disasterous early season performances. He didn’t see the field after the fall, allowing 9 goals in 3 appearances. Morten Bredal-Thorsen came up from the reserves and also was able to perform horribly.

Players out: None
Players in: 23 year old Spaniard Ivan Cuellar (Atletico Madrid – B)

Outlook: Cuellar should come in and be able to lay claim to the #1 spot. But even he has question marks… ones which frankly don’t make me as confident as I should be in this position. At least now, though, I’ll have 3 decent keepers who can play… and Bredal-Thorsen is making good progress in training.

Defense
Our defense was weak this season. The only consistently top-notch performer we had was DC Malek Ait-Alia… and he paid the price for it, playing in all 46 of 49 league matches (including playoffs). Our next 2 best defenders were loaners, Lorenzo Davids from Feyenoord and Phil Cave from Newcastle… but even Cave had his shaky moments, scoring at least 1 own goal that I can remember. Firmin Sanou played well enough on the right, while David Van Den Broeck had a BAD stretch in the middle of the season that resulted in him being a rotational starter late in the season. Evander Sno was expected to solidify the center of our defense, but his youth resulted in him only playing 7 times after the New Year. Marcus Williams was a good backup on the left, his rating hurt by a couple of bad cup performances. Young Tommy Spurr was brought over in midseason, but had his problems as well, never really kicking it into gear despite a sterling pedigree. And Sean St. Ledger… well, he was so bad, he actually managed to average below a 6 in 14 overall appearances for the senior squad. He was demoted to the reserves in mid-season, as were Paul Carden and Dean Holden. To think, I actually turned down a $120k offer for St. Ledger 2 seasons ago.

Players out: Dean Holden, Paul Carden, Shane Huke (all reserves)
Players in: 22 year old Aime Lavie (Sochaux reserves)

Outlook: I can honestly say that if we can’t sign or loan in a couple of VERY GOOD defenders, then next season is going to be an absolute bloodbath. Lavie looks to be able to start at either left back or center back and should be able to fill the loss created by Lorenzo Davids departure following his season long loan… we need Tommy Spurr, Evander Sno, and David Van Den Broeck to step up and have breakout seasons, and hope that Sanou and Ait-Alia don’t start to decline too drastically. All I know is, it’s going to be a challenge to get consistently good play here next season unless we spend some cash.

Midfield
This is where we shined this season, as Matt Jansen was a rock at left wing this year. He played some striker and was successful there, but we didn’t have anyone who could man the wing as skillfully as he did. Di Canio played well at times on the right wing. Palmi Rafn Palmason didn’t create as much as I had hoped, but was still a very solid ball handler in the middle. Peter Gain saw a bit of a step down in production, but it is partially to be expected after our rise in competition. Rachid Tiberkanine struggled early on, but really produced towards the end of the season, posting a 7 average rating in his last 16 appearances, with 4 assists in his last 9 games. Loaner Peter Till was a massive disappointment, as was Martin Brittain. Floribert N’Galula was superb, though, in central midfield, and Antonio Barragan showed some flashes of brilliance on the right wing in between injury layoffs. Honore Kabongo proved he’s not much of a left winger, but more of a striker. Lee Whittington was our 3rd best midfield scorer, but was very streaky and prone to long disappearances. David Perisset started out well after his surprise promotion from the reserves, but went downhill and was sent back after a few more attempts.

Players out: Andre Boucaud (res.), Paolo Di Canio, Ryan Semple (res.)
Players in: 26 year old AM-LC Cherif Toure-Maman (Metz reserves), 32 year old AM-LC Khalilou Fadiga (Bolton reserves)

Outlook: We should be well set at midfield next season… my desire to move Matt Jansen to striker permanently necessitated the signing of 2 new left-wingers, both of whom should be outstanding. Palmason will hopefully be able to continue to grow at MC, as he is only 22. David Perisset will hopefully improve next season, and soon be able to join Palmason in the middle when Rachid Tiberkanine is unavailable. I fear Lee Whittington will be a bit out of his league at the next level, but I will give him a chance to succeed at right wing. However, I realize that is our biggest off-season need in the midfield: right wing. Aside from Whittington, 2 defenders are our next best players at this position, which is not a good place to be. Andrej Mlinaric will likely figure at MC some next season as well, as he has simply blossomed on the reserve team… and is only 17 years old. He will be played some on the senior level next season.

Striker
Matt Derbyshire was far and away our best striker this season, and it’ll be hard to replace him. However, Matt Jansen showed a knack for goal scoring during his brief stint at striker, and will be pressed there more next season. Paolo Di Canio was brilliant during our half-season run to the playoffs. Simon Hagman performed better than expected, frankly, and will be expected to contribute more next season. 20 year old Keith Barker was a massive disappointment, and was often left off the substitute list as the year went on. He didn’t score a single league goal in 15 appearances. I also expected more from Danny Reed, our other new young striker, but admittedly he was rawer than Barker, and didn’t get many chances to prove himself. Honore Kabongo struggled a good bit out there, but we’ll need him next season in order to stay afloat.

Players out: Paolo Di Canio, Danny Crow (res.), James Quinn (res.)
Players in: 28 year old Malcolm Christie (Middlesbrough reserves)

Outlook: I wish we could keep hold of Matt Derbyshire… but he is gone back to Blackburn Rovers. I’m kind of hoping that with Blackburn having been relegated that he’ll be part of some sort of fire sale, but realistically I expect that he’ll be playing against us next year at Ewood Park. Paolo Di Canio couldn’t be moved off retirement. But Malcolm Christie is the biggest signing possibly in the history of London Road, and should prove himself to be a vital cog in the club’s development next season. Jansen and Hagman will be counted on hugely to maintain their level of play at a higher level of competition. Meanwhile, we need a lot more from Keith Barker and Honore Kabongo next season in order to go anywhere. Young striker Florian Da Costa scored 23 goals in 40 reserve appearances, but is probably still a year or two off from being a senior contributor… and Danny Reed will probably be given another year or two before passing judgment on him. If we can convince a major reserve team’s striker to loan out to us, we’ll be thrilled, because frankly, I’m not sure if Christie is going to make the difference I had envisioned when I signed him.

Butter

05-15-2006, 12:26 PM

Congratulations! That's fantastic news!

Thanks! I didn't think we could do it right around the middle of the season... but by mid-April, I believed. Now to avoid relegation...

Chas in Cinti

05-15-2006, 02:33 PM

Don't waste too much time in the offseason... still reading!

Congrats,
Chas

Butter

05-17-2006, 10:42 AM

The bad part about having to win via the playoffs is that the team only gets about one month off.

I finish 2nd in Manager of the year voting. No Posh player is named to the Team of the Year.

June, 2007
Cash balance: $1,610,550

Looking at our finances, I see that gate receipts more than doubled, from $2.9M in 05-06 to $7.4M in 06-07. Also, season tix jumped from $236k to $597k, match day income went from $400k to $887k, and merchandising went from $180k to $297k. Meanwhile, our wage spending was $2.015M this year compared to $1.957M last season. All that equals a profit of over $2.5M for the season concluding June 1, 2007.

SHEFF UTD APPROACH O’SIXTY-NINE
The Blades have offered me a $240k per year contract for 3 seasons to take over for Neil Warnock. I reject the offer.

I entice last season’s loaner 20 year old DLC/DM Lorenzo Davids to sign a deal with the Posh. He’ll make $100k per season through 2009. An important signing for our defensive stability. Davids can also play in midfield when needed, and has blazing pace (I saw him make up about 10 yards on one player last season when both were chasing down a loose ball… he was way behind him, then just passed him and made the play within about 50 yards).

Matt Jansen is named Fans’ Player of the Year for the 2006/07 season.

We are awarded $1.2M for Championship TV rights for the 07/08 season.

The board offers me 4 different budget options:
Wage budget ----- Transfer budget
$3,100,000 ------ $925,000
$3,400,000 ------ $625,000
$3,800,000 ------ $275,000
$3,800,000 ------ $220,000

I am left to assume that there is some small difference between the two $3.8M options. Doesn’t matter, as I decide to go with option 2… that’ll give me almost $1M in wage room to work with, and a good sized transfer budget.

Both the fans and the board are very pleased with my performance as manager, and expect us to fight against relegation this season.

I spend a long time combing through mountains of players and attribute sheets. I settle on a few target men, and send out some offers.

We make our first signing of the summer period, penning 27 year old Artmedia defender Balazs Borbely to a 2 year contract worth a total of around $600k. Borbely is extremely strong technically and mentally… and maybe only lacks a bit in speed. But this Slovakian’s smarts and leadership should help make up for that.

Our friendly matches are all set:
7/7 – v. Southampton
7/13 – v. Newcastle
7/18 – v. Charlton
7/22 – v. Everton
7/27 – v. Celtic
8/1 – v. Liverpool Reserves
Then our league matches begin on August 4th.

We make our next HUGE signing, bringing in what I consider to be a world-class keeper. 25 year old Hakon Opdal will join the Posh from his Norwegian club team, Brann… and has some eye-popping attributes. He is not under a 12 in any goalkeeping attribute besides “eccentricity”, and is not under a 14 in most key ones. He also possesses a terrific sense of positioning and decision-making, and his physical attributes are positive as well… it looks like we have our stopper, folks. Only time will tell, but I am very pleased with this signing.

We also decide to add a couple of new coaches, boosting our coaching ranks to 6, and allowing us to have each coach become more specialized in their fields. In the process, we’ve been able to boost all of our training categories to 3 stars, except for ball control and set pieces. Plus, almost all of our coaches work well with youngsters, and we have a lot of youngsters.

July ‘07
Cash balance: $1,995,039

Our new signings arrive, but the fans note their unease at the signing of defender Aime Lavie, saying he could upset our chemistry. Odd, considering I do not note any personality problems with him.

After the release of our out of contract players, our wage budget settles at a nice $2.886M, which is over $500k under budget.

I start scouring for players to loan in as July hits… it should be a bit easier to bring the youngsters in, since we’re a more important club in the grand scheme of English football now.

July 7, Friendly #1 v. Southampton
Southampton split our central defense like butter early on, and score after just 9 minutes. A long stretch goes by without much excitement, but in the 79th minute Honore Kabongo and Matt Jansen hook up on a nice move, which Jansen finishes to give us the leveller.
Draw, 1-1

Considering our absolutely dreadful pre-season from last year, this is definitely a step up.

We make another transfer move, bringing in 21 year old Bulgarian MRC Georgi Sarmov in for a $40k fee + 20% of his next fee to his Bulgarian club team. Sarmov improves our right side of midfield immediately. He has terrific physical attributes, and is noted as liking to “shoot from distance” and “shoot with power”, a dynamic that our offense lacks. He is a good passer and crosser, and makes good decisions. He signs a $220k per season contract with us through 2010.

Our first loaner joins the club, as it’s 20 year old D/M-R Antonio Barragan agreeing to his 3rd loan stint at London Road from Liverpool. He had injury problems last season, but played well when he was in there… he only costs us about $80k for a full season’s loan.

July 13, Friendly #2 v. Newcastle
Much like our last match, the visitors get on the board in the 9th minute. We get it back in the 35th minute, as Barragan’s early cross finds Hagman, who dives onto it and heads it past the Magpie keeper. Newcastle get back in the lead in the 79th, as Albert Luque finds the net after Balazs Borbely was robbed in midfield. Still in all, not a bad performance, especially by keeper Ivan Cuellar, who made 3 wonderful saves.
Loss, 2-1

July 18, Friendly #3 v. Charlton Athletic
The Addicks score after just 4 minutes in this one. Then, just after halftime they bury a long range shot to go ahead 2-0, and 6 minutes later it’s 3-0 as Mark Cousins falls apart in the 2nd half after an impressive first half. No one performed particularly well in this one.
Loss, 3-0

I notice that Matt Jansen is attracting some attention from Wigan Athletic… he has a minimum fee release clause of $4.5 million, so that is a bit worrying.

July 22, Friendly #4 v. Everton
Everton get on the board in first half stoppage time, an improvement for us. We level the match, as Danny Reed finally shows me something, getting on the end of a Matt Jansen cross and heading it in. In the 64th, David Perisset with a great through ball for Jansen, and he slots it home to put us ahead 2-1. Just 3 minutes later, Davids with a great long ball for Jansen… he draws the keeper, then plays the ball low to the far post where Georgi Sarmov has an easy finish and puts us up 3-1. Then just 5 minutes from time, it’s Jansen with another assist, this time heading down for Reed again, and he buries a low shot inside the left post to give us the 4-1 lead. The Toffees get one back with 2 minutes left, then close to within 4-3 in the 2nd extra minute. Matt Jansen was in mid-season form, netting a goal and assisting on the other 3.
Win, 4-3

I successfully scare off Wigan by letting them know that we want $5.5M for Matt Jansen. His clause kicks in at $4.5M, but they don’t know that. They decide against following up their inquiry for him after we let them know how much we value him.

July 27, Friendly #5 v. Celtic
A boring first half sends the teams into the locker room at 0-0. Finally, in the 75th minute we score, as Amie Lavie’s cross to the near post finds Cherif Toure-Maman, who heads it in from 8 yards. Then in the 84th, Mlinaric with a nice pass to Kabongo, who half-volleys it in from 12 yards for a 2-0 lead… and that’s how it ends.
Win, 2-0

Andrej Mlinaric and Georgi Sarmov played exceedingly well in that last match. Opdal also had a fine game in goal. Our team is looking fairly formidable as the pre-season moves along. Our last 2 matches have been very impressive.

Our 2nd loaner comes to London Road, as this time it’s 22 year old Swedish AMR Jonatan Berg joining the Posh for a 5 month loan from Aston Villa’s reserve squad.

One more friendly, then the season is set to begin.

August ‘07
Cash balance: $2,304,059

The problem I have now, is I almost have too many players. My depth chart is crazy.... I'll review it just prior to our first Championship match.

Butter

05-17-2006, 02:07 PM

Aug. 1, Friendly #6 v. Liverpool Reserves
The Reds get on the board in the 38th minute. And that’s about it. We barely threaten in our final tune-up match… but to be fair, I played almost all youngsters in this one, saving the first-teamers for our season opener in 4 days’ time.
Loss, 1-0

Our first match of the season was moved a couple of weeks ago to Sunday, to allow for feature TV coverage. We’ll face Nottingham Forest at London Road in our first Championship match since our relegation following the 1993/94 season.

The League Cup First Round Draw is held, and we draw Brighton on the road… that match will be on Aug. 22.

We just miss out on signing possibly the finest young goalkeeper I’ve ever seen… 21 year old Chris Howarth agrees to join Birmingham from Blackburn Rovers… after I had met all his needs and agreed to the $200k transfer fee to Rovers. I can only assume he thinks he’s going to play at Birmingham. He has the skill to do it, but I see him riding the bench. This move would’ve caused a huge log-jam at GK for me, but he looked like he was more than worth it, with several 20 ratings that I saw… and that was with the “fog of war” on… so I was willing to take the risk that his hidden attributes were 1’s just based on what I had seen. Drat.

We’re able to convince another Liverpudlian to join us, as 19 year old Austrian forward Besian Idrizaj joins us on a season long loan from Anfield. Idrizaj displays keen finishing skill, and a nose for the ball… he is not as fast as Hagman, but should prove a bit more skilled around the box than Hagman is, who tends to depend on his speed a bit too much.

Our final roster move prior to the season opener is bringing in another midfielder… this time it’s 21 year old Man Utd. Reserve Chris Eagles agreeing to join us for a 5 month loan. Eagles is a spectacular wing player, but can be outmuscled for the ball. When we decide to set up our 4-2-3-1 formation, he’ll be in there at AMR, I imagine.

Depth chart
This list is inclusive of all senior squad players, but does not include every possible player at every possible position… just the most likely combos.

GK: Hakon Opdal, Ivan Cuellar, Markus Probst
DL: Aime Lavie, Lorenzo Davids, Tommy Spurr
DC: Balazs Borbely, Malek Ait-Alia, Evander Sno, Lavie, Spurr, David Van Den Broeck
DR: Firmin Sanou, Van Den Broeck, Ait-Alia
ML: Cherif Toure-Maman, Khalilou Fadiga, Andrej Mlinaric, Honore Kabongo
MC: Palmi Rafn Palmason, Rachid Tiberkanine, Georgi Sarmov, Khalilou Fadiga, Andrej Mlinaric
MR: Antonio Barragan, Chris Eagles, Jonatan Berg, Georgi Sarmov
ST: Matt Jansen, Malcolm Christie, Simon Hagman, Besian Idrizaj, Honore Kabongo, Keith Barker

Malcolm Christie and Georgi Sarmov start the season injured.

Aug. 5, Match 1 v. Nottingham Forest
As we start the season, I notice I have 10 foreigners in the starting lineup. Only Matt Jansen is English among my starting XI. Forest get on the board first, as they score from a 15 yard shot that deflects in off Amie Lavie. We go up a man in the 40th minute, as Borbely gets a vicious elbow in the face, getting a Forest striker sent straight to the showers. We shift to a 4-2-3-1 after halftime to apply some pressure to Forest. Palmason hits the post with a long range shot in the 69th minute. We fail to put much pressure on the Forest goal, and then in the 87th minute, Lorenzo Davids gives up a PK after a push in the box… Forest convert it, and we’re sunk. Not a great start to the season here.
Loss, 2-0, begin in 21st

Promotion odds
Leeds – 7:4
Blackburn, Ipswich – 2:1
Coventry, WBA – 3:1
Wigan – 6:1
.
.
Peterborough Utd. – 40:1

Apparently, my price is in line with what a relegation candidate’s would be at the start of the season.

Aug. 7, Match 2 @ #13 Millwall
A fairly open first half, but both keepers are able to keep things scoreless at halftime. Hakon Opdal spends the entire second half bailing out some lazy defense, but finally in the 80th minute the Lions are able to stuff one in past our Norwegian keeper. We push several players forward late, but it amounts to nothing as we lose and fail to score yet again.
Loss, 1-0, drop to 22nd

Good to know that league favorite Leeds is also struggling early, as they’ve lost 2 decisions by a combined 5-0 score.

So, my team that I expected to be improved in all areas early on, looks like they’ve approved in no areas at all.

We make another loan in, as we’re threatening to become Liverpool East… this time it’s 19 year old D/DM Miki Roque joining us on a 3 month loan. Roque will probably be pressed to play in central midfield.

Aug. 11, Match 3 v. #2 Wigan
We settle on our 4-2-3-1 attacking scheme for this home match against Wigan. Wigan go ahead on a completely unmarked header from 10 yards off a corner kick in the 9th minute. Wigan score again on another set piece in the 29th, this time a free kick from near the end line on the left, and it’s headed in. We shuffle some players around up front after the break to try and kick start our offense. In the 57th it pays off, as Palmason buries a 20 yard free kick that was earned by Matt Jansen’s run. Our first goal of the season cuts the deficit in half. We don’t get much of a sniff the rest of the match though, and we’ve now lost 3 to start the season.
Loss, 2-1, drop to 23rd

Only Ipswich Town’s -6 GD is holding us up from being dead last. We’re the only two teams to not have at least gotten a point from 3 matches yet.

Not sure what to do with the lads just yet… perhaps I need to take a closer look at our tactics. Maybe a switch to the diamond is in order. Hate to do that, especially considering that would leave a couple of true MC’s that we have essentially without a position. All things considered, we’re really not playing THAT BADLY. The first match, we allowed a goal off a deflection, then a PK was given for their 2nd. In match #2, Opdal had a bit of a lapse allowing in a goal after fighting off several shots. Then in our last match, 2 set pieces were our undoing, but we did finally prove that we could score… also off a set piece. Just need some confidence… our next opponents look like a good bet to give us some.

Aug. 18, Match 4 @ #9 Doncaster
Sticking with the 4-2-3-1 today. And we get on the board early, as Hagman makes a steal in midfield in the 4th minute, then plays a great ball to Kabongo down the middle… Kabongo attacks the goal, dekes the keeper and slots it home to his left. Opdal with an absolutely masterful save to deny what looked like a tap-in in the 12th minute. Toure-Maman has a free kick just barely tipped aside in the 19th minute. In the 43rd minute, Hagman gets a breakaway off a Rovers free kick… he makes a couple of moves, but has his shot stopped… Roque with a nice run to get to the rebound first and put it away! 2-0 Posh at halftime. We get the clincher in the 67th, as a Chris Eagles cross to a Hagman header is tipped away by the keeper… but not far enough, as Cherif Toure-Maman is there on the back post to finish it. 7 minutes later, it’s Toure-Maman winning a header in midfield… then Hagman beats his marker, and curls a powerful 15 yard shot around the keeper to put us up 4-0. Hagman with 3 assists in earning his perfect 10 in this match.
Win, 4-0, up to 21st

We drag ourselves out of the relegation zone, and are just one win away from the top half of the table. I’m impressed that of our 5 goals, 5 different players have scored them.

Aug. 22, League Cup First Round @ Brighton (#24 in League One)
Ivan Cuellar picking up his first start in goal in this one. Brighton score in the 33rd, as Rachid Tiberkanine suffers a brain cramp at 35 yards… and Cuellar is caught WAY out, allowing a 35 yard goal. Not surprisingly, we’re extremely flat and fail to mount a serious charge on the Gulls goal.
Loss, 1-0, out of League Cup

3 years in a row we’ve lost our first League Cup game.

Aug. 25, Match 5 v. #11 Blackburn
Malcolm Christie getting his first start in our 4-2-3-1 today. A tight match through the first 45 minutes, but our defense is playing stellar. We sub in Hagman for Christie midway through the 2nd half, but it makes no difference. Neither team seemed dangerous today.
Draw, 0-0, drop to 22nd

One more match in August, then we can put all this crappy performance behind us.

Seems like the team is just not comfortable with each other. I have brought in a LOT of new players, but aside from the one match against Doncaster, we’ve looked completely out of sorts…. Unable to string passes together, not able to spot the open man, and thoroughly unable to hit the back of the net. I expected this team to be an offensive power and to struggle defensively… so far, it’s been the exact opposite.

Aug. 27, Match 6 @ #20 Derby County
Hagman breaks free on a counter-attack… he plays a nice one-two with Kabongo, and finishes strong past the keeper! 1-0, Posh after 32 minutes. 3 minutes later, it’s Hagman again, this time he draws 2 defenders and centers to Idrizaj, who successfully chips the keeper from 20 yards for our 2nd goal! Hagman picks up a knock at halftime. Borbely is whistled for a foul in the box in the 74th minute, and the Rams pick up their first goal of the match on the ensuing PK. We dominate the late part of the match, and take a deserved win. Andrej Mlinaric continues to impress, as the young (just turned) 18 year old was dominant in midfield late.
Win, 2-1, up to 15th

After a pretty disasterous start, we’ve climbed to mid-table following 3 consecutive decent-to-great league performances. And for the first time in my tenure, we’re not scrambling to bring in more players at the transfer deadline. In fact, we’re probably a little too heavy with players right now.

We start getting multiple unsolicited offers for Simon Hagman, who has opened the season with 2 goals and 4 assists in the opening month… and he only played in 4 of the 6 matches. I turn down all of the offers, which are quite undervaluing his worth. Unfortunately, he is also demanding a salary in line with those high expectations… $350k per season + a $300k signing bonus. He currently makes $20k per season. I’m going to see how things go, and possibly try and re-sign him come December.

dixieflatline

05-17-2006, 03:01 PM

Butter,

Since the team probably doesn't look like one that will be fighting for promotion this year I was wondering why you didn't put more effort into the League cup?

Butter

05-17-2006, 03:15 PM

I'll fight for the FA Cup, but yeah I kinda tanked the League Cup. It's just never been a prestigious competition in my mind. It is maybe a notch above the Vans Trophy, but about 3 steps below the FA Cup, in my mind. Plus, despite the slow start, I think this team can fight for a playoff spot.

Butter

05-17-2006, 03:30 PM

September ‘07
Cash balance: $2,582,955

Surprisingly, youngster Andrej Mlinaric finishes second in Player of the Month voting. He did average a 7.67 over 3 starts, but didn’t score or register an assist. Meanwhile, loaner Miki Roque wins the Young Player of the Month award.

Sept. 8, Match 7 v. #24 Leicester
The Foxes come out looking determined, and they score first off a cross and header in the 10th minute. They are able to hold that lead through halftime and throughout the 2nd half. They almost make it all the way home, but in the 84th, we get a free kick straight on at the edge of the box… Chris Eagles sets up for it, and he strikes it into the top right corner! Neither team can manage anything else, and we’ll take the single point.
Draw, 1-1, drop to 18th

Sept. 11, Match 8 @ #11 Sheffield United
Malcolm Christie nearly scores his first Posh goal just 30 seconds in… but his hard 15 yard strike is ruled out for offsides. Again, a bad series of bounces leads to the first opposition goal, as a clearance comes off Sno, and finds a wide open striker from 8 yards out, giving the Blades a 1-0 lead at minute 34. After a stern talking-to at halftime, we come out looking crisp. In the 58th, Jansen finds himself in space… he passes to Idrizaj, who neatly centers for Christie, who has an open goal to shoot at and buries it. Then, just 2 minutes later, Chris Eagles finds Christie in space again, and he is able to hold off a defender and beat the keeper to the far post! 2-1, Posh. We suffer through nearly 6 minutes of stoppage time, but come out with the win! Malcolm Christie is the man of the match here, coming through in style.
Win, 2-1, up to 10th place

The signing of Khalilou Fadiga has been star-crossed so far… he has had the flu, then after coming back from that he tears a groin muscle and will miss 1-2 months of action. Luckily, he is only signed for this season.

Sept. 15, Match 9 v. #2 Stoke
We keep putting Simon Hagman out there, despite him really being our 3rd choice striker… his form screams for him to be in the lineup. And in the 8th minute, he shows why, winning a tough header on a long free kick from Opdal… heading it down to Eagles, who passes to Toure-Maman, who finds Hagman splitting the 2 central defenders and slotting it home past the keeper for a 1-0 Posh lead. Hagman is on fire. In the 31st, it’s that man again… this time Eagles cross to the near post finds Hagman, who heads it in at point blank range. Just 2 minutes later, it’s Hagman again… he beats his man and is in clean on the keeper… his shot is stopped, but it bobbles right back to him, and he puts it in off the post! A 33 minute hat-trick for Simon Hagman. And it doesn’t stop there… Eagles gets free again in the 44th… he again crosses for Hagman, who one touches it into the goal for his 4th of the half. In the 52nd, guess who? Yep, Simon Hagman fires in a shot from a Kabongo chip… and he scores from 15 yards. Predictably, Stoke start chopping at Hagman, and pick up a couple of cards taking him down. Stoke just lay back and take their beating. Hagman and Eagles both earn 10’s in this one.
Win, 5-0, up to 9th place – 1 point from 6th, 5 pts. behind 1st place Wigan

Izulde

05-17-2006, 03:49 PM

Nice recent run of form. :)

Butter

05-18-2006, 09:02 AM

I'm struggling with what to do about Hagman, and probably figure to wait until December to re-sign him, since his contract is up at season's end. But even so, I fear a drop in performance, even despite Hagman's superior ball handling abilities... what do you think?

Here are Hagman's attributes... and a comparison with our recently signed "star" striker, Malcolm Christie:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/th_hagman.jpg (http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/hagman.jpg) --- http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/th_christie.jpg (http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/christie.jpg)

Butter

05-18-2006, 10:50 AM

Sept. 22, Match 10 v. #10 Luton
With all the depth we have, it is actually quite difficult to determine who will play from one game to the next. Except for one position: striker. Hagman is coming off a 5 goal match, and will play up front until he cools off. Opdal with a couple of nice saves through the first quarter hour. Our defensive and midfield speed is really making a difference in how well we defend this season. Luton just continue to pile on the pressure, and finally in the 35th Opdal is unable to smother a shot, and the Hatters knock in the rebound. Hagman with a couple of half-chances early in the 2nd half, but his touch is off. Christie on for him in the 74th, and we switch to a 3-3-3-1. We push even farther forward, and pay for it in the 1st extra minute, as Luton score a 2nd to put the game out of reach.
Loss, 2-0, drop to 11th, 3 pts. out of 6th

A dreadful performance by everybody involved. Everyone rated a 6, except for DC Balazs Borbely, who stooped to a 5.

Horrible injury news in mid-week training, as defender Lorenzo Davids pulls up lame in a training session… and he’s torn his hamstring. He’ll miss 2-3 months. Marcus Williams has been tearing it up on the reserve team, so I think he will get a shot to come back and play some left back.

Sept. 25, Match 11 @ #18 Norwich
We are dominated in the first half by the Canaries, but manage to hold it nil-nil through the break. Norwich come out of the locker rooms fired up, and score in the 47th minute after some careless defending by Tommy Spurr. Pretty much the opposition defense is now taking the tactic of chopping down Hagman whenever he gets the ball. The whistle goes after full time, as we make one decent effort at goal, but it’s not good enough.
Loss, 1-0, drop to 13th

Another embarrassing game, and it must be time to switch back to the ol’ 4-4-2 counter-attack. Seems as though our tactics need to be switched every so often, or else we start going through these down streaks. Either that, or it has something to do with my locker room talks. When we get on a good run, I try to tell the players “Fantastic” every so often… but usually one of the times I tell them how well they’re doing, they come out next game and completely tank. Also, Hakon Opdal has been playing exceptionally poorly lately, his form turning to all 6’s in the past few matches.

Matt Jansen hurt his elbow fairly seriously in that last match, and will miss 2-3 weeks of action. Jansen has been fairly bad so far this season, which makes me wish maybe I should’ve sold him back when his stock was sky-high, and I had an offer.

Sept. 29, Match 12 @ #23 Sunderland
We switch back to a counter-attacking 4-4-2 for this match at struggling Sunderland. Neither team puts up much of an effort in the first half, again ending scoreless. We’re slipping back into the patterns of our first few games this year when we couldn’t score. The Black Cats have the better of play throughout the 2nd half, but we manage to hold on and take a point from this one.
Draw, 0-0, drop to 15th

A mediocre end to a mediocre month. Up and down, much like August was. At times it seems like we can contend, at others it seems like we’re a bottom feeder who has to rely on defense to earn points and make up for the complete and utter lack of offense.

We end the month 16th, following a crazy 2-2-2 outing. Our +4 GD and goals allowed of less than 1 per match screams a team that should be contending… but we’re wallowing mid-table right now with our inconsistency.

SirFozzie

05-18-2006, 11:04 AM

Try the 4-3-1-2 Counter..

Butter

05-18-2006, 02:42 PM

Thanks for the suggestion... but I like the 2 formations I'm set up with right now. I think we're starting to get the hang of them too...

Butter

05-18-2006, 02:44 PM

October ‘07
Cash balance: $2,426,600

We open the month with a LONG layoff thanks to international action taking many of our players out of town. We begin play after 21 days off, finding ourselves in 19th place, but with 2 games in hand on the competition.

Oct. 20, Match 13 v. #15 Reading
We get off to a flying start, as in the 6th minute. Eagles breaks free down the right, then crosses low for Toure-Maman, who scores past the diving keeper. We keep hold of the match, and get a 2nd in the 40th minute, as Eagles flick on to Hagman finds him just onside… Hagman with a long run, then he gets around the keeper and scores to make it 2-0. Reading get one back in the 55th, as Opdal misses a punch and allows the header into the unprotected goal. Hagman puts it beyond doubt in the 71st, though, as he gets the ball just to the right of the box, then sends a magnificent tight cross to the far post, where Honore Kabongo is waiting… and he heads it into the back of the net. Balazs Borbely finally shows some of the skill I paid for over the summer, rating a 9 and earning man of the match honors for winning 17/18 headers, and making 14 pass interceptions.[/b]
Win, 3-1, up to 16th

Former EPL player Andy Cole is named new head coach at Tranmere.

Oct. 24, Match 14 v. #10 QPR
After a scrum in front of the box, Matt Jansen collects the ball and shoots early and low past the keeper and scores! Jansen puts us up 1-0 in the 16th minute with his first goal of the year. QPR get it back 5 minutes later though, as another bouncy ball winds up going in off the post. We head back into the lead off a corner kick in the 40th, as Kabongo’s corner finds Sarmov in the middle of the area… the keeper turns it away, but Hagman is there to score the rebound! And 2 minutes later, we strike again, this time Hagman the architect, as he passes low to Jansen, who hits it forward 10 yards for Eagles… Eagles runs onto it and powers a low shot in past the keeper to make it 3-1. QPR gets another goal in the 62nd, as Borbely leaves his man to attack the ball only to see the pass played in behind him, leading to an easy low shot past Opdal. And QPR get level in the 80th, as a wide open cross finds a wide open striker at the back post… and he heads it in. Both Sanou and Lavie to blame on that one. Tough lead to blow, as we take a single point from the Rangers.
Draw, 3-3, up to 15th

Oct. 27, Match 15 @ #2 Cardiff
Back to the 4-4-2 counter-attacking for this one. Hagman has a seat in favor of Kabongo and Christie up front today. Cardiff have yielded just 10 goals in 15 matches. Just before halftime, they yield their 11th, as we strike on a counter… Sarmov knocks a great ball ahead of Christie, who dribbles to the edge of the box then successfully chips the keeper to put us ahead in the 45th minute. Opdal picks up a minor injury midway through the 2nd half… Cuellar comes on for him. We back into a 4-5-1 with 20 minutes left, trying to cling to our sad goal advantage. Cuellar with two outstanding saves in injury time, as he stops a point blank header than keeps in front of it and stops the rebound attempt as well. We kill the clock and take the points! Balazs Borbely continues his Jekyll & Hyde season, winning another MoM in central defense.
Win, 1-0, up to 12th, 4 pts. out of 6th

I think we’re going to try out the ol’ attacking tactics at home/counter-attacking tactics on the road style for a bit and see where that gets us.

Danny Reed is setting our reserve team on fire… he has 16 goals in 15 appearances, and is averaging an 8 rating… our reserve team is solid, finally growing into respectability after a couple of very lean seasons. They’re at 10-1-1, and lying first in the Group 4 Reserves table.

Oct. 30, Match 16 @ #16 Leeds
Our team’s superior depth and conditioning should help show in this match, as Leeds have several tired looking bodies, while all of our starters begin the match at 95% stamina or better. In the 6th minute, some sloppy passing by Leeds is exposed, as Jansen sticks a toe in on a backpass to the keeper… the ball bounces free, and Hagman hits it from 25 yards at an open net to give us the lead. Hagman’s 10th of the year already. 2 minutes later, it’s Chris Eagles beating his man down the right, then sending in an early ball to the near post, where Matt Jansen heads it in to give us a 2-0 lead after just 8 minutes. Just 5 minutes later, Jansen with a great ball ahead of Hagman, he controls it, gets past 2 men, and slots it past the keeper for a 3-0 lead. The domination continues, as Hagman crosses this time for Jansen, and his header deflects in past a defender for a 4-0 lead in the 35th. Leeds pull one back on a corner kick in the 39th minute. Meanwhile, Simon Hagman scores again, after a great ball by Eagles… Hagman’s 2nd 3-goal-in-1-half performance this season. We take a 5-1 lead into the locker room. Leeds put in another in the 57th, off a free kick and volley in at the near post. In the 66th minute, Spurr with a great long ball that Jansen latches onto… he gets around the keeper, and scores it. Jansen with his hat-trick. Great timing on that run, and just a smart ball by Spurr. The scoring ends there, but not before Matt Jansen awakens… earning a 10 alongside Hagman’s 10.
Win, 6-2, up to 10th – 4 pts. behind 6th place Coventry

Appears we’re back on track, as we close out an undefeated October at 3-1-0. Simon Hagman continues to be the most exciting player in the league… he’s hit 12 goals already.

Butter

05-18-2006, 03:24 PM

November ‘07
Cash balance: $2,210,782

Balazs Borbely is named Player of the Month, thanks to his 8.25 average rating in 4 appearances, including 2 MoM honors. Chris Eagles is voted 2nd in the Young Player of the Month voting.

Nov. 3, Match 17 v. #8 Hull
Back to the 4-2-3-1 for our home game… Hull have a -2 goal difference… so beats me how they’ve managed to worm up to 8th. Our +11 GD is almost misleading though considering that we’ve had 3 HUGE blowout wins to account for most of that difference. Out of nothing, we create a goal… a Hull free kick from the edge of the box is cleared long by Malek Ait-Alia… and Hagman outruns two Tiger defenders for the ball. He latches onto it, then chips the keeper from 20 yards and scores! 1-0, Posh at 31 minutes. In the 62nd minute, Jonatan Berg in a rare start crosses for Matt Jansen, who heads it in for his 5th of the season. 3 minutes later, it’s Berg again, this time playing Hagman onside… Hagman with another great placed shot beats the keeper and gives us a 3-0 lead… and Opdal earns a rare 8 in goal, as we keep the shutout.
Win, 3-0, up to 8th – 2 pts. behind 6th place Ipswich, 9 behind 1st place Wigan

One of our initial loaners is preparing to leave the Posh. D/DM Miki Roque’s 3 month loan is coming to an end, and Liverpool are refusing to let him stay over any longer. Roque had a fantastic stretch in September there, but faded a bit in October… he’ll finish his loan with an average rating of 6.83 in 12 appearances, with 1 goal and 1 assist.

Southampton sack George Burley, as they find themselves 19th in the EPL… with an atrocious -20 goal difference after just 12 matches. They’ve scored 6 and allowed 26. Far and away the worst GD in the EPL, but they’re still well within striking distance to get into the top 10 if they can turn it around. Former German 2nd division manager of Mainz Jurgen Klopp is hired on at St. Mary’s.

I notice that Blackburn and WBA have taken notice of our young midfielder Andrej Mlinaric… and Southampton have now joined the list of those interested in Simon Hagman.

Nov. 7, Match 18 @ #21 Plymouth
We keep our attacking tactics up for this road league match against a weak defensive opponent. We start strong, as we take the opening kickoff, feed it to Toure-Maman on the left… he crosses for Jansen, who puts it away. A goal in 17 seconds, and we lead 1-0. In the 22nd, Simon Hagman does it again… Plymouth tries to launch a counter, but a messy pass forward winds up going backward right to Hagman, who jinks around the keeper and buries his 15th of the season. Hagman nearly nets his 16th just moments later, but he is ruled offside. Just minutes before halftime, Plymouth Argyle get one back, as Lavie’s clearance is played back into the six, where an Argyle attacker tucks it away past Opdal. During 1st half stoppage time, Mlinaric passes forward to Jansen… he turns and shoots from the top of the arc and bends it around the outstretched keeper for a 3-1 halftime lead. Mlinaric with his first assist of the season. Just after halftime, Hagman scores again, this time it’s Palmason setting him up for one of his trademark 20 yard chip shots. Plymouth nearly make it 4-2 in the 66th, but they’re ruled offside on the goal. Powerful move for Plymouth in the 81st, as a swift low cross finds the foot of a striker, and it’s 4-2. Plymouth hit the post on a shot just 2 minutes later, but that seemed to wake our defense up as we hold on for the win.
Win, 4-2, up to 4th place – 3 pts. behind 2nd place Cardiff

We finally complete our games in hand on the field, and sit level with everyone on 18 matches played… and our winning streak finds us breathing down the leaders’ necks. Wigan at 37 points, Cardiff at 34, Coventry at 32, and us, WBA, and Blackburn on 31. We hold the best GD in the league, at +16.

Malcolm Christie almost predictably complains about not being a first team regular. What can I tell him? When you’ve got a guy scoring over 1 goal a game, you gotta play him. And most of the time, we’re running a one striker formation, which has left Christie in the cold. I tell him he will get his chance in the coming weeks.

We get another break, as more international games are played during mid-November, giving us some time off.

Nov. 17, Match 19 @ #3 Coventry
We fall back to the 4-4-2 counter today, inserting Christie and Hagman as strike partners. The Sky Blues waste no time getting on the board, scoring off a rebound of a 15 yard shot in the 2nd minute. We look completely lost in this one, as Coventry score a nice bending 25 yard shot in the 23rd. I tell the team to stop looking so clueless at halftime… and it seems to help. Christie has a breakaway slide tackled from him at 15 yards… but finally Georgi Sarmov’s long range shots come into play, as he gathers up the loose ball and buries a wicked 25 yarder to halve the Coventry lead. Aime Lavie picks up his 2nd yellow in the 77th, effectively ending our comeback.
Loss, 2-1, drop to 5th

Well, our run of wins had to end sometime… Coventry played a great defensive game though, making at least 2 last ditch tackles on breakaways, and limiting our crosses effectively. Christie didn’t do much to make me think he should be our #1 striker.

tanglewood

05-18-2006, 08:59 PM

Looking at both stats and performances, you have to keep Hagman. Pay him whatever he wants and tell Christie to shut up whilst he sits. Hagman is better where it counts for a striker, he's quicker, has better technique, a better first touch, is more creative and flairy, and they are roughly level on finishing.

Neon_Chaos

05-19-2006, 02:30 AM

I'd keep Hagman. At 23, this kid is only going to get better. Although Christie seems like a better "defensive FC", Hagman is pure offense personified, speed skill and technique... he's got it. Christie would probably be a nice fit as a 3rd wheel among your FC's, in the rotation.

Neon_Chaos

05-19-2006, 02:38 AM

Dola.

I think it's good that you're sticking to your tactics. It helps if you manage to create a couple or so for Home and Away games (mentally, the home teams have an edge due to the crowd, and it leads to more confident attacks. Which is why I play offensively during home and defensively during away)

I have my own 4-1-2-1-2 (a modified 4-4-2 diamond) for my home games and a near-diamond lokoing 4-4-2 diamond for away games employed.

For home my DM and AMC are crucial in controlling the midfield when trying to press the attack at an opponent. My two wingers are farrowed (forward arrow, full) and my FC's are set with one being on pure attack mode, and the other one challenging opposing defenders from volleying shots towards their forwards.

For away games, I have my wingers with no arrows, the FC's sarrowed (side arrowed) and one of the MC farrowed to the AMC spot, and the other MC barrowed to the DM spot... to ensure i still maintain control of the midfield and counter-attack from the wings without compromising position or defense.

Butter

05-19-2006, 07:32 AM

Thanks for the feedback... I think I'm going to wait another couple of weeks, then try to offer Hagman. I've got the money to keep him, so I might as well do it and see where he takes us.

Butter

05-19-2006, 08:46 AM

We hope to follow up our first loss in 8 league matches with another strong match at home. Blackburn Rovers win on Sunday drops us to 6th place.

I note that a couple of our later season matches have been picked for TV coverage, including our return matchup against Coventry. That should be a fun one. Hopefully at that stage of the season (March), it will have some meaning as well.

Nov. 24, Match 20 v. #17 Sheffield Wednesday
I give Ivan Cuellar the start in goal today. Again, we open with the 4-2-3-1 at home. Cuellar does well in the 4th minute to keep an own goal out. Both teams are showing some nice build-up, but we get on the board first… Eagles 35th minute free kick from the right is driven in low towards the spot… Jansen controls it, turns, shoots, and scores! Nice strike from Jansen, and we take a 1-0 lead into the break. We strike again shortly after halftime, as Hagman chases down a long ball and controls it near the end line… he crosses back to the center where the keeper gets a finger on it, but can’t keep Jansen from stuffing it home! 2-0. The Owls pick up a goal in the 82nd, after a sloppy series of midfield possession gives them a couple of chances at crossing to the middle. Luckily, Cuellar helps us hold on for the win.
Win, 2-1, up to 5th – 3 pts. behind 2nd place Blackburn, 7 behind 1st place Wigan

Derby County sack their manager, as they languish near the bottom of the table. Meanwhile, Cardiff miss a chance to jump us into 6th by losing the featured Sunday match to 22nd place Plymouth 1-0.

We finish November strong, another good month that finds us finishing at 3-0-1 and jumping into the playoff places.

Butter

05-19-2006, 02:26 PM

December ‘07
Cash balance: $2,112,240

A bunch of our players are going to be out of contract at season’s end, so we start to work on contract negotiations with those we wish to keep. Those not being kept include:

AM Khalilou Fadiga
D/M Firmin Sanou
M Peter Gain
D Sean St. Ledger
GK Markus Probst

We offer contracts to some others, but note that midfielder Palmi Rafn Palmason is refusing to negotiate with us at this time… looks like he’s going to test the market.

Dec. 1, Match 21 @ #8 Watford
Start Christie and loaner Besian Idrizaj up front to give Hagman a day off. But he is on the sub list if needed. A poor clearance by Barragan falls right to a Watford attacker, and they score from 15 yards in the 20th minute. In the 45th, Watford score again, as we’re completely unable to keep in front of the ball. Just after halftime, we get one back, as a nice string of passes ends with Palmason finding Idrizaj, and he buries it from inside 8 yards. We bring Kabongo and Hagman on late and try to run a 3-4-3 the last few minutes to get the equalizer, but it doesn’t amount to anything.
Loss, 2-1, drop to 7th, 1 pt. out of 6th

Everton offers us a promising looking 16 year old AM, a 30% of next sale, and a friendly in exchange for Simon Hagman. We turn down the offer. Southampton, Middlesbrough, and Wolves make similar offers of a player + % of next sale for Hagman. I turn them down.

The Third Round FA Cup Draw is held, and we’ll travel to The Den to face Millwall on January 5th, 2008.

Dec. 8, Match 22 v. #8 Ipswich
Ipswich control play early, but in the 15th, Jansen steals a pass in midfield, and has acres of green in front of him… he charges into the box, and the Ipswich defender brings him down… it’s a penalty and a red card! Jansen to take the spot kick himself… and he scores! Goal number 10 for Jansen puts us in front. In the 26th minute, Kabongo tries to skip past his man on the left side of the box… he skins him, but is caught from behind… another penalty! This time, it’s Firmin Sanou to take it… and he scores. 2-0 Posh on 2 PK’s. In the 82nd, Georgi Sarmov curls in a 25 yarder, and gives us a 3-0 lead. But the match isn’t over unless Simon Hagman scores, and in the 90th he makes a steal, gets around one defender, holds off another, and chips the keeper from 20 yards for our 4th goal of the day.
Win, 4-0, up to 6th place – 2 pts. behind 2nd place Blackburn

The usual suspects top the table this season, as it’s Wigan in first, then Blackburn, West Brom., Norwich, Coventry, and us. The top 4 have all been in and out of the Premiership in the last few seasons. It’s going to be VERY tough for us to keep up with them, considering they all have fringe EPL talent. I’d like to think that we do as well, but realistically we must stay injury free and playing very well to maintain our top 6 position. A couple of slips will find us in 9th before you know it.

Dec. 11, Match 23 @ #3 West Bromwich Albion
The Baggies strike first, with an easy cross and header in… Sanou looked old and slow in getting beaten down the left by Diomansy Kamara. Hagman has a certain goal charged down in the 16th minute. The rest of the half is spent watching good chances end after a swift tackle, or a panicky clearance. We barely get inside the box. WBA get on the board again in the 47th minute, as a nice chip finds an open striker at 6 yards, and he volleys it in. WBA pick up a PK try in the 64th minute, and they bury it to go up 3-0. Opdal does well to keep it from being as bad as 5-0, stopping 2 more breakaways… meanwhile, WBA’s keeper Tomasz Kuszczak makes at least 2 goal saving stops, flying all over the place. We’re outclassed in this one.
Loss, 3-0, drop to 7th, 1 pt. behind 6th place Watford

We’re going through a bit of a gauntlet of late, playing several top teams… it’s been rough, but until this last match I thought we had played well even in the losses. That last match was just a complete loss of focus. I showed my anger to the team afterwards, and hope inwardly that we can manage to pull it back together with the busy Christmas period ahead.

We’re dropped to 8th by Saturday play… our next game is the featured Sunday TV match, and we can leap back to 6th with a win.

Hagman rejects our latest contract offer, bemoaning the lack of a minimum fee release clause. Well, there‘s an important reason I didn’t put one of those in there, ya dumb Swede.

Dec. 16, Match 24 @ #16 Nottingham Forest
We decide to go with the attacking 4-2-3-1 today, as our last couple of forays with our defensive 4-4-2 have been disasterous. Well, this doesn’t start out any better, as Forest bury a low 15 yarder in the 2nd minute, after Lavie loses his man. A disasterous first half finds us still just behind 1-0. We have a couple of decent chances turned aside, and insert a 2nd striker in place of a defender with 10 minutes to go… but it does no good. Another close but disappointing road loss.
Loss, 1-0, remain 8th – 3 pts. behind 6th place Ipswich

For the 2nd game in a row, a goalkeeper has the game of his life against us, this time netting Rune Pederson the man of the match award. 2 frustrating losses in a row where we just couldn’t bulge the net.

Young midfielder Andrej Mlinaric now leads the team in average rating.

After we issue them a hands-off warning, Cardiff announces its interest in signing Simon Hagman… thus unsettling the youngster. Hmmm. If they’re trying to play me, they’re doing a good job of it. Meanwhile, Hagman has raised his salary demands from $350k to $450k per season. The board will only allow me to offer $350k, so now I’m kinda screwed, unless I can offer him enough of a automatic yearly wage rise bump to interest him in our offer.

As the days tick closer to January 1, I was growing more nervous… then on Dec. 22nd, I open my e-mail:

HAGMAN ENDS SPECULATION BY COMMITTING HIS FUTURE TO PETERBOROUGH

Simon Hagman has put an end to the speculation linking him with a move to Wolves by signing a new contract.

Hagman pledged his future to Peterborough by agreeing terms on a new 3 year contract worth $1,200,000.

The former Hudiksvall player is Peterborough’s top goalscorer, scoring 17 goals in 22 appearances.

HAGMAN TO STAY PUT

Peterborough striker Simon Hagman has told a football website that there is no truth in the speculation linking him with Cardiff.

Hagman said that his love for the London Road club is such that it would take something special to lure him away.

Merry Christmas! As a special bonus, I am now linked under him as “favored personnel”, along with Paolo Di Canio. Maybe the old Italian had a special bond with him last year, and helped his development along.

Details of his contract are: $350k per season, $1,200 per goal bonus, $600 per assist bonus, yearly wage rise of 20%, promotion wage rise of 10%, and a minimum fee release clause of $9.75 million.

Dec. 22, Match 25 v. #19 Millwall
Simon Hagman celebrates his newly signed contract with a goal… Idrizaj with a nice low pass to him, and he buries it from 15 yards in the 15th minute. Naturally, Hagman gets injured just before halftime, and is forced out. Again, a team dominates us defensively, as 3 of the 4 Millwall defenders rate an 8 in this match… but we’re able to hold on for the single goal win. Malcolm Christie had the ball several times in and around the box in the second half, but he is being dispossessed far too easily.
Win, 1-0, up to 6th – 7 pts. behind 2nd place Norwich

Just before Christmas, GK Hakon Opdal comes up with a pulled hamstring in training… he’ll miss 2-4 weeks. Ivan Cuellar becomes our #1, and we bring Markus Probst up from the reserves to back him up.

Dec. 26, Match 26 @ #1 Wigan Athletic
We come out in our standard defensive road tactics. And we get on the board first as Hagman chases down a long ball from Ait-Alia… then crosses to the far post, where Honore Kabongo applies the finish! We lead 1-0 after 6 minutes. Sadly, Wigan level the match 1 minute into first half stoppage time, and it’s 1-1 at the break. Wigan with a horrific long backpass, and Hagman is there to break it up… the ball rolls to Jansen, and he scores into an open goal from 35 yards. 2-1 with 15 minutes to play. Unfortunately, Wigan equalize with 10 minutes to go off a free kick and header. Our defense holds up about as well as can be expected, but we end up with just a single point. Still, not a bad result against the league leaders, and I tell the team so.
Draw, 2-2, drop to 7th – 2 pts. behind 6th place Ipswich

Blackburn ask me how much I want for Andrej Mlinaric. I don’t really wish to sell him, but I say $3 million.

Blackburn also ask me how much I want for reserve midfielder Michael Cia. I take a look at him, and notice that he is signed through 2011. He also has down as being “touted as the next Francesco Totti”. Wow, tough comparison. His current value is $230k, so I tell Blackburn we’ll let him go for $2 million.

Blackburn withdraw their offer for Mlinaric, but Derby offer us $1.5 million and 30% of next sale. I decline it. I note that Mlinaric is now feeling the pressure of public expectation. I make a note to give him a few more days off.

By the way, just as an update… that young keeper I tried to buy waaaaay back in August, Chris Howarth: he signed with Birmingham, and is now their first team keeper. He has allowed 22 goals in 22 starts, with 8 clean sheets. I just want to kick myself over that one. I almost had him.

Dec. 29, Match 27 v. #20 Doncaster
In the 18th minute, Jonatan Berg with a powerful early cross, and Hagman gets a toe to it at 8 yards near the far post, and sticks it in there. Hagman’s 19th of the season. A long stretch goes by without much activity… then towards the end of the game it gets interesting… Hagman appears to set up Toure-Maman for a 2nd goal, but it’s ruled out for offsides. Then Hagman appears to get mad… he has 3 open shots in the next 4 minutes… then gets elbowed in the face by a Rover defender. Then in extra time, Doncaster force us to play about 3 headers out for corners when they seriously start trying to score. It’s a complete mad scramble for about 7 minutes, until the whistle finally goes and we get the 3 points.
Win, 1-0, up to 5th – 7 pts. behind 2nd place Norwich

Looks like the Canaries are setting themselves up as the firm #2 behind Wigan, as they now lead #3 West Brom by 4 points.

Another up and down month ends, as we finish a packed December 3-1-3.

Butter

05-19-2006, 03:31 PM

January ‘08
Cash balance: $2,270,814

Even after paying through the nose to keep Hagman we still only lost $98k last month, and around $414k for the season. Not bad.

Manchester United refuse to prolong Chris Eagles’ loan deal unless we kick in more of his wages… and considering he gets over $600k per year, we’re not willing to do that. So, he’s gone as of 1/3. Eagles was stellar for us, though, averaging a 7.11 in 18 appearances, with 2 goals and 8 assists.

Unfortunately, Matt Jansen is now refusing to listen to our contract offers, so we’re likely going to lose the veteran midfielder/forward during the Bosman period.

Jan. 1, Match 28 @ #6 Blackburn
In the 5th minute, a nice cross in by Hagman finds Barragan cutting in, and his volley goes in off the left post for his 1st goal of the season. Barragan decides he’s not satisfied with one goal, and heads in a 2nd in the 29th minute off a Toure-Maman free kick. Barragan completely unmarked at 10 yards on the set piece, and it’s an easy goal for the Liverpool loaner. Cuellar picks up a knock in the first half, but must stay in. Both Probst and Opdal are on the shelf, and with Cousins out for loan that means that our 5th string GK, Morten Bredal-Thorsen, is our backup today. We’re in our defensive tactics for this road match, but Blackburn look totally out of sorts as we’re constantly creating havoc in and around their box. Blackburn barely threaten, and we take a fairly easy win.
Win, 2-0, up to 4th – 5 pts. behind 2nd place Norwich

As the calendar turns over, that means it’s Bosman time once again. Time for us to look for replacements for our players leaving during the offseason. Right now it looks like 2 key players will be leaving: Matt Jansen and Palmi Rafn Palmason. I also am on the lookout for any decent looking right wingers and defenders at any position. Sadly, as our level of play increases, the talent pool from which to choose our replacements decreases. So that means the pickings are mighty slim this season. But I still manage to make an offer or three, even stretching for some 30 year olds, despite the youth movement I’m trying to install here.

Jan. 5, FA Cup Third Round @ Millwall
We run MOST of our 1st team out there… and in the 2nd minute, one of them pays off. Palmason’s free kick is headed goalward by Idrizaj, and the ball is put into their own net by a Lion defender. 3 minutes later, Idrizaj scores off a deflected Christie shot, and just like that it’s 2-0. Right off the 2nd half kickoff Millwall earn a PK after Sno holds back a defender in the box… but luckily Cuellar saves it to preserve our 2 goal lead. In the 58th minute, Antonio Barragan scores his 3rd goal in 2 games, after a Lavie cross found him alone at the back post. Millwall barely threaten the rest of the match, and we take the easy win against the London side.
Win, 3-0, advance to FA Cup Fourth Round

flere-imsaho

05-19-2006, 03:50 PM

Fantastic Dynasty. I continue to read this with great interest. Hopefully you'll get a lucrative draw in the FA Cup 4th round! :)

Butter

05-22-2006, 07:54 AM

Keeping my fingers crossed for the draw...

Butter

05-22-2006, 01:47 PM

We get a week’s layoff before our next match against bottom-dwellers Derby County. I notice that our average attendance has shot up yet again, to just over 10,000 this season. Our gate receipts and match day income are on track to increase by over 50% each for the 3rd straight year. Our merchandising is kinda flat, but we did just win $75k in prize money for our FA Cup triumph. If we can sneak into the EPL somehow after this season… oh what a glorious thing that would be.

The FA Cup Fourth Round Draw is held, and we’ll take to the road to face one of two teams in this round: either League One Swindon Town, or fellow Championship team Wigan Athletic.

We have pretty much struck out on every single available interesting looking player that we could bring in… so it looks like we’re going to have to wait until the summer hits, wait for our new TV money next season, then try and buy a couple of guys to come in.

Jan. 12, Match 29 v. #21 Derby County
In the 18th, Simon Hagman buries his 20th of the year off a nice pass from Rachid Tiberkanine. Hagman with a powerful 10 yard blast to put us in front. Van Den Broeck charges down a certain goal in the 25th to keep us in front. Early in the 2nd half we go up 2, as Tommy Spurr’s 25 yard free kick finds Jonatan Berg in the six, and his well-placed header bounds across the line for his first ever Posh goal. In the 57th, Barragan with a nice low pass to Jansen, who is wide open 10 yards from goal and bangs a low shot in off the left post. Derby barely threaten as we take an easy 3 points. Young defender Tommy Spurr wins MoM honors.
Win, 3-0, remain 4th – 6 pts. behind 2nd place Wigan

We make our first few signings of the Bosman season this week… both players will join us on July 1st.

23 year old French D/DM Nicolas Godemeche signs a $170k per season deal through 2011 with the Posh, leaving his current squad, Montpellier (recently promoted to French League One, lying 3rd). Godemeche’s amazing physical strength should help him battle in the midfield for us, as he looks a more convincing DM than a DC. Godemeche with solid passing and teamwork skills… he lacks a bit of ball control skill, but we can work on that.

29 year old Cameroonian AMR Douala will join us for about $250k per season through 2010. Douala comes over from Sporting Lisbon, where he is used sparingly. Douala is a versatile player, and has blazing speed and great ball skills. He is maybe a bit too passive at times, but he looks a very skillful veteran midfielder, and is listed on his attributes sheets as an “explosive winger”, which is precisely what we need.

23 year old French AM/F Sebastien Renouard signs a big deal with us, coming over from Metz. Renouard can play both wings and can play forward in attack. He is absolutely deadly with the ball from distance, and is a great team leader. He lacks a bit in decision-making and in strength, but should be a very good addition to the team.

25 year old Malian AMR/ST Mamadou Diallo also signs with us from France, he coming from Nantes. Diallo is a very impressive looking player, able to score from distance, score with his head, or set up others with quality passing. He is not much on set pieces, but should be a great player who can play at multiple positions for us. He shores up 2 areas, striker and right wing immediately, and is good enough to start at either.

Unfortunately for us, 3 of our players are called up to African Cup of Nations duty… and as such, they’ll be gone for likely over a month with no compensation for us. We lose AM-LC Cherif Toure-Maman to Togo, D/DM Firmin Sanou to Burkina Faso, and D Aime Lavie to Congo. Toure-Maman and Lavie have been important contributors this season.

Jan. 19, Match 30 @ #24 Leicester
We stick with the attacking 4-2-3-1 on the road against a weak opponent. Lorenzo Davids makes his return from a torn hamstring today, after missing several months. We weather multiple Leicester chances and are able to go into the locker rooms all square at 0-0. In the 57th minute, Palmason’s 25 yard free kick is parried away, but Honore Kabongo pounces on the rebound and drives it home for a 1-0 Posh lead. The Foxes spend the rest of the match shooting and praying, but we are able to hold on for the win.
Win, 1-0, up to 3rd – with 4 pts. of 1st and 2nd place

Wigan beat Swindon Town 3-0 in the FA Cup, so we’ll get the Latics in 7 days’ time at the JJB Stadium.

We plan to play all out at Wigan to try to get the win.

Jan. 26, FA Cup Fourth Round @ Wigan Athletic
We come out in the 4-4-2 counter formation, with Jansen and Hagman serving as strike partners. Khalilou Fadiga’s signing finally pays some dividends, as his corner kick swings right to the penalty spot, where Georgi Sarmov heads it in! We lead 1-0 after 14 minutes. 4 minutes later, Sarmov tries to send in a cross, but a Wigan defender gets his hand in the way… the penalty is given! David Van Den Broeck to take it… David Van Den Broeck to make it! 2-0 Posh! Just before halftime, our advantage bulges to 3-0, as Antonio Barragan drills home a 25 yard free kick… Terrific bend on that ball, and we’re comfortably in front. During first half injury time, though, Van Den Broeck gives away a PK… and Wigan convert it. 3-1 at the half. The 2nd half belongs to Ivan Cuellar. He opens up making 2 point blank stops after a nice header down struck his leg… Wigan couldn’t stuff it in past the Spaniard. He makes 2 more acrobatic saves a bit later on… and Cuellar is making a case for himself to be our first choice keeper instead of Hakon Opdal, who is preparing to come back from injury. The time ticks away, and our defense holds in the 2nd half.
Win, 3-1, advance to FA Cup Fifth Round

We win $120k for our Fourth Round triumph.

The Round 5 draw is held… 16 teams left, including 9 EPL sides. We luck out, though, even though we did draw a road game, we drew one against fellow Championship side Luton. We have a decent shot at making the Quarterfinals. This match will be on February 16th.

Jan. 29, Match 31 v. #11 Sheffield United
A tight well-played first half, but it ends scoreless. The second half is pretty drab, it appears that the Blades are more than happy to back off and take their point. Luckily for us, we get a final push. In the 1st minute of stoppage time, Davids throw-in is crossed to the right side of the box… Rachid Tiberkanine gets onto the end of it, and sneaks it past Paddy Kenny for the goal! Shockingly, though, Sheffield United are able to equalize with less than 30 seconds left, after some poor defending left a striker right on Cuellar’s doorstep, and he is unable to stop the point blank shot. A disappointing, but deserved draw.
Draw, 1-1, remain 3rd - 3 pts. behind 2nd place Wigan

We upped our price on Simon Hagman “officially” from $85k to $4.3 million. Now we’re getting offers like $2.6 million plus 30% of future transfer fee plus friendly proposal from teams like Birmingham and Wolves. Still rejecting them, but it makes it a touch harder to turn down when you know you’re turning down an entire year’s salary budget to keep one player…. But what a player he’s been.

AC Milan sack manager Carlo Ancelotti following an Italian Cup Quarterfinal loss to Livorno, despite lying 2nd in the Serie A table and having won their Champions League group with ease. Ah, Italian football… what a fickle state of affairs you are in.

flere-imsaho

05-22-2006, 02:11 PM

5th Round!!! Woo-Hoo!!!

Butter

05-22-2006, 03:24 PM

February ‘08
Cash balance: $2,769,592

We raked in the money last month, thanks to some great attendance for league matches, nearly $200k in FA Cup prize money, and a boatload of extra money thanks to a home FA Cup match.

Feb. 2, Match 32 @ #15 Luton
A preview of our FA Cup match in 2 weeks. Luton average less than a goal per match, and have a -17 goal difference, so we stick with the attacking 4-2-3-1 despite being on the road here. Hakon Opdal returns from injury here, and Firmin Sanou returns from the Cup of Nations as well. In the 27th, Andrej Mlinaric with a masterful backheel to Hagman, and Simon turns, shoots, and scores! Hagman’s 21st of the season puts us up 1-0. Opdal gives up a soft goal just 10 minutes later, and we’re level at 1-1 following the defensive lapse. Off the 2nd half kickoff, Luton with a lazy pass backwards, and Hagman intercepts at 45 yards, runs free to the box, and scores with a strong 15 yard shot into the upper right corner. In the 59th, Sarmov with a great ball ahead of Kabongo… he runs onto it, and fires it past the keeper inside the far post. 3-1, Posh. Opdal picks up a minor knock thanks to the sloppy field conditions. I really want to sub Hagman out due to the injury worry on a sloppy pitch after we go up 2, but I only have 1 sub left and can’t risk losing the keeper as well with no subs to replace him. It goes smoothly, and we take the win.
Win, 3-1, remain 3rd – 3 pts. behind 1st and 2nd

Opdal will be on the shelf for 2-4 more weeks after playing through a badly twisted ankle in this match. I notice that Mark Cousins has been improving by leaps and bounds, so I bring him up to be Cuellar’s backup for the next few matches. I might even start him once or twice. But probably not.

Big big match up next. A win puts us 2nd, into the automatic promotion slot.

Feb. 9, Match 33 v. #2 Norwich
We pile men into the box early on… and in the 8th it pays off as a long range shot by David Van Den Broeck takes a deflection and rolls past the goal line for a 1-0 Posh lead. In the 28th minute, Robert Earnshaw buries a low shot past Cuellar for the equalizer, after Spurr misplayed a long pass interception attempt. Hagman comes out injured in the 30th minute, and seldom used Malcolm Christie replaces him. Here’s your chance, lad. He gets a decent chance just 2 minutes after he comes on, but his shot is hit into the keeper’s stomach. Earnshaw buries a curling 20 yard shot 3 minutes into the 2nd half as the Canaries take control of the match. Norwich begin to control midfield, but in the 74th we get a bit lucky, as the Norwich keeper can’t keep hold of Toure-Maman’s shot, leading to an easy finish for Besian Idrizaj… 2-2 with 15 minutes to play. I bring Mark Cousins on as our final sub, a move sure to not endear me to Ivan Cuellar… but he’s been playing like crap today. With less than one minute of regular time to play, Ait-Alia is beaten down the left… and then sticks his leg out and just takes down a Norwich attacker. He’s sent off, and as he reaches the showers, he hears the crowd moan as the PK is powered in past Cousins. A tough loss, but we really didn’t play very well, and probably deserved to lose.
Loss, 3-2, remain 3rd – 4 pts. behind 2nd place Wigan

Norwich certainly poked a hole in our title hopes with that loss… but the race for 2nd place still lives on. If we can keep our stamina and spirits up, no reason we can’t continue to challenge both Norwich and Wigan for that 2nd automatic promotion slot.

We wait nervously following the match to receive a status report on Simon Hagman. If he were lost for a long while, we’d have to depend on Matt Jansen, Malcolm Christie (who is pouting at the moment), and loaner Besian Idrizaj to provide goals… and only Jansen has been reliable on that front this year. Luckily for us, it’s just a mild concussion, and Hagman should be ready in about a week or so.

Lost in the disappointment of the loss is the fact that this was our first loss in 9 league games. A nice run for a predicted relegation battler.

Feb. 12, Match 34 @ #5 Stoke
We back into a 4-4-2 counter to start the match. Aime Lavie returns to the lineup from Cup of Nations duty today. Jansen and Idrizaj pair up front today. In the 22nd, a nicely built counter ends with Fadiga sending in a short pass to Mlinaric, and the youngster’s half volley buries into the right side of the net! Mlinaric’s first Posh goal, and we lead 1-0. Jansen is chopped down on a breakaway in the 42nd, and we go a man up as the defender is shown the red card. In the 58th, the game is evened up as Balazs Borbely is sent off, and Stoke awarded a PK for a breakaway foul. Stoke convert it, and we’re level on the scoreboard and on players. In the 67th, Barragan with a nice long ball to Matt Jansen, and he slots it home past the keeper to put us back ahead. Cuellar with a couple of nice saves late, and we hold on for the win.
Win, 2-1, remain 3rd – 4 pts. behind Wigan and Norwich

Next up, a big money match for us, as a win and a favorable draw could earn us upwards of $1 million. That is, the 5th Round Cup tie with Luton. We just won here 2 weeks ago… can we manage to do it again?

Feb. 16, FA Cup Fifth Round @ Luton
Luton start out much stronger in this match than they did in their last one against us. Christie is the lone striker in this 4-2-3-1. Jansen is backing him up as the withdrawn striker, however. After several chances, Luton finally get one in on the soggy pitch… a long low shot past Evander Sno and Ivan Cuellar goes in, and it’s 1-0 Hatters at halftime. We bring Idrizaj on as a 2nd striker at halftime, switching to a 3 man back row. In the 58th, this move pays off, as Fadiga’s cross to the near post finds Idrizaj, who rises above his marker and heads it in from inside 5 yards. Idrizaj’s 5th goal of the season puts us level. In the 69th, we strike again, this time it’s Matt Jansen heading one in from a Van Den Broeck early ball. We switch to the 4-4-2 counter after taking the lead. Sadly for us, Luton are able to equalize in the 82nd minute, after a pass splits our central defense, and Cuellar can’t stop the 10 yard shot. That late goal earns Luton a replay.
Draw, 2-2, game to be replayed on Feb. 27th at London Road

Coffee Warlord

05-22-2006, 03:25 PM

Bitch. Not only did you get me playing FM again, you've got me contemplating writing about it again. :)

Butter

05-22-2006, 03:30 PM

I also failed to report that Andrej Mlinaric complained mildly about his contract status... he was making less than $20k per season and featuring in midfield for us.... so I signed him to an extension through 2011 at just $70k per year, with a modest $10k signing bonus. I am already listed as "favored personnel" for the youngster... and he has the chance to be a long-term special player with the Posh. He has already surpassed expectations this year, and will only improve, as he just turned 18 prior to the season.

Butter

05-22-2006, 03:30 PM

Thanks, CW! Hope to read your new stuff soon. It's hard not to get excited when you get on a roll like I've been able to with this team.

Coffee Warlord

05-22-2006, 03:49 PM

Heh, having just gotten Notts County up to the Championship, the game is proving quite exciting.

I still hate the Posh though. :)

Butter

05-23-2006, 08:47 AM

Turns out if we do manage to beat Luton in the FA Cup replay, we will get our home match. We would host either West Ham or Bolton in the Sixth Round.

Feb. 20, Match 35 v. #14 Sunderland
The Black Cats have rallied following a disasterous start to the season. A terrible first half results in a 0-0 game at halftime. I tell the team I am disappointed with them at halftime, and it seems to help, as we get a good shot on target in the first 30 seconds of half #2. The team goes flat shortly thereafter, and we try to help, bringing Hagman on in the 78th minute, but it makes no difference.
Draw, 0-0, remain 3rd – 3 pts. behind 2nd place Norwich

We remain 3rd on 61 pts., but there are 4 teams within 4 points of us… so we must defend against a lull here. We need to keep getting good results, and try to put pressure on the top 2 so we can avoid the playoffs. Anything can happen in the playoffs, and I hope we can avoid them and just go straight up.

Feb. 23, Match 36 @ #19 Queen’s Park Rangers
We come out in our 4-4-2 counter formation, with Kabongo and Hagman up front. Aime Lavie is called for a foul in the air on a cross into the box, and QPR get a penalty in the 8th minute… and convert it. Just 4 minutes later, Rangers strike again, and we’re in big trouble at Loftus Road. We switch to our attacking 4-2-3-1 just 15 minutes in. After a few close calls, we finally get a goal, as Tommy Spurr’s free kick from across midfield drops perfectly to the penalty spot for Hagman, and he volleys it in. 2-1 at the 41st minute. I tell the team that we’re still in the game at halftime, and we come out looking dangerous in the 2nd half. We have at least 3 shots parried by the keeper, but can’t get anybody to finish the rebounds. We bring on an extra striker, but Malcolm Christie almost seems like he’s missing out of spite at this point. We lose.
Loss, 2-1, remain 3rd – 4 pts. behind 2nd

We’ve hit a bit of a bad patch here… hopefully we can snap out of it before our mid-week encounter with Luton in the FA Cup replay.

Carling Cup Final
Tottenham H. 0:2 Chelsea

Feb. 27, FA Cup Fifth Round Replay v. Luton
In the 20th minute, we get on the board… Barragan’s cross is tipped away by the keeper, but Hagman is waiting behind him to tap it in. The Luton defenders are having all kinds of problems with Hagman and Jansen, collecting 3 cards in the first half hour. Luton equalize just after the break, after we gave the ball away much too easily in midfield. Luton switch to a 5-4-1 at the 60th minute, just trying to hold the draw through to extra time. Time is ticking away, and we’ve made all 3 subs by the 83rd minute… looks like we’re headed to extra time. In extra time, Luton are barely interested in scoring… they’re just sending long balls up the wings when they get possession. In the 108th minute, the crowd goes into raptures when Berg heads in a Borbely cross… but he was offsides. We go to penalty kicks after an uneventful extra 30 minutes.

Penalty kicks:
Round 1:
Hatters: Score
Posh: ST Simon Hagman - Saved

Round 2:
Hatters: Saved
Posh: M Andrej Mlinaric - Saved

Round 3:
Hatters: Score
Posh: D Aime Lavie - Score

Round 4:
Hatters: Need a stop here… but we don’t get it. Score.
Posh: D David Van Den Broeck… Score.

Round 5:
Hatters: We MUST have a stop here to stay in it. But Cuellar can’t make the save, and we fall to Luton, 4-2 on PK’s.

Loss, 1-1 (4-2 on PK’s), out of FA Cup

Our penalty taking is pretty awful. We only had 3 players on the field who rated above 10 during the penalty taking phase, and 2 of them were defenders. Hagman is only a 5, and Mlinaric was a surprise miss.

We finish February on a downturn, losing our last 2 matches, and going 2-2-3 overall, and 2-1-2 in league.

Butter

05-23-2006, 12:16 PM

March ‘08
Cash balance: $2,991,003

Hopefully we can right the ship with just 10 games left to play.

March 1, Match 37 v. #20 Plymouth Argyle
Mark Cousins with the start in goal for the (rightfully) depressed Ivan Cuellar. The entire team is down on itself, and it shows. Our midfield passing is not crisp, and many are easily stolen. Our goal attempts are half-hearted, and the speed just isn’t there. Some bad defense allows a breakaway in the 49th, and poor positioning by Cousins allows that goal. Our offense is completely bereft of creativity, and in the 84th, Plymouth are able to finagle a 2nd goal, as Cousins again fails to shut the angle on a tight angled header. We take an unsurprising loss.
Loss, 2-0, remain 3rd

Surprisingly, no one is pushing us from behind. WBA and Sheffield Utd. Sit 2 points behind us on 59, while 6th place Stoke have 58. But we’re losing the 2 leaders, as Wigan are now 12 points ahead of us on 73, and Norwich are 7 points clear of us on 68.

Malcolm Christie whines to the media again about playing time, but this time I tell him that I pick the team. He responds to this by requesting to be put on the transfer list.

Mar. 8, Match 38 v. #17 Leeds
We bring up a few reserves with good morale, and start them today, as the entire team has dipped to poor or just “OK”. Markus Probst, David Perisset, Lee Whittington, Marcus Williams, and Keith Barker all grace the starting lineup in our 4-2-3-1. Marcus Williams’ pass to Keith Barker is a good one… Barker is chopped down, and the penalty is given! Lee Whittington to take it… and he scores! 1-0, Posh in the 18th. In the 33rd, Leeds with a nice move, 2 quick passes and a shot result in a goal past Probst. 1-1 at halftime. We bring on some subs late, but neither team does much in the 2nd half.
Draw, 1-1, remain 3rd - 6 pts. behind 2nd place Norwich, 3 pts. clear of 7th place Sheffield Utd.

Not a bad match put together there, but still short of the 3 points we wanted. There’s still time to turn it around… but not much. We can’t afford to keep dropping points if we want to stay in the top six.

Very very bad news in mid-week, as Balazs Borbely looks to be out for the season with a serious leg injury. I send him off to a specialist, and he will indeed be out for the season, but should be back in time for training next season. Borbely has been our defensive leader this season, so this is a big blow.

Mar. 15, Match 39 v. #12 Cardiff
In the 7th, a free kick is bobbled around in the box before Simon Hagman gets onto it and powers it home. Hagman’s 25th of the year puts us up 1-0. Hakon Opdal with an inexcusable ball handling mistake in the 20th, as he allows himself to get dispossessed in the box… and Cardiff level the match at 1. Cardiff strike again 2 minutes later on a short chip and header in, and Opdal looks completely lost after spending the better part of 3 months on the bench. We cannot get much going, and are helpless to watch as the clock ticks down, and we end up losing yet again.
Loss, 2-1, drop to 4th – 3 pts. ahead of 7th place Sheffield Utd.

Only 7 matches to go, and we’ve only been able to nab 2 points from a possible 15 in the last several weeks. Even just getting 7 points from 15 would see us still in the 2nd place hunt, but as it is we’re 9 points behind 2nd place Norwich at this point, and very unlikely to catch them barring a 7 match win streak.

Mar. 22, Match 40 @ #3 Hull
We get off to a nice start, as an early cross finds Perisset in the middle of the box… his volley is stopped, but Hagman buries the rebound for a 1-0 lead after 90 seconds. Ait-Alia is sent off in the 22nd minute for taking down a Hull attacker on a breakaway, so our task is toughened. We manage to survive several Hull attacks during the remainder of the half, and actually take a lead to halftime. Cuellar was rating a 10 at one point during the first half. In the 66th, Perisset with a great ball down the line for Mlinaric… he whips in a cross, and Hagman is there to nod it home! 2-0 Posh, as we score a man down! We’re able to hold on to finally stop our slide. Cuellar and Hagman carry us to victory today.
Win, 2-0, up to 3rd – 7 pts. behind 2nd place Norwich, 4 pts. clear of 7th

Mar. 24, Match 41 @ #13 Reading
In the 10th minute, Cherif Toure-Maman buries a 20+ yard free kick for an early 1-0 lead. We make it 2-0 in the 25th, as Hagman beats his man in midfield, then chips the keeper from 20 yards. Hagman’s 50th career Posh goal. In the 62nd, Palmason’s cross finds Barragan, and he heads it in from a good distance… well controlled header. Barragan’s 5th of the year makes it 3-0. 2 straight road wins against tough opponents… and the tide has turned for us yet again.
Win, 3-0, remain 3rd – 3 pts. behind 2nd place Norwich

Norwich have dropped 3 of their last 4 matches, but have a slightly easier remaining schedule than we do.

Wigan has officially clinched promotion after this last weekend of games.

Norwich play their next match a day before we do, and beat WBA 3-0… so we’ll not have a chance to catch them just yet. But my hopes of catching them are buoyed by the fact that we should hold the superior goal difference at season’s end. Which means if we can finish level on points with them, we shall get 2nd.

Mar. 30, Match 42 v. #6 Coventry
Coventry are fighting for their playoff lives right now, while we should have enough to at least make it in there. Early on, it’s Cuellar once again saving our hides more than once. Sadly, just before halftime the Sky Blues bury a 6 yard shot past the diving Cuellar. In the 54th, Simon Hagman gets his head to a nice lofted chip from Davids, and sneaks it past the keeper to level the match. 10 minutes later, it’s Hagman again, this time we strike on a breakaway keyed by Jonathan Berg… it’s Hagman’s 30th of the season. In the 70th, it’s Jonatan Berg scoring a goal of his own thanks to a great square pass across the box from Toure-Maman. That’s how it ends.
Win, 3-1, remain 3rd – 3 pts. behind 2nd place Norwich

We finish the month strongly, going 3-1-2, but winning our last 3.

flere-imsaho

05-23-2006, 01:10 PM

Hagman is unreal.

Butter

05-23-2006, 02:01 PM

April ‘08
Cash balance: $3,605,079

Aime Lavie is voted the Player of the Month of March… he averaged an 8 rating in all 3 starts he made, and successfully won 43 of 48 headers attempted, and made 28 pass interceptions. Meanwhile, Antonio Barragan picks up the Young Player of the Month award, scoring 1 goal and averaging a 7.67 in 3 starts.

April 5, Match 43 @ #24 Sheffield Wednesday
The Owls are just 3 points from safety, so we hunker down into a 4-4-2 counter expecting a lot of offense to be thrown our way. Norwich visit #17 Nottingham Forest today. And the game unfolds predictably… the Owls attack attack attack… then we counter, with Jansen crossing nicely for Barragan at the far post, and the young Spaniard buries his 6th goal of the season in the 28th minute. We get word at halftime that Norwich are still scoreless with Forest, so we’re in line to gain even more points on the Canaries…. If we can hold on. The Owls try hard, but are unable to penetrate our 4-5-1 late. Cuellar is named man of the match, as he made at least 2 world class saves late in the 2nd half.
Win, 1-0, remain 3rd – 1 pt. behind Norwich for 2nd

With 3 matches left, we’re 8 points clear of 7th place Coventry, and just need one point from our final 3 matches to clinch a playoff spot.

An interesting situation comes up, as Simon Hagman injures himself… he can get the ol’ injection treatment, which would allow him to play in our next match but see him out 2-4 weeks, or he can just get standard physiotherapy which would see him out 1-4 weeks. I decide to go with physio treatment. We’re all but assured a playoff spot, I want to at least make sure he’ll be available for that when it starts.

Hakon Opdal implores his team to win our next match to keep our automatic promotion hopes alive. I notice that he has “superb” morale.

Apr. 12, Match 44 v. #10 Watford
Norwich hosts 18th place Millwall today. Hakon Opdal starts in goal today… and central midfielder David Perisset has wormed his way into the lineup lately, with 5 straight starts of rating an 7 or better. Watford nearly score in the 26th, but a headed in goal is ruled out for offsides. Malek Ait-Alia’s header is right to a Watford attacker, who passes back through where Ait-Alia should have been playing, leading to an easy goal. 1-0, Watford. We struggle to put an attack together, and take the loss.
Loss, 1-0, remain 3rd

We miss our shot to pass Norwich, as they can only manage a draw against Millwall. We trail them still by just 2 points with 2 games to go.

Former Poshman Matt Derbyshire has blown up at last at his Blackburn Rovers manager for a lack of playing time this season. Derbyshire has started 5 matches, and subbed in over 20 times, scoring just 3 goals and averaging under a 6.5 for the mid-table squad. I predicted this very thing at the end of last season, when he wouldn’t sign with us. Oh well, be careful what you wish for Matty-boy.

Apr. 19, Match 45 @ #5 Ipswich
The Tractor Boys are looking fairly safe for the playoffs, as long as they keep getting points. Norwich are at champions Wigan today. In first half stoppage time, Lorenzo Davids’ 35 yard free kick is sizzled into the box, and Barker flicks it towards goal and scores! Keith Barker’s first goal of his senior career puts us ahead at halftime! The halftime score at the JJB is 0-0, so we’re in 2nd for the time being. Sadly, some careless midfield possession leads to a good chance… then a bad clearance makes it a golden chance for Ipswich, and they convert. Tommy Spurr’s poor clearance left Cuellar high and dry. 1-1 with 20 minutes to play. We advance into a 3-4-3… but it backfires on us, as Ipswich beat our offside trap with less than a minute to play, and score past a diving Cuellar to nab the game-winner. Matt Jansen rates an unbelievably ugly 4 for most of the 2nd half before coming back to a 5 late.
Loss, 2-1, remain 3rd

Norwich lose late to Wigan, 1-0, meaning we’ve blown yet ANOTHER chance to take 2nd. WBA and Ipswich are now also both level with us on 74 points, while Norwich sit 2nd on 76. Should be a fun final weekend. Norwich are in the driver’s seat, but we play West Brom., so chances are fairly good one of us is going to win that match and finish on 77 points. Norwich will face Doncaster, a team that sits 22nd, in the relegation zone by goal difference instead of Luton. Meanwhile, Ipswich will face a mid-table Leeds squad with not much to prove.

We pick up an EXTREMELY late loaner to the club, as Chris Eagles agrees to join us on a two month loan from Manchester United after finishing up another loan to Wolves. Eagles was strong for us early in the season, and if we can squeeze 4 more games of magic out of him, this will be money well spent.

Apr. 27, Match 46 v. #4 West Bromwich Albion
We finish the season in the 4-2-3-1. I’m a bit nervous about it, but WBA come out in a VERY defensive 4-1-4-1. Hakon Opdal with the start in goal, Matt Jansen given the start at striker despite his disasterous start last time out. A very tight first half ends scoreless. We had a 2 ½ minute series of possession that saw us get 3 good chances, but WBA keeper Tomasz Kusczak just won’t let us score. I don’t know how else to put it. It’s still scoreless at Norwich, so we still have a chance if Doncaster can find a goal. In the 70th, who is that coming off the bench? It can’t be… it is! Simon Hagman is partially recovered from his chest injury, and comes on for Jansen in the 70th minute! In the 75th, Hagman skins an opponent, and is in on goal… his shot… is saved! Hagman busts loose one more time in the 89th… but he is tackled from behind fairly, and the game ends up 0-0.
Draw 0-0, finish 3rd

Bad news from Norwich, as Doncaster earn a late leveller… which means a winning goal by Hagman would’ve earned us automatic promotion. As it is, we finish 3rd for the 2nd straight season, and will face Coventry in the playoffs. Doncaster’s late goal was not enough, as Leicester win their match, pushing both Luton and Doncaster into relegation.

Chelsea win their 4th straight EPL title.

Tommy Spurr broke his toe in our last match, so he’ll miss our playoff run.

A disappointing April finishes 1-1-2. 2 more points would’ve earned us automatic promotion. Makes that 3-2 loss to Norwich earlier this season when they nabbed a late goal all the more disheartening.

Butter

05-23-2006, 03:23 PM

May ‘08
Cash balance: $3,733,054

Championship Playoff Semifinal First Leg
Ipswich 2:0 WBA

May 4, Championship Playoff Semifinal First Leg @ Coventry
We start in a 4-4-2 counter today. We lost at The Ricoh Arena 2-1 in our first meeting this season. We get off to a pretty good start, as Jansen’s low pass to Hagman gets through the defense… then Hagman squares it for Eagles, who buries it in the back of the net after just 50 seconds! 4 minutes later, it’s another goal, as Hagman’s initial shot is stopped, but Jansen cleans up the mess with his 15th of the season! In the 21st minute, Hakon Opdal is penalized for tripping a Coventry attacker… no card, but a PK is given. The Sky Blue forward steps up… saved! Then in the 27th, Perisset with a great ball to the left for Fadiga… he passes short to Jansen, who drives it high past the keeper and scores! 3-0, Posh inside the first half-hour. We bring Hagman off at halftime as a precaution. Coventry back into a defensive style to try and hold it to a 3-0 deficit. We switch to our attacking 4-2-3-1 to try and step on their throat. It backfires, as Coventry get one back in the 62nd on a nice move through our central defense. One minute later, Coventry score again and I can’t switch tactics fast enough. In the 79th, a cross in is knocked down… by Chris Eagles hand. It’s a penalty. The kick is taken, and scored, and just like that it is 3-3. Unbelievable comeback by Coventry, and a bad tactical error on my part to try and push our advantage.
Draw, 3-3, return leg on 5/8

Last time we had the Sky Blues at home, we blitzed them 3-1 with our attacking formation. It should be a game for the ages.

Championship Playoff Semifinal Second Leg
West Brom 1:2 Ipswich (Ipswich advance 4-1 on aggregate)

We have an absolute ton of people injured, including Lorenzo Davids, Tommy Spurr, and Balazs Borbely… and most everyone else has poor morale, so if we can pull this off it will be my finest coaching job yet.

May 8, Championship Playoff Semifinal Second Leg v. Coventry
Coventry strike first, burying a header on a nice cross in the 7th minute. In the 13th, though, Toure-Maman’s corner falls to the near post, where Hagman heads it in just past the keeper’s hands. Game on. Coventry with a terrific goal after Ait-Alia misses an interception just 2 minutes later… Cuellar looked helpless to stop that shot. We pull Ait-Alia after 20 minutes, as his errors have led to both goals. Hagman gets off a nice shot in the 32nd, but the Coventry keeper is up to the task this time. We look up to the challenge, our shots just aren’t finding the target right now. I tell the team that we can win this thing at halftime. I only wish that were true. We throw everybody forward in the final minutes, but don’t get any good quality chances off. We just ran out of gas here at the end of the season. A good run, but ultimately not enough.
Loss, 2-1, Coventry advance 5-4 on aggregate

If only I had just backed off at Coventry. Who knows, they may still have gone on a rampage… but maybe not. If we could’ve gotten more than 1 point from our final 3 games, all of this would be a moot point anyway.

As it is, we finish off a good but not great season just a bit short of our goal of 3 successive promotions. We’ll be back next year.

UEFA Cup Final
Arsenal 3:1 Roma

FA Cup Final
Bolton Wanderers 0:1 Manchester United

West Ham, Crystal Palace, and Wolverhampton Wanderers have all been relegated from the EPL… Charlton escaped on the last day, and Southampton also narrowly escaped the drop with some late-season heroics.

UEFA Champions League Final
Juventus 0:1 Chelsea
-In a rematch of last year’s final, Chelsea are able to reverse the decision of last season thanks to a late Frank Lampard goal.

I’m still disappointed. And it’s been over a half hour since I’ve run the last match. Can’t believe I let that first leg slip away.

Squad recap and final stats to come.

Butter

05-23-2006, 03:27 PM

2007-08 final standings:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/07-08finalstandings.jpg

Final stats:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/07-08playerstats.jpg

End of season contract status:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/07-08playercontracts.jpg

End of season player values & ages:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/07-08playervalues-ages.jpg

Reserve team values & ages:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/07-08reservevalues-ages.jpg

flere-imsaho

05-23-2006, 04:27 PM

Buck up! There's always next year! :D

Butter

05-24-2006, 09:44 AM

Championship Playoff Final
Coventry 0:4 Ipswich
-Nice to see we’ll have Coventry to drive into the ground next season. Oh yeah, I’m rubbing my hands together in an evil fashion just dreaming about how badly we’re going to beat them.

Final statistics:
Avg. attendance: 11,889 (23rd, 1st: West Brom., 29,685)
Goals scored/conceded: 78 / 52 (4th / 5th)

Average rating:
1. Joao Paulo (Wigan) – 7.45
14. Aime Lavie – 7.18
22. Andrej Mlinaric – 7.13
25t. Balazs Borbely, Simon Hagman – 7.12

Goals:
1t. Kevin Kyle (Watford), Simon Hagman – 30
24t. Matt Jansen – 15

Assists:
1. Kevin Kyle (Watford) – 15
6. Simon Hagman – 12
15t. Chris Eagles – 10

Man of Match:
1. Kevin Kyle (Watford) – 9
4t. Simon Hagman – 6

End of season squad review:

Goalkeepers
We have a tough decision to make entering next season. I’m not thrilled with either Ivan Cuellar or Hakon Opdal. Opdal gets hurt at the drop of a hat, but is listed as a “model professional”. I appreciate how he tried to rally the team to both of our final wins… but as a player, he just couldn’t get himself up enough to make it happen. Not sure why he had such injury problems, he is listed as a 14 for “natural fitness”. He conceded 31 goals in 26 starts, while Ivan Cuellar allowed 22 goals in 25 starts. Clearly, the stats favor Cuellar, but the attribute reports favor Opdal. Both are signed through 2010. Mark Cousins and Morten Bredal-Thorsen are both improving greatly in the reserves, while it looks like Markus Probst is on his way out after spending nearly the entire season in the reserves.

Players out: Markus Probst
Players in: None

Outlook: Cuellar and Opdal will battle it out again… Probably split time early, then give the job to whoever is in form and try to sell the other. I’m going to need this money to improve other areas of the squad.

Defense
Our defense improved a good bit, but still had some weaknesses: most notably at right-back. Malek Ait-Alia nearly single-handedly cost us the season… his foul and red card against Norwich gave them a gift goal and a win instead of a draw, a net swing of 3 points… then his nervous defending helped allow the first 2 goals against Coventry in the 2nd half in a game we led 3-0 at the time. Tommy Spurr was a pleasant surprise, turning into our regular left back following the injury to Lorenzo Davids. Spurr was solid out there, as was Balazs Borbely in the middle. But on the right, the platoon of Firmin Sanou and David Van Den Broeck did not go as well as hoped. Sanou showed his age regularly, while Van Den Broeck’s sub-par marking skills were often exposed by crosses through and around him. Evander Sno just didn’t have a good year either, but didn’t get much of a chance.

Players out: Firmin Sanou, Sean St. Ledger
Players in: 23 year old D/DM Nicolas Godemeche (Montpellier Reserves)

Outlook: We need to find a right back desperately. Spurr, Lavie, and Borbely are set as our main 3, but we need one more to have an enviable defense. With the right addition, we could become the toughest defense in the Championship. With another stiff at right back, we’ll just be staring at crosses in from the left all year long. Our reserves don’t look to be providing much help in the near future. Godemeche will likely play mostly at DM than at DC.

Midfield
Not to brag, but I believe that our team has the brightest young midfield in all of English football, including the Premiership. We have some fine young talent there… to start with, Andrej Mlinaric. The 18 year old Mlinaric had a great season, rating as the finest midfielder on the team. He showed some nerves in the middle of the season, but I was able to give him some rest and keep him on board. Georgi Sarmov was also a quality central midfielder throughout the season, at the ripe age of 22. 20 year old Spanish loaner Antonio Barragan had a slow start, but became a reliable goal scorer from the right wing later in the season. 22 year old Frenchman David Perisset came on late in the season and had a fine end of season run for us in midfield. Meanwhile, our most consistent player from last season, 23 year old Icelander Palmi Rafn Palmason, saw a bit of a decrease in quality, but was still a very reliable player, and was able to up his assist output greatly this year. Our attacking midfielders also had good years, but none moreso than loaner Chris Eagles. Eagles finished 15th in the league in assists, and only played about half the season with us. Cherif Toure-Maman had a good if unspectacular season from the left side, as did Khalilou Fadiga. Both provided some assists, and Fadiga woke up late in the season after a slow start. Loaner Jonatan Berg was a disappointment, and was often too down on himself to produce. Young Rachid Tiberkanine was a grave disappointment at AMC, while Lee Whittington saw the field a bit late in the season, but did not impress.

Players out: AML Khalilou Fadiga, MLC Peter Gain, MC Palmi Rafn Palmason (?)
Players in: 24 year old AMRLC/F Sebastien Renouard (Metz Reserves), 29 year old AMR Douala (Sporting Lisbon), 26 year old AMR/ST Mamadou Diallo (Nantes Reserves), Nicolas Godemeche

Outlook: Our outlook improves on all fronts next season. Sarmov, Mlinaric, and Perisset will hopefully improve at midfield, and will be joined by Nicolas Godemeche, a fine looking young DM. Palmi Rafn Palmason is finally willing to talk contract with us, but I can’t afford to pay his $325k salary right now, especially after failing to get promoted. With the emergence on the reserves of new players Markus Gustafsson, Emil Samuelsson, and Michael Cia (all under age 20), we may not need more midfield help anyway, and will be keeping our offers to Palmason to a minimum. Toure-Maman will be counted on at left wing again, and Diallo and Douala should greatly improve our in-house right wing talent, and allow us to not have to loan in multiple players at that position. Sebastien Renouard should be a huge help at all 3 midfield and attacking midfield positions. Marcus Williams and Lee Whittington just don’t look like they’re going to improve enough to have the talent to stay with us much longer… while Rachid Tiberkanine looks to have the skill to be a fine player, but has yet to show it on the field. We’ll definitely look to loan in Barragan and Eagles again, if they’re available.

Striker
Simon Hagman. Simon Hagman, Simon Hagman, Simon Hagman. Without him, we’d be sunk. Matt Jansen helped out too, but everyone else did virtually nothing. Christie pouted because he couldn’t get on the field over Wonderboy, so he’s been listed. Loaner Besian Idrizaj looked positively mediocre, with just 5 goals and a 6.59 in 29 appearances. Honore Kabongo also has not been impressive, and was not again this season. Keith Barker struggled when called upon, while Florian Da Costa and Danny Reed continue to tear up the reserves… not the hardest competition in the world.

Players out: Matt Jansen (?)
Players in: Sebastien Renouard, Mamadou Diallo

Outlook: Our outlook is grim unless Simon Hagman can keep up his miraculous form. Christie has pretty much proven why Middlesbrough had had enough of him. We’re trying to re-sign Jansen, but again his demands may be too much for us… plus he’s going to be 31 soon. Honore Kabongo just hasn’t been the talent we’d expected, nor has Keith Barker. Danny Reed and Florian Da Costa just aren’t gonna get it done just yet either. Renouard and Diallo are flexible enough to play up front, but only time will tell if this is a good idea. Getting another high quality player here would be nice… as insurance for Hagman. If he goes, we could be as bad as a relegation candidate. If he stays and plays up to this year’s standards, we should win the league.

Butter

05-24-2006, 02:48 PM

Matt Jansen signs a new deal for us, and we get a bargain… he agrees to a fairly discounted $250k per year deal with us, meaning he’ll be on for us until near his 33rd birthday. We did throw in a minimum release clause of $4 million, just above his current value.

We make an important defensive signing in late May, as 27 year old Belgian DRC Pieter Collen agrees to join us from the West Ham Reserves. Collen looks like a dynamic defender, just the kind we need on the right side. He has few if any apparent weaknesses, but had fallen out of favor at Upton Park, and we were able to make the swoop for just an $80k transfer fee. Collen’s deal is worth about $700k over 3 seasons.

June ‘08
Cash balance: $3,240,770

Simon Hagman is unsurprisingly voted Fans’ Player of the Year.

We pick up $1.2M for TV rights for the upcoming season.

I also had asked the board to improve the training facilities a while back, and I have been informed that the work is complete. We now have “good” facilities instead of simply “adequate”.

We also pick up a new 2 year sponsorship deal worth $250k per year, replacing our old $200k per year deal.

The board has given me a couple of budget options again this season. They look like this:
Wage budget --- Transfer budget
$5,500,000 ------ $1,600,000
$6,000,000 ------ $1,100,000
$6,750,000 ------ $375,000

We go with the middle of the road option, which will give us nearly $1.5M in salary to work with once all of the players in/out get sorted come July 1st.

Euro 2008 Final
Holland 2:4 Portugal

July ‘08
Cash balance: $4,010,433

We welcome our new signings into camp, they are as follows:

28 year old DRC Pieter Collen, $80k fee to West Ham Utd., $230k per year contract through 2011.

24 year old D/DM Nicolas Godemeche, $190k per year contract through 2011.

29 year old AMR Douala, $180k per year contract through 2010.

24 year old AMRLC/F Sebastien Renouard, $230k per year contract through 2011.

26 year old AMR/ST Mamadou Diallo, $230k per year contract through 2011.

We look through the ranks of the unsigned and make a number of offers, including offers to loan players from the big boys.

It would appear that Portsmouth has been keeping an eye on us… they make bids on 3 of our players. $500k straight up for Aime Lavie, $400k + 50% of next sale PLUS 20 year old DM/AM Adam Lallana (who is valued at $2.1 million I might add) for Michael Cia, and $600k + 20% of next sale for Georgi Sarmov.

Some impressive offers there. I turn them all down.

July 3, Friendly #1 v. Southampton
We put Perisset and Cia together in central midfield today. Southampton strike first in the 33rd minute, and we’re unable to score the rest of the match. Not a bad showing, really. Both young midfielders rate a 7.
Loss, 1-0

Our first loaner in arrives, and it’s 22 year old Portsmouth reserve striker Chris Dagnall. Dagnall displays a lot of power, but also a deft touch in and around the box. I’ll be interested to see how he works out. He is in on a season long loan for just $60k.

We make a big free agent signing, as 23 year old former Monaco striker David Gigliotti agrees to a multi-year contract with the Posh worth upwards of $2 million (3 year deal, $650k per year, 10% wage rise per year). Gigliotti is a very good ball handler in and around the box. He possesses speed, and good finishing power. He also is very good on set pieces, an area we’ve lacked quality in. He should be outstanding as a pairing up front with Simon Hagman.

July 7, Friendly #2 v. Aston Villa
We break out the 4-2-3-1 today, with 5 new signings among the 6 non-defenders. Villa get on the board first, as veteran Javier Saviola hits a nice strike. Saviola strikes again just before halftime to make it 2-0. Chris Dagnall manages to get 2 yellow cards in the 2nd half to add insult to injury.
Loss, 2-0

New signing David Gigliotti injures his groin in that last match, and will miss the remainder of the preseason.

We make a $40k deal with Wolves to bring over DRC Rob Edwards. Edwards possesses above average defensive technique, and excellent mental and physical attributes. He should make a fine addition to the Posh defense.

22 year old AMRC Chris Eagles joins us on loan from Manchester United for the entire season. Eagles will get $220k of his salary from us for the season long loan. I am quite excited at this move, as Eagles was spectacular in our midfield last season.

Wigan make it known to the press that they’re willing to pay over $1.4 million to bring Michael Cia to the Premiership. The 19 year old midfielder “touted as the next Francesco Totti” is not going anywhere. I plan to play him this year. I issue a “hands-off” warning.

Derby County ask me how much I want for Aime Lavie. He is currently valued at $575k, so I tell them $2 million. They agree to that after a couple of days. Spanish club Xerez also throw their hat into the ring, offering me $2 million for the Congolese defender. As much as I like the 23 year old, I have several players to replace him (see next signing for instance). Lavie is a bit of a different case than Michael Cia… Cia is only 19 and still improving… plus he has some hype behind him. Lavie was our best defender last season, but we have made several signings to improve there, and Lavie’s contract is up at season’s end. He wants nearly $600k per year to re-sign, which isn’t going to happen. Might as well strike while the iron is hot.

We make yet another signing, this time paying a whopping $325k to Sochaux for the right to sign 24 year old Senegalese D/DM/ML Guirane N’Daw. N’Daw is a very very good defender who can play on the left or at center-back. He possesses a superb mind for the game, and his only drawback appears to be a tendency to be injured a bit too often. N’Daw signs for $300k per year through 2012.

Wigan offer us $2 million + 30% of next sale for Michael Cia. Seeing as I don’t need the money right now, I turn it down.

July 17, Friendly #3 v. Crystal Palace
Simon Hagman wastes no time scoring in his first pre-season game… Diallo with a nice steal, and his low cross for Hagman is buried in the 22nd minute. Our defense plays great, and we take the 1-0 win. Why we scheduled a friendly with a league opponent is beyond me… I think I just forgot that they were relegated after last year.
Win, 1-0

Aime Lavie agrees to a deal with Derby, and I just made us some transfer money. Time to hit the wire for another central defender!

Antonio Barragan rejects a loan offer to come to Peterborough… can’t say that I blame him, our roster is a bit heavy right now.

July 21, Friendly #4 @ Montpellier
We decide to take a 2 match tour of France since we have several former French league players on our squad. Montpellier get on the board first after Bredal-Thorsen fails to stop a close in shot… then they score again in the 40th on a straight on shot that he looked lost on. They strike again after halftime on a brilliant 30 yard strike. Montpellier was the surprise of French football last year, finishing 4th in their first year back in Ligue Un since 2003/04. This is a continental European competition caliber club we’re facing. We get 7 shots in the match, but they all sail off target, as we put up little resistance.
Loss, 3-0

Very bad news for us as Cherif Toure-Maman hurt his spine in the match… he’ll miss about 2 months while receiving specialist treatment.

With the signing of 2 high quality strikers, and possessing 3 halfway decent backups in the reserves, we decide to part ways with Malcolm Christie. I throw out a figure of $50k as a fee for the disgruntled striker, and get 2 takers. Barnsley and Bournemouth. Christie agrees to a deal with League One Barnsley, and the disgruntled 29 year old striker and his $240k per season salary is off the books.

July 25, Friendly #5 @ Sochaux
We start Mark Cousins to get a last look at the in-demand youngster before he heads back to the reserves. We run through a scoreless first half playing pretty well… Cousins looks nice in goal. In the 52nd, it’s Mamadou Diallo driving home a nice chip from 20 yards after a great ball forward by Keith Barker. Then in the 83rd, N’Daw’s cross finds Georgi Sarmov at the near post where he heads it home. Sochaux up their attack and get a goal back in the 85th minute. Then in the 87th, they strike again, slicing straight down the center of our defense. Cousins with a nice game, but it would’ve been more impressive if he could’ve kept one or more of those late goals out.
Draw, 2-2

Depth chart
We have a bunch of players on the senior roster right now. Probably more than is really healthy.

DL: Tommy Spurr, Guirane N’Daw, Lorenzo Davids
DC: Balazs Borbely, Guirane N’Daw, Pieter Collen, Rob Edwards, Malek Ait-Alia, David Van Den Broeck
DR: Pieter Collen, Rob Edwards, David Van Den Broeck, Malek Ait-Alia
ML: Cherif Toure-Maman, Sebastien Renouard, Andrej Mlinaric, Matt Jansen
MC: Andrej Mlinaric, Georgi Sarmov, Michael Cia, David Perisset, Nicolas Godemeche
MR: Chris Eagles, Douala, Mamadou Diallo, Georgi Sarmov, Sebastien Renouard
ST: Simon Hagman, David Gigliotti, Chris Dagnall, Matt Jansen, Honore Kabongo, Mamadou Diallo, Sebastien Renouard

It’s going to be HARD to keep everyone happy this year. My toughest choice is at keeper. Here are my choices:

Mark Cousins
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/th_cousins.jpg (http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/cousins.jpg)

Ivan Cuellar
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/th_cuellar.jpg (http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/cuellar.jpg)

Hakon Opdal
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/th_opdal.jpg (http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/opdal.jpg)

Just not sure who to pick! Cuellar performed better last season… Opdal is the “model professional” who seems to be able to motivate the team, and he looks better on paper than Cuellar… Cousins is in high demand, and looks promising, except for those pesky physical attributes. Thoughts?

August is upon us… it’s time to get into the season again and try once more to take The Posh to the promised land.

dixieflatline

05-24-2006, 04:52 PM

Cousins indeed looks promising and I would try to get him as much time as I could in matches against weaker opponents and such. After looking at Opdal I would definitely give him another shot for the #1 job even though he didn't perform all that well last year. If he falters then give Cuellar a shot.

Butter

05-25-2006, 03:30 PM

August ‘08
Cash balance: $4,972,422

With our newfound glut of defenders, we decide to part ways with Lorenzo Davids. He just doesn’t have what we need in a defender right now… he has a tendency to lose focus and composure when faced with a tough situation. Davids signs with Perugia of Italy’s Serie B for a $200k fee to us. He came over 2 years ago on loan from Feyenoord, and we signed him on a free transfer in the last offseason. Davids is only 21 years old, but we decide to get something for him now as his $120k per season contract is up at season’s end, and likely we were not going to re-sign him.

The League Cup First Round is drawn, and we’ll host League 1 Brentford on August 20th.

Aug. 3, Match 1 v. Sunderland (TV)
Our opening day lineup in the 4-2-3-1:
----------Hagman------------
Jansen—Renouard—Eagles
-----Cia----Godemeche-----
--------------------------------
Spurr-Borbely-Collen-Edwards
-------------Opdal------------
Jansen and Eagles with forward arrows, Cia and Godemeche with backward arrows.

A boring scoreless first half, but Opdal picks up another minor injury… must remind myself to have a physio check him out. Sunderland score shortly after the break off a corner kick. In the 56th, Godemeche with a nice ball to Kabongo… his shot at the left is stopped, but Hagman follows it up and scores. Opdal is forced out of the game for good in the 61st. Sunderland press through about the 75th minute, then are content to lay back and take a point.
Draw, 1-1, begin in 14th place

This is a better start than we’ve had the last couple of years. Just as I was preparing to allow Mark Cousins to go out on loan, I change my mind and keep him because of Opdal’s situation. Opdal has come up with strained ankle ligaments, and will be out 3-7 weeks for treatment.

The newspaper approaches me and asks why Rob Edwards had such a poor debut. He rated a 6 and really didn’t factor in the match, but ok. I say that “one performance doesn’t change a player’s ability” and that he will become an excellent signing in time. I notice after that comment, that Edwards is now “concerned that the manager may be expecting too much from him”. Pussy.

Championship promotion odds
Crystal Palace – 2:1
WBA, Peterborough, West Ham – 5:2
Wolves, Coventry – 3:1

Aug. 5, Match 2 @ #19 Leicester
We run Cousins out there today to see what happens. He makes a nice save on a clear breakaway in the 5th minute. In the 24th, though Leicester with some nifty passing through the defense, and a well-placed shot beats Cousins to the far post. I berate the team at halftime, because we’ve looked awful the first 135 minutes of the season. Perhaps a bit unsportingly, we get a good attack going as a Foxes players lies in pain in our box… Edwards with a great long ball for Hagman, and he hits a perfect chip from 15 yards to score over the keeper. 2 minutes later, Leicester score again as our defense allows far too easy passing in our own box. The Foxes score again in the 65th, as Cousins fails to smother the ball on 2 point blank shots, and the 3rd attempt is knocked home. We get one back in the 82nd, but it is ruled out for offsides… and that finishes us off. Van Den Broeck yields a penalty in the 90th minute, and the Foxes add insult to injury to make it 4-1.
Loss, 4-1, drop to 22nd

We had similar problems last season in digging ourselves out of an early hole, and it ultimately cost us automatic promotion. We’re repeating the cycle.

Cousins showed his inexperience and poor handling skills in the last match, almost proving that he is not ready for the #1 spot. He’ll be relegated to the bench in favor of Cuellar while Opdal is recuperating.

I tinker a bit with our tactics and set pieces, making sure we have people back in the right places, and that we have all angles of our set pieces covered. I also want to try to fine tune our tactics, to have the right people taking long shots, and the right people holding up the ball.

Aug. 9, Match 3 v. #2 Wolves
A slow moving match, but Chris Eagles causes havoc in the Wolves backline… so much so that the man marking him picks up 2 yellows before the 40th minute, so we go into the break a man up. Gigliotti comes on for Hagman in the 68th, then 2 minutes later Georgi Sarmov with a superb chip over the defense right to Gigliotti’s toe… he controls it and slots it home for his first Posh goal. We back into a defensive stance a bit, and hold on for the single goal win. An important one to get on track. Georgi Sarmov with a well-deserved MoM award here, he was superb in midfield.
Win, 1-0, up to 13th

I resolve to check out those tactics before games a bit more thoroughly from now on.

Butter

05-26-2006, 02:41 PM

Matt Jansen suffered a dislocated jaw in our last match, and he’ll miss 3-5 weeks of action. A newspaperman approaches me, and I tell him that “we’ll miss Matt but I feel we’ve got adequate cover”.

Aug. 12, Match 4 @ #12 West Ham United
Edwards with a terrible ball in the 8th minute, and it leads to a wide open 8 yard shot that Cuellar is helpless to deal with. 1-0, Hammers. Edwards picks up a yellow in the 19th minute, and I just go ahead and pull him. In the 27th minute, Cia’s attempted pass is deflected, but the Hammer defender dallies on the ball, allowing Gigliotti to swoop in and score. Off the ensuing kickoff, Gigliotti again showing his class… he gets an interception in midfield, races to the right, then crosses early towards the penalty spot, where Hagman hits a superb volley into the goal. 2-1, Posh. Gigliotti hits the bench at halftime thanks to a minor injury. With West Ham pushing up late, Hagman is left all alone across the center line, rounds the keeper and scores his 2nd of the game. Cia’s 2nd assist of the game, and the young Italian is looking good early in the season.
Win, 3-1, up to 9th place

A very nice win… Gigliotti and Hagman partnered very well up front, then Hagman with a typical quality move late to finish it off. Makes me wonder if I shouldn’t consider switching to the 4-4-2 full-time to get Hagman and Gigliotti on the field together more often.

The board comments on the quality of this win. They and the fans are expecting us to achieve a respectable league position this season, whatever that means. My contract is up at year’s end, so I need to show them something.

Aug. 16, Match 5 @ #6 Millwall
We start Dagnall and Diallo up front today to give Hagman and Gigliotti some early season rest. Unfortunately, Dagnall goes out injured in the 12th minute, so Honore Kabongo is pressed into action. Pieter Collen with a red card offense in the 20th minute, taking down a player on a breakaway… so we go a man down and a goal down on the penalty kick. Millwall have the look of Manchester United today, just picking us apart over and over again. They score a 2nd goal just prior to halftime to go up 2-0, then to open the 2nd half they score off a corner kick to make it 3-0. Down 3-0 with 40 minutes to play, frankly I’d settle for anything that looks like we didn’t give up. And in the 53rd, we get it, as Mamadou Diallo picks off a backpass and scores a nice goal. Then in the 67th, Diallo does it again, this time just attacking the keeper on a backpass as though he were a lame antelope, picking him apart and scoring a 2nd goal into an open net. We bring Hagman on for the final 8 minutes in the slim hopes of netting an equalizer, but Millwall do a good job of backing down and slamming the door shut.
Loss, 3-2, drop to 12th

Aug. 20, League Cup First Round v. Brentford (#22 in League One)
In the 24th minute, Douala with a nice cross to the middle, where Georgi Sarmov heads it home. 8 minutes later, Douala with another great ball, this time Hagman is there to strike it home. I’m making sure we get out of the 1st round this year. Just 2 minutes later, Rachid Tiberkanine’s call up from the reserves pays off as Sebastien Renouard’s chip finds the Dutchman open, and he scores it. We get Hagman out after we go up 3-0. Rob Edwards converts a PK off a handball in the box in the 47th minute to make it 4-0. Good to see Edwards playing well, as he struggled early in the season. We get another PK in the 79th minute thanks to Keith Barker being chopped down in the box, and Rob Edwards converts it as well. Douala scores off a 20 yard free kick that deflects off the wall and in to complete the rout. Brentford grab a goal in the 88th minute to give them some hope to cling to for the remainder of their season. Edwards picks up a 10 in defense.
Win, 6-1, advance to League Cup Second Round

It’s noted that the attendance of 2,857 for this game is the lowest for a match since I’ve been manager. Not a lot of League Cup fever in the ‘Borough.

We get another easy draw for the 2nd round, getting a home game vs. League Two Boston United. That game will take place on September 17th.

Aug. 23, Match 6 v. #13 Leeds
In the 28th minute, we turn the tide of the game after suffering a long Leeds attack, Collen with a steal in midfield then a great ball ahead to Hagman… Simon collects it, draws out the keeper, then slots it home inside the left post. Terrific placement on Hagman’s 6th goal of the season. Just before halftime, we get another good chance… this time Diallo wins a 50-50 ball and breaks down the right… he has the ball poked away, but Hagman is inside the box, he wins the ball, and rifles it home! 2-0 Posh at halftime… and we were pretty much dominated in the first half. We switch to our new shut down tactic, a 4-1-4-1, with Godemeche as the holding DM. In the 74th minute, we take a short corner (again thanks to a previous tactic switch)… Sarmov turns and swings one in… Leeds can’t get a finger to it, and the cross ends up going in! Sarmov has been on a terrific run of form, and it continues with his 2nd goal of the season.
Win, 3-0, up to 10th place, trail 1st place QPR by 5 pts.

I think we need another central defender or two… it seems like we HAVE to play Borbely every match, and either Collen or Edwards. Edwards frankly has been a bit flaky, and Collen just had his first really good match of the season. Both could be very solid on the right, so a backup DC that I have faith in would be a great help, as I still worry about playing Ait-Alia in anything resembling an important game.

Marcus Williams complains to the press about his lack of playing time. He was a big signing for us in my first season, as I paid $26k for him, which was half of my transfer budget in 05/06. I decide to sell him to Burnley, who need some help in League One. They agree to my $100k transfer fee request, and we’re soon rid of reserve D/M-L Marcus Williams. He made 47 appearances over 4 seasons, averaging a 6.75 rating, with 3 assists.

Aug. 25, Match 7 @ #18 Northampton
The crazy August matchload just keeps on coming. We stick with attacking tactics against our newly promoted bitter rivals from just down the pike. A fairly uneventful first half sees Kabongo and Mlinaric both forced out with injuries. After some nice work in the 2nd half, we finally break through, as Tommy Spurr’s great early cross finds Eagles streaking into the middle, and he heads it home from 7 yards out. Our cause is made easier when Northampton are reduced to 10 men with 10 minutes to go as a Northampton defender is sent off with a 2nd yellow for bringing down Gigliotti.
Win, 1-0, up to 5th place – 3 pts. behind 1st place QPR

Mlinaric will be out 4-8 weeks with a badly sprained ankle, while Honore Kabongo suffered a broken leg, and he’ll miss 4-6 months of action. Ouch. We’re already short Jansen, so this hurts quite a bit. Leaves us with very few options on the left, as Toure-Maman and Jansen are also suffering through long term injuries. We’re forced to the transfer list to look up some left wingers.

We finish August up on a good note, with a Cup win and a 4-1-2 league record to our credit.

Butter

05-30-2006, 01:28 PM

After several loan offers are turned down flat by the players we want, and after a few inquiries are dismissed out of hand, we finally nab the player we think will solidify our back 4. 24 year old Iranian center-back Rasoul Mirtoroghi signs a $500k per season deal through 2011, after we pay Charlton Athletic $700,000 up front, and $1.8 million over the next 18 months. By far the biggest transfer fee we’ve ever agreed to, but Mirtoroghi looks more than worth it. He should be a solid fixture at center back alongside Borbely for years to come. He wasn’t playing for Charlton, and was more than happy to come over rather than sitting on the reserve team for another season or two. Mirtoroghi remarks to the press at his happiness at being able to play regular first-team football after being “frozen out” at The Valley.

Leeds ask me how much we want for defender Tommy Spurr. Spurr is not for sale, but I respond with a $2 million price tag just to see how far they’re willing to go.

September ‘08
Cash balance: $3,266,737

Even after the big transfer, we’ve still got plenty of cash on hand, we’re still over $1.2M below our wage budget, and have over $500k in transfer money for January if needed.

Sept. 6, Match 8 v. #12 Cardiff
Mirtoroghi in his Posh debut today. In the 16th minute, Douala nets his team-leading 4th assist with another fine cross from the right, and Hagman heads it home for his 8th goal of the season already, and 7th in 7 league games. We have a midfield breakdown in the 54th, giving the ball away far too easily, then Borbely gets confused and loses his man, allowing an easy shot and goal for the Welsh side. In the 69th, another mental lapse allows an easy chance… Sarmov’s attempted header back to Borbely is instead headed right into the run of a Cardiff striker, and he puts it away to give Cardiff a 2-1 lead. Just 2 minutes later, we go up a man, as a Cardiff defender is shown his 2nd yellow of the match. We are unable to take advantage, however, and Cardiff hold on for the win.
Loss, 2-1, drop to 10th

I thought our defensive troubles were a thing of the past, but it was our midfield that let us down today. Sarmov and Cia with poor matches both out of our 4-2-3-1, and we couldn’t overcome some sloppy passing that drops us back out of the playoff zone.

Sept. 9, Match 9 @ #1 QPR
A good start for us, we keep pressure up and prevent QPR from getting into the box. In the 42nd, we get our breakthrough, as N’Daw sends in a fine ball to Gigliotti, and he slots it home. Off the ensuing kickcoff, Perisset with a steal, then a pass to Gigliotti, who flicks it on for Hagman… and he buries it! Hagman just can’t stop scoring. We keep our performance going in the 53rd, as Gigliotti’s 30 yard free kick is chipped perfectly to the run of Mamadou Diallo, who heads it in past the sprawling keeper for a 3-0 lead. A terrific road win against the league leaders. Might have to keep this 4-4-2 going with performances like this.
Win, 3-0, up to 6th place

We’re just getting killed with injuries, as Rob Edwards and Douala end up on the trainer’s table with fairly serious injuries… which means we’re running short of players despite having a large senior roster. The following players are hurt:
GK Mark Cousins
AMR Douala
DRC Rob Edwards
ST Chris Dagnall
D/M Andrej Mlinaric
AM/F Honore Kabongo
AM/F Sebastien Renouard
GK Hakon Opdal
AM Cherif Toure-Maman

I think this all may have to do with me cutting the intensive pre-season fitness training a bit short. We bring on a couple more skilled physios to try and help our plight… which brings us to a total staff now of 19… 10 coaches, 7 physios, and 2 scouts.

Sept. 13, Match 10 @ #8 Blackburn Rovers
Former Posh loaner Matt Derbyshire starts up front for Blackburn. He has 2 goals in 6 appearances for them this season. In the 31st minute, Robbie Savage strikes home a 20+ yard free kick, as Cuellar barely moves on it. We switch to our 4-2-3-1 at halftime, and in the 58th we go a man up, as Eagles is taken down about 1 yard outside the box… and the Rover defender gets the red card. Even pushing an extra striker into attack doesn’t help, as we offer up another weak performance.
Loss, 1-0, drop to 9th

We can’t hold our position in the top 6 right now… seems like our performances are up and down.

Sept. 17, League Cup Second Round v. Boston United
Danny Reed comes up from the reserves to start at striker today. Former Posh player Sean St. Ledger starts at the back for the Pilgrims. We dominate the first half, but it remains scoreless through 45. Painfully, the game remains scoreless through 90, and we’re forced into extra time. In the 2nd session of extra time, we get a break. Godemeche’s attempted cross eludes the keeper and caroms back off the crossbar… Georgi Sarmov is there to apply the finish and we go up 1-0 in the 106th minute. We finally look dominant in the final 15 minutes… but I tell the team that “despite the win your performance was awful”.
Win, 1-0, advance to Third Round

Sept. 20, Match 11 v. #12 Stoke
Stoke stays with us early on… but in the 40th minute, we get a nice chance. Mirtoroghi’s long ball is flicked on by Gigliotti, and Diallo is all alone from the right, and he powers it home from inside 8 yards. Sadly, Stoke are able to get the goal back in the 59th minute, off a counter-attack started by a Guirane N’Daw giveaway. N’Daw makes amends in the 64th, though, as he makes a steal, then crosses quickly for Gigliotti, who buries it past the Potters’ keeper. In the 72nd, Gigliotti with another nice move… he then tries to center for Jansen, but Jansen has his legs taken out from under him, and the penalty is given. Jansen takes it himself and buries it to put the game away. Jansen has been struggling, hopefully this’ll get him on track. In the 83rd, Tommy Spurr’s long free kick is half-volleyed in by Georgi Sarmov. Sarmov’s 4th goal of the season. Rasoul Mirtoroghi picks up his 2nd MoM award in 3 starts.
Win, 4-1, up to 4th place

We now trail 1st place Crystal Palace by 5 points, and 2nd place Wolves by just 3.

We get a poor draw for the League Cup Third Round, as we’ll have to travel to Craven Cottage to take on EPL outfit Fulham on October 22nd.

Sept. 23, Match 12 v. #5 Nottingham Forest
We put Gigliotti at AMC today in our 4-2-3-1 to see what he does there. Forest is sort of like the old folks home for the EPL, as they have Dean Kiely, Claude Makelele, Claus Jensen, and Juan Pablo Angel in their lineup. In the 17th, Hagman is set loose by a nice Guirane N’Daw long ball… and he scores his 10th of the season in style. In the 22nd, it’s N’Daw setting things up again, as his cross finds Gigliotti in the center of the box, and he powers a header in past the Forest keeper to make it 2-0. We pull Hagman and Diallo at halftime with minor injuries. We also switch to our counter-attacking 4-4-2. In the 64th, Gigliotti with a great header on for Godemeche, who is clean through on the keeper… his shot is deflected, but Gigliotti is there to finish the rebound. Gigliotti’s 6th of the season makes it 3-0. Mirtoroghi is named MoM yet again, as he continues to dominate in central defense for us.
Win, 3-0, up to 3rd – 3 pts. behind Crystal Palace for 1st

I take note that right back Adilio Augustin has been named man of the match for the last 3 Peterborough Reserve contests. His heading is still well below what I need a defender to have, but he is only 20… maybe there’s value in him yet.

Sept. 27, Match 13 @ #1 Crystal Palace
We come out in our standard defensive 4-4-2. In the 8th minute, our deadly counter-attack strikes, as N’Daw’s ball is headed down by Diallo, then Gigliotti with a well-placed shot to sneak it past the keeper for a 1-0 lead. Diallo keeps picking up a nagging injury in the first half. He comes out at the half, as we maintain a 1-0 lead. Great action in the 2nd half, as Cuellar makes 2 outstanding saves, while on the other end both Hagman and Gigliotti are robbed on world-class stops as well. A breakdown in the 85th minute leads to the equalizer, as Perisset’s pass to Mirtoroghi is intercepted, then Borbely misses an interception of his own, and the Eagles earn the point. Cuellar’s stellar game is ruined by some late defensive ineptitude. Mirtoroghi makes it 4 for 5 in MoM awards.
Draw, 1-1, up to 2nd

We stay 3 points behind Palace, but leap into 2nd past Wolves… at least until they play their featured Sunday TV match at Coventry. Wolves win that matchup 5-3, and jump back into 2nd.

Leeds approach me about taking over their managerial post. I turn it down… not interested. Though it is interesting to note how far Leeds have fallen since their Champions League appearance just a few years ago.

We finish September a very good 3-1-2 in the league, with a League Cup win as well.

Butter

05-30-2006, 03:29 PM

October ‘08
Cash balance: $2,956,198

Guirane N’Daw wins Player of the Month honors for September, for his 8.25 average in 4 appearances, including 4 assists. Rasoul Mirtoroghi finishes 3rd for the honor.

Much like last year, our first fixture of the month is moved due to international call-ups. This results in a 2+ week break for us at the beginning of October. Several of our players are returning to health, so this development is quite welcome. As a result of the layoff, we’re dumped into 6th place.

Oct. 14, Match 14 @ #15 West Bromwich Albion
Hakon Opdal returns between the posts today. Gigliotti and Hagman both get breakaways early, but it is Hagman getting the first goal off a nice pass from Rob Edwards… Hagman buries his 10th league goal of the season. In the 37th, WBA score off a free kick… a nice ball to the middle is headed down and volleyed home by Ze Eduardo of WBA… his 10th goal of the season. Again, a goal is scored thanks to some lax midfield passing… Godemeche’s attempted pass back to Borbely is errant, and ends up in an easy goal for WBA. After we shift to a more attacking style, WBA score again in the 66th, when Borbely is out of position. WBA make it 4-1 in the 78th. Gigliotti has a goal disallowed late… a terrible performance by Opdal and the entire defense.
Loss, 4-1, drop to 10th place

We’re still just 5 points out of first, but we’ve lost 5 games out of 14. Frankly, with this lineup, we shouldn’t lose 5 games all season. Not sure what the problem is. Opdal didn’t much look interested in playing today. He rated a 5 until late, when he pulled 2 good saves out of his ass and bumped his rating up to a 7.

We drop to 12th as we pick up another game-in-hand on the field, thanks to our Sunday TV match against Hull.

Oct. 19, Match 15 v. #11 Hull City
After a dreadfully boring first half, we switch to our defensive 4-4-2. Our play seems to improve, but both Gigliotti and Hagman are essentially non-entities in this match… and we all know that means curtains. Hull play a typically tight game and come away with the point.
Draw, 0-0. remain 12th

I decide we’re going to stick with the 4-4-2 counter-attacking style for all matches now. If nothing else, it should help us keep from losing games… and with Hagman and Gigliotti able to play together in most matches, it should help us get our best 2 attacking players on the field at all times.

Oct. 22, League Cup Third Round @ Fulham (10th in Premier League)
Not much going on in the first half… Fulham dominate the game, but it remains 0-0. Our defense breaks down in the 79th minute, and Fulham are able to sneak one past Cuellar to take the lead. Borbely and Mirtoroghi both pick up minor knocks in the late stages of this match.
Loss, 1-0, out of League Cup

Mirtoroghi should not miss significant time, while Borbely will miss 1-2 weeks with a mild ankle strain.

Oct. 25, Match 16 @ #13 Sheffield United
Mark Cousins with the start in goal today. Another defensive lapse, as Mirtoroghi’s attempted header to Cousins is intercepted, and passed to an unmarked striker at the back post for the easy goal in the 10th minute. Cousins with a fine save in the 60th minute, but he can’t corral the shot, and the ball is passed back to the spot for a vicious 15 yard shot that goes in. In the 63rd we get one back, as Michael Cia’s corner kick finds Gigliotti at the near post… he’s able to control it and score to make it 2-1. Sheffield United put it away in the 85th, as a cross and volley get by Cousins to make it 3-1. Our downward spiral continues.
Loss, 3-1, drop to 14th

Again, an early season losing streak may well cost us any chance we have of contending for one of the top two places. We now sit 7 points behind 2nd place and 8 behind 1st. Not an insurmountable task, but with 11 teams between us and them, we definitely have our work cut out for us.

Oct. 28, Match 17 @ #22 Oldham
In the 2nd minute, we get a great chance, as Hagman slides a nice pass to Jansen, who strikes it home. Jansen with a nice return to his striker role. Hagman in the 12th makes a nice steal, then slides one past the keeper to give us a 2-0 lead. Jansen with a steal in the 28th, and he takes it right from the keeper and scores into an open net from 40 yards out. Off the ensuing kickoff, Hagman steals the 2nd pass, then runs past 2 defenders and chips it into the net. We’re destroying Oldham in a nice confidence-building performance. In the 59th, Mlinaric’s cross finds Sarmov, and he heads it inside the right post for his 5th goal of the season, and our 5th of the match.
Win, 5-0, up to 12th – 2 pts. behind Coventry for 6th place

Butter

05-31-2006, 11:00 AM

We finish October a disappointing 1-1-2 in the league, and get dumped out of the League Cup. But to be fair, 5 of our last 6 matches have been on the road, and we’ve never been a great road team.

November ‘08
Cash balance: $2,473,582

Nov. 1, Match 18 v. #10 Watford
We stick with our 4-4-2 counter-attack here… but it’s not very effective. We struggle to create much of anything in the first half, and switch to attacking tactics for the 2nd half. In the 51st, Diallo with a great cross to Matt Jansen who heads it in for a 1-0 lead. 2 minutes later, Watford enact basically the same play and level the match at 1. The rest of the game zips by, and we’re left with yet another disappointing result.
Draw, 1-1, up to 12th – 3 pts. from 6th place

Time to examine our tactics again. It’s usually good to break out of a funk like we’re in. We decide to try the 4-4-2 diamond attacking “v2” in the tactics library. It uses short, quick passing, and skillful marking to keep the opponent under pressure. Should work well with our skilled midfield.

Nov. 5, Match 19 v. #10 Coventry
In the 15th minute, David Gigliotti with a wicked strike from the left side of the area, knocking a 12 yarder in off the post. 2 minutes later, Jansen’s corner kick is headed in by Hagman, and we lead 2-0. In the 26th minute, Hagman with a shot that the keeper parries, but Gigliotti finishes the rebound… his 10th of the year gives us a 3-0 lead. Chris Dagnall nearly scores his first Posh goal in the 60th minute, but it is ruled out for offsides. Mirtoroghi is sent off in the 72nd minute, and Coventry net their first goal in the 74th. We back into a defensive position, and hold the lead the rest of the way.
Win, 3-1, up to 7th place – behind 6th place West Ham by +2 on GD

Nov. 15, Match 20 v. #20 Reading
Florian Da Costa has shown some marked improvement on the reserve squad, so we bring him up to start alongside Hagman today…. With Gigliotti waiting in the wings. We control the ball in the first half, but fail to convert any chances into goals. Da Costa seems a bit nervous. Gigliotti comes on for him in the 65th minute. We continue to control possession, but can’t get any good chances. Finally in the 87th, Gigliotti hits a 25 yard free kick straight into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead! Reading finally shift into gear, but it’s too late.
Win, 1-0, up to 5th place

Now we’re just 2 points from 1st place Crystal Palace. The top 10 teams are all within 4 points of each other… and as far down as #17 QPR is only 9 points out of first. A very tight grouping with no dominant team so far this season.

Our new short passing scheme in the last match dominated Reading. We held over 60% possession, and Reading was in our zone less than 5% of the entire match.

Matt Jansen suffers a dislocated shoulder in mid-week, and he’ll be out 2 months or so. Jansen has had a difficult year, to say the least.

Nov. 22, Match 21 @ #21 Plymouth Argyle
If Hagman weren’t already on pace to score 30+ goals again, I’d almost say he were in a slump. In the 23rd, some very nifty quick passing finds Spurr heading down to Eagles, who slips a ball in to Gigliotti… Gigliotti’s first time shot goes in, and we take a 1-0 lead on David’s 12th of the season. 2 minutes later, Renouard takes it down the left, then centers for Gigliotti, who volleys it home. The Frenchman with 13 goals on the season now, just one behind Hagman. Argyle is actually lucky they weren’t down 4-0 at the half, as both Hagman and Eagles were robbed on point blank chances. Plymouth come out hot, and score in the 50th minute on a well-placed shot past Cuellar. But we’re able to hold off any more chances, despite playing pretty poorly in the second half we win.
Win, 2-1, up to 2nd place - 2 pts. behind 1st place Derby

As I suspected, one good run of play has found us near the top of the table. 13 points from a possible 15 has found us just inches away from being on top… hopefully for good. Our last game of the month finds us fighting yet another team near the bottom of the table…. Then our first game of December finds us playing the team we’re chasing.

After his recent appearance, I decide to start training young midfielder Michael Cia as an AMC.

Nov. 29, Match 22 v. #24 Swansea
We give Hagman another day off here, again starting Da Costa this time alongside Gigliotti. We get off to a nice start in the 4th minute, as Collen’s free kick finds Sarmov, who heads it down to Gigliotti… his low driven shot goes in just inside the left post from 18 yards for a goal. In the 28th minute, it’s Sarmov with another great ball to Gigliotti, who beats his marker, then drills a hard shot into the upper 90… his 15th of the season puts us up 2. Sarmov continues his fine game from the AMC spot, as Da Costa has the ball tackled away in the box, the ball bobbles to Sarmov who strikes it home from 25 yards out. We hold on for the remainder, and take an easy win.
Win, 3-0, remain 2nd – 2 pts. behind Derby

We finish November an undefeated 4-1-0, rocketing from 13th to 2nd place in the table.

John Galt

05-31-2006, 12:29 PM

Just wanted to let you know that I'm enjoying reading along.

Butter

05-31-2006, 03:16 PM

December ‘08
Cash balance: $2,160,360

Balazs Borbely finishes 2nd in Player of the Month voting. Tommy Spurr wins Young Player of the Month of November voting, averaging an 8 rating in 3 November starts. And I unsurprisingly pick up the Manager of the Month award, my 8th manager of the month honor in 4 seasons.

The FA Cup draw is held, and we’ll visit either League Two Bristol Rovers or Conference Nat’l club Macclesfield in the Third Round in early January.

Dec. 6, Match 23 @ #1 Derby County
The Rams waste no time getting on the board, as Cuellar can’t stop a hard 10 yard effort. We quickly switch to the same 4-4-2 diamond style, but a defensive posture. It works in the 20th, as Sarmov gets loose on the counter-attack, and slides a perfect centering pass to Hagman, who tucks it away for his 15th goal of the season. In the 34th, Sarmov picks out Hagman on the breakaway again… but his shot is saved. The ensuing corner from Godemeche is headed by Borbely… and he’s fouled! A penalty is given! Former Posh defender Aime Lavie guilty of the foul, and Rob Edwards will take the PK. Edwards is rated a perfect 20 on PK’s, and he doesn’t disappoint here! 2-1, Posh. Sadly, Derby strike back in the 43rd, on a well taken 25 yard shot off a deflection from Mirtoroghi. Then, in stoppage time, it’s Sarmov again… this time, Sarmov with a great low ball to Perisset on the edge of the six, and the Frenchman scores inside the left post! Perisset’s first Posh goal comes as we try to figure out which of our MC’s can play at DMC and AMC… Perisset is playing well at AMC today, and caps it with a goal to give us a 3-2 halftime lead. Derby get the equalizer just 3 minutes into the 2nd half, as a cross eludes Cuellar and gets tapped in. Just 2 minutes later, Derby make it 4-3, as Cuellar fails to corral an initial 10 yarder, allowing a rebound goal to put us behind. Hagman on a breakaway in the 63rd, but his shot is saved, and the rebound cleared. We bump up our attack a bit, and Derby just score in behind it in the 74th to make it 5-3. Obviously, the Rams’ team talk helped them out at halftime, and ours didn’t. Our defense was shredded in the 2nd half. Cuellar went from a 9 rating at halftime, to a 5 by game’s end.
Loss, 5-3, remain 2nd – 5 pts. behind Derby

I take another look at reserve 19 year old midfielder Emil Samuelsson, as it’s noted that Plymouth are thinking of bidding for the young Swede… and wow, has he developed. He has 20’s in crossing, passing, technique, and concentration, and 16’s in dribbling, first touch, heading, anticipation, and positioning. He’s not weak (under a 10 rating) in any I bring him up to the senior club and decide to try him out here and there. He’s most comfortable in the 3 midfield positions, but is also “competent” at DM… so he’ll probably play some there.

As I prepare to play Samuelsson, I also prepare to bring in amazing looking young player Nathan Bennett from Doncaster. Bennett can play DM or at DR. He is only 17 years old, and already is at 12 or above in many key categories, including all the important physical attributes. I pay Doncaster $100k + 25% of next sale for the youngster. Bennett agrees to an $80k per season contract through 2012. Bennett will join us on 1/1/09.

Dec. 9, Match 24 @ #18 Sunderland
Play goes back and forth early, and Cuellar does well to keep us scoreless. In the 36th, Collen with a great long diagonal ball to Mlinaric… he crosses short for Sarmov, who unleashes his right foot and buries a shot into the top left corner for a 1-0 Posh lead. Sarmov’s 7th goal of the season in all competitions. Just 3 minutes later, the Black Cats’ keeper misplays a backpass, coming out a bit too far, and Gigliotti skins him and scores into an open goal. In the 56th, Sunderland get a goal back, as our defense fails to clear a ball into the box, and it’s scored in behind Cuellar. Gigliotti restores our 2 goal advantage in the 71st, as he wins a ball in midfield, then turns and blows past his man, then scores a brilliant 20 yard chip shot. Less than a minute later, Sunderland score again on an easy cross and header in past an injured Borbely. Sunderland threaten several times late, but our defense is able to weather the storm.
Win, 3-2, remain 2nd – 5 pts. behind Derby

I think the Florian Da Costa experiment is coming to a close. I’ve run him out there 3 times now, and I don’t think he’s even put a shot on target yet. Back to the reserves with ye!

I’m still trying to figure out why Hakon Opdal never seems to be able to perform. The guy looks great in training. Then you put him on the field, and he goes kaput.

Macclesfield Town win their FA Cup replay with Bristol Rovers, so the #1 team in the Conference will be our opponent in the Third Round of the Cup.

Dec. 13, Match 25 v. #17 Leicester
Hakon Opdal gets a start in goal today. And it starts horribly, as the Foxes shred our defense with some quick passing, then a 15 yard shot gets past Opdal inside the left post for a 1-0 Leicester lead after 3 minutes. We barely threaten the rest of the half, and I tell the team they’re letting each other down at halftime. In the 59th, we break through, as Simon Hagman finally gets back on the board, after a nice pass from Chris Dagnall found his diagonal run. We play better through the end of the match, but can’t find the game winner.
Draw, 1-1, drop to 4th – 7 pts. behind 1st place Derby, 1 behind 2nd place West Ham

Right winger Douala requests to be transferred since he has been mostly not playing since returning from injury several weeks ago. We get a few offers as we start the bidding at $300k, and are able to bump it up to $350k before French team Grenoble finally signs the disgruntled Cameroonian. Douala had 1 goal and 4 assists in 5 appearances… but 1 goal and 3 assists of that was in our first League Cup match.

Hull announce that they’re ready to offer me $2.5 million for Georgi Sarmov. I issue a hands-off warning… he has been our best midfielder this season.

Dec. 20, Match 26 @ #9 Wolves
We suffer through an extremely boring first half… then Wolves start laying it to us to begin the 2nd half. Somehow we manage to hold them off… but can’t get much going ourselves. Hagman and Gigliotti somehow fail to score, and it stands as a draw.
Draw, 0-0, remain 5th – 7 pts. behind 1st place Derby

We start fielding offers for former Ajax and current Peterborough reserve defender Adilio Augustin from several Dutch teams… we brought Augustin in on a free transfer 2+ years ago… but he has never really developed as quickly as we hoped. So, I negotiate a couple of offers to $50k + 30% of next sale, and we’re able to part with the 20 year old fairly quickly.

Dec. 26, Match 27 v. #3 West Ham United
Both teams are tight early on, but we gradually start playing better and better… then in the 38th, Gigliotti volleys an errant Hagman shot into the back of the net to give us a 1-0 lead. Then in the 43rd, Hagman decides he can’t let the Frenchman out-do him, and Mlinaric’s cross is headed in by the Swede to give us a 2 goal halftime cushion. In the 55th minute, Hagman with a great header onto the run of AMC David Perisset, and Perisset scores his 2nd goal of the season with a nice low shot. West Ham pick up a late goal in the 82nd with a 20 yard direct free kick that goes in past Cuellar, but they get no closer as we win this key promotion 6-pointer. Andrej Mlinaric wins MoM, with 2 assists… he now has 4 assists in just 8 appearances this season.
Win, 3-1, up to 3rd – trail Derby by 4 pts. and 2nd place Sheff. Utd. by 1 point

Cherif Toure-Maman now complains to the press about his lack of playing time… but until recently, he was injured. I assure him he will get his chance… because he is a very talented player.

Dec. 30, Match 28 v. #8 Millwall
After we apply consistent early pressure, Mlinaric’s early cross finds Gigliotti… his header is stopped, but Hagman finishes the rebound. Hagman and Gigliotti now both with 18 goals on the season. It stays that way until the 86th minute, when Rob Edwards is whistled for a “dubious” foul on the edge of the box… Millwall strike home the free kick, and it ends in a 1-1 draw. Tough decision there to cost us 2 points.
Draw, 1-1, drop to 4th place, at 49 pts

Standings at the end of the year:
1. Derby – 52 pts.
2. Sheffield United – 51
3. Blackburn R. – 50
4. Peterborough United – 49
5. Crystal Palace – 49
6. Cardiff – 48
7. West Ham – 46
8. Watford – 44
9. Millwall – 44
10. Hull – 43

We finish December 2-3-1, but that one loss was a huge one. We’ve lost just once in the league since Oct. 28th.

January ‘09
Cash balance: $2,633,295

With the new year brings us some new cash… we dump Adilio Augustin and Douala for $400k combined, but bring in just 2 new players… both young reservists. The most promising of which is Nathan Bennett from Doncaster. Bennett is just 17, but is already a fairly good looking young player. He’ll probably need a couple of years of seasoning, but should get his chance within the next couple of seasons at DM.

The nice thing about this Bosman signing period is that we don’t really need anyone, nor do we desperately need to re-sign anyone. The 3 players whose contracts are up at season’s end are Cherif Toure-Maman, Malek Ait-Alia, and Balazs Borbely. Of these 3, I would like to re-sign Borbely and Toure-Maman. Borbely’s demands are a bit high, while Toure-Maman is not convinced he wants to stay due to his lack of playing time this season. I offer Borbely about a $600k per year contract for 2 more seasons, and a couple of days later am informed that the rock of our central defense agrees to stay around for 2 more seasons, for a total contract worth of about $1.8 million.

Jan. 3, FA Cup Third Round @ Macclesfield (#1 in Conference National
We are 1-6 favorites for this match, which puts Macclesfield at 10-1 underdogs for a win… very large odds in soccer. Oddly enough, 34 year old US defender Kerry Zavagnin is the Macclesfield captain today. The Macclesfield keeper puts in a Herculean effort to keep the tiny side in the game through halftime. This is the kind of game that “big” clubs like us tend to lose in the Cup tourney. Luckily for us, we don’t let that happen. In the 79th, Van Den Broeck’s early cross finds Keith Barker at the near post, and he heads it in past the keeper. Hakon Opdal picks up an injury late, and has to come out. Keith Barker nips in and picks up a 2nd goal off a nice pass from Eagles in stoppage time to make it look a bit easier than it was.
Win, 2-0, advance to FA Cup Fourth Round

We get about the easiest draw possible for the Fourth Round, getting a home game against one of only 2 remaining League Two outfits… Tranmere Rovers will visit London Road on January 24th.

Butter

06-01-2006, 01:32 PM

Ipswich offers me $3.3 million + 10% of next sale for Georgi Sarmov. I counter with $4 million + 20% of next sale. Sarmov’s agent notes that his client wants to be able to discuss terms with Ipswich. I say “screw you, buddy, I’m in charge here, and you’ll play out your contract if I say”. Or something to that effect.

Jan. 10, Match 29 @ #21 Leeds
Leeds with a somewhat rare 5-3-2 formation… with a sweeper, 2 wing-backs pushing into midfield, and 3 central midfielders. We stick with attacking tactics out of the diamond today. Pays off in the 2nd minute, as Gigliotti sends a super through ball to Toure-Maman, who slots it home to give us a quick lead. Hagman with a giveaway as he attempts to pass back to Mirtoroghi… and Cuellar with some bad positioning on the goal as he lets it in on the short side. In the 2nd half, Borbely is sent off in the 68th for a last ditch tackle… but luckily it was just outside the box, so we dodge the goal. We switch to a defensive 4-4-1 for the remainder and just try to hold the point. We actually control play for the last 10 minutes, and are able to hang on for the draw.
Draw, 1-1, drop to 5th

I offer Emil Samuelsson out for loan, as his form hasn’t impressed me at the senior level… 6 appearances, a 6.57 avR. 10 teams offer to take me up on his loan out, and 3 more teams offer to buy him for $300k + 30% of next sale. Samuelsson actually ends up going on loan to QPR… so it should be interesting to see if he gets any time in the lineup there. Hopefully he will, but I have a knack for loaning out players to teams who end up not really using them.

Norwich offer me $1.7M and 30% of next sale for Michael Cia. His training at AMC is coming along nicely, so I turn them down flat. Once he gets trained there, I think he’s going to settle in for a long, long time.

I exchange some words through the media with Northampton’s manager… our rival tells us they’re looking forward to keeping us from being promoted… I tell the media that Northampton’s manager is a magician… as in “poof, watch his team disappear from the Championship!”

Jan. 17, Match 30 v. #23 Northampton
In the 16th minute, Gigliotti buries a free kick from the edge of the area… his 19th of the year puts us ahead early. Gigliotti scores again in the 32nd, after a nice pass from Cia. The Frenchman’s 20th of the year leads the club. Northampton get one back just prior to the break after Pieter Collen gave it away in defense, then failed to close down the attacker after the steal. In the 53rd minute, we pass the ball crisply around the perimeter of the area, then Rob Edwards with a pinpoint pass to a cutting Michael Cia, who turns, shoots, and scores! Cia’s first ever Posh goal puts us back up by 2. We add one more for good measure in the 89th, as substitute Sebastien Renouard takes Tommy Spurr’s pass and slots it home from 10 yards out. Renouard was completely unmarked on his 1st Posh goal.
Win, 4-1, up to 4th place – 2 pts. behind Derby and Crystal Palace for 1st

Sheffield United earn a draw on Sunday, and all 3 teams ahead of us now sit on 55 points, while we hold 53.

Jan. 24, FA Cup Fourth Round v. Tranmere Rovers (9th in League Two)
Hakon Opdal starts in goal today, and our striker tandem is Keith Barker and Chris Dagnall. Tranmere play us surprisingly even in the first half… Opdal with 2 nice saves to keep us in it. Perisset with 2 close-in misses cost us goals in the first half. We bring on 3 subs with about 15 minutes to play to try and prevent a replay. In the 84th, we get our wish, as Collen sends a great long ball to Hagman, who is played onside by a defender on the other side of the field… Hagman attacks the keeper and squeezes it between him and the post for the winning goal. Opdal was decent in goal, but he only had to make those 2 saves all match long, so it wasn’t too hard for him.
Win, 1-0, advance to Fifth Round

Manchester United and Chelsea both lose to Championship opponents, while Manchester City loses to League One Bournemouth.

The Draw for the Fifth Round is held… and we are the next to last team drawn, which means we get a home game… against Fulham. Fulham, the same team that knocked us out of the League Cup just over 3 months ago. We’ll play Fulham on February 25th at our place this time.

Jan. 27, Match 31 @ #7 Cardiff
We come out in the defensive version of our 4-4-2 diamond today. Cardiff with a great job of weathering 2 terrific chances of ours in the opening 10 minutes… but then a lapse on a 21st minute corner kick allows Balazs Borbely to head in Sebastien Renouard’s corner. Borbely’s first Posh goal. 6 minutes later, Hagman with a great breakaway, but he unselfishly centers for Gigliotti, who converts an easy tap-in to make it 2-0. Just seconds before the halftime whistle, the rear guard opens up and allows a 20 yard shot... and Cuellar can’t get to it, allowing Cardiff to go in just a goal behind instead of two. We restore our advantage just 2 minutes into the 2nd half, as Spurr intercepts a free kick by Cardiff, then sends Gigliotti in free on the keeper… and he just doesn’t miss those. In the 52nd, Cuellar with a world-class save on a breakaway pass that was centered to an unmarked attacker… he slid over and made the fingertip save. Then, to keep our momentum, we put another good attack together, which ends when Cia is tackled from behind in the box… the penalty is given, and Gigliotti converts it to nab a hat-trick. As we do in all blowouts, we remove Gigliotti and Hagman as soon as it is apparent that we’re going to win. Can’t have them getting injured now, can we? A terrific performance all around, as Gigliotti picks up a 10, while Renouard, Spurr, and Godemeche nab ratings of 9.
Win, 4-1, up to 1st

We only move into 1st temporarily, as a number of other games kick-off later than ours. But when the dust settles, we slide into first as all 3 teams that were ahead of us only manage to draw. The standings are getting ever more crowded, as 4 teams now sit on 56 points, with 2 more on 55. We hold the best GD among those with 56, with a +24… but West Ham lurks a point back with a +30.

A big match rounds out the month:

Jan. 31, Match 32 v. #3 Blackburn
Rovers just dominate us in the first half… but neither team really gets much on goal. I try to encourage the team at halftime… this would be a huge win for us. In the 60th, our extra bit of quality shines through as Diallo caps a great series of crisp passing with a beautiful short cross over the defense, right onto the leg of Simon Hagman who volleys his 20th of the season into the back of the net. Mirtoroghi, Borbely, and Cuellar with some nice defensive work late… Mirtoroghi in particular foiled a 3-on-2 with a superb tackle inside the area. We take an important 3 points!
Win, 1-0, remain 1st, ahead of Sheffield United by +4 GD

We finish the month on a 3 game winning streak in the league… and we still haven’t lost in the league since late October. Our January record is 3-1-0, with 2 FA Cup wins as well.

Butter

06-01-2006, 03:29 PM

February ‘09
Cash balance: $1,710,643

Michael Cia is named Young Player of the Month for January. He had 1 goal and 1 assist while averaging a 7.33 in 3 league starts this month. I somehow manage to finish only 3rd in the Manager of the Month voting.

I have noticed that I am losing a boatload of money this season. But if we can get promoted, it’ll all be worth it. But we have lost over $2.3 million this season, largely due to declining attendance combined with a rising wage budget.

As our next match is on Sunday, we get kicked all the way down to 4th after the Saturday action… needing another win to climb back into 1st, and a draw will put us 2nd.

Feb. 8, Match 33 @ #9 Nottingham Forest
We control play during the first 15 minutes… but Forest string together some impressive attacking in the next 20 minutes. Luckily for us, Cuellar is up to the task, and saves our hides more than once. The 2nd half is a bit less eventful early… but in the 74th, Forest’s superior skill today shows through, as Cuellar struggles to reach a loose ball then watches it get powered in behind him. For the first time in 3 ½ months, we have to push into attack to try and equalize. We get one decent chance late, as Diallo has a shot saved on a breakaway… then substitute Keith Barker’s follow-up attempt is charged down for a corner. That’s it, we take our first loss since Dec. 6th.
Loss, 1-0, remain 4th

The league is just cut-throat this year. Pretty rough that we worked so hard to get to the top, only to have our first loss in ten league games cause us to fall all the way to 4th. I would love to avoid the playoffs again this year, but with this competition, it’s going to be very difficult to get into the top 2 and stay there. Just hope we can avoid an extended drought following this loss.

Feb. 10, Match 34 @ #8 Stoke
Michael Cia shows why he is so coveted in this one. In the 9th minute, Toure-Maman with a nice pass to him, then he dribbles around a defender, then strikes home a tough-angled shot. His 2nd of the year gives us the lead. 2 minutes later, Chris Eagles’ cross finds Cia unmarked in the middle of the box, and he heads it past the Stoke keeper for a 2-0 lead. We keep up the pressure, and in the 20th, Balazs Borbely’s lofted ball from the sideline drops to the far post where Chris Eagles heads it home. Eagles has had a rough year this campaign, but is snapping out of it today. As the clock approaches halftime, Cia’s shot deflects straight to Keith Barker, who has an easy 5 yarder and buries it. Barker’s 1st league goal of the season, in a rare start for him as we give Hagman a rest. Eagles picks up in the 2nd half right where he left off, striking home a 20+ yard free kick to make it 5-0. In the 51st, Eagles’ free kick deflects off the wall, but right to Keith Barker who pokes it past the keeper. Toure-Maman makes it 7-0 with a great shot from the left side of the box that just sneaks in past the keeper. Then, my laziness at subbing out Gigliotti bites me, as Dwayne de Rosario chops him down and sends him off… hopefully it’s a minor injury. Toure-Maman, Cia, and Mlinaric (at DM) all pick up 10’s in this match. Keith Barker signals that maybe he’s ready to be a senior backup today, as he was in the right place at the right time more than once. The Stoke keeper and 4 of their field players end with ratings of 3…. Maybe the worst team effort I’ve ever seen.
Win, 7-0, up to 2nd

West Ham with a game-in-hand on the field now, but our win vaults us back into the top 2 for the time being… our GD shoots up to +31 with this performance, 2nd best in the league to the Hammers’ +32.

Gigliotti is not noted as having a long-term problem after the game, so I assume he’ll be just fine to go once his fitness recovers.

Feb. 14, Match 35 v. #18 QPR
Today’s match marks the return of Honore Kabongo to the Posh lineup… he is making just his 6th appearance of the season, and his first since his broken leg in late August. We control the first half pretty well, but fail to put any serious pressure on the Ranger keeper. Barker comes in for Kabongo at halftime, so as not to push him too hard. The 2nd half goes by with few chances for either side, and it ends in a boring 0-0 scoreline.
Draw, 0-0, remain 2nd

Both Sheffield United and West Ham have games to make up now, and both sit less than 3 points behind us… so wins by them will knock us out of the top 2.

It’s time… yes, that time. Time to take a look back at our Posh past and ask the question:

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

You may remember Trevor Benjamin, and how he helped us climb from League Two into League One with his 18 goals in my first year as coach. What happened to Trevor since? Well, he’s currently on his 13th team in 9 years… and his first outside England. Benjamin had 2 good years for Crewe in League One the past 2 seasons, scoring 21 goals and tallying 17 assists in 85 appearances. But he transferred over to Portuguese League club Nacional da Madeira, where he currently is helping that club achieve 6th place in the top-flight of Portuguese football. Benjamin is now 30 years old, and has scored 8 goals with 1 assist for Madeira this season.

What about Mark Arber, the defender we so callously sold in the middle of that striving for League One? Well, Swansea is ruing the day they paid us $140k for him, as after 1 good season in 2006/07, he has been in the reserves, watching his skills drop precipitously while running out the clock on his career. This 31 year old was key in getting us out of the red… but Swansea are struggling to stay in the Championship this year, no thanks to Arber.

And finally, what of Mark Tyler the Posh’s #1 goalkeeper and possibly it’s most beloved player when I took over? Tyler had been with the Posh his entire career, since 1994 when I came on board in 2005. Sadly for Mark, I had to get rid of his high salary… and sold him to Derby. Mark struggled with Derby, and played just 5 games in the Championship before transferring to League Two Barnet on a free in the summer of 2006. At Barnet, he currently toils in the reserves… after enjoying a decent 2007/08 season that saw him allow just 13 goals in 15 starts. Tyler still lists Peterborough as his favorite club… and possibly a coaching spot will be waiting on this wily veteran once his playing career is over… which may not be too far off, considering he is rehabbing a broken leg right now.

And as we say goodbye to Mark Tyler, so too do we bid adieu to this 2008/09 edition of… WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Butter

06-02-2006, 09:26 AM

The FA Cup Sixth Round draw is held, and if we can make it past Fulham, we’ll face a winnable game on the road at either Swansea or Reading to make the semifinals.

Feb. 21, Match 36 v. #1 Crystal Palace
Another match-up against the league leader can help us stay in the top 2… or could send us back into the playoff places. Our midfield is very active early on, and does a good job of closing down the Eagles all over the pitch… but our offense can’t get on track. It’s 0-0 at halftime. This game needs a goal to loosen it up… preferably a Posh goal. Mirtoroghi picks up a minor knock early in the 2nd half, but we get him to play on. We get a couple of minor chances in the 2nd half, but it’s a pretty boring game.
Draw, 0-0, drop to 3rd

West Ham jumps us into 2nd with a win, as the top 6 continue to be separated by just 3 points. A win would’ve been awfully nice, but I’m almost used to not being at the top at this point… why start now?

Mirtoroghi has a bruised rib, and will miss about 10 days of action.

League Cup Final
Liverpool 4:1 Manchester City

Feb. 25, FA Cup Fifth Round v. Fulham (#10 in EPL)
We come out in our 4-4-2 defensive diamond tactic. And just like every time we’ve played a stronger team than us, they get on the board quickly and easily… Moritz Volz with a nice cross in for Guinean striker Souleymane Youla, and he strikes it home in the 3rd minute. Youla strikes again in the 13th minute, as our defense appears to stand completely still while allowing the striker to run through them. We get a glimmer of hope in the 21st, as Renouard takes a long range shot… and it deflects off a Fulham defender in front and slips in. Youla scores again in the 39th to net a first half hat-trick, as Borbely looks powerless against him. We’re down 3-1 at halftime, and looking pretty scared. We actually come out looking much better in the 2nd half, but none of our chances can find the net… we push more into attack by the 70th minute. Doesn’t help, and we again squander a decent chance at cup glory. Every time we play an EPL team, we play horribly. Fulham get the pleasure of beating us out of both cups this year.
Loss, 3-1, out of FA Cup

We thoroughly struggled to contain a top class striker today. Very embarrassing display, although it didn’t help that 3 of our top 4 defenders, Mirtoroghi, Edwards, and Spurr are all out with injuries.

Feb. 28, Match 37 @ #17 Coventry
We still owe Coventry for knocking us out of the playoffs last season. We beat them 3-1 earlier this season. Hakon Opdal gets the start for the shell-shocked Ivan Cuellar today. We also start Jansen and Mamadou Diallo at striker, as Hagman has also completely lost confidence. We dominate the first half, but the Coventry keeper does a fine job to keep things scoreless at the interval. Considering our morale, I’m more than happy to finagle a point from this one. Another scoreless draw, as our defense showed up and played well today.
Draw, 0-0, remain 3rd – 3 pts. behind West Ham and Crystal Palace

A fairly disappointing February comes to a close, and we finish it 1-3-1 with an FA Cup loss as well. All 3 draws were scoreless.

Butter

06-02-2006, 01:26 PM

March ‘09
Cash balance: $1,335,110

Andrej Mlinaric wins Young Player of the Month of February, thanks to his 7.67 avR in 3 starts with 1 assist.

March 3, Match 38 v. #12 West Bromwich Albion
Opdal with another start in goal for the sulking Ivan Cuellar. Dagnall and Gigliotti start up front. WBA with some good attacking football early, but our defense stays well-positioned and limits them to long, tough-angle shots. In the 27th we get our chance, as Toure-Maman is tackled down illegally inside the area… Gigliotti to take the penalty, and he makes it to break our 3+ game league scoreless streak. That seems to give Gigliotti a taste for scoring, as in the 35th, a Renouard corner is headed on target by Borbely… it is chested away by a Baggies’ defender, but Gigliotti is there to finish it. Gigliotti out at halftime with a minor injury. We bring Cuellar and Hagman on late to try and improve their morale. They don’t do much, but we are able to get back on track with a nice, if unspectacular home win.
Win, 2-0, remain 3rd – 1 pt. behind West Ham and Crystal Palace

Both the Hammers and the Eagles draw today, so we close the gap on the top 2 to 1… here are the standings as we approach the stretch run:

1. West Ham – 69 pts., +35 goal differential
2. Crystal Palace – 69, +26
3. Peterborough Utd. – 68, +33
4. Blackburn R. – 68, +23
5. Sheffield Utd. – 68, +22
6. Derby Co. – 64, +26
7. Cardiff – 63, +6
8. Nott’m Forest – 62, +2
9. Hull – 60, +3

Opdal with 2 straight decent performances. We have 8 games left, with 4 coming against the bottom 7… can we kick it into gear and get into the top 2?

With 9 games left in the season, our reserve team has won the Group 4 reserves league again. They are 25-5-0 this season, with a 32 point lead.

March 7, Match 39 v. #22 Oldham Athletic
Another snoozer of a game, as opponents seem to be content to lay back and let us pass ourselves silly around the edges of the area, but we’re failing to put much pressure on opponents out of this formation. We switch to the 4-2-3-1 with about 10 minutes left, and get 3 good chances, but can’t get any of them in past the Oldham keeper, who is named Man of the Match with a 9 rating.
Draw, 0-0, drop to 5th – 3 pts. out of 2nd place

Our recent poor form with the diamond tactic suggests that perhaps it’s time to switch tactics again? I’m wary to do so, since we haven’t been losing… but we need to start winning some games if we want to avoid the playoffs again. Upon further reflection, I think we’ve just been struggling to score because Hagman has been off his game. He’s not scored since January 31st, a scoreless streak of 6 games.

March 14, Match 40 @ #11 Watford
We come out in the 4-4-2 defensive diamond again. Cuellar is back in the lineup, as is Simon Hagman. In the 15th minute, an early cross by N’Daw finds Gigliotti rising above 3 defenders and heading it home for his 26th goal of the season. Watford equalize in the 28th, as an attempted through ball is deflected right to the intended target, and Cuellar can’t stop the shot. Hagman’s tough luck continues, as he hits the crossbar in the 32nd minute with a close-in shot. In the 48th, our halftime substitution of Mlinaric for Toure-Maman pays off, as Mlinaric gets free on a breakaway and taken down in the box… the Watford defender is red-carded, and Rob Edwards converts the PK to make it 2-1 Posh. Watford actually seem to play better after losing a man, but our quality takes over late… in the 87th, we get that final counter-attack to finish things off, as Diallo’s superb pass to Sarmov finds him in space at 15 yards, and the Bulgarian knocks it home for his 8th goal of the season. Mamadou Diallo picks up a 9 and MoM honors.
Win, 3-1, remain 5th – 3 pts. from 1st

Next up, a big road match with Hull. Hull are trying desperately to keep up with the top 6, and are just 1 point behind Derby for 6th right now. Hull have traditionally been a team that we have trouble scoring on… but hopefully that last match will help us stay on track for this next one. We need a winning streak to finish out the season.

Michael Cia pulls a hamstring in practice, so we’ll be without our budding star for nearly a month.

Our final match in March is pushed back 3 days to April due to international call-ups… so we finish a slow March with a 2-1-0 record.

After the rest of the league plays in some matches over the weekend, we come out on the other end with a 5 point deficit to make up on the top 2 of Crystal Palace and Blackburn… a win in our next match will set us up to 4th, just 2 points behind. Gleefully, we watch as rivals Northampton are already relegated from the Championship.

Peterborough offer O’Sixty-Nine new contract
You have been offered a 3 year contract on $275,000 per year by the Peterborough board.

Peterborough board indicate that they would be able to offer you a transfer budget in the region of $1.3M to fund the purchase of new players. The current wage bill stands at approximately $6,000,000 per year, which the board consider a healthy level for a club of this size.

The board are keen to give you as much flexibility as possible however and have offered you several alternative budgets to choose from.

There are only 2 choices of wage and transfer budgets… I can go with the one stated above, or a wage budget of $6.5M, which would drop the transfer budget to $900k… that’s what I choose. I also throw in a clause to improve the training facilities. They refuse to upgrade the training facilities, so I agree to the financial terms, and sign a new 3 year deal through 2012.

Ivan Cuellar expresses his happiness that I have been retained.

April ‘09
Cash balance: $805,452

April 1, Match 41 @ #7 Hull
We need wins. Badly. Sadly, we start out quite poorly, conceding a goal inside the first quarter-hour thanks to some bad marking by Rob Edwards, and a good shot by the Tigers’ attacker. Hull quickly back into a defensive shell after their goal, as 1-0 is their desired scoreline. We get the goal back in the 27th, as Spurr’s cross is volleyed on target by Diallo… his shot is stopped, but Gigliotti finishes off the rebound to make it 1-1. Hull score quickly, though, striking back in the 30th, as Borbely fails to clear a cross in, allowing another easy shot for the Tigers. It looks like we’re headed for another gutting late season swoon, as Tommy Spurr gives up a PK in the 86th… when Hull converts, I know we’ve got lots of work ahead of us to climb back into the top 2.
Loss, 3-1, remain 5th

I lambaste the team in the post-game locker room. I also release critical mid-week comments about Simon Hagman and Ivan Cuellar, both of whom seem to be tanking at the worst possible time. The fans get behind my comments about the pair, but neither one of them seems fazed by the comments in the locker room.

April 4, Match 42 v. #4 Sheffield United
We’re sticking with the ol’ 4-4-2 attacking diamond. Gigliotti and Diallo start up front today. We get a great start in the 3rd minute, as Godemeche’s nice low pass finds Eagles unmarked near the spot… and he slots it home. Even better news in the 32nd, as Diallo’s cross is headed on by Gigliotti, and Toure-Maman squats at the back post and taps it in. Then in the 40th, David Gigliotti with a 25 yard free kick that he buries in the upper left corner for his 28th goal of the season. We bring Hagman on at halftime, and switch to a defensive set-up. We do what we need to, and back down for a 3-0 win.
Win, 3-0, up to 4th place – 2 pts. out of 2nd

Hopefully that win will give us momentum for our final 4 matches… 3 of which are against patently inferior clubs. Anything less than 3 straight wins heading into our final match against Derby will be a massive disappointment.

With 4 games left, here are the standings:
1. Blackburn R. – 80, +30
2. West Ham – 79, +42
3. Crystal Palace – 77, +27
4. Peterborough Utd. – 75, +36
5. Sheffield Utd. – 75, +24
6. Derby Co. – 70, +26
7. Cardiff – 70, +7
8. Hull – 69, +8

Georgi Sarmov suffers a mild pulled hamstring in training, but it is still likely that he will miss the remainder of the regular season. Tough break there, as Sarmov has been one of the most consistent midfielders we have.

April 11, Match 43 @ #17 Reading
We come out in our 4-4-2 defending diamond. Hagman picks up a minor knock very early in this match, and it’ll cause him to come out at halftime. Halftime zips by without much fanfare, and it’s a drab 0-0 game at halftime. Keith Barker comes on for Hagman at the break, and looks very lively. He nearly heads in a corner that the Reading keeper makes a great save on, then Gigliotti with a horrific miss as Barker crossed to him all alone inside 5 yards, but the Frenchman put it right into the keeper’s stomach. Just when things were looking lost, Barker again with a nice play, breaking free of the defense, then centering to Gigliotti who doesn’t miss this time! 1-0 Posh in the 71st! We switch to a 5-4-1 late, and make the goal hold up! A huge road win for us.
Win, 1-0, remain 4th

Standings:
1. West Ham – 82, +43
2. Crystal Palace – 80, +30
3. Blackburn R. – 80, +29
4. Peterborough – 78, +37
5. Sheffield Utd. – 76, +24

Godemeche comes out of the match with a damaged foot that will keep him out 2-4 weeks. He has been our primary DM, so this is a big blow.

April 13, Match 44 v. #16 Plymouth Argyle
We switch things up a bit, and come out in our more aggressive 4-2-3-1 for this short turnaround match. Our players are in such good shape, that most regulars are still able to start in this one. Guirane N’Daw heads a corner kick off the bar in the 8th minute. In the 18th minute, Ivan Cuellar with an errant forward pass… and the alert attacker sends the ball straight back at goal from 40 yards, and scores over the flailing Cuellar. 1-0, Argyle. We have several good chances towards the end of the half, but the Argyle keeper makes 2 great saves, and a Gigliotti goal is ruled out for offsides. We switch to an aggressive 4-4-2 diamond with 15 minutes to go, and it pays off immediately, as Diallo gets a breakaway, dribbles 50 yards and slots one home with 14 minutes to play. We bring Hagman on with 5 minutes to go and finish in a 3-4-3… but ultimately it makes no difference as we finish even.
Draw, 1-1, remain 4th

Standings:
1. West Ham – 85, +44
2. Crystal Palace – 83, +31
3. Blackburn R. – 83, +30
4. Peterborough – 79, +37
5. Sheffield United – 79, +25

With 2 games left, we have virtually no shot at reaching the top 2, as all Blackburn or Palace have to do is win 1 more to put it out of reach for us… and we can’t catch West Ham’s goal difference.

Another disappointing April this is turning out to be.

Emil Samuelsson returns from his loan to QPR… he finishes with a 7.13 avR in 8 appearances, including a goal with the Championship club.

April 18, Match 45 @ #24 Swansea
We come out in our attacking 4-4-2 diamond formation. We come out and dominate, and in the 26th finally get our breakthrough, as Gigliotti buries a straight on 20 yard free kick… his 30th goal of the season. 7 minutes later, he does it again from almost the same spot… this time it deflects slightly off the wall but still goes in. And in the 41st, a wonderful, glorious sight… Renouard with a nice ball ahead, and Simon Hagman is there, and finishes it inside the near post! His first goal in over 2 months puts us up 3 at halftime. We decide to keep our attack up, just in case West Ham have any trouble… maybe we win this baby 6-0 and pass West Ham on GD or something crazy. We don’t score any more goals, but we don’t allow any either… and it finishes 3-0.
Win, 3-0, remain 4th

Sadly for us, we’re eliminated from the race for the top 2, as Blackburn win today and have 86 points… while we sit on just 82 with 1 game to play. Playoffs again for us, as we clinch a berth today.

Butter

06-02-2006, 01:57 PM

So, I take the approach of not getting anyone injured in the last match… but at the same time, I don’t want to lose and take poor morale into the very important 3 game season to come. This year, we must at least make the finals. If we make the finals, I can completely understand not winning them… winning a one-off game for all the marbles is the height of pressure… the likes of which most of my youngsters have never seen.

Gigliotti has hit a new Peterborough record, scoring 31 league goals this season.

I had considered switching tactics a bit late in the season, but our performance against Argyle with the 4-2-3-1 has made me reconsider and keep the 4-4-2 diamond… we have not lost many since we were 13th in late October. And even though we couldn’t quite get up to the top 2, I have to hope that this formation will hold up for us in the coming pressure games.

April 26, Match 46 v. #6 Derby County
We keep Gigliotti and Hagman off the sub lists for this one. Barker and Dagnall up front. Dagnall has been in on a season long loan, and has not scored a goal in 14 appearances at striker. Derby need a win to make the playoffs… otherwise, they need some help from some other teams to remain in 6th place. A dull first half ends scoreless, with few shots either way. The 2nd half is about the same, and it ends 0-0. Not an unexpected result.
Draw, 0-0, remain 4th

Looks like we’ll be playing Sheffield United in the playoffs… they got creamed in their final match, 5-2 to Cardiff. Derby end up holding on for 6th, beating out Stoke on GD, as Hull lose their final match and fail to achieve one of the top 6 spots.

Chelsea win their 5th straight Premier League title.

We will face Sheffield United in round 1 of the playoffs on May 2nd.

Our April is ultimately unsatisfying for the 2nd straight season, as we’re left to fight for our promotion lives with 3 other tough teams. We finish April 3-2-1.

John Galt

06-02-2006, 02:15 PM

Good luck in the playoffs!

Butter

06-02-2006, 03:29 PM

May ‘09
Cash balance: $476,212

We’ve lost over $3 million this season… quite remarkable when you think about it. The board made it happen, giving me a $7 million wage budget. If we hadn’t sold good ol’ Aime Lavie back in July for $2M, I hate to imagine where we’d be right now.

May 2, Championship Playoff Semifinal Leg 1 @ Sheffield United
We split our 2 meetings with the Blades this year, losing 3-1 at Bramall Lane, and winning 3-0 at London Road less than a month ago. Sebastien Renouard with a nice play in the 25th, stealing an attempted sideways pass between defenders, he fires a quick shot on goal and scores. We dominate the rest of the half, but still only go in ahead 1-0. Toure-Maman with a nice cross to Renouard, and he makes it 2-0 in the 54th minute. We control the last half hour, and nearly score again a couple of times. Nice, easy win.
Win, 2-0

Sadly for us, David Gigliotti came up lame in that last match, and he’ll miss our final (2) playoff match(es) with a pulled hamstring. HUGE loss… Toure-Maman also sprained his ankle, and he’ll likely be unavailable for the remainder of the playoffs as well.

Georgi Sarmov resumes full training, so he should be available to us if we were to make the final.

Championship Playoff Semifinal First Leg
Cardiff 1:1 Blackburn

Apparently, Derby did NOT sneak into the playoffs as I had thought… but Cardiff did, by virtue of beating Stoke on the final day of play.

May 5, Championship Playoff Semifinal Leg 2 v. Sheffield United
We stick with the defensive 4-4-2 diamond, to try and capitalize on what should be a desperate Blade offense. Simon Hagman puts us up 1-0 in this fixture on a breakaway off a corner kick… he makes the keeper look silly as he beat him to his left. Keith Barker makes it 2-0 in the 22nd off a nice through ball from Michael Cia. The Blades barely get a look at goal all game long, and Keith Barker makes it 3-0 in this one in 2nd half stoppage time on a long distance chip over a vastly out of position keeper, and we advance easily to the Final.
Win, 3-0, Peterborough advance 5-0 on aggregate

Championship Playoff Semifinal Second Leg
Blackburn 0:2 Cardiff (Cardiff advance 3-1 on aggregate)

We split a pair of games home and home with Cardiff this season. As tight as my teams have played in big games in the past, it’ll be a tough task to score even 1 goal without Gigliotti in the lineup… so I think this one may well go down to extra time, and PK’s even. But we shall see in 11 days.

SirFozzie

06-02-2006, 04:48 PM

11 days is plenty of rest at least.

Butter

06-05-2006, 12:06 PM

UEFA Cup Final
Villarreal 1:0 Borussia Dortmund

FA Cup Final
Ipswich 0:1 Liverpool

UEFA Champions League Final
Chelsea 1:2 Liverpool
-Chelsea make it 2 losses in the Champions League Final in 3 years, while Liverpool convert the Cup double.

May 17, Championship Playoff Final v. Cardiff, from Wembley Stadium – London
Lineup:
-----------Jansen-------- Hagman------
--------------------Eagles-----------------
Renouard ----------------------- Diallo
-----------------Godemeche--------------
N’Daw--Borbely--Mirtoroghi--Collen
--------------------Cuellar-----------------

We come out in our defensive tactics. Things don’t start well, as in the 4th minute, Giovanni van Bronckhorst buries a 25 yard free kick past Cuellar. The rest of the half is dreadful, but in the 1st extra minute, Simon Hagman with a terrific mazey run, beating 2 men, then slotting a shot home inside the far post. I encourage the team at halftime, as we’re lucky to be even with the Bluebirds after the first 45. In the 2nd half, we control play a bit more, and get the go ahead goal in the 67th. It’s Renouard with a great ball ahead of Eagles, and the Man U loaner slots it home! We back down to a 4-5-1… N’Daw and Mirtoroghi do a great job of clearing and heading numerous balls away. Van Bronckhorst has a good chance late, but Cuellar gets the save… and when the clock strikes 93:00, the whistle sounds. The Blue and White fans in the stadium let their flags fly, as Peterborough United have been promoted to the English Premier League!
Win, 2-1, win promotion to EPL

2008-09 final standings:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/08-09finalstandings.jpg

Final stats:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/08-09playerstats.jpg

End of season contract status:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/08-09playercontracts.jpg

End of season player values & ages:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/08-09playervalues-ages.jpg

Reserve team values & ages:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/08-09reservevalues-ages.jpg

John Galt

06-05-2006, 12:37 PM

Congrats! I look forward to reading the next season.

SirFozzie

06-05-2006, 12:50 PM

Grats, you posh scum you :)

flere-imsaho

06-05-2006, 01:19 PM

WOOHOO!!!

Butter

06-05-2006, 02:34 PM

Final statistics:
Avg. attendance: 8,385 (23rd, 1st: West Ham, 33,655)
Goals scored/conceded: 90/44 (2nd/2nd)

Average rating
1. Balazs Borbely – 7.53
6t. Rasoul Mirtoroghi – 7.33
6t. Nicolas Godemeche – 7.33
13. Mamadou Diallo – 7.30
21t. David Gigliotti – 7.25

Goals
1. David Gigliotti – 31
12t. Simon Hagman – 21

Assists
No Posh player in top 25.

Man of Match
5t. Rasoul Mirtoroghi – 7

End of season squad review

Goalkeepers
We need an upgrade at this position. Desperately. We will be looking at keepers during the offseason. On paper, Opdal appears to have the skills necessary to perform at the highest level. On the field, he plays like shit. Cuellar doesn’t have the one v. one skill or the anticipation we’re going to need at the next level. He kept 24 shutouts in 44 starts… but even so, a lot of times that was thanks to our back 4, not to any great acrobatics he performed. Mark Cousins still hasn’t improved his handling enough to be a #1, despite intensive training in keeper skills. None of our other reserves is ready, nor have they played on the senior squad this year.

Players out: None
Players in: None

Outlook: Opdal will probably be handed the starting role UNLESS we can find someone to sign once we get our TV money for the 09/10 season. Cousins will probably line up as our #2/3, and we’ll look to sell Cuellar.

Defense
Our defense was terrific this season. We conceded the 2nd fewest goals in the league, despite having a fairly mediocre man minding the nets. Borbely and Mirtoroghi were the best 2 center-backs in the league. They both fell off a bit towards the end of the season thanks to overwork, but when they were on, they turned in man of the match performances time and again. Both Tommy Spurr and Guirane N’Daw manned the left well, and Rob Edwards and Pieter Collen manned the right equally admirably. I was not nervous playing any of these 6 players this season. Malek Ait-Alia saw very limited action, but actually played well when called upon.

Players out: Malek Ait-Alia
Players in: None

Outlook: Hard to say what our outlook will be at the back 4 positions… all 6 of the above mentioned players look like they SHOULD be able to perform at the next level. Rob Edwards was shaky early on, and Pieter Collen had his nervy moments, but overall we should be set here. It would be nice if David Van Den Broeck played in games like he practices, because he looks like an all-world defender on paper. But we could probably use another left/right sider (hopefully an all-in-one type) to solidify our depth in the back.

Midfield
Our midfield flagged late in the season. Georgi Sarmov started out like gangbusters, and finished with the 3rd most goals on the team (8), but suffered from some unsettling in mid-season when he was getting bid upon quite publicly. Nicolas Godemeche was masterful at DM this season, providing 6 assists out of the back. Mlinaric suffered a bit of growing pains this year, averaging just a 6.76… but we are trying to convert him to a DM, just to have more flexibility on the squad. Michael Cia has some eye-popping performances out of AM, and his conversion there seems to be going smoothly. He could be absolutely dominant there within 2 years. David Perisset didn’t get as much time as I would’ve liked, but he looks to be a more than adequate player at the next level. Chris Eagles’ performance dropped from last season, as he was forced to play more at MR than at AMR, which is his natural spot. Mamadou Diallo flourished at MR late in the season, and looks to be a fixture there for years to come. Cherif Toure-Maman was disappointing at left wing, with just 3 assists… he saw his playing time being eaten away at by the younger, more promising Sebastien Renouard, who needs more training at ML. But he can play all 3 forward midfield spots, and proved adept at any at times. He also disappeared at times.

Players out: Cherif Toure-Maman (?)
Players in: None

Outlook: Our main 4 next season will probably look like this to start the year: Godemeche (DM), Renouard/Mlinaric (ML), Sarmov/Diallo (MR), Cia (AM). But I will be on the lookout for improvements that can be made, and will not hesitate to pull the trigger on some deals in August if we come out of the gates struggling. Reservist Emil Samuelsson also is improving by leaps and bounds, and will play some at DM, ML, and MR next year when we can.

Striker
David Gigliotti exceeded all expectations to become probably the best player in the league this year. Simon Hagman suffered a bit of a drought in mid-season, but still finished with over 20 goals for the 2nd straight year. Not bad for a $2,000 bargain basement special, eh? Our other strikers were pretty bad, though. Loaner Chris Dagnall appeared in 16 games, but didn’t score. Matt Jansen showed flashes, but his avR of under 6.5 shows that the flashes were few and far between. Honore Kabongo spent most of the season injured, while Keith Barker spent most of the season in the reserves, until being brought up and netting 4 goals in his final 7 appearances of the season.

Players out: None
Players in: 18 year old Markus Schulz (Kaiserslautern U-18’s), 18 year old Franco Romano (Serie B side Salernitana)

Outlook: Both players in are long-term projects, so we’re counting on Gigliotti and Hagman to keep up their quality play at the next level. But we definitely need some depth. I’m shopping around both Barker and Jansen now… Jansen because I feel he’s on the downside of his career, and Barker because he is probably at his peak value right now, and I don’t expect him to contribute much in the future. Barker is only 22, but his fitness rating is a “5”… I just don’t see him ever staying healthy enough to be a reliable contributor. Florian Da Costa is improving from the reserves, but he still has a-ways to go before we can rely on him. We probably need at least one if not two more good strikers… although we do have Mamadou Diallo who can also work as striker when needed.

It should be an interesting couple of months run-up to the new season. So let’s get started!

Butter

06-05-2006, 02:35 PM

Thanks for the support, guys. I'm hopeful for next season, but I will be thankful just not to be relegated.

Butter

06-06-2006, 01:42 PM

Balazs Borbely and Nicolas Godemeche are named to the Players’ Championship Select Team of the Year, while Rasoul Mirtoroghi was named as an alternate. Surprisingly, David Gigliotti is nowhere to be seen on the list.

I finish 2nd in Manager of the Year voting to West Ham’s Alan Pardew.

I get a number of teams bidding on Keith Barker, but decide to accept a few offers after bumping the price up to $2 million. Barker agrees to terms with Everton, and we sign him away for $2M, the deal set to take place on July 1st.

June ‘09
Cash balance: -$238,067

We go back in the red now, but hold out hope for better times to come, as we wait for our TV money to come in.

Unsurprisingly, David Gigliotti is voted Fans’ Player of the Year.

Peterborough have received $26,500,000 for Premier League TV rights for the forthcoming season.

The board have announced plans to enlarge the stadium by 1,050 seats. It is expected that this expansion will take only a short time to complete.

The Peterborough board have indicated that your transfer budget for this year will be in the region of $7.5M.

Both the board and the supporters expect the team to fight bravely against relegation this season.

I notice our wage budget has also been given a boost, from $7M to $13.75M.

Aston Villa inquire about David Gigliotti… I give them a price of $15M. They withdraw their offer.

I notice in the news ticker that John Harkes has been named manager of DC United.

Butter

06-07-2006, 09:03 AM

We spend the end of June firming up our pre-season friendly schedule, which is quite impressive considering that we’re a Premiership newbie. We’ve got a number of name teams coming to London Road… I’ll let you be surprised when they come.

We look over a number of lists attempting to make some offers to players… then we get an impressive offer from Lecce for Michael Cia. They offer us $4M + 25% of next sale for the 20 year old promising Italian midfielder. I want to pull the trigger quite badly, but something inside me says not to do it, so I turn the offer down.

We make our first important acquisition of the offseason, signing 18 year old midfield starlet Alexandre N’Diaye for a $1.7M (+20% of next sale) fee to French Second Division club Laval. N’Diaye is a French DM/MR who already has terrific attributes all around. He has 16’s or above in the following categories: first touch, long shots, passing, technique, anticipation, composure, influence, positioning, work rate, pace, and stamina. And he is in double digits in all other categories. N’Diaye should fit right in with our youth movement.

July ‘09
Cash balance: $21,804,502

Laval fans are angry at the sale of Alexandre N’Diaye to us. I, however, am quite pleased with it.

We decide to cut Cherif Toure-Maman and Malek Ait-Alia. We also welcome previously signed young strikers Franco Romano and Markus Schulz on free transfers to open the month.

July 3, Friendly #1 v. Northampton
We kick-off the pre-season with old rivals Northampton from League One. A boring scoreless draw, as the huge crowd of 838 files out mostly disappointed.
Draw, 0-0

We make our first major name signing of the pre-season, as 26 year old Scottish striker Garry O’Connor signs with the Posh on a free transfer after leaving the Middlesbrough Reserves. O’Connor is a fine finisher of the ball, and is very strong and quick… his main problem is he is not eye-popping in any one category. He signs for $800k per year for just 2 seasons. He can shoot with either foot, which is important in our 2 striker offense.

We continue to struggle to find any goalkeepers to come in for either Opdal or Cuellar. This is not going well. We’re going to get shredded with those 2 back there.

We offer Lee Whittington and Danny Reed around… Rotherham bite for Danny Reed, and $500,000 later, we’ve sold the 22 year old striker. Reed appeared in 7 career senior matches for the Posh, never scoring a goal since coming over on a free from Middlesbrough’s reserve squad. Reed looked to be a career reservist for us, so this helps us out a lot.

We are able to make a loan deal to shore up our goalkeeper issues, as French squad Lille loan us 21 year old Cameroonian keeper Claude N’Deffi for the entire season. N’Deffi is a bit weak on one-v-ones, but is a nice looking keeper aside from that. He has a 16 or above in most goalkeeping areas, and is a good decision maker. The best part is we’re paying 100% of N’Deffi’s wages for this deal… just $28,000.

July 9, Friendly #2 v. Rangers
Just 4 minutes in, Garry O’Connor wastes no time getting on the board against a Scottish club. Then 15 minutes in, Diallo with a nice pass to Gigliotti, who heads it home for a 2-0 lead. 5 minutes later, David Perisset with an incredible 30 yard shot that bends home past the ‘Gers keeper. Then in the 33rd, Gigliotti has a shot stopped, but O’Connor sends the rebound home for a 4-0 lead. In the 2nd half, Florian Da Costa scores a rebound of a Rachid Tiberkanine shot to make it 5-0 in the 68th. Rasoul Mirtoroghi in mid-season form in this one, claiming a 10 rating.
Win, 5-0

We come VERY close to selling Rasoul Mirtoroghi, as Bolton offered us $3.1M, 20% of next sale, and a decent looking replacement DC named Sashi Chalwe. Sadly, I couldn’t come to terms with Chalwe, who wanted over $1.5M per season, and the deal fell through.

Georgi Sarmov cries to the press about his pay deal being too low, despite it being at $275k per season, which is about middle of the road in my current pay structure. I agree to re-negotiation, but he wants something like $1.2M per season… which would make him the highest paid player on the team. That’s not going to happen. I offer him something more like $600k, but it looks like these negotiations could drag out.

July 14, Friendly #3 v. Galatasaray (TV)
In the 30th, Simon Hagman puts home a rebound of a long Michael Cia shot to put us ahead. In the 49th, Honore Kabongo’s corner kick is headed in by Pieter Collen for a 2-0 lead. Unfortunately, we yield a PK in the 59th, but Cuellar saves the poorly taken spot kick. Diallo hits a nice shot from 15 yards out to make it 3-0 just 4 minutes later, and the rout is on. Michael Cia picks up a 10, as we again dominate what I would consider a “mid-major” squad from outside England.
Win, 3-0

Andrej Mlinaric is the latest Posh youngster to complain about his pay deal. I assure him that we will be open to renegotiating his deal as well.

Georgi Sarmov finally agrees to a $725k per year deal through 2012, that included a $450k signing bonus.

Mlinaric signs a couple of days later for $650k base salary to start per season through 2012, including a 15% per year pay rise.

July 19, Friendly #4 v. Juventus (TV)
We stick with the defensive 4-4-2 diamond that’s been working so well for us this pre-season. An action-packed first half sees Juve get 15 shots, 6 on target… but N’Deffi is up to the task. We get 3 shots on target ourselves out of our 6 attempts… and actually control possession, 54-46 against the Juve first team, with David Trezeguet, Patrick Vieira, and Gianluca Zambrotta being the most notable names, with Gianluigi Buffon in goal for the Italian champs. Finally in the 53rd, Fabrizio Miccoli with a fine 20 yard strike that curls just inside the far post. That opens the floodgates, as Fernando Torres knocks home a 15 yard strike 4 minutes later to put us down 2-0. In the 88th, an impressive move starts with Godemeche’s pass to O’Connor, who one-touches onto the run of Rachid Tiberkanine, who finishes past Buffon to make the final look a bit more respectable. Impressive run by Tiberkanine puts him in the back of my mind now.
Loss, 2-1

Looking at the roster, I think we might need another left winger. We have Mlinaric and Renouard, neither one of whose natural position is the ML spot. Renouard is the more skilled of the 2 players there, but Mlinaric is still young, and could eventually grow into a monster there. Eventually. For now, we may need a player to get us through this season. I hit the loan wire. Perhaps Emil Samuelsson can play some there as well when he returns to full health. I would play Matt Jansen there, but he has always played best up front… so has Honore Kabongo. Both of whom are going to struggle to find playing time this season anyway.

July 25, Friendly #5 v. Villarreal (TV)
In the 36th, Neri Cardozo hits a great 25 yard shot past Opdal to put the Spanish side up 1-0. David Perisset nearly gets it back for us in the 50th, sliding a 15 yard shot inches wide. But 10 minutes later, it’s Perisset again, this time he volleys home a short Rob Edwards cross to tie the match at 1. Perisset strikes again in the 68th… again it’s Rob Edwards crossing in… Perisset is unmarked near the spot and finishes inside the left post. We end badly, though, as in the 87th, Balazs Borbely brings down Diego Forlan in the box, yielding the penalty. Juan Roman Riquelme converts it, and it’s 2-2. With less than a minute of stoppage time remaining, Georgi Sarmov’s point blank header is stopped… but it leads to a counter-attack that ends with a nice chip over Opdal and in for a 3-2 Villarreal win. I congratulate the team on a fine effort, in a game we should’ve won.
Loss, 3-2

We pick up another season long loaner, as 20 year old Southampton reserve ML Kenneth Lodemel agrees to a season long loan deal with the Posh. Lodemel has some great technical numbers, rating a 20 in crossing, first touch, and technique, and has good pace and acceleration down the left. The Norwegian does suffer injuries a bit too often, but I’m willing to take that risk with a player of this potential quality. Plus, he only costs us $60k, so I’m not risking much financially here.

July 31, Friendly #6 v. CSKA Moscow (TV)
Sarmov comes out due to injury in the 3rd minute. In the 18th, Renouard with a great run down the right… he sends in an uncontested ball to the top of the six where Gigliotti heads it in for a 1-0 Posh lead. David Van Den Broeck leaves with an injury in the 25th minute. Not much goes on the rest of the game, and we take the win. Lodemel was impressive down the left in his debut.
Win, 1-0

Thus endeth a fairly impressive pre-season. We did well in our friendlies against tough competition. We also made $1.37M in gate receipts, and $500k in TV revenue by bringing in top quality opponents. We did pay out about $500k in fees to bring those teams here, but we made it up by a wide margin, and will end up turning a profit for the month.

Next up, we get a quick indoctrination into Premier level football as we must travel to St. James’ Park to take on Newcastle United.

Butter

06-07-2006, 12:29 PM

August ‘09
Cash balance: $22,183,336

The board free up another $6M in transfer funds, giving us about $10.6M to play with if we so choose heading into the season. I’m loathe to use it right now, but will if we start out with 5 straight losses or something.

Depth chart
GK: Claude N’Deffi, Hakon Opdal, Ivan Cuellar (R), Mark Cousins (R)
DL: Tommy Spurr, Guirane N’Daw, Andrej Mlinaric
DC: Rasoul Mirtoroghi, Balazs Borbely, Pieter Collen, Spurr, Rob Edwards, N’Daw
DR: Edwards, Collen, David Van Den Broeck
DM: Alexandre N’Diaye, Nicolas Godemeche, Julien Camara, Mlinaric
ML: Kenneth Lodemel, Sebastien Renouard, Mlinaric, Emil Samuelsson, N’Daw, Jansen, Kabongo
MR: Georgi Sarmov, Mamadou Diallo, N’Diaye, Renouard, Samuelsson
AM: Michael Cia, David Perisset, Rachid Tiberkanine, Renouard, Jansen
ST: David Gigliotti, Simon Hagman, Garry O’Connor, Florian Da Costa, Diallo, Jansen, Kabongo, Renouard

We have 9 players on the opening day senior roster that are 21 years old or younger. We have 3 players who are 29 years old or older, and only one over 30 (Matt Jansen).

I’m pleased to note that we’ve only brought in 5 new players to the squad from last season to get it ready for EPL play. We have a strong squad, and one that will only grow better over time.

Charity Shield
Chelsea 3:2 Liverpool

We make one last loan pickup, as 25 year old AM/F Trond Olsen agrees to join us from the Tottenham Reserves. Olsen has absolutely blazing pace, and top notch ball skills. He lacks only in determination and maybe strength… but he should be a fine addition to the squad at $300k for a season long loan deal. He can play at ML, AMC, and at striker if needed. A very good looking player that will help us try to dump both Jansen and Kabongo.

English Premier League odds
Chelsea – 6:4
Liverpool, Arsenal – 7:4
Manchester Utd. – 3:1
Newcastle, Tottenham – 33:1
.
.
.
Peterborough Utd. – 1,000:1

The odds seem to suggest that we’ll be lucky to stay up. The papers ask me if I will be looking to bolster my squad in order to survive. I reply with “definitely not, I believe we’ve got the players with the ability to keep us up.” Following those comments, Hagman, Godemeche, and Borbely are pleased that I have faith in the squad and want to repay it with good play… while Mamadou Diallo is merely pleased he won’t have to fight too hard to remain in the first team. Nice.

I switched everyone too early last season off of pre-season training, and it led to a rash of early season injuries and poor play. I wait until 3 days before the season this year before switching everybody to their specific area of training.

I notice just prior to the season opener, that Michael Cia’s main position is now listed as AMC. So, our training has finally paid off.

Aug. 8, Match 1 @ Newcastle United
Opening match lineup:
GK: N’Deffi
D: Spurr, Mirtoroghi, Borbely, Edwards
M: N’Diaye (DM), Olsen (ML), Renouard (MR), Cia (AM)
S: Hagman, Gigliotti
Subs: GK Opdal, D/M N’Daw, ST O’Connor, AM/ST Diallo, M Lodemel

Things don’t start well, as in the 16th minute Emre finds Michael Owen in behind the defense… and Owen buries it. Owen makes it 2-0 in the 30th, as Emre again plays in a great ball that catches Mirtoroghi out of position. I berate the team a bit at halftime, calling them “clueless”. We switch to attacking 4-4-2 diamond tactics out of the locker room. We put a bit more pressure on in the late going, as Gigliotti’s 20 yard free kick in the 68th, and his close in header in the 72nd are both saved by the Magpie keeper. The referee blows this one to a close… we didn’t actually play that badly, finishing 50-50 in possession, and down 13/8 in shots taken. Just hard to open up on the road against a favorite to qualify for Europe.
Loss, 2-0, begin in 18th

After getting more transfer funds opened up to us, we finally pull the trigger on the biggest transfer in club history. We pay Blackburn Rovers $5 million for 29 year old Portuguese keeper Carlos Fernandes. Fernandes will make $950k per season through 2012, along with a $650k signing bonus. Fernandes has a 16 or higher in all goalkeeping attributes except rushing out (14) and punching (9). He also rates a 20 for decision making, and a 16 in positioning. His pace lacks a bit, but he is finally that big #1 keeper that we need at this level.

It’s going to be hard to watch this team this year. I have a bad feeling about this season, even though I really feel that this is a team that can finish in the top half of the table.

Tough blow just 2 days before our next match, as Rasoul Mirtoroghi comes up with a groin strain that will see him miss 2-4 weeks of action.

We agree to loan out 20 year old midfielder Emil Samuelsson to Brighton for 5 months. Samuelsson was set to be in for a long, boring season on the bench, so this is a good move for him.

Aug. 15, Match 2 v. #9 Ipswich
Carlos Fernandes gets the start in goal today. A fairly boring first half ends with a bang, as David Gigliotti buries a 20 yard free kick in the 1st stoppage minute to give us a halftime lead. We switch to a 5-4-1 with about 25 minutes left… and 3 minutes later, we dodge a bullet, as Ipswich bury a wide open rebound… in the side netting. 7 minutes from full time, Andrej Mlinaric with a super cross to Mamadou Diallo, and Diallo’s powerful header finds the back of the net, and gives us the insurance we need.
Win, 2-0, up to 10th

It’s noted that our gate receipts of $675k from a crowd of 13,334 is a record take for one match at London Road.

Worrying from our first 2 matches is the inactivity of Simon Hagman. He’s barely had a shot on goal through 2 starts, and I’ve subbed him out in both matches.

We’re dropped to 11th after a Tuesday win allows Preston to pass us in the table. But we can pass them right back with a win on Wednesday.

Aug. 19, Match 3 @ #17 Middlesbrough
Gigliotti sits this one out in favor of Garry O’Connor. Middlesbrough control play early, but Fernandes with one particularly good save on a Yakubu shot keeps us level. In the 30th, Cia with a great ball down the left for Olsen… Trond Olsen cuts it inside, then fires a hard 20 yard shot… it rings off the post, and Hagman is there to pick up the pieces! 1-0, Posh on Hagman’s first of the season. In the 40th, Collen lofts a long ball to Cia, who heads it straight onto Hagman’s perfect run… Hagman in between 2 defenders, and he slots it home! 2-0 Posh at halftime, on 2 nice bits of midfield play from Michael Cia. Boro look determined in the 2nd half, and score just 3 minutes in, as Rochemback’s nice pass gets Diego Mejia an open shot. In the 62nd, Yakubu with a nice shot past Fernandes to make it 2-2, after Edwards had deflected an initial long shot. In the 79th, Renouard’s corner is headed out by Boro… but Spurr gets it back to Renouard, who finds an open Florian Da Costa on the edge of the six, and he scores! Da Costa’s 1st ever senior Posh goal puts us up 3-2 with 10 minutes to go! We back into a 4-5-1 and try to run out the clock… but in the first stoppage minute, Boro with a great chance… a free kick goes right inside the six… Fernandes makes one stop, the rebound is hit hard, but Edwards with the clearance off the line saves the game! Carlos Fernandes is showing his value through just 2 matches.
Win, 3-2, up to 3rd place

Any road win in the EPL is a good one, but not getting our heads down after allowing Boro back in the match from 2 down is a special feat. Da Costa is finally showing why he was a good signing, as his quality grows every match.

Reserve keeper Mark Cousins agrees to go on loan to Bradford City.

The Second Round League Cup Draw is made, and we’ll begin that competition on the road against Championship outfit Wolves.

We drop to 4th after Saturday action sees Newcastle pass us in the table.

Aug. 23, Match 4 v. Preston North End (TV)
USA international player Clint Dempsey starts in midfield for Preston. Terrible start, as Borbely misses a tackle on the edge of the box, allowing a walk-in on Fernandes… he stops the first shot, but is helpless on the follow up as Preston lead after just 65 seconds. Preston are playing like they’re on an unstoppable mission early, but we buckle down and hold them off. In the 30th minute, Borbely’s long ball is headed down by Hagman, and Gigliotti wins the race with the keeper and pokes it home to even it up at 1-1. Mlinaric is forced off just before halftime with an injury. Frankly, we don’t deserve even a point from this one, but after a slow first half, that’s just what we get.
Draw, 1-1, up to 3rd

Mlinaric should not miss significant time, as he’s diagnosed with a dead leg that will only take around 7 days to heal.

We now get 2 weeks off before our next match, a road trip to the South Coast to play Portsmouth.

We’re dropped back to 7th place as all teams finish up their first 4 games before the weekend of Aug. 29th, which is a FIFA International weekend.

We’ve gone 2-1-0 since a worrying opening day loss at Newcastle to sit in the top half as the first month of play comes to a close.

flere-imsaho

06-07-2006, 01:54 PM

After watching you loan in so many players in the previous seasons, it's neat to see you start to loan them out at this point. :)

Butter

06-07-2006, 03:27 PM

September ‘09
Cash balance: $17,541,062

Alexandre N’Diaye picks up the Young Player of the Month award for his 7.33 average rating in 3 starts during August.

Sept. 9, Match 5 @ #15 Portsmouth
In the 10th minute, Michael Cia steals a square pass between defenders, gets past the back line and slots it home. We control the remainder of the half… and get a PK awarded as Borbely is hauled down during a corner kick… but sadly, Rob Edwards can’t convert it. In the 73rd, the few traveling fans who could make it are sent into rapture, as Lodemel, Cia, and Gigliotti work a play so sublime that I can scarcely describe it… except to say that Gigliotti ended the play by beating 2 men flat-footed, and slotting home a 20 yarder. Brilliant work, and we lead 2-0 with 15 minutes to play. We switch to a 4-5-1 in the final 15 minutes and win another well-fought match. Gigliotti picks up a 10 for his effort.
Win, 2-0, up to 3rd

We appear to be shaping up as another Wigan Athletic from the 2005/06 season… a team that was nearly universally tabbed for relegation, but sitting in the top 3 for a good part of the early season.

Sept. 12, Match 6 v. #6 Manchester City
Man City completely dominate all facets of the game in the first half, but Carlos Fernandes stops 6 shots to help us go in 0-0 at the half. In the 54th minute Man City continue their domination, as Park Joo-Young sneaks a 20 yarder in off the post, just past Fernandes. We strike back in the 59th, as Trond Olsen takes a throw-in, then crosses up the by-line, and Gigliotti heads it in from a yard out for a 1-1 game. Both teams with good chances in stoppage time, but Man of the Match Carlos Fernandes saved this game for us.
Draw, 1-1, drop to 5th

Our attendance of 16,331 and gate receipts of $825k from the previous match are both club records. The capacity at London Road is 16,364, so we were 33 short of capacity.

I urge the board to improve our training facilities, and they agree to do so. Our facilities right now are listed as “good”.

Sept. 16, League Cup Second Round @ Wolves (13th in Championship)
Claude N’Deffi in goal, and Trond Olsen and Florian Da Costa up front for this match. Wolves dominate the match early, and get the breakthrough in the 23rd, as a mass of players in front seems to part and allow an easy 12 yard chance for the Wanderers… they convert it to go ahead 1-0. An uninspiring first half from the lads… but we start out a bit livelier in the 2nd half, forcing a couple of saves from the Wolverhampton keeper. In the 2nd half, we suffer for not having either Gigliotti or Hagman on the field, as we botch at least 3 chances that they would’ve finished in their sleep. An unimpressive performance all around.
Loss, 1-0

Sept. 20, Match 7 @ #17 Birmingham City (TV)
Horrific start, as Fernandes’ long ball isn’t very long, and is won easily by the Blues’ midfield, leading to a quick attack down the middle and a goal for David Bentley. Birmingham strike again on a counter attack from a Gigliotti free kick… Jermaine Pennant streaks down the field, then centers for Pedro Mendes who shoots low and past Fernandes in the 22nd minute. We play better after the restart, as Lodemel’s short ball into the box finds Olsen cutting towards goal, and he finishes at a sharp angle past the keeper to cut it to 2-1 with 25 minutes to play. We make some offensive substitutions that don’t appear to amount to much. Then with 2:10 played of the added 2 minutes, and the crowd already jeering for the final whistle, Spurr sends a nice ball down the left touch line for Gigliotti… the Frenchman sends a hopeful ball to the near post… a Blues’ defender and the keeper converge, but the ball bobbles free, and Florian Da Costa sticks his nose in and buries it!!! An equalizer at the absolute death, and we pick up a point, as the whistles rain down upon our match official.
Draw, 2-2, up to 4th place

We’ve still managed to lose just one game since the season’s start, and that was our first game. We’re currently on a six match unbeaten run to sit 4th in the table with 12 points. Arsenal have 2 games-in-hand, and are really the only team behind us who could pass us based on games not played… so realistically, we’re 5th right now. A great start for the young Posh.

Of course, we’ve managed all of this without playing Man U, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, or Tottenham. If we get any points from those giants, I’ll be most impressed.

Sept. 26, Match 8 v. #15 Fulham
O’Connor and Gigliotti up front today. O’Connor is forced out in the 30th with an undisclosed injury. Trond Olsen comes on for him. After a boring first half, we apply consistent pressure for about 5 minutes towards the end of the half, and are rewarded as Michael Cia centers for Trond Olsen, and the Norwegian loaner buries it for a 1-0 halftime lead. Fulham come out smoking, as they cut right through the defense and score in the 47th minute. We get a couple of sniffs at goal late, but don’t do anything with them, as Gigliotti has a pedestrian game by his standards.
Draw, 1-1, drop to 5th

This was our final match for 2 weeks, as more international matches will interrupt our season schedule. We finish September 1-3-0, with a Cup loss. I give the lads all 3 days rest from training as a reward for such a positive start. Couldn’t imagine getting off to a much better beginning to our Premiership lives. Now, can we build on it, or will the big 4 sink us in November and December? That question and more to be answered as the Posh continue to climb the English ladder!

Butter

06-13-2006, 12:01 PM

October ‘09
Cash balance: $15,783,132

Michael Cia is named EPL Young Player of the Month of September, for his 7 average rating in 4 appearances, including 1 goal and 1 assist.

We have our match with Arsenal postponed until late November, which means we’ll have had over 3 weeks off by the time we return to action. I give the lads another 3 days off with about 10 days left until our next match.

We’re dropped back to 8th by the time we take the field again, against underachieving Liverpool.

Oct. 17, Match 9 v. #10 Liverpool
We actually look pretty dangerous in the first 10 minutes, but in the 11th, Xabi Alonso with a great ball to Cristiano Ronaldo, who beats Rob Edwards easily and slots it past Carlos Fernandes to put the Reds up 1-0. Liverpool effectively shut us down in the early going of the 2nd half, forcing us to up the tempo and try to push forward a bit more. We switch to a 3-4-3 for the final 10 minutes, but Liverpool with far too much quality on the ball for us to threaten late.
Loss, 1-0, drop to 9th

Chelsea are 8 points clear of 2nd, looking for their 6th consecutive EPL title.

We slip to 10th after the Sunday matches, and our march to the bottom has begun.

Oct. 25, Match 10 v. #18 Southampton (TV)
We come out in an attacking 4-4-2 for one of the few times this season. We start well, getting a good attack into the Saints’ box, but it ends with Hagman having it tackled away at 12 yards. In the 18th minute, Mirtoroghi sends a great ball down the right touch line, where Gigliotti has 20 yards of space in every direction… he attacks goal and shoots from a tough angle… his shot is parried away, but Michael Cia is there to finish the rebound! Cia leaves with injury in the 43rd minute. Just before halftime, a poorly cleared free kick is latched onto by Julio Arca, who is able to just sneak it inside the post. 30 seconds after halftime, some nice passing finds Gigliotti in between 2 men in the arc… he turns, shoots, and scores neatly past the keeper. Gigliotti’s 5th of the year puts us up 2-1. With 15 minutes to go, David Gigliotti with a marvelous individual effort, dribbling 20 yards, then shooting from just outside the corner of the area, and bending it into the top right corner of the goal for a 3-1 lead. The Saints with a nice counter-attack in the 85th that ends in a goal, but we finish it off in the 87th, as Sebastien Renouard finishes a Diallo shot that was deflected to put us back up by 2. Simon Hagman played well in this one, putting a shot on goal and picking up an assist.
Win, 4-2, up to 8th

Terrible news for us after the game, as we find out that Michael Cia hurt his Achilles tendon during the match, and will miss 2-3 months of action. Cia was one of our best midfielders so far this season, with 2 goals and 2 assists in 7 starts. Sebastien Renouard and Trond Olsen will pick up the slack for him.

Carlos Fernandes picks up some bad shrimp in mid-week, apparently… the bout of food poisoning may well keep him out of our next match.

Oct. 31, Match 11 @ #2 Bolton Wanderers
Claude N’Deffi will start in goal for us in this one, as Fernandes is still out with food poisoning. Bolton get off to a quick start, as El-Hadji Diouf puts in a great cross, and Frederic Thomas finishes it for Bolton. In the 15th, Hagman with a great steal of a backwards pass, but he can’t get his shot past Tim Howard, the Bolton keeper. We play Bolton fairly even for a while, creating a chance here and there, but they put it away in the 75th, scoring off a nice free kick and header in from 20 yards. Howard with a great game in goal, and N’Deffi didn’t do too bad either considering Bolton had 14 shots on target.
Loss, 2-0, remain 8th

Chelsea beat Man City 7-0 over the weekend.

A short October comes to an end, and we finish it 1-0-2, having rough times against 2 top 5 squads in Liverpool and Bolton.

November ‘09
Cash balance: $15,095,369

Alexander N’Diaye finishes 3rd in the EPL Young Player of the Month voting.

We make a major signing thanks to some nifty scouting by our new Portuguese scout we poached from Corinthians in Brazil. 20 year old Colombian AMLC Sherman Andres Cardenas signs a long-term deal with the Posh, for a $1.7M fee to his club team, Bucaramanga. Cardenas has 35 U-21 caps with 5 goals. His skill and mental attributes are EPL quality. He has 18’s or above in the following areas: crossing, first touch, long shots, passing, technique, creativity, and positioning… also rating 16-17 in many other key areas. He has no discernible weakness, so we’ll be thrilled to get him into London Road on January 1st.

More International matches and cup play puts off our next match another 14 days.

I begin to browse for more right sided defenders. Collen and Edwards just aren’t getting it done… perhaps I should give Van Den Broeck a prolonged stretch. Edwards is rating just below a 6.3, while Collen is right at 6.6. Spurr and Borbely are performing decently, both right around a 7 rating, but Mirtoroghi has struggled this year with a 6.67. Our defense just hasn’t played as well as I had hoped this season, but things would be much, much worse without Carlos Fernandes. He rates a 7.22 in goal, and has been outstanding, allowing few soft goals.

Everton sack David Moyes.

Nov. 15, Match 12 v. #16 West Ham United (TV)
Mirtoroghi yields a penalty in the 8th minute, and the Hammers convert to take a quick lead. The Hammers strike again in the 16th minute, off a well taken free kick that was played short, and fired in from 10 yards out. Sebastien Renouard is forced out with injury in the 26th minute. Rob Edwards yields a penalty in the 30th minute, and WHU lead 3-0 after the first half hour. Not a good game for our attacking 4-4-2…. Remind me never to use it again.
Loss, 3-0, remain 9th

Sebastien Renouard is due to be out 3-5 weeks with a broken arm.

Nov. 21, Match 13 @ #20 Crystal Palace
After suffering through some dominant Eagles’ play, we suffer through some bad midfield passing, as Gigliotti’s attempted header to the back 4 falls right to Andy Johnson, and he finishes an easy chance. We somehow manage to survive wave after wave of Palace attacks, and Gigliotti actually blows 2 attacks of our own. After ripping the team at halftime, they come right out and allow a 2nd Palace goal in the 52nd minute, as Fernandes lets in a 30 yard shot. The let-down continues, as Andy Johnson just skips by Collen and Borbely, then curls in a nice 15 yard strike to make it 3-0.
Loss, 3-0, remain 9th

Somehow, we continue to cling to 9th place thanks to our strong start. But we’re pretty awful right now. 3 straight shutout losses by multiple goals will kill your momentum.

Palace with just their 2nd win of the season in 14 tries. An embarrassing result for us, and with a couple more losses, we may well find ourselves back in the danger area of 16th-18th place. We’re just 4 points clear of 18th place Southampton right now… and we drop to 11th following the Sunday matches.

I’m once again getting the itch to tinker with my roster. We do have that amazing looking young left-winger coming in in January, but we need some more defenders. I may have to part with some more cash, or one of our current loaners to try and shore up the defense.

Nov. 28, Match 14 v. #6 Manchester United
Probably not the best time for us to face the Red Devils right now. I decide to shuffle the lineup a bit, bringing up Rachid Tiberkanine from the reserves to start at AM. In the 11th minute, Balazs Borbely yields our 3rd penalty in 3 matches… Ruud van Nistelrooy buries it, and again we’re behind. Fernandes saves a Rooney shot in the 21st, but Salomon Kalou buries the rebound to make it 2-0. We actually didn’t look all that bad in this match, but we are struggling majorly to put anything resembling a scoring chance together.
Loss, 2-0, drop to 12th

We’re now just 2 points from the drop zone, as Southampton win to climb out of the bottom 3. It’s now Preston at 14 points… then us sitting on 16 points, with 5 teams between us and them.

We finish November about as badly as you can imagine… We go 0-0-3 for the month, and lose 3 matches by a combined score of 8-0. And our December schedule is not encouraging:

@ Aston Villa
@ Arsenal
v. Chelsea
@ Tottenham
v. Everton
v. Newcastle

Pray for me.

flere-imsaho

06-13-2006, 01:19 PM

/pray

dixieflatline

06-13-2006, 01:25 PM

The board (FOFC) expects you to fight bravely against relegation.

Butter

06-13-2006, 03:26 PM

We get a crappy draw for the FA Cup, drawing a home game against EPL side Birmingham. This game will take place on January 2nd, 2010.

December ‘09
Cash balance: $14,464,764

We’re dropping $500k - $1M a month right now, thanks to the fewer home games afforded by the EPL schedule. We’ve played 6 games in the last 2 months. The schedule always picks up in December, though, and with 6 matches on the docket this December, that should help ease our money loss.

I have some tough choices coming up in free agency. Simon Hagman is one of 2 Posh senior teamers whose contract is up at season’s end. Hagman is willing to stay, but is requesting a contract of just over $1M per season. Frankly, he doesn’t deserve that right now, and if we go down there’s no way we can afford that. But, I don’t want him to sign elsewhere in January, so this is a very tough call. Hagman has only scored 2 goals this season, and both came in the same match early in the season.

Former rising star Lee Whittington’s time with the Posh comes to an end. Whittington signs with Notts Co., and we receive $80k, plus 50% of his next sale price. Whittington came over from Rotherham in 2005/06 for a $7k transfer fee. He scored 11 goals and had 4 assists in 58 appearances over 3 seasons… but has not made a senior appearance since early 2008, and averaged only a 6.53 in all senior apps.

We have dropped to 15th in the table after some more mid-week play.

New striker Garry O’Connor is peeved at his lack of playing time… which I can understand, especially considering our recent form. I resolve to play the Scotsman a bit more, especially considering our current lack of production.

Dec. 5, Match 15 @ #9 Aston Villa
We continue to use the 4-4-2 defensive, counter-attacking diamond, despite my gut instinct to switch it up. I want to switch it up, but I really think we’re on the verge of breaking out of this slump. I’m proven partially right in the 4th minute… we get a scoring chance, as Garry O’Connor is yanked down by Olof Mellberg in the box. Mellberg gets a yellow card, and Rob Edwards finally scores, giving us our first goal since October. Sadly, in the 8th minute, Javier Saviola is shoved down by Balazs Borbely in the box, giving the Villans a PK chance. Saviola takes it himself, but Fernandes saves it! Diallo in for an injured Sarmov at halftime. Unfortunately, in the 55th Aston Villa equalize as Wilfred Bouma buries a 20 yard free kick. The rest of the second half is pretty lively, but neither team can bulge the net, so we finish 1-1. I’ll take this!
Draw, 1-1, drop to 16th

We drop to within 1 point of 18th place, as Preston wins and jumps out of the zone… also Everton manage a win to pass us in the table. But at least we finally got a positive result and scored a goal. O’Connor had a good match, rating an 8 up front, while Balazs Borbely picked up the MoM award, with his 9 rating in his best performance of the season. Rob Edwards also pulled out his finest performance of the year by far in this match…. Which is welcome, considering I signed him to a big fat new contract a few months back, and he had been rewarding me with a 6.11 avR.

I notice now that my assistant manager is recommending I sell Andrej Mlinaric, suggesting that the 20 year old has hit his ceiling. Very interesting. I really think he’s got a bit more room to improve, so I ignore his suggestion for now.

Dec. 9, Match 16 @ #6 Arsenal
We start Diallo and Hagman up front today. Not that I imagine it will matter much, as we’re 7-1 to win this game. Fernandes with a fine save on a point blank Henry shot early. But the good feelings don’t last, as in the 10th minute Ashley Cole crosses for an unmarked Valon Behrami, who scores easily. N’Diaye hooks up with Diallo in the 17th minute, but Diallo’s 6 yard header is parried away nicely. Diallo fails to convert a breakaway in the 22nd minute, and we’re looking like a realistic threat in this match. And in the 40th, the hard work pays off… Senderos closes down Hagman on a breakaway… the ball is slide-tackled to Mlinaric, who crosses short to Diallo… Diallo’s header is poked away, but Hagman beats Senderos to the rebound and taps it in! 1-1 late in the first half. Arsenal push forward a bit more, and it takes just 4 more minutes for Ivan Klasnic to cross in for Henry, and he finishes past Fernandes to make it 2-1 at halftime. Henry makes it 3-1 in the 59th, after some silky smooth passing between Jermain Defoe and Ashley Cole. We refuse to give up, though, as Diallo wins a ball near the edge of the box, and is able to turn, shoot, and score. Back to 3-2 with slightly under 30 minutes left. Diallo with another breakaway in the 65th minute, but his shot is stopped… Hagman with a great cross for Diallo in the 67th, but his header is stopped! The Arsenal keeper is having a fine 2nd half. Then Henry puts it away in the 79th minute, notching his hat-trick with a fine individual effort to get around 2 defenders. Arsenal aren’t done, as Francesc Fabregas bends in a 25 yarder with 6 minutes to go.
Loss, 5-2, drop to 17th

We actually played Arsenal even for much of the match, but Henry is on a different plane. We have no one to match up with him.

Can’t imagine things are going to improve against Chelsea next. We are playing better though… but unless I can sign 5 world class players in 3 days, I have no shot against the Blues.

Dec. 12, Match 17 v. #1 Chelsea
Chelsea have actually faltered a bit, and currently sit level on points with Bolton of all teams. O’Connor and Gigliotti start up front today. In the 2nd minute, Tiberkanine slides a nice ball behind the defense into space for O’Connor, and the Scotsman lobs the keeper from 15 yards and scores! What a start, as O’Connor picks up his first Posh goal. I check through the lineup and notice that Chelsea are starting a U-18 striker, Andy Collins. Gudjohnsen is tired from their last match, while Bojinov and Podolski are injured… so Chelsea are functioning with one striker right now. We play Chelsea even after that… and they are definitely struggling due to a lack of a goal scorer. All those star studded names just have no one to play balls into. I urge the team to keep up their good play at halftime. The excitement begins to build at London Road, as the crowd really starts to feel that we have a chance to beat the champions. In the 69th minute, it turns to pandemonium, as Tommy Spurr crosses short, where sub. stiker Mamadou Diallo heads it in off the post! 2-0 Posh with 20 minutes to go! With 8 minutes left, our back line is in disarray as Chelsea get a 3 on 3… but Essien completely misses half the net with his 12 yard attempt. Sarmov and Gigliotti actually get good chances late, but both are turned away. After 3 added minutes, the final whistle goes, and we take a stunning win! Carlos Fernandes is named man of the match thanks to 6 quality saves. Borbely and Godemeche pick up 9’s as well.
Win, 2-0, up to 10th

The bottom half of the table is so bunched, that we rocket from 17th to 10th with our win. Chelsea drop all the way to 3rd with the loss, and Bolton now lead the league.

Maybe we’re not as bad as I thought. We seemed to have snapped out of our funk, and today’s win is clearly the highlight of our first half of the EPL season… even with 2 more games to officially hit the halfway mark, I am confident in saying that.

flere-imsaho

06-14-2006, 08:23 AM

Nice, nice work on beating Chelsea!

Butter

06-14-2006, 10:29 AM

Everyone’s in the Christmas spirit at London Road since our win over Chelsea. Nearly everyone’s morale has shot up from okay or poor to very good or superb. And with the win over a big boy, there is renewed hope at a top half finish, and even some whisperings amongst the fans of a long cup run this season. I have to play down that talk by reminding everyone that Chelsea was without a key component of their offense, and looked much the worse for it. One pleasing development from that match, though, was the re-emergence of Nicolas Godemeche as a key DM. One troubling recent development is the defense’s newfound habit of giving away PK’s in games.

Through mid-week matches, we slip back to 12th.

Dec. 19, Match 18 @ #6 Tottenham Hotspur
Gigliotti and Diallo pair up front today. Our good form seems to be carrying into this match, as we’re playing Spurs even through the first 30 minutes. In the 35th, N’Daw with a midfield interception… he finds Lodemel, who passes up to Diallo… Diallo’s first touch is a low pass to Gigliotti, who hammers a first-time shot past the Spurs keeper for a 1-0 lead! Great quick, crisp passing, and we take the lead. Rachid Tiberkanine comes off with injury just prior to halftime, and we sub in Sebastien Renouard in his first game since breaking his arm last month. In the 2nd extra minute of the first half, David Gigliotti hits a sublime 30 yard free kick that freezes Arenas, the Spurs keeper, and it goes in! We take a surprising 2-0 lead into halftime. Spurs bring on Paul Robinson, their regular keeper to begin the 2nd half. Fernandes with a masterful save on a 20 yard free kick in the 51st to keep Spurs scoreless. We back into a 4-5-1 with 30 minutes to go to try and hold our 2-0 lead. It works, as Spurs barely sniff the net in the final half hour, and we take another surprising win. Guirane N’Daw wins MoM, but Rasoul Mirtoroghi also picks up a 9, in his finest performance of the season.
Win, 2-0, up to 9th

Mamadou Diallo is staking his claim for regular play at a striker role, assisting on the first Gigliotti goal. He has been playing very well up front at this level. My worry over re-signing Simon Hagman continues. I think I’m going to have to give him what he wants… because if he does bust out, he will be a wonder to behold. And he has not played badly so far this season, just not as well as he has in the past.

Chelsea with a statement to Bolton, beating them 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to reclaim 1st place.

We sign 17 year old Spanish striker Jose Manuel Perez to a 4 year deal worth about $50k per season, along with sending a $75k fee to his German club team, Furth. We’ll also owe Furth 20% of his next sale price. Perez has blazing pace for a youngster, and a very positive work ethic. He is also above a 10 in most categories, which is rare in a striker so young… thus, the price we paid for him. Should be a good addition to the reserves, and we’ll look to loan him out right away after he arrives on January 1.

Dec. 26, Match 19 v. #17 Everton
A full Boxing Day slate of Premiership games finds us hosting a troubled Everton side. In the 13th minute, we get a good chance… Sarmov’s 20 yard shot is parried away… Hagman’s follow up is stopped, but a 2nd rebound is knocked in by Simon Hagman! 1-0 to the Posh. I notice that Everton is playing with 4 midfielders in a tight diamond down the center of the pitch with no true wingers, so I instruct our players to play a bit more narrowly than normal. In the 26th, Hagman flashes to the ball inside the box, and Alexandre N’Diaye finds him… Hagman fires one in from 18 yards, and scores! Hagman’s 5th of the season puts us up 2-0. Carlos Fernandes picks up a minor knock in goal, and we remove him as a precaution. In the 40th minute, Hagman wins a ball down the left… he cuts it inside, goes up the touch line, and curls a remarkable strike over the keeper and inside the far post! A definite candidate for goal of the month, and Hagman has a first half hat-trick! We switch to a 4-5-1 for the 2nd half, and remove Hagman… he gets a standing ovation for his 3 goal performance. Sub. GK Claude N’Deffi with a fine save on a point blank rebound from Li Tie after Cahill had hit the post with a free kick. Finally, Everton get on the board in the 71st, with a very nice curling strike from the left side of the box. But it’s too little, too late as we take another win. Simon Hagman picks up a 10 rating, and Nicolas Godemeche notches his 2nd consecutive 9.
Win, 3-1, up to 8th

So, we get back to 8th place at the halfway mark of the season. All teams below us are also on 19 games played. We’re on 26 points for the season, 7 points clear of the relegation zone, and only 1 point behind 6th place Tottenham. 6th place is virtually guaranteed of European football next season… and even as low as 9th place has a shot at it via the Inter-Toto Cup. Yes, I have allowed myself to begin to dream about such things.

After the last match, I decide to offer Hagman a new contract just prior to Bosman season opening up. I want him to be a lifer. Our defense is also looking much more impressive these days, which is leading to good chances on the counter-attack. Mirtoroghi and N’Diaye had assists in that last match. N’Diaye is turning into quite a player… he is one of the highest valued on the squad, at $7.75M… and looking at his attributes, it’s no wondering why. He’s only 19, but is already one of the top DM’s in the league. He has a chance to be the best player in the EPL before his career is over if he continues to improve.

Hagman agrees to our terms, coming down a bit on price. He’ll make $1M a season through 2013, plus a $250k signing bonus and a $2,000 per goal bonus.

Dec. 29, Match 20 v. #5 Newcastle
We have a chance here to avenge our embarrassing opening day loss to the Magpies. O’Connor and Gigliotti start up front today. Alexandre N’Diaye picks up an injury in the 5th minute, and is forced out. Renouard yields a PK after taking a Newcastle attacker down during a corner kick. Newcastle convert the penalty, and we trail 1-0 early. Good comeback, though, in the 19th… Lodemel with a long cross to the back post, where Diallo settles it, beats his man, drives it in low and sneaks it through the keeper’s legs to make it 1-1. Renouard is also pulled prior to halftime, rating a 4. Shortly after halftime, the defense fails to pickup a streaking Xisco through the center of defense, and he scores a simple goal past Fernandes to make it 2-1 Newcastle. In the 67th, we level the match again, as Nicolas Godemeche’s shot is sent into the goal by a Newcastle defender. Scored an own goal, it’s 2-2. Fernandes saves a 20+ yard free kick by Newcastle in the 80th… then 5 minutes later we get our own 20+ yard free kick attempt… it’s Garry O’Connor hitting it, and the keeper gets a finger on it but can’t keep it out! 3-2 Posh with 5 minutes to go! 2 minutes later, Newcastle get a breakaway… at the 25 yard mark, Mirtoroghi just pulls the man down. It’s a red card, but they fire the free kick high and wide. Our defense is able to hold them off the rest of the way, and Mirtoroghi’s red card saved us 2 points. Carlos Fernandes picks up MoM honors, as he makes 14 saves in this match. Newcastle had an astonishing 32 shots, including 16 on target, but still manage to lose.
Win, 3-2, up to 7th

Luckily for us, N’Diaye is just suffering from a dead leg, and will only miss a couple days’ training.

A wonderfully surprising December finishes up for us. I expected the worst, but frankly couldn’t have expected much better than we got. We finish the month 4-1-1 with a killer schedule.

Butter

06-14-2006, 11:45 AM

Nice, nice work on beating Chelsea!

Muchas gracias.

Butter

06-14-2006, 03:28 PM

January 2010
Cash balance: $12,370,257

Nicolas Godemeche deservedly wins the Player of the Month award, finishing with an 8 average rating in 4 appearances, including an assist. The accolades continue, as loaner Kenneth Lodemel wins the Young Player of the Month award, finishing with a 7.25 avR in 4 appearances in the month, including an assist. Unsurprisingly, I win the Manager of the Month award as well. Gigliotti’s free kick goal against Spurs on 12/19 is voted #3 in Goal of the Month voting.

With the worry of going down essentially out of the way, we can focus on improving the squad for next season.

20 year old Sherman Andres Cardenas arrives from Colombia. He will plug-in immediately at left wing. We also welcome 17 year old Spanish striker Jose Manuel Perez, who will be immediately offered for loan. Perez is a bright looking young player.

The board adds $8M to our transfer budget, giving us $12M in transfer funds to work with now.

Jan. 2, FA Cup Third Round v. Birmingham
Cardenas makes his Posh debut in this one. Hagman and Da Costa start up front. Cardenas pays instant dividends in the 35th… Collen’s long diagonal ball comes to Cardenas… he places a pinpoint header onto Hagman’s run, and he’s left with an easy finish inside 15 yards. 1-0, Posh. Pedro Mendes picks up his 2nd yellow for the Blues in the 57th minute, so we’ll play the rest of the match up a man. In the 67th, Diallo heads a ball forward to Tiberkanine… his pace pushes him past the back line and onto the ball… he tries to make a move and has the ball poked away, but Hagman runs onto the loose ball and powers in a 15 yarder! 2-0, Posh. We back into a 4-5-1 and pull Hagman out of the game. We’re able to kill off the rest of the match, and take a fairly leisurely 2-0 win. Hagman’s 9 earns him MoM, and Rob Edwards with a strong game at DC for the suspended Mirtoroghi earns an 8.
Win, 2-0, advance to Fourth Round

Our coaches all agree that David Perisset has neared his ceiling… so we decide to part with the 23 year old Frenchman, who at MC, had really become a man without a position, and had become a bit too old to teach a new one. Stoke agree to our $700k asking price, and Perisset soon agrees to a deal with the Championship side. Perisset was a promising youngster when brought over on a free transfer at the age of 18. Through five seasons, he scored 2 goals and had 2 assists in 38 appearances with the senior club… he averaged a 6.76, but failed to show any improvement this season, and with glut of midfielders on our roster became surplus to requirements at London Road. He is a good player, though, and I am a bit sorry to see him go, but think it best to have sold him while he still held some value.

We make 2 good defensive Bosman signings. First, a player we’ve had our eye on for years, 25 year old defender Jan Tigorev agrees to a deal with the Posh. Tigorev can play all 3 defensive positions, and rates a 20 in marking, positioning and concentration. He is stout physically, and a very smart player. He is Belarusian, but has 30+ caps for the national team, so has no problem getting a work permit. We also sign 25 year old Czech central defender Martin Latka to a large deal. Latka is superb in the air, and a very good man marker. He is currently on loan from Arsenal to Germinal Beerschot in the Belgian first division, and is performing very well there. Latka is a very fit player, and shows few weaknesses.

We get a favorable draw for the Fourth Round of the FA Cup, as we’ll play Championship side Millwall at London Road on January 23rd.

Jan. 6, Match 21 @ #20 Ipswich Town
O’Connor and Gigliotti up front for this one. A boring first half ends badly for us, as Theo Walcott finds Louis Saha in space… Saha successfully chips Fernandes, and we go in to the locker room behind 1-0. We bring on Hagman for the lackadaisical Garry O’Connor in the 2nd half, and push up to attacking tactics. This backfires big time, as Theo Walcott scores off the 2nd half kickoff in just 15 seconds to put the Tractor Boys up 2-0. We look far from threatening in this match, as our good form finally comes to an end.
Loss, 2-0, remain 7th

Promising 17 year old Spanish defender Carlos Rodriguez spurns several Spanish teams to sign with the Posh. Rodriguez will cost less than $50k per season for 4 years, but could pay big dividends in the end. He needs work on both the technical and mental aspects of the game, but is an awesome physical specimen. He does have good qualities already, and his heading and marking skills are above most 17 year olds, but he does need some work. He will join us on July 1st.

Jan. 10, Match 22 v. #14 Middlesbrough
Hagman and Gigliotti reunite up front today. In the 6th minute, Sarmov with a long diagonal ball that Cardenas heads down into Hagman’s path, and the Swede buries a nice 12 yard shot to give us an early lead. In the 26th minute, Fabio Rochemback launches a 25 yard strike that deflects off Borbely and in to level the match. Cardenas continues to show what kind of player he is, as Sarmov collects a Hagman shot, then centers into a mass of players… Cardenas wins the ball, then fires a shot from inside 10 yards past the keeper to put us back ahead. In the 2nd half, both teams with some nice attacks, and in the 75th we go a man up as O’Connor is taken down ahead of the pack. We back into a 5-4-1 with 10 minutes to go after Boro squander 2 glorious chances inside 12 yards. We’re able to put the game away. Cardenas rates an 8, as do the entire back 4.
Win, 2-1, remain 7th

We are level on points with Liverpool, but they hold 3 games in hand on us, plus have a +14 goal differential to our -3. We are now 4 points clear of 8th place Tottenham, though, and are trying to settle into the top half.

Emil Samuelsson returns from loan, and tells me it was a positive experience. He scored 4 goals and averaged a 6.83 in 23 appearances for League One Brighton.

Jan. 16, Match 23 @ #17 Preston
Trond Olsen returns to the lineup today after being out for 2 months with a strained knee ligament. Tommy Spurr also returns to the Posh lineup at DL after missing over a month with an injured foot. O’Connor and Gigliotti start at striker today. In the 11th minute, Fernandes with a rare misplay, as a long ball just bounces through him in the arc, and the Preston attacker runs onto it and scores into an unprotected goal. Again we’re playing like garbage on the road against a worse team… Preston buries a 20 yard free kick to go up 2-0 in the 38th minute. We push the attack in the 2nd half, but never really threaten. Another disappointing loss.
Loss, 2-0, drop to 8th

Cardenas is off to an impressive start (besides this match), with 1 goal and 2 assists in his first 3 games with us. Looks like that is going to be a top quality signing. Seeing as our needs for left wingers and attacking midfielders has gone down with Cardenas’ acquisition, I decide to terminate the $300k loan deal for Trond Olsen. Olsen had 2 goals and 2 assists in 13 appearances, averaging a 6.77 in those matches.

Reserve GK Mark Cousins returns from his loan to League One Bradford… he allowed 26 goals in 22 starts, and kept 4 clean sheets. Not a great showing, but not terrible either.

Jan. 23, FA Cup Fourth Round v. Millwall
We start out attacking today, with O’Connor and Da Costa as our 2 strikers. In typically bad Cup form fashion, we allow the Lions to score in the 18th minute after our defense just splits open for 2 strikers down the middle. We bring Michael Cia on at halftime for his first action since his serious Achilles injury in late October. We get 2 pretty good chances in the 2nd half, but Cardenas whistles a shot inches wide in the 82nd for our last gasp. A bad loss here.
Loss, 1-0, out of FA Cup

We must be about the streakiest team in England. Just when I think this team is going to start playing well consistently, we lose 3 of 4 including one to a Championship team… at home. Just a terrible effort all around, and not even Simon Hagman’s 2nd half appearance could salvage much of a scoring chance. Starting to seriously consider selling Garry O’Connor, as he has been almost non-existent all season.

Butter

06-15-2006, 11:49 AM

Emil Samuelsson heads out on loan again, this time to Stoke, #10 in the Championship league. It will be interesting to see how he does at a step up from his previous loan. His skill is increasing, so it looks like he should do well… but loans are funny, so you never know.

We grab an immediate transfer that should help our defense now. We went through a dance to get this kid for over 2 weeks, during which time the asking price increased from $300k to $1M. But in the end, we got our man. 19 year old Belgian DR Dimitri Daeseleire agrees to a deal with the Posh. Daeseleire has wonderful attacking skills for a back 4 player, and can also man mark with the best of them. He is almost better suited to play in midfield, and I decide to train him there in addition to him taking on some defensive duties immediately. Daeseleire signs for $200k per season through 2012. His signing means the end of the road for David Van Den Broeck.

I notice now that Alexandre N’Diaye is “feeling the pressure of public expectation”. Sadly, that usually means that the player needs some time off, which is too bad considering that N’Diaye has been very good this season.

Claude N’Deffi, Guirane N’Daw, and Mamadou Diallo are all now out for a few weeks due to the African Cup of Nations.

Jan. 27, Match 24 v. #17 Portsmouth
Daeseleire starts at DR today… Cia returns to the starting lineup at AM, while Gigliotti and Hagman pair in the box. The Portsmouth keeper pulls up lame inside the first minute on the waterlogged pitch. Unsurprisingly, Pompey score first, as new signing Gabriel Agbonlahor scores on a nice volley from a cross in the 27th minute. We get it right back in the 33rd, as Hagman is taken down in the box after he got by 2 defenders… Edwards scores the spot kick, and it’s 1-1. In the 39th, Borbely heads clear a corner kick right to Hagman… he sends a great ball to Gigliotti, who fends off his man while making a lovely diagonal run… and Gigliotti powers it past the keeper to make it 2-1. In the 45th, Spurr sends Gigliotti through again… he tiptoes around the last man with some fancy footwork… his shot is stopped, but the rebound falls right back at his feet, and he buries it! 3-1 Posh at halftime on Gigliotti’s 10th goal of the season. The rout continues in the 55th, as Gigliotti’s free kick drops into the center of the six, where Borbely half-volleys it home. Borbely with a rare goal to make it 4-1. Not much action the rest of the way, and that’s how it ends. Gigliotti rates a 10. Daeseleire picks up an 8 in his Posh debut.
Win, 4-1, up to 7th

Carlos Fernandes came up lame late in this one, and will likely miss our next match with a badly bruised shin. With N’Deffi also away playing for his country, that leaves us the same choice we had last year: Cousins, Opdal, or Cuellar? I think I’m going to go with Cousins, and one of the other reserves as his backup.

The Bosman period continues to be slow for us, as frankly we really don’t need many improvements. We have signed 2 defenders that should help us out, and brought another one over during this transfer window. Aside from that, our midfield and strikers are proving more than capable of playing with England’s best so far, as evidenced by our #4 standing in goals scored, behind only Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea, #’s 3-2-1 in the table respectively.

Jan. 30, Match 25 @ #8 Manchester City
O’Connor and Gigliotti partner up top today. Cousins starts in goal. He puts together a marvelous first half to keep it 0-0, but not as marvelous as it would’ve been if he’d stop giving up rebounds. Tommy Spurr gives up a penalty in the 52nd by pulling down Darius Vassell. The Citizens convert, and we trail 1-0. We switch to a 4-5-1, as O’Connor leaves with injury. Just minutes later, Man City score again, on a cross and header that Spurr fails to mark properly. Rough day at the office for Tommy Spurr. But in the 68th, Dimitri Daeseleire with a sublime cross to Gigliotti, who makes space, and heads it in from 8 yards out to cut it to 2-1. In the 74th, Cia works a great combination with Gigliotti, who finds space inside 15 yards, but his shot is saved. We look very good late, but can’t get the equalizer. Can’t be too disappointed, as we did come alive in the 2nd half. Cousins with a very good game in net, rating a 9 and stopping 10 shots… he’s making me think he needs to be our #2 next season.
Loss, 2-1, drop to 8th

Man City pass us in the table with their win.

In typically fragile Mark Cousins fashion, he goes down with a damaged elbow in our last match, and will miss 1-3 weeks. So now we’re down to keeper #4, which looks to be Morten Bredal-Thorsen, as I look to the future rather than play Opdal and Cuellar who are both gone this summer.

That finishes up an up and down January for us. We finish with a 2-0-3 league record, and go 1-0-1 in the FA Cup.

February ‘10
Cash balance: $11,350,846

Feb. 6, Match 26 v. #13 Birmingham City
Fernandes is back healthy, and in goal. N’Deffi has returned from Africa to be our #2. Gigliotti and Hagman are our only 2 healthy strikers, as Da Costa and O’Connor are out injured, and Diallo is still playing for the Mali national team. Gigliotti is forced off with injury in the 9th minute, so we switch to a 4-5-1 again, with Renouard and Cia at AM roles. In the 13th, Tommy Spurr nearly heads a cross into our goal, but the post saves us. In the 25th, Daeseleire shows his attacking quality from the back, sending in a 40 yard ball through to Hagman, who takes it, turns, and scores. Hagman’s 10th goal of the season gives us a 1-0 lead. Birmingham get it back 4 minutes later, as Renouard deflects an attempted cross right to a charging Blues’ attacker, and he slots it home. We’re forced into using 2 DM’s later as Renouard comes out with an injury, and that effectively bottles up the rest of the match.
Draw, 1-1, remain 8th

Bad news for us, as David Gigliotti suffered a badly sprained ankle during this match that will keep him out 4-6 weeks. Renouard will miss 1-2 weeks with a concussion.

This may well see us deploy the old 4-2-3-1 we have used in the past, or more likely some variation of the 4-5-1.

The press approaches me about his loss, and I admit that he’ll be a huge loss. Two days later, the assistant manager tells me what a good mood Gigliotti has been in… thanks to my comments to the media.

We make another Bosman signing, as 21 year old Romanian AM/F Claudiu Stan signs a deal with the Posh. He signs for $325k per season through 2013, and will be leaving Nantes where he is performing well this season (5 goals in 11 starts and 7 sub. Appearances). Stan is a very good finisher, and is very fast. His weakness is that he is an average passer, and not a great jumper. But, he will not be called on to play every match, and should be a good change of pace up front for us.

Feb. 21, Match 27 @ #11 Fulham (TV)
Mamadou Diallo and Guirane N’Daw are back for the Cup of Nations, and both start today. 17 year old Jose Manuel Perez is on the bench as a sub. Striker choice. The defense does a terrible job of closing down Moritz Volz… he dribbles for about 35 yards, then sends a short chip to Michael Brown, who volleys it home. In the 11th minute, Fulham strike again off a corner kick, and we trail 2-0 quickly. What is it about Fulham??? We cannot beat them. This will take our record to 0-1-4 against them. I rip the team a new one at halftime, and in the 54th we pull one back… Cardenas with a nice cross to the far post, and Hagman with a nifty chip over the keeper from close in makes it 2-1. We bring Perez on in the 71st for Diallo, and move to a 3-5-2. It makes no difference, as we fail to notch any more good chances.
Loss, 2-1, drop to 9th

Our European dreams are fading away, as we’ve hit a seriously bad patch of away form, and have a rough schedule to finish the season.

League Cup Final
Manchester United 3:0 Arsenal

French Ligue Un team Guingamp approach me to take their managerial position. They offer me $1.6M per year for 2 years to try and keep the squad out of relegation. They currently sit 18th in Ligue Un. It sounds like a decent position, but I’m in it for the long haul at Peterborough. I decline.

Feb. 27, Match 28 v. #3 Arsenal
Jose Manuel Perez gets a start today alongside Hagman up front. In the 12th minute, Klasnic with a nice ball for Jonathan Soriano… his initial effort is stopped, but the follow up beats Fernandes to give Arsenal the early lead. Arsenal go up 2-0 as Klasnic scores on a header keyed by a free kick. Both Perez and Hagman are struggling… Perez has failed to get 3 good chances on target, while Hagman is completely non-existent throughout the first half. The commentary notes that Perez “doesn’t look confident at all”. In the 52nd minute, Lodemel’s cross finds Hagman… his header is stopped… the rebound is stopped, and Perez’s 2nd follow-up attempt is also saved! Great keeper play by the Gunners. Hagman earns a PK in the 64th minute, but Rob Edwards and his 20 penalty kick rating hit it right at the keeper. I notice that Perez is winning a lot of headers, so I make him the target man. We switch to an aggressive 3-5-2 with 15 minutes to play, but don’t get much out of it. Perez rates a 6, and put only 1 of his 6 shots on target.
Loss, 2-0, drop to 10th

That wraps up an abbreviated February, which we finish at 0-1-2. 1 point from 9 won’t get it done. We have 10 matches left, and I figure we need around 58 points to get to Europe… currently, we have 36 points, so that would be 7 wins and a draw at the least. It would be surprising, but we’ve gotten hot before.

Butter

06-16-2006, 09:11 AM

March ‘10
Cash balance: $10,678,921

Southampton fire their manager, and the media comes to me to gage my interest in the position. I tell them that I am not interested, which pleases the board.

March 6, Match 29 @ #3 Liverpool
Former Posh loaner Besian Idrizaj gets Liverpool started in this one, as he buries a 25+ yard strike to put them up 1-0 after 12 minutes. The Reds are just outclassing us in the 24th, as Cristiano Ronaldo sends in a 40 yard long ball, and James Keene latches onto it and scores. Jose Manuel Perez is playing well in this one, actually outplaying Hagman. Both teams play negatively in the 2nd half, and it ends 2-0.
Loss, 2-0, remain 10th

Alexandre N’Diaye is developing very quickly. The 19 year old Frenchman is turning into just an amazing looking player. Sherman Andres Cardenas has also improved in just the 2 short months that he’s been at London Road. I think Cardenas might be better suited for the AM role, though, rather than the ML role… which is a problem for me, as I really need an ML more than I need an AM.

One of my scouts is in France, and he is turning up quality player after quality player. It pains me to keep my checkbook closed to not bid on some of these guys.

New signing Claudiu Stan suffers a season-ending hip injury with Nantes… better this year than next, I suppose.

March 13, Match 30 @ #13 Southampton
I continue to give Perez a chance to shine, as he is more than deserving of some time out there, especially when used as a target man, as he has terrific heading ability. In the 15th minute, we finally put together a good chance… N’Diaye plays it wide to Perez, who passes through 2 players to Hagman… Hagman with a first touch shot slips it underneath the keeper and in to give us the early lead. After suffering through nearly 1 minute more of stoppage time than was listed, Southampton line up a 20 yard free kick and bury it past Fernandes. 1-1 at halftime. We nearly strike straight off the 2nd half kickoff, as Sarmov plays a great ball over the top to Hagman, but his first time shot is parried away. The Saints hold the better of play until we hit stoppage time… in the first minute of extra time, Collen has the ball down the right touch line… he crosses long to the far post, where Perez rises above his man… and heads it in from 10 yards!!! The 17 year old Spaniard with the late dramatics, and we’ll collect all 3 points here today! A star is born at London Road, as the road fans are absolutely beside themselves with joy at our late goal. Jose Manuel Perez is named man of the match, and deservedly so for his 1 goal, 1 assist effort that nets him a 9 rating.
Win, 2-1, up to 10th

We currently sit 3 points behind 7th place Fulham…. That is where we need to get if we expect to play in Europe next season. It’s still going to be an uphill climb, but maybe we’re on the verge of another streak after a win like this.

I am still giddy over the performance of Jose Manuel Perez. It’s always a joy when one of your young hopefuls comes on and plays like a star for the first time. Hopefully I’ll be able to play him more down the stretch, and he can build on this performance. The best part of this, of course, is that he’s only 17.

I do worry, however, about building a team that is too young. I want this squad to be able to stay together, but ultimately, in order to grow, I may need to bring in a wily veteran or two to help show them the ropes next season. I am definitely going to be on the lookout for some older talent to pick up as the next season draws closer… some players who have had long-term success, and are ready to finish out their career being a mentor. Simon Hagman was definitely helped by the presence of Paolo Di Canio early in his career, and I think many of our young players would benefit from the presence of a similar type mentor right now.

Sadly, we’re bumped to 11th as Aston Villa win on Sunday. We now sit 4 points behind 7th place Tottenham, as they notch a win as well.

Simon Hagman now leads the team in goals (12) and assists (5) since David Gigliotti has been out for several weeks now.

Hertha Berlin approach me to try and get me to pull them off the bottom of the Bundesliga table. They’re 4 points from safety with only 2 months to play… but I again decline the offer.

March 20, Match 31 v. #3 Bolton Wanderers (TV)
Perez and Hagman pair up again today. USA international Eddie Johnson starts as the lone striker up front for Bolton. He has 10 goals in 21 apps. for the Wanderers this season. The first goal comes out of nowhere… in the 34th minute, we put together a nice build-up that seems to come to an end when the Bolton keeper comes about 10 yards out and punches a cross away… but Alexandre N’Diaye does well to get to it, then lofts a terrific lob over Tim Howard and into the back of the net from 35 yards away! N’Diaye’s first ever Posh goal, and we take the lead. It’s short-lived, though, as Bolton score off a set piece header in the 38th. In the 2nd half, both teams waste early chances. But in the 71st, Djimi Traore’s high boot in the box gives us a PK… and Cardenas converts it to make it 2-1 with 20 minutes to go. Hagman picks up a minor knock, so we switch to a 5-4-1 with 10 minutes to play. Bolton lay siege to our goal in the final few minutes… but we keep them honest by sending long balls up to Perez, a couple of which turn into dangerous chances. In the end, we take the 2-1 win, another impressive showing by our youngsters. Cardenas wins MoM in midfield, as I set him as the playmaker, and he played very well.
Win, 2-1, up to 9th

Looks again like we’ve hit a good patch… not sure how to keep these good patches from turning into bad patches, so I just resolve to enjoy them while they last. We’re up to 42 points, and likely need to get results from 5 more matches to finish very near 7th place. With Chelsea’s Saturday win, we’re officially eliminated from the title picture (not surprisingly). Aston Villa’s Sunday win over Birmingham also means we’re bumped down to 10th place.

Dinamo Kiev have made a surprising run into the UEFA Champions League Final 8, joining Villarreal, Bayern Munich, Ajax, Juventus, Chelsea, Werder Bremen, and Arsenal there.

Aston Villa have also made a surprising European run of their own, meeting up with Marseille in the Quarterfinals of the UEFA Cup.

March 27, Match 32 @ #12 West Ham United
Perez and Hagman pair one last time, as David Gigliotti is nearly match fit. Great start for us, as West Ham misplay a backpass, and Jose Manuel Perez is there to collect the ball, and slide it in past the keeper in the 4th minute. 1-0 Posh in a hurry. We’re reduced to 10 men in the 30th minute, as Borbely is red carded for pulling down the Hammers’ attacker on a breakaway… 2 minutes later, West Ham score and make it 1-1 after we pull Perez in favor of a defender. Just before halftime, Collen knocks a ball long, and Hagman latches onto it… and scores past the keeper. 2-1 Posh at halftime. We make it 3-1 somehow in the 64th, as Cardenas’ cross finds Hagman’s foot. West Ham push back, though, and make it 3-2 in the 68th as they exploit our weakness in the center of defense with Borbely’s absence. Nigel Reo-Coker nets the equalizer in the 78th, after he collects a deflected shot and beats Fernandes. And West Ham complete the comeback in the 90th minute, as our back 4 fall asleep, allowing Dean Ashton an open shot at goal from 10 yards, and he finishes it.
Loss, 4-3, remain 10th

We were so close to actually winning that match, and somehow found a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Disappointing loss. But those things will happen when you lose a man that early. Frankly, I thought we’d lose it earlier than that. If we finish just out of the European running, this is the match that will have done us in.

We finish up March with a 2-0-2 record. Only 6 more matches to play, and we’re 4 points behind 7th place Tottenham Hotspur with 3 other teams in between us. I am not optimistic, considering that Man U. and Chelsea remain on the schedule.

Butter

06-16-2006, 01:00 PM

April ‘10
Cash balance: $9,479,026

Perez finishes 2nd in Young Player of the Month voting.

Hagman suffers a heel injury in practice, and he’ll miss 1-2 weeks of action… just as Gigliotti is ready to return to the pitch.

April 3, Match 33 v. #18 Crystal Palace
We’re dragging back out the ol’ 4-2-3-1 today. Gigliotti the lone striker in this attack minded set. Palace struggle to produce much of anything, and Gigliotti looks rusty with Diallo getting most of the chances, but failing to connect on any in a scoreless first half. In the 67th, we finally get the breakthrough, as Michael Cia’s corner kick drops right into the six, where N’Diaye charges onto it and heads it home. We get the insurance goal in the 80th, as off a scramble from a Posh corner kick, Pieter Collen’s shot is deflected in. Collen with his 1st Posh goal to put us ahead 2-0. Perez misses a sitter after a give-and-go with Cia in stoppage time that would’ve put the exclamation mark on it, but as it is this is a pretty convincing win. Palace only had one good chance, and Fernandes dealt with it easily. Godemeche and N’Diaye partnered well as the 2 holding midfielders today, Godemeche earning MoM honors.
Win, 2-0, remain 11th

We’re now 2 points behind 7th place Aston Villa, but they have 2 games in hand on us and sit on 47 points… while we hold on with 45 points. 8th place is still a realistic possibility which could see us into the Inter-Toto Cup.

April 5, Match 34 @ #5 Manchester United
Perez and Diallo up front today as our only 2 fit strikers. We switch back to the 4-4-2 defensive diamond. Perez set as target man for Diallo. In the 10th minute, Wayne Rooney finishes a nice Febian Brandy cross to put the Red Devils in front. 4 minutes later, it’s Rooney again scoring a masterful curling shot from 15 yards out… Rooney’s 15th of the year puts us down 2-0 early. We switch to attacking tactics, but Van Nistelrooy makes us pay for that in the 56th, scoring off a nifty pass from Rio Ferdinand. We don’t mount much of a challenge, and lose rather badly.
Loss, 3-0, remain 11th

I suppose mid-table is not too bad for us, considering we were favorites for relegation this year. Doesn’t look like we’re going to make a final push.

April 10, Match 35 v. #7 Aston Villa
Trying the 4-2-3-1 again, with Gigliotti alone up front. Saviola nearly puts Villa up in the 4th minute, but Fernandes with a terrific save to keep it even. Villa are playing Saviola and Baros up front, and this is going to be one tough game. In the 23rd, Renouard with a good steal in midfield… he passes to Cia, who finds Gigliotti. Gigliotti leaves one man flat-footed, and fires a 20 yard shot into the back of the net! Nice play by the Frenchman to put us ahead. We make it 2-0 in the 30th, as Renouard’s free kick finds Gigliotti at the near post, where he heads it past the keeper and in. Carlos Fernandes earns MoM with a spectacular 10 rating, saving all 9 Villa shots. This was a must-win, and we got a result.
Win, 2-0, up to 10th

We now sit 2 points behind Fulham and Manchester City for 7th place, but both Villa and Fulham hold games in hand. Man City’s mid-week win puts us back to 11th place. Aston Villa hammer Preston in mid-week also to jump into 7th and put us 3 points back of 7th now. Villa have 51 points, with Fulham and Man City holding 50 and Tottenham and us having 48.

Our next match at Chelsea is probably not going to be close. We need a result, but so do they, having slipped to 2nd place, 3 points behind Liverpool, and trailing in GD by 13. There’s all that, then also the revenge factor of us having beaten them earlier this season. I have a feeling we’re going to get HAMMERED.

April 17, Match 36 @ #2 Chelsea
Hagman and Gigliotti, back together up front at last. Chelsea have Valeri Bojinov as their lone striker up front. Brilliant stuff in the 17th minute, as Hagman loses the ball in midfield, and immediately Chelsea send in a long cross for Bojinov, who heads it in from 8 yards. Chelsea make it 2-0 in the 23rd off a free kick and volley in. We try to up our attack in the 2nd half, but just end up opening the door for more Chelsea counter-attacks. Luckily, we’re able to keep it from getting embarrassing.
Loss, 2-0, remain 11th

That pretty much flushes any shot we had at finishing as high as 8th. We’ll be lucky to get back to 9th at this point.

2 more games for us…

Nicolas Godemeche pulls up with a torn hamstring during training… this serious injury could cause him to miss part of next season as well.

Emil Samuelsson returns from his loan to Stoke… Samuelsson finishes with 1 goal and a 6.80 avR in just 5 appearances for the Championship side.

Prior to our next match, I send Claude N’Deffi back to Lille, terminating his loan. He played in 4 games for us, allowing 6 goals. I’m sure he’ll be complaining to his father club about what a crappy loan it was.

April 24, Match 37 v. #10 Tottenham Hotspur
We still have a long shot chance of finishing 9th, if Fulham stumble and we win our last 2, it could happen. As such, we don’t start the kids just yet… although I do get Emil Samuelsson in today at right wing. Spurs go down to 10 men early, as in the 5th minute, as one of their defenders feels the need to shirt tug Michael Cia and Simon Hagman early on. Even being down a man, Spurs score first, as Nelson Valdez sends a nice ball to the spot, where Peter Crouch slots it in past Fernandes. We level the match in the 27th, as Hagman’s great first time pass finds Gigliotti in front of goal, and he slides the ball in past the keeper. Spurs do a good job in the 2nd half of holding us back, and we’re forced into a 3-4-3 with 10 minutes left to try and net the game winner... it’s reserve striker Franco Romano who is called upon to enter the match as our 3rd striker. Hagman appears to have done it in the 81st, but his goal is waved off for offsides. Our late attacking play allows a Spurs striker to walk through 3 defenders and slot home the game winner in the 87th minute.
Loss, 2-1, remain 11th

We are now eliminated from finishing higher then 11th, unless we can make up 8 in the goal differential department in our final match. Oh well, we had some good runs this season, we just need to work on being more consistent.

Portsmouth beat Southampton 6-0 in a late attempt to avoid relegation. With one game left, Ipswich is the only team certain of dropping. Everton and Portsmouth are 19th and 18th, but Crystal Palace and Preston still could drop as well.

Also with 2 games left to play, it appears that Liverpool is going to break Chelsea’s stranglehold on the title. They have a 3 point lead, and Chelsea have just one game to play. Liverpool host Everton in mid-week, but the Toffees win it 2-1 to keep everyone in suspense for one more week. The win also pulls Everton out of the relegation zone, and puts Crystal Palace in danger.

For our last game, we decide to throw some kids out there to try and avoid serious injury to any of our big names.

To make matters worse for us, we get Everton in our final game… the Toffees will be desperate for a win to avoid the drop, as that is the only result that will guarantee them to stay up… so maybe our attacking 4-2-3-1 will do the trick. We shall see.

We can’t realistically finish any better or worse than 11th at this point, so we’re locked in to our table finish.

May ‘10
Cash balance: $9,485,669

As May hits, the board are “absolutely thrilled with the level of commitment you continue to show the club”.

We terminate the loan of Kenneth Lodemel prior to our last match. He was decent in midfield this year, with 3 assists in 19 appearances, averaging a 6.74.

May 2, Match 38 @ #17 Everton
We start reserves Nathan Bennett (DM), Franco Romano (MR), Emil Samuelsson (ML), and Markus Schulz (ST) in this one, along with rare appearances for GK Mark Cousins, AM Rachid Tiberkanine, and ST Jose Manuel Perez. We go with the 442 counter attack today, with Perez as the target man. In the 8th minute, Romano’s cross is poked away by Shay Given, but Emil Samuelsson is right there to tap it in! 1-0, Posh, and Emil Samuelsson with the nice play here. Everton level the match in the 16th minute, as our defense is just getting shredded. Borbely is shown a red for a takedown in the box in the 24th… and we go down 2-1 as Everton convert the PK. We’re forced into a 4-4-1 thanks to the red card. Our back 4 look lost out there, and yield another goal just before halftime. I yell at the kids at halftime, and we look much better in the 2nd half, especially late. In stoppage time, Franco Romano buries a 25 yard free kick to make it 3-2, but that’s how it ends. Everton celebrate their relegation avoidance, but we played much better in the 2nd half. Romano picks up a 9 at MR, while Samuelsson rated an 8 at ML.
Loss, 3-2, finish 11th

Portsmouth complete a narrow escape with a 2-0 home win over Manchester City. Preston lose against Arsenal, while Crystal Palace’s draw can’t help them out of the drop zone. They both will join Ipswich in the Championship next season, while Wigan and Cardiff win promotion to the EPL, with Charlton, Sheffield Utd., Nott’m Forest, and Blackburn all fighting for the final spot via the playoffs.

Liverpool celebrate their first EPL title since 1990 with their 1-0 win at Newcastle.

We pick up $11.5M for our final position in the EPL. That pretty much wipes out our losses for this season.

Final standings
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/09-10finalstandings.jpg

Player stats
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/09-10playerstats.jpg

And in case you’re wondering why I’m so high on certain of my players, here’s why:

17 year old striker Jose Manuel Perez (http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/Perez.jpg)

19 year old DM Alexandre N’Diaye (http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/NDiaye.jpg)

21 year old AM Michael Cia (http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/Cia.jpg)

20 year old AM Sherman Andres Cardenas (http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/Cardenas.jpg)

Butter

06-16-2006, 01:46 PM

2009/10 Final statistics:
Avg. attendance: 15,936 (20th, 1st: Man Utd., 71,052)
Goals scored/conceded: 52/62 (6th/19th)

Average rating:
1. Wilfred Bouma (Aston Villa) – 7.46
18. Carlos Fernandes – 7.21

Goals
1. Thierry Henry (Arsenal) – 22
13t. David Gigliotti – 14
17t. Simon Hagman – 12

Assists
1. Thierry Henry – 11
No Posh in top 25

End of season squad review

Goalkeepers
Carlos Fernandes came in and settled this position for us. Sure, we were the 2nd worst at allowing goals this year, but it was often because Fernandes was facing 10+ shots a game. He did as well as he could to keep the losses to a minimum, but our backline was largely to blame for most of the problems.

Players out: Hakon Opdal (reserve), Ivan Cuellar (R)
Players in: None

Outlook for ‘10/’11: Fernandes is aging, but many keepers hit their peak in their early 30’s. Fernandes is only getting better. As for our #2 situation, it is likely that Mark Cousins will be our #2 next year, as he performed well in a couple of EPL matches he played in this season. Hard to believe Cousins is still so young, at only 22. Seems like he’s been around forever.

Defense
Terrible, terrible season. Balazs Borbely, normally our rock, spent most of the 2nd half of the year picking up red cards. He had 2 in the 2nd half of the year, and gave up at least that many more PK’s. Our right back position remains in flux, as new signing Dimitri Daeseleire seemed nervous after his first couple of matches. Pieter Collen had some flashes of greatness, but was usually being beaten pretty badly by crosses from the left. Tommy Spurr started out well, but also faded late in the season. Guirane N’Daw is a very flexible player, and finished stronger than he started. Rasoul Mirtoroghi had a rough go of it as well… he didn’t yield many penalties, but he just flat got beat down the middle by missing tackles more times than I care to remember. Lastly, Rob Edwards had a disasterous start to the season, but once I plugged him into his more natural center back role, he settled down and had a pretty decent finish, rating a 7.0 over his last 12 apps.

Players out: David Van Den Broeck (R), Evander Sno (R)
Players in: 17 year old Spaniard Carlos Rodriguez (Rayo), 25 year old DC Martin Latka (Arsenal reserves), 26 year old DRLC Jan Tigorev (Ajaccio reserves)

Outlook: Tigorev and Latka should help deepen our defenses, and allow Mirtoroghi and Borbely to fight it out for the other remaining DC spot opposite Latka, while Tigorev will play on the left most likely, as we give Daeseleire another chance to win the DR spot. Collen, Edwards, and N’Daw should give us a nice amount of depth, and will give us more chances to keep everyone fresh all season long, which should improve our performance. Still, I’m not sold on Tigorev and Latka as the cure, so we shall keep our eye out for more defenders who could help.

Midfield
The midfield continues to look up. Cardenas came in from Colombia and gave great effort every time he was on the field. Alexandre N’Diaye needs to become more consistent, but that should come in time. Nicolas Godemeche was super at DM, performing well over what his ability would suggest. Michael Cia was hurt for a large part of the season, and lacked the flash he showed prior to his injury after his return in January. Andrej Mlinaric probably needs to play more in order to be effective, as he was often used as a substitute because of his versatility. Georgi Sarmov’s production dropped way off in the step up to Premiership play, and his long shots never found the net. Sebastien Renouard was also a disappointment, but your rating does tend to be lower when you appear more as a substitute, which Renouard did because of his flexibility. Lastly, Rachid Tiberkanine found his way into the senior squad more than I had expected, but was never really a threat after his first couple of appearances. We still have high hopes for reserves DM Julien Camara, MRLC Emil Samuelsson, AMR Franco Romano, and DM/MR Nathan Bennett. Samuelsson had his first senior goal late in the season, as did Franco Romano as both impressed.

Players out: Rachid Tiberkanine
Players in: None

Outlook: Likely we will be looking to sell both Renouard and Sarmov, as both were less than impressive this season. Sarmov is likely to be supplanted in the lineup by Nathan Bennett, who has similar characteristics but is 5 years younger, or Emil Samuelsson who was impressive in the lineup late in the season. Renouard still has a place on our team, but I’m just not convinced that he can win it, so am inclined to look elsewhere while allowing Michael Cia more time at AM to develop. Likely, our starting midfield diamond next season will be N’Diaye (DM), Cardenas (ML), Samuelsson (MR), Cia (AM). But we will keep an eye out for any players that look to be an upgrade, or that could backup our main 4 capably.

Striker
David Gigliotti and Simon Hagman both had good but not great seasons. Gigliotti started out like gangbusters, rating nearly an 8 over the first couple of months, but dropped way off after that. Hagman picked it up mid-season, but wasn’t quite as explosive as he’d been in the lower leagues. Garry O’Connor was a huge bust, scoring only 2 goals and spending much of the season injured or pouting. Mamadou Diallo had a solid if unspectacular season, but will be given plenty of chances next season to prove his worth in his contract year. Florian Da Costa seemed overmatched, and didn’t see the field as much as I wanted. But newcomer Jose Manuel Perez looked dangerous, and at age 17, will be looked at as a rising star in our organization… not sure if I’m going to play him as much next season, but I haven’t decided yet.

Players out: Matt Jansen (R), Honore Kabongo (R)
Players in: 21 year old Romanian Claudiu Stan (Nantes)

Outlook: Stan will be a cheap, solid backup to our main 2… but frankly, looking at the guy, I’m trying to figure out why I signed him. He has no attributes above a 15, and looks fairly mediocre. Oh well. Oops. O’Connor is going to be shopped around, as I knew I shouldn’t have signed him from the first. Perez will likely be counted on more than I’d like as a 2nd teamer, along with Diallo. Da Costa is in his contract year, so maybe that will motivate him a bit. We need better quality at our striker position to avoid a big dropoff when Hagman and/or Gigliotti are out of the lineup for whatever reason. This will be a major area to be addressed during the offseason.

flere-imsaho

06-16-2006, 01:47 PM

It's amazing how Everton always manage to stay up, isn't it? ;)

Butter

06-16-2006, 03:23 PM

Remainder of May ‘10

Carlos Fernandes is voted first choice keeper on the Players’ Select Team of the Year. David Gigliotti comes in 2nd in voting for the English Footballer of the Year.

UEFA Cup Final
Barcelona 3:1 Benfica

FA Cup Final
Liverpool 0:0 Aston Villa (Villa win 4:2 on PK’s)

UEFA Champions League Final
Ajax 2:1 Villarreal
-Ajax are the Champions of Europe for the first time since 1995.

We make a couple of youngster signings… first 17 year old AMRC Tom Rose signs a deal, spurning Portsmouth’s offer. Rose needs some time to develop, but is above average for a 17 year old. Our 2nd one requires us to dust off the checkbook… 17 year old Julien Desmenez of the Strasbourg U-18 squad signs with us… but for a fee of $1.2M + 20% of next sale. Desmenez looks like a strong keeper in the making. He is very smart, has good strength and speed for a keeper, and best of all, his technical abilities are far and away better than any 17 year old keeper I’ve yet seen. Desmenez will take 2-3 years to blossom, but once he does I’m hoping he will be the heir apparent to Carlos Fernandes.

Blackburn win the Championship Playoffs, and win promotion to the EPL next season along with Wigan and Cardiff.

June ‘10
Cash balance: $18,816,777

We have to start seriously looking at our coaches, as several coaches/scouts/physios are up for renewal. It ends up costing us nearly $1M in transfer fees, but after we’re done, we have significantly upgraded our staff, and added a world class scout from Chelsea.

Hakon Opdal agrees to a deal with Spanish club Ceuta, who have just won promotion to the first division there. Opdal played in 33 games in 3 seasons with the Posh, allowing 37 goals in 33 apps., while keeping 12 clean sheets. His avR ends up right around 6.75.

David Gigliotti is voted Fans’ Player of the Year.

We pick up our $26.5M for TV rights for the upcoming season.

Here’s a first: “Due to strong local opposition, the local council have denied the club planning permission for the proposed ground improvements.” Which means, we can’t expand the stadium. Crap.

We do however finish our improvements to our training facilities, which are now listed as “top facilities plus youth academy”.

A waste of money comes to my attention, as the board plans to payout $4.9M in dividends to shareholders.

We do pick up a nice new sponsorship deal for the EPL, worth $4.3M per season for 4 years. Our previous deal was worth slightly less than $250k per year.

The board offers me a boatload of possible budget options, but I settle on one: a $24.5M wage budget, along with a $20.5M transfer budget. This puts our wages currently at less than 50% of allowable. Which is basically a green light for me to sign a big name striker or defender, if I can find one willing to come over to us.

Butter

06-16-2006, 03:25 PM

I am going on vacation, but I just want everyone to know that I plan to return to this dynasty during the last week of June. Thanks for reading, and hopefully the Posh will soon be able to lift a trophy of some sort. Maybe I'll buy one and bring it to pre-season training so we can get some practice lifting in.

While I'm gone, if anyone has any suggestions or questions, please feel free to note them here, and I'll get to them when I get back.

SirFozzie

06-16-2006, 06:49 PM

Unacceptable.... the FM Goons will be to your house shortly to chain you to your desk.

(kidding, KUTGW)

Butter

06-27-2006, 03:30 PM

Posh players in the World Cup
June 9: Sherman Andres Cardenas scored for Colombia in a 2-0 win over Russia.
June 13: Guirane N’Daw helps hold the Brazilians to a 0-0 draw with Senegal, while Mamadou Diallo rated an 8 in a 2-1 Mali win over Honduras.
June 15: Cardenas rates a 7 in a 3-0 Colombia win over Bahrain.
June 20: Diallo rates a 7 as Mali draw Argentina 0-0… while N’Daw rates a 7 in midfield as Sweden hammer Senegal 3-0.
June 22: Cardenas rates a 7 before being subbed off in the 72nd minute of a 1-0 loss to England.
June 24: N’Daw picks up a 7 in Senegal’s 4-2 win over Canada.
June 25: Diallo picks up a 7 before being subbed off in the 75th minute of a 2-1 win over the Czechs.
June 26: Cardenas with a poor 6 before being taken off in the 77th minute of a 2-0 loss to Holland in the 2nd round.
June 28:N’Daw picks up a 7 before being subbed off for offense in the 77th minute of a PK loss to Turkey in the 2nd round.
June 29: Mamadou Diallo with a lackluster 6 before being subbed off in the 71st minute of a blowout 4-0 loss to Germany in the 2nd round.

Group results:
Group A: England 7, Colombia 6, Russia 3, Bahrain 1
Group B: Holland 9, Australia 6, Paraguay 3, Denmark 0
Group C: Croatia 6, Wales 6, South Africa 4, USA 1
Group D: France 7, Ukraine 4, Cameroon 3, UAE 3
Group E: Turkey 7, Spain 6, Morocco 4, Jordan 0
Group F: Sweden 7, Senegal 4, Brazil 3 (!!), Canada 1
Group G: Germany 7, Uruguay 6, Greece 4, Syria 0
Group H: Argentina 7, Mali 7, Czech Rep. 3, Honduras 0

2nd round:
England 2:0 Australia
Colombia 0:2 Holland
Croatia 0:1 Ukraine
France 1:2 Wales
Senegal 3:3 Turkey (TUR adv. 3-1 on PK’s)
Spain 3:2 Sweden
Mali 0:4 Germany
Argentina 2:0 Uruguay

Quarterfinals:
Holland 1:1 Ukraine (NED adv. 4-2 on PK’s)
England 2:1 Wales
Spain 2:2 Germany (GER adv. 3-1 on PK’s)
Turkey 1:0 Argentina

Semifinals
England 2:0 Germany
Holland 0:2 Turkey

3rd place:
Holland 0:3 Germany

Final
England 3:0 Turkey
-England storms to an easy 2nd consecutive World Cup victory over helpless Turkey. Turkey was undone in the 20th minute after having a man sent off for a last ditch challenge that resulted in a Gareth Barry PK conversion to put the Lions up 1-0. Defoe scored just before halftime, and Wayne Rooney iced it in the 55th to give England the easy win in Johannesburg, South Africa.

DC Evander Sno agrees to a deal with NEC of the Dutch first division. Sno had a so-so run with us, appearing in 28 games, and averaging a 6.64 over 3 seasons before spending the last 2 seasons in the reserves.

July ‘10
Cash balance: $37,194,233

We welcome in several new players at the opening of the transfer window.

-21 year old Romanian AM/F Claudiu Stan.
-25 year old Czech DC Martin Latka.
-26 year old Belarusian D Jan Tigorev.
-17 year old French GK Julien Desmenez.
-17 year old Spanish DC Carlos Rodriguez.
-17 year old English AM Tom Rose.

Latka and Tigorev will be expected to contribute now, while Desmenez could well win the #2 keeper job, if Cousins looks off his game.

We sign David Gigliotti to a new contract worth about $5.75M spread over 3 more seasons. Gigliotti had complained about his current pay deal, but this will see him through to his 28th birthday with the Posh.

July 4, Friendly #1 v. AC Milan
We come out in an attacking posture, and Emil Samuelsson with a nice pass to Hagman in the 8th minute, and Hagman wastes no time getting us on the board. Milan equalize in the 41st minute, after Pirlo sends a great pass in to Marco Borriello, and he finishes past the keeper. Michael Cia gets it back just 2 minutes later, after a nice find from Diallo gets Cia an open 12 yarder. We get another in the 51st minute, as Samuelsson’s cross to the back post finds Cardenas alone, and he buries it from 12 yards out. Samuelsson with 2 assists, as he tries to emerge as our top option at right wing. Desmenez with a fine job in goal, making 5 saves.
Win, 3-1

We bring in American ex-patriate Giuseppe Rossi on trial for 2 weeks after Man U. released him over the summer.

The media touts me as the successer at Cologne, but I dismiss the speculation out of hand. However, the Holland national team job has just opened up…

July 14, Friendly #2 v. Bayern Munich (TV)
Bayern’s midfield 3 of Leo Messi, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Michael Ballack are a bit intimidating, but we’ll see how we hold up. We start Giuseppe Rossi up front. Munich dominate in the first half, but it ends scoreless. Rossi and Stan look completely lost up front, but they haven’t gotten any service either. Fernandes makes 11 saves, and we net 0 on target shots, but still manage a draw.
Draw, 0-0

Honore Kabongo signs a new contract with League One Walsall. Kabongo was never the player I had hoped, but still had 7 goals and 7 assists in 53 senior apps. with the Posh. His avR was also a not completely horrid 6.75.

July 18, Friendly #3 @ Olympique Lyonnais
We give Rossi another shot in the lineup, alongside Gigliotti for our lone pre-season road trip. In the 7th minute, Rasoul Mirtoroghi manages to head a Lyon cross into our net for a 1-0 Lyon lead. Cousins poor handling hurts us again, as he fails to corral a shot in the 25th minute, allowing a rebound goal to put us behind 2-0. Hagman gets a consolation goal in the 81st minute… but again, the emerging star is young keeper Julien Desmenez… as he rates an 8 in the 2nd half against another perennial European power, making at least 2 eye-opening saves.
Loss, 2-1

Rossi has pretty much played himself out of a contract offer with us, mustering just one shot on goal in 120+ minutes of action over 2 games.

After much negotiating, and 3 separate attempts over the past 8 months, we finally sign a huge playmaker. 25 year old Brazilian AM/F Fernandinho comes over from Ukrainian side Shakhtar for a $15M fee. Fernandinho has an above average work rate for a Brazilian player, and has deadly finishing skill. His speed is top notch as well, as are most of his mental attributes. Fernandinho is just the player we need to complete perhaps the most deadly top 3 strikers in British football, with Gigliotti, Hagman, and Fernandinho all top quality finishers. Fernandinho signs a $2.3M per season contract through 2013.

Fernandinho gives us the flexibility of playing him withdrawn along with Gigliotti and Hagman up front, or putting him in as a striker, and putting Cia in the match.

With Fernandinho’s acquisition, it makes Garry O’Connor and Sebastien Renouard quite expendable.

Hopefully, our major acquisition during this pre-season can boost us up into competition for a European spot next season. Both the board and the fans expect us to finish well away from the bottom this year.

We have 6 matches picked for TV in the first 4 months of the season, which is about 4 more than we had in the first half of last season. A good sign, I think.

Rachid Tiberkanine signs a nice contract with Italian lower level club Catania. Tiberkanine never developed as I had hoped, finishing his 4 years with the Posh with 6 goals and 7 assists in 52 appearances, rating a 6.62 over that period.

July 26, Friendly #4 v. Celtic
Fernandinho with his first start today, at AM. He helps out immediately, as he assists on a Gigliotti goal in the 10th minute. Gigliotti creates a goal for Hagman in the 23rd to make it 2-0. Godemeche leaves with an injury in the 26th. Cardenas sends Gigliotti through in the 45th, and the Frenchman makes it 3-0 at halftime. Gigliotti makes it 3 in the 52nd, as he side-foots in a corner kick from 4 yards out. Fernandinho and Gigliotti both leave the field with 10’s at around the 60 minute mark. Markus Schulz with a powerful strike from inside 10 yards, as Camara’s volley was heading wide, but Schulz volleys the errant volley home. Franco Romano makes it 6-0 in the 90th with a surprising 25 yard strike straight into the upper 90.
Win, 6-0

Cardenas, Gigliotti, Hagman, and Fernandinho all appeared in mid-season form in that last match. If we can apply the attacking tactics effectively at home, and deploy the counter-attack well on the road, we should be in contention for one of the top 7 spots this year.

Ipswich offer us $2M for O’Connor, but as it turns out, they can’t afford that high of a fee. We do have a couple of other takers, however.

August ‘10
Cash balance: $21,858,693

Friendly #5, v. Peterborough U-18’s
Romano buries a header for the senior squad in the 21st minute off a nice cross from Collen. Desmenez makes a major mistake for the U-18’s in the 25th minute, trying to dribble out of trouble outside of the box, he’s dispossessed by Romano, who crosses to Stan in front of the goal, and he finishes. Collen is a pest on the right side of the U-18 defense, as he gets forward again in the 40th, and sends a pinpoint cross to N’Diaye, who heads it home. None of the U-18’s are looking all that good here, especially Desmenez. Although, if the seniors weren’t dominating the U-18’s, there would be something seriously wrong.
Win, 3-0

We finally get Reading to take Garry O’Connor off our hands for a structured deal worth a total of $1.7M. O’Connor became disgruntled last season when he wasn’t called up to the first team as often as he would’ve liked… but his 2 goal, 1 assist output over 14 appearances didn’t recommend more time for the Scottish striker.

As much as I’d like to get young striker Jose Manuel Perez some time with the senior club this season, I think loaning him out would probably be best for his development. I offer a number of players out for loan, but can't find any takers.

flere-imsaho

06-27-2006, 03:39 PM

Yay! It Returns!!!

dixieflatline

06-27-2006, 04:17 PM

Good luck this upcoming season.

John Galt

06-28-2006, 10:46 AM

Yay! It Returns!!!

"

Butter

06-28-2006, 01:39 PM

I almost lost this thing earlier today. I hadn't backed up to a "safety" save file in over 2 seasons, and I had to shut-down mid-save. Luckily, when I reopened it, the game was unaffected, it just reverted to the previous save. Which is fine. Better to lose 2 weeks of progress than 2 years. I would've had to scrap then. I will be keeping my safety procedures a bit more strict now, even though it does take 5 minutes to save the game at this point.

Butter

06-28-2006, 03:31 PM

Aug. 6, Friendly #6 v. Anderlecht
In the 12th minute, Fernandinho’s straight on shot is stopped, but Hagman cleans up the rebound to put us ahead. Gigliotti is taken out with injury in the 34th minute. Right before halftime, Anderlecht level the match with a nice ball through 2 defenders, and an even better shot from a tight angle. Not much goes on in the 2nd half, and we take a draw.
Draw, 1-1

Bad news, as Gigliotti has suffered a broken arm. Looks like he’ll miss about a month or possibly a bit more. Not a good way to finish the pre-season. Looks like either Da Costa or Perez will have to stay here instead of being loaned out so that they can fill in for Gigliotti during August.

Our first match is a graciously awarded home game against the team we lost our last game to from last season: Everton.

Charity Shield
Aston Villa 1:1 Liverpool (Reds win 5-4 on PK’s)

Finally, I start getting a bunch of loan offers for my talented youngsters. Young strikers Jose Manuel Perez and Florian Da Costa, along with midfielders Nathan Bennett, Markus Gustafsson, and Emil Samuelsson all get offers for loans from various teams. I decide to hold onto Perez and let the others go off on loan.

Premiership Title Odds
Liverpool – 6:4
Chelsea – 7:4
Man Utd. – 5:2
Arsenal – 3:1
Aston Villa, Newcastle – 33:1
.
Peterborough Utd. – 100:1

Down significantly from 1,000:1 of last year, but still, we are considered contenders for a upper half finish but no more.

Gustafsson agrees to a loan with League One Tranmere Rovers. Bennett joins Championship club Ipswich. Da Costa will play 5 months with League One Brentford. Finally, Samuelsson agrees to a 2nd loan stint with Championship club Stoke.

Here is how our depth chart looks just prior to opening league action:
GK: Carlos Fernandes, Julien Desmenez, Mark Cousins (R)
DL: Jan Tigorev, Tommy Spurr, Guirane N’Daw, Andrej Mlinaric
DC: Balazs Borbely, Martin Latka, Rasoul Mirtoroghi, Rob Edwards
DR: Dimitri Daeseleire, Pieter Collen, Jan Tigorev, Rob Edwards
DM: Alexandre N’Diaye, Nicolas Godemeche, Mlinaric, N’Daw
ML: Sherman Andres Cardenas, Mlinaric, Sebastien Renouard, N’Daw
MR: Georgi Sarmov, Mamadou Diallo (injured), Renouard
AM: Fernandinho, Michael Cia, Cardenas, Renouard
ST: David Gigliotti, Simon Hagman, Claudiu Stan, Fernandinho, Diallo, Renouard

Aug. 14, Match 1 v. Everton
Back into the mixer we go. Mirtoroghi must start at DC for Borbely today, as he’s got a suspension that’s carried over from the end of last season. We also start Jose Manuel Perez up front alongside Simon Hagman. The ageless wonder, Shay Given, continues to patrol the nets for Everton. Fernandinho makes his mark early, as Hagman is dispossessed coming up the right side of the box… the ball slips right to Fernandinho, who slides home a very well placed 25 yard shot past Given. Everton’s attack looks utterly punchless, and we hold the 1-0 lead through the 66th minute… in the 66th, Fernandes comes way out of goal, and sends a long ball onto the run of Perez… he weaves past 2 men, shoots high and hard at a tight angle and scores! Perez with a “magical goal” (says the play-by-play), and we lead 2-0. Everton played well in the 2nd half, but their finishing was awful.
Win, 2-0, begin in 5th

More bad news out of this game… Simon Hagman pulled a hamstring, which will keep him out 3-4 weeks, while Cardenas suffered a thigh strain which will see him out 2-3 weeks. We’ll be missing 3 of our top players for pretty much the entire month of August.

Next up for us, a real test, as we’ll travel to Old Trafford and test out our counter-attack.

We have one more transfer in the works… and it’s another big one. We’ve been working on it for over a month now, but have had it scuttled by the Fernandinho transfer (which caused insufficient funds). We’re almost there at last… but just a few more days while the contract details are ironed out….

Looks like Perez and Fernandinho will now become our main 2 strikers, while Stan and Renouard will back them up. Might have to bring Da Costa back from loan as well if these 2 can’t cut it, or if we suffer more injuries.

Aug. 18, Match 2 @ #11 Manchester United
Perez and Fernandinho to start together up front today, while Mlinaric is on the left and Renouard on the right. After suffering through a couple of tough Red Devil attacks, we get on the board first as Fernandinho strikes home a free kick from just outside the box in the 29th minute. Rooney hits the post in the 32nd, and the rebound is cleared… but in the 42nd, Patrice Evra is able to score off a corner kick to level the match. I think our goal may have just made them angry. We hang with Man U. pretty well, and I decide to switch to a 4-5-1, moving Fernandinho back to AM alongside Cia, and making him the playmaker, while removing Pererz and bringing on reserve Franco Romano as the lone striker. Romano’s speed is needed in this match more than Stan’s quality, I think. Then in the 81st minute, we get a break-out… 3-on-3, and Wes Brown takes substitute Franco Romano down in the box… it’s a penalty!!! Martin Latka to take it… SAVED! Oh, the agony! In the 85th, we get another nice chance, as a long ball by Latka finds Fernandinho ahead of the pack… he lays it off to Cia, who slips it to an open Romano… and he hits it in off the post!!! 2-1 Posh with 5 minutes to play! Mlinaric nearly makes it 3-1 in stoppage time, but his open shot is saved. The final whistle goes, and we take an improbable win at Old Trafford, with 3 of our stars missing! Alexandre N’Diaye is named man of the match, with 1 assist, but also a great defensive performance, winning all 10 attempted tackles, and making 7 pass interceptions.
Win, 2-1, remain 5th

Apparently, several teams have decided to get off to flying starts, including all 4 teams ahead of us, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Fulham all starting out with 2 wins.

I notice while checking the board’s confidence that the supporters are “delighted” with the purchase of Fernandinho. And why shouldn’t they be pleased? He’s scored 2 goals in 2 matches, and has been generally lively in midfield and at striker.

Aug. 21, Match 3 v. #13 Portsmouth
We again go with a 4-5-1 today, but of an attacking variety this time with Cia and Fernandinho supporting Claudiu Stan up front. It pays off quickly, as Spurr’s throw in to Mlinaric finds its way to Cia, who cuts it back for Stan… Stan with a powerful shot at the far post, and he bangs it in to give us a 1-0 lead after 5 ½ minutes. Pompey keep up their attack through halftime, but we are able to weather it and take the lead to the showers. A bad giveaway near the goal sees a wide open shot by Roland Lamah bulging the back of the net. Stan was totally careless there on his pass to N’Diaye, and we paid for it. Perez misses a 5 yard chance in the 71st minute, and our defense totally lacks communication… as Tigorev chases down a long ball, but his pass to Mirtoroghi zips by the Iranian who had turned his back, allowing Robbie Keane to nip in and score another ridiculously easy one. We gave this game away, as a couple of new players totally destroyed our gameplan. It’s almost as if we were owed a loss for our surprising win at Manchester United.
Loss, 2-1, drop to 6th

Manchester Utd. continue a rough start, losing 5-1 at Newcastle… and they now sit 16th in the table.

U-18 defender Carlos Rodriguez moves on loan to Burnley for 5 months. Rodriguez is developing well, and hopefully Burnley will actually use the young Spaniard to help us figure out how to place him when he comes back.

Aug. 25, Match 4 @ #20 Southampton
The Saints have lost 3 straight to open the season. We come out in our attacking 4-4-2 to try and take advantage of the Saints’ flagging confidence. We start Romano and Perez up front, and give Fernandinho a day off. In the 29th minute, a Saint defender comes up with a quick 2nd yellow card, and we go a man up. 10 minutes later, a masterful long ball by Daeseleire finds Sarmov on the dead run… he runs 20 more yards, then cranks back his right foot and rips a goal past the powerless keeper to give us a 1-0 lead. Late in the 2nd half, Southampton go 2 men down, as a defender just kicks Michael Cia for no reason to get his 2nd yellow. We back into a 4-5-1 to try and guarantee the win, and we do just that. Perez and Cia both miss very good chances late, but we hold on for the win. A rare 1-0 win where all of our players rate 8’s at the end… Daeseleire and N’Daw (playing at ML) pick up 9’s in the win.
Win, 1-0, up to 4th

Butter

06-29-2006, 11:11 AM

Jan Tigorev picks up a groin strain in our last match, and he’ll miss 2-3 weeks.

Using some newly acquired tactical knowledge, I fiddle with the tactics on our 2 main formations… the 4-4-2 diamond (or 4-1-2-1-2 if you prefer). I try to refine our tactics so that we keep good spacing around the field, and maximize our chances going forward…. Also, I try to make it so that we keep more men in good defensive position during away games. We’ll see how this works, but I have kept the “old” tactics in reserve in case these flame out.

Finally, our 2nd major signing is complete! 28 year old Croatian “attacking fullback” Darijo Srna agrees to a 2 year deal with the Posh, after we pay Spanish 2nd division club Alaves a structured $6.5M fee to bring the Croatian over. Srna can play both wing positions equally well, and is a high energy player and a veteran… something we need on a team with a large percentage of youngsters. Srna is very fast, and an excellent set piece taker and crosser of the ball. He is very aggressive, and team oriented. He also likes to run right at players and create with the ball going forward. Just what we need at right wing to complement the more finesse play of Cardenas on the left wing! Srna is a top notch player, and we are lucky to gain his signature.

That deal does take our remaining transfer budget to around $250,000, though. Hopefully, we’ve spent wisely.

European Super Cup
Barcelona 3:2 Ajax, in extra time

The Second Round League Cup Draw is made, and we’ll get Champ. Side West Bromwich Albion at home on Sept. 22nd.

Aug. 28, Match 5 v. #19 Middlesbrough
Srna debuts at MR today… we also put Fernandinho and Stan up front together, with Fernandinho in a more holding forward role. N’Daw is forced into action at ML again, while Cia mans the AM role. A rough first half for us, as we struggle to keep the ball out of Boro’s hands… Stewart Downing dominates the midfield, but luckily we’re able to keep it 0-0 at haltime. Perez on for Stan at halftime, who is struggling with an injury, and not performing well. Srna is also not playing particularly well in midfield. We look much crisper to open the 2nd half, and our short passing scheme pays off… Daeseleire hits a quick ball to Cia, who one-touches it wide to Srna… Srna with an early cross to Perez at the near post, but his header is saved… though Fernandinho is there to tap in the rebound! 1-0 after 51 minutes. We switch to defensive tactics in the 71st, but in the 75th some dawdling on the ball allows a steal, a quick pass, and a nice strike inside the right post to allow Boro to even the match. After the goal, Boro are more than happy to stay back and take the point. Boro in truth dominated the match, but we’ll take a draw here.
Draw, 1-1, drop to 5th

Srna with an uninspiring debut during which he was removed with 20 minutes left, carrying a card and a 6 rating… though he did essentially create our only goal with a nice early ball. He’ll improve as he settles into our quick, short passing system more and more. Naturally, the media approaches me about him, and I tell the media that I’m sure he will be a great signing despite his debut. Srna now notes that he is concerned I am expecting too much of him. Duh, doofwad! I did pay $6.5M for your Croatian ass… now get to crossin’!

Southampton are struggling at the open of the season, having scored 1 goal and allowed 12 in 5 consecutive losses to open their season.

So we close out our first month of our 2nd season in the Prem, and finishing 3-1-1 and lying 5th is not bad considering we had a road win against Man U. in there… in fact, we should’ve gone 5-0-0, IMO. Work is still to be done.

September ‘10
Cash balance: $16,894,163

Alexander N’Diaye wins the Young Player of the Month award… he rated a 7.6 for 5 starts, picking up 1 MoM award, and notching an assist. Jose Manuel Perez’s goal against Everton on Aug. 14th is voted the 3rd best goal of the month.

We drop to 6th after some mid-week action. With everyone level on 5 GP, we sit just 1 point out of first, as Chelsea, Spurs, and Liverpool sit on 11, while Arsenal, Villa, and us are on 10 points… we have the worst combined GD/goals scored of the bunch, at +3/7 goals.

Good news for our injury riddled corps, as we’ll get about 10 days off to recover thanks to a FIFA International Weekend on the first weekend of September. Hagman and Cardenas have already returned to full training, with Gigliotti sure to be close behind. Once they all get back, I think we’ll have a pretty feared squad.

Butter

06-29-2006, 02:30 PM

We have a TV match upcoming against relegation battlers Wigan, then we’ll host Chelsea in a major early season clash for our European hopes. We beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge when we got hot around Christmas-time last year, but I can’t see the Blues being surprised by us 2 years running.

All 3 of our U-21’s playing in the U-21 Euro. Qualifying scored for their countries in games of September 7th… Emil Samuelsson for Sweden, Jose Manuel Perez for Spain, and Franco Romano for Italy.

New acquisition Darijo Srna strains his neck during a challenge in Croatia’s Euro 2012 Qualifier against Northern Ireland… he’ll miss 1-2 weeks.

Sept. 12, Match 6 @ #17 Wigan
Wigan has scored once in 5 starts, but have 2 draws to show for it. As such, we come out in an attacking mindset for this match. Cardenas returns to ML for this match, but Hagman and Gigliotti aren’t quite ready to return. N’Diaye starts at MR, with Nicolas Godemeche getting the nod at DM. Stan and Perez pair up front. Fernandinho picks up a breakaway in the 20th, but his low shot is fingertipped wide. Wigan pick up some nice chances late in the half, but it goes to break at 0-0. Hagman returns to action for Perez in the 69th minute. He nearly nets the game winner in the 89th minute, as he’s set free by Fernandinho, but his shot is saved. Then, horror in the 3rd added minute, as the defense parts and allows an easy cross and header for the Latics to win the game in the final seconds. Tough loss.
Loss, 1-0, drop to 8th

Balazs Borbely picks up an injury during weight training, but he should miss just 1-2 weeks. Jan Tigorev and David Gigliotti return to full training the following day, however, as it appears we’re nearing a return to full strength.

Another close loss during a match where we give up a late goal. We are a lot more competitive in most matches than we were last year, so that’s good news. Bad news is we’ve played a lot of weak teams so far and don’t have a whole lot to show for it. The rough part of the schedule still lies ahead… although at this point I consider my team at least an even match for the mid-table contenders of the world like Manchester City and Bolton.

Sept. 18, Match 7 v. #2 Chelsea
Beautiful passing by the Blues, as Frank Lampard sends a great diagonal ball into the near post, where Carlos Vela finishes past Fernandes in the 25th. But just 2 minutes later, Simon Hagman with a nice play, dribbling past 2 defenders, then sending an early ball in to the near post, where Perez half-volleys it past the keeper. Chelsea continues to lay siege to our goal, and in the 42nd, Valeri Bojinov with a classic 25 yard screamer that curls into the top left corner. 2-1 Blues at halftime. Cia moves in at AM at halftime, moving Fernandinho up front alongside Hagman. We come out attacking, and in the 48th minute, we level the match… Sarmov’s long range effort is deflected, but right to Hagman at 12 yards, and he finishes strong into the upper 90. Latka is forced out with injury in the 52nd minute. In the 65th, we make another nice move, as Cia’s close in shot is deflected wide, but Hagman is there to clean it up! Hagman’s 2nd of the match puts us ahead 3-2. We back into our defensive tactics with over 20 minutes to go, and try to hold on to the win. Nifty play by Fernandinho in the 73rd minute… Cardenas finds Fernandinho in space in the box… but instead of trying the tight anled shot, he lays it off for Sarmov, who buries an open 20 yarder! 4-2 Posh with 15 minutes to play! We make it 5-2 in the 75th, as Fernandinho again sends a brilliant square ball across the box, right onto the charging run of Michael Cia. We fall asleep on a long throw in the 84th, and allow Damien Duff an open 6 yarder, which he buries. Simon Hagman picks up a straight red in injury time for what is termed a flagrant elbow to John Terry… but soon after that the match ends, and we take a 5-3 win. Fernandinho was just magical at that 2nd striker slot in the 2nd half. Very nice win at home, though, scoring 5 goals against Chelsea is no small feat! N’Diaye picks up MoM honors with a 9 rating and an assist… Fernandinho with 2 assists, while Michael Cia may well make me move to a 4-5-1 or put Fernandinho in at our new “holding striker” role in a 4-4-2, as Cia picks up 1 goal and 1 assist in just 45 minutes of play.
Win, 5-3, up to 5th

Terrific win against the giants there. Chelsea had only yielded 4 goals in their previous 6 matches before our 5 goal outburst today. I think the lads may be getting the hang of these new tactics. The new attacking tactics are keeping our fullbacks from going too far forward, and are employing the right wing and the DM to help out in defense, while allowing the left wing, the AM, and one of the two strikers to create chances on the other side of the pitch. Meanwhile, Hagman and Gigliotti should be positioned well to clean up as the strikers opposite the holding striker will be loosed to make searching runs often, and given the ball to run at defenders with. This is Hagman’s forte, and Gigliotti’s talents should be utilized as well. Fernandinho’s ability to lay off perfect balls to oncoming attackers was on display in the 2nd half vs. Chelsea in the holding striker role, and I think he may well have to play there much more in the coming weeks, while giving Cia a chance to shine at AM. Cia may well be poised to have the breakout season I’ve been waiting for from him for 3 seasons.

Butter

06-30-2006, 03:20 PM

Michael Cia and Rasoul Mirtoroghi both pick up minor training injuries, but both will miss 1-2 weeks of action.

Sept. 22, Carling Cup Second Round v. West Bromwich Albion
We switch to our more “basic” 4-4-2 set for the benefit of several youngsters getting the start today. Franco Romano and Perez start up front, with Stan playing at AM, and Julien Camara getting the nod at DM. Julien Desmenez also gets the start at GK today. In the 21st minute, Romano and Perez get ahead of the pack… Romano with a grea square ball across the face of goal, but instead of putting the shot into an open area, he hits it right at the keeper and blows a wonderful chance. We come out looking good in the 2nd half, as Desmenez’s long ball bounces past a WBA defender right to Romano, who then passes ahead to Perez… and the Spaniard slots it home! Perez makes it 2 in the 60th, as Claudiu Stan hits a brilliant through ball to Perez, who is played onside by an opposite defender… he approaches the keeper and scores a terrific chip shot over his flailing arms. We switch to defensive tactics late, and move to a 4-5-1, with Romano just moving back a bit towards midfield. Desmenez with a couple of fine saves in the late going to preserve the shutout… including a PK stop in the 89th after Guirane N’Daw was called for barging over his man on a cross into the area. Desmenez picks up the MoM award, earning a 9 for his 6 quality saves.
Win, 2-0, advance to Carling Cup Third Round

Jan Tigorev picks up another injury, damaging his heel in training just after returning from his last injury. This time, he’ll miss another 1-2 weeks. These minor injuries are killing us early in the season.

Simon Hagman has been assessed an additional 2 match ban by the FA for his sending off against Chelsea last week… so, he’ll miss 2 more matches thanks to his elbow to the head of John Terry.

October 27th will see us travel to Wales to take on Premiership newbies Cardiff in Round 3 of the Carling Cup.

Sept. 27, Match 8 @ #8 Aston Villa (TV)
We head to Birmingham for a battle for 6th place with Aston Villa on Monday night “football”. The winner here will leap 6th place Fulham in the table. Gigliotti makes his first start of the year today, alongside Jose Perez. We suffer through a lackluster first half, especially from Perez… who gets lifted for Stan to begin the 2nd half. Steven Davis heads in a nice cross from Steven Reid in the 48th minute to get Villa on the board. Fernandinho and Gigliotti both have good chances turned aside, then in the 75th, Villa pick up a 2nd goal, as Saviola’s nice header down finds Marco Baroni in space, and he buries a 10 yard shot. And then it gets a bit embarrassing, as Javier Saviola buries a 30 yard strike, as our backed off defense backfires a bit. Our switch to an attacking system to get back in the game instead found us giving up 2 more goals, so we fall 3-0 to the pre-season title contenders. We keep fighting, though, which is a very good sign, but still can’t score late.
Loss, 3-0, drop to 8th

A 3-0 win actually would’ve seen us into 5th, as that’s where Villa end up after this match, passing surprising Cardiff.

Not a great month, but we’re still hanging in the top 10, which is about where the experts predicted.

October ‘10
Cash balance: $14,925,776

We drop to 9th in mid-week. I notice that Jose Manuel Perez is now our top goal-scorer, with 4 in our first 2 months.

Oct. 3, Match 9 v. #4 Arsenal
Fernandinho and Perez pair up front today, with Cia starting at AM, and Srna trying to get on track at MR. We decide to come out in a defensive set against the giants. Arsenal dominate the first half, but we’re able to weather it and head into the break scoreless. Sadly, Martin Latka gives Arsenal a penalty as he shoves down Reyes over the ball in the 54th minute. Thierry Henry converts the PK to put Arsenal up 1-0. 5 minutes later, Cardenas finally seems involved in a match… he and Fernandinho play back and forth down the left, and finally Fernandinho buries a tough angled 20+ yarder from the top corner of the area, reminiscent of the 2006 World Cup opening goal. 4 minutes later, Fabregas finds himself in space inside the area, and he beats Fernandes to the post. 2-1 Arsenal with 25 minutes to play, as we switch to attacking tactics. We push hard for the equalizer, but it’s just not in the cards for us today.
Loss, 2-1, drop to 11th

We drop a notch further after Everton totally destroys Wigan in mid-week.

Simon Hagman suffers from food poisoning, but hopefully the FIFA International schedule should favor us in getting him back at last to pair with Gigliotti.

Rob Edwards (Wales) and Claudiu Stan (Romania) are the 2 Posh international players to score for their national teams during European Qualifying on the second weekend of October.

A couple of days later, Emil Samuelsson (Sweden) and J.M. Perez (Spain) both score for their U-21 sides… with Perez netting 2 goals for Spain.

Oct. 16, Match 10 @ #2 Liverpool
Fernandinho and Gigliotti start up front today. A fast-paced first half ends scoreless… Gigliotti comes out with fatigue problems, on comes Claudiu Stan. Just when it looks like we might be able to some away with a point, we have a defensive lapse, as Borbely’s poor clearance comes right to a Red attacker… he knocks it ahead to Sissoko, who is now 2-v-2… and Sissoko sends a ball across the goal mouth for a waiting James Shaw. That’s 18 year old Shaw’s first senior goal, and it’s a killer.
Loss, 1-0, remain 12th

Another tough stretch we’re experiencing here.

Oct. 24, Match 11 v. #16 Manchester City
We start Julien Desmenez in goal for a depressed Carlos Fernandes. Though finally, we start our first choice attack team… N’Diaye, Cardenas, Srna, Fernandinho, Gigliotti, and Hagman in an attacking formation. Let’s see where that gets us. We don’t do much, then Gigliotti leaves with an injury in the 38th minute. In the 51st minute, Balazs Borbely gets caught out chasing a ball into the corner… but Darius Vassell wins it, then crosses into the middle, where young striker Steven Mason tries a bicycle kick… and connects. A great goal for them… not so much for the home fans, as we go down 1-0 again. We switch to a 3-4-3 with 15 minutes to go. Just when things are looking bleak, we get a foul call just outside the box, as Hagman is brought down… and in the 88th minute, Cardenas buries the 20 yard free kick to level the match! That’s how it ends, but I’ll take the point after 3 straight losses.
Draw, 1-1, up to 11th

Gigliotti suffered only a mild concussion in this match, and he’ll miss just about a week.

Andrej Mlinaric picks up a back strain via weight training, and it’s at this point I decide to cut down on everyone’s strength training a tad… we’ve had far too many strength training injuries lately to consider it a coincidence.

Oct. 27, Carling Cup Third Round @ Cardiff
Mamadou Diallo gets his first action of the season today. Srna continues to try to get on track at MR… he’s averaging a 6.17 since coming over in August. Desmenez is whistled for a penalty for pushing over a Cardiff attacker on a cross in the 6th minute… he can’t stop the spot kick, and we’re quickly behind. We get paybacks in the 25th, as Renouard beats his man badly down the left, and is tackled from behind … so we get our own PK which Rob Edwards converts to level the match. Diallo appears to have scored in the 30th, but it’s disallowed for offsides. In the 36th, our backline again seems to fall asleep, and Cardiff knock in an easy shot from 6 yards to make it 2-1. We flail about for 40 minutes, and bring on Fernandinho and Cardenas to spark us late. In the 76th, Renouard’s cross to the back post finds Srna, and his header deflects off a Cardiff defender and in to level the match… scored an own goal, we are tied at 2. And in the 89th, Cardiff get the winner, as Daeseleire is jinked on the left, leaving an open cross to the back post which we fail to stop. Another frustrating late loss, as we fail to generate any chances late.
Loss, 3-2, out of Carling Cup

I’m going to try one last tweak to our new tactics, and that is to use man marking… we have a number of man markers who should be able to get the job done… so we’ll try that, and we may begin to use the offside trap on the road.

I issue a performance warning to Darijo Srna, which he feels is “unfair”. Well, how about you try not sucking so much, pretty boy?

Other than starting to rip into my players, I’m not sure what to do at this point if our defensive tweaks don’t work except to shift back to our more “simplistic” tactics. We’re not scoring much, and we’re not defending well. That equals losses… and if the slide continues, we’ll find ourselves in the relegation zone again, and my job will be on the line.

We drop to 14th after some mid-week matches.

Oct. 31, Match 12 @ #19 Blackburn Rovers
We come out in an attacking formation here today. We apply some good pressure, but our back line gets beat in the 45th minute, as Srna gives the ball away, allowing a ball through the back 4… the striker looked offside, but the flag stays down, and we trail 1-0 at halftime. We try to tinker some more after the break, but we look completely lost. Another close and frustrating defeat.
Loss, 1-0, remain 14th

Daeseleire and N’Diaye both are suffering from fairly serious injuries following the match that will see them both out around a month.

A terrible month of October that finds us plummeting down the table. We finish 0-1-3 in league, and also lose a cup match.

November ‘10
Cash balance: $12,944,926

I thought with the new tactics, that we would be able to compete on a higher level… but in fact, they’ve caused us to regress… so, we switch reluctantly back to our more basic 4-4-2 diamond formations, with instructions that are a bit less confusing for our younger players.

Nov. 6, Match 13 @ #5 Newcastle
We come out in defensive tactics against the strong opponents. Hagman and Gigliotti pair for just the 2nd time this season. Albert Luque buries a 16 yard strike off an indirect free kick play in the 7th minute, and again we trail. Newcastle score again in the 17th, and we’re just getting blitzed. We switch to attacking tactics to attempt to get back in the match… and in the 26th, we appear to score… but Hagman was offsides when he broke free on the other end. Even when we make a good play, we’re either offside, or some spectacular play derails our efforts, as in the 42nd minute, when Gigliotti’s great 25 yard curler is acrobatically saved by the Magpie keeper. Fernandinho with a fine play in the 54th, but his shot is again turned aside. Cardenas breaks loose into the box in the 57th, but his shot is inches wide. We end up with so many closely missed chances in the second half, it actually makes me slightly physically ill as the clock winds down, and we’re dealt yet another defeat. Again, our problem continues to be off target chances. We had 14 shots, and only put 4 on target. We missed just the wrong side of either post at least 4 times.
Loss, 2-0, drop to 15th

Surprisingly, the board and the fans are still being fairly patient with me. I will have to take a couple of days to think this over… how can I break the team out of this slump? How can I get the best out of Cardenas, Fernandinho, Srna, Hagman, and Gigliotti, like I was getting the first few weeks of the season?

Butter

07-05-2006, 03:28 PM

Seems like at least Darijo Srna is starting to play up to his ability, earning a mention in the Team of the Week following our latest defeat.

We continue to sit 14th following our first 13 games… and we started out so well this season too. We have a lot of work to do to get back into the top 7. Since opening 3-1-1, we’ve gone 1-1-6… and have a cup loss as well. Luckily for me, the natives are not yet getting restless… but another month or two of this, and I expect that not only will we be flirting with relegation, but I’ll be holding on and praying to save my job.

Bad bad news for us from the international front, as Carlos Fernandes injured some knee cartilage in a friendly against Slovenia, and will miss 4-6 weeks of action. Looks like 17 year old keeper Julien Desmenez will suffer through a trial by fire here in the next few weeks. I have no faith in Mark Cousins, the other option, and the other reserve keepers are all seemingly interchangeable.

Sherman Andres Cardenas finally starts whining about his current pay deal… and even the assistant manager agrees that he is undervalued at $475k per season. He wants $1.6M + 15% rise per year, and I start out offering $1.2M + 10% rise per year, with a $550k signing bonus compared to the wanted $750k. Although, truly, I would pay his price if it came down to it… I do have to try and save money somehow. Cardenas agrees to my terms, and I save $1M just with one stroke of the pen.

Nov. 20, Match 14 v. #8 Cardiff
We look pretty lively early on, and it pays off in the 22nd minute… Srna’s corner kick is missed by the Cardiff defense… Gigliotti’s side volley is blocked, but the ball falls right to Simon Hagman who finishes the set piece with a goal. Cardiff fight back, but Desmenez is able to keep it at 1-0 through halftime. We switch to a 4-5-1 at halftime, as Hagman is a bit tired already. In the 59th, we fail to head away a cross and pay for it, as Desmenez can’t stop the hard volley… it’s 1-1 with a half hour to go. We stick with the 4-5-1, and put Diallo in at lone striker for Gigliotti, who has been absent today. With 8 minutes to play, Cardenas’ cross is headed away… right to Rob Edwards at 35 yards. Edwards chips it back into the middle, and Michael Cia dives onto it and scores!! Cia with a fabulous strike to put us back ahead late in the match. We switch to defensive tactics late, and get a nice counter-attack in the 87th… Fernandinho is onside, and tripped up in the box. The referee gives us the PK chance, and Rob Edwards completes a fine match with the conversion. We make it 4-1 in stoppage time, as Srna’s masterful cross from way outside connects with Diallo’s head, and he buries it. 14 shots for us, with 11 on target, while Desmenez does well to stop 6 of 7 Bluebird shots. Srna with 2 assists, and Edwards picks up a 9 with 1 goal and 1 assist from right back.
Win, 4-1, remain 14th

We now sit 3 points out of 9th, but several teams ahead of us have games in hand on us. We’re 10 points out of 2nd place… but Chelsea look like they’re running away with it again, sitting in first with 33 points (to our 17, and 2nd place Liverpool’s 27).

At last, though, we have a match where we look good. Everyone was involved, and our 2nd half was just superb.

Monday Night football features the South Coast derby between Southampton and Portsmouth… the 2-2 result extends Southampton’s season opening winless streak to 14… they sit last by a good margin, with 3 points from 14 matches at 0-3-11.

Nov. 27, Match 15 @ #17 West Ham United (TV)
West Ham United have given up around 2 goals a match… so we decide to start out in defensive tactics, but may switch that quickly. Alexander N’Diaye returns from injury to start at DM today. A boring first half ends scoreless… we switch to an attacking style, but have to bring Hagman off for Gigliotti at the break due to a minor injury. Gigliotti and Stan completely blow a couple of golden chances midway through the half. We bring Cia on for Stan with about 20 minutes to play, but our offense just isn’t in sync on the road here. It is somewhat satisfying to have dominated the match, but not when we don’t win. Probably should’ve played it more aggressively from the outset.
Draw, 0-0, remain 14th

We played OK in this match, but I’m certainly pleased not to have given up a late winner.

A slow month again for fixtures, but we finish an improved 1-1-1.

December ‘10
Cash balance: $9,806,852

We dupe 3 teams into offering around $750k for Sebastien Renouard as we approach the re-opening of the transfer window. Renouard’s contract is up at the end of the season, so all of these teams could just wait and sign him for free for next season… but perhaps it is worth it to them to bring him in. He appears to be a talented player, but he has never clicked at any position for us.

Glad that Darijo Srna is beginning to click for us at MR, because I really didn’t need another right back… especially with Dimitri Daeseleire readying to return to match action.

Dec. 5, Match 16 v. #12 Bolton
Bolton is suffering a bit of letdown at the moment. We start Fernandinho and Gigliotti up front, as we try to get Gigliotti his first goal of the season. Mirtoroghi leaves with injury midway through the first half, and Srna picks up a knock towards halftime. A boring first half ends scoreless. We burn through all of our subs by the 65th minute, which I don’t like to do. But the subs pay off quickly, as Cardenas sends in a low cross for new entry Hagman, and Simon buries a brilliant volley with his first touch of the game to put us ahead. We back into defensive tactics with about 10 minutes to play. We knock the ball around a bit, and take the win in what the pbp called “a poor match”.
Win, 1-0, up to 12th

We’ve started our ascent of the table yet again. David Gigliotti continues to be disturbingly absent from the scoresheet, though.

The Third Round FA Cup Draw is held, and we’ll travel to Bournemouth to face the League One Cherries in early January.

Sebastien Renouard agrees to a deal with Coventry City, and we’ll be paid $650k over 24 months by the Championship side, along with $725k if he scores 20 league goals for them… AND we’ll get 40% of his next transfer fee, if any. This transfer will take place on January 1.

Jose Manuel Perez scores a hat trick in a reserve game that ends in a 5-5 draw. We were down 5-2, but Perez and Markus Schulz combined for 3 goals in the final 15 minutes to draw the match. It may be about time to bring Perez back up to the big club.

Butter

07-06-2006, 03:17 PM

Dec. 11, Match 17 @ #10 Fulham
Fernandinho and Hagman get the start up front again, as Gigliotti’s season has been rough so far… he’s averaging a 6.29 through 7 appearances with no goals. Great curling 25 yard shot from Michael Brown in the 12th minute puts Fulham on top. Desmenez had no shot whatsoever there. In the 20th, we get the goal back as Cardenas buries a 25 yard free kick. Fernandinho and Srna come off with minor injuries midway through the 2nd half. In the 80th minute, Fulham get back on top, as a missed interception leads to a cross and header in. But 3 minutes later, David Gigliotti finally gets on the board, thanks to a good spot from Michael Cia. Gigliotti nails a 20 yarder into the top right corner for his first of the year to tie the match and earn us a draw. Cia picks up man of the match for his good midfield play.
Draw, 1-1, remain 12th

We sit 5 points behind 6th and 7th place now… and 8 points behind 4th. We also sit an uncomfortable 8 points above the drop. We need another nice winning streak to bump us back into the top half, or else we’ll be finishing mid-table again. At least we seem to have grasped my new tactics finally, and have played reasonably well with our backup keeper mostly on display during the last several matches.

Carlos Fernandes finally returns to full training, and should be ready to return to the field right around Christmas.

Tottenham pops up in the news as mentioning that they’d love to sign away Michael Cia. I issue a hands off warning.

Dec. 18, Match 18 v. #16 Birmingham
In the 17th, Balazs Borbely with an unlikely ball… he hits a 50 yard long ball ahead of the pack, and Fernandinho breaks into perfect position and heads it in past a stunned Blues’ keeper. 1-0 Posh, as Borbely made possibly the best pass I’ve seen all season. Then 8 minutes later, Fernandinho strikes a 30 yard free kick straight into the upper 90 past the helpless keeper. Birmingham play a bit better towards the end of the half, but we decide to play defensively to open the 2nd half. Birmingham assail our goal multiple times early in the half, but then our counter-attack starts wearing them down, and they have to close up a bit. In the 88th, Birmingham finally breaks through… a cross comes in, and Desmenez comes at it wrong, allowing an attacker to sneak under him and poke it into an open net to make it 2-1. Luckily for us, the referee blows for full time after just 2 minutes of stoppage time, and we take the win.
Win, 2-1, up to 10th

Nicolas Godemeche has started seeing more time in central defense of late… he has been performing well there, and his passing skill is very welcome when we’re running the attacking version of our diamond formation. In that last match, Guirane N’Daw and Dimitri Daeseleire also started along our back 4, giving us 3 of 4 defenders who could push forward when needed… and also Borbely, who actually created one of the two goals with a great long ball.

After a 17 game winless streak, amazingly Southampton decides to break that string at Stamford Bridge by beating Chelsea 1-0 and allowing Arsenal to gain the EPL lead by 1 point, as they draw Man U. 2-2 at Emirates Stadium.

We drop to 11th after more mid-week action.

In Carling Cup action, Preston and Sunderland surprise Liverpool and Chelsea respectively by winning on the road against the Premiership giants. The other 2 sides remaining in the competition are Millwall and the only remaining EPL team, Bolton.

Dec. 26, Match 19 @ #6 Tottenham Hotspur
Carlos Fernandes makes his return to the net today. We dominate play in the first 10 minutes, but in the 15th it is Tottenham scoring first, as Bent receives a pass at the near post, then passes towards the far post, where Peter Crouch knocks in a 2 yard strike. Just 3 minutes later, we fall behind 2-0, as Fernandes misplays a cross, allowing Yaya Toure to head it in behind him. Darren Bent makes it embarrassing in the 33rd, as Borbely fails on a challenge, allowing Bent to bury a 5 yarder. We get one back in the 35th, as Fernandninho’s cross is blocked away, but Cia collects it at 8 yards, and scores past the prone keeper. I rip into the team at halftime, and we stick with attacking tactics to open the 2nd half. We look much more dangerous early in the 2nd half, but it’s Spurs finding the net again in the 57th, as Fernandes completely butchers a 30 yard Toure shot, allowing it in when he should’ve had it easily. Neither team threatens much for the remainder, and we get shown our place by the contenders.
Loss, 4-1, drop to 12th

Dec. 28, Match 20 @ #10 Everton
We switch things up today, and try a 5-3-2 counter-attacking formation, with nearly everything set on “normal” or “mixed”. Edwards is the sweeper, while N’Daw and Srna are the wing-backs… we have N’Diaye, Godemeche, and Sarmov in midfield with Hagman and Gigliotti up front. Sadly, we get caught with our pants down in the 33rd after a long stretch of boring-ness… as Tim Cahill dribbles 45 yards and finishes past Desmenez to put the Toffees ahead. Cahill opens the 2nd half with a nice header goal to make it 2-0 Everton. But we strike back in the 50th minute, as Srna’s long cross finds Hagman, and he has his initial effort stopped, but Given can’t get a glove on the rebound as Hagman’s 5th of the year makes it 2-1. In the 73rd minute, Fernandinho (on for Gigliotti) gets a long ball from Desmenez, dribbles past a defender, then scores a low shot to the far post to make it 2-2. Fabulous individual goal by Fernandinho. In the 88th minute, an attempted long ball by N’Diaye deflects off an Everton midfielder, and right to one of their strikers, who is in perfect position between the last 2 defenders, and he buries a 15 yard shot to give Everton the game winner. Very unlucky series of events there.
Loss, 3-2, drop to 13th

A disappointing way to finish out the year… 2 straight losses. I thought the team would be much improved this season, but that has been far from the case. We’re really about the same, and might actually be slightly worse considering that offensively, our production is WAY down. We have absolutely no business being on the field with the giants right now, and have struggled with any match on the road this season.

18 year old midfielder Tom Rose returns from his loan to Bristol Rovers… he rated a 6.60 in 15 apps. for the Championship side, including 4 assists. Not bad. A couple weeks later, he’s off again, this time to Coventry.

January 2011
Cash balance: $9,236,313

With the re-opening of the transfer window comes the departure of 25 year old midfielder Sebastien Renouard. Renouard appeared in 58 matches over 2 ½ seasons with the Posh, scoring 4 goals and netting 10 assists… his avR, though, was only around 6.8, which is not that great. He was very versatile, but never played all that well off the bench, which is where most of his value lies.

Jan. 1, Match 21 v. #4 Manchester United
In the 6th minute, Rio Ferdinand heads in a Park Ji-Sung corner to make it 1-0 ManU rather quickly. It’s 2-0 in the 21st, as Darren Fletcher buries a curling 30 yard shot. Hagman makes it 2-1 in the 25th, as he breaks loose on the counter attack and slots it home past Petr Cech. And it’s 2-2 after 32 minutes, as Cardenas steals a clearance, knocks it ahead to Fernandinho, who spots Cia on the full run… he slides it across to him, and Cia buries a low shot to level the match. We switch to attacking tactics after halftime to try and catch ManU by surprise. In the 72nd minute, we get the go ahead goal, as Srna’s cross finds Hagman… his volley is tipped wide, but Fernandinho is there to finish it! We back into our defensive tactics with 2 defensive midfielders (Hagman leaving with injury), and are able to hold them off the rest of the way. Fernandinho and Hagman both with 1 goal and 1 assist.
Win, 3-2, up to 11th

That’s a nice way to start the New Year!

Guirane N’Daw and Mamadou Diallo are out of action for a few weeks now as they’ve returned to Africa to join their national teams for the African Nations Cup.

Finally, we sell off goalkeeper Mark Cousins. The 23 year old has been with us for a long time, but just hasn’t developed in the areas of most need, namely handling and fitness. Cousins joined us for $8k from Colchester in 2006. Over parts of 6 seasons, he appeared in 20 senior matches for the Posh, allowing 30 goals while averaging right around a 6.5. We get $525k from Charlton Athletic for him ($180k of which goes to Colchester to fulfill a 35% clause with his transfer), along with 40% of any potential sale that may happen in the future.

Jan. 3, Match 22 @ #12 Portsmouth
We call up Jose Perez to start alongside Gigliotti up front against Pompey. Perez draws a yellow card from a Pompey defender just 8 seconds in. In the 6th minute, Michael Cia with a stunning 30 yard strike after an attempted cross was headed away from Gigliotti. We are just completely dominating the match, then in the 33rd, he comes out a little early for a cross, and is caught out of position as an attacker heads it in. Perez nearly makes it 2-1 in the 35th, but he’s ruled offside. Portsmouth nearly make it 2-1 in the 39th, but their long range shot hits the post and bounces clear. In 1st half stoppage time, Sarmov’s corner falls to Perez in the six… his header is cleared… right into their own net! An own goal gives us a 2-1 halftime lead. We switch to a 4-5-1 with 2 DM’s to open the 2nd half, as we go with Perez alone up front. He’s had a great game. Sadly, in the 50th, Tommy Spurr concedes a PK thanks to a shove on a corner kick. But luckily for us it was not well-taken, and Fernandes saves it! Cardenas and Sarmov both pick up injuries and are forced off in the 60th minute. Borbely with a bad square ball in the 67th, and Portsmouth convert a 2-on-1 into a goal to make it 2-2. We switch back to attacking tactics in the late stages to try and nab all 3 points back. Sadly, the attempt backfires, as young striker Simon Bird buries a marvelous goal from 20+ yards out to put Pompey ahead 3-2 with under 8 minutes to go. 4 minutes of stoppage time are indicated, and we get a promising chance in the first of those 4… Fernandinho attempts to send a ball low into traffic, but the whistle blows, and the referee points to the spot! Perez is judged to have been pushed over! Rob Edwards steps up, and buries it! 3-3 with 2 minutes left! Perez gets a breakaway in the final seconds, but the Portsmouth keeper does well to keep it out. We’ll take the 3-3 result. We had 15 shots on target in this match, many of which fell to Man of the Match J.M. Perez. Perez with 2 assists and 5 shots on target… one of those assists on the final PK goal.
Draw, 3-3, remain 11th

We seem every match to be just on the cusp of breaking through, then some stupid play knocks us back into reality again. We have to figure out a way to eliminate these mental breakdowns.

After this match, it is going to be very hard to keep Jose Perez out of the lineup. Every time he’s in, he seems to create chances.

Sadly for us, Cardenas’ injury is fairly serious, and he’ll miss 1-2 months with 2 broken ribs.

We make our first Bosman signing of the winter, as 18 year old French midfielder Damien Lacroix signs a long term deal with the Posh. Lacroix can play all 6 midfield/attacking midfield spots, and can play striker. He has good speed, and very good ball control. He needs a bit of work before becoming a regular contributor, but should prove to be a quality signing for us after snubbing Paris SG for us.

We field 3 offers for Michael Cia, with the best being Man City’s straight up offer of $4M for the Italian. Cia has 5 goals and 4 assists this year, and is finally developing into a star… can’t sell him now. Sadly, he is now unhappy that I refused to let him negotiate with Manchester City. I can’t let you go, buddy! Not for $4M, anyway. I offer him around for $9M.

Our next major signing is 24 year old Spanish central defender Pique who’ll join us from Manchester United. He’s currently on loan at Anderlecht, and is averaging near a 7.20 for them, including a 7.00 in the Champions League.

Jan. 8, FA Cup Third Round @ Bournemouth (#22 in League One)
We waste no time getting on the board, as a long ball by Spurr is headed down by Perez right onto the run of Claudiu Stan… and Stan slots it home inside the post for a 1-0 lead after just 2 minutes. We make it 2-0 in the 33rd, as Gigliotti beats his man, then winds around another on his way to nailing a powerful strike from 10 yards. Gigliotti puts the exclamation point on it in the 90th minute, scoring a PK after Sarmov was pushed down in the box with just seconds to play. Gigliotti naturally is named the MoM for his 2 goal effort.
Win, 3-0, through to FA Cup Fourth Round

Our third Bosman signing is 25 year old Bolivian AM/F Jose Luis Ortiz who will join us from Hertha Berlin. Ortiz is a masterful finisher who is superb at creating his own shots and controlling the ball. He falls off a bit in the passing aspect, but should be a fine choice as a late sub in games, or as a spot starter against weaker defenses to take advantage of his skill.

We get some offers for Cia from Blackburn, Man City, and Chievo (Serie A). They average around $5.5M + 30% of next sale. I counter with $7M + 30% on all 3 offers. Only Chievo matches my request, which for them is $3M up front, then $4M over 12 months. I decide to think on it for another couple of days.

We draw Wigan for our Fourth Round FA Cup match… on the road again.

Markus Gustafsson returns from his loan to Tranmere… where he did not appear in any matches. Thanks a lot, dicks.

Florian Da Costa also returns from his loan to Brentford, where he scored 4 goals in 14 appearances (12 off the bench). He averaged a 6.64, which is not that bad for a purely bench player. Nathan Bennett returns from Ipswich, where he averaged a 6.22 in 9 appearances (2 starts). Emil Samuelsson returns from Stoke, where he sccored 2 goals in 19 appearances, averaging a 6.47 in that time. Not very impressive.

Chelsea pays $97,000,000 to Liverpool for 25 year old winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

Jan. 16, Match 23 v. #20 Southampton
We start Emil Samuelsson at MR today, putting Srna at ML for the injured S.A. Cardenas. The Saints come out looking very confident. A more skillful team would’ve had us down at least 1-0 after the first 10 minutes. In the 27th, though, Fernandinho sends in a nice cross from the byline… Hagman settles it, but has it tackled away by Thomas Gravesen… it falls right to N’Daw, who scores into an unguarded net from over 25 yards away to make it 1-0. Sadly, Saints equalize in the 30th minute, as Godemeche fails to challenge a cross and header in, and Fernandes can’t stop it. We go to shorter, quicker passing as Southampton is closing us down immediately all over the field. We control the early part of the half, then let in a soft goal, as our back line can’t close down a long ball effort, the run of the attacker beats our back 4, and Fernandes is chipped successfully to make it 2-1. Luckily for us, we go up a man in the 64th, as Perez and Fernandinho are sent through… Perez’s great square ball to Fernandinho ends in a PK, as Fernandinho is up-ended by a last ditch tackle. We go up a man, and level the match at 2-2 as Darijo Srna converts the penalty. We push further ahead into attack and try to net the winner, but instead we end up giving up a counter-attack goal and lose to 10-man Southampton. Borbely failed to react quickly enough on the game-winner, and we drop a crushing 3-2 defeat to the last place team here today. They played with a lot of spirit, but I lash out at the team in the locker room.
Loss, 3-2, remain 11th

Southampton remain dead last, but are within 4 points of safety now with a recent run of good form. Since opening the season with a 17 match winless streak, the Saints have won 3 of 6.

I seriously doubt that we’ll be able to make up 10+ points in the table in our final 15 matches. We’ll have to get VERY hot VERY quickly. It’s just been a disappointing season. It’s very difficult to find the right defenders to keep your scoresheet clean in this league. And for us, it’s just not happening. We’re not keeping control of the ball as much as we need to, and we’re not getting the play from the center-backs that we need to be successful. We’ve not had problems down the wings as much this season, it has been more a problem of bad passing leading to goals, or the 2 DC’s failing to make that last interception or header away or tackle to save the keeper from having to make the spectacular save over and over again.

Butter

07-07-2006, 03:12 PM

I make the tough decision to switch keepers. I’m going to go with Julien Desmenez for the remainder of the season. Seeing as the season is fairly well lost for Europe, why not get some of these youngsters in there? Jose Perez is going to get some more time as well.

Jan. 22, Match 24 @ #10 Middlesbrough
We open in a defensive 4-5-1 today, with Fernandinho and Cia pairing at AM in support of Jose Perez at the lone striker spot. In the 22nd minute, we open the scoring… Srna steals the ball from a defender, and breaks free down the center… he attacks the keeper, but has his shot stopped… Perez is there in support though, and taps in the rebound for a 1-0 Posh lead. In the 29th minute, Cia sends Fernandinho onside… he is free down the left, and crosses to a wide open Perez… who is pulled down! There’s the whistle! PK opportunity for Rob Edwards… saved. But the rebound falls right back to him, and he puts it in! 2-0 Posh after a half hour. In the 32nd minute, Desmenez’s goal kick finds Perez just across midfield… he wins the header and puts Cia through! Cia’s shot… is tipped wide, but again right into the path of Perez, and he poaches his 2nd goal of the match!!! Perez is again having a masterful game. He just keeps playing brilliantly… and he’s a young 18. With 5 minutes left in the half, Fernandinho’s free kick towards Perez is hit nicely… and Perez is yanked down again! Another PK, and this time Rob Edwards converts it on the first try. 4-0 at halftime! We bring Stan and Sarmov on to play the 2 AM roles, and save our 2 big stars (Cia and Fernandinho). The goals keep coming in the 48th, as Edwards sends in an early cross, Perez controls it, then fires a shot at the far post and scores! Perez with a hat-trick, and he has an assist as well. Nearly the entire starting XI for Boro rates a 3 or a 4… and their keeper got a 5. Meanwhile, Perez picks up a well-deserved 10.
Win, 5-0, up to 10th place

That’s a performance they’ll be talking about for years to come with this kid… I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a striker control the game as Perez did in this one. He was involved on every goal, and just created havoc of unprecedented proportions in Boro’s back line. Wow.

Well, I guess I have to stick with that 4-5-1 now, don’t I? Plus, how long until Gigliotti and Hagman are bugging me about not playing over the 18 year old? Problem is, Gigliotti has been awful this season… so much so that I’ve seriously thought about selling him. Hagman has been good, but not THAT good.

For the first time, we get a player back who says they enjoyed their loan spell… Carlos Rodriguez, the young defender, returns from Burnley with a smile on his face. Rodriguez started 21 matches for Burnley at DC, averaging a 6.81, including 2 MoM awards. The time away did seem to help his development. Rodriguez has a bright future… he is lightning quick, and already a very good header… just needs to work on his positioning and anticipation a bit more to become a legitimate senior squad contender.

Middlesbrough offer me around $10M plus 20% of next sale for Alexandre N’Diaye. I counter with $15M + 30%. Middlesbrough is on a spending spree, as they bring in 2 other players just before month end for over $11M each. Boro withdraw their offer.

Jan. 29, FA Cup Fourth Round @ #18 Wigan
Hagman runs out as the lone striker today. Stan and Cia pair at AM. We start Fernandes at GK as well to keep the 31 year old sharp. Hagman with a poor first half, as he botched a number of chances in and around the box. Wigan appear much more determined to open the 2nd half, and they beat our trap in the 64th, and score a nice 18 yard low shot. We increase the attack greatly with each passing minute, and play wide open the last 10, but to no avail.
Loss, 1-0, out of FA Cup

The month ends promisingly in the league, but disappointingly in the cup.

February ‘11
Cash balance: $6,254,971

Jose Manuel Perez wins the Young Player of the Month award for January thanks to 3 goals and 3 assists while averaging an 8.00 in 3 league games during the month of January. Alexandre N’Diaye finishes 2nd in the voting, thanks to a 7.67 avR in 3 starts, including an assist against Manchester United.

Feb. 2, Match 25 v. #18 Wigan
We come out in the attacking style of the 4-5-1 that hammered Boro, complete with Cia, Fernandinho, and Perez up front. In the 13th minute, Fernandinho scores… for Wigan, as he heads in a corner kick accidentally. We switch back to the 4-5-1 defensive, and after 3 minutes of that, Perez steals a backpass, then buries a fine 15 yard shot just inside the post to level the match at 1. During 1st half stoppage time, we get a free kick near midfield… 3 passes later, Andrej Mlinaric is free down the left flank, and his nice cross into the center finds Perez, who heads it in. 2 more goals for Perez, just another day at the office for him. In the 72nd minute, Stein Huysegems is set free after a long clearance from our corner kick leaves him alone… he dribbles 45 yards, then buries a low shot to Desmenez’s right to equalize for Wigan. After that, Wigan is more than happy to dribble out the clock.
Draw, 2-2, remain 10th

18 year old defender Carlos Rodriguez heads out on a 2 month loan to Leicester.

Feb. 5, Match 26 @ #3 Chelsea
A fun opening 10 minutes here with wide open play… in the 12th, Fernandinho with a masterful long ball to Perez, who outruns the defense to the ball, then chips the keeper from 25 yards out to score his 10th of the season. Chelsea level it in the 19th, as Cristiano Ronaldo sends in a great cross from halfway up field, finding Valeri Bojinov who heads it home. Ronaldo scores himself in the 31st, taking a first time shot from inside the arc, and curling it into the upper right corner. We level it in the 41st, as defender Ricardo Fernandes’ attempted clearance of a corner bounces off Ronaldo into the goal. 2-2 at halftime of a marvelous game. Michael Essien makes it 3-2 in the 58th, as he takes advantage of our switch at halftime away from the offside trap and to a high closing down style. We switch to a 4-4-2 with Hagman on for a slightly injured Fernandinho in the 68th minute. Desmenez picks up a knock late in the match as well, which is terrible news. Finally, after a long stretch of dominance, Chelsea net their 4th, as John Terry heads in a Ferreira corner kick. Tigorev elbows Joe Cole in the box, giving Chelsea a PK, which Lukas Podolski converts to make it 5-2. Perez is removed with an injury in the 88th minute.
Loss, 5-2, drop to 13th

Chelsea don’t let us take 3 of 4 from them over 2 seasons. But winning 2 of 4 is a pretty good feat, and we were in this one until Jose Mourinho decided to actually COACH. Arrogant bastard.

Desmenez will miss 6-8 days with a badly injured jaw. We may be in dire straits for our next match, but after that we have 2 weeks off before our next match.

Feb. 12, Match 27 v. #8 Aston Villa
Gigliotti starts up front today, while reserve GK Morten Bredal-Thorsen gets the start in goal. Mlinaric is injured in the 30th minute, and we have no replacement at ML… so we switch to a 5-3-2. N’Daw and Srna play the wing backs, while Fernandinho joins Gigliotti up front. In first half stoppage time, we get the breakthrough… as some nifty quick passing finds Cia splitting the last 2 defenders, and he powers one past the Villa keeper to put us up 1-0. Villa have 2 goals called back for offside in the early stages of the 2nd half… then we get an insurance goal in the 54th, as Fernandinho buries a 25 yard free kick to give us a 2-0 lead. We switch to a compact 5-4-1 with 10 minutes to go, and Villa promptly break that down and score thanks to a rebound from a Morten Gamst Pedersen shot… Milan Baros finished it to give Villa some hope. The nightmare occurs as Villa sends a long ball over the top, which finds Gamst Pedersen ahead of the pack… he slides the ball to Baros, and Bredal-Thorsen just isn’t going to stop that. 1 minute from time, Aston Villa earn a red card as Srna hauls down a defender ahead of the pack… off the free kick, Gamst Pedersen finds a charging striker, and he heads it home. We go from 2-0 up with under 15 minutes to play to 3-2 losers. What a nightmare of a tactics switch I made.
Loss, 3-2, remain 13th

Unbelievable that we lost that game. I’m still in shock. It’s like a microcosm of what is wrong with this team. Of course, I think if we had either of our top 2 keepers, this is all a moot point.

In other alarming news, Gigliotti continues to stink it up. He may not be our guy to take us to the promised land if he keeps playing like this.

We need 5 more wins from 11 matches in order to equal our point total from last year. Seems unlikely to say the least at this point. We need to shore up our defense, period. That is the major factor holding us back, and it’s been holding us back for 2 years now.

We decide to let Andrej Mlinaric join Leeds United on loan for 2 months, during which they’ll pick up his entire $750k per year salary… which equals out to $125k in salary we won’t have to pay for that time period. Not insignificant, considering the rate at which we’ve lost money this season (over $1.5M per month).

Feb. 27, Match 28 @ #1 Arsenal (TV)
Sherman Andres Cardenas returns to the lineup today. We spend the first 30 minutes fighting off the Gunners, but in the 32nd, Theo Walcott’s cross is nodded down by Darren Murphy right to Thierry Henry for an easy finish. But in the 42nd, we equalize as Michael Cia’s nice first touch finds Fernandinho, and he rifles a 15 yard shot past the keeper for his 10th goal of the season. And just prior to halfime, we get a 2nd goal, as Toure gets stripped of the ball by Cardenas… Cardenas with 2 in support, but he scores a fabulous chip himself to make it 2-1 at halftime. In the 67th, Jermain Defoe picks up his 2nd yellow card of the match, so we go up a man with over 20 minutes to play. Then in the 80th, Cardenas sends a nice pass diagonally to Perez in space… Perez is tripped, and it’s a penalty! Cardenas to take it himself… and he scores! 2 goals for Cardenas on his return, as he shows us what we’ve been missing! 3-1 Posh with 10 minutes to go. The pbp notes that “Arsenal are losing their discipline”. Arsenal fail to press us for the final minutes, and we take a surprisingly easy 3-1 win, our first over Arsenal since our ascent to the EPL. Fernandinho earns MoM honors, but several players pick up 9’s, including Perez and Cardenas on his return.
Win, 3-1, up to 11th

We’re 12 points from 7th place, so once again it looks like European football will be out for us next year. This team is so maddening… one week, we lose to the bottom-dwellers, the next we dominate Manchester United or Arsenal on the road. Not sure how to level this team out, but Cardenas’ return to the lineup can’t but help us.

Carling Cup Final
Preston North End 4:0 Bolton

We finish up February 1-1-2, scoring at least 2 goals in each match, but yielding 2 or more in 3 of 4 as well.

March ‘11
Cash balance: $5,086,306

March 5, Match 29 v. #4 Liverpool
A fairly boring first half ends scoreless, which is surprising considering that our recent matches against the big 4 have been shootouts of the 3-2 variety. In the 49th minute, we get a good chance, as we nick a counter opportunity… Cia sends in a cross from the right… it’s headed away, but Srna with a 25 yard volley scores past an out of position Pepe Reina to make it 1-0 Posh. In the 52nd, Besian Idrizaj hits the post for Liverpool from 25 yards. We take Srna out in the 78th to avoid Rob Styles from giving him a 2nd yellow. We back into a compact 4-5-1 late, moving Fernandinho and Cia back to stay behind the ball… and it works. Finally, we win a close one. Rob Edwards picks up MoM honors in this match, for his 11 pass interceptions.
Win, 1-0, up to 11th

We’re within 1 point of overtaking Middlesbrough for 10th place. Of course, every time I think we’re going to go on a run, we fall flat on our face. Let’s hope that’s not the case here, and we can finish in the top half this time around.

Butter

07-07-2006, 03:19 PM

Looks like this dynasty is going to switch away from a work-week time frame to a nights and weekends time frame. I'm taking my save game home with me from work today, gonna make sure that it works, then I'm going to delete the existing save game here at work and continue this dynasty from home.

My job is moving to Cincinnati in the next few weeks, and I don't want this dynasty to be interrupted by me coming in to work one day and finding my computer moved, or gone, or all the files taken off of it (which has happened before... one day I came in and they told me to get ready for my new computer, which gave me about 30 minutes to move all of my files... which was quite harrowing, to be honest). Plus, I am not sure what my desk situation is going to be at my new job, so I might not have the privacy I need any more to make playing this game possible there. But I definitely want to keep this dynasty going for the LOOOONG term (hopefully up until FM 2007 comes out).

Thanks for reading, I hope you guys are having as much fun reading it as I am writing it.

John Galt

07-07-2006, 04:15 PM

I'm still enjoying it. I just hope your frustration with the team doesn't cause you to abandon them.

dixieflatline

07-07-2006, 04:23 PM

Yes still enjoying it. You give exactly the right ammount of info on each game.

Butter

07-07-2006, 08:55 PM

We’re dropped to 12th as Bolton wins in mid-week to pass us and Boro into 10th.

Amazing that we’re losing so much money and are $12M under wage budget. Part of that has to do with us paying $15M for Fernandinho in the pre-season and then over $6M for Darijo Srna. Without those 2, we’d still have $27M in the bank. But they have played well this season, especially Fernandinho. Srna has had his bad outings, but he has been an upgrade overall on the right. Srna has 6 assists from the right wing in 25 appearances, which is actually pretty good. He’s projecting out to about 10 for the season, which is excellent.

Mar. 13, Match 30 @ #14 Man City
Perez picks up a minor knock early, but we leave him on… and in the 7th minute, it pays off. Cia with a great through ball to Perez as the 2 DC’s closed on Cia… Perez is left with acres of space… he fakes right, then shoots back left and scores. Perez’s 11th of the season leads the club. Perez misses a wide open goal in the 21st minute, after a great feed from Cardenas. Darius Vassell scores in the 28th, as Desmenez comes out to try and smother a through ball, but he gets there a moment too late. In the 53rd minute, some nice quick midfield passing ends with a ball wide to Cardenas… and he crosses for Perez, who heads it in. Perez is masterful in the air, and he has netted 2 more today. Then Perez nets another hat trick… as in the 73rd, the Citizens play a sketchy ball long back to the keeper… he’s hung out to dry as he tries to control it 30 yards from goal, but he can’t… and Perez just steals it from him and hits a long range shot into the unguarded goal. Perez is named MoM with a perfect 10. Latka gets a 9 in central defense, improving upon his normal performances by a long shot.
Win, 3-1, up to 10th

Rob Edwards, who has been one of our best defenders this season (though his ratings are skewed a bit by scoring PK goals) goes down with a kneecap injury that will keep him out 3-4 weeks.

Jan Tigorev tears some knee ligaments during a training session, and he’ll miss the remainder of the season (2 months), but should be back and ready for the pre-season in late July.

Mar. 19, Match 31 v. #19 Blackburn Rovers
We come out in an attacking 4-4-2 diamond. Hagman and Perez up front, Fernandinho in support. Srna is playing at DR due to the injuries to all 3 DR’s… Daeseleire, Edwards, and Tigorev all out for this match. Carlos Fernandes gets the start in goal today. Blackburn dominate the first 45, but it ends scoreless. In the 53rd, Perez is heading down the right… as he approaches the box, he cuts it back for N’Diaye (playing MR today), and he is chopped down… it’s a penalty! Cardenas to take it… saved! The rebound falls to Perez… but he misses! Just when the cause seems lost and we start throwing lots of men forward… Godemeche with an interception, and he sends a long ball forward… Perez latches onto it at 35 yards, and comes into the box… he shoots low, and to the right of the keeper… and scores! Perez with a 90th minute goal! We get a scare in the final minute of stoppage time, as our defense is pushed up a bit too far, allowing a walk-in on Fernandes… but he cuts the angle down well and makes the save to preserve all 3 points.
Win, 1-0, up to 9th

We’re actually just 5 points out of 7th with 7 games to go. Can we make a push? Although I suppose we’ve ALREADY made a bit of a push, what with the 4 straight wins and all. Newcastle uses their game in hand on us on Sunday, and draws Manchester City 0-0, which means that we remain 5 points out of 7th, behind Everton and Newcastle in 9th place.

Horribly, Jose Perez suffers a damaged foot during training. I think about the injection route, since we have Newcastle ahead, but decide against the risk. Perez has been on fire in the 2nd half of the season, so this loss will hurt us a lot over the next 3+ weeks that he’s out.

We finish a bang up March on a down note due to Perez’s injury… but surprisingly, one good outing against Newcastle could see is in the hunt for Europe over the final few weeks of the season.

April ‘11
Cash balance: $4,261,839

Jose Manuel Perez wins the Player of the Month of March award… he finished March with 4 goals in 3 starts, averaging an 8.33 in those starts. Alexandre N’Diaye wins the Young Player of the Month award, thanks to his 7.67 avR in 3 starts for the month. And to top it off, I pick up the Manager of the Month award… the first time the Posh have scooped all 3 major monthly awards.

April 3, Match 32 v. #7 Newcastle (TV)
We come out in the 4-5-1 counter formation that has been so good to us of late. Hagman starts on his own up front today. Watching Simon Hagman is so frustrating now… at one time, it seemed as if he could dribble around anyone and score… now, every time he gets into the box, it’s almost fun figuring out how he’s going to blow this chance. He had 3 such forays in the first half, all blown chances. For the second half, we put Fernandinho on his own up front, move Cardenas to the AM spot, and insert Sarmov at MR while moving Srna from MR to ML. After controlling the first 20 minutes, in the 68th minute we get a good chance… Borbely’s long ball finds Sarmov… Sarmov with a great flick to Fernandinho, and he strikes it first time into the back of the net. Sarmov is forced off with injury, so we move to a 4-5-1 with 2 DM’s rather than 2 AM’s. We back into a shell, and are able to hold on for the 1-0 win. Great victory!
Win, 1-0, remain 9th

We now trail 7th place Newcastle by just 2 points with 6 to play. Very possible that we can do it, but even so making 7th will only guarantee us a spot in the Inter-Toto Cup since Preston won the Carling Cup to take 1 European spot away from the top 7.

The media approach me after the match about Alexandre N’Diaye. They mention that he “is being labeled as one of the best young players of his generation. Do you believe that you will be able to stop the big clubs poaching him?” I say that Alexandre is a Peterborough player, and I’m confident he’ll be staying. I note that Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Werder Bremen are now listed as interested in the talented 20 year old. I also notice that following my comments, N’Diaye is “reassured” that he’ll be staying at Peterborough. Hooray!

With our recent run, we’ve once again guaranteed ourselves another season in the top flight. The worst we can finish now is 14th.

Carlos Rodriguez reports he’s sad to leave Leicester. The young defender returns after finishing a dazzling spell at the Championship side, where he started 9 games and averaged a 7.22 in those 9 appearances. Very, very good numbers for the 18 year old. Perhaps he’s not as far away as I think.

3 of 4 semi-finalists in the UEFA Cup are Spanish teams.

April 9, Match 33 @ #15 Cardiff
Gigliotti gets one more chance at striker today. He has 3 goals in 16 apps this year, but 2 of those were against League One Bournemouth. Mistake in the 43rd, as Desmenez’s long ball is quite short… resulting in a breakaway, and an easy goal for the Bluebirds. I switch to an attacking 4-4-2 at halftime, with Fernandinho moving to striker. Sadly, the move doesn’t work, as Cardiff strike for a goal in the 48th minute, as Latka and Borbely both fail to clear their lines. 2-0 turns to 3-0 in the 66th, as a 25 yard effort deflects off Borbely and goes in. We get one back in the 68th, as sub. Simon Hagman busts into the box, and crosses for Gigliotti, who heads it home at the back post. After our goal, Cardiff successfully back down and take the win.
Loss, 3-1, remain 9th

That game pretty much ruined my chances of finishing in the top 7. Newcastle’s win puts them 5 points clear of us with 5 games to play… and they hold a rather large goal differential advantage on us.

cschex

07-07-2006, 11:28 PM

This is a great read, I'm glad you are still going with it.

What are Perez's ratings like? He seems to be tearing up the Premiership, so I hope you can hang on to him for the long haul.

RPI-Fan

07-08-2006, 02:53 PM

What leagues are you running and what DB?

Butter

07-10-2006, 06:16 PM

This is a great read, I'm glad you are still going with it.

What are Perez's ratings like? He seems to be tearing up the Premiership, so I hope you can hang on to him for the long haul.

Perez's current ratings (http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/c4f511d7.jpg)

If you go back a bit, you can find his ratings at the end of last season. He is improving quite nicely.

Butter

07-10-2006, 06:18 PM

What leagues are you running and what DB?

Selected leagues:

USA (MLS Only), England (Conf. Nat'l up), France (2nd Div.), Germany (2nd Div.), Italy (Serie B), Holland (First Division), Portugal (2nd Div.), Spain (2nd Div.)

I am running the step down from "huge" database, whatever that is called.

Butter

07-10-2006, 07:08 PM

We pick up another young GK thanks to the magic of transfer fees. 19 year old Portuguese GK Pedro signs with the Posh… Pedro comes over from Ovarense for $150k initially +25% of the next transfer fee.

Tom Rose returns from his loan to League One Coventry, where he played in 10 matches, with 1 goal and 3 assists and a 7.00 average rating.

April 18, Match 34 v. #19 West Ham United (TV)
We come out in an attacking 4-4-2… a win would get the Hammers back into 17th place. A boring, boring game… until the 75th minute. In the 75th, N’Diaye sends a long ball towards the top of the box… Hagman wins the header, and nods it back for Fernandinho, who takes a 25 yard scorcher, and drills it home. West Ham with a late chance, but Desmenez with a fine save on a breakaway to preserve the win.
Win, 1-0, remain 9th

Newcastle loses, and we’re back to within 2 points of 7th.

Michael Cia twisted his ankle in this match, and will miss 3-4 weeks. Julien Desmenez suffered a mild concussion that didn’t affect his play… but he’ll be held out of our next match as a precaution.

Southampton loses to Manchester United to clinch their relegation.

April 23, Match 35 @ #11 Bolton
Perez returns to the lineup in our 4-5-1… Cardenas and Fernandinho pair at AM. Sarmov decides to uncork a 30 yard shot after a short pass from Fernandinho, and he buries it. Sarmov gives us the lead in the 27th minute. N’Daw makes a bad decision, and gets injured while attempting to dribble forward, allowing an easy cross and header goal in the 35th to tie the game. Bolton comes out firing on all cylinders in the 2nd half, and in the 60th they get the go-ahead goal, as American Eddie Johnson scores a nice low shot past Fernandes. We apply some decent pressure late after switching to the 4-4-2, but we don’t get anything but long shots, and lose a crucial road match.
Loss, 2-1, remain 9th

Emil Samuelsson returns from his loan to WBA, where he appeared in 11 matches, with 0 goals or assists and a 6.82 average rating.

April 25, Match 36 v. #13 Fulham
Fernandinho and Cardenas pair at AM, with Perez starting at striker today. Perez creates a couple of chances out of nothing early on, but can’t beat the Cottagers’ keeper. Our offside trap gets beaten like a drum by Souleymane Youla in the 23rd, and he fires a wonderful 15 yard shot from a tough angle, and it goes in just inside the post. Cardenas is forced off with injury in the 41st minute. Despite our best efforts, we fail to really put Fulham under much pressure in the 2nd half, even in a 3-5-2. Perez rates a 5, as he’s starting to cool off a bit. He had his chances today, but just wasn’t focused.
Loss, 1-0, remain 9th

Charlton have won the Championship and will be promoted to play alongside us in the EPL next season.

April 30, Match 37 @ #17 Birmingham (TV)
Birmingham are out of the drop zone only by virtue of goal difference over Blackburn. They need wins. We could pass Everton into 8th with a win and an Everton draw/loss. But we’re out of the race for 7th, with Newcastle leading us by 8 points. We could still finish as low as 14th with the wrong set of results, but I’ve still decided to play a few youngsters just to see what they have for me. We play an aggressive 4-4-2 today, with Camara at DM, Mlinaric at ML, Samuelsson at MR… and Hagman and Gigliotti up front. Gigliotti and Hagman come out looking determined… Gigliotti has a shot turned aside inside the first minute, then 90 seconds later he sets up Hagman for a goal with a nice diagonal pass. Simon Hagman with another fine play in the 18th minute, as Emil Samuelsson finds him down the right, Simon cuts inside, then shoots low and to the far post and scores. Sadly, Birmingham cut the lead in half just moments later, as LuaLua beats Borbely on the run, and slots it home past Desmenez. We switch to our counter-attacking 4-5-1 at halftime, and try out Gigliotti at AM. Birmingham nearly score in the 61st, but a goal off a free kick is called back for offsides. In the 67th, we switch to a 4-5-1 with 2 DM’s who close down a lot. We also bring on Perez for Hagman to add speed up front to the counter-attack. It pays off in the 78th, as Fernandinho collects an errant Blues’ pass, finds space on the right, then crosses to the back post where an unmarked Perez heads it home. Birmingham barely get a sniff late, and we take the win. Emil Samuelsson turns in a dominating MoM performance, rating a 9 with 1 assist and 6 key passes. Camara picks up an 8.
Win, 3-1, up to 8th temporarily

I say temporarily, because Everton has yet to play this afternoon, and then they have another mid-week game to make up before the final weekend… so they have 2 games-in-hand to make up the 3 point gap. We are now level on GD with them, though, and have the goals scored edge. 8th place is a real possibility yet.

Our U-18’s win their Group title, squeaking past Aston Villa late in the season to win it.

Butter

07-10-2006, 08:21 PM

May ‘11
Cash balance: $5,249,717

Everton with a huge home 2-0 win over Liverpool on Sunday to pass us into 8th.

Crystal Palace clinch 2nd in the Championship, and so will join Charlton back in the top flight next year.

The board is now “thrilled” with my level of commitment, but still show as being disappointed in our table standing.

Arsenal with a draw in mid-week vs. Tottenham clinches the EPL title. Chelsea must be getting antsy, what with missing out on the title 2 straight years now. They will finish 2nd, but there is still a scramble for the next few places.

Everton with another key win in mid-week, this time 2-0 over 3rd place Aston Villa to essentially clinch 8th place.

Here are the standings for the final match day:
1. Arsenal – 79
2. Chelsea – 75
3. Aston Villa – 65
4. Manchester United – 65
5. Tottenham – 64
6. Liverpool – 63
7. Newcastle – 60
8. Everton – 57
9. Peterborough – 54
10. Middlesbrough – 52

The lowest we can likely finish is 10th, but could slip to 11th with a 3 goal difference swing and a Bolton win. At the bottom, Birmingham, Blackburn, and Wigan could all still go down, but West Ham and Southampton are assured of relegation.

May 8, Match 38 v. #5 Tottenham Hotspur
We go with a 4-5-1 counter set, with 2 DM’s, both set to high closing down. This worked very well at the end of the Birmingham game, and we’re hoping it’ll do so again here. This set actually works pretty well… we’re keeping Spurs out of our box and forcing long shots… we’re also setting up a few decent chances, the best of which comes in the 37th minute, as Fernandinho sends Hagman onside… he is taken down, and we go up a man as the Spurs’ defender is shown a red for his late, last ditch tackle. We switch to attacking tactics out of the same formation, as Spurs back into a shell to just try and hold a draw. Darren Bent is all over us in the 2nd half, tearing through our offside trap… we have to back into a defensive shell again to try and cope. In the 62nd, we get a big break… Cardenas’ throw in finds Perez, and his attempted shot works as a cross to the back post for Sarmov, who heads it home. We make it 2-0 in the 69th, as Fernandinho picks up a deflected through ball attempt, and knocks it home from 12 yards. Perez makes it 3-0 with a POWERFUL strike at a sharp angle in the 72nd minute. Spurs pick up a PK opportunity in the 2nd minute of stoppage time, as Daeseleire brings down Crouch in the box. The great behemoth of English football takes and makes the PK. But in the end, we dominate again. A fine finish to the season. Perez comes on in the 2nd half and scores a goal and assists on the other 2. N’Daw wins MoM honors with a 9, and Cardenas also picks up a 9.
Win, 3-1, finish 9th

If only we hadn’t yielded that last minute goal, we would’ve finished 8th… We finish +1 behind Everton, and would’ve finished above them if not for that last yielded PK. Tottenham drops to 6th with their loss, while Liverpool jumps into 4th for the last Champions League spot. Birmingham ends up dropping to 18th on the final match day, clinching relegation to the Championship.

We win $13.75M for our 9th place finish in the table.

Butter

07-10-2006, 10:37 PM

Final standings (Click thumbnail to see details)
http://s55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/th_finalstandings10-11.jpg (http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/finalstandings10-11.jpg)

Final team stats
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/th_finalstats10-11.jpg (http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/finalstats10-11.jpg)

Sherman Andres Cardenas wins the Young Player of the Year award, and gives much of the credit for it to me. Alexandre N’Diaye finished 2nd in the voting for the award. Arsenal’s Thierry Henry wins Player of the Year honors… and this comes after being criticized towards the end of the year for being “past his best”. Cardenas finished the season with 4 goals and 3 assists in 29 appearances… he averaged a 7.21 for the season.

Fernandinho was picked in the midfield to the Players’ Team of the Year. Alexandre N’Diaye was named as a “sub” to that team. Fernandinho also finishes 2nd in the Footballer of the Year voting, behind Michael Owen of Newcastle. Fernandinho also wins Goal of the Year honors, for his magnificent goal against Arsenal on October 3rd.

Butter

07-10-2006, 11:27 PM

2010/11 Final statistics
Avg. attendance: 15,070 (20th, 1st: Man Utd., 73,006)
Goals scored/conceded: 63/57 (4th/13th)

Average rating
1. Asier Del Horno (Chelsea) – 7.67
3. Fernandinho – 7.43
12. Alexandre N’Diaye – 7.30
23. Sherman Andres Cardenas – 7.21
26. Guirane N’Daw – 7.19

Goals
1. Valeri Bojinov (Chelsea) – 25
15t. Jose Manuel Perez – 14
19t. Fernandinho – 13

Assists
1. Ismael Aissati (Tottenham) – 13
9t. Fernandinho – 9
24t. Michael Cia, Jose Manuel Perez – 7

End of season squad review

Goalkeepers
Julien Desmenez came into the season the clear #2, but seemed to win the job as Fernandes struggled in mid-season. Desmenez allowed 25 goals in 20 starts, while Fernandes allowed 33 goals in 21 starts.

Players out: None
Players in: 19 year old Pedro (Ovarense – Portugal)

Outlook for ’11-‘12: Julien Desmenez just turned 18. Carlos Fernandes is 31. Desmenez is signed through 2014. Fernandes’ contract is up at season’s end. Desmenez continues to improve. Fernandes seemed to decline this year. The choice sounds simple enough to me. Desmenez will be our #1 likely for seasons to come. I actually have been looking for another keeper to possibly play #1 while Desmenez develops, but I think ultimately the young Frenchman will be it.

Defense
Despite allowing only 5 fewer goals than last season, I felt our defense improved. Partly due to better play, partly due to better defensive tactics. Dimitri Daeseleire definitely struggled at DR. His 6.7 avR at right back is not good enough. Rob Edwards improved a great deal at DR this year. He rarely had a poor game, and got better as the season went on, averaging a 7.44 in his final 9 games. Jan Tigorev was an expensive and injury-prone disappointment. Tommy Spurr also struggled at DL. Guirane N’Daw seemed to nail that position down late in the season, averaging a 7.27 over his final 15 appearances. Center back was our danger spot again… Martin Latka seemed to finally catch on at the end of the season, averaging a 7.43 over his final 14 appearances. But Rasoul Mirtoroghi was generally awful, while Balazs Borbely seemed to show his age towards the end of the season, stringing together four 6 ratings in April.

Players out: DC Rasoul Mirtoroghi, DRC Pieter Collen (R), DC Balazs Borbely (?)
Players in: 24 year old DC Pique (Manchester Utd., on loan at Anderlecht)

Outlook for ’11-‘12: If Pique can nail down the center back spot opposite Martin Latka, we can get continued good work from Guirane N’Daw and Rob Edwards, and Jan Tigorev and Dimitri Daeseleire can begin to perform up to what their abilities would suggest, we’ll continue to improve next season. But realistically we could just as easily get worse in a hurry. This is the most delicate area of the team, and we need to sign 2 more solid players here before I’ll feel comfortable running the team out there in August. Borbely may well get re-signed if he comes down on his contract requests… and we may spend some transfer money here in the pre-season as well to bring in a big name fullback.

Midfield
With the emergence of Alexandre N’Diaye (whom the media tabbed as one of the finest young players in English football), Nicolas Godemeche found his time decreasing at DM. And he will probably see it decrease still further with the continuing development of Julien Camara and Nathan Bennett. Both played well in the final 2 games of the season. N’Diaye is just a dominant force at this position, though, and will remain so for many years. At left wing, S.A. Cardenas won the Young Player of the Year award. At AM, Fernandinho finished second for the Footballer of the Year award, and scored the goal of the season, while Michael Cia spent much of the 2nd half of the season injured after reeling off a marvelous first half. That brings us to our weak spot… right wing. Darijo Srna did not perform as well as I had hoped… he had a bad start, and a fairly poor finish with 0 goals and assists, but in-between he had a run of about 18 games where he scored 2 goals and netted 6 assists. Georgi Sarmov always seems good for one or two spectacular goals per season, but his assist total is not where it needs to be for him to play regularly. Meanwhile, Emil Samuelsson finished the season with a great performance and a mediocre one at right wing, so questions abound there. Andrej Mlinaric struggled when in at left wing, but his versatility makes him hard to dump.

Players out: Mamadou Diallo
Players in: 19 year old Damien Lacroix (Paris SG)

Outlook for ’11-‘12: We continue to grow the best midfield in the EPL. Cardenas, Fernandinho, and N’Diaye are going to be stars that work together for years to come. The question comes in, then, in which system will they be most effective? I’m starting to lean toward a 4-5-1 with 2 AM’s at home, and a 4-5-1 with 2 DM’s on the road. The 2 DM’s closing down all over was VERY effective against a high-quality Spurs side in the final game of the season, keeping the pressure off our back line, which was free to employ the trap, and did so effectively. Lacroix looks like he will be a very good sub to have on the bench, as he can play all 3 wing and midfield positions well. Hopefully, he will be better than Sebastien Renouard was. Michael Cia will continue to get his time in at AM, while Godemeche, Camara, and Bennett will have to fight for time at the 2nd DM spot when we run that formation. Srna will likely continue to start at MR, but we’ll be on the lookout for upgrades there, and we will give Emil Samuelsson a chance to show us what he can do there.

Strikers
What the hell happened here? I thought everything was all figured out, with David Gigliotti and Simon Hagman as our top 2 strikers, and Claudiu Stan as our main backup. Then Gigliotti comes out and stinks it up, then gets hurt, while Hagman struggles as well. Enter Jose Perez. Perez was magic as a lone striker, netting 16 goals and 8 assists in 27 appearances, mostly by himself. He averaged a 7.44 in his final 16 appearances of the season, scoring 12 goals and netting 7 assists in just 16 games… many of which he came on in as a substitute! Simon Hagman had several long stretches of the season where he disappeared, interspersed with splashes of brilliance… while Gigliotti pretty much sucked all year long. With our move to a single striker, Claudiu Stan just didn’t get the time I expected him to get this year, and when he was on the field it was usually at AM, not his natural spot.

Players out: Mamadou Diallo
Players in: 25 year old Bolivian Jose Luis Ortiz (Hertha Berlin)

Outlook for ’11-‘12: Ortiz brings deadly finishing skill to our striker spot, and a knack for creating his own shot, which was what Hagman and Gigliotti struggled with this year. We likely will mostly run a single striker formation again, with Perez as our featured guy, and Hagman, Gigliotti, Ortiz, and Stan all battling to show what they have. We also have Florian Da Costa, Markus Schulz, and Franco Romano as capable players in the reserves. Likely, one or two of these guys will end up sold, since all of these folks’ contracts run through 2013.

Butter

07-10-2006, 11:58 PM

Remainder of May ‘11

UEFA Cup Final
Deportivo 0:1 Villarreal

FA Cup Final
Aston Villa 1:4 Manchester United

Manchester United offer us $9.25M + 20% of next sale, plus a friendly offer, PLUS 19 year old right winger Vincent Dos Santos (valued at $6.5M) for Alexandre N’Diaye. I reject the offer, saying he is indispensable.

Newcastle ask me how much I want for Sherman Cardenas… and I reply with $22M, just to see if they’re that crazy about him. They’re not.

UEFA Champions League Final
Real Madrid 1:3 Marseille
-Marseille win Europe for the 2nd time in their history (1993).

Leeds defeat Ipswich 1-0 in the Championship final to win their way back into the Premiership.

Jose Perez demands a new contract. Perez wants $2.3M per year for 4 seasons, I offer $1.5M with a larger signing bonus and larger goal and assist bonuses than requested. He quickly agrees to the new deal, worth a total of about $7M over 4 years, plus incentives. He celebrates his new contract by scoring both goals for the Spain U-19’s in a 2-1 win over the Latvian U-19’s in Euro U-19 qualifying.

Reserve DRC Pieter Collen agrees to a deal with promoted Portuguese 2nd Division side Leixoes. Collen played in 47 senior games as a member of the Posh, but averaged just a 6.73 in 22 all-time EPL games.

Butter

07-12-2006, 12:34 AM

June ‘11
Cash balance: $14,593,580

We get Balazs Borbely to sign a discounted deal from what he wanted, but the 31 year old Slovakian international signs for one more season for $750k, and agrees to a reduced “rotation” role.

I decide essentially to bide my time on new signings until July rolls back around and our transfer budget is revealed… but in the meantime, I do decide to poke around a bit at some defenders, but nothing really catches my eye… I’m going to have give up a large transfer fee if I want to sign an impact defender.

Looking at my profile, I now notice that my reputation is “continental”. I am also rated a 19 in handling pressure, and a 20 at loyalty and media handling.

I keep seeing Manchester United’s manager, Carlos Queiroz, under attack. I think they might offer me the job if they fire him… and I think that if I took it, it might just be to see how far I could get them to drop before they’d fire me.

Bayern Munich makes a bid for Alex N’Diaye, while Liverpool and Lyon approach me about Fernandinho… I reject all offers.

A few days later, Manchester United bid for N’Diaye… $14.75M… and the player’s agent indicates that his client wants to be able to discuss terms with the club. Alright, now this is a tough one. I will owe 20% of whatever fee I get back to his former club in France. But a DM, as much as I love this one… and I DO LOVE THIS ONE…. Well, he just isn’t the game changer that, say, an AM is. I honestly think we could get by next year with a DM lineup of Godemeche, Bennett, Camara, and Mlinaric. I up the offer to $17M, and throw in a 15% of next sale clause, while removing the offer of a friendly. Why do I want to play Man U. in a friendly?

The stadium is being expanded… work has begun, and will take around 4 months to complete the expansion, which will be a 3,000 seat increase. During the renovation, part of the North stands will be inaccessible, thus reducing our capacity through October.

The board offers me two possible budgets, and I go with the one with the highest wage budget… a $21.5M wage budget, and a $6.5M transfer budget. That puts me at only about $900k under the wage budget as is.

Fernandinho is voted Fans’ Player of the Year for ’10-’11.

We pick up our yearly $26.5M for TV rights. The board and the fans are “very pleased” with my performance, and both expect a “safe, mid-table” position yet again this year.

Manchester United agrees to my terms for Alex N’Diaye. I have 5 days to think about it, and decide to take all 5. In the end, I just can’t do it. I can’t sell him. He came up with us, and frankly, I hope he stays with us for his entire career.

Newcastle makes a tempting offer for Cardenas… $16.75M + 20% of next sale. I have to turn that down as well. If I sold my players at their peak, I would have something like $50-60M in transfer funds… but I couldn’t even come close to buying players of their caliber to replace them in the transfer market.

July ‘11
Cash balance: $37,054,505

We throw out some feeler bids for some defenders, and have most of them thrown back in our face.

The board ups our wage budget to $27.2M thanks to our large budget surplus. No bump to the transfer budget yet, though.

Rasoul Mirtoroghi signs a long term deal with Alaves of the Spanish 2nd division. Mirtoroghi played in 72 senior squad games for the Posh, averaging a 7.33 in the Championship League, but around a 6.8 in 36 EPL games.

July 3, Friendly #1 v. Real Madrid (TV)
We decide to come out in the 4-5-1 with 2 DM’s for this match with the European runners-up from last season. In the 18th minute, Freddy Adu finds an open Antonio Cassano out front, and he beats Desmenez to the far post. It’s 2-0 in the 25th, after Raul heads in a nice Cicinho cross. We get one back in the 64th, as Stan’s cross for Gigliotti finds its target, and then Gigliotti finds the target as well. Madrid get their advantage back to 2, as Cassano sets up a nice goal by laying the ball off to the spot, and Tomas Sivok buries it. 4-1 in the 89th, as Adu sends Lebohang Mokoena onside, and he beats Bredal-Thorsen with a high, hard shot. No one played all that well, but it was nice to see Gigliotti looking dangerous again.
Loss, 4-1

July 8, Friendly #2 v. Caen (French Ligue Un)
Plenty of first half action, but no goals. Our 4-5-1 with 2 AM’s is on display today. Fernandinho gets us on the board in the 52nd by burying a 20 yard free kick.
Win, 1-0

I see now why I need so many friendlies. I have about 25 players who could play this season, and they all need match fitness. As such, I schedule 2 more friendlies… so I now have 2 with the reserves, and 1 vs. the U-18’s. These matches will also give me a better chance to study all of the players before the season starts up.

Out of the blue, Nigeria offers me the opportunity to coach their national team, but I decide to turn it down at this point. They have some good players, but I don’t really want to focus on that right now. Maybe after I get the Posh established as a European power, then I’ll have the time.

Unfortunately, it’s time consuming to try and bring in all these defenders…. So this pre-season is dragging on and on.

July 12, Friendly #3 v. Inter Milan (TV)
We come out in the 4-5-1 with 2 DM’s today. U-18 player Tom Rose knocks home the rebound of a Nathan Bennett volley in the 39th minute to put us ahead. Young DC Carlos Rodriguez is rating an 8 at halftime. Inter are able to equalize in the 84th minute, as Bredal-Thorsen gives up a rebound of a 25 yard Adriano shot. Then, Michael Cia scores a brilliant goal in stoppage time to win the game, just stripping the ball from Zanetti in midfield, and lobbing the keeper from 20 yards. Brilliant goal.
Win, 2-1

Next up, we finish the pre-season and start our 3rd season in the Premiership.

flere-imsaho

07-12-2006, 08:34 AM

Another excellent season!

Question: Do you think that all that separates you from the top of the EPL is the caliber of certain players on your squad? Specifically, the idea that you simply can't afford to have a Thierry Henry on the squad? Or something else?

Butter

07-12-2006, 01:56 PM

I had a way too long post typed out to answer your question, then my computer ate it.

To sum up: I screwed around with the tactics a lot, which created inconsistency... we struggled to score early in the season... and we struggled to defend late in the season. Our defense is definitely the weak link, because we're scoring enough goals to be considered a top-5 team, if our defense was there.

I honestly think that there is not a better midfield than mine going... N'Diaye, Cardenas, and Fernandinho are all potential starters for any team in the league.

I anticipate a top-7 finish this season, and plan to smarten up tactically, and try not to out-think myself. We're sticking with the 4-5-1 in use late last season, and hope that Perez can continue his emergence as a star. If that happens, and we can keep around a 1 goal per game average defensively (yielding 38, rather than 50+ goals this season), I think we can contend for the Champions League.

Butter

07-13-2006, 12:52 AM

July 17, Friendly #4 @ Ipswich
U-17 striker Jeremy Fernandez gets us on the board in the 21st minute, half-volleying in a cross from Samuelsson. And he scores again just prior to halftime thanks to a nifty long ball from Daeseleire. We finally crack in the 69th, as Fernandes fails to corral a shot, leaving an easy tap in at the back post. Simon Hagman with a marvelous strike from 15 yards in the 80th minute. Darijo Srna with a great 20 yard curling strike in the 88th minute to put the scoring to bed.
Win, 4-1

July 20, Friendly #5 @ Northampton
Tom Rose with a nifty steal in the Northampton defense in minute 12… his shot is tipped across the goal mouth, and David Gigliotti is there to pick up the pieces. Edwards’ poor throw is stolen by Northampton in the 31st, and Bredal-Thorsen fails to stop the breakaway. Gigliotti puts us back on top in the 52nd, as Edwards centering ball into a crowd is headed home by the Frenchman. Our nearby rivals score in the 88th, though, a again we fail to cover adequately on a breakaway. Disappointing performance.
Draw, 2-2

July 24, Friendly #6 v. Peterborough Reserves
The reserves get on the board first, as U-18 fullback Ian Price crosses to the back post, where Markus Schulz heads it home in the 17th minute. The seniors get on the board in the 51st, as Srna’s chip into the area finds Samuelsson at the back post, where he heads it home. Far from a good performance by the seniors, but Emil Samuelsson picks up his 2nd MoM of the pre-season here.
Draw, 1-1

Just after Claudiu Stan fails to turn up for training for no apparent reason, I receive several offers for him from Feyenoord and a few Italian clubs, ranging from $5.5M to nearly $8M. All of the players being offered in trade are poor, so I go cash only in this transaction.

July 30, Friendly # 7 @ FC Barcelona
My first visit to the Nou Camp as a coach. Barcelona get on the board in the 12th minute, as Eto’o finishes a nice series of passes by passing it into the back of the net. New acquisition Jose Luis Ortiz is sent onside by Dimitri Daeseleire in the 31st minute, and finishes past Victor Valdes to make it 1-1. A fun 2nd half, but no more scoring means we earn a draw. Neither team was particularly sharp in this one, but N’Diaye earns MoM… so we have that, which is nice.
Draw, 1-1

August ‘11
Cash balance: $36,467,167

The board up our transfer funds available to $16.25M… then hours later, Claudiu Stan agrees to a deal with Reggina, worth over $6.5M in fees to us, boosting our transfer budget to nearly $20M (since the deal is structured).

August 3, Friendly #8 v. Peterborough U-18’s
Rob Edwards scores a PK in the 38th minute to put the senior squad ahead. Gigliotti scores off the 2nd half kickoff to put the seniors up 2-0. A dominant win without much scoring.
Win, 2-0

I decide to cancel our final friendly against our reserve squad, and just let the team rest from competitive play a bit before opening the season. Everyone is match fit.

It’s time once again to take a look at our depth chart…
Depth chart
GK: Julien Desmenez, Carlos Fernandes
DL: Guirane N’Daw, Jan Tigorev, Andrej Mlinaric
DC: Martin Latka, Balazs Borbely, Pique, Carlos Rodriguez
DR: Dimitri Daeseleire, Rob Edwards, Tigorev
DM: Alex N’Diaye, Nathan Bennett, Nicolas Godemeche, Julien Camara (R)
ML: Sherman Andres Cardenas, Darijo Srna, Andrej Mlinaric, Emil Samuelsson
MR: Srna, Samuelsson, Georgi Sarmov
AM: Fernandinho, Michael Cia, Sarmov, Cardenas, Jose Luis Ortiz
ST: Jose Manuel Perez, Simon Hagman, David Gigliotti, Ortiz

Charity Shield
Arsenal 0:2 Manchester United

English Premier League odds
Chelsea – 7:4
Arsenal, Liverpool – 2:1
Manchester United – 8:1
Aston Villa – 20:1
Tottenham H. – 33:1
.
Peterborough United – 80:1

Our odds continue to improve… a high mid-table finish is predicted here.

We have spent nearly 2 months scouring every single attractive looking defender… and in the end, they’re almost all too old, too expensive, or not interested in coming to Peterborough.

But in the end, we get one defender… he costs us $7M (part of which is spread over 6 months) to Atletico Paranaense, but he looks worth it. 21 year old Brazilian DC Carlos Augusto agrees to a long term deal with the Posh. Augusto possesses a 20 in heading, marking, and tackling… he also is a strong player, with top notch decision making and positioning. His only weakness is that he can get a bit flustered at times and is not the best jumper. However, he looks to be a close to world-class player, and we’re thrilled to get him into a Posh uniform just in time for the season to begin.

I decide to keep fast improving 18 year old defender Carlos Rodriguez with the senior squad, and try to get him some starts this season.

And so, another season is upon us. Let us hope that we can maintain an even keel this year, and avoid the ups and downs of the last 2 seasons.

Aug. 13, Match 1 @ Everton
We start with the 4-5-1 with 2 DM’s today. Perez starts at striker, and Carlos Fernandes opens at keeper. In the 3rd minute, an Everton defender is sent straight off for a vicious foul! Very odd play, but we go up a man very early on. The remainder of the first half is a tight back and forth struggle, but it goes into halftime scoreless. We bring Cia on in the 2nd half and switch to a more attacking style. We switch to a 3-5-2, and almost immediately thereafter yield a goal thanks to poor ball handling by Dimitri Daeseleire. The nightmare gets worse in the 83rd, as we yield a goal off a corner kick, as Cahill hits the post, but no one is there to clear the bobbling ball away, and Olof Mellberg finishes it. And in stoppage time, the nightmare is complete, as we yield a breakaway goal to the Toffees. We yield 3 goals to Everton after going a man up in the 3rd minute, and mustered almost no real scoring threats.
Loss, 3-0, begin in 20th

I’m thinking the switch to the 3-5-2 in mid-game was a mistake there. Maybe just a tiny one. Switching to any sort of attacking tactics on the road seems a quick way to certain death, even when you have a clear advantage, apparently. I guess I need to learn to be more patient, since attacking football often leads to quick counter-attacks.

Young attacking midfielder Tom Rose agrees to a 5 month loan spell at Norwich.

Sherman Cardenas comes up lame in training… a groin strain will keep him out about 3 weeks.

Aug. 20, Match 2 v. #5 Chelsea
Carlos Augusto makes his Posh debut, as does Pique, as the 2 pair at DC today. Fernandinho picks up a fairly serious looking injury in the 19th minute, and has to come out. Perez gets an injury, and he comes off at halftime of a 0-0 game. In the 65th, Sarmov with a point blank header that’s deflected wide, and Samuelsson’s follow up is charged down nicely. 1 minute later, we get another good opportunity, as Gigliotti steals the ball from a Chelsea center back… he closes to within 36 yards, then unleashes an early shot past the charging keeper… and scores! Gigliotti’s 50th goal in Posh blue puts us in front! Gigliotti makes it 2-0 in the 71st, as Srna with a calm long ball onto Gigliotti’s run down the left… and he slots it home from 15 yards out. We bring Carlos Rodriguez on for his Posh debut, as he subs in for Pique. In stoppage time, we make it 3-0, as Gigliotti is again set free down the left… this time, he draws 2 defenders, so he crosses to the spot, where Sarmov is unmarked, and he buries an open 12 yard shot for the dagger! Darijo Srna is named MoM for playing a dominating left wing. He and N’Diaye rate 9’s.
Win, 3-0, up to 9th

Go figure… we lose to Everton 3-0, then come home and beat the league favorites easily by the same score.

I hold my breath to see what the Fernandinho injury turns out to be… and it’s probably the worst possible news. He has a serious hip injury, and we must send him to a specialist… but he’ll be out 2+ months. That likely means we’ll be seeing a lot more of the 4-5-1 with 2 DM’s in the near future. We beat Chelsea pretty badly with it, though, so maybe that’s not such a bad thing. Michael Cia becomes our main AM in Fernandinho’s absence.

bulletsponge

07-13-2006, 06:34 PM

just finished reading your updates :) good read, and good luck, i bet you will need it.

ps how good is that striker Giglioto and Hagman? can i get a link to them any chance?

Butter

07-14-2006, 11:04 PM

Ask, and ye shall receive.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/th_hagman-1.jpg (http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/hagman-1.jpg)

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/th_gigliotti.jpg (http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/gigliotti.jpg)

And one more for good measure, emerging DC Carlos Rodriguez... who looks to be well on his way to becoming a regular in my back 4.... though I must admit, after looking at his decline in the physical attributes, it resulted in a slight bump for everyone on strength and aerobics... as that was one area I had bumped down previously in favor of more position specific training.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/th_rodriguez.jpg (http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/rodriguez.jpg)

bulletsponge

07-14-2006, 11:35 PM

wow Carlos Rodriguez looks like hes going to be amazing, id start him often.

btw i noticed neither Hagman or Gugliota are very brave or aggressive, 2 things that will keep them for being consistant in the EPL i think

Butter

07-15-2006, 12:44 AM

Aug. 24, Match 3 @ #4 Fulham
Gigliotti earns the start up front today, as Jose Ortiz starts at AM alongside Michael Cia. 18 year old Carlos Rodriguez gets the start at DC today alongside Carlos Augusto. We control play early on, and in the 21st minute get a good opportunity, as Tigorev’s pass to Jose Ortiz finds him in space… then he’s tugged down, and we get a penalty kick try. Gigliotti to take it… his initial attempt is stopped, but the rebound rolls right back to him, and he buries it. Desmenez with a dismal mistake in the 35th, as a long ball actually skips by him as he attempts to come out and clear it away from 25 yards out… the ball rolls toward the back post, and the Fulham striker runs onto it and scores. In the 55th minute, Daeseleire skins Andrea Gasbarroni, then crosses to the middle, where Gigliotti finishes a brilliant half volley for his 4th goal of the season already. We fall back into our 2 DM set with over a half hour to go to try to protect our lead. And the tactic works… Fulham get a lot of the ball late, but can’t do much with it, as our back 6 (the 2 DM’s included) hold up nicely. Carlos Rodriguez with an impressive debut, rating an 8.
Win, 2-1, up to 2nd place

We now sit perfectly level with Arsenal for 1st… both teams have 6 points from 3 games, both teams are at +1 GD, and both teams have yielded 5 goals and allowed 4.

From worst to first in under a week… not bad. Another plus from the match is that David Gigliotti seems to be regaining his form of 2 years ago, giving us 3 legitimate strike threats between he, Hagman, and Perez. 4 goals in 2 appearances, and only 1 of them as a starter is pretty darn good.

The Carling Cup draw is held, and we’ll face Millwall at home on September 21st.

Aug. 27, Match 4 v. #14 Bolton
We call up Damien Lacroix from the reserves to start at AM today, as Cardenas and Fernandinho continue to sit on the shelf. Perez gets his 2nd start up front. Perez is handed a breakaway in the first 20 seconds on a bad backwards pass…but he chunks the 15 yard shot. He redeems himself in the 6th minute, as another poor defensive play dooms Bolton… Lacroix picks off a lazy chesting attempt from a defender, then squares it for Perez who has an easy 8 yard shot into an open net. Bolton equalize in the 8th, as some sloppy defending in the middle allows an open 12 yard shot for Sergio Gonzalez, who buries it. Perez works his magic again in the 19th, as N’Daw’s 40 yard chip finds Perez perfectly on stride, and he finishes from 10 yards out. And Perez completes his 3rd career hat trick in the 37th, as Mlinaric’s excellent first touch runs right into Perez, who is able to take a dribble, and slot it low and inside the left post. We make it 4-1 just before halftime, as again Mlinaric is involved… he squares a ball from 25 yards for Nathan Bennett, who winds up and rips a long effort home just off the keeper’s fingertips. In the 62nd, Bolton finishes a nice move with a well taken shot from near the spot against our 2nd half 2 DM formation. Not much else happens in the 2nd half, as Simon Hagman disappoints during his first 45’ of action this season. Nathan Bennett and Damien Lacroix take advantage of their first starts of the season, both rating 8’s.
Win, 4-2, up to 1st

Arsenal win their match by a single goal, propelling us into 1st by +1… the first time we’ve held the top spot in the Premiership in our 2+ seasons here.

We finish off a fantastic opening month in style, with a fine first half performance against a strong Bolton club. 3-0-1 will get it done, and it’s enough to find us in 1st place following August, with a 2 week layoff upcoming due to a FIFA International Weekend over what us Americans like to call “Labor Day Weekend”.

September ‘11
Cash balance: $32,599,706

Alex N’Diaye finishes 3rd in the player of the month voting… while I unsurprisingly nick the Manager of the Month award.

Jose Perez continues his ascent on the Spanish international team as well, as he buries both goals in a 2-0 U-21’s European Qualifying win over Greece. Perez is only 18, but I have a feeling that before his career is up, he will star for Spain in a World Cup.

Sept. 10, Match 5 @ #9 Wigan Athletic
Sherman Cardenas returns from injury in this one…. Perez starts at striker. Perez and Lacroix work a nice combination, with Lacroix breaking Wigan’s trap, and knocking in a high hard shot from inside 15 yards to put us ahead in the 14th minute. Lacroix, the 19 year old Frenchman, is impressing in his first 2 Posh outings. In the 42nd minute, we put on a move so pretty that I actually rose from my chair and applauded… Desmenez with a pass out front to Tigorev… he knocks a long ball wide to Cardenas… Cardenas with a first time flick to Perez, who is inches onside… Perez down the middle, and he makes the keeper look ridiculous and leaves him sitting on the ground near the penalty spot while he skips by and knocks it home with ease. 2-0 Posh at halftime. We back into the 2 DM version of our 4-5-1, bringing on Mlinaric for Lacroix at the break. Wigan earn one back in the 86th minute, as Pique fails to clear a free kick, then he compounds his mistake by allowing the shot from 10 yards to deflect off him and into the net. Then, the unthinkable happens, as the defense seems to part for a nice low cross… again it’s Pique allowing a ball through, and Stein Huysegems scores again for Wigan to give them the equalizer. Perez earns MoM honors for his goal and assist… but we should’ve held onto this game. Again, it is late game defense doing us in.
Draw, 2-2, drop to 3rd

The late game collapse costs us 2 points, and 2 spots in the table as Manchester City passes us into first. We sit 3rd, behind Man City by –2 on GD. Our 8 goals allowed in 5 matches is worst of any team in the top 11.

Manchester United’s home loss to Bolton finds them 19th in the table after 5 matches. They have started the season 0-3-2, while scoring just 1 goal. Shocking, really.

Sept. 18, Match 6 v. #20 Manchester United (Yes, that’s right, #20)
We’re down to 5th after dropping a couple of spots for not playing until Sunday. Man U are now the only team without a win in the EPL. Lacroix with his 3rd straight start for us at AM, alongside Georgi Sarmov. Predictably, Man U score first, with Kieran Richardson nailing a 20 yard free kick in the 6th minute. After a long stretch of uninspiring play, we level the match in the 37th, as Cardenas’ right footed cross to the center finds N’Diaye, and he heads it in off the right post. Man U come out firing in the 2nd half, and Rooney just drills a 20 yard shot past Desmenez in the 48th minute to put the Red Devils back on top. But again it’s Alex N’Diaye bringing us back… this time, it’s Perez laying off a harmless looking ball from the arc, but N’Diaye’s 30 yard bender beats Petr Cech and makes it 2-2. We have no subs for the DR spot, but Rob Edwards is pulling a 4 at one point in the 2nd half, so I have to get him out… Mlinaric comes on out of position. Rooney and the corpse of Ruud van Nistelrooy nearly pull it out for Man U, but I am able to hold down for the draw and spare myself of being the first to lose to these guys. They won’t be in the bottom for long.
Draw, 2-2, remain 5th

Next up for us, it’s backup time as we host a down Millwall side.

Sept. 21, Carling Cup Second Round v. Millwall (#12 in Championship)
Young French striker Jeremy Fernandez appears in his first game for us here. A snooze-inducing first half ends scoreless, and I consider giving out refunds to the 3,000 or so brave fans who made it out tonight in a steady drizzle. But we open the 2nd half strong, and a long stretch of possession in and around the box ends with Nathan Bennett crushing a low 12 yard shot past the unsuspecting keeper in the 56th. And after Millwall starts to press a bit more, we get a 2nd goal… as Jeremy Fernandez is sent through by Sarmov, and the 18 year old finishes it nicely. Fernandez finishes with an 8.
Win, 2-0, advance to Carling Cup Third Round

Butter

07-15-2006, 12:48 AM

wow Carlos Rodriguez looks like hes going to be amazing, id start him often.

Trying to work him into the rotation... With the spectacular failure of Pique so far, I'd say I have no other choice anyway. It's just a good thing I had a youngster in house ready to step in at DC where my expensive signings have failed me.

btw i noticed neither Hagman or Gugliota are very brave or aggressive, 2 things that will keep them for being consistant in the EPL i think

This is definitely something I am discovering this year, though Gigliotti has had a nice start. Hagman may well end up being sold for scrap, as frankly in a 1 striker system I'm having trouble finding him any playing time.

Thanks for the comments, and for reading!

Butter

07-17-2006, 12:21 AM

We get West Ham United at home in the Carling Cup Third Round on October 26th.

Sept. 26, Match 7 @ #7 Manchester City (TV)
Our Monday night football debut this season… we’ve slipped to 9th in the table due to inactivity, but a win would see us jump into 2nd. Man City is in the same boat. We come out in the 4-5-1 with 2 DM’s formation. Perez runs at lone striker with Cia in support. In the 25th minute, our aggressive closing down scheme costs us, as 3 men converge on the ball outside of the box, leaving a 4 on 2 in the box, and the chance is converted by a nice short cross and header to make it 1-0. A short time later, Man City score again off another nice move, that left their striker with a clear 12 yarder that he buries. We switch to an attacking style at halftime, and turn into a 4-4-2. The way City are playing, though, I fear this may just turn into a 4 or 5-0 type game. I fight the urge to turn this into a 3-4-3, as that’s only given us grief over the years. We improve a great deal in the 2nd half, but just can’t penetrate the City back 4, and it ends 2-0. Man City earn their way into 2nd, leaving us way down in 9th.
Loss, 2-0, remain 9th

Our first loss since the season opener is very disappointing, but this is a long haul, not a sprint. We’ll have our opportunities to move up again soon. We suffer our only loss of the month on the final match day of the month, and it drops us into familiar territory: mid-table.

October ‘11
Cash balance: $29,998,998

Alex N’Diaye wins the September Young Player of the Month award, as he rates an 8 in all 3 starts, and nets 2 goals against Manchester United. N’Diaye also wins the Goal of the Month honor for his 30 yard scorcher against the Red Devils.

Oct. 2, Match 8 v. #7 Tottenham Hotspur
Srna is sent onside by Tigorev, then he’s cynically hacked down by Leighton Baines… he’s given a red in the 7th minute, and we get a great start here. We stick with our standard defensive tactics, and it pays off in the 28th minute, as Pique’s long ball is volleyed by Perez from 20 yards, and he scores a spectacular long volley to put us ahead. In the 39th minute, Spurs get their goal back, as Yaya Toure’s 10 yarder is deflected wide, but Peter Crouch is there for the tap in. In the 59th, we get back on top, as Perez is just barely onside on a Daeseleire pass, then he successful flicks a shot over the head of the keeper to make it 2-1. Cardenas makes it 3-1 in the 72nd on a 25 yard free kick. We back into a the 2 DM set and easily hold the lead against 10 man Spurs.
Win, 3-1, up to 5th place

We’re now 5 pts. out of 1st place, and just 2 behind 2nd place Chelsea. Man U get their first win to jump into 16th place.

Jose Perez gets another goal for the Spanish U-21’s as they down Bulgaria in U-21 European Qualifying… then 3 days later, nets 2 more as Spain beat Belarus 4-0.

Oct. 15, Match 9 @ #1 Arsenal
Another very important early season clash at Emirates Stadium. A poor start for us, as Ashley Cole’s free kick is misjudged by Desmenez, allowing midfielder Darren Murphy to collect it at the back post and hammer it home in the 8th minute. Michael Cia finally wakes up and makes a nice play… in the 21st minute, Perez heads it down in the box back to Cia, who scores a wonderful lob from 18 yards out. Perez scores one of his own in the 37th minute… Cardenas makes his way down the left, then crosses to the near post, where Perez heads it in off the post. In the 56th minute, Rob Edwards manages to score an own goal off an Arsenal corner to make it 2-2. But we fight back and make it 3-2 in the 64th, as Arsenal tries to finesse their way out of trouble on a corner kick, but Damien Lacroix finishes it past the Arsenal keeper. We back into the 2 DM formation, and are able to hold the lead despite some shaky play in goal by Desmenez. A fine win, possibly the best win under pressure we’ve yet had in the EPL. Michael Cia picks up the MoM award, rating a 9 and scoring one goal and setting up Perez for another.
Win, 3-2, up to 5th place

We’ve scored the most goals of any team in the EPL (19), but have yielded the 4th most (15). Arsenal are knocked down to 3rd with the loss, allowing Liverpool to claim the top spot for now.

N’Diaye is averaging an 8, and is again attracting notice of Bayern Munich.

Fulham fire their coach, Chris Coleman, and I am rumored to want the job. I refute that, again reiterating my desire to remain with the Posh.

Jose Perez is leading the squad in goals (7), assists (4), and MoM awards (3) through 9 games.

I notice that my reputation has increased to “continental”.

Just as Fernandinho returns to full training, Michael Cia injures his heel and will miss 2 weeks. Our starting keeper also comes up with a minor training injury, but he’ll miss our next match.

Oct. 22, Match 10 v. #17 Charlton Athletic
Cardenas and Sarmov start at AM in support of David Gigliotti today. A dull scoreless first half tells me I need to open up more in the 2nd half. And we net 0 highlights in the 2nd half, as the game ends a scoreless draw, despite switching to a fairly aggressive 4-2-3-1 with 15 minutes to go. We had 6 shots, none of them on target.
Draw, 0-0, remain 5th

We drop to 6th after Sunday action.

Oct. 26, Carling Cup Third Round v. West Ham United (#14 in Championship)
We come out in an attacking 4-4-2 today. Simon Hagman and Jose Luis Ortiz pair up front in this formation, and they combine on our 1st goal… Hagman steals it from a defender in the 10th minute, but has it tackled away just outside the six… but it falls to Ortiz, who buries it. We make it 2-0 in the 15th, as Dimitri Daeseleire’s corner finds Hagman in the center of the box, and he heads it home into the upper left corner. Carlos Rodriguez makes a couple of great plays in the middle, but in the 35th he takes down Dean Ashton who is harmlessly going after a loose ball that was rolling out of play… and yields a PK. The Hammers convert to cut it to 2-1. We hold them off in the 2nd half, and actually squander a few chances of our own… but Hagman picks up an 8 and a goal in his first start of the season, and Borbely is named MoM off the bench.
Win, 2-1, advance to Carling Cup Fourth Round

We get another decent draw in the Carling Cup, as we’ll take to the road to face Leicester, another Championship side… that game will be on November 30th.

Oct. 30, Match 11 @ #14 Crystal Palace
Fernandinho returns to the lineup today, as does Julien Desmenez. Perez is our lone striker. Perez starts the game off with some more magic… he nods down a Tigorev long ball to Cia, who then returns the pass to him… Perez’s first touch seems to have dribbled it too far, but he beats the charging defender to it, and buries a 20+ yard screamer to put us ahead. We do well to hold Palace off, but when we switch to our 4-5-1 with 2 DM’s, they bury us in chances and finally convert one in the 83rd. We try to ratchet the attack back up, but by the time we get it going, the final whistle is blown, and we take a disappointing draw. The pbp seems to think we should be happy with the draw, but yielding that goal is deflating to me.
Draw, 1-1, remain 5th

Man City lose to Newcastle 3-0, wasting their chance to jump back over us in the table.

November ‘11
Cash balance: $27,757,909

Michael Cia finishes 2nd in Player of the Month voting, thanks to his 3 appearances with an 8 avR. He also scored 1 goal and had 2 assists in the month. Alex N’Diaye finishes 3rd in Young Player of the Month voting, and Jose Perez’s wonderful chip goal against Tottenham on October 2nd is voted 2nd best Goal of the Month.

I notice that Dimitri Daeseleire is now rated as both a DR and an MR… I plan to use this to my advantage with Samuelsson struggling at MR in the early going.

Nov. 5, Match 12 v. #15 Cardiff
We decide to use the 4-4-2 that we so efficiently dispatched West Ham with today. Hagman and Perez start at striker. Another poor first half by us, as Cardiff completely dominate the chances… our only good shot was a Hagman 10 yarder that was deflected out for a corner. The 2nd half runs by in a similarly disappointing fashion… until the 90th minute. Cardiff’s corner kick is headed on… by Carlos Augusto… he sends it long to sub. Jose Luis Ortiz, who runs past 3 defenders, then lobs the keeper from 20 yards out and scores! Finally, we provide some late heroics for once as our newest striker provides the game winner in the final stages! And just for good measure, Ortiz makes it 2-0 in the final seconds of stoppage time, as Pique’s header finds him again just onside, and able to beat the trap and power it home from 8 yards in. Ortiz rates a 9 in his finest outing as a member of the Posh yet.
Win, 2-0, up to 4th place

We sit 4 points off the leaders (Liverpool), but 2nd and 3rd place Chelsea and Newcastle have a game in hand to come, as do 6th place Arsenal. Newcastle and Arsenal fight to a 0-0 draw, preserving our 4th place standing through 12 matches. Chelsea lose at home to Fulham to remain 2nd, 1 point behind Liverpool.

Pique suffers a slipped disc during weight training that will see him out for 3 months. That means more playing time for young Carlos Rodriguez, who is spending some time in the reserves after struggling his last 2 times out.

Our stadium expansion is at last completed, which expands our stadium capacity to just under 20,000 (19,364 to be exact). This should help our bottom line a good bit, because this means we can shoehorn in a good many more folks for games with the big boys.

Fernandinho hits another injury, as he fractures a wrist on a fall in a training session… this time he’ll miss about a month of action.

GoSeahawks

07-17-2006, 10:28 AM

I’ve never played soccer or watched much of it, but I’ve been curious about FM for a while now. I decided to read this dynasty after you discussed the Posh in the FM impressions thread. All I have to say is that this dynasty is excellent. The game seems like it might be overwhelmingly deep for a soccer no nothing like myself. Anyway, keep up the good work and I’ll be rooting for you.

Butter

07-18-2006, 12:15 AM

Nov. 26, Match 13 v. #8 Aston Villa
Big game here, we come out in the 4-5-1 with 2 AM’s formation… defensive, and counter-attacking. Villa seem content to sit back and wait on their chances, which leads to a pretty drab early part of the match. In the 30th minute, Gareth Barry completes a wonderful cross to Milan Baros, who beats Martin Latka and makes him look silly while heading it in past Desmenez. 1-0 Villa at halftime, as we switch to an attacking 4-4-2. Finally, we get the leveler in the 70th minute after a long stretch of nothing… Daeseleire’s corner drops perfectly into the six, where Augusto’s volley is put into Villa’s own net by a defender… 1-1 with 20 minutes to go. We lose Cardenas with under 5 minutes to play to injury… and I’ve used all of my subs. We switch folks around and are able to hold the draw. Not the best performance by any stretch, but we get a point out of it.
Draw, 1-1, drop to 6th

We remain 5 points behind the leaders, Chelsea, as the top 10 are bunching up with only 7 points separating them.

Disaster for us, as Sherman Cardenas pulls up with a torn calf muscle in the last match, which will find him out for 4 months… that’ll keep him out well into March. He’s one of our finest players, but this season will definitely be one to forget for the 22 year old Colombian. Now my problem is, who to play at left wing? We don’t really have a replacement for Cardenas… just fill-ins. Looks like Darijo Srna will be the man for now, as we have many more options at right wing than at left.

Nov. 30, Carling Cup Fourth Round @ Leicester (#9 in Championship)
We come out in an attacking 4-4-2, with Hagman and Gigliotti reprising their former roles as #’s 1 & 2 up front. We make it 1-0 in just the 5th minute, as Gigliotti sends a fabulous cross into the six under great pressure, where Hagman beats the keeper and a defender to the ball to head it home… that’s Hagman’s 100th career Posh goal in all competitions, and it gives us a lead. The Foxes make it 1-1 in the 12th thanks to some sloppy central defending… both DC’s leave a man all alone at the spot, and he has no choice but to score from there. Hagman makes it 2-1 in the 23rd, as a poor ball by the keeper is headed onto Hagman by Lacroix, and Hagman is able to squeeze it under the keeper from 15 yards out. Hagman nets his hat trick in the 56th, as Gigliotti slips him a nice ball down the middle… the Swede runs onto it, and chips the keeper from over 25 yards out. A brilliant goal puts us comfortably ahead. Lacroix is brought down in the box in the 66th minute, and Edwards buries the PK to make it 4-1. We dominate the 2nd half, and win going away. Hagman the clear MoM with a 10 rating. Gigliotti and Lacroix both with 2 assists.
Win, 4-1, adv. to Carling Cup Fifth Round

Carlos Fernandes ends up with a strained ankle in this match, and he’ll miss 3-4 weeks.

We finish up an abbreviated November with a win and a draw in league play, and a convincing League Cup win.

December ‘11
Cash balance: $26,447,557

I have to now consider bringing over a couple of new players when the transfer window re-opens… a new keeper, and a left winger. Desmenez has not played very well, and Fernandes hasn’t either at the #1 spot this year. Desmenez maybe needs a couple of more years of seasoning before taking on the #1 role. And with Cardenas out on the left wing, we need another impact player in midfield. But I’m not sure how much I’m willing to spend for a short term solution to get us into Europe for next season.

Dec. 3, Match 14 @ #3 Newcastle United
We start Lacroix and Cia at AM’s and Simon Hagman up front vs. the Magpies today. A dreadfully dull first half ends scoreless. We pull Hagman (rating a 5) for Perez at the interval. Newcastle dominate the early stages of the 2nd half, and finally find a goal in the 68th… James Cooper buries a half volley from 8 yards to give them the lead. We’re again forced to play catch-up, and do it from the 4-4-2. Desmenez can’t handle a ripped 30 yard shot, and it goes off his gloves from 10 yards out and in for a 2-0 Newcastle lead. Perez leaves with an injury with less than 5 minutes to go, and that just adds injury to insult.
Loss, 2-0, drop to 7th

We’re letting good opportunities to solidify ourselves in the top 5 just pass us by. We were in this match, but just let Newcastle run over us in the 2nd half. I lash out at the team after the game.

Luckily, Perez’s injury is minor, and he’ll miss only about a week of action.

We will face either Bolton or Manchester United on the road in the Carling Cup Quarterfinals.

We get a sublime draw for the FA Cup Third Round, as we’ll host League Two Yeovil at London Road in early January.

Dec. 7, Match 15 @ #13 Blackburn Rovers
We start the 4-4-2 that was so effective against Leicester today… Gigliotti and Perez start at striker. We get on the board first in the 18th minute, as Srna’s cross from the right finds Gigliotti at the near post, and Frenchy McFrench heads it home. In the 36th, we get a PK opportunity, as Perez is pulled down from attacking a rebound… Gigliotti buries the PK, and we take a 2-0 lead. Gigliotti completes his first half hat-trick in the 38th, as Perez’s breakaway is crossed to Tigorev, who finds Cia near the by-line… he lays it off for Gigliotti, and he buries a 10 yarder past the diving keeper. The 2nd half zips by with little noteworthy action, and we win a 3-0 match. Gigliotti is named man of the match for his hat trick. N’Diaye and Srna pick up 9’s.
Win, 3-0, up to 5th place

The last 2 times we’ve run the 4-4-2 out there, we’ve dominated. We may have to make that a more regular formation.

Bolton beat Manchester United 5-1 in the Carling Cup, so that’s who we’ll be facing in the Quarterfinals in the coming weeks.

Dec. 10, Match 16 v. #7 Middlesbrough
We run the same formation as our last match, only this time pairing Hagman and Ortiz with fresh legs up front. Srna with a masterful cross in the 11th minute, and the Boro keeper with an even more masterful save on Hagman’s header that appeared destined for goal. Boro go up 1-0 in the 21st, as Carlos Esquivel scores off a corner kick. I implore the team for a result at halftime, and we come out firing. Lacroix with a nice steal in midfield in the 54th… he passes ahead to Hagman, who crosses near post for Ortiz, and the Bolivian heads it home to even the match. We get our 2nd goal, as Gigliotti’s header from a Lacroix corner kick is blocked, but the attempted clearance caroms off another Boro defender and in. An own goal gives us a 2-1 lead. To cap the game, we earn a penalty kick with seconds to go… Gigliotti misses it, but he’s able to essentially squander the rest of the match thanks to the play, and we take the win.
Win, 2-1, remain 5th

Liverpool now lead the league on 33 points… Chelsea are 2nd with 31, Newcastle are 3rd with 31 also, and we’re level with Spurs on 29 points, but trail them by 2 on goal difference. Everyone has a game in hand on us, but the nearest team to us is Man City in 6th, and they would need a 3 goal win to pass us.

Overall, this team is much better this season, and we’re definitely much improved on defense, as Dimitri Daeseleire is playing very well at DR, while Jan Tigorev has claimed the DL spot. Carlos Augusto has done well at DC, and Martin Latka is continuing his good play from the end of last season into this year. Even the backups are doing well, as Balazs Borbely is possibly having his finest season for us, mostly as a fill-in. We’ve been giving up far too many goals when the backups are in, though, and Desmenez has had problems with his handling. We’re definitely keeper hunting once January 1 rolls around.

Butter

07-19-2006, 12:36 AM

Dec. 17, Match 17 @ #18 Portsmouth
We come out in our 4-5-1 with 2 AM’s today. Pompey strike first, slicing through our defense with ease, and scoring in the 9th minute on a cross back post to Florent Sinama-Pongolle, who sticks it in. We pick up a PK attempt in the 15th, as Srna is elbowed on a 50-50 header in the box… Gigliotti steps up and scores his 8th of the year to tie it at 1. We yield another goal in the 35th, and our offside trap is being beaten like a rented mule. Robbie Keane nets that goal, and another in 1st half stoppage time, as Desmenez mis-times his jump on a cross in, allowing a header in behind him. 3-1 Portsmouth at halftime. Not much goes on in the 2nd half besides Carlos Augusto being forced off with injury. When your opponent decides to rate all 8’s, 9’s, and even a 10 in there, there’s not much you can do except sit back and shake your head.
Loss, 3-1, remain 5th

Dec. 21, Carling Cup Quarterfinal @ Bolton
We come out in an attacking 4-4-2 diamond style… Bolton are playing a 4-1-4-1, with only 1 attacker playing beyond midfield. We come out strong, but have a couple of good chances turned aside. We get the breakthrough in the 19th minute, as Daeseleire’s low ball into space finds Perez, who shoots first time and hammers it inside the far post. An otherwise drab first half finishes uneventfully, and we lead 1-0 at halftime. We back into a 4-5-1 with 2 DM’s with about 20 minutes to go… our counter-attack creates some nice chances, and our defense does a great job keeping Bolton out of our area… and we take another win.
Win, 1-0, adv. to Carling Cup Semifinals

We allow reserve GK Pedro to go out on loan to QPR, while young DC Carlos Rodriguez is loaned out to Sheffield United.

The semi-final draw for the Carling Cup is made… Championship side Southampton will host Arsenal, and we’ll host Tottenham Hotspur on January 11th.

Dec. 26, Match 18 v. #18 Leeds
With Liverpool and Chelsea on the horizon, we start sort of a 2nd team outfit in our 4-4-2 today. We dominate play early, and convert that into a goal in the 28th, as David Gigliotti buries a 22 yard free kick. Our short passing scheme seems to be lulling Leeds to sleep… they’re barely able to get the ball. They start to turn the tide in the 80th minute, and we’re forced into a shell late to try and preserve our lead. It works, but just barely.
Win, 1-0, remain 5th

We’re 8 points behind 1st place Chelsea, and 4 points behind 4th place Spurs. We’re keeping ahead of Arsenal and Boro, but just barely. And to make matters worse, 2nd place Liverpool is coming to town in 2 days’ time.

Dec. 28, Match 19 v. #2 Liverpool
We run the 4-4-2 attacking style again… Perez and Hagman are strike partners today, and Fernandinho makes his return from injury at AM…. This’ll be just his 5th appearance of the season. Carlos Fernandes gets his 3rd straight start at keeper today. After weathering some fierce Liverpool pressure, we finally get a chance of our own as Hagman and Perez break away from the pack… Perez with a nice cross to Hagman, unmarked in front of goal… and he hits it right into the keeper’s arms. 0-0 at halftime. 2 of our back 4 are rating a 5 at halftime… I only usually list 1 defensive player as a possible sub., so this is a problem. Right as I’m preparing to sub him out, Jose Perez elbows a Liverpool defender in the face, and gets a straight red card. We switch to a 4-4-1. Liverpool make it look easy as pie when they finally do score… 5 simple midfield passes, then an early ball in from Riise finds James Keene alone in front, and he volleys it past Fernandes for the game winner. We played fairly well, but I think that red card doomed us. Liverpool deserved to win, but it would’ve been nice to get some undeserved points sometime.
Loss, 1-0, drop to 7th

Arsenal and Boro continue their hot form, and both pass us in the table. We trail each by 1 point.

We draw 19,350 fans for that last match, a record for the Posh… and the gate receipts of $950k are a record as well.

January 2012
Cash balance: $26,191,693

Alex N’Diaye wins Young Player of the Month, and Carlos Augusto finishes 2nd for the award.

The board offer me extra transfer funds, boosting our possible funds from $7.75M to $20.5M. Time to go keeper huntin’.

Jan. 2, Match 20 @ #1 Chelsea
We come out in a defensive 4-5-1 with 2 AM’s today. Our offense is completely non-existent, as nearly the entire first half hour is played on our half of the field. Chelsea break through with a Lukas Podolski goal in the 23rd minute. We have another instance of tempers flaring, as Carlos Augusto is sent off in the 28th minute for punching a Chelsea attacker. We are reduced to 10 men, and unsurprisingly, Chelsea are able to just clamp down and control the ball for the rest of the game. We played poorly, but if you put the Blues in that position, they’ll kill you.
Loss, 1-0, remain 7th

Darijo Srna suffers a pulled hamstring, and will miss about 3 weeks. One of our precious few left wing options goes down. We intensify our transfer search for an ML.

Jose Perez is given an additional 2 match ban for his vicious elbow vs. Liverpool.

Jan. 4, Match 21 v. #10 Everton
After a number of close early chances, we finally break through, as David Gigliotti picks up Fernandinho’s excellent pass, and slots home a low shot for his 10th goal of the year in the 19th minute. Everton equalize on 28 minutes, as Terry Palmer jams home a point blank rebound. Emil Samuelsson with a magical goal in the 33rd minute, as he looked to be stopped on the right edge of the box, but instead turned, shot a bender to the far post, and got it to go in. It’s 3-1 in the 36th, as Bennett’s fine ball ahead of Gigliotti is found by the Frenchman, and he successfully lobs the keeper from 25+ yards. Gigliotti makes it 3 first half goals, as he is sent onside, then once again successfully chips the keeper from about 20 yards out this time. The Toffees pick up a consolation goal in the 74th minute, as Tim Cahill heads home a cross. Then, Everton worries me as they’re able to strike again, making it 4-3 with still nearly 10 minutes left. Then, Everton scores again on literally the next kickoff, making it a stunning comeback. A shocking let-down by the club, as we lose a 3 goal lead in the 2nd half. Gigliotti picks up a 10 for his hat-trick.
Draw, 4-4, remain 7th

We’re fading fast from contention for the Champions League, and may have to settle for trying to hang onto 7th if we can’t right the ship soon. Of course, if we could win the Carling Cup, that would guarantee us European football a bit early, so that would be nice.

Next up, our opener in the FA Cup, and then the first of 2 legs against Tottenham in the Carling Cup Semis.

bulletsponge

07-19-2006, 07:35 AM

Ohhhhh Nooooo

Butter

07-19-2006, 07:16 PM

Jan. 7, FA Cup Third Round v. Yeovil Town (#9 in League Two)
We get on the board quickly, as Edwards’ cross to the middle finds Hagman, who volleys it home from 8 yards in the 7th minute. The rest of the half is pretty drab, and we don’t dominate as I’d hoped, but Yeovil really are barely able to find our goal, let alone shoot at it. As Yeovil up their attack, we are able to grab a second goal… Georgi Sarmov with a fine pass to reserve striker Florian Da Costa, who slots it home from 17 yards out. We make it 3-0 in the 73rd, as Bennett knocks a ball into space that Hagman beats everyone to, and he knocks home a low shot past the charging keeper. That’s how it ends, as Yeovil didn’t net a single highlight in this one. Simon Hagman nets a 9 and MoM for his performance.
Win, 3-0, advance to FA Cup Fourth Round

The Fourth Round draw is made, and we do get a home game, but it’ll be against EPL side Everton.

Jan. 11, Carling Cup Semifinal, Leg 1 v. Tottenham Hotspur
A huge match for us… we need to win. And we promptly get off to a horrific start, as Joseph Yobo dribbles 75 yards on the counter attack, then successfully chips Fernandes to give Spurs a 1-0 lead after a quarter hour. After being trampled for the entire half, we get a gift in first half stoppage time, as Samuelsson’s chip into the box is handballed by Leighton Baines… Gigliotti converts the PK, and it’s all square at halftime. Hagman nearly makes it happen all by himself in the 75th, dribbling through 2 men, and delivering a great ball to Gigliotti, but his volley is saved. In the 79th, Fernandinho’s free kick finds Gigliotti in the middle of the six, and he makes no mistake! 2-1, Posh with 10 to play. And in the 86th, Alex N’Diaye hits a 30 yard strike in off the post, as Paul Robinson was caught flat-footed. 3-1, Posh. We nearly make it 4-1, but Latka’s header off another Fernandinho free kick is blocked out by Ledley King. A nice 2nd half to give us a 2 goal lead for the second leg. Gigliotti picks up a 10, and Fernandes a 9 in goal.
Win, 3-1, Leg 2 on January 25th at White Hart Lane

Arsenal takes a 2-0 lead over Southampton into their 2nd leg, which Arsenal gets at home. That one’s as good as over.

Damien Lacroix hurt his kneecap in this past match, and we lose yet another player with the ability to play on the left. He’ll miss 4 weeks of action.

Butter

07-21-2006, 12:16 AM

We conclude a long homestand with a home matchup in wet, breezy weather.

Jan. 14, Match 22 v. #15 Fulham
We stick with Carlos Fernandes in goal… but may have a new keeper on the horizon. Hagman and Gigliotti pair up front again. We get off to a quick start, as Fernandinho squares a ball at the top of the arc for N’Diaye, and he drives a 25 yard shot into the top right corner to put us ahead after just 2 ½ minutes. Fulham play us pretty tight thereafter, but we hold the halftime lead. We drop into a 4-5-1 with 2 DM’s late, and Fulham just launch an all out assault on our end… fortunately, we escape with the points.
Win, 1-0, up to 6th

We pass idle Boro into 6th, and now lay 3 pts. behind Arsenal in the table.

Finally, we make the big keeper signing that you’ve all been waiting for… this is maybe a bad move since Carlos Fernandes has awakened from his season long slumber… but we spend $7.25M to sign Piacenza keeper Claudio Bravo to a long term deal. Bravo is a 28 year old Chilean keeper with great stats. He has 20’s in command of area, handling, kicking, aerial ability, and concentration. He is also above a 15 in reflexes and one on ones, and aggression. He is a high quality keeper who has been doing well for Piacenza in Serie A for the last 3 seasons. With this signing, I offer Carlos Fernandes around for $3M, about $1M under his current declared value.

Tom Rose returns from his loan to Norwich in the Championship, and he played well… 1 goal and 3 assists in 15 starts, with a 6.87 avR.

I have been getting a number of offers for Emil Samuelsson, and decide to take a couple of teams up on them. They are offering right around $2M + 30% of next sale. I counter with $2.3M + 30%.

We sign 17 year old Irish AML Robert Kelly away from Aston Villa’s U-18’s during his final 6 months of contract. Kelly has double digit ratings in bunches of categories, and looks like he’s developing nicely. The best part is, he doesn’t want that much money. He signs for something like $60k for 3 seasons as a hot prospect. He will come over during the summer transfer period.

Jan. 21, Match 23 @ #12 Bolton Wanderers
Claudio Bravo makes his Posh debut in goal today. We go with a defensive 4-5-1 with 2 AM’s. Darijo Srna returns to the lineup today from injury. Bravo with a fine save in the 14th minute to keep it scoreless. After undergoing a bunch of pressure early on, we finally succumb in the 22nd, as a low cross to the near post is touched in past Bravo to put Bolton ahead. Jan Tigorev with a terrible touch in the 42nd minute, and he gives it away to the Bolton attacker, who is able to score a 30 yard chip over Bravo to make it 2-0. We switch to an attacking 4-4-2 before halftime. It makes no difference as Bolton merely clear their lines over the last 45 minutes, and we get crushed. Cia and Perez pick up 5’s, for which they were subbed out at halftime.
Loss, 2-0, drop to 7th

The media comment that Bravo had a “fairly terrible” start. I comment that he didn’t play well, but that his performances will improve once he gets used to our style of play. I notice that Bravo is angry at those comments, and is “already wondering about his future at the club”. Nice.

Emil Samuelsson agrees to a deal with Serie A relegation candidate Genoa, and we’re $2.3M richer… plus stand to gain 30% of any future fee the 22 year old nets his new club. Samuelsson had been with us since the 08/09 season. He had appeared in 20 senior matches for the Posh, with 2 goals and 1 assist… he was averaging right around a 6.5 this season through 11 starts… and at age 22, that intense promise I saw in him at age 18 had started to fade. Next year was a contract year, so I cash in on him now and gain some transfer money.

Jan. 25, Carling Cup Semifinal Leg 2 @ Tottenham Hotspur
Posh lead after Leg 1, 3-1
We play a 4-4-2 here with defensive tactics. The 4-5-1 has not been working lately, so I don’t want to keep throwing it out there, especially in such an important game. I give Bravo the start despite his “poor” morale. Hagman and Gigliotti are back to regular starters up front. We make a FABULOUS start, as in the 3rd minute, Gigliotti steals a throw-in, then sends it long to Hagman, who gets by 1 man, then successfully shoots low and under the keeper to put us ahead in the second leg 1-0. Spurs make it 1-1 in the 16th, as Darren Bent gets free on a counter, and successfully crosses to Nelson Valdez, who heads it past Bravo. 4-2 on aggregate now. Spurs score in the final seconds of the first half on another cross and header in, and all of a sudden, Spurs are down only 1 goal on aggregate going into the 2nd half. Spurs complete the comeback, and make it 3-1 in this match, and 4-4 on agg. In the 79th minute, as Leighton Baines drills a 20 yard free kick into the back of the net. In the 86th, Spurs with another breakaway… and N’Diaye hacks the player down, for which he gets a red. We’re down to 10 men with under 5 minutes to play in regulation. And, very predictably, Spurs score in the 90th minute to seal the win. Have to totally fault Bravo for this win. We scored a goal… all we had to do was not let in 3, but instead we let in 4. Nice job, newbie.
Loss, 4-1, Spurs win 5-4 on aggregate, Posh out of Carling Cup

Young MR Martin Clarke returns from his loan to Stoke, which was uneventful. He finishes with a 6.14 in 7 apps. (3 as a sub), with 1 assist.

Our keeper Carlos Fernandes signs a deal with Arsenal, for which we’ll receive no compensation as he is in the final year of his contract. Fernandes will move to the Gunners over the summer.

We’re just 2 ½ weeks removed from when Everton came back from 4-1 down in the 2nd half to level the match against us, and here they are in town again for the FA Cup.

Jan. 29, FA Cup Fourth Round v. Everton (TV)
We start Fernandes in goal today, trying to nurse Bravo’s psyche back to health. We score in the 16th minute, as a Fernandinho corner is headed down into traffic by Martin Latka… it’s stopped, but Latka is able to put in the rebound and give us the lead. We insert Jose Ortiz for a tiring Fernandinho at halftime, and it works nicely as Ortiz comes out and sets up Hagman for our 2nd goal in the 55th. We bring Claudio Bravo in in the 80th minute as a morale booster. Everton barely had a good look at goal the entire match.
Win, 2-0, advance to FA Cup Fifth Round

We get a decent draw for the Fifth Round, as we’ll host Blackburn Rovers in mid-February.

We end a disappointing January out of the Carling Cup in spectacularly disappointing fashion, but continuing on in the FA Cup… while dropping to 7th in the league. We won 4 games this month, but 3 of them were in cup play.

February ‘12
Cash balance: $26,679,367

Alex N’Diaye wins his 4th Young Player of the Month award this season, which all came after winning the Player of the Month award in August.

Feb. 1, Match 24 v. #17 Wigan Athletic
We run Bravo back out there today. Wigan control play early, but we score first… Ortiz’s 28th minute shot is parried, but he is able to gather the rebound and score his 5th goal of the season. Wigan immediately strike back, as they bury a 25 yard curler just inside the right post. Our slow collapse continues, as Alex N’Diaye yields a PK in the box in the 83rd minute. They convert it, and we’re losers once again. N’Diaye in possibly his worst game as a Posh player. No one played well here.
Loss, 2-1, remain 7th

Look who’s on our heels… it’s Manchester United. Our hope of finishing 4th or higher is fading, as we’re 11 points behind 4th place Arsenal now. Our hopes of finishing 7th or better will disappear soon as well, unless we get things going.

Butter

07-21-2006, 07:40 AM

I have to say, this morning that 4 goal choke job against Spurs (not "The Spurs") looks even worse. Don't know how I let that happen. Should've put 5 men in the back line and a sweeper to protect that lead. I just feel like changing to ultra-defensive tactics mid-game is a losing proposition, especially considering that I was already playing defensively.

Ugh, I still feel sick about it.

John Galt

07-21-2006, 08:09 AM

Butter

07-22-2006, 12:06 AM

Feb. 4, Match 25 @ #8 Manchester United
Battle for 7th place today… we need a win, or else I fear it’ll be mid-table obscurity yet again for us. The 4-4-2 counter-attacking style today. I notice Man U playing a very narrow 4-4-2 today, so I instruct our men to play wide, and to play balls down the wings. That worked well, as Wayne Rooney scores 55 seconds in past Bravo. Hagman and Gigliotti on a break in the 9th minute, but Hagman’s great cross for Gigliotti is butchered by the Frenchman. Midfielder Darron Gibson scores a 25 yarder in the 20th minute to put us down 2. N’Diaye is whistled for elbowing down a Man U. attacker in the box on a corner kick, and ManU convert the PK to go up 3-0. A total, unmitigated disaster, this. We actually show a bit of fight, and score on a cross and header in during first half stoppage to make it 3-1. Daeseleire to Gigliotti on that goal. I pull Alex N’Diaye for performance for the first time in memory. Perez and Gigliotti both come up empty on breakaways in the 2nd half thanks to Petr Cech, and we end 3-1.
Loss, 3-1, drop to 8th

We drop behind Man U., as they rise into 6th. Boro drop to 7th. We’re now 12 points adrift of 4th place.

Feb. 11, Match 26 v. #9 Manchester City (TV)
Damien Lacroix returns to the lineup today. We make a nice start here, as Daeseleire’s low ball into the box is found by Gigliotti, who half-volleys it in in the 9th minute. Bravo is unable to stop a close in header, despite the play being right in front of him in the 27th minute, and it’s all square. We get the lead back in the 39th, as Fernandinho sends a nice ball into space for Gigliotti… his first touch is a wonderful lob over the keeper, and we lead 2-1. Man City make it 2-2 in the 48th, as they score off a free kick from the left, and a header in past N’Daw…. He was manning the back post, and just missed the clearance on this shot. We start pushing for the winner in the 75th, and squander a couple of good chances… but in the 86th, Lacroix gets to the byline inside the box, then crosses for the back post, and Daeseleire sends a header goalward from a nearly impossible angle, but gets it to go! We back into a 4-5-1 with 2 DM’s, and take the win! A huge late goal by emerging right winger Dimitri Daeseleire sends everyone home happy.
Win, 3-2, up to 6th place

We jump into 6th only momentarily, as we are the first game of the weekend.

Dimitri Daeseleire has been steadily improving his play, and his conversion to a right winger is nearing completion. Daeseleire’s talents were being wasted as a simple defender, and has really shown a lot of good skill since playing in the midfield. Darijo Srna has not been the high quality acquisition we had hoped to solidfy the right wing, so Daeseleire’s emergence seems to be coming just in time. When Cardenas gets back, our midfield of N’Diaye, Cardenas, Daeseleire, and Fernandinho is going to be tough to stop. Naturally, as soon as I mention how well he’s playing, he comes down with the flu. He’ll miss a week.

Man U and Boro both fail to win later in the day, so we hold 6th place… for now.

Gigliotti comes up with an arm injury in training, and he’ll miss 3 weeks or so of action.

Andrej Mlinaric returns from his loan spell to Wolves… he was dazzling there, averaging a 7.06 in 16 starts, with 1 goal and 1 assist.

Feb. 18, FA Cup Fifth Round v. Blackburn Rovers (TV)
We take an 11th minute lead, as Fernandinho gets his 1st goal of the season on a 20 yard direct free kick. We dominate the 1st half, but aren’t able to score again, and lead 1-0 at the break. We make it 2-0 in the 54th, as Hagman gets a ball ahead of Fernandinho… the Brazilian is unmarked, and buries it from 12 yards out. Blackburn barely get into our box the whole match, and Claudio Bravo easily earns his 1st clean sheet.
Win, 2-0, advance to FA Cup Sixth Round

The Sixth Round FA Cup draw is held, and I have a premonition looking at the teams list that we will play Chelsea. Sure enough, we draw them, but at least we’ll get them at home in the Quarterfinals.

Carling Cup Final
Arsenal 3:3 Tottenham Hotspur (Arsenal win 4-2 on PK’s)

Feb. 29, Match 27 @ #4 Tottenham Hotspur
Man, do I want to beat them. We go with the attacking 4-4-2 here, hoping to surprise Spurs. We actually come out playing hard, but can’t close the deal in the box. Spurs look awful following their FA Cup defeat, but the first half ends 0-0. We pull Gigliotti with a minor injury in favor of Ortiz. And we open the 2nd half with a bang, as Perez jinks past 2 defenders, then crosses to the middle, where Daeseleire runs into space, gathers the pass, and scores past the keeper. Disaster in the 56th, as Darijo Srna trips a Spurs attacker in the box… the PK is taken, but Bravo stops it! Then in the 68th, we turn the tables with a quick counter-attack… Perez is pulled down on a breakaway, and we go a man up! We back into a 4-5-1 late, and are able to turn Spurs away a couple of times and hold on for the win. DC Carlos Augusto with possibly his finest performance as a Posh… he intercepted a number of late passes that appeared to be on their way past the back 4. Claudio Bravo is in a groove now too.
Win, 1-0, remain 6th

We lead 7th place Man U. by 1 point. We trail 5th place Spurs by 9 points.

March ‘12
Cash balance: $23,916,897

March 3, Match 28 v. #4 Arsenal
We stick with the attacking 4-4-2, but not without worry against a potent Arsenal attack. In the 11th, a weak backpass to the keeper finds Gigliotti and Hagman both converging on the keeper… Gigliotti wins the tackle on him, and Hagman is there to score into an open net from 15 yards out. Bravo with a wonderful save of a 6 yarder in 1st half stoppage time to keep it 1-0 Posh at halftime. We pull Srna and Gigliotti at halftime due to minor injuries. Ortiz comes off with injury in the 60th, and so we’re out of subs. We start to see more chances as Arsenal push forward more… and in the 75th, we convert one, as Fernandinho heads it on to Perez, who breaks the trap, and shoots it in between the keeper’s legs and into goal to make it 2-0. Walcott crosses to Reyes, who heads one in in the 89th to make it 2-1. We switch to a 4-5-1, and hold off Arsenal to take all 3 crucial points.
Win, 2-1, remain 6th, move to within 6 pts. of 5th place

Ortiz pulled a hamstring, and will miss 3 weeks… meanwhile, Simon Hagman suffers a wrist injury that’ll leave him out 1-2 weeks.

March 10, Match 29 @ #20 Charlton Athletic
These are the games that usually kill me. We stick with the attacking 4-4-2. Sherman Andres Cardenas returns to the lineup today, after missing over 3 months with a torn calf muscle. A boring first half ends 0-0. The 2nd half is back and forth, but Charlton break through 1st in the 80th… a 20 yard shot is deflected wide, but right to Aaron Lennon, who scores an easy 10 yarder. We don’t get much going late, and we take the loss. I had a feeling this was coming.
Loss, 1-0, remain 6th

We’re 7 points out of 5th, and 8 out of 4th now. Still a glimmer of hope if we can stay hot over our final 9 games and have the top 5 beat each other up. Charlton’s win actually vaults them into 17th, out of the danger zone for the time being.

Jose Perez will miss the remainder of the season with strained knee ligaments. The media ask me about it, and I say that it’ll be a loss, but we should be able to cover. Truth is, he’s sucked the last few months. But he’s happy with my public comments, so that’s all that matters.

I praise Claudio Bravo’s recent performances as well… if not for a bad bounce against Charlton and a late meaningless goal for Arsenal, he’d have 3 straight clean sheets.

Pique complains about his lack of use in the first team… I tell him to apply himself and he’ll get some chances.

March 18, Match 30 v. #8 Crystal Palace (TV)
The Eagles are pretty much playing out of their ass right now. Bravo with 2 fine saves, stopping a 6 yarder and its’ rebound in the 6th minute. The Palace goalkeeper plays out of his mind in the first half, but finally with mere seconds to play, Hagman’s cross to Gigliotti is a good one, and David is able to head it past the keeper to give us a 1-0 cushion at halftime. Palace consistently up their attack during the 2nd half, but we hold them off. Another tight 1-0 win out of our attacking formation. Bravo earns the MoM today.
Win, 1-0, remain 6th

We remain 7 points behind 5th place Arsenal.

Alex N’Diaye will miss 4 weeks of action with hamstring trouble, which was probably exacerbated by me leaving him in for over a half with the injury.

March 21, FA Cup Quarterfinals v. Chelsea
We get off to a flyer, as a Gigliotti cross is deflected out to the top of the area… Fernandinho gathers it, then curls a 30 yarder to the far post… and scores!!! Magical long-range goal from the Brazilian puts us ahead early! Chelsea level it on 18 minutes, as Lukas Podolski finds himself with space, and scores just inside the far post from a tight angle at 8 yards. That’s how it stays through halftime. Cristiano Ronaldo hits the post for Chelsea in the 70th. Bravo comes out with injury in the 80th minute. Chelsea smell blood with the backup keeper on, but we hold on for the draw to force a replay.
Draw, 1-1, replay scheduled for April 1 at Stamford Bridge

Bravo looks like he’ll miss a month with a badly sprained ankle. Just when he was coming into his own, too.

Butter

07-23-2006, 11:40 PM

Reserve GK Pedro returns from his loan to QPR… he did well for the Rangers, allowing 17 goals in 15 starts, including 7 clean sheets.

The Semifinal FA Cup draw is made… and we’d face Tottenham Hotspur yet again if we are able to make it through to the Semis over Chelsea.

March 24, Match 31 @ #19 Cardiff
Hagman and Gigliotti continue to pair up front. And the pairing works well in the 4th minute, as Godemeches sends a nice ball down the left, where Gigliotti gathers it, cuts inside with it, then lays it off for Hagman who side foots it in past the keeper for a 1-0 lead. Julien Desmenez is in goal now since Bravo is hurt, and he makes 2 very good saves in the 15th minute… first a diving fingertip job on a 20 yard free kick, then moments later his fine reflexes help him parry a header from less than 10 yards away. Just prior to halftime, Hagman makes it a brace, as Cardenas’ fine short pass is picked up by the Swede, and finished from 12 yards out. They left Hagman unmarked there, and he’s playing well today. We hold Cardiff down for the rest of the game, and take an easy win. All starters rated either an 8, except for Cardenas, who got a 9 rating.
Win, 2-0, remain 6th

We stand 5 pts. adrift of Arsenal for 5th now, and 7 behind 4th place Newcastle. The top 5 have us dominated on goal difference, so we’ll have to pass them on points in order to have a shot at moving up. We now lead 7th place Middlesbrough by 8 points. Manchester United drop to 10th.

Peterborough United offer me a new 4 year contract, as my current one is up at the end of June. They offer me $1.9M per year for 4 seasons. They offer me 3 wage/transfer budget choices, and I choose the one with the highest wage budget, and lowest transfer budget ($29.5M / $24M).

April ‘12
Cash balance: $22,335,277

Carlos Augusto wins the Young Player of the Month award for March. He averaged a 7.67 in 3 league starts for the month.

April 1, FA Cup Quarterfinal Replay @ Chelsea
We come out in a defensive 4-4-2. Chelsea dominate early, but most of their chances are fairly harmless… Desmenez barely breaks a sweat. Then in the 25th, we strike, as Gigliotti beats John Terry flat-footed, then slides a ball right to Hagman, who runs onto it and squeezes it inside the right post for a 1-0 lead. I implore the team to keep up their good performance, and it works briefly… but we squander 2 good chances inside the first 2 minutes of the 2nd half. Lampard hits the right post on a curling shot in the 50th minute, and Desmenez breathes a sigh of relief. But Chelsea score in the 55th on a soft goal… Carlos Vela hits a curling 30 yard shot, and Desmenez appears to get his hands on it, but it still slips in past him to level the match at 1-1. Valeri Bojinov scores in the 65th, another goal that looked stoppable. Ricardo Carvalho gets a 2nd yellow for the Blues in the 71st minute, and we grab some life. We switch to an aggressive 4-2-3-1, and ultimately a 3-2-3-2 late in the match, but Chelsea yield nothing. We had our chance, but apparently my halftime talk just killed our momentum.
Loss, 2-1, out of FA Cup

April 4, Match 32 v. #15 Blackburn Rovers
We go with Gigliotti and Fernandinho up front today as we try to get Michael Cia going. A dull first half ends scoreless. I feel like we’re suffering a hangover from the Chelsea loss, so I tell the team I’m disappointed with their 1st half effort. Fernandinho takes it to heart and scores a nifty 12 yarder in the 48th minute. Sadly, Blackburn level it in the 55th with a cross and header past Desmenez. As time winds down, not much happens, and it becomes clear that Rovers have successfully whittled away a point here.
Draw, 1-1, remain 5th

April 7, Match 33 @ #11 Aston Villa
We come out in our standard attacking 4-4-2. Villa dominate early, but it seems to even up towards the middle of the half. Then in the 31st, Franck Ribery gets unmarked on the left of the box, Gareth Barry finds him and Ribery scores to make it 1-0. We bring Damien Lacroix on for a bruised Gigliotti at halftime… in the 48th, Fernandinho finds Lacroix down the middle, and he scores high and hard past the keeper to make it 1-1. Hagman draws a PK call in the 55th, and Cardenas converts the penalty to put us up 2-1. We go up 3-1 in the 69th, as N’Diaye sends a great ball just onside to Hagman… his shot is tipped wide, but Lacroix is able to get to the rebound and poke it home. Fernandinho with a great 2nd half performance as he rates a 9 and wins MoM.
Win, 3-1, remain 6th

We’re still 5 back of 5th place Arsenal, but 9 behind 4th place Newcastle. We hold a 6 point advantage still on 7th place Boro, so our position looks to be pretty cut and dried. We have 5 more games to either blow it or make a surprise run, but it looks like we’re going to be set for the UEFA Cup next season, barring catastrophe.

April 9, Match 34 v. #4 Newcastle
Our 4th match in 9 days comes at home today, ending a rough stretch for us. Luckily, our guys are pretty fit, and we’re able to start most of our 1st team that just played 2 days ago. We’re forced to pull Hagman and Gigliotti by the 35th minute with minor injuries, and Lacroix and Ortiz become the de facto strike force. All things considered, we play the 4th place team very well in the first half, and go into the showers scoreless. Both teams just look sluggish in the 2nd half, and neither looks interested in winning… it ends scoreless. Desmenez with several good saves to keep our sheets clean, and he picks up the MoM honor.
Draw, 0-0, remain 6th, 4 pts. behind 5th place

We have 4 games left, 3 on the road… 2 against bottom 3 opponents (Portsmouth, Leeds), 1 against a team that could still catch us (Middlesbrough), and 1 against a top 4 team (Liverpool). 2-1-1 should be enough for us to clinch Europe for next season… but strange things do happen in the final weeks of an EPL season.

Butter

07-25-2006, 11:32 PM

April 14, Match 35 @ #7 Middlesbrough
Steve McLaren knows his club needs a win to stand any chance of climbing the standings before the season ends. We lead Boro by 4 points with 4 to play. Our attacking style is exposed early by Boro, as they get a header to deflect in off a defender for a 1-0 lead. Then in the 4th minute, they pick up another goal against our shocked defense. 2-0 before we hit 5 minutes played. Boro make it 3-0 in the 26th minute, as they nail a 25+ yard strike against a helpless looking Desmenez. We look much better in the 2nd half, and get our first goal in the 73rd minute, as Srna picks out Lacroix on the run… he’s onside and beats the keeper 1-v-1 to make it 3-1. Boro tighten up after that, and that’s how it finishes. Lacroix with a nice 8, but the rest of the team was awful.
Loss, 3-1, remain 6th

We drop to 7 pts. behind Arsenal with 3 games to play… essentially out of the running to move up. But Middlesbrough can still catch and pass us if we falter late in the season. At the top, Chelsea looks like they will be able to do just enough to hold on to the top spot, but Liverpool still have a shot at it with 3 to go.

April 21, Match 36 v. #19 Portsmouth
Can I send the South Coast squad to almost certain relegation? Claudio Bravo returns from injury in goal today. It looks good in the 21st minute, as Sherman Cardenas gets a 30 yard free kick to trickle in past the keeper’s fingertips. But Pompey level it in the 28th, as Florent Sinama-Pongolle breaks ahead of the pack and scores a 10 yard screamer past Bravo. I scream at the team at halftime for their poor performance. Doesn’t work… Pompey make it 2-1 in the 48th, as Sinama-Pongolle wins a ball in midfield, then beats another defender to it, and then lofts a lovely chip from 15 yards over Bravo to give them the lead. But Srna draws a foul just at the edge of the box in the 52nd, and Cardenas hits another free kick straight in to make it 2-2. Not a great result, but that’s how it finishes. The draw leaves Portsmouth 4 points from safety with 2 to play… and we have to wait until Boro plays tomorrow to see if we hold 6th.
Draw, 2-2, remain 6th

Sadly for us, Alex N’Diaye broke his wrist in this match, and will miss the remainder of the season.

Middlesbrough beat last place Leeds 2-0 to leap over us into 6th place… they now stand on 58 points, while we sit on 57.

April 28, Match 37 @ #20 Leeds
We come out in a defensive 4-4-2, knowing Leeds has to play for a win to avoid relegation. Jose Perez and Simon Hagman both return from injury and start today. We get on the board in the 24th, as Perez sends a long ball to Hagman… he gets ahead of the pack, fakes out the keeper and scores. Bad luck for Leeds, as they hit a crossbar on a 26th minute free kick. In the 2nd half, Jose Perez starts out with a magical 25 yard strike to put us up 2-0 in the 52nd. We yield a PK, and Tigorev gets a red in the 57th minute. Leeds convert it, but get a little bit too happy… as Lacroix crosses for Perez just seconds later, and we restore our 2 goal advantage. In the 65th, we make it 4-1, as Perez chases a ball down in the corner, then sends in a low pass to Cardenas at the edge of the six… Cardenas touches it on into the net for his 5th goal of the season. Then, we go down 2 men, as Nathan Bennett picks up a 2nd yellow card in the 69th minute. We actually get better chances in the final 20 minutes than Leeds, and hold on for the 4-1 win.
Win, 4-1, up to 6th

That’s right, Boro only manage a draw on the road to Everton, so we take back 6th place and hold a 1 point lead going into the final Sunday. The loss clinches relegation for Leeds, and Portsmouth are on their way down as well with another loss.

May ‘12
Cash balance: $22,779,820

Dimitri Daeseleire finishes 2nd in the Young Player of the month voting.

Chelsea clinch another title with a mid-week win.

On the final weekend, we have to visit 2nd place (and stuck there) Liverpool, while Middlesbrough get to host Fulham, who are guaranteed of staying up, but not much more than that.

May 6, Match 38 @ #2 Liverpool
The Reds could still be passed by Spurs if they lose this game and Tottenham win theirs, so they do have a lot to play for here. The game starts even, but slowly Liverpool begin to take over. Liverpool get a PK in the 43rd minute, as someone is taken down on a mad scramble for a rebound of a free kick… they convert it, and take a 1-0 lead into halftime. Bad news for us, as Boro take a 1-0 lead on Fulham just before halftime as well. Liverpool make it 2-0 in the 61st, as Xabi Alonso hits a strike into the upper 90 from over 20 yards out, and Bravo had no chance to stop that one. We switch to a 3-4-3 with 25 minutes to go, knowing we need a win to hold 6th. Liverpool just shut us down, and we take the loss. We also find out that Boro win at Fulham 2-0 to push us into a 7th place finish.
Loss, 2-0, finish 7th

A tough way to finish up, but it was a big ask to win this game in order to hold position.

Wigan started the day 18th, and would’ve pushed Blackburn into relegation with a win… but instead they lose 5-0 at Aston Villa to become the 3rd and final team to go down.

We win $16,000,000 for our 7th place league finish, which is a record high for us.

flere-imsaho

07-26-2006, 08:36 AM

Congrats!!! You keep on improving! I think Europe is definitely within your grasp, and soon.

Butter

07-26-2006, 09:29 AM

I think Arsenal's win in the Carling Cup means that we'll at least make the Inter-Toto Cup, if not the UEFA Cup outright with a 7th place finish.

Butter

07-27-2006, 12:04 AM

Final player stats
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/th_finalstats11-12.jpg (http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/finalstats11-12.jpg)

Final standings
Click here, as I can't get the thumbnail to work. (http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/Butterof69/finalstandings11-12.jpg)

2011-12 Final Statistics
Avg. attendance: 17,403 (20th)
Goals scored/conceded: 57 / 50 (6th / 11th)

Average rating
1. Jermain Defoe (Arsenal) – 7.56
9. Alex N’Diaye – 7.39
12. Sherman A. Cardenas – 7.32

Goals
1. Valeri Bojinov (Chelski) – 31
9t. David Gigliotti – 16
19t. Jose Manuel Perez - 11

Assists
1. Thierry Henry (Arsenal) – 13
8t. Jose M. Perez - 8

End of season squad review
In brief

Goalkeepers
Claudio Bravo is the keeper of the moment, Julien Desmenez is the wave of the future, Carlos Fernandes’ time is up.

Defense
Martin Latka and Carlos Augusto appear to have nailed down the DC spots… but we need some backups, and a new starter at DR, as Rob Edwards is going bye-bye, and Jan Tigorev will be our DL starter next season. Our defense was improved, but still not good enough to become a perennial contender. We’ll be going shopping again at this position.

Midfield
A down year from Fernandinho, hampered by injury… Cardenas was also injured a good bit, but was great when he did play. Michael Cia disappeared this season, but Alex N’Diaye excelled at DM, as the only Posh player picked to the Players’ Select XI for the 2011-12 season. Dimitri Daeseleire started to win the MR job. We could use more depth at the wing spots, and at AM.

Strikers
Gigliotti had a fine season after a slow start. Jose Perez had a rough 2nd half after a very fast start. And Simon Hagman was fairly dependable as our #3. Jose Luis Ortiz was a bit disappointing, while Damien Lacroix seemed to play well in spots here. Not a major offseason priority, but if we can find a superstar, I’ll always take him.

UEFA Cup Final
Tottenham H. 0:2 Manchester Utd.

FA Cup Final
Chelsea 3:2 Manchester Utd.

Sherman A. Cardenas grumbles about a new contract, so we give him one… worth about $15.5M over the next 5 seasons. The 22 year old Colombian has improved every year since coming over from his Colombian club team, and we’re happy to lock him up long term.

UEFA Champions League Final
Chelsea 1:1 Inter Milan (Inter win 4-2 on PK’s)

We make a good young signing, as 21 year old French striker Thibault Bourgeois agrees to join the Posh on a free transfer from Ajaccio. Bourgeois signs for only about $85k per season for 3 years as a hot prospect. He is very fast, and has good finishing and ball skills. He needs to improve on his agility and jumping, but should be a good addition to our depth chart, for cheap.

We make the first transfer move of the summer, as we get 27 year old Tottenham reserve DRC Glen Johnson to agree to a move to us, for $4.9M to Spurs. Johnson will get about $2M per season through 2015, which is about a 50% pay cut from his current contract. He struggled this past season after being relegated to a mostly bench role, but averaged a 7.1 in 2010/11 for Spurs as a regular starter.

West Ham United win the Championship Playoffs, and will join Ipswich and Birmingham as new arrivals to the EPL next season.

Darijo Srna agrees to a deal with Blackburn Rovers. We spent a lot of cash to bring Srna over 2 seasons ago, and he was largely a disappointment in that time. Srna appeared in 56 games over 2 seasons, netting 10 assists and 2 goals, while averaging right around a 6.9. We need at least a 7 if not more to be a regular starter for us, so he is sent packing.

We re-sign Balazs Borbely to another one year deal… we cut his salary a good bit last season, and this year it’s going down another $250k from $750k to $500k for next year.

June ‘12
Cash balance: $34,320,658

2012/13 European qualifiers decided
Champions League: Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Chelsea
UEFA Cup: Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Peterborough
Inter-Toto Cup: Aston Villa, Bolton

We made Europe! Nee-ha!

Georgi Sarmov is the next current Posh to go, as he signs up with Dutch side Roda JC. Sarmov has been with us a long time, since our first year in the Championship. He appeared in 113 games over 5 seasons… he scored 13 goals and had 8 assists in that time. His avR was in the 6.7 neighborhood the last 3 seasons, so it was time to let him go.

We make another big transfer move, paying PSV $7.5M + 25% of next sale for 22 year old Brazilian center back Sidnei. Sidnei signs for $1.3 M per season through 2015. Sidnei rates a 20 in the most important defensive technical attributes (heading, marking, tackling), and also rates a 20 at positioning and decisions. His speed is his only concern, as it is average at best. But he should be a fine addition to a struggling defense.

David Gigliotti is voted Fans’ Player of the Year for the 3rd time in 4 seasons.

We pick up $26.5M for next season’s TV rights. The board decide to pay out $9.5M to shareholders in dividends. Our transfer budget for next season is announced at $20.5M… meanwhile, our wage budget has been increased to $41M from around $29M.

A local council blocks our plans to expand the stadium… so we’ll have to try again.

I notice the board are delighted with me and expect a safe, mid-table position… but the supporters want me to qualify for Europe again this season. That’s the plan, fellas.

It is cruelly announced that we’ll open our league season on the road at Chelsea.

July ‘12
Cash balance: $37,892,596

We sign the following players to contracts on 7/1:
17 year old AML Robert Kelly
21 year old ST Thibault Bourgeois
27 year old DRC Glen Johnson
22 year old DC Sidnei

EURO 2012 Final
Greece 0:2 Italy

I decide I am now officially bored with pre-season friendlies, and let my new Assistant Manager, Mark Irvine, control and schedule them. First up, we draw Southampton 1-1 on July 7th. Sherman Cardenas takes the MoM honors, and Claudio Bravo picks up a nice 8 for his first half shutout.

Next up, we complete the pre-season, and look forward to our European debut!

flere-imsaho

07-27-2006, 10:21 AM

Wow, can't believe you let Srna go. Did you get anything for him?

Butter

07-27-2006, 11:57 AM

Wow, can't believe you let Srna go. Did you get anything for him?

Nope, his contract was up. He wanted over $2 million for salary, and I couldn't see paying that to him knowing he was going to be a backup. Plus, he's 29 now in 2012, so he's gone. He never seemed to really take a game over like I thought he might before he came. Plus, despite his apparent flexibility to play at fullback and midfield, his marking skills just aren't good enough to play in the back 4. Also, I was more impressed with Damien Lacroix's season, and since he can play both ML and MR spots, I felt comfortable in not re-signing him.

But yeah, $6.5M in transfer money essentially gone after 2 year with little to no return is not that great.

Butter

07-30-2006, 03:13 PM

We get a $2.9M offer for Pique from Birmingham, and accept it… he had a bad year in his first with the Posh, so this seems like a good deal for me. He quickly agrees to a deal with the Blues, and we pick up a good bit for the disappointing center back. I also offer around Simon Hagman and Michael Cia, who both carry around about $5M price tags, as both are entering their contract years. We get no nibbles for Cia, but Hagman gets interest from Turkish club Fenerbahce…. But Hagman snubs their contract offer, not wanting to move to Turkey, so we’re out $4.1M that they would’ve paid us for him.

We attempt to negotiate new deals with David Gigliotti, Fernandinho, and Alex N’Diaye, who are all also on their final years of contract. Gigliotti agrees to a new contract quickly… it’s a modest raise, as he’ll now make $2.1M per season through 2015. Both Fernandinho and Alex N’Diaye reject their initial offers, and I have to raise them to the maximum allowed of me… which is $4.4M per season. Fernandinho rejects that offer, but N’Diaye accepts the 3 year deal worth around $15.5M total.

We draw Celtic 1-1 in our 2nd friendly, and in the 3rd against Werder Bremen, we lose to the German powers 3-1 at London Road. The bad news in this game is that Jose Perez breaks his toe, and will miss about 2 months of action. Good thing I didn’t sell Hagman, then.

In friendly #4, Jose Ortiz scores a brace as we beat the reserves 2-0… Bravo comes up with an arm injury in the match that could see him miss our season opener at Chelsea.

August ‘12
Cash balance: $33,064,079

Liverpool offer me around $6M for Julien Desmenez… he continues to improve, and I reject the offer.

EPL odds
Chelsea, Liverpool – 7:4
Arsenal – 3:1
Tottenham – 12:1
Man Utd. – 14:1
Newcastle – 33:1
Peterborough – 50:1

That price gives us an outside chance at a title run.

19 year old AMRC Tom Rose agrees to join Southampton on loan for 5 months. It’ll be interesting to see how Rose plays in the Championship, as he looks to be a potential star.

Aug. 11, Match 1 @ Chelsea
Opening match starting lineup:
GK: Bravo
D (L-R): Tigorev, Sidnei, Rodriguez, Johnson
M: N’Diaye, Cardenas, Daeseleire, Cia
F: Fernandinho, Gigliotti

We come out in a defensive 4-4-2 with counter-attacking on. In the 17th, Cristiano Ronaldo is allowed to run about 50 yards with no one closing him down… he finds Bojinov with a tiny crack of space, and he powers it in from 12 yards out. Joe Cole makes it 2-0 in the 20th minute, as again Ronaldo creates a nice goal. We fight back in the 22nd, as Fernandinho crosses from the left touch line, finding Gigliotti holding off John Terry, and Gigliotti scores. Sidnei body checks Robert Huth on a corner in the 24th, allowing a PK… Frank Lampard converts it, and we’re down 3-1. Sherman Cardenas buries a free kick on the edge of the box in the 31st to make it 3-2. We hit halftime, and it’s an astonishing 3-2. Our defensive tactics have been dreadful. We switch to a slightly different formation, the 4-5-1 with 2 AM’s in a defensive stance in the 2nd half. Chelsea seem content to just keep men behind the ball in the 2nd half, so we’re forced to come forward more and more… but it has no effect. Our best chance comes in the 88th, as Alex N’Diaye’s 25 yarder hits the crossbar and bounces away. We fail to make a statement in the season’s first match.
Loss, 3-2, begin in 17th

Tough way to open the season, but I thought in the end we might pull a point out of thin air. Alas, we could not against the perennial champions.

Aug. 15, Match 2 v. #17 Aston Villa
Carlos Augusto and Julien Desmenez are away playing in the Olympics, so we’re without them for the time being. We come out with largely the same personnel as in game 1, except this time we start Ortiz and Hagman up front. We get off to a lucky start, as Hagman scores his 100th career league goal… he got a deflected shot to creep over the line from 20 yards out to put us ahead. Then in the 19th, Fernandinho with a stunning goal from 30 yards out… he gathered in an attempted clearance of a Hagman cross, and caught the Villa keeper out of his goal to make it 2-0. Some nifty midfield passing ends with Daeseleire’s first touch onto Hagman, who winds up and fires it low from 12 yards, and scores to make it 3-0 in first half stoppage time. Hagman makes it a hat trick in the 62nd, as he scores a lucky goal from 15 yards… Daeseleire again set up Hagman nicely, and Simon with a tricky lob that just squeaks in under the crossbar. We run out the rest of the time, and go home easy winners. Hagman’s 10 earns him MoM honors, but Sidnei with a nice 9 in defense anchored the back 4.
Win, 4-0, up to 5th

Villa drop to the bottom of the table with the blowout loss. I suppose I’m glad now that Hagman rejected the offer to leave for Fenerbahce, as he looked terrific today. Maybe he’ll be one of those guys who plays way over their head during their contract years.

Aug. 18, Match 3 @ #18 Charlton Athletic
We stick with attacking tactics on the road against the relegation candidates. After applying a lot of early pressure, we get the breakthrough in the 32nd… N’Diaye’s shot from distance is stopped, Gigliotti’s follow-up is parried, but Fernandinho’s 3rd attempt is spot on to make it 1-0. Fernandinho already with 2 goals this season, matching 50% of last year’s output for him. We make it a 4-5-1 to start the 2nd half, bringing Gigliotti off for a minor injury. Charlton create some nervous moments in the 2nd half, but we have a couple chances of our own to make it 2-0… in the end, it finishes 1-0. Glen Johnson steps from a 6 v. Chelsea to a 7 v. Villa to an 8 in this match. Carlos Rodriguez is also looking good in central defense… the young Spaniard had an 8 for a large portion of the 2nd half. Bravo has also been playing well, in this game making 2 great decisions to come for the ball that thwarted potential scoring chances.
Win, 1-0, up to 2nd place

The team just looks more skilled right now than ever before… and when Carlos Augusto gets back to pair with Sidnei or Rodriguez along the back 4, we’ll be that much stronger. If we can keep everyone healthy, this could be a special season. I am considering adding another striker, just to give us some depth and another consistent threat, since Ortiz seems unable to create much when he’s in. I am preparing to insert new signee Thibault Bourgeois to see how he competes… he’s been out injured the first couple weeks of the season.

Aug. 21, Match 4 v. #12 Manchester United (TV)
The early season gauntlet continues, as we maintain our attacking tactics at home here. Nice save by Bravo in the 17th of a pacey Wayne Rooney effort. 10 minutes later, Bravo stops Rooney again, but he collects his own rebound and scores past the Chilean keeper. Man U show their class in the 43rd, scoring a brilliant goal on which Patric Evra squeezed a tight pass through traffic, and young Darron Gibson first-timed it past Bravo. 2-0 Red Devils at the break. As per usual, we fail to apply much pressure in the 2nd half, and fall to Man U without much of a fight, to be honest. These attacking tactics are so hit and miss it’s not funny.
Loss, 2-0, drop to 4th

flere-imsaho

07-31-2006, 08:32 AM

It's Man U, though, surely your tactics won't be as good against the very top teams? :)

Anyway, it's amazing to see Hagman still playing, and still playing well. When you first got to the EPL I figured he'd be on his way, unable to hang with the competition, but no, he's a keeper! :D

Butter

07-31-2006, 12:06 PM

Conceitedly, I like to delude myself into thinking that I have a top-4 team. Apparently, these games remind me that I do not. But if I were to have played defensive tactics, I tend to think it would've finished much the same, but only with Man U. having about 3 times more shots and chances. Or maybe it would've been 4-3 in a shootout like the Chelsea match.

Either way, hopefully we can limit our losses to top tier competition this season, and climb into that top 4 category ourselves.

Funny thing about Hagman is, I try to sell him, he refuses... then comes out in his next appearance and nets a hat-trick. He's 28 now, but still more than serviceable against the mid-level EPL teams.

Butter

08-03-2006, 12:14 AM

The draw for the UEFA Cup First Round is held… we’re seeded for the draw, and we draw Danish power Brondby. The first leg of the First Round will be played at London Road on Sept. 13th, with the return leg to Brondby 2 weeks later.

Aug. 26, Match 5 @ #8 Cardiff (TV)
A good opening 15 minutes turns boring late in the first half, and it’s 0-0 at halftime. Cardiff turn defensive late, and we turn offensive, but the 2nd 45 is worse than the first. It ends nil-nil. Carlos Rodriguez continues his positive start, netting an 8 and MoM honors in central defense.
Draw, 0-0, up to 9th

We make an effort at signing a highly skilled Brazilian striker from Palmeiras, but his work permit application falls through on the eve of the transfer deadline, so we fail in our effort.

September ‘12
Cash balance: $33,464,618

We do loan in promising looking young striker Arjan van Norel from PSV for a season’s loan. He has some good looking attacking skill, but needs some polish to his game. We’ll give him a few chances to help, but we may well cut the loan short if he does us no good.

We’re dropped to 12th after some Saturday games… we finally get back into action after some European qualifiers run their course.

Sept. 10, Match 6 v. #7 Blackburn Rovers
Carlos Augusto makes his 1st start of the season today. Daeseleire misses a point blank rebound in the 25th minute that would’ve put us ahead. Gigliotti and Hagman look like they have no confidence whatsoever up front. We dominate Rovers in the first half, but somehow it’s 0-0 at halftime. We put the PSV reserve Arjan van Norel on the field for Hagman in the 2nd half. In the 49th, Glen Johnson blocks a 20 yard shot, but it falls right to Paul Gallagher who puts it away from inside 12 yards. After a half hour of frustration, we get the equalizer… Daeseleire’s 20 yarder is blocked, but van Norel is at the back post to tuck it away. 1-1 with 15 minutes or so to play. Again, we barely look dangerous late in a tight game, and it ends in another draw.
Draw, 1-1, remain 12th

A win would’ve seen us back in the top 5. We need to start playing better.

Sept. 13, UEFA Cup First Round – First Leg v. Brondby (DEN) (TV)
We come out attacking, and we get off to a flyer in our first ever European competition… Daeseleire with a great long ball to Gigliotti… he splits the defense, jinks the keeper, and skims it home. We lead after 80 seconds. Sadly, we yield a PK in the 28th minute, and defender Pablo Sebastien Melgar gets Bravo guessing wrong and scores it. I scream at the team at halftime. Cardenas is looking particularly bad. Off the 2nd half kickoff, Hagman just dribbles it straight down the right, all the way to the byline, then crosses… Cardenas’ header is tipped wide, but the attempted clearance by Melgar is right into the back of the net. An own goal gives us a 2-1 lead. Brondby have a player sent off in the 70th for kicking David Gigliotti. We get an insurance goal in the 86th, as Daeseleire is open on the right… he crosses back post, where Damien Lacroix heads it in. And 1 more for good measure in the final seconds of stoppage time… N’Diaye’s corner is punched by the keeper, but a weak punch finds the ball at the foot of Guirane N’Daw at 20 yards, and he scorches one into the twine to give us the 3 goal win. Dimitri Daeseleire rates a 9 and MoM, and we respond very well to my halftime tirade.
Win, 4-1, Second Leg in 2 weeks

Sept. 16, Match 7 @ #2 Bolton
We actually moved up a spot by sitting idle… we’re at #11 coming into this showdown at the Reebok. Bolton look like supermen early, and Michael Cia doesn’t help our cause with a stupid giveaway around 30 yards out… a nifty pass later, Bolton lead 1-0. We compose ourselves later in the half, but still go in behind a goal. We look much better in the 2nd half, but still can’t seem to score. We have a goal called back in the 70th, as Thibault Bourgeois was fractionally offside when the ball was played ahead to him. That was pretty much our last hurrah, as we don’t threaten again. Another frustratingly non-offensive match for our supposedly high-powered offense. Claudio Bravo is named MoM, which is usually not a good sign.
Loss, 1-0, drop to 12th

Cardenas hurt his neck in this match, and will miss about 2 weeks with a strain.

Butter

08-03-2006, 02:09 PM

Sept. 22, Match 8 v. #9 Newcastle United
Jose Perez with his first action of the season today. Lacroix gives a tiring Cardenas a day off at ML. We show the Magpies our defensive 4-4-2 today. It seems that the first 30 minutes are all played in our end, so we switch to attacking tactics to try and keep the ball out of danger. We still can’t seem to mount an attack of any consequence, though we do get to halftime scoreless. We look better in the 2nd half, but Newcastle punishes us on a counter-attack, as Michael Owen beats Guirane N’Daw for pace, then slots home a lovely shot just inside the near post from 20 yards out to make it 1-0 Newcastle in the 59th. The team is playing totally without heart or character right now. We make no effort to come back, and lay down for another loss.
Loss, 1-0, drop to 13th

The Carling Cup draw is made, and we’ll host Middlesbrough on October 24th in Third Round action.

We seem to be nose-diving a bit with 5 straight league matches without a win. Next up, we try to hold a 3 goal advantage as we travel to Denmark for the UEFA Cup. Full defensive tactics will be in action.

Sept. 27, UEFA Cup First Round, Second Leg @ Brondby (DEN) (TV)
Posh lead 4-1
I start some 2nd teamers in this one, and we come out with a lot of energy. Nathan Bennett pops free and scores from a nice pass by Daeseleire in the 10th minute, and we go up 4 goals on aggregate. It stays that way through halftime, with Brondby barely posing a threat. In the 80th minute, we put it away, as N’Daw crosses to the center, where our lone striker today, Arjan van Norel half-volleys it home. 2-0, Posh. Michael Cia gets a garbage time goal, as he knocks in a rebound of a 6 yard Nathan Bennett shot. The final whistle goes, and we blow through our first European Cup tie with ease. Glen Johnson and Dimitri Daeseleire pick up 9’s in the match.
Win, 3-0, Posh advance 7-1 on aggregate

The Group Stage is drawn, and we draw Group A, alongside Aberdeen (SCO), PSV (NED), Hamburger SV (GER), and Paris St. Germain (FRA). Not an easy group with Paris and PSV in there.

We pick up about $1M total for our First Round win and our advancement to the Group Stage.

Sept. 30, Match 9 @ #1 Tottenham Hotspur
It’s going to get harder and harder for us to get back in the race if we don’t start getting some points. We open in the same 4-5-1 that was so effective v. Brondby… Perez as the lone striker. And our gameplan is undone in the 3rd minute, as Spurs net a breakaway, and Yaya Toure smashes it home from 15 yards to take the lead. The team appears to be falling apart midway through the first half… Johnson and N’Diaye have minor injuries while Daeseleire has a knock that requires attention as well. Perez and Sidnei are rating 5’s, while N’Daw’s stamina is already under 80%. I call the team clueless at halftime, and we open the 2nd half with a goal inside of 45 seconds… Fernandinho crosses to Gigliotti, who heads it in at the back post. We’ve switched to an attacking 4-4-2 for the 2nd half. We are dominating Spurs in the 2nd half, but then Bravo makes a bonehead play, coming out too far to snatch a cross, but Crouch beats him there and heads it into an open goal for a 2-1 Spurs lead with 20 minutes to play. Things fall completely apart after that, as Darren Bent scores 2 minutes later to make it 3-1. Cardenas gets one back for us in the 82nd with a 19 yard free kick that goes straight in. That’s how it ends, another loss.
Loss, 3-2, drop to 14th

We’re now 0-2-4 in our last 6 league matches. We trail the 1st place Spurs by 16 points.

Butter

09-27-2006, 07:56 PM

October ‘12
Cash balance: $27,688,097

A completely winless September in league play is thankfully over. We played alright against Spurs, but continue to struggle.

Another FIFA International weekend comes the first weekend of October, so we get a week off.

11 games into the season, and we’ve averaged scoring 1.7 per game, and are allowing just 1.1. The problem is, 7 of those 17 we’ve scored came against Brondby. So, really, for league purposes, we’ve scored 10 goals, and allowed 11. Our defense has improved… but our offense has become anemic. Where once we were among the league leaders in goal scoring, now we are barely scraping together 1 goal per game.

Thanks to heavy international call-ups, our next league match has been pushed back twice… so now our next match will be our initial foray into UEFA Cup Group Play.

With our inactivity, we’ve actually dropped to 16th place, and lead Birmingham out of the relegation zone on goal difference only. Our domestic season is quickly turning to crap, can we salvage anything from the UEFA Cup?

Let’s take a quick refresher peek at the squad before we head to Paris:

Depth chart
GK: Claudio Bravo, Julien Desmenez
DL: Guirane N’Daw, Jan Tigorev, Andrej Mlinaric
DC: Sidnei, Carlos Rodriguez, Balazs Borbely
DR: Glen Johnson, Tigorev
DM: Alex N’Diaye, Nathan Bennett, Nicolas Godemeche
ML: Sherman Andres Cardenas, Damien Lacroix, Mlinaric
MR: Dimitri Daeseleire, Lacroix, Bennett
AM: Fernandinho, Michael Cia
ST: David Gigliotti, Simon Hagman, Jose Manuel Perez, Arjan van Norel

Oct. 18, UEFA Cup Group A, Match Day 1, @ Paris SG (#15 in French Ligue Un)
Gigliotti and the hot Arjan van Norel pair up front in our 4-4-2 defensive action. It takes a while, but we start to warm up in the middle of the half… Gigliotti sends a 10 yarder inches wide, then 4 minutes later van Norel rings the crossbar. But we break through in the 39th, as Mlinaric finds Bennett on the right edge of the area, he sends a soft ball into the six where Arjan van Norel dives onto it and bulges the net! Bennett hits the post, and Gigliotti completely whiffs on an unmarked 8 yarder to close the half. We dominate the proceedings, but end only up a goal. Paris come out and quickly get their goal back, as our central defense parts like the Red Sea to allow Ailton an uncontested 15 yarder that he slots home. But we fight back 2 minutes later, as in the 49th, van Norel is upended near the spot, and we’re given the PK… which Gigliotti converts in front of his countrymen to put us back ahead 2-1. Desmenez hesitates on a long ball in the 67th, and nearly gives away another goal, but the defense saves him. Van Norel off for Borbely in the 71st as we switch to a more defensive 4-5-1 tactic. We dominate the ball late, and take the win at Parc des Princes. Desmenez wins MoM with a 9 rating in the win.
Win, 2-1, open in 2nd place in Group

Hamburg SV beat Aberdeen 2-0 to open Group play in first.

I notice that the supporters are now disappointed with my management of the club.
With mid-week action, we slip to 17th, just 1 point from rock bottom. But we do have 1-2 games to make up on the field, and with 2 wins could end up as high as 8th.

Oct. 21, Match 10 @ #18 Fulham
Battle to get out of the zone, this one is. Bourgeois and van Norel pair up front today. We go with the 4-4-2 that worked so well in Paris. Fulham flat our dominate early, and Desmenez keeps us in it. We completely fail to close down, and finally the Cottagers work in a goal from 20 yards out, as Jose Enrique powers it past Desmenez. 3 minutes later, in the 23rd, N’Daw with a superb long ball to van Norel, and he chips the keeper from a tight angle and scores to make it 1-1. van Norel comes out completely exhausted at halftime. Speaking historically, it’s not good when Fulham is dominating you, yet that’s what happens throughout much of the second half. Fernandinho has our last chance in the 85th, but an open 18 yarder is chunked into the seats. At least we don’t lose, but we’re just treading water at this point. Fernandinho turns in another crap performance at AM.
Draw, 1-1, up to 16th

We pass Man City with the draw. Any points = good news for us right now. The supporters now are crying for a new manager, while the board is now merely “satisfied” with my performance.

Oct. 24, Carling Cup Third Round v. Middlesbrough (#2 in Prem.)
We get on the board early, as Tigorev’s long ball into the box is misplayed by the Boro keeper, and 19 year old French striker Jeremy Fernandez heads it in for his first career Posh goal. We hold the lead through halftime, but in the 2nd half, Yakubu appears to be possessed by Satan, as he gets 4 shots on goal in about 45 seconds, finally scoring on a crazy header past Bravo to even the match. The pbp says “he looks really fired up”. Yeah, fire. Bravo gives up a completely soft goal in the 70th, barely moving on a 20 yarder from David Gardner. N’Daw handballs in the 90th minute, and Yakubu nets a brace with the PK to bury us. The rest of the time ticks away, and the squad looks uninterested as we drop another one.
Loss, 3-1, out of League Cup

I release a news story criticizing Fernandinho. He responds well to it. We have one more game to regain form, as I see it. Next up: Birmingham, in 19th place. We need a BIG win.

Will we get it?

Butter

09-28-2006, 06:55 PM

Oct. 27, Match 11 v. #19 Birmingham City
We start the following lineup, with no unhappy or “SLT” (slightly concerned) players:
GK: Desmenez
D: Spurr, Sidnei, Rodriguez, Daeseleire
M: Camara, Lacroix, N’Diaye, Cardenas
S: van Norel, Ortiz

We’re playing aggressive, attacking football today. This is my last chance at salvaging my job. A drab opening quarter hour, then Lacroix with a steal in midfield… he dribbles up to about 30 yards from the end line, then passes square for Cardenas around the top of the arc… Cardenas slides a ball through for van Norel, who is just onside, and he one-times it into the back of the net! Van Norel’s 5th goal in 4 starts, and we lead! We switch to a 4-5-1 with 2 DM’s with 20 minutes to go, trying to hold the lead. Van Norel goes off with injury around halftime, I’ve been working him hard lately. With 5 minutes to go, our counter-attack strikes… Gigliotti controls the ball all the way to the end line, then brings it back to the top of the box, and lays it square for Camara, who runs onto it and strikes a 20 yarder… into the upper left corner!!! 2-0, Posh! Defensive midfielder Julien Camara with his first ever Posh goal to seal the win! The Blues get one back with under a minute to play, as a long ball finds an unmarked attacker 10 yards from goal, and he beats Desmenez easily. We hang on for all 4 stoppage time minutes, and take the win!
Win, 2-1, up to 12th place

I’m only 4 points out of 6th, which is hopefully our next stop. The supporters have now stopped wanting a new manager, and are just disappointed with me. At the same time, Manchester United fire their manager, and I am mentioned as a possible candidate for the job.

Next up, a clash for first place in my UEFA Cup group, as we face 1st place Hamburger SV. Hamburg are 18th in the Bundesliga (dead last), and have not won in 11 matches in league play. Now that I’ve escaped the noose for another few weeks, maybe we can make a run in Europe.

Even better news as the month draws to a close: Simon Hagman is returning to full training. The Swede had a nice start to the season, so more striker help is always a good thing.

November ‘12
Cash balance: $23,988,341

Nov. 1, UEFA Cup Group A, Match Day 2 v. Hamburg SV
HSV get on the board quickly against our attacking offense, scoring off a corner kick and header in minute #4. We fight back in the 20th, as Daeseleire’s cross finds Gigliotti, who nods it down for Fernandinho… the Brazilian buries an 8 yard strike to put us ahead. The rest of the game is fairly dull, but we take a point from the road favorites. Lacroix and Desmenez with 8’s in the draw.
Draw, 1-1, remain 2nd in Group A

Aberdeen draws with PSV 1-1, so we stick in 2nd place.

Julien Desmenez has yielded 4 goals in 4 starts, including 2 starts in the UEFA Cup. The 19 year old Frenchman is staking his claim for the 1st team spot, especially with the continually fragile morale of Claudio Bravo.

N’Diaye picks up a gashed leg in training, and will miss about 2 weeks of action.

Nov. 4, Match 12 @ #16 Crystal Palace
We plan to go with the defensive 4-4-2 today. Van Norel and Hagman pair at striker today. Fernandinho is back, as he takes a ball from 35 yards, dribbles past a man like he’s not there, then buries it into the opposite side of the net with a marvelous low strike. 1-0 Posh after 12 minutes. The Eagles equalize 4 minutes later, as Camara misses an interception, allowing a ball into the area where a Palace attacker finishes easily. Even with an injury, the amazing run of Arjan van Norel continues, as he times his run to perfection, gets the pass from Glen Johnson, and slots one home in 1st half stoppage time to put us ahead 2-1. In the 62nd, Palace finds the equalizer. Apparently, my halftime talk was poor, because we then stand around as though uninterested in playing and pretty much let Palace score 2 more to lose handily. A horrible performance.
Loss, 4-2, drop to 15th

The board expresses their displeasure at the defeat, and the fans are calling for my head once again. Not a good situation.