CM4: Margate

[RPI-Fan]

Well, I'm getting that once-a-year itch to play CM (thanks largely to QuikSand, and less significantly to the start of the MLS season). So I fired it up yesterday and resumed my Margate career, started about a year ago (real-time). It's with CM4, so not the most recent version of the game, but one I've found myself enjoying immensely nonetheless.

I don't really want to go back and try and figure out exactly what my every move was to this point, so instead I'll summarize my roster and go over a brief history of the more significant players.

Right now this group sits in 1st in the English Conference on March 23, 2004. I'm using a fictional set of players, which is definitely my preference. We're closing out our 2nd season right now, but we have a couple games out of hand on 2nd-placed Southport. Nevertheless, we're well above the playoff line, and should easily make the postseason. Ideally, though, we'll win outright and earn the automatic promotion spot.

Our formation is generally a 3-5-2, with an attacking, central, and defensive inner midfield. We'll occassionally tweak this, but it seems to fit our personel pretty well, and I've now got a strong enough set of players that I can pick and choose acquisitions who will fit into our system.

[RPI-Fan]

Here's a look at our roster (I'm going to borrow from QuikSand and do the same spreadsheet of players that he does, and also throw in a blurb at each position):

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 width=827 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Player

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>Age

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>Wage

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>Position

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Strongest Skills

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>App's

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>Conc

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>ClnSht

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>MoM

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>Avg. Rating

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Jens Reuter

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>23

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£250

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>GK

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>OneOne,Strength,Pace,Brave

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>37

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>43

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>14

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.21

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Scott Bennett

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>37

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£150

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>GK

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>OneOne,Eccentr,Brave,Determ

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>2

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.00

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Mathew Webb

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>28

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£150

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>GK

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>RushingOut,Handle,Brave,Jump

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>4

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>8.00

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Richard Francis

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>17

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£200

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>GK

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Kicking,OneOne,Throwing,WorkRate

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Player

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>Age

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>Position

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Strongest Skills

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>App's

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>Goals

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>Assists

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>MoM

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>Avg. Rating

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Richard Perry

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>30

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£200

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>SW/D R/C

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Position,Pace,Teamwork,Anticip

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>15(2)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.88

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>John Quinn

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>26

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£500

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D RLC

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Marking,Teamwork,WorkRate,Stam

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>25(2)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.03

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Danny Ramsey

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>22

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£220

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D/DM L

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>WorkRate,Teamwork,Brave,Cross

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>19(4)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.26

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Richard Jones

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>31

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£850

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D/DM C

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Jumping,WorkRate,SetPieces,Determ

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>25(2)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.51

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>John Spencer

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>25

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£180

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D/DM C

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Tackling,WorkRate,Stam,Aggress

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>14(10)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.41

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Michael Young

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>25

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£325

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D C

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Marking,Influence,WorkRate,Brave

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>33(1)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>4

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.61

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Dean Allison

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>16

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£230

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D C

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Marking,Jump,Determ,Aggres

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Neal Harrison

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>17

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£275

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D C

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Position,Marking,Passing,Jumping

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>David Quinn

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>29

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£150

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D/DM LC

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Tackling,Teamwork,WorkRate,Determ

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>3(1)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.75

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Player

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>Age

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>Position

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Strongest Skills

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>App's

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>Goals

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>Assists

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>MoM

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>Avg. Rating

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Brian Todd

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>21

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£375

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>DM C

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Marking,Tackling,OffBall,WorkRate

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>21(5)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>2

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.15

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Rasmus Anderson

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>21

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£1,000

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>M RL

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>SetPieces,Creativity,Flair,Agility

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>19(8)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>8

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.40

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Ben Harvey

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>20

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£350

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>AM RLC

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Flair,OffBall,Teamwork,WorkRate

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>9(10)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>3

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.68

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Steiner Hovland

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>20

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£575

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>AM/F LC

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>PenaltyKick,Pace,Accel,Teamwork

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>29(4)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>6

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>2

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.54

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Mihai Rosca

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>23

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£450

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>AM/F RC

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Crossing,Heading,Stam,Dribble

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>20(7)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>3

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.66

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Lovelace Rosier

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>18

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£450

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>AM/F R

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Determination,Heading,Stam,Techn

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>13(12)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>3

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>3

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.59

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Lee Russell

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>20

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£500

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>AM RC

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Influence,Teamwork,Accel,WorkRate

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>21(4)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>3

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.76

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Martin Walker

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>32

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£500

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>AM C

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Finishing,Passing,Influence,Creativity

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>6(1)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.00

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Player

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>Age

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>Position

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Strongest Skills

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>App's

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>Goals

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>Assists

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>MoM

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>Avg. Rating

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Martin McGuire

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>30

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£200

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>S C

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Finishing,Determ,Brave,Aggres

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>34(2)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>23

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>3

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.16

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Jon Palmer

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>26

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£725

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>S C

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Dribble,Flair,Pace,Jump

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>34(3)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>21

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>19

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>12

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>8.10

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Ross Garner

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>17

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>£180

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>F C

</TD><TD width="29%" height=16>Passing,Creativity,Pace,Jump

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.00

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[RPI-Fan]

<b><u>Goalkeepers</u></b>

Last season we used a rotation of players, but this season German Jens Reuter has emerged as our clear-cut number one choice - in fact, as of right now, he's our only goalkeeper on the senior squad! We have several backups toiling in our reserve squads - none of which I'm all that thrilled with. Our first option is Scott Bennett, I suppose, but keeper depth is an area I'd like to try and address in the postseason.

Reuter is a solid Conference keeper - I'm not so sure, however, that he'll be able to maintain his play against League foes should we move up.

<b><u>Defenders</u></b>

We've gotten great play out of our speedy backline - while I've seen QuikSand build his defense up with basically as much muscle mass as possible, I prefer quick guys who can recover well. Our Captain and central defender is Michael Young - although he occassionally is caught out of position, he makes fabulous recovery tackles time and time again.

On the right our first option is Danny Turner - he's got a little more of an offensive mind, but is still solid defensively. He'll jump up for long throw-ins and also sends in nice balls from around the midfield line.

Out left, we've been using a rotation of Danny Ramsey and John Quinn. Quinn is a versatile defender who can play any of the backline positions, while Ramsey is an offensive-minded wingback who loves to join the rush and deliver crosses. Ramsey is also able to play the left wing spot in midfield, where we haven't gotten great performances, so we may find that Quinn slides into a more regular defense spot while Ramsey becomes a starting winger. I do like having Quinn on the bench, though - if I ever get into card or injury trouble on the backline, Quinn is quite effective at all the defense positions. We also have David Quinn capable of filling in back here, but since we've almost got a two-deep rotation, he's dawdling in the reserves for a little while to stay fit.

Richard Perry was effective last season, but this year got off to a slow start and lost his starting role, and that has snowballed into some personal problems. If he gets a better attitude, he'll be a nice backup to Michael Young - as it stands now, I'm not really all that comfortable starting him in competitive matches.

We have a couple of young guys who have been pretty effective at the U19 level - Dean Allison and Neal Harrison. Both have a ways to go before they're ready for senior squad action, but I'm expecting to see both make their way onto the full Reserve squad next season.

<b><u>Midfielders</u></b>

We're fairly deep here, and have a lot of talent. In the defensive midfield role - more of an offensive central defender for us, it seems - we like to use John Spencer and Richard Jones. This two have done a fabulous job of manning this role - I see no reason to worry about this position. If both of those guys are out of service, Brian Todd and Richard Perry can both fill in - we don't have any depth problems here.

In the central and attacking roles, we've been using a cast of players. Steiner Hovland has emerged as a regular starting right in the middle. He came over from a small Norweigan club last season on a free transfer, and after a mediocre start with the club, has turned it on this season, really dominating possession for us in central midfield. He's earned a host of Conference Team of the Week selections, and the Norweigan U-21 team has even come calling recently.

Up front, Brian Todd, Martin Walker, and Ben Harvey have all been rotating. Todd looks like the strongest player, but we have options. Walker might be the most skilled player on the team - he's also a good leader for us. His age is a bit of a hamper on his abilities, though - he can't outpace defenders, and seems to get into a little too much traffic. He is a pretty effective backup guy, and is great to bring off the bench in late-game situations, but I don't want to count on him to start regularly. Harvey is best-suited for the attacking midfield role, I think, but he's been pushed out to both the right and left wings with our low amount of talent there. We love his versatility, though - unfortunately, he's on loan from Conference side Carlisle, and I don't think we'll be able to transfer him in.

The wings are definitely the biggest hole on this team. Rasmus Anderson can play either side, and last year was quite effective offensively (5 goals and 11 assists). His low match ratings indicate that he is not a good defensive player, though. I get the sense he's really small, kind of shifty and quick, and is able to do well to make space for himself with the ball with his small frame. But he just gets outmuscled on defense, and since we like to use him on the left, he's in front of Danny Ramsey. With Ramsey being an offensive defender, it'd be nice if Anderson could slow things down on his flank.

Mihai Rosca was supposed to be a really good player for us on the right wing, but hasn't panned out thus far. I'm still holding out hope for him, but things don't look very good. We'll give him a little more time to get his game together before making a long-term decision on him. Lee Russell is on loan from Premiership team West Brom, but has been a rather large disappointment for us. Lately he's been playing a little better, however, and he might be a nice boost in the late-season run. We don't plan on pursuing a transfer for him, or another loan for that matter. He can only play on the right wing, and simply isn't very effective there (though he does bring a little more defensively than our other options).

<b><u>Forwards</u></b>

Up front, we have two clear-cut starters in Martin McGuire and Jon Palmer. Palmer is definitely the star of this team - he's put up gaudy numbers both this season and last. His attributes don't indicate he'd be as good of a player as he is, but he's ultra-consistent, and has solid speed. But he scores goals in so many different ways - there's not one thing he does really, really well. The reason he racks up so many assists is his ability to drive to the endline and lay the ball off for McGuire and Co. to finish, but that still doesn't explain his great goalscoring numbers.

McGuire is the primary beneficiary of Palmer's great play - he doesn't really create anything for himself, but we don't mind. He's one of those right-place, right-time guys. McGuire does have some attitude problems, though, so he sees a lot of time on the bench where we could use him on the field. This season, though, he seems to be handling himself a little bit better off the pitch - great news, as when him and Palmer are out there, we have the most dangerous strike-force in the Conference.

Lovelace Rosier has become our backup here, though this is another spot we'd love to fill in the offseason. Rosier simply can't keep up with Palmer, and that's what we really want in our backup here. Ross Garner ner has been absolutely tearing it up with the U-19 team - next season he'll get a look as the permanent backup here. He's a Margate boy through and through, and I'd love to have a homegrown talent be a regular contributer on our squad.

[RPI-Fan]

<b>April 2004</b>

We head into April at the top of the table, in a battle with Southport. We're in great shape for a playoff spot - but we're searching for more, now.

As the transfer deadline nears, we're taking a look at options we might have, but not so surprisingly find there isn't much available. We're mostly just pursuing guys who could potentially come in on Bosman transfers for next season. One such target is Danny Alexander of Wolves - he's a pacey midfielder with great dribbling skills. While he's struggled in the Premiership and kind of one-dimensional, I think he could excel at this level. He's making about five times of a wage from what we could offer him here, however, so that's not too promising.

We also take a look at Huddersfield's midfielder, Robert Lake, who is listed for loan. He wouldn't be a great addition, but could give us a nice second option behind Hovland in the center. He'd only be around for three months, but we've been relatively fortunate with injuries all season, and can't count on that continuing.

We get word that Danny Alexander has accepted our offer - though he'll put a bit of strain on our wage bill, I think a player like him - someone who can make spectacular runs with the ball - fits in very well at these low levels. It's a risk to bring him on for such a high wage (he's also getting a $300 appearance fee, essentially adding that on to his $750 weekly wage).

On the day of the transfer deadline, we get word from Huddersfield - they tell us they've accepted our loan offer for Robert Lake. I'm not sure how the timing will work, and if we'll be able to bring him in for the close of the season. Indeed, Lake agrees to come on board right away, and we've got our guy for the rest of the season.

We start off with a tough 1-nil loss to Farnborough on the road, though we still lead the Conference. Following that match, however, we run off two straight wins, while Farnborough and Southport both slip, and we suddenly find ourselves with a seven point lead (though Southport has two games in hand).

When we play Stevenage at home, Jon Palmer nets two goals in the first quarter-hour, and we ride that to a nice, defensive victory. Lovelace Rosier picked up a pair of assists playing next to Palmer - I'm starting to gain more confidence in him.

With Jon Palmer out of the lineup with a knock, we still a 2-1 victory from Northwich Vics, racking up goals on our only two shots of the game. Brian Todd headed in a corner and Martin Walker scored on a great longball from Michael Young. Consecutive draws follow - verse lowly Woking and at Chester - and we pick up three injuries along the way (Rosca, Walker, and Harvey). NOne of crucial players, but all add to our midfield depth. Fortunately, Harvey is only down about a week, and Walker two. Rosca - who seems to be injury-prone, will miss a month of action.

With everybody having two games to play, we're up a single point on Southport (but 7 on 3rd placed Stevenage). Our matches are at home against Canvey Island - a team already relegated - and at top-half Hereford. Southport plays at 13th Wimbledon, and then draws 21st Bury at home. We can't count on any help from their opponents - two wins is a likely requisite of us earning the sole automatic promotion slot.

We get word that Bury is in dire financial straits. I look at their roster, and there isn't much to see, but right-back Robbie Parry stands out - he's done an admirable job for them this season. The 23-year-old has put up an average rating of 7.42 in limited action, but looks to be a good man-marker. We don't have a good backup for Danny Turner, and he'd fit the bill. I offer a miniscule fee - we'll see just how desperate they are.

Matchday with Canvey Island comes, and we absolutely must get three points here. We'll also be keeping a close eye on the Southport score at Wimbledon. On 15 minutes Martin McGuire picks the pocket of a Canvey defender, and goes half the field with a player on his back to complete a delightful chip of the goalkeeper for the 1-nil advantage! Less than 5 minutes later, Jon Palmer makes a splendid run across the field before leaving McGuire alone with the keeper. McGuire makes no mistake, and puts us up 2-nil. As the half nears an end, Rasmus Anderson delivers a nice lead pass to McGuire for a breakaway, and the keeper is left looking like a fool as the hattrick is complete and we have a 3-zero advantage. Wimbledon and Southport are level at zero heading into halftime - if that result should hold, we'd need only a single point on the final day to ensure promotion (assuming we can hold our comfortable lead). Before the hour mark, AFC Wimbledon have struck a goal against Southport - we could well wrap up the league title today! Unfortunately, on 70 minutes, Southport level, and we once again may have work left to do this season. We conceed a goal to Canvey, but it's no matter - this one is well in hand. As we walk off the pitch, both the squad and the fans learn that Southport drew with Wimbledon. However, before reaching the lockerroom, an announcement comes over the PA system - Wimbledon has scored a 90th miOn nute penalty! Margate will promote! Thrilling day for us - we're excited to take on some new competition.

We're in negotiations with Bury over Robbie Parry - I don't want to pay much for him, as he'd just be a backup. We'll haggle, but not take this deal too seriously.

On the final day of the season, we call up some of our young prospects to get some match experience. This match at Hereford is of no consequence, so we're just going to take a look at how they'll perform. Scott Bennett will play keeper, and David Quinn will get a look at left wing. Hereford pick up a pair of 2nd half goals, and we lose 2-0. Young Ross Garner was promising in the "playmaker" role - attacking midfield. Dean Allison and Neal Harrison both were shaky at times on defense, but all in all I was pleased with what I saw from our young players. This was the final match with us for Ben Harvey, Lee Russell, and Robert Lake - none of them played exceedingly well, and all except Harvey I'd say were disappointments for the season (though Lake was only here for a few matches). Harvey did just what we needed - provided depth in the midfield and gave a good effort each time out.

[RPI-Fan]

Here's an updated look at our players, again in table format:

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 width=829 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Player

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>Age

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>Wage

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>Position

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Strongest Skills

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>App's

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>Conc

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>ClnSht

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>MoM

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>Avg. Rating

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Jens Reuter

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>23

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£250

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>GK

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>OneOne,Strength,Pace,Brave

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>43

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>48

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>15

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.23

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Scott Bennett

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>37

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£150

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>GK

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>OneOne,Eccentr,Brave,Determ

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>2

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>4

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.00

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Mathew Webb

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>28

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£150

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>GK

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>RushingOut,Handle,Brave,Jump

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>4

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>8.00

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Richard Francis

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>17

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£200

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>GK

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Kicking,OneOne,Throwing,WorkRate

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Player

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>Age

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>Position

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Strongest Skills

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>App's

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>Goals

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>Assists

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>MoM

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>Avg. Rating

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Richard Perry

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>30

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£200

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>SW/D R/C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Position,Pace,Teamwork,Anticip

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>15(3)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.83

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>John Quinn

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>26

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£500

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D RLC

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Marking,Teamwork,WorkRate,Stam

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>30(2)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.12

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Danny Ramsey

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>22

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£220

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D/DM L

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>WorkRate,Teamwork,Brave,Cross

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>24(5)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.03

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Richard Jones

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>31

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£850

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D/DM C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Jumping,WorkRate,SetPieces,Determ

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>31(2)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.51

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>John Spencer

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>25

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£180

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D/DM C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Tackling,WorkRate,Stam,Aggress

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>16(10)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.34

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Michael Young

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>25

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£325

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Marking,Influence,WorkRate,Brave

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>39(1)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>2

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>6

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.67

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Dean Allison

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>16

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£230

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Marking,Jump,Determ,Aggres

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.00

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Neal Harrison

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>17

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£275

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Position,Marking,Passing,Jumping

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.00

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>David Quinn

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>29

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£150

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D/DM LC

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Tackling,Teamwork,WorkRate,Determ

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>4(1)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.80

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Danny Turner

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>22

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£200

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D RC

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Heading,Jumping,Pace,Tackling

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>30(4)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>2

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>5

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>4

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.64

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Player

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>Age

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>Position

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Strongest Skills

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>App's

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>Goals

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>Assists

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>MoM

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>Avg. Rating

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Brian Todd

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>21

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£375

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>DM C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Marking,Tackling,OffBall,WorkRate

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>25(7)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>3

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.06

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Rasmus Anderson

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>21

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£1,000

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>M RL

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>SetPieces,Creativity,Flair,Agility

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>21(10)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>10

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.45

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Ben Harvey

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>20

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£350

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>AM RLC

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Flair,OffBall,Teamwork,WorkRate

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>11(11)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>3

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.68

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Steiner Hovland

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>20

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£575

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>AM/F LC

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>PenaltyKick,Pace,Accel,Teamwork

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>35(4)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>7

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>2

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.53

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Mihai Rosca

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>23

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£450

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>AM/F RC

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Crossing,Heading,Stam,Dribble

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>23(7)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>3

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.63

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Lovelace Rosier

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>18

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£450

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>AM/F R

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Determination,Heading,Stam,Techn

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>15(12)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>3

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>5

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.62

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Lee Russell

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>20

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£500

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>AM RC

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Influence,Teamwork,Accel,WorkRate

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>25(5)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>3

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.69

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Martin Walker

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>32

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£500

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>AM C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Finishing,Passing,Influence,Creativity

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>10(2)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.83

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Robert Lake

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>23

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£525

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>DM C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Dribble,Flair,Finishing,Agility

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1(2)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.66

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Player

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>Age

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>Position

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Strongest Skills

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>App's

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>Goals

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>Assists

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>MoM

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>Avg. Rating

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Martin McGuire

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>30

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£200

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>S C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Finishing,Determ,Brave,Aggres

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>38(4)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>26

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>4

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>2

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.16

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Jon Palmer

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>26

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£725

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>S C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Dribble,Flair,Pace,Jump

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>40(3)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>24

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>20

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>15

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>8.16

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Ross Garner

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>17

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£180

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>F C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Passing,Creativity,Pace,Jump

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>2

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.00

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[RPI-Fan]

<b>May 2004</b>

We'll just be taking care of some housecleaning this month - a few players and coaches are getting ready to leave, but none are big losses, really. We'll keep our eye on the free agent market - maybe as a 3rd Division side we'll get a look from some players. Our biggest hole is by far on each wing, and then probably at backup defender, and finally backup striker/playmaker. Ross Garner might get a serious look for that last position, but it's tough to say right now. It's something we'll really want to feel out in the preseason friendlies.

Alas, we can't work things out with Bury - they want 10k for defender Robbie Parry, while I'm not willing to pay more than 5k. At the official close of the season, when we get our financial bonus, the Margate supporters are delighted with my performance. They hold a rally in my honor to celebrate our great season, and call me "one of the best around". I'm also named Conference Manager of the Year. Hopefully I can live up to that reputation next season!

<b>June 2004</b>

Robert Lake, Ben Harvey, Lee Russell, and Daniel Gallagher (left winger who only played with the reserves) all return to their clubs. As I said before, Harvey was the only truly effective player of the group - Russell had his moments, and got better as the season progressed, but was still a disappointment. Incidentally, upon returning, Russell signs a new 1,800k wage contract, with a hefty 1,400k appearance fee (though it looks like he'll spend most of his time in the reserve ranks).

Young defender Neil Harrison is inexplicably released from his youth contract, and goes on a free transfer - I guess I needed to sign him on my own. I put in an offer, and hopefully we'll patch things up. Eventually, we work out a deal, and Harrison will come back aboard, though for a steeper wage this season.

Mathew Webb's contract expires, and we willingly let him go on a free transfer. He was 3rd in line in a weak crop of keepers - there was no reason to keep him around.

Derby's midfielder Chris Howe has his contract expire, and is now a free agent. He's a center middie, and might fit in great in the "playmaker" role - even better news is that it looks like he'll at least listen to our offer (and we can afford what he's asking). He doesn't have great speed and at age 32 isn't young, but he's a very skilled player. He'd be a nice addition for our squad, I reckon. Additionally, he looks pretty durable, having only suffered one week of injuries in his career. He quickly accepts our deal, and we're very glad to have him aboard. I think he has a good chance to start in our attacking midfield position.

Jon Palmer wins the Margate supporters' player of the year award - not a shock at all. He is a fabulous player, and had a wonderful season. We're given 230k for TV rights this season - our finances have proved troublesome, hopefully can turn that around this season. Our transfer budget for the year will be just 20k - the board wasn't too happy with my financial performance last season. Our wage bill grew too high (and still is too high), and we lost money on the year.

Our U-19 team also gets a fresh batch of players. A couple look like they could be really effective - one winger might even get a chance with the senior squad this season (though unlikely). I'll try and provide a little more detail when I go over the general team report.

We schedule several friendlies - among them, Paris Saint-Germain will come to Hartsdown Park for a match. Should be an exciting experience for the lads, and hopefully we'll make a good showing.

I'm not sure how this will work out, but Birmingham have accepted our offer to loan young Martin Richards. Richards is an incredibly talented player - the right winger has seen action with the senior squad of the Premiership team. If we actually get him on board, it would be an incredible addition. Grimsby also have a loan offer in, however, so I'm guessing we'll get snubbed by Richards. Instead though, we soon get word that Richards will indeed play for us! What a wonderful acquisition. The 20-year-old right winger is a tremendous talent (at least for us) - he's valued at 800k. For reference, our highest-valued player, Jon Palmer, is assessed at 180k. This definitely fills one of our winger holes - now we'll search for someone on the left, as well as depth at defense and a backup attacking player.

Danny Alexander comes aboard from Wolves - he just might be what we're searching for in that backup attacker role. He is great with the ball, and is listed as a "Hard working striker" - sounds like he'll be perfect for us.

I'm offered the manager job at Huddersfield - they're a 3rd Division side. While I'm honored, I'm not prepared to leave this group of players and organization, particularly for a lateral move.

<b>July 2004</b>

We almost made a real coup in loaning PSV's Harry deVries - a fabulous young player. Although our offer was expected, Leeds also jumped in, and instead they will take him on for this season. I think loaning players is looking like a great option to get some real talent in here, though. We'll continue to look for young players who we might be able to loan in. We make another addition, again via, loan, though not so significant this time. Gary Otto is a versatile attacker, and he's great at delivering crosses. He is strong on the left, and might be able to do well for us at the left wing position. Soon after, we inquire about Middlesbrough's Brian Anderson, and he's willing to play for us for a season on loan also! He might be even better than Martin Richards. He is a clinical finisher, but is good at pretty much everything. He was effective playing for 1st Division Burnley on loan last year - in the 3rd Division he should be an outright star.

[RPI-Fan]

Now we'll go ahead and take an overall look at our roster:

<b><u>Goalkeepers</u></b>

We didn't do anything to rectify this problem in the offseason, but we're going to keep our eyes open. Jens Reuter is the obvious choice here, though I think he might get drilled against the higher level of play. We'll see though - Scott Bennett is the veteran backup, of course. Richard Francis is on our U-19 squad - he's not very good right now, but my scouts think he has some potential.

<b><u>Defenders</u></b>

Danny Turner and Michael Young were superb in the Conference - I think they'll be good in the 3rd Division as well. John Quinn and Danny Ramsey will fight for the left back spot - whoever plays better will have it pretty much to themselves. I'd like to see Ramsey play well so we can use Quinn off the bench, since he's so versatile on that backline. Richard Perry will be another backup, but unless pressed into action will not see much time. I'll give youngsters Dean Allison and Neal Harrison a chance to make the squad, but it is unlikely that they will do so. Both could probably use more seasoning in the U-19's and Reserves.

<b><u>Midfielders</u></b>

What can I say here? We needed to add depth, and we did just that, bringing in two star players on loan (Richards and Anderson), and a nice versatile midfielder with Gary Otto (in the mold of Ben Harvey from last season). Richards and Anderson will man the flanks, which in the span of a couple of weeks became our strongest position on the pitch. Steinar Hovland should command the center of the field, and Richard Jones is rock-solid at the defensive midfield position. Martin Walker will have a tough time finding playing time this season with all the new additions - I suspect he'll be in the reserves a good deal, even. Rasmus Andersen and Mihai Rosca will now be our backup wingers, though it will be nice to have them for depth. Chris Howe was another offseason acquisition, and will challenge Steinar Hovland for the central midfield role, but more likely will play as the attacking midfielder. He's a good all-around player, and should be able to play any of the three central midfield roles. Danny Alexander is a nice depth player (though when we acquired him I thought he'd be a starter) - he'll be great to bring off the bench for a spark. He's quick and makes good runs with the ball - he could be a potent option from the midfield if he catches a tired defender.

Martin Richards and Brian Anderson have already been talked about it, but I'll say just a little more. Richards is great with the ball, and is simply better than everyone else on this squad with fundamental soccer skills. The scary thing is, Anderson is even better than him (valued at 1.3MM!). If he gets the ball near the goal, he's a great finisher. He can also slide over to play more towards the middle, so expect to see him spend some time as the attacking midfielder in our system.

Brian Todd and John Spencer might be the odd men out of the rotation if everything works out with our new players, but both will get some action. Spencer is the primary reserve at the defensive midfield position, while Todd will can play any of the three center midfield slots. He'll have a tough time cracking the lineup, though, I fear - he's a good player, but his performance was not very inspiring last season.

<b><u>Forwards</u></b>

18-year-old Ross Garner is really our only backup option at the striker position - unless we bring someone in, I'll keep him on the senior squad as our backup here.

Jon Palmer and Martin McGuire are, of course, our default options up front. Both excelled at the Conference level (scoring 50 goals combined last season), and I think will do well here. Not much really needs to be said about them - their performance will tell us whether or not they're capable of playing in the 3rd Division.

[RPI-Fan]

Thoughts? How do the spreadsheets look (they look excellent on my Sideline Green view)?

Comments?

[andy m]

the spreadsheets look a lot better than the ones that people post in the scroll boxes.

margate's biggest fan: http://images.google.com/images?q=buster+bloodvessel&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&btnG=Google+Search

[petrochile]

The tables look real nice! I look forward to reading more of this!

[RPI-Fan]

Just a remark... I've been doing relatively quick match reports, ala QuikSand. I don't mind going into more detail, I just know that when I read these things I'm more interested in the personel movement and overall stats than I am the individual games, generally.

[QuikSand]

the spreadsheets look a lot better than the ones that people post in the scroll boxes.

Hey! I heard that!

(and I agree)

[RPI-Fan]

I'm not abandoning this - just haven't had much time to play the game lately.

<i>With that said...</i>

[RPI-Fan]

<b>August 2004</b>

We're rolling through our friendlies, generally playing pretty well. PSG brought a crowd of almost 6,000 to Hartsdown Park! For reference, we're happy to get 2,000 for league matches. We beat Walsall 5-2 with 5 straight goals, then fall to Sheffield Wednesday. All in all, though, we're getting in shape, and getting a guage on our players. As I suspected, Dean Allison and Neal Harrison aren't ready to play yet, at defense. Ross Garner has been impressive up front, however - he'll start the year on our senior squad.

I get another job offer, this time from 2nd Division Reading. A nice gesture, but I'm not interested in leaving Margate. I politely decline the offer.

While Steiner Hovland and Lovelace Rosier are off playing with the Norwegian U-21 and Sierra Leone Senior teams, we receive information on contracts that are expiring this season. There are a lot of big names on the list - first and foremost, Jon Palmer. The other senior players that are due are Martin McGuire, Danny Turner, Steinar Hovland, Richard Perry, Rasmus Andersen, and Mihai Rosca. I'll almost certainly let the last two walk, but I'd like to re-sign all the others, with the possible exception of Perry. We'll see what we can do - for now I want to focus on league play. We can talk contracts with these players later.

The bookmakers give us 20-1 odds on promoting this season. With our group of players that we own, I'd say that's about right. But with Richards and Anderson on the wings, I think we have as good of a shot as any. We really have great depth in the midfield, and are very good on defense if we avoid injuries. Up front, Martin McGuire needs to work out his off-field problems, but Ross Garner and Danny Alexander looked very good in the preseason. Both of them are close to passing McGuire up for his starting spot. Bristol Rovers are the favorites to win this season, followed by a pack consisting of Southend, Tranmere, Luton, Torquay, and Huddersfield.

Opening day comes, and we'll face Oxford at Hartsdown Park (our homefield) for our first ever Football League match! Ross Garner will get the start in the attacking midfield role, while Chris Howe will start on the bench. He had a solid preseason, but he's got some attitude problems right now. Our defense is the familiar backline of Quinn, Danny Turner, and Michael Young, though with a little twist, as David Quinn is at left back instead of John Quinn, and of course German Jens Reuter in net. Richards and Brian Anderson are on the right and left flanks, respectively, and Richard Jones is in the defensive midfield. Up front we'll go with McGuire and Palmer - McGuire had a dreadful preseason, but is feeling great right now.

In the 4th minute, he rewards us when he aggressively challenges the goalkeeper, picks his pocket, and buries it into the empty net for our first ever Football League lead! McGuire buries another goal in the 2nd half off of a great combination from Ross Garner and Jon Palmer - Garner won the header near midfield to Palmer, who sent McGuire in on a break. McGuire drew the keeper out and finished the great play. The two goal lead is plenty, and we roll to a 2-nil opening victory, and we thoroughly dominated the action. Danny Turner earned MoM honors with a commanding presense on the backline - good to see he's elevating his game against this new competition. Ross Garner also proved his worth on the pitch, distributing the ball well, and as I mentioned, providing a "secondary" assist on the second goal. Good stuff. Martin Richards was very good on his right flank, while Brian Anderson didn't have a great match, and also picked up a yellow card - hopefully he can pick up his play.

We now travel to Mansfield, where we'll have some changes to the lineup, mostly just to avoid early-season burnout. Danny Alexander will play the attacking midfield, and Gary Otto will start on the left flank in place of Brian Anderson. Danny Ramsey will play left back, and Lovelace Rosier comes in for Martin McGuire up front. We fall behind 1-nil in the 2nd minute, but in the 13th Gary Otto finds Jon Palmer on a corner kick to even the score. From that point it's all Margate, as Jon Palmer picks up a pair of goals, and second half sub Brian Anderson tallies a long shot to make it a 4-1 final - splendid road win! Martin Richards had three assists on the day - he has certainly met our expectations thus far. Palmer's hat trick earned him a perfect 10 match rating - he's off and running this season, for sure.

We rack up a great 3-nil win at home against Macclefield - Jon Palmer notches two goals and an assist, while Ross Garner again plays well in the attacking midfield role - his attributes aren't all that strong, but we may have ourselves a good player on our hands here.

At this young stage of the season, I've already got a feel for what players are and are not ready to perform at this level. Brian Todd and Rasmus Anderson have basically been duds - both will go on the transfer list. It would be nice to unload Anderson's 1300k wage (which was a terrible contract to agree to two seasons ago), but I don't think we'll get any takers. More likely, Brian Todd will sell, as Chester has their eye on him - I'll offer him and see what kind of transfer fee they'd pay.

We're next at Bristol Rovers - a preseason favorite - have had a poor start to the year, with 3 points in 3 games. Nevertheless, we want to get a good game against these guys - we'll meet them in the first round of the league cup in just a couple of weeks. They have an early goal called back, and it seems to deaden the game. There are few good scoring chances, and we end up with a nil-nil draw. Danny Alexander was good up front playing across Jon Palmer, but midfielder Chris Howe had a poor game. Our defense was very ordinary, and didn't do much to take advantage of Rovers' attacking style. We got a few counterattacks, but not as many as I would have liked to see - especially with our great strikers and attacking players. Ross Garner was decent in the attacking midfiedl role, though not as good as we've seen him at times.

After the match we get word of a significant injury to Jens Reuter. He's going to be out for two weeks, which means he'll miss probably two league matches. Scott Bennett will play keeper for us, but if he faulters, we'll think about giving young Richard Francis a look.

Incidentally, just after the injury to Reuter, our scout finds us a young free agent, Robbie Craig, who was previously in Celtic's reserve system. He didn't do much of anything for them, but nevertheless the 22-year-old looks mildly talented. It would be good timing if we can bring him in right now, so I offer him a contract, though it's not really all that close to what he was asking for. He's been out of work for a while, though, so he may be willing to negotiate.

Craig, however, doesn't like our offer - he wants about 800 per week, which is too much for someone who would only be a backup. I'll have to keep looking here, I suppose. Chester also turn their nose up at our offer of Brian Todd - they say it would be too expensive for them. He'll remain on the transfer list, and will play in the reserves for now, as he was way down on the senior team midfield depth chart.

[RPI-Fan]

<b>September 2004</b>

Jon Palmer wins the 3rd Division's player of the month award for August - he had 5 goals and 2 assists with a 9.00 average rating in 4 matches - yea', I'd say he played Ok.

Brian Anderson and Martin McGuire notched second half goals against 5th placed Rushden to earn us a solid 2-1 victory at home. Scott Bennett was good (but not great) in net, while Jon Palmer had another assist. Ross Garner played a delightful game - he's looking like he might not just be a flash in the pan.

We head into Rochdale undefeated in the English Football League. Rochdale are a 6th place club, so we aren't getting any easy matchups early on. They strike first, but Jon Palmer answers with a beautiful strike off the post and in all in the first half hour. A 90th minute goal for them from distance sails right past Scott Bennett, who looked attrocious in net - we desperately need Jens Reuter back. We fall 2-1, though it wasn't an awful effort (the shots and ball possession were roughly even, if not in our favor). If he's not back for our next match, youth Richard Francis will get his chance.

2nd Division Notts Co. offer me their manager position - I'm still flattered by these offers, but against decline quickly. I'm happy here at Margate with our talented young squad.

We're using a pretty strong lineup in the first round of the league cup at Bristol Rovers - most notably Jens Reuter is back in goal after the dreadful performances from veteran Scott Bennett. Ross Garner is back in his familiar attacking role, and we'll see if he continues to excel.

Jon Palmer scores off a Martin Richards corner kick in the second half, and we cruise to a 1-nil road victory from there. Ross Garner was again very good from his position - I love this kid more and more every time I watch him. His first touch seems to be clever and into space every time - he's just exciting. Danny Alexander has also become an option for us up front. While he hasn't finished with goals, his runs through the defense have been formidable, and eventually he'll start putting enough pressure on to get a few through. I may start using him as a substitute more - I think he'll play better against tired defenders. Jens Retuer was, as expected, excellent in goal once again. Those two weeks he was out makes me realize how much we missed him - he just doesn't let in bad goals. Only one has gotten by him this season, and he's been rock-solid.

Back in league play, we ride first half marks from Palmer and McGuire to a 2-1 home win over Colchester. Michael Young had an uncharacteristicly poor game - hopefully he'll find his form again soon. Ross Garner again looked solid in 45 minutes of action - I can't stop praising this kid.

I'm starting to feel that I may be relying on Ross Garner a little too much - I certainly don't want to burn out the young attacker, so I'm going to send him back to the reserves for a few matches to keep him fresh. Hopefully when I bring him back up the big club I'll get him action in around half our matches, but no more.

At middle-table Wrexham, our offense is stagnant until the second half when Jon Palmer enters as a substitute and almost immediately notches a nice goal. We're outplayed, though, and it costs us as Wrexham pick up a pair of late goals to earn the win and take all the points. Brian Anderson is continuing to struggle - I don't really know what to do with him. I've tried him at different positions and he just can't seem to find his form. Martin Richards, on the other hand, has been wonderful. He's playing very consistent, and is making good runs with the ball.

Earlier in the year, you may remember you me mentioning how several of our star players will have their contracts expire at the end of the season. Well, I think it's time to bite the bullett and start talking with these guys. First and foremost, we must lock up Jon Palmer. We'll do whatever it takes to keep him around and happy - he's a great player in the prime of his career. We offer him 1,400 per week, with hefty goal and assist bonuses, and a signing on fee. Hopefully it will be enough to keep him around.

Aging Martin McGuire is a tough decision - he's been effective in the 3rd division with 4 goals thus far, but not nearly as prolific as he was in the Conference. I'm going to hold out on him to see how his play continues.

Danny TUrner has proven himself at this level, and is another player we must retain. He wants a significant increase in pay, but I think we'll work something out. Steiner Hovland wants to double what he's making right now. He's been good thus far, but I want to make sure he can continue to play at this level before handing him a big payraise. Lovelace Rosier, Danny Ramsey, and Mihai Rosca all want deals in the 1,000/week range - nothing near what I'm willing to give them. Rosca is the only player who I'd even considered bringing back for next season, but with those type of demands, it's unlikely we'll see him around.

So it looks like we'll at least be able to get our key players back for next year, assuming Jon Palmer doesn't get greedy on us.

We're now at home against a quality team - Tranmere Rovers. They currently sit in 4th in the league table - we're 5th, so it's a pretty big early season matchup. Brian Anderson answers their early goal, but Tranmere's star striker Neil Williams capitalizes on a goal kick miscue for the eventual winning tally. Anderson played an absolutely delightful game for us, as did Jon Palmer. Unfortunately, their goalkeeper was hot, and kept us off the board in the 2nd half, where we thoroughly dominated play.

[RPI-Fan]

October 2004

Both Turner and Palmer dislike our contract offers, but are willing to negotiate. We're going to have to pay through the roof for these guys, but I'm convinced they're worth it. This makes it look like we won't be able to keep McGuire, though, unfortunately. Palmer quickly turns us down again, and go back to the tables. Good news comes, though, as Turner accepts our deal.

Our defense is again porous at home, and a pair of 2nd half goals lead to a 3-1 win for York. We're really struggling right now - but in our defense, we've been playing very good teams.

Jon Palmer rejects another contract offer, and things don't look good on that front. We'll keep trying, but this might not work out well for us.

Palmer rejects another of our offers, which is, by our standards, huge. We put a 1,400 wage on the table, with maximum goal, assist, and appearance bonuses, in addition to a 50,000 signing bonus, and numerous release clauses. I'm afraid he won't be playing with us past this current contract, unless his demands come down significantly. I'm going to place him on the transfer list to see if I get any bites, but I doubt I will. This does, however, mean we may be able to put something together with Martin McGuire - though we still won't overpay for the aging striker.

Next up we travel to 1st Division Bristol City for the League Cup 2nd Round - we're fielding mostly a "B" team here - the squad is a little worn down, and we don't want to risk further injuries in this not-so-important competition. We're clearly the lesser side in this match, yet almost go up one in the 1st half, but Martin Walker's strike hit the bar. That's really our only chance of the match, and Bristol notch two deserved 2nd half tallies to foil any plans of an upset today. One positive note was Scott Bennett's play in net - he actually looked competent today, despite conceeding two goals.

After the match, we get some very bad news, though. Chris Howe suffered a broken pelvis (ouch!) and will miss six months (essentially the remainder of the season). Awful, awful stuff - fortunately that depth in the center midfield that I hyped so much should come in handy now.

We work out a modest deal with Martin McGuire - he gets a significant wage increase, but it's still under 1,000, which is relatively inexpensive, for us.

Back in league action, away to 3rd-placed Bournemouth, we have our best squad on the pitch to start the match. Jens Reuter is back in net, and we'll see Palmer and McGuire up front as our strike force. We take a lead late in the 1st half on a fabulous play, when Martin McGuire beautifully switches the field to Martin Richards, who sends in a cross that is headed home by Jon Palmer - great football there, really. Early the 2nd half, Martin McGuire is left alone in the box on a throw-in, and buries an easy strike for the 2-nil lead. Bournemouth pull one back, but Jens Reuter makes a big save as the game winds down, and we hold on for a great 2-1 win at a solid club. Jon Palmer earns MoM honors, and Danny Alexander played a great match as well. Martin McGuire had a great game - his first after signing the new contract - which may be a good sign. If we're going to succeed after Palmer departs, a lot of it will be on the 31-year-old shoulders of McGuire. Seeing Alexander play well is a good thing, also. I was prepared to recall young Ross Garner, but since Alexander is appearing capable of handling the attacking midfield duties, Garner can get more time with the reserves.

I make a formation change prior to our next match. I'm sliding the defensive midfield back to defense, and the attacking midfield up to forward. It's now a standard 4-3-3 formation. I'll continue to tinker, but I think the added 4th defender may help a good deal.

We travel to Lincoln City, who currently sit in 4th. It's a big matchup, and we'd love to take a point on the road, here. We've our "A" team in - minus Chris Howe, of course, as he's down for 5 months with a broken pelvis. In our new formation, Richard Jones slides back into central defense, and Danny Alexander pushes up to the front line. We get absolutely steamrolled in the first half, and are down 2-nil at the break. In the 2nd half, I move Danny Alexander into the center of the midfield, and allow the wingbacks to make some runs up the flanks. This helps things a little bit, as we're relatively even in the 2nd half. The score remains 2-nil, though, and we're in a little bit of a rut.

As we're training for our Vans trophy match in midweek, we get devastating news. Michael Young suffers a torn groin muscle, and will be out for two months. We should be able to make do without him - Richard Perry will re-join the senior squad, but he was a key player for us.

Before the Van Trophy matchup at 2nd Division Cambridge, we'll play a 4-4-2 with the wingbacks pushing up the flank. Jon Palmer is dinged up, and will sit with one out. We also play most of our senior squad backups - a win here is nice, but a loss doesn't really mean anything either. Scott Bennett will be our goalkeeper - hopefully we can keep him fresh. Martin Walker scores an absolutely splendid goal on 17 minutes - he cracks a wonderous 30 yard strike past the goalkeeper off of a nice pass from Danny Alexander. Cambridge answer back in the 2nd half, but just past the hour mark Lovelace Rosier scores a positively delightful goal on a play up the middle through David Quinn and Danny Alexander. The lead holds, and we pick up a really nice 2-1 road win over a higher-division club. After the match we learn that we'll travel to the English Conference's AFC Wimbledon for the 2nd round - it looks like we might be able to do some damage in this competition.

We're home to 16th-placed Shrewsbury, back in league action. This is the kind of game we'll really need to cash in on if we want to compete for a playoff spot. Jon Palmer is back in action, and Jens Reuter is, of course, in net. Palmer scores a goal in each half, and sets up McGuire perfectly to seal the 3-nil home victory - he was by far the best player on the pitch. I really hope we figure something out with regards to his contract.

[RPI-Fan]

November 2004

We draw Barnet in the FA Cup 1st Round, on the road unfortunately. They're a 2nd division side, and all said, it's a pretty bad draw for us. Nevertheless, we'll go to their place, hope to earn a tie and come back home for the payday, and hopefully advance to the next round. The FA Cup match will take place on the 20th of November.

At this point I'm going to update my player table - hopefully I'll do this sometime in February or so also, and then at the end of the season, too.

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 width=829 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Player

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>Age

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>Wage

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>Position

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Strongest Skills

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>App's

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>Conc

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>ClnSht

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>MoM

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>Avg. Rating

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Jens Reuter

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>24

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£250

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>GK

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>OneOne,Strength,Pace,Brave

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>14

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>13

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>6

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.28

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Scott Bennett

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>38

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£150

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>GK

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>OneOne,Eccentr,Brave,Determ

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>4

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>6

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.00

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Richard Francis

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>18

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£200

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>GK

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Kicking,OneOne,Throwing,WorkRate

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Player

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>Age

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>Position

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Strongest Skills

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>App's

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>Goals

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>Assists

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>MoM

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>Avg. Rating

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Richard Perry

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>31

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£200

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>SW/D R/C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Position,Pace,Teamwork,Anticip

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1(2)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.66

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>John Quinn

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>26

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£500

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D RLC

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Marking,Teamwork,WorkRate,Stam

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>6(4)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.00

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Danny Ramsey

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>23

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£220

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D/DM L

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>WorkRate,Teamwork,Brave,Cross

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>24(5)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.03

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Richard Jones

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>31

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£850

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D/DM C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Jumping,WorkRate,SetPieces,Determ

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>11(2)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.38

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>John Spencer

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>26

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£180

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D/DM C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Tackling,WorkRate,Stam,Aggress

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>6

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.83

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Michael Young

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>25

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£325

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Marking,Influence,WorkRate,Brave

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>13

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.23

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Dean Allison

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>17

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£230

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Marking,Jump,Determ,Aggres

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Neal Harrison

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>17

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£775

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Position,Marking,Passing,Jumping

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>David Quinn

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>30

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£150

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D/DM LC

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Tackling,Teamwork,WorkRate,Determ

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>15(2)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.58

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Danny Turner

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>23

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£1,200

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>D RC

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Heading,Jumping,Pace,Tackling

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>16(1)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>2

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.47

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Player

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>Age

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>Position

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Strongest Skills

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>App's

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>Goals

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>Assists

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>MoM

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>Avg. Rating

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Brian Todd

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>22

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£375

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>DM C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Marking,Tackling,OffBall,WorkRate

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>25(7)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>3

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.06

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Rasmus Anderson

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>22

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£1,300

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>M RL

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>SetPieces,Creativity,Flair,Agility

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>21(10)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>10

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.45

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Martin Richards

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>20

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£925

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>M R

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Dribble,Stam,Determ,Pass

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>13(3)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>7

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.43

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Steiner Hovland

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>20

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£625

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>AM/F LC

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>PenaltyKick,Pace,Accel,Teamwork

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>12(2)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.21

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Mihai Rosca

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>23

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£450

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>AM/F RC

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Crossing,Heading,Stam,Dribble

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>4(2)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.33

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Lovelace Rosier

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>19

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£450

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>AM/F R

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Determination,Heading,Stam,Techn

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>4

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.75

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Brian Anderson

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>22

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£1,000

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>M RC

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Finishing,Heading,Anticipation,Pace

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>14(3)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>4

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.82

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Martin Walker

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>32

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£500

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>AM C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Finishing,Passing,Influence,Creativity

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>6(4)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.59

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Gary Otto

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>23

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£475

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>F RLC

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Crossing,Pace,Acceleration,Determ

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>4(4)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.12

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Danny Alexander

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>24

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£725

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>F RC

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Dribble,Determ,WorkRate,Pace

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>10(6)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.12

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Chris Howe

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>32

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£800

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>M C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Strength,PenaltyTak,WorkRate,Flair

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>8(1)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.00

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Player

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>Age

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>Position

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Strongest Skills

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>App's

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>Goals

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>Assists

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>MoM

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>Avg. Rating

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Martin McGuire

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>31

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£800

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>S C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Finishing,Determ,Brave,Aggres

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>10(4)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>6

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>6.92

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Jon Palmer

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>26

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£825

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>S C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Dribble,Flair,Pace,Jump

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>15(1)

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>13

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>6

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>8

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>8.31

</TD></TR><TR><TD width="15%" height=16>Ross Garner

</TD><TD width="5%" height=16>18

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>£180

</TD><TD width="9%" height=16>F C

</TD><TD width="28%" height=16>Passing,Creativity,Pace,Jump

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>8

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="7%" height=16>1

</TD><TD width="6%" height=16>0

</TD><TD width="11%" height=16>7.37

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Away to Hartlepool, who currently sit in 21st, we'd like to get some points. I'm experimenting with Brian Anderson, playing him up front next to Jon Palmer. He's our first left-footed striker we've ever used, I believe, so maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised. He also is a pure finisher, which could work well. Ross Garner will play in the central midfield, and we'll see if he continues to dominate play at this level. Despite playing up a man for most of the game, we don't push through for a goal (and in fact don't get all that much pressure). Disappointing that we couldn't do more offensively - Anderson was a dud at forward - but still, I'll take the point on the road. Garner was good, but not great, in central midfield - he really just thrives in that attacking position. I'll try him alongside Palmer before long.

We make a move on Bournemouth's 17yo Swiss defender Alain Rodriguez. He's been great for them as just a teenager, and could improve into a very, very strong player. The contract talks don't look good, but the transfer fee is just 18,000, if we can work things out.

Crewe dominate us, again on the road, and in the 2nd half tally one for a 1-nil victory. Ross Garner has slowed a bit since his return to the senior squad - I think when he plays, he must be in that attacking midfield role to be successful.

Alas, we fail to work out a deal with Alain Rodriguez, and he'll stay with Bournemouth. He would have been a great young addition, but we simply couldn't come close to what he was asking for in terms of a contract.

Home to Huddersfield, we're rather shockingly huge underdogs - they sit in 23rd place to our 10th. We're going with the same lineup we used for Shrewsbury a couple weeks ago - that worked well for us, so we'll see if it succeeds here. Jon Palmer gets a pair of first half goals, and then after the hour mark finishes off a pass from Martin Richards for the hattrick. Palmer was simply brilliant all day, and was the obvious choice for MoM in our 3-1 victory. The game was a fun one to watch - lots of up-and-down action. Jens Reuter had to be good, as he faced 5 shots on target (we put 7 at the opposition goal). I'm going to keep riding with this lineup as long as it's successful. Ross Garner came in for Martin McGuire in the 2nd half, and I dropped him to a position just below Palmer. Garner played well, so this may be a strategy we employ more often in the future.

We head to AFC Wimbledon, a Conference side, for the Vans trophy 2nd round. I'd love a win here, but am going to rest Jon Palmer, and list him as a substitute. Ross Garner will play behind Martin McGuire and Scott Bennett will be in net, but otherwise he have mostly an A-team in. Wimbledon come out and completely destroy us, 4-nil. Not having Palmer in just devastates our offense, and Scott Bennett was dreadful in goal. One positive was Ross Garner's play - he continues to succeed. Considering his young age (18 years old), he is very, very promising.

We now draw Barnet, who sit 12th in the 2nd Division, in the FA Cup 1st Round (on the road, what a shocker). I think I'm going to play a 5-4-1 formation, for the 1st half at least, to see if we can't hold this to a nil-nil draw. I'll make adjustments at half-time if necessary. We will run with pretty much an A-team, though, including Jon Palmer and Jens Reuter. Barnet take it to us early on, and by the hour mark are up 3-nil. Martin McGuire scores on a brilliant run and subsequent chip of the goalkeeper, but it's far too little, far too late, and we're out of the FA cup before we ever really in it. I think this was just a case of Barnet being a much more talented side, and taking advantage of playing at home. I'm not too upset - we can now focus on league play.

I think I may have mentioned Scottish Goalkeeper Robbie Craig before - his wage demands have significantly dropped, so I'll approach him again, to sign up as a second keeper option. Scott Bennett has been absolutely dreadful, so we could use a nice alternative for Reuter, if he gets hurt or in bad form. We add forward Nick Peacock from Morecambe on loan - hopefully he can fit in alongside Jon Palmer up front, as Martin McGuire has been very ordinary than me. I also send Gary Otto back to Cheltenham - he was a bust for us, and I wasn't confident playing him in any important situations as he simply wasn't as deadly of a crosser of the ball as I expected him to be.

Home to 9th placed Farnborough, Jon Palmer and Nick Peacock get us off to a dream 2-nil start in the first half hour, and we hold on for the 2-1 victory. If we keep getting three points at home, we'll be in good shape. The win moves us up to 7th place in the league table, one point clear of Luton Town. Incidentally, our victory finally cooled off a red hot Farnborough team - they hadn't lost in twelve straight league matches!

We sign on Robbie Craig so we have a nice backup option at keeper, now, hopefully.

Away to lowly Port Vale, Robbie Craig will get thrown into the fire as the keeper. Otherwise, we roll out mostly an A-team, and would love to see some points here. Port Vale strike first at 75 minutes, but we turn up the heat and 2nd half sub Martin McGuire tallies a goal and an assist to Jon Palmer as we score two goals in the final quarter-hour to get a great road 2-1 win. Ross Garner didn't notch an assist, but played a role in the second goal, as well. Just a delightful win - Robbie Craig was decent in goal, though he wasn't spectacular. Certainly, he looks like a better option than Scott Bennett.

[RPI-Fan]

Just curious - anybody reading?

[Mountain]

Yes very interesting read. Keep up the good work

[Blade6119]

im here!

[PilotMan]

Nice read, I finally have time get caught up. More please.

[TurnerONU22]

Hey, I think you need to send those £1,200 checks across the pond to me, the real Danny Turner. I'm definately following, this is the first time i've ever seen my name for a fictional player in any dynasty I've ever read. Hopefully he'll keep playing good for ya!

Danny