WSM2006: 2011/12 - do or die at Kenilworth Road [Archive]

FrogMan

07-18-2006, 09:08 AM

June 19, 2011
Well, there's one thing to be said about the Luton Town board, it's that they spend their money wisely. For the third season in a row, in fact before each and every season we've in the Premiership so far, they have announce plans to enlarge the stadium at Kenilworth Road. What was once a tiny stadium of only 9950 seats had been improve to some 15000 the first year, then to 22000 or so the following year and it will have some 4180 seats more in four months when this renovation is over. Sweeeet!

Part of the money needed for that improvement came from the new 5 year sponsorship deal worth $5M per annum that the board announced today. This is like a 1250% increase from the previous $400k per annum sponsorship deal we had. Sweeeet!!

What's not so sweet is that the board is still a bit stiff in regards to transfer spending as they announce the transfer budget of $9.5M for next season. They even add that next season's initial TV revenue has been taken into account. They do offer me some alternative budgets, and this is what they look like:
$9.5M transfer, $400k wage
$7.5M transfer, $425k wage
$5.25M transfer, $475k wage
$3.5M transfer, $500k wage

While I know they rarely give me more transfer money, they often adjust the wage budget upward, or let me go overboard without complaining much, so I take the highest possible transfer budget...

The team total wage does look ugly at a current value of $485k against a budget of $400k, but oh well...

June 20, 2011
Rey Volpato has been voted Luton's Player of the Year by supporters. He succeeds Giannis Taralidis and Arjan Wisse, the previous two winners, and Luton legend Steve Howard who had won it for the first three seasons of my tenure at Kenilworth Road.

The team board say they are pleased with my performance in the last season. They had that the team is expected to achieve a safe mid-table position within the Premiership in the coming season, the same goal we failed to reach this season. Hopefully we will not let them down.

With the improved ground, the average attendance of 13783 over the last season is a new team record. We should shatter that record this season, as the missing seats due to the renovation will only bring the total available seats down to 21k and change, compared to having only 11k available for the first half of last season...

The average rating of 7.57 by Zac Barrett over 26 appearances last season is also a new Luton team record. Good to see a local kid do well in the club.

I can breathe a sigh of relief now. Everybody's at home and they are no longer slightly concerned that the team is underachieving. Clean slate, time to start anew :)

June 22, 2011
Frankfurt are enquiring about how much I'd want to let Philippe Senderos go. He's valued at $5.5M but is invaluable to the team as he was the steadiest of our defenders last season. I tell them $13M.

FM

FrogMan

07-18-2006, 11:44 AM

June 23, 2011
I'm working the transfer list a little, trying to come up with what kind of player might be useful to bring to our club. The left fullback position has been a problem for a long time and I'm thinking about doing something about it. Ironically, it's at Frankfurt that I find an interesting player, Benoît Assou-Ekotto. He's valued at some $5M but they paid $11.5M to get him in the Summer of 2008 so I had offer them $9M. They got back to me today and told me they'd accepted the offer. Woah. He's earning $60k per week with them right now and with the way we're overbudget right now, I can only offer him $39.5M. That may be a shot in the water but I'll try my luck. He's proven to be a pretty solid player for Frankfurt since getting there three seasons ago. He's not averaged under 7.2 in form for the last two seasons and at 27, he would bring some experience to our relatively young back line.

June 24, 2011
In some sort of summer cleanup, I had sent feelers to other teams offering them left fullback Lesley Fellinga and attacking midfielder Marcio Junquiera. I'm receiving offers for both of them, offers that I accept.

Frankfurt have let me know that they will not be putting in a bid for Philippe Senderos. I honestly didn't believe they would.

Among interesting EPL news, Liverpool's Graeme Souness has decided to make a splash in the market by bringing to the club Freddy Adu from Roma for a fee of $25M. Click the thumbnail for Adu's profile:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110624adu.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110624adu.jpg)

Interesting but not worth $25M for a frugal spender like me :)

The end of the day strikes me with a pleasant surprise: Benoît Assou-Ekotto has agreed to a deal to join Luton! Click the thumbnail to see his profile.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110624assou1.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110624assou1.jpg)

As you can see, he should be a welcomed addition to the Hatters roster. He's not the best at marking his man but he's got good pace and is a great tackler and passer. Here are his stats over his last few years:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110624assou2.jpg

And his stats for last season, note the high completion percentage of his passes, something I love in a defender, and his fairly high average of tackles per game with a reasonable number of fouls (lest than half a game):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110624assou3.jpg

FM

FrogMan

07-18-2006, 11:58 AM

June 27, 2011
My preseason schedule of friendlies is all booked. We will start it with a 3 game tour in France and then come back home for four friendlies in England. Here's the list:
07/02 @ Lyon
07/07 @ Paris-SG
07/11 @ Nice
07/17 vs QPR
07/23 vs Real Madrid
07/31 @ Hull
08/06 vs Lecce

We kick off the season on 08/13 at Kenilworth Road against Aston Villa.

Wow, Liverpool's Graeme Souness is really aggressive on the transfer market. After signing Adu for $25M less than a week ago, he adds Vincent Kompany to his tally, for a fee of $27.5M. Ouch, in a week, that's more than I've spent in 6 years...

June 28, 2011
Marcio Junquiera has agreed a deal with Dutch side NEC. Funny thing, it was the one place offering more for him. They came up with some wicked offer of $1.5M up front and some other conditional payments that could boost the sale another $3.8M. I think I was asking something like $975k for him and that's what all the other team were offering. Good choice Marcio!

Lesley Fellinga has also agreed a deal with a new team, Köln in his case. He will move to them for a fee of $1.8M on July 1st. Considering he was a free signing only a season ago, I feel that's not a bad deal, maybe made even better now that we've secured the services of Benoît Assou-Ekotto.

Speaking of which, I had asked my scouts to report on Assou-Ekotto and their reports just got in. Both guys who saw him play agree that he would instantly command a place in the Luton first team. Good to know. :)

FM

FrogMan

07-18-2006, 02:20 PM

July 1st, 2011
The team board is still pleased with my performance as manager of the club. They have also relaxed their views on the wage budget, something I almost counted on, and they now allow me to go up to $516k in total wages. Our current wage total now looks pretty nice, some $30k below the limit, at $486k.

As we get ready to play our first friendlies, I will go with the position by position roundup reports. Since I have not changed much in the squad, some, many of them will be reposts from the last thread with some adjustments...

FM

FrogMan

07-18-2006, 02:21 PM

Team Overview: Goalkeepers

Zac Barrett, 22yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202barrett.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202barrett.jpg)
Zac really established himself as the clear cut starter last season when Niki Mäenpää went down with a 2 months injury. He had a crazy high average form over the season and I really hope the kid can keep it up this season.

Niki Mäenpää, 26yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202maenpaa.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202maenpaa.jpg)
As you just read above, Niki was injured and missed significant time in the second half of last season. Prior to that, he'd had some very good games for us but he never was able to replicate these showings after coming back from his injury. I hope he can complement Barrett the same way he did in the first half of the season.

Oswaldo Sanchez, 37yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202sanchez.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202sanchez.jpg)
Oswaldo is with us as an all around coach who plays at the same time. He's barely played for the first team and the times he did, he was not very impressive. He's announced his retirement for next June.

Richard Wright, 33yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202wright.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202wright.jpg)
I have tried offering Richard to other teams as I don't see him getting playing time for us. Sadly for him, unless I offer him for nothing, nobody wanted to make a bid...

FM

FrogMan

07-18-2006, 02:24 PM

Team Overview: Centrebacks

Philippe Senderos, 25yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202senderos.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202senderos.jpg)
Big Phil has really been a rock for our defense ever since stepping on the field for us, very impressive play from him. He wins many headers in the middle and can move the ball well. As you just read, I gave a strong hands off message to Frankfurt when they approached me to possibly sign him. I see many seasons as a hatter for him.

Curtis Davies, 25yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202davies.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202davies.jpg)
Curtis has shown a tiny tendency to take a night off every once in a while and that worries me a little. He's still pretty solid, but I'll make sure to give him his night off before he decides to take it on hiw own from now on.

Edmílson, 34yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202edmilson.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202edmilson.jpg)
I was glad that he decided to sign the one year extention I offered him late last season. He's good depth for us, capable of holding his own either on the back line and or in our defensive midfield. I like having him on the bench sometimes as he's useful for late in games when I want to pull out a striker for either a second DMC (4-2-2-1-1) or a third DC (5-1-2-1-1).

Paul Reid, 28yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202reid.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202reid.jpg)
Paul is really disgruntled, maybe even straight unhappy about not playing enough with the first team. We were lucky with injuries to our centrebacks last year and didn't have to resort to using him there, but he could do if we needed him to. He is described as a centreback first.

Spyros Vallas, 29yo
Markus Heikkinen, 32yo
Geri Çipi, 34yo
Of these three only Spyros Vallas remains, as Heikkinen and Çipi left in the offseason. This means I might be in the market for an experienced centreback to give us more depth, or a younger player to groom for the future.

FM

FrogMan

07-18-2006, 02:26 PM

Team Overview: Fullbacks

Kevin Foley, DR, 26yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202foley.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202foley.jpg)
Kevin really is a strong asset for us, especially as an attacking fullback. He tends to go forward quite a bit which sometimes can mean trouble for the other defenders, but he's one of a kind for his passes inside the box from far on the wing.

Benoît Assou-Ekotto, DL, 27yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110624assou1.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110624assou1.jpg)
The sole newcomer on the team this offseason so far, Benoît comes from Frankfurt with great promise. I'm counting on him to solve our problems at the left of ouf defensive and to feed to James Simmonds our left winger.

Michael Timlin, DL, 25yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202tall.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202tall.jpg)
Michael will now play more in his primary left winger position but he's shown he can do plenty well at the fullback spot.

Keith Keane, DR, 24yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202keane.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202keane.jpg)
Kinda strange since he's described primarily as a fullback in his profile, but Keith seems more consistant at DM than he can be at the fullback spot. He still makes a very valid backup.

Adam Green, DL, 27yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202green.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202green.jpg)
Adam remains on the team as a deep backup and could see some playing time in the case of an injury rash (read acute terpkristinitis ;).

Andy O'Brien, DR/DL, 19yo
Andy was once thought a very bright Luton youth squad prospect but his lack of determination has kind of hindered his development and he has stalled at a level that will never make him an EPL fullback. Sad...

FM

FrogMan

07-18-2006, 02:27 PM

Team Overview: Defensive Midfielders

Giannis Taralidis, 29yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202taralidis.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202taralidis.jpg)
Hopefully, the injuries that plagued Giannis' season last year were only fluke bits because we really need him out there. Once a Hatter player of the year, I hope he can go back to that kind of form. BTW, his skills are really deflated, given that he's been injured for so long...

Keith Keane,24yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202keane.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202keane.jpg)
As I said in the fullback overview, Keith, despite being described as a fullback, seems to play better football in the middle of our defensive midfield. That might be due to his relatively low positioning, which is not as high as many of his other skills.

Cédric Fernandez, 21yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202fernandez.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202fernandez.jpg)
Cédric got on the team in the January transfer window last season, and has shown some good potential. At times, he can even be listed ahead of Taralidis on my assistant manager's team report...

Paul Reid, 28yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202reid.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202reid.jpg)
Paul was brought in to Kenilworth Road as a free transfer gamble out of Cardiff. Gamble since he is a pure MC who doesn't have either the DMC or the AMC position listed next to his name. He can also play DC, but I mainly bought to play midfield and that might have been a mistake, as he struggles. I've played him sometimes as a straight MC with a DMC behind him, but that take a bit of our offense out of the game.

Edmílson, 34yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202edmilson.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202edmilson.jpg)
While this is not his primary position, Edmílson can help the team out there when needed and late in games be switched down to DC if we need 5 defenders to protect a lead.

Lubos Loucka, 28yo
Lubos is still on the team because nobody I've offered him to wants of him. I might have to try him out a bit during our friendlies.

James Watkins, 19yo
Once thought to be a great prospect for us, he too suffered from a lack of determination that undermined his development. He's on a month to month contract, paid some $200 a week...

Andy Fox, 18yo
Yet another youngster with some spotty good skills plagued with very low determination. He's done not so bad for the U18 squad last season and will see some playing time during friendlies to see if he can do the trick...

FM

FrogMan

07-18-2006, 02:28 PM

Team Overview: Attacking Midfielders

Youssouf Hersi, 28yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202donnelly.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202donnelly.jpg)
Maybe it's the age, but I found that giving a game off to Youssouf every once in a while did wonders to him last season. He would often have killer games on games after he was left off. I may try doing it again, subbing him with Scott Donnelly.

Scott Donnelly, 23yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202hersi.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202hersi.jpg)
Scott is another of my QPR ties. I saw him grow before my eyes in my previous life and I added him to my shortlist fairly early in this current life. He didn'T play as much as he might have wanted last season, mostly because he was cup tied for many of our games, and it showed in his confidence. Hopefully, he can adapt to life at Kenilworth Road and be a big contributor to the team's success.

Simon Feindouno, 25yo
Rey Volpato, 24yo
Grégory Bettiol, 24yo
Christian Wilhelmsson
This group is a mix and match of strikers and wingers who can all play the AMC spot if we need them to. They will be presented more in depth when in their respective primary position.

Regarding the AMC position, I'm not afraid to go to a 2 DMC formation with two strikers, expecially late in games, so often not having an AMC is not that big a deal.

FM

FrogMan

07-18-2006, 02:35 PM

Team Overview: Wingers

Simon Feindouno, MR, 25yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202feindouno.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202feindouno.jpg)
In my opinion, Simon has everything in his skill set to be a great winger for us and that was my thinking when I paid $4.1M to bring him to Kenilworth Road from Rangers. So far, while has not been disappointing, he has only shown tiny moments of brilliance. I have now appointed him the starting winger over Christian Wilhelmsson and I'm hoping the increased playing time will translate to some improvement in his level of play.

James Simmonds, ML, 23yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202simmonds.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202simmonds.jpg)
While not blessed with the greatest pace, a bit slow for a winger in fact, James can do wonderful things with the football. So much so that I didn't feel it was necessary to renegotiate the contract of Urby Emanuelsson to remove the minimum release fee from his contract when he started gathering attention. I was "forced" to let go of Emanuelson on January 25th when the $6.5M minimum fee clause was met, but I felt good with leaving Simmonds as our main left winger out there and he's not disappointed me so far. He's young and should be with us for a long time.

Christian Wilhelmsson, MR/ML, 31yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202wilhelmsson.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202wilhelmsson.jpg)
I was glad Christian agreed to sign the one year extention we offered him very late in the season. He was a starter for most of the first half, and he gave us great goals. Now, he'll be a backup and a good one at that, since he can play just about anywhere on the attacking side of the pitch.

Michael Timlin, ML, 25yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202timlin.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202timlin.jpg)
Michael has not played much on the wing last season. Him being described as a winger in his profiled and seeing how nicely he played as a fullback, I'd assume he will do the trick when asked to step up.

Grégory Bettiol, MR, 24yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202bettiol.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202bettiol.jpg)
Grégory was kid of shy when asked to play wing last year, even though it was his second full season after coming to us as a free transfer from Lyon in July 2009. I'd hope he would be more agressive at times.

Fabrice Fernandes, MR/ML, 31yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202fernandes.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202fernandes.jpg)
Old man Fabrice has been with us forever it seems. He did sign with us in July 2006 as a free transfer out of Bolton. His best years are behind him although he provides a steadying presence capable of playing on either side of the pitch.

Arjan Wisse, ML, 25yo
Rey Volpato, ML, 24yo
Shane Paul, MR, 24yo
Here's a trio of strikers all capable of playing wing if we ever need them although I'll be very hard pressed to use them there, given that our depth at striker is a bit less than on the wings.

Scott Donnelly can also play bench right winger although he seems much more comfortable in the middle of the attacking midfield, right behind the strikers.

FM

FrogMan

07-18-2006, 02:38 PM

Team Overview: Strikers

Arjan Wisse, 25yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202wisse.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202wisse.jpg)
Ever since coming from Aberdeen for a fee of $250k in July 2008, Arjan has been a fan favourite, capable of scoring goals almost at will. He was voted Luton's player of the year by the supporters two years ago and always seem to play well.

Rey Volpato, 24yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202volpato.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202volpato.jpg)
Signed as a free agent in July 2009, Rey was just voted Luton's player of the year for last season. He had a slow start with us but really caught on fire this past season. I hope he can keep this up. The one sad thing with him up front means I have to left footed striker as opposed to my usual combination of leftie/rightie that I usually prefer.

Shane Paul, 24yo http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110202paul.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110202paul.jpg)
Brought in from Hull last January for a fee of $675k, Shane can score goals as well as disappear from games at times. If he can score goals late in game coming off the bench, I will be able to forget his 6-rated games every once in a while.

Grégory Bettiol, 24yo
Christian Wilhelmsson, 31yo
Simon Feindouno, 25yo
Just as with the attacking midfielder position, these three can play backup strikers just about anytime.

FM

FrogMan

07-19-2006, 09:03 AM

July 2, 2011
We play the first of our three games on our "Tour de France" :)

This is what the lineup looks like, and barring injuries pretty much what it could look like for the start of our season:
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-6-8-6-9</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-5</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>84%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>84%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>87%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8-6-9-7</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Rey Volpato</TD><TD>AM LC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>89%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>88%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-5-6</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Edmílson</TD><TD>SW, D C, DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Paul Reid</TD><TD>D/M C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-5-6</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabrice Fernandes</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S8</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S9</TD><TD></TD><TD>Grégory Bettiol</TD><TD>AM RC, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>88%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S10</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-5-8</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S11</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>5-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S12</TD><TD></TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Oswaldo Sánchez</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>86%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Richard Wright</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-5</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Andy O'Brien</TD><TD>D RL</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>86%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Ctr</TD><TD>Andy Fox</TD><TD>DM, M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

I will switch everybody at halftime, unless an injury forces me to do so before that.

The few "slt" tag you see in there are totally unrelated to anything regarding underachievement from the team. Hersi is still pissed I asked him to have an injection at the end of last season and Reid and Sanchez want some clarifications as to their roles with the team. Nothing to write home about for now...

We play Lyon in this first friendly and this is kind of weird. They don't seem to have gone to holiday yet. Their league table is still showing the results of the season that just finished. They ended in 3rd place, only 3 points off league winners Nantes. They also fared pretty well in the UEFA Cup, geting knocked out in the second knock out round by Dortmund.

They are a top notch team and we're out of shape and it shows. We only get one shot off in the first 45 minutes while they fire away at will, or at least it seems. Still, most of these shots must have been weak ones from far away as they can only score once on us.

Final Score: Luton 0, Lyon 1

They outshot us 22(8) to 2(0) but 19(7) of these happened in the first half for them, so I'd say we recovered kind of nicely at the end. Still, the start of that game, seeing update after update of them mounting attacks toward our goal kind of made me freak out a bit. I was seeing too much of the same things that plagued us last season, but I have to remind myself that it's only a friendly, that we will get better. I hope...

FM

FrogMan

07-19-2006, 09:04 AM

July 3, 2011
$2.9M left in transfer budget is really not much this late into offseason to bring in a dependable backup central defender. Looking at my shortlist, the names of Abubakiri Yakubu (ring a bell?) and Dominic Shimmin (now at West Ham, formerly at QPR) strike me as possible transfers who could even be starters for us. I lunch enquiries about their availability to their respective teams.

July 6, 2011
Well, so much for that enquiry, both Marseilles (for Yakubu) and West Ham tell me that neither player will be moving anytime soon.

July 7, 2011
We play the second of our three friendlies in France, this time against the team I could be managing right now, Paris-SG. Starting lineup remains the same as well as the halftime switch strategy. I wanted to give some playing time to Lubos Loucka, but he's recovering from a virus at home and might miss up to 2 weeks.

The game starts with an interesting first half in which we control the ball better than they do, but they are deadly in putting their shots on target. They take the lead 1-0 in the 34th minute. We can get anything going in the second half and they take over control of the game, fireing shots from every angle, although a bit less on target.

Final Score: Luton 0, Paris-SG 1

Another 0-1 loss that doesn't worry me so much but I'd still want to see our offense score a goal at one point.

FM

FrogMan

07-19-2006, 09:05 AM

July 8, 2011
Newcastle and Parma approach me with offers for Rey Volpato. Newcastle offer me $8.5M up front and 20% of next sale. Parma seem more interested in him as they offer me $10M and 20% of next sale. Volpato's agent indicates that he would like to be able to discuss terms with Parma. That second offer is kind of interesting. I counter to both teams with offers of the minimum fee in his contract, i.e. $12.75M. I kind of regret it the moment I send it as I'm thinking I could find a replacement for him with the $10M and the $2.9M I have left in my budget. While he was Luton's player of the year last year, it was mostly for his incredible run of good form in the cup games, not really in league play... We'll see...

Looking at more central defenders, I'm reminded of my good friend Danny Shittu over at QPR. He's now 31yo but looks like he could play well for us. He's valued at $2.9M and I enquire to my good friend Mick Harford about his availability. I'm shot down before the day is over...

July 10, 2011
Parma and Newcastle withdraw their bid for Rey Volpato but another team is scouting him, Bolton this time.

FM

FrogMan

07-19-2006, 09:11 AM

July 11, 2011
We play Nice on our final friendly in France. They finished 17th last season, one spot out of relegation, so hopefully we can start putting in some goals.

They show a funky 4-2-2-2 formation with 2 DMC and 2 MC with outside arrows. No wingers to that formation making is a very narrow one. I ask my guys to play it wider that we usually do and it pays off big time in the first half as we build a 4-0 lead before the 45 minute mark, thanks to a hat trick from Arjan Wisse and a goal from Rey Volpato. Feels great to see them two click up gront although we're shut down in the second half, but that mey be due to playing more of a B team after the break.

Final Score: Luton 4, Nice 0

Feels good to finally score one, let alone four goals.

FM

FrogMan

07-19-2006, 11:39 AM

July 16, 2011
I've talked about Dominic Shimmin in the past and I decide to take a shot at getting him. He's a 23yo defender who's been playing with first teams for a number of years already. He's valued at $2.1M and I decide to offer West Ham everything I have left in my budget, i.e. $2.9M, for him. Youc can click the thumbnail below to see his profile...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110716shimmin.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110716shimmin.jpg)

I've also found a promising centreback currently playing at Portsmouth, Stuart Kelly. The kid's only 20 and while I find that young for a centreback, it would fit nicely for us, as he could take time to develop and get more regular playing time later on. He's valued at $2.4M and I offer them $2.9M plus 20% of next sale for him. Click the thumbnail for his profile...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110716kelly.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110716kelly.jpg)

July 17, 2011
We play QPR at Kenilworth in our first friendly back in England. Here's the starting lineup I'm using for this one:
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Spyros Vallas</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-8-7-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>5-8-6-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-8</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Rey Volpato</TD><TD>AM LC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Richard Wright</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-5</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-5-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>5-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Paul Reid</TD><TD>D/M C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>5-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabrice Fernandes</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S8</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>9-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S9</TD><TD></TD><TD>Andy Fox</TD><TD>DM, M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S10</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S11</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S12</TD><TD></TD><TD>Grégory Bettiol</TD><TD>AM RC, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Oswaldo Sánchez</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-10</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-9-7-7-9</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Edmílson</TD><TD>SW, D C, DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

As you can see, I'm moving players around, even sitting a couple out. It's nothing real special, only that some of my regulars have already the "match fit" status and I want to take it easy on them as well as play some others I don't always get a chance to see.

The first half goes smoothly and we're very accurate on our shots. We take the lead in the 44th minute and we're unlucky to have scored only one as we put 5 of our 6 shots on target and not all easy shots at that. Youssouf Hersi was our first scorer and he's followed by Grégory Bettiol (58'), and Simon Feindouno (68') to give us a comfortable lead and the win.

Final Score: Luton 3, Q.P.R. 0

We put 9 of our 12 shots on target on the game, a solid showing.

It didn't take long. After the game, I learn that both my bids for Shimmin and Kelly were rejected. This has me frustrated and looking at the more than $27M sitting in the bank account of the club, I go to the team board and ask for more transfer money. Yeah, I expected that answer. They politely remind me that they have yet to see a return from the money spent this season. Grrrr.

FM

FrogMan

07-19-2006, 11:40 AM

I'm officially done with my reporting of what's been played so far so nothing new to come today.

If you got a comment, now's the best time ;)

FM

condors

07-19-2006, 12:26 PM

good luck on getting a centerback,

fwiw Curtis Davies has been a stalwart on my Rushden team that finished 2nd in epl (behind Liverpool). Although for the 2nd time we did less than acceptable in the Champions League :(

FrogMan

07-19-2006, 12:48 PM

good luck on getting a centerback,

Thanks, although I'm kinda resigned to keep Paul Reid and Spyros Vallas on the roster if only to keep some depth. Reid has played reasonably well so far this offseason. This went unreported but I had offered Vallas to teams for a fee of $0. That's right, I only wanted to release him with no termination fee. A couple of teams had replied with an offer of $0 but by that time, I had written the team overview report and had realized how thin we were in the middle of our defense, so I rejected the offers. Vallas didn't seem to mind the rejection :)

fwiw Curtis Davies has been a stalwart on my Rushden team that finished 2nd in epl (behind Liverpool). Although for the 2nd time we did less than acceptable in the Champions League :(

yeah, he can have great games and as I said, he's even more special for me, being that he was at Luton before his first move to West Brom, and he was one of my first big ticket spending.

Thanks for reading!

FM

FrogMan

07-20-2006, 09:11 AM

July 23, 2011
We play Rela Madrid in our yearly friendly. I had not realized but I have arranged a friendly with them for three years in a row if you include this one. Kinda cool. Arjen Robben is playing for them and has been since 2006, when he moved there for a fee of *gulp* $79M *gulp*. :eek:

The match is on TV and even though this is only a friendly, I take solace in reading the pregame analysis that says there's not much difference between the two clubs... They still did finish 6th in the Primera Division and it's their third friendly of this offseason, so they should be beginning to be in shape.

This game starts off reall bad for us. After only 22 seconds, we're done 0-1. We do get a hold of ourselves and that's the score at the half. We get out of the locker room with a roar and just subbed in Shane Paul finds the back of the net in the 51st minute. They get their lead back in the 59th minute and add the winning goal in the 65th minute. Shane Paul adds a second goal to his tally in the 78th minute but it was too little too late.

Final Score: Luton 2, Real Madrid 3

A very entertaining game that had a very nice crowd of 9566 fans screaming. Think about it, only three seasons ago, we did even have 9566 seats in this stadium.

Despite the loss, I feel very good about this game. We outshot them 12(6) to 9(4) and won possession with 55%.

FM

FrogMan

07-20-2006, 11:54 AM

July 24, 2011
Squad numbers have to be decided today. For some childish reasons, I like to do that. I like thinking about which number any newcomer would feel like wearing... :)

Six of our first half matches have been chose for live television coverage. We usually get between 3 and 5 in any half of a season, it's the first time I've seen 6. They are:
08/28 @Swansea
09/18 @Chelsea
10/01 @Man City
10/16 vs Everton
11/21 vs Blackburn
12/4 @Leicester

Looking through the training reports from my new assistant, René Meulensteen, I find some interesting comments, stuff like he's happy that newcome Benoît Assou-Ekotto is a good player worthy of a first team spot, but I also see an interesting one regarding Grégory Bettiol. Meulensteen is concerned that even though Bettiol has been part of the team for a reasonable period, he is not progressing at an acceptable rate. I kind of agree with that. I never felt like he picked up speed in the two seasons he's been with us, although he usually makes a good backup. Looking at his stats, he's averaged form ratings of 6.5 and 6.53 over the last two seasons in 16 and 19 appearances. I decide to put him on the transfer list, asking 900k for the winger valued at 1.4M.

It doesn't take long for a couple of teams to put in a bid, before even the day is over even. SpVgg Unterhaching, a German side from under the Bundesliga I assume, and Scottish side Motherwell both approach me with offers that include either lots of backloaded money (over many months) or with a goal minimum to reach. I adjust the offers and accept them.

July 26, 2011
Both my counter offers for Bettiol have been accepted. We'll see if one of these will be able to come to terms with him.

July 28, 2011
Bolton had been scouting Rey Volpato for a little while now and they come to me with a crazy, idiotic offer. Seriously, they are offering me no money, but two players, an 18yo sweeper named David Phillips (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110728phillips.jpg) of whom I know little (see the link for his profile to see what I mean) and a 27yo AM/F C named a Mounir El Hamdaoui (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110728hamdaoui.jpg) valued at $4.8M. Maybe he could offer me something similar to what Volpato is but he's never been a goal scoring machine, other than 2006-07 when Bolton were in the Championship. I mean, come on, that's the kind of offer *I* would make if I wanted to take advantage of a hole in the AI (I love this game, it's so sneaky ;)). I reject the offer without blinking an eye...

FM

FrogMan

07-20-2006, 02:20 PM

July 29, 2011
I swear, I must be wearing a "I got a weak trading AI, try me!" sign on my back cause Celtic is trying the same trick that Bolton just tried. At least this time, they're offering me some money ($4.8M) and a player who's got some more potential in AM RL Robbie Foy (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110729foy.jpg). The dude is 25yo and more of a left winger than a both side winger. He seems to play above what his skills would indicate, with big seasons from 2006/07 to 2009/10 although he seemed to have an off year last season. All this is with Celtic in the Scottish Premier League though so I take it with a grain of salt as I'm not sure it would translate directly to the same kind of form ratings with us. On top of that, I'm fairly happy with the state of my left wing with kidster James Simmonds developping quite well. I also reject that offer without any negotiation.

July 30, 2011
Among some transfer news I just received, I see something about John Welsh (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110730welsh.jpg), a defensive midfielder formerly from Liverpool who is now playing with AEK. A few teams are getting in the bidding for his service and looking at his skills and especially at his description as a "model professional" I'm think he might be a nice addition to our team. I only have $2.9M left in my transfer budget but I try something. I offer them $2.8M up front and anothe $500k over the next 24 months. They get back to me within the hour and my offer is accepted. That's where it might stop. Welsh is looking for a weekly wage of $48k in addition of a $425k signing on fee. I'm not ready to offer that much to a guy I'm not sure would unseat either of the guys I see as my DM, Giannis Taralidis and Cédric Fernandez, whom Meulensteem seems really high on. I offer him $35k per week with his requested $425k signing on fee. We'll see...

Grégory Bettiol has agreed a deal to join Motherwell. We receive $875k for this transfer. Not bad, considering that Bettiol was a free transfer a couple of seasons ago...

July 31, 2011
We play Hull on their pitch. Following the Real Madrid game, I'm hoping that we will be able to avoid a let down and we come out roaring. Not so much that we're shooting on goal like crazy but we're very effective and after only 32 minutes, we're up 3-0 with with only 4 shots, all on target, and a hat-trick to Arjan Wisse nullified because he was apparently offside. The second half is a bit more boring as we kind of lay back and wait for them to come to us with the result that they score one.

Final Score: Luton 3, Hull 1

I didn't like that without really going overboard defensive in the second half tactics, the subs did play it kind of loosely, but it's okay.

FM

FrogMan

07-20-2006, 02:22 PM

August 1st, 2011
The team board is pleased with my performance as manager. We even made a profit of $1.67M which is kind of surprising considering that we're still in the offseason.

Weehee!!! The team board also tells me that they are pleased to announce that as a result of an improvement in the club's financial position, they have raised my current transfer budget by $5.75M to $9.5M. Still not the biggest amount given that the club still has more than $27M in the bank but I'll take it nonetheless. :)

August 2, 2011
Oh crap! I'm informed that our friendly with Lecce on the 6th has been cancelled due to a clash with a game of theirs in the Coppa Italia. That's just stupid, they were the ones who offered us the friendly! This was supposed to be our last friendly, a full week before the season was to start. I can't let us go 14 days without a game right before the season. Try as I might, everybody is turning us down and that's understandable as every team in England below the Premiership have started ther regular season. I finally book one with Barrow, a conference side, on Agust 7th. I at least was kind enough to offer to go play on their pitch, giving their fans a rare chance to see some Premiership caliber football. :)

August 3, 2011
With that new found transfer money, I take a look at who's transfer listed and the name of Florent Sinama-Pongolle (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110803sinama.jpg) catches my eye. After leaving Liverpool to Birmingham for free after the 2007/08 season, he was sent to Tottenham for a big fee of $14M in the middle of the 2009/10 season. The Spurs have him listed at $5.25M while he is valued at $7M. This has gone unreported but I've tried signing him in the past couple of weeks but Tottenham have played me, usually trying to get over $8M from me for him. I offer them the straight $5.25 they have him listed for. In the couple of season where he has played regularly, he's scored 16 and 12 goals. Being that he's a rightie, he would probably match better with Arjan Wisse and would allow me to shop Rey Volpato around. I'm not too sure how I'd work Sinama-Pongolle's $80k per week wage in but we'll see when we get there if I can work up a deal with Tottenham.

FM

FrogMan

07-21-2006, 11:46 AM

August 4, 2011
My assistant advises me of the players entering their last year in their contracts. Philippe Senderos, Arjan Wisse, and Zac Barrett are the most important ones that I will have to deal with.

Southampton puts in a bid for West Ham's Dominic Shimmin and I find it a bit rich for my taste at $6M. Yeah, he'd probably be a bargain, but I'm looking more for a backup and that's not the kind of money I wanna plunk in a backup.

August 7, 2011
We play our final friendly, visiting smallish conference side Barrow. We only lead 1-0 at the half but it's not because we're not dominating them, as would be expected, with 61% possession and 5 shots on target out of 11 against one shot for them. We crank it up a notch in the second half and win it 4-0 on a Rey Volpato hat-trick.

Final Score: Luton 4, Barrow 0

We outshot them 22(10) to 2(0) and end the game with 58% possession. Spirits are flying high entering the new season.

Wolves have also got in the bidding for Dominic Shimmin, offering now 6.25M to West Ham.

August 8, 2011
Totalbet.com have announced the odds for the series title in the Premiership this season. Title holders Chelsea have been made 6-4 favourites to retain their title. the other contenders include Arsenal (7-4), Man Utd (7-4), Liverpool (5-2), Middlesbrough (40-1), and Newcastle (40-1).

As for us, we are priced at 100-1, making it apparent that the bookmakers don't believe we have any real chance of winning the title. From what the media say, a high mid-table finish is probably the best we can hope for. Boys, it's now our job to make 'em regret their predictions.

FM

FrogMan

07-21-2006, 11:52 AM

August 10, 2011
Not that I expected him to come to us, given the low deal we had offered him, but Johh Welsh has agreed a deal to go to Bolton.

August 12, 2011
Tottenham wants to negotiate our offer regarding Florent Sinama-Pongolle. We offer them $1.5M up front and $6.75M over 24 months. That offer is accepted within the hour but well, we won't get much further than that. Sinama-Pongolle is adamant about keeping his $80k per week salary. First, my board would allow me only to go up to $50k per week, and even if they would allow me more, I would probably not go there as my assistant tells me that he believe he would only be a fringe player at the club. Not gonna take that big a risk...

FM

FrogMan

07-21-2006, 12:02 PM

August 13, 2011
League match #1: vs Aston Villa (Luton 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-9-5-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-6-8-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-10-7-8-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Rey Volpato</TD><TD>AM LC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-6-8-10</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-8-6-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Edmílson</TD><TD>SW, D C, DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

As you can see, many players were dropped to the reserves as we start the season without any injuries of note. This changes pretty quick in this game as we lose two before the game is over. Cédric Fernandez had to leave the game in the 33rd minute with some fractured ribs which will force him to rest for one to two months, and Kevin Foley had to leave in the 85th minute, forcing us to end the game with only 10 men. However, he won't miss any more time due to that injury.

The game was a good one, even though they got lucky to score the lone goal of the game in the 23rd minute. We dominated play after that, putting much pressure on them and outshooting them 13(4) to 7(5). We had trouble putting the ball on target though...

Final Score: Luton 0, Aston Villa 1

Hopefully we can bounce back right away and not spiral down like we did last season, leading to a dreadful start and all the morale problems... Kinda funny, despite losing some seating due to the ongoing renovation, the crowd of 21810 at this game still was a record for the club, as well as the $1.1M collected in gate receipts. Neat!

Following the game, I see that Newcastle is now scouting Rey Volpato, as well as Celtic who never gave up their interest in him. He just had a poor game, rating only at 6.

FM

FrogMan

07-21-2006, 02:18 PM

August 16, 2011
Still looking for maybe a central defender, maybe a striker to bring to Kenilworth Road, I see this 24yo sweeper/central defender that I have very limited information about, but he's got 20 header skill and 20 tackling. Name is Leonel Romero, a swiss currently playing on the Sheff Utd reserve squad. He's valued at $3.2M but I offer them to loan him until the end of the season, even offering to pay 40% of his 17.75k weekly wage.

In a crazy kind of move, I decide to not wait until the last week of the transfer window and I offer Rey Volpato to other clubs even though he's not formally transfer listed. I'm asking $10M for him, which money I hope would give more than plenty to get a real difference maker up front. I used to be in his favoured personnel, I see I am not anymore, heh. :)

August 18, 2011
Huhoh, Rey is pissed. He says he's bitterly disappointed about my decision to offer him to other clubs. He also said that by doing that, I had made it clear that he was no longer wanted at Luton...

West Ham's Dominic Shimmin has accepted to join Southampton. They had to pay $4.2M plus a young centreback to get him. Probably more than I wanted to pay...

Some offers come later in the day about Rey Volpato. Newcastle and Zaragoza offer me $8.75M plus 20% of next sale. While Volpato's agent has indicated that he would like to talk with them, I have a third offer, from Celtic this time, for $10M on the table. I up both their offers to $10M, dropping the next sale clause, and I accept the Celtic offer.

August 20, 2011
Sheff Utd has rejected our offer to loan Loenel Romero. They are not willing to allow this player to leave on loan to a divisional rival. I kept seeing bids for him and I realize that he's listed at $2.2M despite being valued at $3.2M. Even with the limited information I have on him, I take a chance and put in a $2.2M bid for him.

FM

FrogMan

07-21-2006, 02:20 PM

August 20, 2011
League match #2: @ Newcastle (Newcastle evens favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>9-5-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Bid</TD><TD>Rey Volpato</TD><TD>AM LC, F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-8-10-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>10-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-6-8-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Edmílson</TD><TD>SW, D C, DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>79%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Well, transfer talks must have fired up Rey Volpato as he scores the first goal of the game, giving us a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute. Then, finally, we get a freakish bizarre kind of goal as Benoît Assou-Ekotto centres a first-time ball off a Newcastle throw-in in the 43rd minute. The ball goes right in off the right post for the 2-0 goal. The score was 2-0 at the half, but we are far from dominating them at that point. They pulled within one in the 87th minute and I was afraid we'd break down and let them pull even before the end of it, until Arjan Wisse centered a nice ball for Youssouf Hersi and he nailed their coffin shut.

Final Score: Luton 3, Newcastle 1

A solid, fairly defensive performance for us. They did outshoot us 17(8) to 9(5), but we held on. The board is pleased with the win and they hope I will be able to use it as a platform to build on.

Following the game, I get the news that our bid for Leonel Romero has been accepted by Sheffield United. My assistant believes he would become a useful member of the team and I offer him what he wants which is $21.5k per week and a $200k signing on fee over a 4 year deal. We're currently $37k under the wage budget.

August 21, 2011
Paul Reid as suffered a strained neck and will be out of commission for up to 2 weeks.

August 22, 2011
Both Newcastle and Zaragoza have withdrawn their bids for Rey Volpato. Looking at his profile, I see that he is considering a contract offer from Celtic although he seems to say that he doesn't want to leave the club, still listing Luton as one of his favoured clubs.

FM

FrogMan

07-21-2006, 02:22 PM

August 24, 2011
League match #3: vs Middlsebrough (Middlesbrough 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>5-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-9</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-8-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-8-7-7-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-6-8-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Edmílson</TD><TD>SW, D C, DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>74%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Right before we get to the game, I get the news that Rey Volpato has agreed terms to join Celtic. This forced me to shuffle my lineup and start Shane Paul in his place. We do get $10M for the transfer, giving us some $19M of transfer budget left... The funny thing is that the fans at Celtic are quite unsure about this signing. They are reportedly unhappy with their manager for gambling on a player whom they believe could disrupt the harmonay of their team. hehehehe :)

With all that transfer budget left, I go back to a player I had listed as a potential replacement for Volpato, striker Tim Janssen (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110824janssen.jpg)whom, funny enough, plays for Celtic. Valued at $9.75M, I offer them $14M for him. He's described as an explosive striker and I think he would be a much better fit for us than Volpato was. Thing is, Celtic might think the same thing...

Now to the task at hand, facing Middlesbrough. They are having a rougher start than us, losing once and drawing once so far. Their bad luck, to my own joy, just gets worse in the 4th minute as one of their defender kicks a Philippe Senderos cross into his own goal. Despite it being attributed to one of their defender, I felt like our moving of the ball forced them to go into scramble mode, kind of shaking their defense a bit. Their start striker Yakubu has to leave the game only a couple of minutes later, following a collision with Curtis Davies. Shane Paul has a goal disallowed because of a shady offseason decision less than ten minute later. We were really putting some pressure on them at the time. They draw even in the 82th minute and again, I get the bad feeling of a win slipping through our fingers when, following some strong pressure from us, they are forced to foul inside their penalty area. Giannis Taralidis doesn't miss and he scores the winning goal in the 89th minute.

Final Score: Luton 2, Middlesbrough 1

We outshot them 12(9) to 6(4) on the game, an overall good game. Part of another good defensive performance, Curtis Davies notched his second selection as Man of the Match in a row.

Following the game, I learn that our $14M bid for Tim Janseen has been turned down. I offer them $17M for him.

FM

FrogMan

07-21-2006, 02:24 PM

August 25, 2011
Our latest bid for Tim Janseen has also been turned down. I will keep on looking and might come back to them later on in the week but $17M is beginning to be a lot of money...

Leonel Romero has agreed to terms with us and reveals that he is looking forward to working for me. Cool. I just now realize the kind of gamble I took, given the relative little information I had on him. I mean, here's the profile I was able to see when I offered him a contract:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110825romero1.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110825romero1.jpg)

And here's the player that showed up to our training ground:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/th_110825romero2.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110825romero2.jpg)

Not all bad, I mean, he could have been plagued with some unseen 10 at positioning...

August 26, 2011
Looking at who could be available to take over for Rey Volpato in our offense, I see my good friend from a previous life, Güiza (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110826guiza.jpg). He's now 31yo and described as a determined experienced striker. While he doesn't have the greatest skills on paper, the man is a natural scorer. He's valued at $8.5M and I offer them $10M for him. He has a $13.25M minimum fee release clause although I'm not so sure I'd go that high for him.

That first bid is rejected before the day is over. Back to the drawing board.

I learn that Osasuna have put in a bid for Celtic's Tim Janssen. My eyes almost pop out of my head when I see the fee they are offering: $40M :eek: :eek: :eek: There's no way we can fight it out with them on that one...

Crystal Palace's Ricardo Vaz Te (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110826vazte.jpg) is another player that would look good up front for us. I offer Crystal Palace $13.5M for him.

Youngster Fabio Ferreira (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110826ferreira.jpg) is another interesting prospect. Currently valued at $7M, the cultured striker would probably be a good player for us for a long time... I offer Wolves $13M for him.

August 27, 2011
We get a rough second round draw in the Carling Cup as we will play at Tottenham.

Both our bids for Fabio Ferreira and Ricardo Vaz Te have been rejected but wow, Osasuna's bid for Celtic's Tim Janssen has also been rejected. I guess they really don't want to let him go...

I offer Wolves $18M for Ferreira.

FM

FrogMan

07-22-2006, 01:39 PM

August 28, 2011
League match #4: at Swansea (Luton 4-5 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-9-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>2 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-8-6-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Edmílson</TD><TD>SW, D C, DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>69%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

As we get ready for this match, I see that our supporters are not happy that I sold Rey Volpato. Hopefully, I'll get to sign somebody they like to replace him...

Swansea just promoted to the Premiership and it looks like the guys are taking them for granted. Not one of our guys seem to be playing with heart and we let them take a 1-0 lead about 3 minutes before the half. At halftime, I let the lads know that they need to play much better in the second half if we want to have a chance to get something out of this game. Looks like that talk paid off as we play much better indeed, drawing level on a diving header from Shane Paul on a cross to near post from Benoît Assou-Ekotto. Despite us putting tons more pressure to the end of the game, we can't get another goal and it ends in a draw, still much better than a loss...

Final Score: Luton 1, Swansea 1

Youssouf Hersi gets the MoM selection with a rating of 8. We outshot them 14(6) to 6(4) on the game.

Following the game, I decide to offer Crystal Palace $17M for Ricardo Vaz Te. With the signing of Leonore Romero, we've only got $17.2M left in the transfer budget.

August 29, 2011
I've found the Giannis Taralidis of old as he gets selected to the EPL Team of the week.

Our $18M bid for Fabio Ferreira has been rejected by Wolves. Sigh, this is getting old...

But the next news has me smiling. Our $17M bid for Ricardo Vaz Te has been accepted! Looking to offer him a contract, he's looking for a 3 year contract worth $60k per week with a signing on fee of $1.1M. My assistant tells me he believes he would become a useful member of the first team and recommends an offer in the region of $50k per week. I offer him what he wants. Since the start of the season, the team board has reviewed our wage budget upward and I'm currently a solid $140k under budget.

Wow, Roma has really opened their cheque book. They have signed left winger Stewart Downing from Liverpool for a whopping $43.5M. :eek:

August 30, 2011
Weehee, Ricard Vaz Te has agreed to terms with us!!! As you can see from his profile (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110830vazte.jpg), there's a lot to love about him, especially his determination and concentration. While he's simply desccribed as a striker, his personality is defined as being resilient which I kind of like. Gone is the unhappiness of our supporter over the sale of Rey Volpato, they are now delighted with the purchase of Ricardo Vaz Te.

FM

FrogMan

07-22-2006, 03:59 PM

August 31, 2011
With the closing of the transfer window coming up, I look for some affordable addition to the team, possibly an experienced player, if possible with good determination, to help lead the kids every once in a while. 34yo Maciej Zurawski (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/110831zurawski.jpg) fits the bill quite well if you ask me. His current club is asking a big flat nothing for him, probably trying to simply unload him. I offer them $5k anyway and they say, okay, you can have him. Going to offer him a contract, I see that he currently earns $20.5k per week but would be ready to accept a one year deal at $14.5 to come play for us. Given that our only backup striker, other that wingers capable of playing the position, is Shane Paul, I decide to offer him what he wants. He agrees to a deal at 22:15, less than two hours before the transfer deadline. He will come to Kenilworth road with plenty of experience, havign played for Celtic from 2005/06 to 2010/11, as a starter until 2009/10. He added that he is keen to rise to the challenge of playing for such an illustrious club. Cool :)

In some crazy last minute signing, Roma have splashed the cash on Feyenoord's Salomon Kalou. They will pay an initial fee of $25.5M with some clauses that could increase the sale by another $33.5M, not to a total of, an increase of, wow...

FM

FrogMan

07-22-2006, 07:07 PM

September 1st, 2011
The team board is pleased with my work.

September 3, 2011
Seeing how we're about $65k under budget for our team wage, I decide to take a look at who needs to be resigned this year, especially the obvious first teamers.

Zac Barrett is currently earning a measly $425 per week and is looking to increase that to $20.5k per week for the next 3 years. My assistant recommends an offer around $17k per week and that's what I offer Barrett who lists both me and Luton among his favoured personnel and favoured clubs.

Huhoh, Philippe Senderos's agent indicates that he's not willing to discus any new contract at the moment, something about him maybe talking once he's evaluated all the possible avenues available to him. Hrm, I still offer him a very generous $50k per week, up from his current $29.5k, as well as a $400k signing on fee.

Arjan Wisse is looking to increase his current weekly wage of $26.5k to $55k. My assistant recommends me to offer him what he wants. I take my chance and offer him $45k, as he's not a complainer and might accept that lower offer.

Damn, I learn that Kevin Foley bruised a rib in a match for Ireland. I decide to have him receive a course of painkillers so he can play in our next game.

September 4, 2011
Yeah, my fears have been confirmed. Philippe Senderos has rejected our contract offer. He's still willing to listen to any offer though and I might try my luck later.

The good news is that both Zac Barrett and Arjan Wisse have agreed to new deals with us.

September 7, 2011
I send Giannis Taralidis home so he can recover from the flu. Don't want him contaminating everybody else...

FM

Tellistto

07-22-2006, 07:54 PM

FrogMan

07-22-2006, 08:06 PM

Oof, you might have to qualify for Europe to keep Senderos around. I'd hate to think he'd just walk on you, as that would truly blow. Might have to evaluate things around the January transfer window to see where he stands then, and figure out what to do then.

Tell

yeah, that's pretty much what I fear might happen. He's young and seems ambitious, although it doesn't clearly state so in his profile. I'll keep a close eye on any change on his thinking regarding signing a new deal.

I think I mentionned that in the thread for last season, but I almost lost Youssouf Hersi like that a couple seasons ago. Back when our money situation wasn't as rosey and I was only allowed to offer contracts up to maybe $36k per week, Hersi wanted to get something like $55k or about. I offered him the most I could and a huge signing on fee and appearance fee but he would not sign, until he got injured for something like 4 or 5 months in March or about. He agreed to sign a deal like a week before he became a free agent...

FM

FrogMan

07-23-2006, 11:02 AM

September 7, 2011
International friendly: vs U.S.A.
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Asmir Begovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Stalteri</TD><TD>D/WB RL</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>Michaël Klukowski</TD><TD>D LC, M L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin McKenna</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Marco Reda</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Atiba Hutchinson</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>Jonathan de Guzman</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-10-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Julian De Guzman</TD><TD>WB L, DM, M LC</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>6-7-5-5-5</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jacob Lensky</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Will Johnson</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-8-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Oliver Occean</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Srdjan Djekanovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jim Brennan</TD><TD>D/WB/M L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Winston Marshall</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-6-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jeff Kiebbe</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>2 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Patrice Bernier</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Josh Simpson</TD><TD>D/AM L</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jaime Peters</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-5-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S8</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sita-Taty Matondo</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-6-8-7</TD><TD>60%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S9</TD><TD></TD><TD>Steve O'Connor</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ali Gerba</TD><TD>F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-10-7-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Felix Brillant</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-5</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Iain Hume</TD><TD>AM R, F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-8-6-8-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Roberto Giacomi</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chris Pozniak</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Milad Rahmati</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Even though we got destroyed in about every statistical category in that game, we still controlled the ball well which led us to a very late winning goal. They outshot us almost outrageously, 25(11) to 13(6) but we won possession with 53%. The game was tied at one apiece at the half but they took the lead in the 47th minute. We kept working our ball control game and drew level in the 71st minute on a goal from Will Johnson and won it in the 89th minute on a goal from Josh Simpson.

Final Score: Canada 3, U.S.A. 2

Following the game, Josh Simpson spoke of his delight at breaking his international duck (their words not mine ;)) witha a goal against U.S.A. He added that he wanted to thank me for havign faith in him. :cool:

Back home, I learn that Ricardo Vaz Te suffered a bruised rib cage in a game for Portugal against Ukraine. I leave him to be treated by our physios and he'll miss anywhere between 5 days and 2 weeks.

Funny stuff, looking at who's unhappy and what not among my reserves, I take a lok at Paul Reid's profile. He only has a slight concern now, not really unhappy, but that slight concern is a weird one. The dude is concerned about who will be hired as the new manager. Say what? I'm not going anywhere and if you keep that attitude, you're not coming on the field anytime soon...

Damn, I sent Giannis Taralidis home to recover from the flu and the first thing I hear is that he started a game for Greece. So much for quietly recovering at home, heh.

FM

FrogMan

07-23-2006, 11:14 AM

September 10, 2011
League match #5: vs Bolton (Luton 5-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-9</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-9-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Edmílson</TD><TD>SW, D C, DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-8</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-8-6-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>83%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-9-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>0 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>0 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-8-8-7</TD><TD>75%</TD><TD>3 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7</TD><TD>82%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>53%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

With Ricardo Vaz Te unavailable for this game, I give the start to Shane Paul. I also start Edmílson in Giannis Taralidis's place. Paul pays back his start with a very nice pass to Arjan Wisse in the 43rd minute that leads to the 1-0 goal from Wisse. That's the halftime score. We really clamp the game shut in the second half, only allowing them one shot on target in the final 45 minutes after not allowing even one in the first 45.

Final Score: Luton 1, Bolton 0

We outshot them 15(8) to 12(1) even though we lost possession with only 47%. Philippe Senderos was selected as Man of the Match. This win moves us up to 5th place and even though this is really early in the seaosn, it's very exciting! After 5 games for almost everyone, here's what the league table looks like:
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>+5</TD><TD>11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>+3</TD><TD>10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>+5</TD><TD>9</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>9</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>9</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>8</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>8</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>8</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>5</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD>Leicester</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>5</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD>Swansea</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-2</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-2</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD>Sheff Utd</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-4</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Bad news though. Kevin Foley came in late in the game, able to play because of a course of painkiller injection, but he unluckily twisted his ankle, unrelated to his rib injury for which he'd had the injection. He will miss 3 weeks to a month with that new injury.

September 14, 2011
Seeing how he's never going to even come close to playing for our starting eleven, I offer Frank Songo'o around. A stunning 12 teams come back with the requested $775k bid for the winger valued at $1.4M.

September 15, 2011
Paul Reid requests to be transfer listed. I agree and list him.

FM

FrogMan

07-23-2006, 01:53 PM

September 18, 2011
League match #6: at Chelsea (Chelsea 4-7 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-6-9-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Edmílson</TD><TD>SW, D C, DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Andy O'Brien</TD><TD>D RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-9-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-8-8-7</TD><TD>75%</TD><TD>3 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>72%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>0 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>43%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

We go into this game with very high team morale overall, thanks to the great start we've had this season. I'm not all that happy with how Simon Feindouno played last game, so I start Christian Wilhelmsson in his place. Wilhelmsson also is more experienced. Chelsea have just lost 0-1 against Lyon in Champions League group play.

We take the lead 1-0 in the 14th minute on header from Ricardo Vaz Te from a chipped in free kick from Christian Wilhelmsson. A goal on his debut, sweet! The reply in the 30th minute by heading in a corner kick, but we're not letting up and Arjan Wisse scores his 50th league goal for Luton in the added time of the first half. Vaz Te made the goal possible with a great pass. We are a bit lucky to be leading at that point, as Chelsea was outshooting us 15(9) to 5(3).

They tie the game on a goal from Jermain Defoe in the 65th minute, but we fight our way back to the top with a Shane Paul goal in the 87th. That's where the train derailled completely. I don't know how, but we let Michael Owen alone not only once, but twice and within minutes, Chelsea are up 4-3. That winning goal came at 92:16...

Final Score: Luton 3, Chelsea 4

So close and soooo frustrating. Frankly, we might not have deserved to stay this close, but we did. They outshot us 28(19) to 10(6) but it's simply the back four collpasing that allowed them the chance to win it since most of these shots had come from a distance until the very end.

Following the game, a journalist asks me to comment on Ricardo Vaz Te's debut with Luton. I'm reserved and comment that while it was a nice debut, I'm surte that he will play even better once he gets accustomed to the play at Kenilworth Road. Vaz Te likes that comment and vows to repay the faith I have placed in him.

I can't let it go that way though and I release a comment to the press for Jose Mourinho to the effect that I hope his side is beaten to the title.

FM

FrogMan

07-23-2006, 02:05 PM

September 19, 2011
Frank Songo'o has agreed a deal with Italian side Bari. He will move to them on January 1st for a fee of $775k.

September 21, 2011
Carling Cup, round 2: at Tottenham (Tottenham 5-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-9-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>2 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-8-8-7</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>3 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>0 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-8-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Edmílson</TD><TD>SW, D C, DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-9-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (5)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>69%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>9-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>3 (2)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>40%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Andy O'Brien</TD><TD>D RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

No easy first cup match for us this year. Still I use this game to give their debut to two new players, Leonel Romero and Maciej Ruwaski. The final score won't show it, but it was as lopsided as it could be. We came out flat, flat, flat and never really challenged them to the ball. They were up 2-0 at the half and we got our lone goal in the 89th minute. We never were able to take advantage of the fact the their starting keeper, Paul Robinson, had to subbed out and replace with a 17yo kiddo who must have been shitting his pants.

Final Score: Luton 1, Tottenham 2

And with that, we're out of the Carling Cup...

Following the game, the media are after me again, this time about Leonel Romero's debut. They say he had a terrible debut (rated at 6) and while I sort of agree it wasn't very good, I go the same moderate way I went about Ricard Vaz Te's debut, saying that I'm sure that Leonel will play much better once he gets used to the player at Luton. This again makes my player feel very good and he too wants to repay my faith in him. Good!

FM

FrogMan

07-23-2006, 02:15 PM

September 24, 2011
League match #7: vs Arsenal (Arsenal 4-6 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.86</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-9-7-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>3 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>8-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>9-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-8-7-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>6 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.86</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.86</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Edmílson</TD><TD>SW, D C, DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>1 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>9-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (6)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>3 (2)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>1 (4)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>66%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>43%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Believe it or not, we're sitting in 4th place, playing 2nd place Arsenal. That sounds quite good don't you think? Still, we're in a 2 game losing streak and coming out strong would be nice...

We don't do too badly actually at first, even though we're down 0-1 at the half. The goal came on a crazy bending long shot from 35 yards out by Jose Antonio Reyes. At the half, they were outshooting us 7 to 4, but we were better on target, 4 to 2.

They shoot from every possible angle in the second half and they shut it tight to keep us from coming close. We just can't make up that one goal...

Final Score: Luton 0, Arsenal 1

Disappointing and encouraging at the same time. I mean, a loss is a loss, and that's now three in a row, but we stayed with them. They did outshoot us badly, 23(7) to 8(5), but as I said, many of these were long range shots. We drop to 6th place with the loss.

Following the game, Arsène Wenger tells me via the media that I shouldn't be disheartened by the loss as it is still early in the season, adding that he feels I can steer my side to success. I reply that I believe his team can challenge for the title, an envious comment that also reveals I would love to be able to attract the kind of players that Arsenal has.

FM

FrogMan

07-23-2006, 04:13 PM

September 30, 2011
Cédric Fernandez resumes full training following his fractured ribs. He has missed two months with the injur.

October 1st, 2011
League match #8: at Manchester City (Man City 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>9-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.88</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.88</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.88</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.88</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Edmílson</TD><TD>SW, D C, DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1 (4)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (7)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.71</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>58%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>1 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>3 (3)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Prior to the game, I learn that the team board is still pleased with my work.

Trying to shake things off a bit and also because I'm not hapy with the performances of Zac Barrett, I gave the start to Niki Mäenpää. That was a mistake, as he gives away possession in the 13th minute and they convert it into an easy goal. They scored a second goal before halftime and although we were winning possession with a solid 55%, we were not in the game.

Giannis Taralidis got back to within one on a penalty in the 61st minute, but they got another one back only 8 minutes later. We fought back again and this time, it was their keeper's turn to goof up and Maciej Zurawski was at the right spot at the right time to recover the ball and make it 2-3 in the 81st minute. Too little too late though...

Final Score: Luton 2, Manchester City 3

Another loss by one goal, all games which we were close at one point or another. This loss drops us to 11th place.

Right after the game, the news headers reads: "Sorry Luton lose again"... ouch. They mention that after a good start to the campaign, this poor run of form has seen The Hatters slip into their usual role as mid-table underachievers. There it is again, the bad "U" word... :(

October 2, 2011
Funny unexpected news. Bordeaux have decided to sack their manager. Wanna know who he is? 39 year old Lilian Thuram... Kinda cool that a guy I just saw in the World cup (irl 2006) had retired and become a manager...

October 3, 2011
Games are played in the EPL and with everybody having played exactly 8 games, we now stand in 13th place, blech... Here's the table at this point:
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>+13</TD><TD>20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>+8</TD><TD>18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>+3</TD><TD>13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>-2</TD><TD>13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>-2</TD><TD>13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>+4</TD><TD>12</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>12</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>12</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>+4</TD><TD>11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>-2</TD><TD>11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>9</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD>Leicester</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>-4</TD><TD>9</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>9</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-4</TD><TD>6</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-4</TD><TD>6</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD>Swansea</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>-6</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD>Sheff Utd</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>-9</TD><TD>1</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

FM

FrogMan

07-23-2006, 04:42 PM

October 4, 2011
I try my luck again with Philippe Senderos. I offer him a three year deal as a key player that would pay him $60k per week with a signing on fee of $525k.

October 5, 2011
Senderos rejects my latest offer. I up it the signing on fee to $1M and add a minimum fee release clause, at $20M, but still, there's one. heh. He shoots that deal down also. Breaking off talks for now...

October 8, 2011
As I get ready to go manage Canada in a friendly against Mexico, I see the final score of England's latest Euro Championship qualifier against Andorra. They won it 15-0. ouch. Lampard and Owen both scored 4 and Rooney and Downing both had 3 each... Everybody rated at 10 except their keeper, whom I assume didn't get enough shot to get in the mood...

FM

FrogMan

07-24-2006, 08:19 AM

October 8, 2011
International friendly: vs Mexico (neutral field)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Asmir Begovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Stalteri</TD><TD>D/WB RL</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>Michaël Klukowski</TD><TD>D LC, M L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin McKenna</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Marco Reda</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Atiba Hutchinson</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jaime Peters</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Julian De Guzman</TD><TD>WB L, DM, M LC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-5-6-6-8</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jacob Lensky</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Will Johnson</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>5-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Oliver Occean</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-8-8-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Srdjan Djekanovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jim Brennan</TD><TD>D/WB/M L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Winston Marshall</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jeff Kiebbe</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>66%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Patrice Bernier</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Josh Simpson</TD><TD>D/AM L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>71%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Felix Brillant</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-5</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S8</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sita-Taty Matondo</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-8-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S9</TD><TD></TD><TD>Rob Friend</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-5-5-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>Jonathan de Guzman</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-8-6</TD><TD>74%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ali Gerba</TD><TD>F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-10-7-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Andrea Lombardo</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Roberto Giacomi</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chris Pozniak</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Milad Rahmati</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

What starts as a major stinker, as we let them take a 3 goal lead before halftime, ends in a respectable 2-3 loss with our final goal coming in added time. It took a couple of tactics adjustments, but at first we really were simply letting them run around with the ball. The second half was much better.

Final Score: Canada 2, Mexico 3

We outshot them 18(8) to 9(8) on the game but it was 7(3) for us to 6(5) for them at the half. We won possession with 59% on the game. Centreback Kevin McKenna and defensive middie Atiba Hutschinson were Canada's scorers.

October 11, 2011
Kevin Foley resumes full training following his foot injury.

October 12, 2011
Youssouf Hersi earns his first cap for Holland at age 29. He thanks me in the media for my support and he indicated that his call-up proved players don't have to move to big clubs in order to establish themselves on the international scene.

FM

FrogMan

07-24-2006, 08:31 AM

October 15, 2011
League match #9: vs Everton (Everton 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.88</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>89%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.78</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>6 (1)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1 (5)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-8-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.78</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>0 (7)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.71</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-9-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Int</TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-8-9</TD><TD>83%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Int</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-9-7</TD><TD>69%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-10</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>3 (3)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Edmílson</TD><TD>SW, D C, DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>2 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

We got to get out of this run of bad form and soon, before the player starts believing we really are underachievers. We're coming in 17th place for team for over the lats 5 games with three consecutive losses...

With Simon Feindouno and Curtis Davies both away on international duty, I give starts to both Christian Wilhelmsson and Leonel Romero.

Oh man, this starts rough as we leave a striker unmarked in our penalty area and within one minute of play, we're down 0-1. We tie it before the half is over though. A nice combination between Benoît Assou-Ekotto, Arjan Wisse and finally Ricardo Vaz Te who heads it in for the 1-1 goal. Everton are putting tons more pressure though.

The second half is much of the same but Zac Barrett does what he'd not done so much this season, after doing it over and over last year, he saved the game for us. His Man of the Match performance meant a draw in the books for us. I'll take it.

Final Score: Luton 1, Everton 1

They outshot us 13(8) to 8(3) although we did win possession with 53%.

Media are still talking about us slipping to our usual role of mid-table underachievers, as we keep searching for a win...

October 17, 2011
Deservedly, Zac Barrett and Youssouf Hersi have been selected to the EPL Team of the week.

Giannis Taralidis strains a wrist in training. Unsure if Cédric Fernandez is ready to take over the DM spot, I decide to have Taralidis get an injection, just in case I need him for our game against Birmingham in 5 days.

October 19, 2011
Bummer! Curtis Davies suffered a facial injury in his international match for Sierra Leone against Rwanda. He'll be out 5 days to 2 weeks.

FM

FrogMan

07-24-2006, 09:08 AM

October 22, 2011
League match #10: at Birmingham (Birmingham 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>5 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-9-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabrice Fernandes</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-9-7-9-10</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (7)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.71</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-10-10</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>3 (3)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>85%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-9-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2 (5)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-9-7-8</TD><TD>71%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1 (5)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Edmílson</TD><TD>SW, D C, DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-6-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>2 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Cédric Fernandez is fit enough to play for Giannis Taralidis and Leonel Romero takes Curtis Davies' spot on defense.

Birmingham just got drilled 0-4 by Blackburn, hopefully, that's ll affect their morale a bit...

It'S a very tight, borderline boring game early on but we take the lead in the 39th minute, making it all of a sudden very interesting. A perfectly centered ball from the byline by Simon Feindouno to Arjan Wisse who shook a defender out of his shorts and we're up 1-0.

They drew level in the 55th minute, but we hit right back on a perfect pass in space from Arjan Wisse ahead of Ricardo Vaz Te's run. Vaz Te beat the keeper easily for the winning goal.

Final Score: Luton 2, Birmingham 1

We didn't really dominate statistically, but it was a strong performance with 7 players rating at 8 for us and Benoît Assou-Ekotto getting a 9 and the Man of the Match selection. He won all 10 of his tackles and 16 of the 18 headers he went for. We move up to 9th place with the win, although many teams still have to play their 10th game right below us...

Following the game, I decide to praise Assou-Ekotto for his recent good play in the media. The fan agree, they can't get enough fo him!

The board is pleased with the win. They hope we can use the result to build for the future.

October 23, 2011
Games are played and now with everyone having played 10 games, here's how the league table is shaping up:
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>+16</TD><TD>24</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>+5</TD><TD>18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>+6</TD><TD>17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>+3</TD><TD>17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>-1</TD><TD>17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>+6</TD><TD>15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>+3</TD><TD>12</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>12</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>12</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD>Leicester</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>-6</TD><TD>10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>-9</TD><TD>9</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>-7</TD><TD>6</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD>Swansea</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>-11</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD>Sheff Utd</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>-10</TD><TD>2</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

11th place isn't all bad, especially compared to how last season went. We will need to win the close games if we wanna get higher though...

It's been a roller coaster ride thus far though, look at this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/111022positions.jpg

October 24, 2011
Zac Barrett, Benoît Assou-Ekotto and Youssouf Hersi have all been selected to the EPL team of the week. It's two in two weeks for both Barrett and Hersi.

FM

FrogMan

07-24-2006, 04:43 PM

October 26, 2011
Sometimes it feels good to see other top level teams get ousted from the cup after outplaying an opponent. Charlton just beat Arsenal 3-1 in the 3rd round of the Carling Cup. Arsenal won possession with 55% and outshot Charlton 14(7) to 4(3). Three shots on target for Charlton, three goals...

A match report about my reserves team reminds me of a promising striker from our U18 squad. A product of our youth squad, Paul Graham (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/111026graham.jpg) is 17yo and scored two goals in that game, giving him the Man of the Match selection. He's got a low determination which could hinder his development, but he's got some nice overal skills for a 17yo and I might be tempted to give him some playing time with the senior squad at one point... According to my assistant, Graham is a player of immense talent who should be given the time to develop his fantastic ability. Nice. :cool:

FM

FrogMan

07-24-2006, 06:44 PM

October 27, 2011
Both Niki Mäenpää and Christian Wilhelmsson got injured in training today. They will both miss between 3 weeks and a month.

October 29, 2011
League match #11: vs Sunderland (Luton 5-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-9-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>6 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.71</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.09</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-9-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-6-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.91</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5 (1)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Richard Wright</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-8</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>5 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabrice Fernandes</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-7-9-10-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (8)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-10-10-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>76%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-9-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>83%</TD><TD>2 (5)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-9-7-8</TD><TD>71%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Youssouf Hersi scored in the middle of the first half and that was enough to see us through against the relegation battlers that are Sunderland. Shane Paul, in as a sub for Ricardo Vaz Te, added a second goal in the 62nd minute to make sure we didn't drop it.

Final Score: Luton 2, Sunderland.

A fair game from everyone, great game from the two scorers. We outshot them 15(7) to 11(5) but lost possession with only 48%. The win moves us up to 9th place.

Leonel Romero suffered a damaged heel in the game and he will miss up to 2 weeks. Following the game, I praise Youssouf Hersi's recent performances. He's really played very well recently and is part of the reason why we're undefeated in our last three matches.

October 31, 2011
As if to confirm what I was saying, Youssouf Hersi is selected to the EPL team of the week for a third week in a row.

November 1st, 2011
Even better confirmation of his excellent play in the last month, Youssouf Hersi is named the EPL Player of the Month for October. GO YOU!!! :)

The team board is still pleased with my performance as manager.

FM

FrogMan

07-24-2006, 06:59 PM

November 5, 2011
League Match #12: at Leeds (Leeds 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-9-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-9-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-9-7-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-9-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-8-8-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.45</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>6 (1)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.86</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Richard Wright</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-8-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>5 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabrice Fernandes</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-10-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (9)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.78</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-10-10-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3 (5)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>75%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-9-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>75%</TD><TD>2 (5)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>76%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Leeds are a very interesting team. Even though they just got promoted, they are currently sitting in 6th place. We can not take them for granted as that's the kind of team against which we often relapse and lose our focus. Even though they are 3 spots ahead of us in the table, they only have 2 points on us, so a win here would put us ahead of them and they did just lose 1-4 against Blackburn, maybe showing some holes, or signs of a slowing down...

We have a lucky first half as Ricardo Vaz Te is able to steal a ball from a defender and then chip it over their keeper for a goal in the 6th minute and he hits a defender on his center to Arjan Wisse in the 27th minute, but Wisse is able to regain possession an bury for the 2-0 goal. After 45 minutes, they were outshooting us 7(4) to 3(2) but we were comfortably ahead 2-0.

The defense held on in the second half, even playing with only ten men when Kevin Foley had to leave the pitch, injured, in the 80th minute.

Final Score: Luton 2, Leeds 0

A good game in which the defensive unti played wonderfully. Curtis Davies, in his return, received the MoM selection with a rating of 9 but all defender, except Foley, all rated at 8 with very solid performances.

We move to FOURTH place with the win. Granted, some teams just below have a game on hand, but still, that is mighty impressive to me.

The bad news hit when I get back to the club. Kevin Foley tore a calf muscle and will miss up to 4 months. This means a whole lot of Keith Keane are right fullback, a picture I'm sure I like too much...

Following the game, the media are now singing a different tune as they talk about our winning streak. Talks have now switched to us possibly challenging for a place in European competition if we can keep up this kind of form. Well let's not get ahead of ourselves shall we...

FM

FrogMan

07-25-2006, 07:53 AM

November 7, 2011
Zac Barrett, Curtis Davies and Kevin Foley have been selected to the EPL team of the week.

November 10, 2011
Leonel Romero resumes full training after his foot injury. He's missed two weeks.

Backup left fullback Adam Green twisted his ankle in training and will miss one to two months.

November 12, 2011
International friendly: vs Angola
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Srdjan Djekanovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Stalteri</TD><TD>D/WB RL</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>Michaël Klukowski</TD><TD>D LC, M L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin McKenna</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-8-8-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Marco Reda</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Atiba Hutchinson</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-9</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>8.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jonathan de Guzman</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Julian De Guzman</TD><TD>WB L, DM, M LC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sita-Taty Matondo</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Brown</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Oliver Occean</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-9-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Asmir Begovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jim Brennan</TD><TD>D/WB/M L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Winston Marshall</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jeff Kiebbe</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>5-6-6-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Patrice Bernier</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>5-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Josh Simpson</TD><TD>D/AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Felix Brillant</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-5-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S8</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jacob Lensky</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-8</TD><TD>78%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S9</TD><TD></TD><TD>Rob Friend</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jaime Peters</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ali Gerba</TD><TD>F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-10-7-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Andrea Lombardo</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Roberto Giacomi</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chris Pozniak</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Milad Rahmati</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

That was not even funny for them. We took control of the game very early on and never relented it. Two goals from right winger Jonathan de Guzman, two more from youngster Paul Brown on his first cap and another Oliver Occean make it a convincing 5-0 win.

Final Score: Canada 5, Angola 0

Speaking of Paul Brown, I think I may have unleashed a star in the making. The kid will play more regularly from now on...

FM

FrogMan

07-25-2006, 10:55 PM

November 12, 2011
Canada AMC Sita-Taty Matondo hurt himself in training and will miss 3 weeks. I'm allowed to pick a replacement. I pick Iain Hume, a striker who played many seasons in England but he snubs me, saying if I wanted to pick him, I should have done so the first time and that he doesn't want to play second fiddle to anyone... The media approach me, asking me if I would ever select him again and I reply that it would be very difficult if Hume doesn't appologize. I'm not kidding myself, Canada is not a big enough nation that I can turn people down at will...

November 13, 2011
The stadium expansion is complete and the capacity at Kenilworth Road has now been increased to a total of 29860 seats. Sweet!

November 15, 2011
Iain Hume appologizes to me for refusing to be called up as late replacement to the national squad. He adds that he hopes he had not done any lasting damage to his international career. Hume wasn't a regular with us anymore, but if need be, I'll call him up again...

Christian Wilhelmsson resumes full training following his thigh injury.

FM

FrogMan

07-25-2006, 11:03 PM

November 16, 2011
International friendly: at Sint Marteen
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Srdjan Djekanovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Stalteri</TD><TD>D/WB RL</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-10</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>Michaël Klukowski</TD><TD>D LC, M L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin McKenna</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-8-6-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Marco Reda</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Atiba Hutchinson</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-9-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>8.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jonathan de Guzman</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-9-10</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>8.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Julian De Guzman</TD><TD>WB L, DM, M LC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-9</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jacob Lensky</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Brown</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-9</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>9.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Oliver Occean</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-9-7-9</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Asmir Begovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jim Brennan</TD><TD>D/WB/M L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>0 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Winston Marshall</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jaime Peters</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Patrice Bernier</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Josh Simpson</TD><TD>D/AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Felix Brillant</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-5-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S8</TD><TD></TD><TD>David Edgar</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-6-6-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S9</TD><TD></TD><TD>Rob Friend</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ali Gerba</TD><TD>F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-10-7-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Andrea Lombardo</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Roberto Giacomi</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chris Pozniak</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Milad Rahmati</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jeff Kiebbe</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>5-6-6-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

This is one of the rare games in which I didn't have to ask for a friendly. Sint Marteen came to me to play this one.

We take the lead very early, in fact in the 4th minute, on a nice goal from right winger Jonathan de Guzman. Oliver Occean adds another before the half one as we dominate play, but we relapse during injury time of the first half and they score one on their one and only shot.

Rob Friend scores a third goal for us in the 83rd minute and we keep them from really challenging our keeper for the whole second half.

Final score: Canada 3, Sint Marteen 1

We outshot them 14(6) to 4(2) although possession was an even 50-50 split.

After the game, I take some time to book friendlies for the whole 2012 year. We will play England and Spain away in September, Australia at home in October, and Holland at home and Bahamas away in December. I'm guessing there will be some WC qualifiers earlier in the year because these five dates are the only ones where I'm allowed to book friendlies.

FM

FrogMan

07-25-2006, 11:17 PM

November 18, 2011
I had offered keeper Richard Wright to other clubs asking $400k for him. Hull and Crewe come back with offers for that pice. I accept both offers.

November 21, 2011
League match #13: vs Blackburn (Luton 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-8-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>5 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-9-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-7-8-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>11 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-8-8-9-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.42</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.88</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Bid</TD><TD>Richard Wright</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-8-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabrice Fernandes</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-10-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (10)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.70</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>10-10-6-8-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>3 (6)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-7-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>2 (5)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>70%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

We're on a high and them being in 5th to our 8th place makes it a very important game. we take a early lead with Ricardo Vaz Te's 5th goal of the season in the 10th minute but they tie it in the 19th minute on a long range shot. They even take the lead only 2 minutes later but Vaz Te's second goal of the game in the 29th minute brings both team back to square one. Simon Feindouno's cross from the sideline made that goal. The half is not over before we take the lead to never give it back. Arjan Wisse scored that goal.

I was forced to put Richard Wright in for Zac Barrett in the 74th minute due to an injury to Barrett (won't miss time though) and Wright saved the win only 4 minutes later when he saved a penalty shot.

Final Score: Luton 3, Blackburn 2

They outshot us 14(8) to 12(4) but we held on to win it. Richard Wright got selected as Man of the Match, possibly because of that one big save.

As was expected with this being the first game since the end of renovation in the stadium, today's crowd of 29568 was a new Luton team record.

We move up to 4th place with that big win. With everybody having played 13 games, here's how the league table is shaping up:
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>+19</TD><TD>31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>+10</TD><TD>25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>24</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>+6</TD><TD>23</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>+7</TD><TD>21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>-2</TD><TD>20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>-2</TD><TD>18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>-1</TD><TD>17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>-6</TD><TD>13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD>Leicester</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>-12</TD><TD>11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>-8</TD><TD>10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD>Sheff Utd</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>-14</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD>Swansea</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>-15</TD><TD>4</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

FM

FrogMan

07-25-2006, 11:21 PM

November 22, 2011
Well, it didn't take long. Richard Wright has agreed to terms with Hull and will join them on January 1st.

November 23, 2011
Leonel Romero fractured his arm in a reserves match today. He might miss up to a month.

Shane Paul is whining: "Play me or lose me!"... I reply to him that he's a backup and should be patient.

He requests to be transfer listed. I reject his request, at least for now...

FM

FrogMan

07-25-2006, 11:33 PM

November 26, 2011
League match #14: at Crystal Palace (Luton 5-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-8-7-8-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>6 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>9-7-8-9-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>12 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-9-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-9-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.07</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Trn</TD><TD>Richard Wright</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-8-6-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>9.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>1 (5)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-6-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (11)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.73</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-7-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabrice Fernandes</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-10-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>2 (5)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>64%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>10-10-6-8-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>3 (6)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

We had a really tough first half in that one. Even tough it was still 0-0 at the half, we were losing possession, even if only slightly, and had only shot twice, once on target.

Some tweaks at the half paid off although it took until the 88th minute for us to take the lead then kill them on two Arjan Wisse goals. The first one was thanks to a killer cross from Benoît Assu-Ekotto and the second on a long through ball from Scott Donnelly.

Final Score: Luton 2, Crystal Palace 0

We outshot them 1(4) to 8(3) on the game and won possession *overall* with 55%. That tells you the kind of second half we had. As expected, Arjan Wisse got selected as Man of the Match in that one.

As if possible, we move up one more notch in the table, to 3rd place.

The board was very pleased with that win, our 5th in a row. Even better, while they are still simply please with my performance as manager, the supporters are now *very* pleased with it. nice :)

In other EPL news, the signing of Italian Raffaele Schiavi by Manchester United is criticized by the media. Funny stuff, they signed him for a big fee and while he had been getting average form ratings around 7.3 in the Italian Serie A, he's averaging only 6.38 so far this season with ManU...

November 28, 2011
James Simmonds has been selected to the EPL team of the week.

FM

condors

07-26-2006, 05:18 AM

I am glad you stayed at Kenilworth Road with the stadium expansion and the goal scoring of Vaz Te it could be a really good year and move you from mid table to contender. Good Luck!

FrogMan

07-26-2006, 08:33 AM

I am glad you stayed at Kenilworth Road with the stadium expansion and the goal scoring of Vaz Te it could be a really good year and move you from mid table to contender. Good Luck!

I'm glad I stayed too although I couldn't have foreseen this kind of season when I took the decision last year. My contract runs until Jun 2012 and a strong season is what I need if I want them to renew it...

Thanks for reading. :)

FM

FrogMan

07-26-2006, 11:07 AM

November 30, 2011
Time to check on Philippe Senderos' contract talk status. Nope, still not ready to discuss terms on a new deal. I still try something and offer him a key player role for $60k per week and a $1M signing on fee until June 2013, so basically a one year extention. I added a minimum release fee clause at $9M. He is presently valued at $5.75M.

Seeing how long Kevin Foley will still be out and how nervous Keith Keane makes me at times on the right back spot, I start shopping around a bit. An interesting prospect is experienced fullback Tony Hibbert (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/111130hibbert.jpg) who's havgi a very good season with Charlton in the Championship. I don't make an offer just yet but I declare my interest. In the media report that follows, they mention that the $4M price tag that he could come with might prove to be a stumbling block. Sure could be, we're kinda limited in transfer money...

Following my admission of interest for Hibbert, Chalrton manager issued a hands off warning, hrm... Interesting thing, Hibbert weighed in on the issue too and he says he's flattered by the interest and would be very interested in a move to Luton.

December 1st, 2011
Arjan Wisse comes in third for Player of the Month and I come in second for manager of the month.

The team board is now very pleased with my performance as manager.

December 2, 2011
Philippe Senderos snubs my latest deal offer. Not worth pursuing for now.

FM

FrogMan

07-26-2006, 11:20 AM

December 4, 2011
League match #15: at Leicester (Luton 5-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-8-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.07</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.64</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.07</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-9-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.36</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>13 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-9-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-9-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9 (1)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Trn</TD><TD>Richard Wright</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-6-9-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9 (1)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1 (6)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (12)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-7-7-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>1 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabrice Fernandes</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-10-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>2 (5)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>55%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>10-10-6-8-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>3 (6)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.56</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Leicester are fighting hard to avoid relegation and are currently in 18th position. Everybody's got superb morale with the current winning streak we're experiencing. Even the TV commentators are predicting a Luton victory, enough to make me real nervous.

We go down 0-1 in the 16th minute but Philippe Senderos ties it when he scores his first ever goal for Luton in the 27th minute, heading in a corner kick from Simon Feindouno. Arjan Wisse is the architect behind Ricardo Vaz Te's goal in the 40th minute and we're up 2-1 at the half.

They tied it in the 61st minute on a big mistake by Youssouf Hersi but, as they've done often recently, Wisse and Vaz Te connects as Vaz Te converts a Wisse cross to the 6 yard box for the winning goal in the 81st minute.

Final Score: Luton 3, Leicester 2

We did just enough to win but a win is a win. One of those games that in other ties, we might have lost.

Anyway, the win moves us up to 2nd place. With everybody having played 5 games, we're in a spot I would have never believed at the start of the season. 29 points already, when we only had 44 and 40 in our last two complete seasons. Here's the league table at this point:
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>+21</TD><TD>35</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>+10</TD><TD>27</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>+5</TD><TD>27</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>-1</TD><TD>26</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>+10</TD><TD>25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>+7</TD><TD>24</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>+7</TD><TD>24</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>-1</TD><TD>24</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>23</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>-1</TD><TD>21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>-4</TD><TD>16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>-8</TD><TD>14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>-8</TD><TD>13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD>Leicester</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>-14</TD><TD>11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD>Sheff Utd</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>-16</TD><TD>5</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD>Swansea</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>-18</TD><TD>4</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Following the game, I see that our supporters are now delighted with my management of the team. It's been a long while since I've seen that word in their description of my work and it feels darn good. :)

FM

FrogMan

07-26-2006, 12:09 PM

December 5, 2011
We draw Crystal Palace for our 3rd round FA Cup match. Game will be played on January 7.

December 6, 2011
Canada has been drawn to play the winner of British Virgin Islands and Antigua & Barbuda in the North American section world cup qualifying, first phase, second round.

December 7, 2011
Feeling good about our 6 games winning streak, I see that we're #1 in team form around the league, but I also see that Chelsea have 49 game undefeated streak. Wow!

December 10, 2011
League match #16: vs Sheffield Utd (Luton evens favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.06</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-9-6-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>14 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>9-7-7-8-5</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.27</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-7-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10 (1)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.09</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Trn</TD><TD>Richard Wright</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-6-9-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9 (2)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.36</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1 (7)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (13)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.77</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-7-7-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>1 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabrice Fernandes</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-10-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>2 (5)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>48%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>10-10-6-8-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>3 (6)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.56</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Sheff Utd are another relegation battler of a team, currently sitting in 19th place.

It's another game that we play very close, although we're not dominating in any sense. We tkae a one goal lead in injury time of the first half, on Simon Feindouno's first goal of the season.

Ricardo Vaz Te, either by helping himself (wink to the fact that he's is Portuguese after all) or simply by being too fast for opponents, is very good at drawing opposing defenders into commiting falls inside their penalty area. He does it again in the 50th minute and Youssouf Hersi takes the penalty and converts it for his 50th goal as a Hatter. Arjan Wisse adds to our lead when he picks up a shot from Feindouno that had bounced off a defender and finds himself in front of an empty goal.

Final Score: Luton 3, Sheffield United 0

James Simmonds is named Man of the Match with a rating of 8 and 7 runs past opponents.

We retain our 2nd place with the win, our 7th in a row.

December 11, 2011
Darn, on a matter of hours, we lose two of our backup keepers. First, soon to be transferred out Richard Wright bruises his head and will miss up to a week, then Oswaldo Sanchez sees his whole last season go down the drain when he tears his ACL. He faces 7 to 9 months of rehab. Poor Oswaldo is thinking of quitting before June as he fears he might never be able to kick a bal again...

December 12, 2011
James Simmonds and Youssouf Hersi have been selected to the EPL team of the week.

In light of our lack of depth at keeper, I start looking around for a possible backup to bring in in the January transfer window. I ask my scouts to give me report on current Arsenal backup, Leo Franco, who's complaining to Arsene Wenger about a lack of first team play. He might be good enough to start for us...

I also declare my interest in former QPR starting keeper Alistair Brown. Brown is now with West Brom playing sparingly.

FM

FrogMan

07-26-2006, 12:14 PM

December 16, 2011
Dang, Ricardo Vaz Te sustained a chest injury during a weights session and he will miss up to 3 weeks. I thought about having him get an injection but decided against it in the end.

West Brom manager issues a hands off warning regardin Alistair Brown.

FM

FrogMan

07-26-2006, 02:43 PM

December 18, 2011
League Match #17: at Tottenham (Tottenham 5-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.77</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.06</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>6 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>15 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.24</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-5-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>10-10-6-8-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>3 (6)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-8-8-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>9 (3)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1 (8)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (13)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.77</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-7-7-8-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>1 (3)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>39%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>84%</TD><TD>11 (1)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Keeper Paul Robinson is injured for Tottenham and 17yo Gary Kelly will be starting this game. It's the same 17yo who kept us from scoring against them when they beat us in the Carling Cup earlier in the season.

We come out so flat in this game, it's embarassing. They score to take the lead in the 15th minute and at that point shots were 6(2) to 1(0) for them. We start playing better from there though and Shane Paul scores only 5 minutes later to tie it. They add a second goal in the 31st minute and from there, we never got back in the game...

Final Score: Luton 1, Tottenham 3

We still controlled possession with 55% but they never allowed us near their goal in the second half.

Despite the loss, our supporters still believe we can mount a run for European competition and the team board is now absolutely thrilled with the level of commitment I continue to show the club.

Following the game, despite him being a starter in that game, Shane Paul complain about not having enough time with the first team. Seeing how I will need him in the coming weeks, I feel good promising him more playing time. He replies that he's prepared to wait for his chance.

FM

FrogMan

07-26-2006, 03:13 PM

December 20, 2011
Still leisurely looking for a right fullback to add to the squad, my scout's report ragarding Djaïd Kasri (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/111220kasri.jpg) intrigues me. While the guy has a somewhat limited skill set, he has been on fire this season. He's very versatile and could play a few other places if we needed him and on top of it, would probably come cheap for us. I decide to offer $40k for him.

December 21st, 2011
Edmílson announces that he will retire at the end of the present season.

December 25, 2011
Without us playing another game, Shane Paul is whining again for more first team play time. Damn, in what language do I need to tell it to you? You will play soon, like tomorrow!!! Now, happy?

Our offer for Djaïd Kasri has been accepted and I get to offer him a contract. The guy is not really demanding and it's a good thing as my assistant doesn't believe signing him would be worthwhile. For $3,200 per week for a backup that might or might not see the field, I can live with it. That's what he wants and that's what I offer him.

FM

FrogMan

07-26-2006, 08:31 PM

December 26, 2011
League Match #18: vs Manchester United (Man Utd 4-6 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.79</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-8-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-5-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.24</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>10-6-8-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>4 (6)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-8-8-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>9 (3)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1 (9)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>0 (14)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.79</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>1 (4)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>36%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>75%</TD><TD>11 (1)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Big, big game for us as we sit in 2nd place and Man U are in 4th place.

We seem to have away of hurting opposing keepers and we do it again in the 8th minute and they have to replace their starting keeper with his 17yo backup. This remains a non-factor in the first half as we only put one of 5 shots on target. The good news is they only shot 3 times, twice on target in the whole half.

They do take a 1-0 lead in the 50th minute on a 30 yard shot. Very frustrating to keep them away from the goal and see a screamer from far away find its way to the back of the net. We fight on though and in the 80th minute, Maciej Zurawski heads a ball ahead of Arjan Wisse, in between their two central defenders. Alone with the keeper, Wisse doesn't miss his chance and ties it, 1-1.

Final Score: Luton 1, Man Utd 1

A strong performance that almost confirms we can hang on with the big boys up top. One thing worries me though, it's the performance rated at 5 of right fullback Keith Keane. He's made many moves that are making me really nervous and if there's one thing I don't like, it's being nervous about the work of one of my d-men...

The attendance of 29824 for tonight's game is a new Luton Town team record. That's 36 short of a sellout crowd.

FM

FrogMan

07-27-2006, 09:13 AM

December 28, 2011
League Match #19: at Liverpool (Liverpool 4-6 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-8-8-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>8-8-7-7-5</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>11 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-8-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>9 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.23</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-8-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>17 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-5-8-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-6-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>1 (5)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1 (10)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.36</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>0 (14)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.79</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-6-7-6</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>5 (6)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.55</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>36%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>73%</TD><TD>11 (1)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

While we're currently flying high in 2nd place, it's been a rough first half of the season for Graeme Souness at Liverpool. They're currently in 8th place.

Freddy Adu is injured and won't play in this game. He's having a so-so season, averaging 6.77 in form rating over 26 appearances with only one goal and 4 assists to his record.

It's a wild start to the game as we go down one in the 3rd minute but take it back in the 9th minute when Arjan Wisse lobs a bal just over their keeper's head. They add another goal in the 24th minute and from there, we just couldn't get to their goal...

Final Score: Luton 1, Liverpool 3

They outshot us 23(15) to 7(3) on the game and won possession with 54%. A really shaky game for us.

Kidn of a shame as this brings us to the halfway point of the season. We're sitting in an amazing third place, but our play in a game like that has me a bit worried. Here's the league table at this point:
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>+23</TD><TD>39</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>+8</TD><TD>35</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>+8</TD><TD>33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>32</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>+7</TD><TD>31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>+5</TD><TD>30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>+4</TD><TD>30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>+7</TD><TD>28</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>+6</TD><TD>28</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>28</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>26</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>23</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>-1</TD><TD>21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>-8</TD><TD>20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD>Leicester</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>-19</TD><TD>11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD>Swansea</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>-19</TD><TD>8</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD>Sheff Utd</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>-20</TD><TD>8</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

And it sure has been a roller coaster ride, look at how our position has evolved over that first half of the season:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/111228positions.jpg

The latest shaky performance from Keith Keane leads me to think we should get a new right fullback. I put in a bid for Tony Hibbert. I also find David Martin (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/111228martin.jpg) interesting. He's another player who seems to play better than his skills would make him appear on paper.

December 29, 2011
Also looking at maybe getting in a backup keeper, I take a look at Hull's Jonathan Tuffey (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/111229tuffey.jpg) and I put in an exploratory bid (read way low ;)).

December 30, 2011
Djaïd Kasri has accepted our contract offer and will join us on January 1st. He could play right fullback but will probably remain a deep backup for us. He only cost us $40k and his wages are really low compared to our other players...

Curtis Davies strained his calf in training. He will miss 2 to 4 weeks. Leonel Romero will back him up.

Daamn, Shane Paul is whining again. Man, we played two in two days and you started both of them. Stop crying!!!

Our low offer for Tony Hibbert (his value of $1.3M) has been rejected.

December 31, 2011
Looking for keeper, I see that Arsenal's backup keeper is unhappy with him. Leo Franco (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/111231franco.jpg) got to the team last offseason but never got it going so far and his complaining a bit. I offer them all I have left in my transfer budget, that's $1.3M but he's valued at $2M.

Quick check on Philippe Senderos on the eve of the start of transfer window. He's still unwilling to discuss a new deal. The good thing, for us at least, is that nobody seems interested in him. I still offer him a two years contract for $60k per week and a $2M signing on fee.

FM

FrogMan

07-27-2006, 01:14 PM

January 1st, 2012
The transfer window opens and with it some good news from my team board. They have made som extra funds available. In fact, $8M more are available to me to use right now.

Djaïd Kasri (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120101kasri.jpg) arrives to Kenilworth Road. I'm not sure he'll get tons of playing time but we'll see... He can play right fullback, rigth midfielder and defensive midfielder as well, making him a somewhat useful backup to have.

Still looking for a possible backup/startin keeper, I see Kasper Schmeichel (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120101schmeichel.jpg) with whom I've had ties in a past life. He's valued at $2.3M and I offer them $4M for him. That bid is rejected before the day is over. I try $5M but that offer is also shot down.

The team board are still absolutely thrilled at the level of commitment I continue to show the club.

Our offer for Jonathan Tuffey is rejected by Hull which make Tuffey unhappy. Seems like he would have liked to discuss terms on a contract with us...

January 2, 2012
League Match #20: vs Newcastle (Newcastle 5-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-8-8-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>8-7-7-5-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>12 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.95</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1 (11)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.42</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>0 (15)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.87</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>5-8-6-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.26</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>2 (5)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>7.10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>10 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.84</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>5 (7)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Djaïd Kasri</TD><TD>D RC, DM, M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>35%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>75%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>71%</TD><TD>11 (1)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

They are in 8th place, but only 3 points behind us in 2nd place. It's a tight race up there...

Ricardo Vaz Te is still not ready to come back, maybe 4 days away.

The first half ends scoreless and while we're statistically in it, we're kind of flat with about half the team still rated at 6 after 45 minutes.

The second half doesn't bring much more excitement and the game ends scoreless.

Final Score: Luton 0, Newcastle 0

A dull, boring game in which really nobody shined. Niki Mäenpää didn't screw it up too bad which is good I guess.

We drop to 4th with the draw.

The crowd of 29834 is a new Luton Town team record.

FM

FrogMan

07-27-2006, 04:32 PM

January 4, 2012
League Match #21: at Aston Villa (Aston Villa 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-5-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>13 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.65</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.95</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>9 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>18 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.85</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>8-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>20 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>5 (8)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>7.05</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>2 (11)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1 (15)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.81</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>3 (5)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>35%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>73%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>75%</TD><TD>11 (1)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

It's a crazy stretch of games, 3 games in 5 nights with our next one the FA Cup match on the 7th...

Prior to the game, I get the news that Ricardo Vaz Te has resumed full training. Good news, we really need him although he is not ready for this game...

We dig ourselves a hole real quick as Leonel Romero scores an own goal in the 25th minute and one minute later, Niki Mäenpäa goofs up to give up an easy goal. Down 0-2, I do what I don't do much anymore, it's subbing the keeper without him being injured. In comes Zac Barrett but it was too late...

Arjan Wisse will score a goal for us, but not before they will have taken a 3-0 lead.

Final Score: Luton 1, Aston Villa 3

Stastically, a very close game, but many of our players had very ordinary performances...

We drop to 5th place with the loss... Fans are worried with this loss that pushes our run of games without a win to 5. They hope that our early season promises won'T change into late season disapointment.

FM

FrogMan

07-27-2006, 09:21 PM

January 5, 2011
Well, that comes as a shock, but I had a $1.9M pending bid for Arsenal's keeper, Leo Franco and I'm just getting news that it's beend accepted. Arsène Wenger says that the excellent relationship he has with me is one of the reason why he accepted the offer. Nice of you Arsène :)

Going to offer him a contract, I see he demands some big money. Franco is looking for a 2 year contract with wages around $48.5k in addition to a signing on fee of $575k. My assistant seems to believe that he would become an essential member of our first team squd and even thinks we could go as high as $60k per week for him. I offer him what he wants.

I had put another bid for Jonathan Tuffey rejected, at $1.5M this time. I offer them $1.8M. That bid is shot down quick and I up it to $2.1M.

I offer $5M for Charlton's right fullback Tony Hibbert.

January 7, 2011
FA Cup, round 3: at Crystal Palace (Crystal Palace 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Djaïd Kasri</TD><TD>D RC, DM, M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.95</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>10 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.09</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>2 (5)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>21 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.09</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>7.05</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>89%</TD><TD>11 (1)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-5</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>19 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.81</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1 (15)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.81</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>3 (6)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>35%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>69%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>2 (12)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.36</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-5-6-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>14 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>6 (8)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

I'm going to give Djaïd Kasri a shot at right fullback. Ricardo Vaz Te is back in the lineup and he makes his presence felt in the 18th minute when his hard work causes the opposing keeper to leave a long rebound that Arjan Wisse picks up to score the 1-0 goal. We add another goal when Youssouf Hersi lofts the ball over their keeper'S head. By halftime, we were really in control and we never looked back.

Final Score: Luton 2, Crystal Palace 0

We outshot them 18(9) to 13(6) on the game with almost everybody rating at 8 or above. Zac Barrett got the MoM with a rating of 9.

Djaïd Kasri rated at 8 and the media ask me what I think of his performance. I tell them that it was a good debut performance and I hoped he would build form it to become even better. Poor Kasri is not used to the media scrutiny and he's concerned that I'm expecting too much of him. Oops...

FM

FrogMan

07-27-2006, 09:24 PM

January 8, 2011
Our latest bid for Jonathan Tuffey has been rejected. I give up on him.

January 9, 2011
Out of nowhere, Leeds are enquiring about the price of Simon Feindouno. That's a tough one. Despite many, many 20's in his skills, he doesn't seem able to turn it into consistent 7+ ratings. He's valued at $6M and I tell them that $11M would be my price.

We're drawn to play Southampton in the 4th round of the FA Cup on January 28.

Charlton tell me they want $7M for Tony Hibbert. I'm looking at other possibilities, like somebody you might remember in Abubakiri Yakubu (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120109yakubu.jpg). He's valued at $3.8M, maybe they'll let him go at a price I can afford, who knows... I offer Auxerre $6M for him.

January 10, 2011
Leo Franco has agreed to terms with us and he joins us! Seriously, he could bring stability to our defense, something that Zac Barrett did last year but has trouble finding in his sophomore season as the starter.

Our bid for Abubakiri Yakubu has been rejected. I don't push it for now.

January 11, 2011
Oh wow, Leeds get back to me with an $11M bid for Simon Feindouno. The player's agent has indicated that he would like to discuss terms with Leeds... Hrm, now what to do? It's still early in the transfer window and I'd probably have time to find a winger to replace him. I accept the offer. As I said, he averaged 6.64 in form last year and this season, being the starter, he's only averaging 6.75 in league play. Not what I have in mind from a top player...

FM

condors

07-28-2006, 05:21 AM

FrogMan

07-28-2006, 09:36 AM

You may want to get rid of Shane Paul he could effect other players he seems to me a type of player who will always be unhappy. Look for a young striker with pace and determination (17 years old preferred for me). Normally 17 year olds won't complain about lack of action. I normally want 15 acceration, pace and determination (workrate if possible) those types of players tend to be great late subs which is how i use my youngster before they break into the first team.

kutgw

LOL!

That laughing may seem out of place, but you'll laugh too when I report some of my unreported stuff ;)

That's some good tips about using youngsters as late game subs. I might try doing that with Paul Graham. In fact, I should probably try doing that more and try to get more youngsters to the team. I often see my games as "fight till the lats minute" and I sometimes believe that a guys brough in late might make a difference and win it although it doesn't always happen that way... I've also learned that an injury rash can destroy a seaosn in a matter of a couple of weeks, so depth is important...

FM

FrogMan

07-28-2006, 12:26 PM

January 12, 2011
With about $6.8M left in transfer budget, I put in a bid for Tony Hibbert for about that amount, $4.8M up front, $2M over the next 24 months.

I see that our supporters are delighted with the signing of Leo Franco. Hopefully, he'll bring them much joy with his playing...

January 14, 2011
League Match #22: at Middlesbrough (Middlesbrough evens favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Djaïd Kasri</TD><TD>D RC, DM, M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>11 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>3 (5)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>22 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7.23</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>7.09</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>12 (1)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>19 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10 (5)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2 (12)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.36</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1 (16)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.82</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3 (6)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Bid</TD><TD>Simon Feindouno</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>19 (3)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.82</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>35%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>62%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-5-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>14 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>6 (8)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

This game marks Leo Franco's debut as a Hatter. Poor dude gets no support from his new teammates though and not only do we go down 0-1 after 70 seconds, we keep letting them run at will over the first 45 minutes, so much so that we've dug ourselves a crazy hole. When halftime finally comes, we're down 1-5. And in my mind, there wasn't much Franco could have done to prevent it, really an ugly showing of football playing. At that point, they were outshooting us 10(7) to 2(1) although possession was an even split.

I did some major tactical adjustments at the half, along with a blasting speach and we turned it around only to find ourselves facing a frigging wall. We outshot them 15(10) to 8(2) in that second half and not only with long range shots, and won possession with 56% but were absolutely unable to put one past their keeper. The damage to our confidence had been done in the first 45 minutes...

Final Score: Luton 1, Middlesbrough 5

One word, suckly. Seriously, I hope this will be only a one off and that we'll play better in front of Leo Franco because that was just a sad showing... Arjan Wisse was our lone scorer.

We drop to 8th place with the loss.

As you would expect, the media are feisting on me missing out on a signing. Saying that Franco had a fairly torrid time against Middlesbrough, they ask if I expected more from him in his debut. I reply that I don't think the press should pay much attention to one performance and that I felt it was great to finally see Franco in a Luton shirt and that I have no doubt he will be an excellent signing for us. Honestly, I would have wanted to tell them that everybody in front of him needs to play better, but that wasn't an option... Maybe that comment would have gone better with Franco because what I said made him concerned I may be expecting too much of him...

Back to the clubhouse, I get the news that Simon Feindouno has agreed terms on a contract with Leeds and will join them immediately. $11M richer and with two weeks to go in the transfer window, I'd hope to be able to find a replacement...

I start my shopping with players already in my shortlist. I offer French side Sochaux $14M for Jaouad Zaïri (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120114zairi.jpg), a versatile attacking midfielder who could play about everwhere up front but is described as a winger.

FM

FrogMan

07-28-2006, 12:34 PM

January 16, 2011
At the halfway point of the transfer window, I'm think it might be time to check on Philippe Senderos. Good thing I did, he seems ready to negotiate a new deal. He's looking for a 3 year deal with wages around $65k per week and a signing on fee of $400k. My assistant recommends $50k per week. I offer him the most my board will allow which is $60k per week but I up the signing on fee to $600k.

With the return of Ricardo Vaz Te to the lineup and fed up with his constant whining, I decide to offer Shane Paul around. (to condors, I swear this was played out three evenings ago ;)) Valued at $2.5M, I offer him around for $2M.

January 17, 2011
Ouch, darn African Cup of Nations. Benoît Assou-Ekotto and Djaïd Kasri have been called up and will miss significant time at the club. Kasri I can live with, but Assou-Ekotto is a big loss for us...

Well, it didn't take long, Philippe Senderos has put pen to paper on a lucrative 3 year deal worth $9.75M. Good!

January 18, 2011
That again didn't take long. Wigan put in a bid for the requisite $2M for Shane Paul.

January 19, 2011
Still shopping around, I offer Auxerre $8.25 for Abubakiri Yakubu.

FM

FrogMan

07-28-2006, 12:56 PM

January 21, 2011
League Match #23: vs Swansea (Luton evens favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-5-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>14 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.88</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>10 (5)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4 (5)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>23 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-6-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>13 (1)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.07</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>19 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2 (13)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1 (17)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.78</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>3 (7)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Int</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Int</TD><TD>Djaïd Kasri</TD><TD>D RC, DM, M R</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>35%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>67%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Bid</TD><TD>Shane Paul</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>6 (8)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Just what the doctor ordered, right? Swansea are currently 18th in the Premiership... Hell yeah, what the doctor ordered! Before the half is over in this one, Arjan Wisse has scored twice Ricardo Vaz Te once for a nice 3-0 lead. Even more, we were outshooting them 10(5) to 3(2).

We stayed back for most of the second half but that did the trick and everybody is happier with that win.

Final Score: Luton 3, Swansea 0

We only added one shot in the second half, a blocked penalty, but we played well enough to keep them away from Leo Franco who collected his first clean sheet as a Hatter.

Arjan Wisse got selected as Man of the Match with a rating of 9.

We moved back up to 7th place with the win.

Cédric Fernandez suffered a concussion in the 90th minute and he could miss up to 2 weeks.

Fans hope we got the season back on track with that win that puts back into contention for a spot in European competition next season...

Curtis Davies resumes full training following his shin injury. If that injury had anything positive, it kept him away from the Africa Cup of Nations that he would have probably played in with Sierra Leone.

January 22, 2011
Well, it's a done deal. Shane Paul has agreed to join Wigan. We get $2M for the transfer.

I enquire to Bolton about the availability of righ fullback Nicky Hunt (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120122hunt.jpg) whom my scout just reported about and said he believed that he would make a good addition to the Luton squad. They dismiss my enquiry, saying he will not move...

My latest offer for Abubakiri Yakubu was rejected. I offer them $10.5M for him and I put in a $9M for Nicky Hunt who's valued at $3M.

January 23, 2011
Philippe Senderos, Youssouf Hersi, and Arjan Wisse have all been selected to the EPL team of the week.

Our latest bid for Tony Hibbert has been rejected.

I realize that Auxerre accepted my bid for Alexander Farnerud but I have no screenshot of his profile for you, although I know the bid is for $11.5M. Anyway, he's a 27yo AM RLC/FC who can play anywhere in the midfield and even up front as a striker. Described as an ambitious midfielder, he's had good form ratings for a few seasons now, displaying some consistency that I like in a player. Looking to offer him a contract, he's looking for a 3 year deal with wages around $47k per week and a signing on fee of $725k. My assistant seems to believe he would become a useful memeber of the first team squad and recommends a deal up to $55k per week. I offer him what he want but I the minimum fee release clause from $13.75M to $15M.

January 25, 2011
Our latest bid for Abubakiri Yakubu has been rejected by Auxerre as is our bid for Nicky Hunt by Bolton.

FM

FrogMan

07-28-2006, 06:34 PM

January 26, 2011
I offer $7.6M for Tony Hibbert, $5M now, $2.6M over 24 months.

Alexander Farnerud (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120126farnerud.jpg) has agreed terms with us and he comes to Kenilworth Road! That transfer boosts our yearly spending to $40.5M, a team record.

Call me stupid, I it just occurs to me that while he can play both sides of the field, his strong foot is his left. Hopefully he'll be able to play the right side, maybe moving inside whenever he feels the need... His right foot is still considered reasonable

Our offer for Tony Hibbert has been accepted. I offer him the contract he wants which is $21.5k per week and a signing on fee of $275k. My assistant seems to believe he would not be more than a fringe player but he tells me I could go as high at $26k per week.

January 28, 2011
FA Cup Fourth Round: vs Southampton (Luton evens favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>19 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>5-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>15 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.68</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1 (18)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.74</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>11 (5)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5 (5)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>24 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-8-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7.21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>7.16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>14 (1)</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2 (14)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>3 (7)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Int</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Int</TD><TD>Djaïd Kasri</TD><TD>D RC, DM, M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8-6-6</TD><TD>89%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>35%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>79%</TD><TD>12 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.07</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

They take a very early lead and about everybody looks down with only 7 minutes played in the game. We tie it on Ricardo Vaz Te's 10th goal of the season in the 33rd minute. One of their striker is sent off in the 39th minute and we use the opportunity to take the lead 90 seconds into the added time of the first half.

Youssouf Hersi added a third goal for us early in the second half and thankfully so as they made it 3-2 in the 79th minute. Their keeper was supporting the attack for about the last 4 minutes and I just wanted to scream at Marciej Zurawski. With their keeper out of the goal, Vaz Te picked up a loose ball near our penalty area and as he launched some crazy shot that would have travelled 70 yards or so, Zurawski got called for being offside. THERE'S NO KEEPER! JUST STAY ONSIDE, YOU MORON!!!

Final Score: Luton 3, Southampton 2

Ricardo Vaz Te got selected as Man of the Match with his two goals and a form rating of 9. We outshot them 17(8) to 10(4) on the game and won possession with 53%. We also were given 9 corners...

We're through to round 5 with the win.

Following the game, I learn that Tony Hibbert (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120128hibbert1.jpg) has agreed to terms with us and will come to Kenilwort Road. He's not super impressive on paper, but he's played in the premiership in the past (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120128hibbert2.jpg) and he should bring some experience to the team.

FM

FrogMan

07-28-2006, 06:37 PM

January 29, 2011
With $1.9M left in transfer budget, I'm thinking it could be nice to bring in a player of depth or two before the transfer deadline comes.

Going through my shortlist, I see David Martin (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120129martin.jpg), another player who seems to play better than his skills would indicate on paper. I offer Hearts $400k for him.

I also see Romone Rose (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120129rose.jpg) whom I've had on my shortlist for a long time, given that he's at QPR. He used to be an up and comer for them but seems to have fallen out of favor. I offer them $475k for him.

January 30, 2011
My bid for David Martin has been accepted. He's looking for a 4 year deal worth $15,750 per week, a steep increase over his current wage of $9,750 per week. I offer him what he is earning right now, i.e. $9,750 per week. It doesn't take long for him to accept that deal, adding that he is really enthusiastic about the prospect of playing for such a well-supported club. Well, you will at least train for the club, as for playing, we'll see... ;)

Our offer for Romone Rose was rejected. Seeing how I'm not looking to get any more players, and Marciej Zurawski will retire at the end of the season, I offer them $1.5M.

The 5th round FA Cup draw happens and we will play either Tottenham or Aston Villa.

Later in the day, the bid for Romone Rose is accepted. Rs boss Mick Harford states that his excellent relationship with me is one of the reasons why he has accepted the offer. See, it pays to be a nice guy :) Going to offer Rose a contract, I see what especially attracted me in him, his low salary request. He's looking for a 4 year contract worth $4,100 per week that will increase only 5% every year. My assistant says he believes that Rose has considerable talent for his age and he say I could go as high as $4,900. I offer him what he wants. I see that Millwall have put in a bid for $2.9M. Now I understand why Harford is saying he accepted my bid because of our good relationship... I also see that 9 other clubs are scouting Rose at the moment. That's a lot of interest...

Before the day is over, the news is in, Romone Rose (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120130rose.jpg) has agreed to terms with Luton and will be coming to Kenilworth Road. The sale angered many QPR fans who think the fee was miserly.

FM

FrogMan

07-29-2006, 12:58 PM

February 1st, 2011
The transfer deadline has passed.

The team board are still absolutely thrilled with the level of commitment I continue to show the team.

League match #24: at Bolton (Bolton 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-9-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>20 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.05</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-6-8-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.23</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-5</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>16 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.06</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>12 (5)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>25 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.12</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-8-6-8-9</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.28</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-9-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-9</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>15 (1)</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-6-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>2 (15)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.35</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>2 (18)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>3 (8)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.55</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Int</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Djaïd Kasri</TD><TD>D RC, DM, M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8-6-6-8</TD><TD>88%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-8-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>6 (5)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.55</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>35%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>16 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.70</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>12 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.07</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Two players debut for us in this game: Alexander Farnerud and Tony Hibbert. I go back to Zac Barrett to give some time to Leo Franco to settle down a little.

We'Re not very impressive early on and after some 15 minutes played, they've shto 4 times, twice on target and we've not even come close to their goal. Still, we take the lead in teh 41st mintue on a goal from Ricardo Vaz Te. Having him and Arjan Wisse in the box at the same often seems to create opportunities. This time, Vaz Te used the rebound from a shot by Wisse to score... They tie it in injury time of the half though.

As quiet as the first half was, the second half turns into complet chaos. We build a two goal lead within five minutes of the start of the half, thanks to a goal from Alexander Farnerud on his debut and a second one from Vaz Te, but we let them get back in the game a few minutes later with a goal. When I though that a goal from Wisse in the 63rd minute had clearly put it away, we desintegrate, especially new Hatter Hibbert. His poor clearance in the 90th minute gives them the chance to tie the game.

Final Score: Luton 4, Bolton 4

Really a story of two teams in one. Everybody above the four defencemen rated at 8 or better while every d-men and the keeper rated at 6 or even 5 for Hibbert. Arjan Wisse is selected as Man of the Match.

Following the game, the media want my impression regarding the solid performance given by new signee Alexander Farnerud in his debut. I tell them it was a good debut and that I hope he'll be able to build on that. Farnerud says he wants to repay the faithshown towards him by that comment. Tony Hibbert might want to offer him a dinner in a good restaurant. That good performance by Farnerud has kind of made everyone forgot how badly Hibbert played in his debut...

The loss drops us to 8th place.

FM

FrogMan

07-29-2006, 04:17 PM

February 4, 2011
League Match #25: vs Chelsea (Chelsea 4-7 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>5.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2 (19)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.71</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-8-8-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-7-5-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>17 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>13 (5)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-7-8-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>26 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-8-9-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-9-7-9</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7.22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-9-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>16 (1)</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>7.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-9-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>21 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>12 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.07</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2 (15)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.35</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>6 (5)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.55</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Int</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>35%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.70</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.91</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

I'm bringing back Leo Franco in the nets, in hope that this will bring some confidence back to our defensvie unit...

We dig ourselves an early hole in this one by first giving up a goal in the 21st minute, but then with a penalty callon Curtis Davies a couple minutes later. 23 minutes into the game and we're down 0-2. Arjan Wisse left the game injured in the 28th minute and that score stood at the half.

We got one back in the 49th minute when Ricardo Vaz Te pounced on the blocked chip shot of Romone Rose. They hit back with another couple of goals within 5 minutes (60' and 65'), one of them on a corner kick headed straight in. We keep on fighting and before it's over, Romone Rose has hit the back of the net twice for his first two goals as a Hatter. Sadly again, the defensive side failed to show up for the game...

Final Score: Luton 3, Chelsea 4

These are crazy scores we're dealing with and we got to stop bleeding goals away like that. We stayed with Chelsea stats for stats, but just gave up one more goal...

Romone Rose was selected as man of the match for his two goals. He also put 4 of 5 shots on target. He might have a bit more playing time as Arjan Wisse bruised his head and will probably miss a week.

The crowd of 29835 was a new Luton team record.

With about everybody having played 25 games, this is how the league table is shaping up:
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>+31</TD><TD>55</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>+18</TD><TD>45</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>+10</TD><TD>44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>+8</TD><TD>44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>+7</TD><TD>43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>+10</TD><TD>40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>+7</TD><TD>40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>+4</TD><TD>38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>+11</TD><TD>36</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>+7</TD><TD>36</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>35</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>32</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>-13</TD><TD>30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>-4</TD><TD>29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>-10</TD><TD>27</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>-8</TD><TD>24</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD>Leicester</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>-22</TD><TD>15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD>Swansea</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>-24</TD><TD>15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD>Sheff Utd</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>-23</TD><TD>14</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

We maintain ourselves in the thick of things...

FM

vex

07-29-2006, 04:55 PM

Can you link me to the beginning of this dynasty? Thanks:)

FrogMan

07-29-2006, 05:51 PM

Can you link me to the beginning of this dynasty? Thanks:)

I only started with it in the middle of last season, when it looked like I might get sacked:
http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=51110

Thanks for reading! :)

FM

FrogMan

07-29-2006, 06:02 PM

February 6, 2011
Arjan Wisse has been selected to the EPL team of the week.

February 7, 2011
I learn that Maciej Zurawski is now a qualified coach. Looking at his skills as a coach though, I don't see how we could employ him... He also tells me that he will retire at the end of the season. I didn't plan on signing him for another season.

February 8, 2011
Tottenham have won their FA Cup match over Aston Villa and we will play them in round 5, on Fabruary 19.

February 10, 2011
Well, looks like David Martin won't make his debut with the Hatters before a long time. He dislocated a shoulder in training and will miss two months.

FM

FrogMan

07-29-2006, 08:19 PM

February 12, 2011
League Match #26: at Arsenal (Arsenal 4-7 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.70</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8-8-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.91</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>14 (5)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>27 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-9-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-9-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>17 (1)</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>7.28</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-9-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>21 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>12 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.07</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>2 (16)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.39</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3 (19)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.68</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Ret</TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>3 (8)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.55</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>5-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>5.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-9-7-9-6</TD><TD>85%</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7.18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Int</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>6 (6)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.58</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>44%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-5-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.95</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>39%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Ouch, that one starts rough. After 17 minutes we're down 0-2 and we've not attempted one shot. They have put 4 of 5 on target so far. We work our way back into at least figuring in the game and the rest of the half is not as bad, although we don't score.

We do score in the 62nd minute, when Alexander Farnerud is the architect behind a goal from Youssouf Hersi, but that won't be enough. We let them score only 5 minutes later...

Final Score: Luton 1, Arsenal 3

They outshot us 20(12) to 11(8) on the game, getting 52% possession in the process. Not a really good game for us.

We drop to 9th place with the loss...

Even worse, Philippe Senderos suffered a facial injury in the game and could miss up to 2 weeks.

January 13, 2011
Youssouf Hersi has been selected to the EPL team of the week.

FM

FrogMan

07-29-2006, 08:31 PM

February 19, 2011
FA Cup Fifth Round: vs Tottenham (Tottenham 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-9-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>21 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>17 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-5-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.95</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>11 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>15 (5)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>28 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-9-8-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7.32</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-9-7-9-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7.18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-9-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18 (1)</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>7.21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>12 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.07</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>2 (17)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.42</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3 (20)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.65</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-9-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Cup</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>5-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>5.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Ret</TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>3 (9)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>6 (6)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.58</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>58%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>39%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-8-6-6-7</TD><TD>79%</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Cup</TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-9-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1 (2)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Tony Hibbert and Romone Rose are cup tied for this game, meaning Keith Keane will start at right fullback. Kevin Foley is getting very close to start training again, although it might be a few weeks before he is match fit.

I give one more shot to Zac Barrett to impress me and show me he's got the stuff that made him the leader of our team last season.

And well, even though we don't help him much, we do control the ball a lot in the beginning, but they beat Barrett on a shot from far away in the 18th minute. 0-1 is the halftime score.

We control the ball a whole lot in the second half, but they deny us any access to close shots. They even increase their lead in the 89th minute, as we got almost every players pushed up to try to score and force a replay.

Final Score: Luton 0, Tottenham 2

And with it, they kick us out of the FA Cup, just like they did in the Carling Cup.

February 20, 2011
Hum, weird, New Zealand offered Canada a friendly for November 2012, but then cancel it in the afternoon, after I'd accepted it.

February 24, 2011
Kevin Foley resumes full training after missing 4 months.

FM

FrogMan

07-29-2006, 08:44 PM

February 25, 2011
League Match #27: vs Man City (Luton 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>5-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>5.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-5-6-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>19 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.95</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>12 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.07</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>29 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>9-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7.31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>9-7-9-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>9-8-7-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>19 (1)</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-9-8-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>22 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16 (5)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>2 (18)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>3 (21)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-9-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1 (2)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Ret</TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>3 (9)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>6 (6)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.58</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.64</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>39%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-8-6-6-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Leo Franco is back in the nets for us. Benoît Assou-Ekotto is also back from the African Cup of Nations. It's an important game as only two points separate the two teams. We're in 9th place, Man City are in 11th.

Youssouf Hersi gives us a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute when his free kick from 25 yard outs finds the back of the net. I like when he bends one from a distance like that. We're far from dominating though and it's only 1-0 at the half. I make sure to tell the guys not to get careless.

Sadly, while not really careless, they can't stop the assault and we give up a goal in the 66th minute.

Final Score: Luton 1, Man City 1

They outshot us 14(7) to 6(5) and nobody on our team rated above 7. Another so-so game for us...

The attendance of 29846 was a new Luton team record though, always nice to see the support of the fans...

We move back up to 8th place with the draw but Blackburn and Middlesbrough have not yet played their 27th game...

February 26, 2011
In a shocker, I realize that the Carling Cup final pits Middlesbrough to League Two Bradford, wow! Middlesbrough eat them alive though, 3-0. Still very nice to see a "low" level team make it to the final...

March 1st, 2011
Again, the board are absolutely thrilled with the level of commitment I continue to show the club.

FM

FrogMan

07-29-2006, 09:00 PM

March 3, 2011
League Match #28: at Everton (Everton 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>5-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>5-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>20 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.95</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-8-6-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>13 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.07</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>30 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>7.30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-9-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>20 (1)</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-9-8-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>22 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16 (6)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>2 (19)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>3 (21)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-9-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1 (3)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Ret</TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>3 (9)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>6 (6)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.58</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.64</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>38%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>13 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Everton are underachieving this season. They are currently on a run of 9 games without a run and are sitting in 13th place. This makes me nervous as we often find a way to lose to these kind of teams...

Now that's how I'd want the guys to play every game. We come out roaring and Ricardo Vaz Te scores his 15th of the season in the 24th minute. Then, our offense seemingly too much for them in the 41st minute, one of their defenders is sent off for professional foul as he pulled Arjan Wisse's shirt on a run to the goal.

From then on, we keep on pounding on them until they relented. We score two in two minutes in the 61st and 63rd minute, first when Vaz Te converts a nice center from the sideline by Alexander Farnerud, then when Youssouf Hersi bends one from a distance.

Final Score: Luton 3, Everton 1

I tell the guys that's how I want them to play every week. I hope they get the message. Ricardo Vaz Te was selected as man of the match.

The board is deighted with the win and the chairman comments that it was the sort of performance that made him proud to be a Luton fan and that he wanted to be among the first to congratulate me on a superb victory.

March 4, 2011
Huhoh, Paris-SG sacked their manager, the one they took after I turned them down. My name is not mentionned this time around though. ;)

March 5, 2011
Ricardo Vaz Te has been selected to the EPL team of the week.

Kevin Foley, just back from injury, is stating that his current pay deal is too low for a player of his calibre. I really like Kevin, but that's kind of out of nowhere. He's currently earning $13k per week and while it's not the highest, there are plenty who make less than that. He's looking to up it to $33k per week, a steep increase for somebody I would like to see more often playing than injured... I tell him that I will be reviewing the wage structure at the end of the season.

March 8, 2011
Lilian Thuram has been appointed as the new manager at Paris-SG.

FM

FrogMan

07-29-2006, 09:03 PM

March 9, 2011
Games are played and with everybody being left with 10 games to their seasons, here's how the league table is shaping up:
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>+37</TD><TD>65</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>54</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>+23</TD><TD>54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>+13</TD><TD>50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>+8</TD><TD>50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>+10</TD><TD>49</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>+6</TD><TD>44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>+7</TD><TD>42</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>+4</TD><TD>42</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>+13</TD><TD>40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>-1</TD><TD>37</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>-8</TD><TD>33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>-17</TD><TD>32</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>-8</TD><TD>31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>-12</TD><TD>26</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD>Swansea</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>-25</TD><TD>18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD>Sheff Utd</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>-26</TD><TD>15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD>Leicester</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>-29</TD><TD>15</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Still staying in the thick of things...

FM

FrogMan

07-30-2006, 03:16 PM

March 10, 2011
League Match #29: vs Birmingham (Luton 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>5-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>21 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-6-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>14 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>31 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.32</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>9-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7.16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>21 (1)</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7.23</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-9-8-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>22 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16 (7)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.09</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>2 (19)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>3 (22)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-9-6-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Ret</TD><TD>Maciej Zurawski</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>3 (9)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>6 (6)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.58</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>18 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.64</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>36%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>13 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Birmingham are not having a bad season. They are currently in 12th place although I see that we are 5-0 against them since getting to the Premiership.

It's a scoreless first half but we're outshooting them 6(3) to 4(0) and we're winning possession. Nobody is playing amazingly well though.

It's much more of the scorelessness in the second half until the 79th minute when Giannis Taralidis lifts a ball for Ricard Vaz Te, unmarked in the penalty are. Vaz Te doesn't miss his chance and that will be enough for us. Two Hatters had to leave the pitch injured though, Youssouf Hersi and Michael Timlin.

Final Score: Luton 1, Birmingham 0

The injury news are not good. Michael Timlin broke his arm and will miss up to a month and Youssouf Hersi hurt his elbow and will miss up to three weeks. I will probably play Alexander Farnerud in the hole behind the strikers during his absence. Cédric Fernandez also bruised his head but he will miss only a week.

March 11, 2011
Niki Mäenpää complains about not getting enough first team playing time. I reply to him that he's a backup and should be patient. He requests to be transfer listed and I grant him his request. Barring injuries, I don't see him back as our starting keeper.

FM

FrogMan

07-30-2006, 05:54 PM

March 17, 2011
League Match #30: at Sunderland (Luton 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.86</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>5-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>22 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.04</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16 (8)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>2 (20)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>32 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-6-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7.16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-9-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>22 (1)</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>7.26</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-9-8-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>22 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>18 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.64</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>6 (6)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.58</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Fabrice Fernandes</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-6-9-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-9-6-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>80%</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>79%</TD><TD>3 (23)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>35%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>13 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>83%</TD><TD>15 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.12</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Even though they are still viewed as relegation candidates, Sunderland are sitting in 14th place.

Not that we played well enough to deserve anything else, but we lose this one on a very unlucky kind of goal that deflected off Curtis Davies in the 12th minute.

We never were able to get it going in the second half.

Final Score: Luton 0, Sunderland 1

A sucky loss, but it was one of those games where nothing clicked. They outshot us 14(7) to 7(2) on the game.

Worse than losing, I learn after the game that Curtis Davies hurt his heel in the game and will miss up to two weeks.

We remain in 8th place after the loss but nobody has played around us.

March 18, 2011
Games are played and now that everybody has played 30 games, here's what the league table looks like:
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>57</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>+37</TD><TD>68</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>54</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>+22</TD><TD>55</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>+15</TD><TD>54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>+11</TD><TD>53</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>+8</TD><TD>53</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>+13</TD><TD>48</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>+7</TD><TD>48</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>+4</TD><TD>45</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>+13</TD><TD>42</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>+8</TD><TD>41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>-14</TD><TD>38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>-7</TD><TD>36</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>-11</TD><TD>33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>-11</TD><TD>31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>-13</TD><TD>27</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD>Sheff Utd</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>-23</TD><TD>21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD>Leicester</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>54</TD><TD>-30</TD><TD>18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD>Swansea</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>54</TD><TD>-31</TD><TD>18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Still eight games to play and we are only 3 points away from our point production from the whole last season... It's been a good season so far...

Our last 8 games are an interesting bunch. Take a look at this:
03/24 vs Leeds
03/31 at Blackburn
04/07 vs Crystal Palace
04/09 vs Leicester
04/14 at Sheff Utd
04/21 vs Tottenham
04/28 at Man Utd
05/06 vs Liverpool

So 5 at home to finish it with some "easier" games against three relegation candidates but also a much tougher ending with them last three games...

FM

FrogMan

07-30-2006, 06:13 PM

March 24, 2011
League Match #31: vs Leeds (Luton 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>13 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>17 (8)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3 (20)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.39</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>33 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.88</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>9-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>1 (5)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-9-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>23 (1)</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-9-8-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>22 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>18 (5)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.61</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>6 (7)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Fabrice Fernandes</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-6-9-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>80%</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>71%</TD><TD>3 (23)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>79%</TD><TD>23 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.04</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>35%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>15 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.12</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Even though they just promoted this season, Leeds are having a nice season so far, sitting in 13th place this late in the season. Reminds me of our first season up from the Championship...

Leonel Romero is in for Curtis Davies. His addition to the squad has been invaluable so far. I don't fear putting him out there and appart from a first shaky game, he's been dependable and solid enough when called upon. Also, in trying to shake things up a bit, I bench Arjan Wisse and give the start to Romone Rose. I felt that Wisse had been slacking lately, maybe this will wake him up.

This game is on TV and I find it funny that they single out James Simmonds as being the man to watch on our side. They say that he can really dominate the midfield if allowed the space. I find it even funnier when in the 20th minute, Simmonds heads the ball ahead of Ricardo Vaz Te who finds himself free of the last defender. The opportunity is just too nice and Vaz Te converts it into a 1-0 lead for us.

It takes me until halftime to realize that playing for Leeds is former Hatter winger Simon Feindouno. He's not having a super game, is usual 6 rated at the half kind of game that got me frustrated quite a bit when he was with us. Looking at his stats since joining Leeds, I see that he's averaging 6.4 in form rating and I don't miss him at all at this time. Seeing how I was able to use all the money from his sale and get Alexander Farnerud for only $500k more, I think I did well on that one...

We add two more in the second half, a bizarre one from Vaz Te and one from Wisse, a 73rd minute sub in for Romone Rose.

Final Score: Luton 3, Leeds 0

The kind of win I like. We put 8 of our 10 shots on goal, at that rythm, there's bound to be a few goals... Philippe Senderos got selected as Man of the Match with a rating of 9. Romero also had a good game, winning 14 of 18 headers.

We stay in 8th place after this win.

The team chairman congratulated me following the win.

FM

FrogMan

07-30-2006, 06:42 PM

March 25, 2011
Every once in a while I keeper getting these reports about Luton U18 star Paul Graham (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120325graham.jpg). Honestly, he's beginning to look very impressive. He often plays for the reserves squad as well as for the U18 squad and his 23 goals, 14 assists and 7 MoM are looking very nice... He's also improved over the course of the season because I remember seeing his form average around 6.7 at one point and now it's over 7... If we get out of contention for anything important, I might be interested in giving him some first team playing time.

Youssouf Hersi has returned to full training following his arm injury. He's back after only 2 weeks.

March 26, 2011
Giannis Taralidis and Philippe Senderos have been selected to the EPL team of the week.

I'm alerted via email that Wolves have offered a contract to Scott Cooper (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120326cooper.jpg), a 22yo right winger currently with Blackburn. I often take a look at the profile of players sought out by other teams and I find that this kid could have potential. He's in the last 6 months of his contract and a compensation of $2.1M would have to be payed out to Blackburn if he agrees to a new contract. My assistant seems to believe he would become a useful member of the team and recommends wages as high as $26k for him. He's looking for a 4 year deal at $22k per week. I offer him that... Six other teams are scouting him at this moment...

March 27, 2011
Canada will play Antigua & Barbuda in the World Cup North American Qualifying Section First Phase Second Round. The first leg will be played on their pitch on June 9. They just beat British Virgin Islands 2-1 & 1-0 for a an aggregate of 3-1. Considering we beat British Virgin Islands 4-0 on one 90 minute match in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, I don't foresee too much trouble for us getting through whatever the next round will be...

March 29, 2011
Curtis Davies resumes full training.

March 30, 2011
Hrm, I think that Blackburn are not thinking this through. They just rejected two offers around $5M for Scott Cooper, one from QPR, the other from Cardiff. I mean, guys, they could sign him to a contract and you'd get only $2.1M... Hello, anybody home? Incidentally, the only bids showing for him are ours and Wolves'.

FM

FrogMan

07-31-2006, 09:02 PM

March 31, 2011
League Match #32: at Blackburn (Blackbunr 6-4 favouriteS)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>9 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.90</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.97</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>14 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18 (8)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.12</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-8-7-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>34 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>33 (1)</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>7.18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-9-8-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>24 (1)</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>7.28</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-9-8-6-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>22 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>15 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.12</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4 (20)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.46</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Fabrice Fernandes</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-9-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>6 (7)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>62%</TD><TD>3 (23)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>23 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.04</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>18 (6)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.58</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>35%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2 (5)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

8th (us) vs 9th (them). An important match for sure...

And it turned out to be a weird one. Would you believe me if I told you we scored 5 goals, on the road, but could not secure a win? Would you believe me that at one point we were ahead 5-3 but could not secure a win? Well, believe it. A crazy game it was, in which we were down 1-2 at the half, but winning possession.

Their keeper was a 16yo backup keeper, I felt we should be able to get the ball through him, and we did. The sad thing is our defensemen were so happy laughing at him that they let their strikers score at will. From 1-2 to 3-2 to 3-3 to 5-3 and we let them tie it in the 80th minute...

Final Score: Luton 5, Blackburn 5

A story of two halves, not halves of play, but halves in the team: the offense and the defense. Arjan Wisse and Ricardo Vaz Te both scored twice and Youssouf Hersi added one. Benoît Assou-Ekotto was playing so bad that I pulled him out and put Cédric Fernandez in his place. He didn't do much worse, but at least he was trying...

We remained in 8th place with the draw.

Following the game, the team chairman Bill Tomlins come to me with a brand spanking new contract! Weehee!!! They are offering me a four year deal worth $35.5k per week, a significant increase from my current deal at $26.5k per week. They are talking about a transfer budget of $13.75M but I would have to cut our wages down from $700k p/w to $500k p/w which is not feasible to me. They are flexible and I choose their $725k wage budget/1.8M transfer budget deal and accept it.

Mr Tomlins declares himself delighted that I have accepted to renew my contract with the club. He feels I have shown fantastic commitment to the club by signing the new deal which he is sure will please the players and fans alike.

The fans I don't know but Ricardo Vaz Te states that he is pleased that Luton had seen sense in retainging a manager who he believes is capable of great things (his words not mine ;)). He also commented that I had proven myself to be an accomplished manager and he was delighted that I would be staying at Kenilworth Road.

To think I felt I was close to losing my job one year ago or so, wow...

April 1st, 2011
Ricardo Vaz Te comes in second for player of the month. I don't know what he needed to do to get it, honestly. He had ratigns of 9, 8, 7, 8, 8 and scored 7 goals in five games...

I win manager of the month, sweet!!!

The board is still absolutely thrilled with the level of commitment I continue to show the club.

April 2, 2011
League games are played so that everybody now has 6 games to play.
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>61</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>+39</TD><TD>72</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>+10</TD><TD>57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>+20</TD><TD>56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>+12</TD><TD>54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>+10</TD><TD>54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>53</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>+13</TD><TD>50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>59</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>+7</TD><TD>49</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>57</TD><TD>53</TD><TD>+4</TD><TD>48</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>45</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>+13</TD><TD>44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>42</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>54</TD><TD>-2</TD><TD>41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>54</TD><TD>-17</TD><TD>39</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>-11</TD><TD>36</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>-10</TD><TD>35</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>-13</TD><TD>30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sheff Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>-24</TD><TD>22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leicester</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>57</TD><TD>-31</TD><TD>19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Swansea</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>57</TD><TD>-33</TD><TD>19</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

April 3, 2011
Scott Cooper has agreed terms with Wolves. He rejected offers from us and Blackburn.

FM

FrogMan

07-31-2006, 09:13 PM

April 7, 2011
League Match #33: vs Crystal Palace (Luton evens favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.90</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.82</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-8-5</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.90</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>23 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.04</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-9-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>19 (8)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-6-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>35 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7.30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>34 (1)</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-8-7-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>25 (1)</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>7.31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-9-8-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>22 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>15 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.06</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4 (21)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Fabrice Fernandes</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>6-9-7-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>0 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>6 (7)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>79%</TD><TD>3 (23)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>46%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>15 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>2 (5)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.57</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

We can take them for granted. They are currently in 17th place, fighting real hard not to get relegated...

Not only can Ricardo Vaz Te score goals, he also leads the team in assists and his header pass to James Simmonds is the perfect example of him being an incredible asset to the team. The pass was so perfect, it allowd Simmonds to run freely toward the goal on the left wing until he found the perfect angle to beat the keeper. It's only 1-0 at the half but we're playing well...

In the 63rd minute, it's now Simmonds' turn to feed Vaz Te with a superba pass. Vaz Te is not known to miss his chances and he doesn't, making it 2-0. We got stronger as the game went on, way too strong for Crystal Palace to mount any kind of rally...

Final Score: Luton 2, Crystal Palace 0

Seriously, that second half was a joy to watch. We simply took control of the pitch and they hardly touched the ball. Curtis Davies was selected as man of the match.

The win moves us up one spot, to 7th place.
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>64</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>+41</TD><TD>75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>+13</TD><TD>60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>59</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>+23</TD><TD>59</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>+10</TD><TD>56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>61</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>52</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>+13</TD><TD>51</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>54</TD><TD>+6</TD><TD>51</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>46</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>-4</TD><TD>45</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>+11</TD><TD>44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>54</TD><TD>-16</TD><TD>42</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>-9</TD><TD>38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>-14</TD><TD>36</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>-15</TD><TD>30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sheff Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>-25</TD><TD>22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leicester</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>-33</TD><TD>19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Swansea</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>-34</TD><TD>19</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

FM

FrogMan

07-31-2006, 09:27 PM

April 9, 2011
League Match #34: vs Leicester (Luton 5-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>11 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-5-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.91</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-8-7-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>24 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-9-6-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>15 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.06</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>36 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>35 (1)</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-8-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>26 (1)</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-9-8-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>22 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>20 (8)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-8-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>4 (21)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Fabrice Fernandes</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>9-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (5)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>2 (5)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>6 (7)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>87%</TD><TD>3 (23)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>50%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>15 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Leicester have almost clinched a relegation but I fear they might fight with the energy of a team which has nothing to lose...

Prior to the game, there are some reports that Ricardo Vaz Te is being linked to two possible awards after this great season: English Players' Player of the Year and English Footballer of the year. Very impressive...

I also learn that James Simmonds and Giannis Taralids have been selected to the EPL Team of the Week.

This game is a bit crazy though. I mean two games in three nights this late in the season is very rough. At least, absolutely everybody is having to suffer throug this...

Ricardo Vaz Te, possibly fired up by all the good press he's receiving, gives us a 1-0 lead in the 9th minute. Benoît Assou-Ekotto sent him a great hooking ball on the wing to leave him all alone with the keeper. Vaz Te doubles his tally during injury time for the first half.

They scored at the start of the secnd half but Scott Donnelly gave us back our two goal lead in the 87th minute, converting a nice cross to near post from Romone Rose.

Final Score: Luton 3, Leicester 1

Leo Franco pulled in a solid performance that earned him the Man of the Match selection. We controlled the ball well with 55%.

This win, combined with a 1-1 draw of Tottenham against Leeds and a 0-2 loss of Newcastle against Man City, moves us into 5th place, only one point off Man Utd and 4th place, wow!
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD>C</TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>65</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>+41</TD><TD>76</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>53</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>+16</TD><TD>63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>+23</TD><TD>60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>64</TD><TD>53</TD><TD>+11</TD><TD>55</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>55</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>63</TD><TD>54</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>+7</TD><TD>54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>+12</TD><TD>51</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>+11</TD><TD>49</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>48</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>+11</TD><TD>45</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>-16</TD><TD>43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>58</TD><TD>-6</TD><TD>41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>-7</TD><TD>41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>-13</TD><TD>39</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>-17</TD><TD>30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sheff Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>-28</TD><TD>22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Swansea</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>61</TD><TD>-34</TD><TD>20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leicester</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>63</TD><TD>-35</TD><TD>19</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Chelsea have clinched their 3rd consecutive title of the Premiership. The 5 season prior to that, Arsenal had won it.

April 10, 2011
David Martin resumes full training. His chances of seeing the field this season are pretty bleak.

Djaïd Kasri is gone for the rest of the season with torn knee ligaments. He will need 2 to 3 months off to recover.

FM

condors

08-01-2006, 06:43 AM

alot left at stake, good luck in the last 4 games

FrogMan

08-01-2006, 10:09 AM

alot left at stake, good luck in the last 4 games

thanks and with these four games, we finish the season with possibly the toughest three match sequence of our whole season: Tottenham who've kicked us out of both the Carling Cup and the FA Cup, Manchester United, and Liverpool...

FM

SirFozzie

08-01-2006, 10:27 AM

if you can get ahead of ManYoo.. Champions League? Hopefully a Frog Will Be in Europe next year.. :)

FrogMan

08-01-2006, 10:48 AM

if you can get ahead of ManYoo.. Champions League? Hopefully a Frog Will Be in Europe next year.. :)

although anything can happen, at that point in the season and sitting where we are in the standings, the probabilities of having a frog in Europe next season are pretty good. Now, will it be in the big, big Europe party (aka Champions League), in the middle party (aka UEFA Cup) or the lower one (Intertoto Cup), you'll have to read on to know for sure ;)

FM

FrogMan

08-01-2006, 11:46 AM

April 14, 2011
League Match #35: at Sheffield United (Luton 5-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-8-7-8-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>12 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-5-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.91</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>25 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-9-6-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>20 (8)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>37 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7.26</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-8-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>36 (1)</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-8-8-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>27 (1)</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>7.36</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-8-6-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>22 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>16 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.05</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-8-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4 (22)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.46</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Fabrice Fernandes</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (6)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>2 (6)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>6 (7)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>3 (23)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>76%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>15 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Another team which has basically clinched relegation. Beware...

We've kind of owned them since 2005 though, even back in the Championship. We've won 6 of the 9 games played between the two teams...

We get a penalty in our favor only three minutes into the game but Giannis Taralidis' kick is saved by their keeper. We still take a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute when a shot from Ricardo Vaz Te is deflected byt oune of their defenders. 1-0 is the halftime score and Leo Franco is keeping us in the game but he's got me worried now. He's got a green cross next to his name. Hopefully he can come out of the game uninjured.

They put only one shot on target in the whole second half, but they make it count and they tie the game 1-1 in the 85th minute. Although we shot tons of times, we just can't score once more...

Final Score: Luton 1, Sheffield Utd 1

Frustrating score, to draw against a team we should have beat, as we get ready to enter the three most important, and toughest games of our season.

Giannis Taralidis, despite having a penalty kick blocked, is selected as man of the match. Leo Franco comes out of the game okay, much to my relief...

Kinda weird right after the game, we've stayed in 5th place and Man U and Tottenham have exchanged place. Man U still has not played their 35th game though.

Following the game, I learn that all three teams currently in the relegation zone have clinched relegation to the Championship, that includes Sheffield United, but also Swansea and Leicester.

April 15, 2011
League matches are played and now everyone has played 35 games, so only 3 to go. Man U is back in 4th and we're down to 6th but still within striking distance of them...
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD>C</TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>66</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>+42</TD><TD>79</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>+16</TD><TD>64</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>62</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>+25</TD><TD>63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>+12</TD><TD>59</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>+10</TD><TD>58</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>65</TD><TD>54</TD><TD>+11</TD><TD>56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>63</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>+8</TD><TD>54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>+7</TD><TD>54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>+11</TD><TD>51</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>+10</TD><TD>49</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>49</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>53</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>+12</TD><TD>48</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>53</TD><TD>58</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>58</TD><TD>-19</TD><TD>43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>-8</TD><TD>41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>-13</TD><TD>39</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>-16</TD><TD>33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD>R</TD><TD>Sheff Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>-28</TD><TD>23</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD>R</TD><TD>Swansea</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>63</TD><TD>-36</TD><TD>20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD>R</TD><TD>Leicester</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>64</TD><TD>-36</TD><TD>19</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

FM

FrogMan

08-01-2006, 12:46 PM

April 21, 2011
Leonel Romero twisted his ankle in training. This means he's basically for the remainder of the season as he will mis between 3 weeks and a month if treated by the physios and with Curtis Davies and Philippe Senderos both healthy, I don't feel like putting him through injections.

April 22, 2011
Blackburn and Man Utd drew 1-1 today. The bigger news might be that Wayne Rooney tore a calf muscle and will miss around 3 months. We at least won't have to worry about him when we play them in a week.

April 23, 2011
Man City lost 0-1 to Swansea, assuring us of a 9th position finish at worst.

April 25, 2011
League Match #36: vs Tottenham (Tottenham 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-8-9-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>13 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.86</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-5-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.91</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>26 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-8-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>21 (8)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>38 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>37 (1)</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>7.18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-8-8-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>28 (1)</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>7.34</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>22 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>16 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.05</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8-6-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>4 (23)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Fabrice Fernandes</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>0 (7)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>2 (7)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>6 (7)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>3 (23)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>79%</TD><TD>15 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Paul Robinson is still injured for them meaning they will start the friggin 17yo that stopped everything against us the last two times we've played them. Ledley King is also injured for them and their right wingback is suspended.

It's a somewhat boring first half that ends scoreless. Not one of our players seem really fired up for that one and I remind them that we can win this thing if we apply ourselves.

They seem to get the message and we apply lots more pressure although it never materializes into a goal.

Final Score: Luton 0, Tottenham 0

Darn, there goes a chance begging. We controlled the ball with 54% but never got ourselves in good position to try very dangerous shots. James Simmonds got the Man of the Match selection although he only got rated at 7. That tells you the kind of performance delivered by both teams...

The draw, combined with Newcastle's 0-1 loss to Birmingham, moves us up one spot to 6th place. With only two games to play, the three points separating us from Man U are looking bigger and bigger by the minute...
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD>C</TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>67</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>+42</TD><TD>80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>59</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>+20</TD><TD>67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>62</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>+25</TD><TD>63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>+12</TD><TD>60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>+10</TD><TD>59</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>65</TD><TD>54</TD><TD>+11</TD><TD>57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>+8</TD><TD>57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>64</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>+8</TD><TD>55</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>+13</TD><TD>54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>49</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>49</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>53</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>+8</TD><TD>48</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>54</TD><TD>58</TD><TD>-4</TD><TD>47</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>62</TD><TD>-23</TD><TD>43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>58</TD><TD>-11</TD><TD>42</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>-8</TD><TD>41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>-16</TD><TD>34</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD>R</TD><TD>Sheff Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>-26</TD><TD>26</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD>R</TD><TD>Swansea</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>63</TD><TD>-35</TD><TD>23</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD>R</TD><TD>Leicester</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>66</TD><TD>-38</TD><TD>19</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

The finalist of the Champions League are known. It will be Arsenal against Rangers. Arsenal won their semi-final 5-0 on aggregate over Porto and Rangers won theirs 2-1 on aggregate over Liverpool.

FM

FrogMan

08-01-2006, 01:30 PM

April 28, 2011
Wow, seems Tottenham, much like Man U a few days ago, and even us against Sheffield United before that, have a problem with putting away bottom feeders. They just drew 1-1 with Leicester.

Blackburn also just beat Liverpool 2-0 to move ahead of us but not only that, Asoton Villa's 2-1 win over Leeds has pushed us down another spot so ahead of our game against Man Utd, we're now sitting in 8th place. We're still only 3 points from Man U and 4th place though...

April 29, 2011
League Match #37: at Manchester United (Man Utd 4-6 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-9-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>14 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.87</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>5-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>27 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-8-8-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>22 (8)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>39 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7.24</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>38 (1)</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-8-8-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>29 (1)</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>22 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>16 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.05</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>8-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>4 (24)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Fabrice Fernandes</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>0 (8)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>2 (8)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>6 (7)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>3 (23)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>75%</TD><TD>15 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

This game starts out rough as we lose Arjan Wisse to injury in the very first minute. Romone Rose comes in to replace him. This doesn't stop us from taking the lead on the 13th minute when Kevin Foley's cross from out wide is simply perfect for a Ricardo Vaz Te on the edge of the 6 yard box. Even though he's marked quite well, he gets away from the defender and scores a beauty of a goal.

You gotta love Romone Rose's badass attitud in the 21st minute. After he scored our second goal, he's shushing the opposing crowd with his finger!

We get a big break in the 30th minute when one of their defenders handles the ball inside the area. The referee sees it and points the spot, PENALTY!!! This time, Giannis Taralidis makes sure it's not blocked and we're ahead 3-0 after only one third of the game played.

3-0 is the halftime score and we're simply kicking their collective asses. We're winning possession with 57%, it's so bad...

The goal they score in the 47th minues makes me real nervous. I start sweating and having flashbacks to a certain game against Blackburn not so long ago. But we hang in there, Leo Franco especially cranked his play a couple of notches, earning Man of the Match honors with a rating of 10.

Final Score: Luton 3, Manchester United 1

Wow, just wow! As I said, our keeper had a great game but also both central defenders, Senderos and Davies, rated at 9, as well as Ricardo Vaz Te.

All worried about Arjan Wisse following the game, I'm happy to learn that he suffered nothing serious and will be available for our last game of the season. It won't be the case for Kevin Foley who hurt his elbow in the game and will miss up to 3 weeks.

Following the game, my assistant reports on how Leo Franco has been instrumental to our late surge and I agree. I praise him in the media and the fans just love it.

The team board just loved that win and Mr Tomlins states that I deserve praise for the style with which I masterminded this superb victory.

This insane win, and our favorable goal differential, now means we're sitting in 4th place!!! Wow, who would have thought that possible!
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD>C</TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD></TD><TD>37</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>71</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>+43</TD><TD>83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD></TD><TD>37</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>59</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>+18</TD><TD>67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>65</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>+24</TD><TD>63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>37</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>68</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>+13</TD><TD>60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>37</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>+10</TD><TD>60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD></TD><TD>37</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>+10</TD><TD>60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD></TD><TD>37</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>66</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>+10</TD><TD>58</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD></TD><TD>37</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>+14</TD><TD>57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD></TD><TD>37</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>+6</TD><TD>57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD></TD><TD>37</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>52</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD></TD><TD>37</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>+11</TD><TD>51</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD></TD><TD>37</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD></TD><TD>37</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>54</TD><TD>61</TD><TD>-7</TD><TD>47</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD></TD><TD>37</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>59</TD><TD>-11</TD><TD>43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD></TD><TD>37</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>64</TD><TD>-24</TD><TD>43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>-8</TD><TD>42</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>-16</TD><TD>34</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD>R</TD><TD>Sheff Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>36</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>-26</TD><TD>26</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD>R</TD><TD>Swansea</TD><TD></TD><TD>37</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>64</TD><TD>-35</TD><TD>24</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD>R</TD><TD>Leicester</TD><TD></TD><TD>37</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>67</TD><TD>-38</TD><TD>20</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

This also means that, as easy as it is to say but tough to do, our season is into our own hands. As they say: "win and you're in!" Again, easier said than done with Liverpool as our last opponents...

Southampton have won the Championship and will be coming back to the Premiership next season. The other team who clinched promotion to the Premiership is a cinderella story though. Nottm Forest, in their third season back to the Championship, after four seasons at the League One level, will be enjoying some Premiership football next season. Nice story!

FM

FrogMan

08-01-2006, 01:44 PM

April 30, 2011
Kevin Foley has been selected to the EPL team of the week.

May 1st, 2011
The news that Liverpool's Djibril Cissé has been selected as player of the month is making me very nervous ahead of our clash with them. I might be tempted to put Giannis Taralidis man to man with him as I've done against Tierry Henry in the past...

I came in second for manager of the month.

The team board are still absolutely thrilled at the level of commitment I continue to show the club.

May 5, 2011
I get another report about Paul Graham (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120505graham.jpg) earning a Man of the Match selection, his 10th of the selection, with the U18 squad. He's really tearing the U18 league apart. I will definitely have to see how to incorporate him to some of our senior squad games next season.

FM

FrogMan

08-01-2006, 02:08 PM

May 6, 2011
League Match #38: vs Liverpool (Liverpool 4-5 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-9-7-7-10</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>28 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.23</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-8-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>23 (8)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.23</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.07</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>40 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7.26</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>39 (1)</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-7-7-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>30 (1)</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>7.39</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>22 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>18 (6)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.58</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>4 (24)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>3 (23)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>2 (9)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.64</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Fabrice Fernandes</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>0 (9)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>6 (7)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-9</TD><TD>78%</TD><TD>15 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>67%</TD><TD>15 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>16 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Well, it's really do or die at Kenilworth Road now isn't it? Man Utd play at #20 Leicester and Tottenham play at #18 Sheffield United so we better win this one if we don't want to finish in 6th place real quick. Again, easier said than done.

Liverpool are missing some big names though. Steve Gerrard will be sitting this one out because of a groin strain and DM Mohammed Sissoko might be playing but had to go through some painkiller injections to do so.

On our end, Tony Hibbert will start in Kevin Foley's place. I juggled between him and Keith Keane but decided on Hibbert in the end.

Looking at their list of top scorers in league play, I see Djibril Cissé at the top with 22 goals and then Oskitz with only 8 as their second. It's an automatic for me, Giannis Taralidis will be asked to shadow Cissé's every move...

It's a tightly contested first half where neither team really comes out on top, until the 37th m,inute that is, when Arjan Wisse scores his 19th league goal of the season to give us a 1-0 lead.

The half comes and that score remains. Shots are 5(2) to for and 7(4) for them and possession is an even 50-50 split. We've had 4 corners to them only one though. Leo Franco has saved us so far and he comes at the half rated at 9.

We keep denying them of any big chances and the ones they get are stopped by Franco. In the 79th minute, I take a look at the league table and recent scores and see that both Man Utd and Tottenham are winning their respective games. If we want that fourth place, we will have to win this one.

The following ten minutes are the most nerve wracking ten minutes I remember seeing in my history of managing football. They keep attacking, we, sometimes without any style, keep on denying them, until the 89th minute when Alexander Farnerud seals it for us with a great goal!!!

Final Score: Luton 2, Liverpool 0

It's in the bag, we finish fourth!!! There will be a frog in the Champions League!!!
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD>C</TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD></TD><TD>38</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>74</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>+46</TD><TD>86</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD></TD><TD>38</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>71</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>+28</TD><TD>69</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD></TD><TD>38</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>59</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>+16</TD><TD>67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>38</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>70</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>+15</TD><TD>63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>38</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>+12</TD><TD>63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD></TD><TD>38</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>+11</TD><TD>63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD></TD><TD>38</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>+17</TD><TD>60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD></TD><TD>38</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>66</TD><TD>59</TD><TD>+7</TD><TD>58</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD></TD><TD>38</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>+5</TD><TD>57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD></TD><TD>38</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>57</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>+12</TD><TD>54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD></TD><TD>38</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>-4</TD><TD>52</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD></TD><TD>38</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>+6</TD><TD>50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD></TD><TD>38</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>61</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD></TD><TD>38</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>59</TD><TD>-10</TD><TD>46</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD></TD><TD>38</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>64</TD><TD>-23</TD><TD>46</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD></TD><TD>38</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>-10</TD><TD>42</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD></TD><TD>38</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>-19</TD><TD>35</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD>R</TD><TD>Sheff Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>38</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>53</TD><TD>-27</TD><TD>27</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD>R</TD><TD>Swansea</TD><TD></TD><TD>38</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>66</TD><TD>-37</TD><TD>24</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD>R</TD><TD>Leicester</TD><TD></TD><TD>38</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>69</TD><TD>-40</TD><TD>20</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Curtis Davies was selected as man of the match after intercepting 12 balls. Although he didn't really stand out, Giannis Taralidis did what he had to do. I hardly ever saw Djibril Cissé's name pop up during highlights.

We're given $19.5M for our final position which, by the way, is a new Luton Town team record. :) To me, it's actually the first time I've ever qualified for the Champions League. I'd made the UEFA Cup a couple times, but never the Champions League. I know we'll have to go through some qualifying rounds, but we'll se when we get there :)

After a rocky start, we sure stabilized, until that crazy surge right at the end. A magical season!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120506positions.jpg

Ricardo Vaz Te ends the season as our top scorer with 26 competitive goals, followed closely by Arjan Wisse with 20. Youssouf Hersi is thrid with 9 and we have a slew with 3 goals, including newcomer Romone Rose.

Vaz Te was also a playmaker for the team, leading the club in assists with 15. Again Wisse is second with 9. James Simmonds is third with 5, Alexander Farnerud fourth with 4.

Curtis Davies ends the season with the most Man of the Match selections with 5. Always the second, Wisse had 4 and a number of others had 2.

FM

flere-imsaho

08-01-2006, 02:16 PM

WOOHOO!!! Congrats!

Tellistto

08-01-2006, 02:56 PM

Excellent stuff, FM! Congrats on the strong finish and the chance to get into the Champs League as well!

Tell

FrogMan

08-01-2006, 03:49 PM

thanks guys, really happy with the way it turned out :)

FM

SirFozzie

08-01-2006, 03:51 PM

WOOHOO!

mrkilla22

08-01-2006, 04:33 PM

Congrats Frogman! You are doing a great job! :)

FrogMan

08-01-2006, 07:45 PM

May 7, 2011
Curtis Davies was selected in the EPL team of the week.

May 9, 2011
League awards are announced. Ricardo Vaz Te comes in second to Jermaine Defoe for Player of the year. Talk about a great signing, worth every penny of the $17M it cost me to bring him to Kenilworth Road. :)

We put 4 on the Team of the Year, 2 as starters, Curtis Davies and Giannis Taralidis, and 2 as alternates, Youssouf Hersi and Ricardo Vaz Te. Here's what the Team of the year looks like:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120509toy.jpg

Chelsea's José Mourinho won Manager of the year ahead of Arsenal's Arsène Wenger and Middlesbrough's Steve McClaren. Wow, I feel bad about that one. I don't know what McClaren did with his team, but he still only got them to finish 10th after finishing in 6th place the year before that...

Speaking of Middlesbrough, one of their players, Chris Gray was selected as footballer of the year ahead of Paul Gallagher of Blackburn and Chelsea's Frank Lampard.

Ricardo Vaz Te finished second in the top scorer race with 25 goals, just like Jimmy Briand and Jermaine Defoe. Paul Gallagher topped them with 26 goals.

May 12, 2011
Arsenal won the FA Cup by beating Chelsea 3-2 in the final.

In the "it feels good to be me" department, Paris-SG have been relegated from the Ligue 1 :D

Paul Graham scores 4 goals in the Luton U18's last game of the season, in teh process helping them clinch their league title, woohoo!!!
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD>C</TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>24</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>+23</TD><TD>52</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD></TD><TD>24</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>+20</TD><TD>52</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>West Ham</TD><TD></TD><TD>24</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>+22</TD><TD>49</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Swansea</TD><TD></TD><TD>24</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>+10</TD><TD>37</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ipswich</TD><TD></TD><TD>24</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>+5</TD><TD>37</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Colchester</TD><TD></TD><TD>24</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>32</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD></TD><TD>MK Dons</TD><TD></TD><TD>24</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>32</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Watford</TD><TD></TD><TD>24</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Oxford</TD><TD></TD><TD>24</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>-7</TD><TD>29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cheltenham</TD><TD></TD><TD>24</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>-10</TD><TD>27</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Wycombe</TD><TD></TD><TD>24</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>-15</TD><TD>25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Swindon</TD><TD></TD><TD>24</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>-19</TD><TD>16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Hereford</TD><TD></TD><TD>24</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>-18</TD><TD>15</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

May 13, 2011
The round of sacking has started. Everton have sacked their manager and I'm the one the bookies have tipped to replace him. I repeat my allegiance to the Hatters. The chairman is delighted by my loyalty.

Manchester United have also sacked their manager, Steve Bruce. May name is also mentionned in the middle as one possible replacement for him. I wouldn't touch it with a ten feet pole... :)

And with this, the squad breaks for their annual holiday. They will be back for preseason work on June 25.

FM