FM: Harrogate is marching on..

[Eaglesfan27]

to what is the question. We are now moving up to English League One play. Will we be able to adapt? Will we continue our rapid ascent? I don't know. My goal is to take us as high up as possible via whatever means necessary including relying on loan players if I can get them.

Our first season we really struggled, and I thought I was going to be fired at several points. Here is the link to that season here: http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=32963

In my second season, I started acquiring players including several key contributors to this day. Read about our ascension from the English Conference North here: http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=33340

We quickly advanced through the English Conference National in our third season and acquired another key player or two. Read about our season in which we won the English Conference National here: http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=33908

Then, last season we started our first year of "truly professional" football in League Two play. We thought we would struggle quite a bit, and we did early, but the acquisition of several season long loan players helped bolster the base talent that we already had. We eventually rose to the top of League Two towards the end of the season and won the league gaining valuable money and promotion to League One. You can read about last season here: http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=34430

That brings us to our fifth season. My status has risen over the past few years and when I started this dynasty I said that I would leave for three teams: Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea. I'd like to add one team to the list. Liverpool has consistently played very well in the EPL (always a top 4 team) and I would be too tempted by their offer as well. All other teams I plan on denying if they offer the job (despite my serious flirtation with QPR last year.)

So to summarize the very end of last year:

Greg Kelly was selected our player of the year (again)

We were just given 550,000 dollars for League One TV rights.

We are expected to battle bravely against relegation this year.

Now we'll progress into the rest of June and follow the developments as they occur this season.

[Poli]

Any recommendations for me? I'll likely get this game on Monday from Mizzourah. Could you recommend any settings or a team for me to start with?

[Eaglesfan27]

June 25, 2008 -

Colin Hunter has officially retired from professional football.

[Eaglesfan27]

Any recommendations for me? I'll likely get this game on Monday from Mizzourah. Could you recommend any settings or a team for me to start with?

As far as settings, it really depends upon your system and how powerful it is in regards to number of leagues, database size, etc.

Other settings are purely cosmetic, such as dollars versus other currency. Or you can change if you want your players salaries listed as weekly, monthly, or annual numbers. All personal choice.

If this is your first time ever playing CM/FM, I recommend starting with a good team that should be fun to play in one of the lower leagues. This was recommended to me and I'm glad it was as I had a lot of fun with Hull and learned much from managing them. They aren't down in league 2 like they were when I took them over, but I just find them to be a fun team to manage. However, I think there are probably plenty of opinions and plenty of people who could tell you what the best team is to start with for the newbie in this verison. I picked Harrogate for a challenge and just used the random lower league team picker.

[Poli]

So I need a new computer? Mine is an 800 Mhz. :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Not necessarily, how much RAM do you have?

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

600 Mhz is the official lowest processor speed.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 1st, 2008 -

Mark Atkins has retired from football.

[Poli]

I want to say 128 RAM, but I don't know. Sorry to threadjack, but I knew you'd help me. :)

[Eaglesfan27]

I don't mind "the threadjack" at all. I've always maintained this is a dynasty open to any and all questions :)

128 MB of ram is the official minimum. The game will run, but my *guess* is that it will be fairly slow even with just 1 league and a small database. If you can add RAM, that would help your performance quite a bit (assuming it is only 128 MB currently.)

[Poli]

Well...I have been thinking of getting a new computer. I guess this is as good of a reason as any. Thanks for the help!

[Eaglesfan27]

July 1, 2008 -

Liverpool's David Mannix has been released by the club!!! I'm going after him!

I immediately ask the board how much I can offer for him. They shock me by saying 2200 dollars/week :(

I was able to offer players 4-5 thousand last year. Why so little now?

I decide to offer 2200/week, 20,000 in a signing bonus, 440/assist, 20% annual raise, 10% promotion raise, and 800,000 release clause



Liverpool has also released striker Karl Noon whom I've been watching. He is on 21 and has considerable talent. I decide to contact his agent to see if he is interested in coming to play here.

The club will only allow me to offer him 2200/week as well. I offer him almost the same deal.. 2200/week, 30,000 signing bonus, 440/goal, 440/assist, 3.6 million release clause (that is what he asked for), 10% annual raise, 10% promotion raise.


Jason Kennedy has been released by Middlesbrough. I decide to pursue him as well. He is flat out telling me that he has no interest in coming here, but I decide to offer him a deal anyway. I offer him 2,000/week, 10,000 signing bonus, and 440/goal, as well as a 10% annual raise.

[Eaglesfan27]

Well...I have been thinking of getting a new computer. I guess this is as good of a reason as any. Thanks for the help!
No problem. Just for reference, my laptop is 2.2 Giga Hertz, 512 MB of ram and runs 6 leagues with a medium database at a nice smooth pace. I could run plenty more, but it would be slower of course.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 2nd, 2008 -

The Hibs have offered Karl Noon a contract.

Bristol City (also league One) have made an offer to David Mannix :(

[Eaglesfan27]

July 5th, 2008 -

Man City have accepted my request to loan out Paul McShane for the season. Hopefully, he agrees to come join us for the season again.

Crystal Palace have accepted a loan offer (season long) for Tom Soares a 21 year old attacking midfielder (I see him rotating with Kelly to keep both fresh)


Kennedy said there is no way he would come play for Harrogate as he feels he belongs on a better team. That prick.

YES! Middlesbrough has agreed to loan out James Morrison for the year!!! This is a 22 year old attacking midfielder/right winger who would immediately become the starter on the right wing. I might rotate him in with Kelly some as well. This guy would be the best player we've ever had if my scout can be believed. Truly a top notch player.

I just hope all of these players agree to come to the club..

[Eaglesfan27]

July 7th, 2008 -

Paul McShane agreed to come join us for the year and has done so.

Tom Soares the 21 year old attacking midfielder from Crystal Palace has agreed to come join us for the year and has done so.

Karl Noon rejected our offer and chose to go to Hibs instead.

Mannix chose to go to Bristol city our League One rivals instead of come play for us :(

Middlesbrough's James Morrison refused to come on loan for us as he feels he should be going on loan to a higher quality club.

[jbmagic]

how many players are original player from season 1 that left?

great Dynasty..your doing great

[Poli]

No problem. Just for reference, my laptop is 2.2 Giga Hertz, 512 MB of ram and runs 6 leagues with a medium database at a nice smooth pace. I could run plenty more, but it would be slower of course.
Thanks!

[Eaglesfan27]

July 7th, 2008 -

Going to do a brief report on my friendlies..

Today we are playing Kettering (English conference National). In the 2nd minute, Surey tripped a guy in our own box drawing a penalty which O'connor couldn't stop Holyoak from converting.

In the 5th minute, O'connor bobbled a shot by Diuk which allowed Diuk to bury the rebound for a 2nd goal.

In the 37th minute, Smyth received a nice pass from Surey and then he crosses it to Kelly in the center of the box.. whose first shot was blocked by Rutherford the keeper, but Kelly beat him with the rebound shot to make it 2-1.

I sub in the entire second team at halftime as we are down 2-1, but I just want my guys to start getting in shape this game.

I've seen Scarsella make quite a few saves in the second half. Soares gets called for a trip at the 70 minute mark giving them a penalty.. Scarsella stopped Holyoak's shot, but Nardiello shot in the rebound for the third goal.

We lost our first friendly this year 3-1.

[Eaglesfan27]

how many players are original player from season 1 that left?

great Dynasty..your doing great
That is a good question.. counting now:

Andrew Wright is an original that will likely still start. He is now 29, and he has really blossomed over the years as a good left winger.


Andy Farrell is strictly a backup striker, but he was key in our first year. He is now 24.

Grant Black my right fullback is still a big part of the team. Morley will likely start a bit more this year than Black, but Black will still start plenty too.

Mark Barnard is still going to play quite a bit for me. He is 32 now, and has been my starting left fullback for a long time. I need to replace him as his skills are dwindling and he won't be good enough at this level I suspect. He started to falter some in League Two last year.

Christian Fox is strictly a backup now, and is currently out of contract. He is considering signing a new deal to be my backup right winger.

Paul Shepherd is out of contract. He is considering an offer from Worcester, but he is also considering staying with our team as a backup.

Richard Dunning is strictly a backup now.

Dominique Krief is strictly a backup.

Lee Morris is strictly a backup

Marc Smith is a good young fullback.. just not good enough to play in League One.

It looks like I still have 10 originals (although that could drop to 8 very soon.)

Atkins retired this year along with Hunter who were both originals.

However, I'd say only Black and Wright will get significant PT this year. I hope Barnard won't (I'm going to try playing Barnett at left fullback quite a bit and hope he will play it without complaining too much.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Thanks!
You are welcome. :)

[Eaglesfan27]

July 10th, 2008 -

Paul Shepherd chose to go to Worcester (league 2) rather than stay with the team as a backup.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 12th, 2008 -

I decided to pursue several young players who I feel could develop into something good based on my scouting. Fortunately, most of them are accepting as they wish to come play for such a good manager according to their quotes.

The first is David Phillips. He is a young (17 years old) very fast defensive midfielder who was released by Bolton of the EPL in the beginning of July. Phillips has many things he needs to develop, but he appears to be a hard worker, who plays aggressive, and has excellent physical skills.

Mick Palmer is also a defensive midfielder who is also 17. He is also VERY fast. He has excellent physical attributes.. good flair in his play. He has good mental attributes. He needs to develop techincally, but he is only 17. He was released by Crystal Palace earlier in the month.

Finally, David Birchall signed. He is ALSO a 17 year old defensive midfielder. He is not as fast, but he is a good defender already. At least in so far that his technical skills are well developed, but he needs to develop better positioning.

I signed them all to deals for about 130 dollars/week. Hopefully, one (or more) develops into a very useful player.

[Barkeep49]

Are there any players you are considering loaning out (what a change that would be)?

[daedalus]

In a way, I'm happy you're staying with Harrogate since I like the continuity. In another, their unwillingness to increase the budget would irritate the heck out of me, if I was playing.

Have you tried requesting for an increase in the wage or transfer budget?

[Eaglesfan27]

In a way, I'm happy you're staying with Harrogate since I like the continuity. In another, their unwillingness to increase the budget would irritate the heck out of me, if I was playing.

Have you tried requesting for an increase in the wage or transfer budget?
Yes. I've requested a wage budget increase and was denied. I've been very tempted to issue an ultimatum with all of my requests being denied.

[Eaglesfan27]

Are there any players you are considering loaning out (what a change that would be)?
I lent out Marc Smith last year. I'd lend him or just about any of my reserve players if a team shows interest.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 12, 2008 -

Dean Davies an 18 year old defensive midfielder told me he has no intention to come play for us despite not being on any team currently.

He felt we should offer him 1200 dollars/week and a starter's role. I had offered him 700 and a rotation role. I decide to offer him a trial so I can see what he can do in action. It will be interesting to see if he accepts.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 13th, 2008 -

Young Kyle Wallwork just accepted my contract offer. Kyle is a left fullback who could be the eventual successor to Mark Barnard. My biggest question is does he have enough speed. That will be determined. What is clear from the tape that I've seen is that he is he one of the hardest workers on the pitch, he has great determination, he is afraid of no one, and he has excellent tackling form. He could develop into a starter at left fullback for us.

[Eaglesfan27]

Kyle was just recently released by Manchester United where he ok in a few exhibition games.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 13, 2008 -

Today we played Sutton Utd in a friendly. The plan was starters to play 45 minutes again with reserves in the 2nd 45 minutes.

Collett picked up an injury at the 25 minute mark, hopefully it isn't serious. I put Davies on for him.

We mostly controlled possession and pressed the attack in the 1st half, but their defense and keeper stopped us from scoring.

I put in the entire second team at halftime.

I'm going to be particularly interested to see how Birchall does in the 2nd half.

We pressed the attack most of the game, but never scored.

Everyone looked good. O'connor and Scarsella both looked especially good. My guys already look like they are in good game shape. They aren't getting winded much (of course that could be from them not exerting themselves as hard as they could.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Collett damaged ankle ligaments in this game and will miss approximately 3 weeks.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 14, 2008 -

Darren Hawkins a 24 year old right winger/attacking midfielder has rejected offers from several league two teams to come sign with me after being released by Cardiff. I know that several teams have given up on him, but my scout really likes several qualities that he brings to the table.

[Desnudo]

Are you still scouting mainly in the UK?

[Eaglesfan27]

Are you still scouting mainly in the UK?
Yes, almost exclusively.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 16, 2008 -

Today we are playing Scunthorpe in a friendly match.

Andrew Middlebrook scored at the 23 minute mark with a header after a great corner kick.

Kelly passes to Palmer just outside the box, and Palmer had an amazing dribble between three defenders and buried a shot into the lower left corner at the 33 minute mark.

At the 35 minute mark, Palmer passes it to Smyth just outside the box and Smyth quickly unleashed a powerful 25 footer into the upper right corner for a goal.

At the 44 minute mark, O'Connor let in a soft goal on a shot by Marc Newsham.

It was 2-2 at the half, and I brought in my entire second team.

At the 66 minute mark, Hayes crossed to Woolley who headed it to Jackson who kicked it in for the goal. Nice play finished by a nice shot from Mark Jackson.

WE lost the game 3-2.

Jermaine Palmer and Greg Kelly looked very good. Mick Palmer looked somewhat bad. Everyone else was solid.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 17, 2008 -

Dean Davies has agreed to come to the club on a trial period. If I like what I see the 18 year old could get the 1100 dollar/week contract that he wants.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 19th, 2008 -

Today we are playing Stockport in our 2nd to last friendly. Dean Davies (our trial player) will get the start at our center midfield spot to see what he can do with the first team.

Both keepers with a few nice saves in the 1st half to keep the score 0-0.

I bring in the entire second team in the 2nd half.

Their keeper made several big saves in the 2nd half.

The game ended in a 0-0 tie. Everyone played well. Tom Baker played left wing particularly well.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 22, 2008 -

Richard Dunning has chosen to go to Farnborough (English Conference National) rather than stay with us as a reserve.


OH YEAH!!! Aston Villa's Craig Gardner has agreed to come join the team on loan for the season!!!! This player would appear to be a classy attacking midfielder who will be better than just about any of our players. The only problem is that the position is overstocked with Kelly and Soares, but Gardner is likely better than them both. He is a little slower than Kelly, but he is a deadly shooter. Our scout believes he is a supremely gifted techinical player who has excellent mental attributes across the board as well. He is currently valued at 2.4 million dollars, and I think he could be a BIG factor in making sure we don't get relegated.

[Eaglesfan27]

For our final friendly we play Ballymena Utd of Northern Ireland. I'm going to give Kelly the game off and try the new kid in at AMC to start.

At the 33 minute mark, Mike Davies fed a long ball down the right sideline which Palmer received, dribbled into the box, and then buried into the lower right corner.

At the 40 minute mark, O'Connor made a nice flurry of saves.

With a 1-0 lead at the half, I sub in the 2nd team.

At the 86 minute mark, Birchall stole the ball at midfield and played a nice through ball to Soares who ran into the box to his right and then shot it into the lower left corner for the goal.

We won the game 2-0.

O'Connor, Dean Davies, Barnard, Mike Davies, Black, and Tom Baker all had very good games. The rest of the team was solid.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 29, 2008 -

Tough break for the team today as Stuart Wall sustained a torn groin muscle during training. He is expected to miss at least 4 weeks. The physio is recommending surgery which would put him out 4 to 6 months, but I'm going to hope he can recover without surgery.

We have been given 40-1 odds to be promoted and most experts believe we are very likely to be relegated from League One.

Oldham, Luton, Wall are all 7-4 co-favorites to be promoted. Swansea, Norwich, and Tranmere are all given 2-1 odds to be promoted.


After our training session today a reporter asked us if we are going to have to Bolster our squad in order to avoid relegation. I chose to respond, Definitely not, we have the players to keep us up this season.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 29, 2008 -

After watching Davies play and realizing he is only 19, I decide that he could become a very good player for us. I offer him the 1150 he is now requesting, but let him know that he will be rotating some with Surey.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 30, 2008 -

Dean Davies accepted my contract offer. I wonder if we are going to be relegated, but I like some of the young talent we have added in the last few weeks.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug. 1, 2008 -

Not a good draw for us in the 1st round of the English League Cup. We will be hosting Rotherham. They are in the Championship League.

[Eaglesfan27]

August 2, 2008 -

It's time to RUMBLE! Well maybe not. However, we have our first League One game at Bournemouth today. Bournemouth were relegated from the Championship last year. As a result, they have a very good talent base. Striker Andrea Conte is an 18 year old from Italy who looks like a future star but is already dangerous as far as I'm concerned. James Coutts is a 21 year old class attacking midfielder who could easily burn us if we aren't careful. Nicky Weaver is a 29 year old keeper who isn't quite as talented as I expected at this level, but he isn't a slouch either. Centreback Youl Mawene is a hard hitting intimidator who our forwards will have to keep an eye on.

They are 4-7 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the high 70's today.

We've never played this team before.

GK: O'Connor
DL: Barnard
DC: McShane
DC: Craig Morgan (since Wall is injured)
DR: Morley
ML: Wright
MC: Dean Davies (just a hunch the kid is going to play well)
DR: Mike Davies (for the injured Collett)
AMC: Greg Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Gardner (too talented not to play - will try him at this position as I think he has all the talent to be a phenomenal striker)

S1: Scarsella
S2: Palmer
S3: Barnett
S4: Surey
S5: Darren Hawkins (talented right winger who I almost started)

[Eaglesfan27]

20 second mark (GULP!) : Keegan steals it at midfield from us.. passes it to Reid.. Danny Reid fakes going right.. goes left.. shoots.. upper left corner.. it's past the diving O'Connor.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

1 minute mark: Keegan steals it at midfield from Kelly.. passes it to Coutts who fakes left.. dribbles right.. shoots a blistering shot into the upper right corner.. GOAL. Down 2-0.. Definitely not the start I wanted (but the one that I feared might happen.)

6 minute mark: O'Connor with a nice save of a shot by Conte.

9 minute mark: Keegan steals it at midfield.. passes it to Dawson on the left wing.. Dawson dribbles into the box.. shoots.. it deflects off Craig Morgan.. past O'Connor. GOAL. Down 3-0.

29 minute mark: Their centrebacks are repeatedly shutting down Kelly.

32 minute mark: McShane makes a nice play on Conte.

34 minute mark: Wright gets a yellow card for a trip on Cooke.

Down 3-0 at the half :(

49 minute mark: kelly gets the ball at midfield.. passes it to Gardner who is alone in the box.. being chased by a defender.. has to shoot.. barely wide left.

53 minute mark: Sweeney with a beautifully curving cross pass.. it looekd like it was going to go behind the net before it curved back in bounds.. Stephen Cooke heads it by the far post.. into the goal. GOAL. Down 4-0 :(

55 minute mark: Cooke gets a shot on goal from 15 yards out.. O'Connor blocks it.. Conte gets the rebound and puts it into the upper left hand corner.. GOAL. Down 5-0.

65 minute mark: Kelly injures Keegan with a hard tackle.

71 minute mark: McShane bodychecks Conte injuring him.

72 minute mark: Palmer on for Gardner, Hawkins on for Mike Davies at RW, and Surey on for Dean Davies at MC.



Game over. 5-0 defeat. We were beat in every phase of the game. No one played well. Dean Davies and Gardner both played particularly bad getting 5's for form.

We were outshot 22-3 (12-0 on goal)

Peter Sweeney won MoM, 18 of 27 passes, 2 of 2 tackles, 0 of 2 headers, 5 interceptions, 5 runs, 1 assist, 10 for form.

[lighthousekeeper]

20 second mark (GULP!) : Keegan steals it at midfield from us.. passes it to Reid.. Danny Reid fakes going right.. goes left.. shoots.. upper left corner.. it's past the diving O'Connor.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

1 minute mark: Keegan steals it at midfield from Kelly.. passes it to Coutts who fakes left.. dribbles right.. shoots a blistering shot into the upper right corner.. GOAL. Down 2-0.. Definitely not the start I wanted (but the one that I feared might happen.)

9 minute mark: Keegan steals it at midfield.. passes it to Dawson on the left wing.. Dawson dribbles into the box.. shoots.. it deflects off Craig Morgan.. past O'Connor. GOAL. Down 3-0.



....uhhh, I'm scared for you... "battle bravely"

[Eaglesfan27]

August 6, 2008 -

Wycombe (league two) has offered 30,000 dollars for Craig Morgan. I know that Morgan is unhappy with how I've been using him, but I'm not prepared to sell him (at least not that cheaply nor while Wall is injured) so I decline that offer.

[Eaglesfan27]

....uhhh, I'm scared for you... "battle bravely"
I'm scared for me too ;)

They weren't even one of the favorites to be promoted. Hopefully, it was just a fluky game..

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug. 6, 2008 -

Today we travel to play Rushden who are currently 17th in the league. Last year they finished 13th in league one. They have a dangerous striker in Keigan Parker who can score any time he touches the ball. Midfielder Luke Wilkshire is a creative player. Centreback Steve Rowland is excellent at marking the opposition's best striker and shutting him down. Keeper Michael Ingham is average.

We've never played them before.

They are 4-5 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the high 70's.

GK: O'Connor
DL: Barnard
DC: McShane
DC: Craig Morgan
DR: Morley
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Hawkins
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Scarsella
S2: Baker
S3: Barnett
S4: Craig Gardner
S5: Seyi Morgan

[Eaglesfan27]

GULP! 1 minute mark: Wilkshire unleashes a wicked curving shot from 30 yards that looked like it was going wide right by a large margin, but suddenly curved towards the upper right corner.. fortunately O'connor made a brilliant save.

8 minute mark: Graham Allen gets a yellow card for obstructing Smyth.

16 minute mark: palmer gets a yellow card for a trip on Wilkshire.

25 minute mark: Smyth tries to cross it, but the defense heads it away.

33 minute mark: O'Connor with another very nice save.

44 minute mark: Smyth gets a yellow card for pulling Allen's jersey.

45 minute mark: McShane with a key clearance.

Halftime: 0-0 tie.

48 minute mark: Wilkshire unleashes another beautiful curving shot from 25 yards.. nice save by O'Connor.

61 minute mark: parker gets the ball after their defender clears it with a long pass.. Keigan Parker absolutely abuses Morley and Barnett as he dribbles between them.. shoots into the lower left corner... GOAL. Down 1-0.

71 minute mark: Baker on for Wright, Barnett on for Surey, and Gardner on for Kelly.

75 minute mark: Parker gets another breakaway.. dribbles around McShane... into the box.. shoots.. brilliant diving block save by O'Connor!

79 minute mark: Mkandawire gets a yellow card for a trip on Palmer.

86 minute mark: McShane sends a long pass down to Palmer.. he centers for Barnett!?! in the middle of the box.. Barnett unleashes a hard shot.. lower left corner.. Turley dives.. he saves it.

Game over. 1-0 loss.

We were outshot 15-4 (8-1 on goal)

O'Connor gets MoM for his 7 saves.

The scary thing is that the team played very well (particularly Barnard, McShane and Craig Morgan) but we still lost.

[daedalus]

Harsh. Very harsh.

I don't know if or how many loan slots you still have left, but you might consider saving one or two. As the season progresses and you see where the holes might be, it might be able to save you from relegation.

[Eaglesfan27]

I still have one long term and all 8 short term slots open. I definitely will be keeping my eye open for future loan players who can help the team.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug 9, 2008 -

Today we have our first home league One game. Hopefully, it will go better than our past two games. We are hosting Torquay today. Torquay finished in 20th last year and barely avoided relegation from League One (by a single point.) They don't have any true superstars, but Richard Garcia is a good striker. Keeper Leon cooper is above average and will be key to their success this year. Striker Marcus Tudgay is also a good player. Left fullback, Lee Mair is their best defender but centreback Darran Kempson is good as well. Right winger Jamie McMaster sets up the offense.

We've never played Torquay before.

They are even odds favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the high 80's today.

GK: O'Connor
DL:Barnard
DC: McShane
DC: Craig Morgan
DR: Morley
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: collett (freshly back from injury)
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Scarsella
S2: Baker
S3: Barnett
S4: Craig Gardner
S5: Seyi Morgan

[Eaglesfan27]

3 minute mark: Phillips gets the ball on the left wing after Smith passes it to him.. crosses for Tudgay who outjumps McShane.. heads it.. powerful header into the upper left corner of the goal.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

32 minute mark: Smyth gets it on the left corner of the pitch.. crosses for Kelly who is in the box.. he heads it.. towards the upper left corner.. just wide.

Halftime: Down 1-0.

70 minute mark: Baker on for Wright, Gardner on for Kelly, and Seyi Morgan on for Palmer.

92 minute mark: Surey passes to Smyth in the box.. unleashes a powerful left footer.. the keeper partially blocks it.. it is trickling towards the goal.. Gardner is racing towards it.. Seyi Morgan is racing towards it.. Lee Mair is racing towards it.. Mair wins the race and clears it.

Game over. 1-0 loss.

We were outshot 6-5 (2-1 on goal)

Lee Mair won MoM, 44 of 55 passes, 1 of 2 tackles, 11 of 12 headers, 7 interceptions.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug. 13, 2008 -

West Ham (24th in English Championship) just offered me their head coaching job. They are a former EPL team, and they have 5 players valued over 5 million dollars including strikers Bobby Zamora, Left fullback Chris Cohen, midfielder Mark Noble, Right winger Michael Proctor, and striker Patrick Agyemang. They have 5 other players worth over a million. I'd have a 4 million dollar a year transfer budget and a weekly budget of 240,000/week. A very tempting offer.

[RPI-Fan]

Again, as a reader of the dynasty, I have no qualms with you taking that job offer and in fact would like to see you do so. The board situation at Harrogate is shite.

[Eaglesfan27]

Just a quick update:

I'm trying to slow down my rate of playing the game some because in scanning some of the big teams, the regen bug appears to be affecting my league. I'm too much of an addict not to play, but I'm slowing down with the hope that before I'm done this season the patch might be out. Then again, it could be weeks still, so I might finish the season before the patch is out. Hopefully, the patch will work with this saved game.

[lighthousekeeper]

Just a quick update:

I'm trying to slow down my rate of playing the game some because in scanning some of the big teams, the regen bug appears to be affecting my league. I'm too much of an addict not to play, but I'm slowing down with the hope that before I'm done this season the patch might be out. Then again, it could be weeks still, so I might finish the season before the patch is out. Hopefully, the patch will work with this saved game.

What's the regen bug?

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm seeing players on the top teams with great mental and physical attributes but very poor technical attributes. This appears to be the result of the known regen bug. It is supposed to be fixed in the next patch which will be released hopefully in the near future. All I know about the release date is Marc's comment that it won't be monthes... so that would mean within the next month or so to me. I'm going to keep playing this dynasty during that time.. just at a slower pace so hopefully it is fixed by the time I get to the next season.

[Poli]

Goodness. I got the game last night. I have NO idea what I'm doing. Hattrick has fooled me.

Is there a "FM for Dummies" Guide somewhere?

[Eaglesfan27]

I recommend one of Marc's old guides for CM. Not everything will be the same in FM, but it is an EXCELLENT place to start. I know you could find one with a search of this board.

[Poli]

Duly noted. Last night and this afternoon I was reminded of how little I knew about soccer. :)

[Eaglesfan27]

I played when I was a teenager on my high school team for a year, but I forgot most of what I knew. I really started learning the game through CM 03/04. :)

Feel free to ask any specific questions, and I'll try to answer it if someone else on here hasn't already beat me to it.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug. 13, 2008 -

Despite the temptation of West Ham's job, I decide to stay at Harrogate. I need to see this job through unless one of the big four come calling.

(OOC Note: If this team becomes a dead end where we can't make money during an extended period of time and the board continues to refuse/be unable to expand the stadium or improve the resources, I will eventually issue an ultimatum and may eventually leave. However, I do not think this team is a dead end, yet.)

[Eaglesfan27]

August 15th, 2008 -

Mark Smyth was injured in practice today, and he will approximately two weeks due to a severely sprained groin.

[Eaglesfan27]

August 16, 2008 -

Today we host Bradford City which is viewed by the media as a fellow relegation battler. Hopefully, we can get our first win of the year against them. They are led by the skilled striker Steven Gillespie. Left winger John Piercy is a dangerous setup man and right winger Ben Muirhead is highly versatile. They rely on left fullback Lewis Emanuel and centerback Mark Bower to solidify the defense. Keeper Paul Henderson is questionable for this game due to a damaged ligament. It will be interesting to see if he starts. If he is unable to start, the likely choice is 20 year old David Ross who will be a relatively easy keeper to score on.

Bradford City is currently in 17th place, while we are currently 24th in League One.

They are 4-7 favorites.

It's hot and sunny with temperatures in the high 80's.

We have a 3-0-0 record against Bradford city with our last win being a 1-0 win.



GK: O'Connor
DL: Kyle Wallwork (giving the kid a chance, trying to bring some more energy onto the pitch)
DC: McShane
DC: Morley (giving us a hopeful boost on defense)
DR: Black (moving Morley inside to get 3 of my 4 best defenders along this line - at least while Wall is hurt)
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Seyi Morgan (as a target man)
SC: Palmer

S1: Scarsella
S2: Baker
S3: Barnett
S4: Gardner
S5: Soares

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Piercy crosses to Mark Wilson who unleashes a powerful curving shot.. it looks like it is going wide right.. it curves.. into the upper right corner.. O'Connor dives.. it's past him.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

Henderson did start this game.

5 minute mark: Collett plays the ball down the right wing... Palmer gets to it.. centers for Kelly in the middle of the box.. he quickly volleys it.. right over Henderson's left shoulder..GOAL!!!! 1-1. That is Kelly's 1st of the year.

10 minute mark: Piercy gets a yellow card for tripping Collett.

18 minute mark: Gillespie gets the ball on a pass from Muirhead... he shoots from 15 yards.. nice save by O'Connor.

23 minute mark: Wright centers for Kelly.. he is in the left half of the box.. shoots for the upper left corner.. just wide.. into the side net.

28 minute mark: Morley gets a yellow card for a trip on Gillespie just outside the box.

Halftime: 1-1 tie. We have 3775 fans here today at our stadium (full house)

47 minute mark: Seyi Morgan heads it to Kelly in the center of the box.. Kelly shoots.. upper right corner.. Henderson dives.. tips it over the bar.

56 minute mark: Wright centers for Kelly.. Kelly shoots.. Emanuel blocks the shot.

60 minurw mark: Morley with a nice header to turn away a Muirhead cross.

61 minute mark: I'm putting in Gardner for Seyi Morgan to see what he can do up front.

65 minute mark: Muirhead kicks a corner with a nice curving pass towards the near post.. Bowditch outleaps Morgan.... heads it.. O'Connor tries to get to it, but he can't.. GOAL. Down 2-1.

75 minute mark: Collett with a long pass to Gardner.. who heads it to Kelly in the middle of the box... Kelly shoots.. hits the crossbar.. it bounces back.. Bowditch clears it.

76 minute mark: Barnett on for Collett who is exhausted. Soares on for Kelly who is very tired.

88 minute mark: Soares gets a yellow card for tripping Bowditch.. he argues the call... second yellow card.. He is ejected.


Game over. 2-1 loss.

We were outshot 14-9 (4-4 on goal)

Ben Muirhead won MoM, 20 of 22 passes, 2 of 2 tackles, 1 of 3 headers, 2 interceptions, 8 runs, 1 assist.

Everyone looked good this game except O'connor for my team. McShane was particularly good throughout the game.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug 19, 2008 -

Collett came into my office today demanding a new contract. He is requesting 2,600/week with a signing bonus of 6,000 dollars. My board won't allow me to offer him more than 1,600/week. He is currently making 650/week. I decide to offer him 1,600/week, 200/assist, 10% yearly raise, and a 10,000 signing bonus.


Christian Fox has decided to go to Stevanage rather than stay here as a backup.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug 20, 2008 -

Today we host Rotherham in the 1st round of the League Cup. We desperately need to win this game and the money that comes with it, but it will be difficult. Rotherham is currently 19th in the English Championship and they have a very talented team. In particular, striker Will Hoskins is a star player who can very difficult to contain. Right winger James Baker is also very talented despite only being 18. Left fullback Tony Craig is a strong defender. Keeper Kevin Cuthbert is quite good.

We've never played them before.

They are 1-2 favorites.

It's going to be raining with temperatures in the high 40's today.

GK: O'Connor
DL: Wallwork (played well last game)
DC: McShane
DC: Morley
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Gardner (Kelly is tired)
SC: Seyi Morgan
SC: Palmer

S1: Scarsella
S2: Baker
S3: Barnett
S4: Davies
S5: Hawkins

[Eaglesfan27]

3 minute mark: Surey passes to Gardner at the edge of the box.. Gardner with a hard shot towards the upper right corner.. Cuthbert with a nice diving save.

6 minute mark: Gary Holt gets a yellow card for pulling Gardner's jersey.

9 minute mark: Ben Bradford gets a yellow card for tripping Surey.

25 minute mark: Black trips Hoskins in the box... Penalty awarded.. Hoskins shoots towards the upper left corner... O'Connor dives.. HE CATCHES IT!!!!! What a save!

34 minute mark: Gardner shoves Cuthbert.. Yellow card for Gardner.

Halftime: 0-0

49 minute mark: Brinton Nute goes in two footed on Gardner.. Yellow card for Nute.

54 minute mark: Collett is injured and has to come off the pitch... I decide to put Hawkins in for him.

61 minute mark: O'Conoor saves the first really good opportunity for Hoskins since the penalty.. nice save by O'Connor.

68 minute mark: palmer is tired. I put on Mike Davies for him.

75 minute mark: Wallwork with a nice header to prevent an offensive effort from getting into our box.

77 minute mark: Ben Bradford shoots a hard shot from 25 yards out... O'Connor simply misplays it and lets in a relatively soft goal :(

I decide to sub out Gardner who is tired, and I bring in Barnett. But I move Barnett to forward and Davies to AMC.


Game over. 1-0 loss.

We outshot them 11-10 (they outshot us 5-4 on goal)

Ben Bradford won MoM, 24 of 30 passes, 5 of 5 tackles, 1 of 1 headers, 2 interceptions, 1 goal.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post MAtch Info:

F!#$

F!#@

I lost Grant Black to a strained wrist, Kyle Wallwork to a calf strain, Benjamin Collett to a sprained ankle, and Andrew Wright to a groin strain all in that match!! They will all be out for 2-4 weeks.

The media is asking me how I'm going to handle Collett's injury since he is such a big part of our team. I replied, "One player doesn't make a team. My squad is capable of covering Benjamin's absence."

[Eaglesfan27]

August 22nd, 2008 -

Seyi Morgan tore two ligaments in his ankle today and will be going under the knife immediately. He is expected to need 5 months to fully recover.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug. 23, 2008 -

Collett has rejected my contract offer. He wants more money, and the board isn't willing to offer that.

I try to compensate by raising the signing fee to 20,000 dollars, the assist bonus to 300, and the yearly raise to 25% while offering 1,600/week which is the max the board will allow.

The situation here seems to be going downhill fast.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug. 25, 2008 -

Today I find myself facing a tough decision. Blackpool has offered 150,000 plus 25% of next sale for Benjamin Collett. Considering that I have two guys who can play right wing well besides him right now, and that I need some transfer money to bolster the team, and that he won't sign a new deal, I decide to agree to the offer of 150,000 dollars and 25% of next sale.

I hope the fans aren't too mad.

[Eaglesfan27]

August 25, 2008 -

Today we travel to play Norwich. They are a very talented team that is currently 8th in league One. Striker Ryan Jarvis is a blooming star. Midfielder Damien Francis is a complete player who can beat you so many ways. Striker Eddie Johnson is quickly becoming a goal scoring machine. He is also a fine assist man. Left Winger Ian Henderson is fast and skilled. Centreback Greg Halford is fast and strong. They were in the Championship last year and were relegated. They still have high quality and will be a tough team for us to get our first win against.

We've never played them before.

They are very heavy 1-4 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the high 40's today.


GK: O'Connor
DL: Barnard
DC: McShane
DC: Craig Morgan
DR: Morley
ML: Baker
MC: Dean Davies
DR: Darren Hawkins
AMC: Gardner
SC: Kelly (an experiment to see how he looks at forward)
SC: Palmer

S1: Scarsella
S2: David Birchall
S3: Joe Barnett
S4: Mike Davies
S5: Soares

Injured:

Wallwork, Black, Seyi Morgan, Andrew Wright, Collett, Smyth. Wall just recovered from his injury.

[Eaglesfan27]

First 15 minutes, we surprisingly dominate time of possesion but they continue to shut down our offense with good defense..

18 minute mark: Their first real attack.. Taylor takes it up the right wing... crosses to Johnson... he shoots.. O'Connor blocks it... Jarvis gets the rebound.. slams it into the net. GOAL. Down 1-0.

23 minute mark: Henderson crosses for David Sanchez who plays a perfect pass to Eddie Johnson in the box.. Johnson with a diving header.. into the upper right corner past O'connor. GOAL. Down 2-0.

30 minute mark: Kelly gets called for tripping Sanchez.. yellow card.. Kelly argues the call.. gets a warning.. he keeps arguing.. Gardner is trying to calm him.. Kelly is in the ref's face.. 2nd yellow card.. he is gone! We also get penalized for dissent.

38 minute mark: Gardner argues an offside call.. Yellow card for Gardner.. we get penalized for dissent. I'm starting to hate Phil Joslin, the ref.


Halftime: Down 2-0. Norwich has over 12,000 fans here. I think this is our biggest crowd yet.


49 minute mark: Hawkins plays a nice ball down the right sideline.. great pass.. Palmer has it in the box.... shoots... over the bar!

54 minute mark: McShane is run over by Sanchez.. he is hurt and has to go off. I bring in Barnett to play DC. Also Gardner is tired, so I bring in Soares to play AMC.

58 minute mark: soares gets a pass from Baker.. brilliant dribble... between two defenders.. into the box.. shoots.. wide left.

60 minute mark: Soares get the ball on a great long pass from Barnett.. into the box.. shoots... wide left.

65 minute mark: Craig Morgan with a nice defensive play to stop a good scoring opportunity for the opposition.

69 minute mark: O'Connor with a nice save of a Sanchez shot.

76 minute mark: Jarvis gets it in the box.... shoots.. diving save by O'Connor..

80 minute mark: Johnson gets the ball on a pass from Sanchez.. shoots from 20 yards.. nice save by O'Connor.

Game over. 2-0 loss.

We were outshot 22-4 (8-0 on goal)

Eddie Johnson won MoM, 26 of 30 passes, 1 of 1 tackles, 2 of 2 headers, 1 assist, and 1 goal.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

McShane (our most consistent defender the last two years has twisted his ankle and will miss about 2 weeks.

Kelly is suspended for our next game.

Good thing that Wall is healthy again..

[Eaglesfan27]

Actually, I just noticed we have about 2 weeks til our next game. Hopefully, this will give time for several guys to become healthy.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug. 26, 2008 -

Collett rejected our latest contract offer and he wants 2,600/week now. Our board won't allow that. Hopefully, he agrees to go on the deal that we have worked out. That transfer money could be helpful if we can pick up a young rising talent.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug. 27, 2008 -

Bradford City just got stud keeper Enrico Bonifazi on loan for the next 3 months.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug. 29, 2008 -

Oldham have offered 150,000 dollars plus 25% for Collett as well. I agree to accept this deal.

[Eaglesfan27]

Silly me.. I just realized Oldham is in League One.. They are currently 1st. Oh well, we are in no danger of winning this thing this year anyway. Collett has agreed to go to Oldham as he wants to play with such a well supported club.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug. 30, 2008 -

Today we had a fairly good draw for LDV Vans Trophy. In the 1st round we will be traveling to play Stockport (League 2.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep. 3, 2008 -

Greg Kelly injured his groin in practice today and will miss at least 2 weeks.

Palmer also injured his groin and will also miss about 2 weeks.

Fans are flooding the team website wondering how we are going to pick up vital points to avoid relegation with all of the injuries we are having.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep. 6, 2008 -

Today we face one of the clubs that were just promoted to League One with us. Barnsley is doing better in League One and is currently in 16th place. We are in 24th place. We are hosting them today. They are led by striker Mark Burchill who is clearly their most dangerous player. Right fullback Ryan willetts is a very good defender. Right winger Nicky Wroe is a good setup man. Keeper John Ruddy is good, but not as good as most of the keepers we have been facing this year. This is clearly one of our best shots to get our first League One win.


We beat them 1-0 both times we faced them last year.


They are heavy 4-7 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the high 40's today.

GK: O'Connor
DL: Barnard
DC: Wall
DC: McShane
DR: Morley
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Soares
AMC: Gardner
SC: Smyth
SC: Darren Hawkins

S1: Scarsella
S2: Black
S3: Barnett
S4: Mike Davies
S5: Kyle Wallwork

[Eaglesfan27]

7 minute mark: Soares dribbles up the right sideline.. centers for Gardner.. he heads it.. towards the upper right corner.. just barely wide...

8 minute mark: Hawkins gets the ball in the right corner of the pitch.. crosses for Smyth.. great play by the keeper to intercept the pass.

9 minute mark: Burchill gets a long pass in the box... shoots.. upper right corner.. O'Connor dives.. tips it over the bar.

17 minute mark: Mcshane with a nice header to stop a pass from getting to Burchill.

20 minute mark: Smyth with a nice pass to Hawkins.. Hawkins is running in on goal.. he is tripp.. no he is called for diving.. Yellow card for Hawkins.

21 minute mark: Niven crosses for Burchill... he heads it.. upper right corner... great save by O'connor.


32 minute mark: wroe gets a yellow card for tripping Wright.

35 minute mark: Morley intercepts a pass deep in our zone.. passes it deep for Surey.. he dribbles into the box.. fakes left.. fakes a pass to his left.. shoots.. lower right corner.. it's past the keeper.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

Halftime. Up 1-0. We have a (record I think) crowd of 3792 fans here today.

46 minute mark: Gardner gets the ball after a pass from Surey.. passes between two defenders to Smyth.. Smyth with a big left footer.. it deflects off Willetts.. into the lower left corner of the net!!!! GOAL!!!! 2-0! That is Smyth's 50th league goal for team according to the announcer.

49 minute mark: Boulding crosses for Burchill.. he heads it.. O'Connor blocks it.. Burchill volleys the rebound.. into the right lower corner of the net.. GOAL. Up 2-1 still.

54 minute mark: Surey intercepts a pass at midfield.. passes to Gardner... Gardner is just outside the box... draws two defenders.. passes between them.. Smyth gets it.. quick powerful left footed shot.. into the upper right corner!!!! GOAL!!!! 3-1.

76 minute mark: Gardner is tired. I decide to put M. Davies in for him. Surey is tired, I put Barnett in for him. The crowd gives Gardner a standing ovation!

88 minute mark: Burchill gets the ball just 10 yards out.. shoots.. O'Connor with a very nice save!

GAME OVER!!! 3-1 Win! We have our first League One Win!!! :)

We were outshot 13-7 (6-4 on goal)

Craig Gardner had a 10 for form and wins MoM, 26 of 32 passes, 0 tackles, 7 of 9 headers, 2 interceptions, 3 runs, 2 assists.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

We officially set a record for attendance this past game.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep 13, 2008 -

Today we play Blackpool on the road. Blackpool is currently 20th in League One. We are still 24th. Blackpool was the team that won the playoffs last year in League Two and were promoted through those means. Blackpool has good talent. Namely star right winger Richard Langley who is still a very good player. Centreback Rob Clare keys the defense. Striker anthony Elding leads the offense. Keeper Ben Smith has played ery well this year and can be nearly impossible to beat at times, but he has been peppered with shots this year. This is a team we should be ale to beat.

We beat them 3-1 and 2-0 last year.

They are 5-4 favorites.

It's raining and temperatures are in the high 40's right now.

We are using the same lineup as last game since they played so very well together.

[Eaglesfan27]

4 minute mark: smyth was hurt by Clare but he can continue to play.

14 minute mark: Wright plays a perfect pass to Smyth in the left corner of the box.. Smyth shoots.. the keeper barely deflects it over the bar.

17 minute mark: Richardson gets a good shot on goal.. O'Connor tips it over the bar.

21 minute mark: Scramble in front of the opposition's net.. Smyth's shot is blocked by the keeper.. Hawkin's shot is blocked.. finally the defense clears it.

33 minute mark: Mcshane with a great defensive play on Langley.

38 minute mark: Morley gets a yellow card for a trip on Langley.

41 minute mark: Clare gets a yellow card for tripping Hawkins.

44 minute mark: Wright with a great pass to Hawkins in the box.. McGregor gets to him almost immediately and clears it.

Halftime: 0-0 tie. Announced crowd of just over 8,000 fans for Blackpool today.

52 minute mark: Soares with a spot on pass to Smyth in the box.. Smyth shoots.. barely wide right.

58 minute mark: O'Connor with a great save of a Langley shot from just inside the box..

61 minute mark: Gardner is tired, so I sub in M. Davies.

64 minute mark: Wall gets a warning for pulling Elding's shirt.. Hawkins is furious with the call.. Hawkins gets a yellow card for arguing with the ref.

72 minute mark: Soares is tired, so I sub in Barnett on the right wing.

78 minute mark: Smyth with a great dribble between two defenders.. crosses for Davies.. he settles it.. shoots.. nice save by the keeper.

83 minute mark: Smyth gets a pass from Davies in the box.. shoots.. the keeper blocks it partially.. it's trickling towards the goal line.. McGregor gets to it just before it scores a goal for us.. he clears it.

87 minute mark: Langley gets the ball in the box.. hard shot.. great save by O'Connor.

88 minute mark: Smyth passes it to Davies in the box.. shoots for the upper right corner.. great save by their keeper.

89 minute mark: Smyth gets a pass from Davies in the box.. shoots.. their keeper tips it over the bar.

Game over. 0-0 tie.

We outshot them 17-14 (8-4 on goal)

Their keeper Ben Smith won MoM.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep. 20, 2008 -

We have moved out of 24th place to 22nd place! We are hosting Brentford today. Brentford is currently in 14th and they have several very good players. Left winger Steve Hunt is a class player. This former national Irish player has speed, determination, and great passing. They have a good pair of strikers in young Scott Marshall and Jamaican legend Deon Burton. Deon has 51 caps and 10 goals in his career, and he is still a good striker. Keeper Simon Royce is 37, but still has the talent to get it done in goal. However, he is slowing down and hopefully we can beat him today. Centreback David Raven has been playing well this year.


We've never played them before.

They are 4-6 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the high 40's today.

We are using the same lineup as the last 2 games.

[Eaglesfan27]

12 minute mark: Hawkins gets it on the right edge of the pitch.. crosses for Gardner.. he shoots.. barely wide left.

Halftime: 0-0.. very defensive first half for both clubs. 3633 fans here today to support us.

46 minute mark: Wright takes a direct kick from just left of the penalty area.. beautiful high pass for Surey.. he jumps.. heads it in!!! GOAL!!! Surey with the nice header (I'm thinking of replacing him too..) Up 1-0.

62 minute mark: Hawkins gets a yellow card for diving.

64 minute mark: McShane tries a pass back to the keeper.. but he gives it to Muldowney directly in front of the goal.. O'Connor doesn't have a chance as it is an easy tap in for Muldowney for the goal :( 1-1 tie.

Game over. 1-1 tie. Least we are starting to play better and might avoid relegation.

We were outshot 18-8 (4-2 on goal)

Craig Gardner wins MoM (and is playing my pivotal AMC spot VERY well), 9 for form, 31 of 35 passes, 0 of 1 tackles, 2 of 7 headers, 5 interceptions, 1 run, 4 fouls drawn.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Mark Smyth strained his quads and will miss approximately a week, including our Vans Fixture in 3 days.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep 22, 2008 -

Thanks to the money that I raised from Collett's sale, I have added Bournemouth's Stephen Cooke to my team. Stephen Cooke is a 25 year old midfielder who is incredibly versatile and can play any of my midfield positions from what my scout thinks. He agreed to take a significant paycut to come to my team (salary dropping from 4,800 dollars/week to 1500/week.)

He was valued at 150,000, but Bournemouth (7th in League One) sold him for only 32,000.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

Despite Surey's recent goal scoring run, I expect Cooke to take over that midfield position. He will certainly get a shot at taking it over.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep. 23, 2008 -

Today we travel to play Stockport (24th in League Two) in the 1st round of the Vans Trophy. Their only really quality player is striker Curtis Allen who is on loan from Stoke but is ineligible for this cup match. Since all of their loan players are ineligible, we should be able to handle them easily. Their best player is likely striker Luke Beckett who is questionable for this game due to a heel injury.

We have a career record of 1 win, 2 draws, and 3 losses against them. Last year we beat them 6-0, but lost to them 5-4 in the rematch.

We are 6-4 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the high 40's.

GK: O'Connor
DL: Barnard
DC: Wall
DC: McShane
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Soares
AMC: Gardner
SC: Kelly (I want to see if he can pitch in at forward with Gardner seizing that AMC spot)
SC: Hawkins

S1: Scarsella
S2: Palmer
S3: Barnett
S4: Davies (mike)
S5: Baker

[Eaglesfan27]

1 minute mark: Rickie Lambert gets a yellow card for a trip on Gardner.

11 minute mark: soares gets a yellow card for a trip on Lambert.

25 minute mark: O'Connor with a great save of a shot by Malcolm.

31 minute mark: Gardner feeds a pass to Kelly.. he shoots.. barely wide right..

32 minute mark: Kelly crosses for Hawkins who heads it to Gardner.. he shoots.. great save by the keeper.

38 minute mark: Wall gets a yellow card for tripping Beckett just outside the box.

43 minute mark: O'Connor with a nice save of a shot by Lambert from just outside the box.

45 minute mark: Gardner feeds it to Hawkins just inside the box.. Hawkins shoots.. wide left.

Halftime: 0-0 tie.

57 minute mark: Adams crosses it to Lambert who heads it in from the near post.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

Barnard is having a bad game, so I sub in Barnett for Barnard.

I also decide to sub in Palmer for Hawkins at this point.

65 minute mark: Palmer gets it at midfield.. dribbles down the center of the pitch.. past two defenders.. into the box.. shoots... over the bar.

68 minute mark: Gardner gets it just outside the box.. dribbles into the box.. shoots.. over the bar.

72 minute mark: Palmer with a crisp pass to Kelly just outside the box.. he fakes left.. dribbles to his right.. shoots.. upper right corner.. it's past the keeper!!! GOAL!!!! 1-1.

85 minute mark: Fish gets it at midfield.. passes it to Beckett.. Beckett shoots.. O'Connor blocks it.. Roca gets the rebound.. taps it in for the goal.. DOWN 2-1.

87 minute mark: palmer crosses for Gardner who shoots for the upper left corner.. the keeper dives and tips it over the bar.

88 minute mark: wright gets it at midfield.. passes to Gardner who dribbles into the box.. he shoots.. the keeper barely tips it over the bar.

90 minute mark: Gardner gets the ball at midfield.. perfect pass to Kelly just outside the box.. Kelly with a wonderful dribble between two defenders.. shoots it into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! That is his 2nd. 2-2.

94 minute mark: Gardner passes it to Kelly just outside the box.. Kelly shoots.. the keeper deflects it over the bar.

Extra Time! Tied 2-2.

Gardner is exhausted. I decide to leave Kelly at forward where he is doing well, and I move Mike Davies into the game at Gardner's spot.

97 minute mark: Palmer gets it at midfield.. passes it between two defenders to Kelly.. he has it 30 yards out.. dribbles down the pitch.. he is beating the defenders to the box.. he shoots from 15 yards.. upper left corner.. the keeper dives... it's past him!!! GOAL!!!! 3-2! Kelly has his hattrick!

104 minute mark: Soares feeds it to Davies just outside the box.. Davies shoots.. keeper blocks it.. Kelly gets the rebound which he slams into the back of the net! GOAL!!!! 4-2!!! That is Kelly's 4th goal, and 5th of the season!

Half time of extra time: Up 4-2.

110 minute mark: Soares with a great pass to Davies.. he shoots.. hits the crossbar.. the defense clears the rebound.

115 minute mark: Kelly is hurt, but the trainer feels he can finish the game.

120 minute mark: Beckett passes it to Anton Smith who kicked the ball into the upper right corner.. GOAL. Still up 4-3.

Game over. 4-3 win. Kelly almost singlehandedly prevents an embarassing loss.

We outshot them 20-12 (11-7 on goal)

Kelly wins MoM, 10 for form, 28 of 32 passes, 1 of 2 tackles, 1 of 2 headers, 4 interceptions, 4 runs, 4 goals!

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Andrew Wright suffered a chest injury and will miss about 5 days.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep. 26, 2008 -

We received a very favorable draw in the 2nd round of the English LDV Vans Trophy North as we will be hosting Darlington which is currently 19th in the English Conference National.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep. 27, 2008 -

We are currently 23rd in League One play. Today we travel to play Peterborough which is in 20th place. Peterborough is led by the very talented striker Elvis Hammond. Left winger Jimmy Morgan is young and talented and is a great assist man. Midfielder Daryl Fordyce is developing into a good all around player. Keeper Luke Steele (one of my favorites in CM 03/04 for a lower league team) has developed into a good player at this level.

We've never played them before.

They are 4-7 favorites

It's overcast with temperatures in the mid 50's today.


GK: O'Connor
DL: Barnard
DC: Wall
DC: McShane
DR: Black
ML: Baker
MC: Cooke (our new acquisition)
MR: Soares
AMC: Gardner
SC: Kelly (Smyth is still hurt and Kelly certainly played well at the position last game)
SC: Palmer

S1: Scarsella
S2: Hawkins
S3: Barnett
S4: Davies
S5: Surey

[Eaglesfan27]

15 minute mark: Gardner gets the ball at midfield.. dribbles between two defenders.. passes it to Kelly in the box.. Kelly immediately passes it back to Gardner by the left post.. Gardner kicks it into the upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

Up 1-0 at the half.. Our defense is playing very well.

53 minute mark: Kelly passes it to Gardner on the edge of the box.. he passes it to Soares on the right corner of the box.. Soares shoots.. the keeper tips it over the bar.

54 minute mark: cooke intercepts it.. great pass to Gardner between two defenders.. Gardner shoots.. powerful shot from 25 yards... right over the keeper's left shoulder.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

71 minute mark: Baker has picked up a small injury.. I decide to sub him out and put Barnett in. Gardner is tired, I decide to put M. Davies in for him.

Game over. 2-0 win! :)

We outshot them 8-4 (3-0 on goal)

Gardner won Mom, but he is one of 9 players to have an 8 for form (including new addition Stephen Cooke).

Gardner's line: 19 of 22 passes, 3 of 3 tackles, 0 of 5 headers, 3 interceptions, 3 runs, 2 goals.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Mr. Fotherby informed me that he is thrilled with this win. We are now in 19th place and just out of the relegation zone. Mr. Fotherby has told me that if I manage to keep the team from being relegated this year, it will be one of my best managing jobs yet.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep. 29, 2008 -

Wigan (22nd in Championship) are offering 110,000 dollars for Richard O'connor. I'm not letting the 19 year old keeper go if I can help it, so I tell them no. Hopefully, O'connor doesn't become upset.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 1, 2008 -

Craig Gardner has won English League One Player of the Month. Adam Chambers of Cambridge came in 2nd, and John Dempster of Bournemouth came in 3rd.

Bournemouth's James Coutts has won young player of the month. Matthew Gillston of MKD came in 2nd, and Danny Reid of Bournemouth came in 3rd.

Norwich's Colin Calderwood has won Manager of the Month. Herve Renard of Cambridge came in 2nd, and Steve Cotterill of Burnley came in 3rd.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 8, 2008 -

Barnett suffered a lower back sprain today and is expected to miss a few weeks.

Mike Davies twisted his knee during practice and will about a week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct 11, 2008 -

We are currently in 19th place. Today we host Cambridge which is currently 1st in League One. Cambridge has relied heavily on star striker Daniel Chillingworth. However, Chillingworth broke his collarbone in practice the other day and will miss about a month. Left Fullback Gael Suares is a powerful defender. Midfielder Thomas Pinault is a talented and will be a difficult player to contain. Centreback Aime Lavie is also quite skilled at shutting down the opposition. Keeper Pierre Bouysse is average at best, and if we can get past the defense, we should be able to score.


We've never played them before.

They are even odds favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the mid 40's.

GK: O'Connor
DL: Barnard
DC: Wall
DC: McShane
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Cooke
MR: Soares
AMC: Gardner
SC: Smyth
SC: Kelly (hopefully he can play this Forward spot well too.)

S1: Scarsella
S2: Hawkins
S3: Surey
S4: Palmer
S5: Baker

[Eaglesfan27]

16 minute mark: Wall with a brilliant defensive play.

18 minute mark: Kelly with a great dribble between two defenders.. his shot is blocked by the centreback.

23 minute mark: Pinault gets a good shot on goal from 15 yards, but O'connor saves it.

24 minute mark: Kelly on the counterattack is tackled in the box.. no whistle, they call it a clean sliding takcle.

28 minute mark: Wall with another very good defenseive play.

29 minute mark: Pinault with a beautiful pass between Wall and McShane to Colloredgo who unleashes a quick powerful shot into the left lower corner.. no real chance for O'Connor to stop that one.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

40 minute mark: Kingsley Mbome gets a yellow card for tripping Kelly... unfortunately it is ruled just outside the box. Gardner shoots.. the wall deflects it.

Halftime. Down 1-0. Our team is really fighting well against a quality opponent. We have a full house of 3,784 fans. We really NEED a stadium expansion.

50 minute mark: Gardner gets the ball.. nice dribble.. passes to Smyth in the box.. Smyth shoots.. nice save by their keeper.

62 minute mark: Palmer on for Kelly (who had a rough game adjusting to the spot, but I think he can do so.)

72 minute mark: Palmer gets it at midfield.. turns on the jets.. beats the defense.. shoots.. barely wide left.

75 minute mark: soares is hurt and has to come off. I put Hawkins on for him.

94 minute mark: Hawkins with a cross for Smyth.. the defense intercepts it.


Game over. 1-0 loss. Least our team played well against a quality team, but still a rough home loss.

They outshot us 10-6 (4-3 on goal)

Gael Suares won MoM, 23 of 31 passes, 7 of 9 tackles, 11 of 11 headers, 8 interceptions, 1 run.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Tom Soares injured his chest and will miss about 5 days.

[Eaglesfan27]

October 12, 2008 -

WOW!! After refusing 2 previous contracts, Richie Wellens has accepted my 3rd offer! It took 1,600/week (the max the board would allow), 320/appearance, 320/goal, 320/assist, and a 25% annual raise, 25% raise for promotion or relegation, and 1.8 million dollar release clause. He will almost certainly become our new starting midfielder (with Stephen Cooke who can play all three positions sliding out to one of the wings (Wright is looking like he is finally tiring/or the quality of play is finally too high for him.)

Richie was valued at 600,000 before this deal, and we are paying 90,000 for him (using up most of the money from the Collett sale.)

[Eaglesfan27]

October 15, 2008 -

After watching Wellens in practice this week, I'm really excited about what he could do for our team. I think Mannix was such a huge part of our success last year, and that my MC spot has been my weakest area this year. I think that the defense and initiation of the offense that Mannix provided is sorely missed. From watching Wellens in practice, I believe he has every skill to play the position very well. (Also his value has risen to 800,000 in 2 days!)

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 15, 2008 -

We are currently in 21st place. Today we travel to play Sheffield United which is currently in 24th place. Sheffield United has been decimated by injuries early, but several of their guys have recovered. One key player who hasn't recovered yet is midfielder Stephen McPhail. McPhail is a true star (and national Irish player), so we are fortunate that he is still hurt. However, Steve Kabba is a very good striker and he teams with Alan Connell to give them a dangerous scoring pair. Despite this, they have not scored much this year and the offense has been the downfall for this team this year. The defense has played well with left fullback Tommy Williams leading the talented line. Keeper Stuart Nelson has played very well behind this line, and he will be tough to beat.

We've never played them before.

Sheffield are 4-7 favorites.

It's going to be overcast with temperatures in the high 50's.


GK: O'Connor
DL: Barnard
DC: Wall
DC: McShane
DR: Morley
ML: Wright
MC: Wellens (hoping for big things from him)
MR: Cooke (could also play left wing)
AMC: Gardner
SC: Smyth
SC: Kelly

S1: Scarsella
S2: Black
S3: Surey
S4: Palmer
S5: Baker

[Eaglesfan27]

8 minute mark: O'Connor with a nice save of a shot by Lester.

9 minute mark: Wall gets a yellow card for holding Lester's jersey.

22 minute mark: Wellens passes to Gardner.. who passes to Smyth who dribbles into the box.. he shoots.. the keeper blocks it.

Halftime: 0-0 tie. There are over 8300 fans supporting Sheffield.

46 minute mark: Wellens steals it.. plays it into the box for Smyth.. he shoots.. the keeper blocks it.

52 minute mark: Gardner plays it to Kelly on the right edge of the box.. he crosses to Smyth who shoots.. nice save by the keeper.

60 minute mark: Wellens get the ball from Wall after a corner.. Wellens with a breakaway.. dribbling down the pitch.. into the box... he shoots.. the keeper barely tips it over the bar.

73 minute mark: Smyth is seriously hurt. He thinks he can continue to play, but I'm pulling him for T. Baker. Gardner is also tired. I'm moving Kelly back from Forward to AMC and putting Palmer in for Gardner (to play FC.)

80 minute mark: Pretty goal in which Connell and Kabba played the perfect two man game with Connell finally getting it on the left edge of the box.. crossing to Kabba who dove and headed it into the upper left corner of the goal.

85 minute mark: Wellens with a perfect pass to get Kelly a wide open shot in the box.. Kelly shoots.. over the bar.

90 minute mark: Wellens sets up Kelly with the ball just outside the box.. Kelly dribbles between two defenders... shoots from 18 yards.. barely wide right.


Game over. 1-0 loss.

We outshot them 12-10 (3-2 on goal)

Richie Wellens had a great game, 9 for form, and won MoM, 22 of 30 passes, 6 of 10 tackles, 5 of 7 headers, 2 interceptions, 2 runs.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 18, 2008 -

We are currently in 21st place. We are hosting 11th place Walsall. Wall Sall has a talented trio of strikers in Ian Cooke, Matty Fryatt (who is injured), and Carl Cort. Left fullback Rob Kozluk and right fullback Kofi Dakinah are both strong defensive players. Keeper Tony Warner is above average. Right winger Daryl Taylor is a good setup man.

We've never played them before.

They are 4-7 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the mid 50's today.

GK: O'Connor
DL: Barnard
DC: Wall
DC: McShane
DR: Morley
ML: Wright
MC: Wellens
MR: Cooke
AMC: Gardner
SC: Kelly (Smyth is exhausted and can't play today.)
SC: Palmer

S1: Scarsella
S2: Black
S3: Surey
S4: Hawkins
S5: Baker

[Eaglesfan27]

7 minute mark: Gardner with a truly magnificient corner kick that curved beautiful.. unfortunately kelly directed the header a little high.

11 minute mark: Wellens steals the ball at midfield.. passes it wright who passes it to Palmer in the box.. Palmer shoots.. lower left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

29 minute mark: Wellens steals it at midfield.. passes to Stephen on the right wing.. passes it to Gardner.. who passes it to Kelly inside the box.. he shoots.. keeper barely tips it over the bar.

39 minute mark: Cooke gets a yellow card for tripping Dakinah.

40 minute mark: Shawcross trips Gardner.. yellow card for Ryan Shawcross.

44 minute mark: Kozluk gets a yellow card for a trip on Wellens.

Halftime: Up 1-0.

47 minute mark: O'connor with a nice save of a point blank shot by Taylor.

52 minute mark: Wellens steals the ball at midfield.. great pass to Palmer inside the right edge of the box.. he crosses for Gardner... Gardner heads it.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

55 minute mark: Nice defensive play by McShane.

65 minute mark: close range shot by Cort.. O'connor tips it over the bar.

71 minute mark: Gardner and Cooke are both tired. I bring in Baker and Hawkins.

Game over. 2-0 win for us! :)

We dominated ball possession. We outshot them 7-5 (4-2 on goal)

Richie Wellens had a 9 and won MoM again, 32 of 41 passes, 6 of 7 tackles, 6 of 7 headers, 3 interceptions.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 21, 2008 -

Andrew Wright was named to the League One Team of the week.

[Eaglesfan27]

October 23, 2008 -

Today I've been offered my most tempting offer ever. Wigan's manager recently left to coach Liverpool. Now, they have offered me the job. Why is it so tempting?

They have Stuart Elliott whom I have high regard for (he was my favorite player at Hull in CM 03/04.) They have a good young left winger in Kenny Lunt. Irish keeper Paddy Kenny appears to be of good quality (but maybe not good enough for Championship level ball.) They are currently 21st in the Championship, but I think I could turn them around. I will have a whopping 8.4 million dollar transfer budget there (sure beats the continual 32,000/year!) I will be able to keep the wage budget around 240,000/week (now at 24,000/week.) They have a 25,000 all seater stadium with under-soul heating. They also have top facilities plus youth academy. Their finances are only okay right now (despite being offered the 8.4 million dollar transfer budget) so they want me to be fiscally prudent. Jason Roberts still is a fast striker with some good skills (from Grenada.) Right fullback/centreback David Wright appears to be high quality. So, I don't know... should I stay or should I go? (I think I'll make this a poll.)

[Miller Time]

Where does your team rank in average attendence? Do you have the smallest capacity in League 1?

Apologies if it has already been mentioned.

Gavin

[Eaglesfan27]

Where does your team rank in average attendence? Do you have the smallest capacity in League 1?

Apologies if it has already been mentioned.

Gavin
It hasn't been mentioned.

We are usually selling out our stadium which holds 3800 (750 seats.) We have the worst training facilities in the league. I'm double checking now, but I think we have the smallest stadium capacity by far.

I'm surprised I've never looked at this before. Here are the capacities for various teams:

I'm going to list them by their position in the league.

1st place Cambridge - 9001 seat stadium (4,376 seated)

2. Burnley - 22,619 all seater with under-soil heating.

3. Chesterfield 8,779 (4407 seated)

4. Bournemouth - 9.696 all seater.

5. Norwich - 24,349 all seater with under-soil heating.

6. Bristol C - 21,500 all seater.

7. Luton - 9,975 all seater.

8. Swansea - 20,000 all seater.

9. MKD - 9,000 all seater.

10. Tranmere - 16,578 all seater.

11. Oldham - 13,624 all seater.

12. Hartlepool - 7,729 (4175 seated)

13. Walsall - 11,500 all seater with under-soil heating.

14. Torquay 7,250 (3500 seated)

15. Rushden - 6,441 (4,641 seated)

16. Brentford - 12,673 (10547 seated)

17. Blackpool - 9,083 all seater.

18. Harrogate - 3800 (450 seated - I always thought it was 750 for some reason)

19. Bradford City - 25,136 all seater.

20. Peterborough - 15,314 all seater.

21. Cheltenham - 7,407 (3139 seated)

22. Northampton - 7,653 all seater.

23. Barnsley - 23,009 all seater with under-soil heating.

24. Sheffield United - 30,900 all seater with under-soil heating.

So, it looks like we have the smallest stadium in the league by a significant margin, and quite a few teams have a stadium that has a capacity that is 6-8 times bigger.

[daedalus]

With the number of seasons you've had of success and the frequency of selling out, if they don't upgrade your park soon, I say you flip off the chairman and take one of the tempting offers. :D

[Eaglesfan27]

Well I offered the team an ultimatum after they refused to expand the stadium. I told them expand the stadium or I was leaving. They told me just to focus on the football decisions and to leave the money management to them. They said that they would forgive my outburst this one time. I told them to bugger off. I'm accepting the Wigan job. I look forward to working with some excellent talent at Wigan, and I'm looking forward to the big transfer budget and high wage bill.

OOC: I'm sorry to disappoint any of you who didn't want me to leave. However, I don't see this team getting promotion any time soon, and I really want to move up to one of the big 4 eventually, and I think I need one stepping stone to get there. Wigan will be that stepping stone. I've had 5 good years at Harrogate, and I hope you have enjoyed reading about it. I'll continue to write about my new team for those interested in reading. I'll also bring in several of my favorite players (although they might become backups at Wigan) and I'll continue to periodically follow my old team with updates. I'm going to be generous with my monetary offers and give somewhat above value for those players so that I can at least help Harrogate's finances as I leave. I'm on call tonight, so I'm not sure I'll get to play tonight, but I will be able to play again soon. Again, my apologies to those who didn't want me to leave Harrogate.

Edited to add: I've debated about it, and I'll continue to use this thread til the end of the season. Harrogate will march on without me.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 25, 2008 -

Today I was informed by the board that they refused my ultimatum to expand the stadium, but they didn't want me to leave. I promptly told them I must regretfully inform them that I was resigning immediately and going to Wigan. They wished me luck and told me goodbye.

Later in the afternoon, I was announced as Wigan's new manager at a press conference. Fans cheared my hiring. Wigan Chairman Dave Whelan welcomed me to JJB stadium, and told me that he hopes I adopt a cautious approach to management and secure the long-term future of the club by employing sensible tactics in the transfer market. He told me that my actual transfer budget will be 7.4 million dollars. The club currently has 4.1 million in the bank. They have made 1.3 million in profit this season so far. I also found out that the 4th round of the League Cup draw for Wigan will be occuring momentarily. I laugh nervously as a reporter tells me that my first cup game will be against Everton on their pitch. This EPL team is currently 10th in the league and will be a tough challenge.

As for my next match.. I will be coaching against Nottingham Forest later this evening. Realizing this, I decide I need this press conference to end so I can get to know my team better and prepare a starting lineup.

[Eaglesfan27]

October 25, 2008 -

I've been poring over the roster ever since I thought about taking this job, but today was the first time I really was able to examine the team in depth.

I'm going to start with my keepers and move throughout the pitch in a natural progression.


Keepers:

Dean Gerken - This 23 year old has been the starter most of the year. He has been inconsistent. Some games he is very good. Other games he is horrid. He has given up 30 goals in 14 starts with 4 clean sheets. I'm not much of a math whiz, but that means he has given up 3 goals/game in 10 starts. On videotape, he looks to have many good skills. I think he is quite acrobatic, but he seems to lack composure at times. He is making 3,400/week. I don't see him as the long term answer. He has very little transfer value according to my new assistant manager.

Paddy Kenny - This 30 year old from Ireland has only 3 starts for the team. He has 1 clean sheet and has given up a goal a game in the other 2. He was just recently acquired from Bristol C (League One) for 2.6 million dollars. He would appear to be the clear starter to me. He definitely appears more composed. He isn't as acrobatic, but from what little I've seen he appears to be better in every other way.

That is it. No young keepers on the reserve team. Lee Bradshaw is a 17 year old on the youth team, but he isn't close to ready to start for the main club.


Defenders:

David Wright - This 28 year old centerback/right fullback is one of our highest valued players. He is also one of the most skilled. This guy is an incredibly talented defender. Well, he isn't the best at marking or heading, but he is a great tackler. He is an all around talent who is equally dangerous on the attack. I'll likely start him at right fullback, but I might try him at centreback. He is also one of our highest paid players at 26,500/week. He was reportedly very unhappy with the clubs underachieving in the past, and wants to see the club turn it around immediately. I like him already.

Leighton Baines - This 23 year old has 12 U21 caps for England. He can play left fullback or left wing. He is very high paid at 35,500/week. He is valued at over 2 million. He is a solid all around player. His major weakness is his long shooting, but I envision him likely starting at left fullback and he has everything I look for in the position. My major concern is that he is having a personal conflict with striker Jason Roberts and wants me to transfer Jason Roberts off of the team.

Paul Edwards - This 19 year old centreback on loan from Blackburn has been starting quite a few games for the team. I don't think he will be a starter for me. He has great physical skills, but is a poor man marker, poor header, poor at positioning. He doesn't really have any of the most important qualities in a centreback. We only have him on loan for 1 more month.

Darren Ward - This 30 year old veteran centreback has been a frequent starter for the team. He is paid a hefty 23,000/week, but is worth it. He is very good at leaping and winning headers. I can see him being a dominant defender in my scheme. He has good positioning, good work ethic, and I just hope that he doesn't decline too precipitiously. His contract ends this year, and I'll likely try to resign him.

Mark Patterson - This 19 year old left fullback is considered a hot prospect. I don't see what the team sees in him. He has good physical skills, but almost no technical ability. He is a poor tackler. I'll likely demote him to the reserve team, but I'll wait a few games to see if he can continue to be an effective sub.

Philip Edwards - This 22 year old centreback has decent physical skills, but I don't see him being a regular contributor any time in the near future.

Mohamed Moreau - This 19 year old centreback from France is considered a hot prospect. He might contribute with a great deal of development as he has great leaping ability and is good at heading the ball, but he isn't ready to contribute any time soon.

Jason Morris - This 19 year old centreback from England doesn't have anything that I look for in a centreback and I question his future with the club.

Those are all of the DC's on the top team.

We don't have any DC's on the reserve or U18 team. I suspect that will change as several of our current DC's just don't have what it takes.

I think we are fairly well set at both fullback positions and one DC spot, but I need to bring in a DC VERY quickly. I think Wall or McShane (or both) would be a significant upgrade over any of my 2nd options at the position.


Midfielders and Forwards to follow.

[Eaglesfan27]

Midfielders:

Stuart Elliott - This 30 year old has over 45 caps for N. Ireland. He has always been one of my favorite players. He has played very well in the Championship this year with an average form of almost 8. He has mostly been playing left wing, but I suspect I will play him at striker as I'm very impressed with his scoring ability. He has wonderful speed, great heading ability, great jumping ability. He could be a very intimidating powerful striker in the box. He is one of my most valuable players at a value of 3.6 million dollars. He makes 28,000/week. He also has a personal problem with Jasn Roberts from what I've heard (apparently most of the team does!)

In retrospection, perhaps I should have put Elliott in the forward group as I'm almost certainly be playing him there.

The only problem with that plan is I don't have any other great (or even very good natural left wingers but Kenny Lunt could play that position.)


Kenny Lunt - This midfielder could play left, center midfield, or right wing. Kenny Lunt is a natural right footed player and I think he could be superb on the right wing. He has everything I look for in the position except for occasional lapses in positioning. I think he will do very well for us, and he is fairly cheap at 8,400/week.

Ben Rix - This 24 year old can play midfield or right wing. He looks more suited to me in the midfield. He is a very creating talented passer who could play some superb through balls. He lacks great speed, but I could see him playing either of his positions as a starter for us.

Gary Teale - This 30 year old Scottish National Player is a natural right winger. He has BLISTERING speed. He has great accelerationand is a good passer. He plays with flair, determination, and hard work. I suspect that I will give him some starts on the right wing, and move Lunt to left wing.

Alex Williams - This 20 year old right winger is considered a hot prospect. I'm not sure why. He has great leaping ability, but he lacks speed. He lacks passing ability. He lacks determination. He is lazy. This is all according to my watching tape and reading scouting reports, but I believe what my eyes see. I don't plan on keeping this kid around if I can get a club to bite.

Tony Taylor - This 19 year old is an attacking midfielder/forward. He has good speed, good physical ability, but not much else yet. I'll probably see if he develops with time.


These 6 midfielders are the only guys on the main club. IF I want to start Elliott at forward, I really need to find one more good midfielder for the middle. I think Richie (my most recent acquisition from Harrogate) would fit the bill nicely.



Strikers:

Of Course Elliott could have been listed here.

David Graham - This 30 year old has been injured for much of the year but he will be back soon. He is a good passer who is nice at finishing plays too. He has just about everything I look for in a forward. He could be a very nice piece of the puzzle. In only 6 starts, he has 2 goals.

Jason Roberts - This 30 year old ambitious striker is a talented player. He has 9 goals in 13 starts. He also has 2 assists. However, multiple guys on the team want to see him leave. He has also made it a point of telling me that he thinks he is too good for the club, and that he wants to be transfer listed. He is valued at 4 million dollars. He is 30 years old. He has blazing speed, great mental attrbitutes. He could be a great scorer for us. However, I think he is distracting the club. I plan on transfer listing him VERY soon.

Matt Harrold - This 24 year old striker has some good attributes, but there is something on tape I just don't like. I think he lacks the ability to be an effective consistent striker. He might be a good reserve, but I don't see him being the long term answer as a starter.

Kevin Wright - This 18 year old striker does NOT belong on the first team yet. He just isn't ready. He might be a good player one day, but no way is he ready yet.


Magno Silva Vieira is a 23 year old striker on our reserve team. He has very good speed and a good finishing touch, but he is a sloppy dribbler. He is slow to react. He doesn't look like he is ready to play on the main squad.

I'll likely use Elliott and Graham as my starters once I move Roberts. I'll also look at bringing in Mark Smyth, Palmer, and Kelly as reserves.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 25, 2008 -

So, I've talked about the players but the staff is just as important. I'm shocked to find that I had a larger staff at Harrogate than a major club like Wigan has. They currently have an assistant manager, only 2 coaches, 2 physios, and 3 scouts. I immediately start reviewing the philes that Mr. Whelan has provided me.


Chris Hutchings is the assistant manager. I've never heard of him and I'm not sure how he is going to handle my hiring. However, Mr. Whelan believes that he is a very good assistant manager. He is supposed to be good at everything except showing adaptability on the pitch. I'll have to get to know this man and hopefully earn his confidence.

David Lee is a 40 year old coach who is believed to be an excellent judge of player ability. He is supposed to be a supreme motivator and a good outfield coach. He isn't great though. I'll want to bring in someone to work with outfield players besides just him.

David Lowe is a 43 year old outfield/keeper coach who is also known as an excellent motivator. He is supposed to be very good at working with youngsters. I'll probably have him focus on outfield players.

While these two coaches are good, I'll look at bringing in one more outfield coach and one top notch keeper coach.

Danny Edwards is a 40 year old physio who is not well known on the national football stage, but he is believed to be very good at what he does. I'll likely keep him as he has been with the club for almost 10 years.

Stuart Welsh is a 35 year old physio who is also somewhat obscure in reputation, but the board believes he is good at his job. I'll plan on keeping him too, especially since he is signed for 4 more years.

I'd like to hire at least 2 more physios as well.


David Hamilton is a 47 year old scout who is known to have excellent ability to judge current and future potential. He supposedly brought in some very talented players 4 years ago. He hasn't had any recent big finds, but I'll keep him around for a while.

Steve Neville is a 63 year old scout who is believed to be losing his touch. He hasn't had a good recommendation in a long time. He is signed for 3 more years. I'll hope that he retires when his contract expires (if not before.)

Richard Hamilton is a 46 year old scout who is well respected locally. I think that he could be a very good asset to the club for a while if the board's notes are accurate.



To Summarize, my current plans for staff: Keep everyone I currently have. Bring in one more outfield coach, one very good to great keeper coach, two good physios. I don't think we need any more scouts at this time.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct 25, 2008 -

The game is about to start and I find myself feverishly firing off letters. I'm sending letters to a few physios inviting them to come in for interviews immediately. I'm giving calls to a few coaches including this Basque legend I've heard in order to try to get them to come help bolster my staff. I also decide to immediately call my old boss at Wetherby road. I'm going to make offers on several players:


My first potential target is Richie Wellens. If I'm going to start Elliott at forward, which I AM going to do even in my first game (even though it is going to make me experiment with a striker at midfield), I need at least 3 midfielders to bolster my depth. I need one to start immediately. Richie Wellens was only with me at Harrogate for a short time, but I believe he has every attribute needed to be a good starter even at this level. He is currently valued at 200,000 dollars. I decide to be generous and offer 300,000 dollars.

I've considered McShane, but he would be merely for depth. I don't think he'll ever develop into a quality starter at this level, and he is valued at 1.4 million for Manchester City. I decide to pass on him for now.


My second potential target is Stuart Wall. He is only 21, but he continued to develop under my tutilege before. He isn't a top notch starter at this level, but he is good enough to start for now. He is better than who I will have to start at my 2nd DC spot this game. Furthermore, I think he will keep getting better. He is valued at 70,000. I decide to offer them 120,000.

My third potential target: Craig Gardner. He is on loan from Aston Villa, so this money wouldn't go to Harrogate. He has great potential as an AMC (I think I will gradually phase my 4-3-1-2 in here when I get the personal) and I think Gardner could make it work. I decide to contact Aston Villa to see how much they want for him. I WON'T pay them 2.2 million which is his reported value right now. Aston Villa's Boss answers my call which shocks me! I'm surprised that he knows me. He tells me that the team values Gardner and would only let him go for 2.2 million dollars. I tell him no thanks for now.

I consider bringing Palmer in, but he was having trouble getting it done in League One. I decide that I won't persue him at this time.

My fourth potential target: Greg Kelly. He is 25 and has probably reached his full potential, however he could be a good left wing or AMC for me at this level. He is definitely better than any AMC option I have at the club at this point. I don't think he would be a regular starter at this level, but I could see him being a valuable sub. He is valued at 550,000 dollars. I decide to offer 700,000 (I don't have the budget to be *too* overly generous on this one.)

My fifth potential target: Richard O'Connor. The keeper is only 20, but he has developed nicely already. He wouldn't be a starter or even 1st backup, but he could grow in time. I might purchase him to see if he can develop. He is valued at 100,000 dollars. I want to be generous, but I really don't think he is worth more. I decide to offer them 100,000 (maybe I'll loan him back to them to get experience.)

My sixth potential target: Mark Smyth - I don't know if he has enough ability to get it done at this level, but I'm willing to bet that he would beat out my other 2 strikers to be the 3rd backup. I decide that I will bring him in if he is willing to be a backup. He is currently valued at 340,000 dollars. I offer 400,000.

I also consider making an offer for right wing Stephen Cooke, but I never really got too attached to him, and I decide to pass on this one.

I also will be starting to look immediately for targets throughout the football world..

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct 25, 2008 -

The game is about to start and I find myself feverishly firing off letters. I'm sending letters to a few physios inviting them to come in for interviews immediately. I'm giving calls to a few coaches including this Basque legend I've heard in order to try to get them to come help bolster my staff. I also decide to immediately call my old boss at Wetherby road. I'm going to make offers on several players:


My first potential target is Richie Wellens. If I'm going to start Elliott at forward, which I AM going to do even in my first game (even though it is going to make me experiment with a striker at midfield), I need at least 3 midfielders to bolster my depth. I need one to start immediately. Richie Wellens was only with me at Harrogate for a short time, but I believe he has every attribute needed to be a good starter even at this level. He is currently valued at 200,000 dollars. I decide to be generous and offer 300,000 dollars.

I've considered McShane, but he would be merely for depth. I don't think he'll ever develop into a quality starter at this level, and he is valued at 1.4 million for Manchester City. I decide to pass on him for now.


My second potential target is Stuart Wall. He is only 21, but he continued to develop under my tutilege before. He isn't a top notch starter at this level, but he is good enough to start for now. He is better than who I will have to start at my 2nd DC spot this game. Furthermore, I think he will keep getting better. He is valued at 70,000. I decide to offer them 120,000.

My third potential target: Craig Gardner. He is on loan from Aston Villa, so this money wouldn't go to Harrogate. He has great potential as an AMC (I think I will gradually phase my 4-3-1-2 in here when I get the personal) and I think Gardner could make it work. I decide to contact Aston Villa to see how much they want for him. I WON'T pay them 2.2 million which is his reported value right now. Aston Villa's Boss answers my call which shocks me! I'm surprised that he knows me. He tells me that the team values Gardner and would only let him go for 2.2 million dollars. I tell him no thanks for now.

I consider bringing Palmer in, but he was having trouble getting it done in League One. I decide that I won't persue him at this time.

My fourth potential target: Greg Kelly. He is 25 and has probably reached his full potential, however he could be a good left wing or AMC for me at this level. He is definitely better than any AMC option I have at the club at this point. I don't think he would be a regular starter at this level, but I could see him being a valuable sub. He is valued at 550,000 dollars. I decide to offer 700,000 (I don't have the budget to be *too* overly generous on this one.)

My fifth potential target: Richard O'Connor. The keeper is only 20, but he has developed nicely already. He wouldn't be a starter or even 1st backup, but he could grow in time. I might purchase him to see if he can develop. He is valued at 100,000 dollars. I want to be generous, but I really don't think he is worth more. I decide to offer them 100,000 (maybe I'll loan him back to them to get experience.)

My sixth potential target: Mark Smyth - I don't know if he has enough ability to get it done at this level, but I'm willing to bet that he would beat out my other 2 strikers to be the 3rd backup. I decide that I will bring him in if he is willing to be a backup. He is currently valued at 340,000 dollars. I offer 400,000.

I also consider making an offer for right wing Stephen Cooke, but I never really got too attached to him, and I decide to pass on this one.

I also will be starting to look immediately for targets throughout the football world..

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 25, 2008 -

Wigan is currently 21st in the Championship. We are hosting Nottingham Forest today which is in 15th place. Nottingham Forest has a good quality team. Left Winger Rohan Ricketts has been playing very well. Right winger Mehdi Mahdavikia is an Iranian star who has 100 caps for Iran. Colin Healy is a talented midfielder who is a very good defensive presence. Jamaican star David Johnson is the only player who has really been providing offense, and he only has 4 goals. His partner Sam Parkin doesn't seem that talented. I'll try to have my best defender shut down Johnson and hopefully neutralize their offense.

We are 6-4 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the mid 40's.

I'm going to play a basic 4-4-2 that the team was playing before my arrival with both wings joining the attack.

GK: Paddy Kenny
DL: Leighton Baines
DC: Paul Edwards (not very happy that I need to rely on him)
DC: Darren Ward
DR: David Wright
ML: Kenny Lunt
MC: Matt Harrold (Striker playing out of position, but I think he could pull it off)
MC: Ben Rix
MR: Gary Teale
SC: Stuart Elliott
SC: Jason Roberts (gotta play him til someone bites on my transfer listing of him. He is relieved that he is transfer listed as his old manager repeatedly refused to do so. He said he will play well to look good for potential suitors.)

S1: Dean Gerkin
S2: Tony Taylor
S3: Phillip Edwards
S4: Alex Williams
S5: Mark Patterson (I really don't like needing to use these last 4, and my Harrogate players would immediately take over these slots.)

[Eaglesfan27]

2 minute mark: Rix with a nice pass into the box for Roberts who beats his man.. shoots.. nice save by their keeper.

5 minute mark: David Johnson gets a breakaway.. dribbles between both of my defenders.. shoots from the edge of the box.. great save by Paddy!

10 minute mark: Mahdakavia gets a nice cross inside the box.. he heads it.. just wide left.

26 minute mark: Rix passes to Lunt who shoots from the left edge of the box.. the defender blocks it.

35 minute mark: Nice pass from Rix between two defenders into the box.. Roberts gets it.. shoots... barely wide left.

38 minute mark: Ricketts passes to Parkin just outside the box.. Parkin with a nice move on the defender.. shoots into the lower left corner.. Paddy dives.. it's past him.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

44 minute mark: Baines with a nice defensive play.

46 minute mark: Lunt clears a corner down the pitch.. Roberts is racing to it.. the keeper is racing out of the box.. the keeper beats Roberts to it and clears it with a long kick.

Halftime: Down 1-0.

54 minute mark: Rix passes to Elliott in the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper tips it over the bar.

89 minute mark: Elliott passes to Roberts by the right post.. Roberts shoots.. great save by the keeper!


Game over. 1-0 loss.

We were outshot 8-6 (4-3 on goal)

Keeper Stuart Taylor (ahh, should have realized it was him beforehand) won MoM for his 4 saves.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

The Physio reports that Leighton Baines and Stuart Elliott both need some rest soon.

Ben Rix injured his chest and will likely miss about 5 days.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 26, 2008 -

Physio Andrew Schofield has agreed to come work for me at Wigan.

Coach Mike Phelan (superb outfielder coach) has agreed to come work for me.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 27, 2008 -

Former Scottish Great Brian McClair has agreed to come coach on my staff. He is a superb outfield coach.

Spanish (Basque) great Josu has agreed to come coach our keepers. He speaks Spanish and English and is reportedly a phenomenal keeper coach.


Stuart Elliott was called up to the N. Ireland National team, and Paddy Kenny was called up to the Irish National team for games on Nov. 8th and 12th.

French Physio, Thierry Gomes has agreed to come join my staff.

[daedalus]

OOC: I'm sorry to disappoint any of you who didn't want me to leave. However, I don't see this team getting promotion any time soon, and I really want to move up to one of the big 4 eventually, and I think I need one stepping stone to get there. Wigan will be that stepping stone. I've had 5 good years at Harrogate, and I hope you have enjoyed reading about it. I'll continue to write about my new team for those interested in reading. I'll also bring in several of my favorite players (although they might become backups at Wigan) and I'll continue to periodically follow my old team with updates. I'm going to be generous with my monetary offers and give somewhat above value for those players so that I can at least help Harrogate's finances as I leave. I'm on call tonight, so I'm not sure I'll get to play tonight, but I will be able to play again soon. Again, my apologies to those who didn't want me to leave Harrogate.Speaking only for myself, I'm following you and your adventure mostly. It's been fun because you make the players seem more "real". So whether at Harrogate or Wigan, I'll be reading and enjoying it. I don't know that there was much more you have done with Harrogate if they refuse to work with you one bit.

[Eaglesfan27]

Speaking only for myself, I'm following you and your adventure mostly. It's been fun because you make the players seem more "real". So whether at Harrogate or Wigan, I'll be reading and enjoying it. I don't know that there was much more you have done with Harrogate if they refuse to work with you one bit.
Thanks :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 27, 2008 -

Harrogate accepted my offers for Greg Kelly, Richie Wellens, and Stuart Wall.

They rejected my offers for O'Connor and Smyth.

I immediately contact Greg Kelly and he is currently being paid 3200/week at Harrogate. He will agree to 3,200/week to come play for us. I let him know that he will be a rotation player. I'll also offer him his requested 12,000 signing bonus.

I contact Richie Wellens and he is shocking me by saying that he likes being at Harrogate and doesn't want to come here! I decide to offer him 4,200/week (my AM's recommendation) to come play for us. I also tell him he will be a first team player. He is only making 1600/week at Harrogate right now..

Stuart Wall is currently being paid 2,000/week. He is willing to take 1,850/week to come play here. My Assistant Manager is most enthusiastic about this signing (moreso than the others) He recommends we offer him 2200/week. I decide to just offer him the 1,850 he is requesting along with a 2,000 signing bonus and a 10% annual raise.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 28, 2008 -

We are currently in 21st and we are hosting the Wolves which are in 5th place today. The wolves have a very talented team. Left winger Julian Gray is very fast, talented, and dangerous. Striker David Healy has a knack for finding the back of the net however he needs to get it done. He has 10 goals in 14 league games already. He is fast, but he is also verygood at sneaking in between defenders. Midfielder Seyi George Olofinjana is an all-around good talent who can do so many things well. Right fullback Darren Kenton is very fast, strong, and never seems to tire. Keeper Arni Gautar Arason is known to be one of the best at his profession. He is highly skilled and has 4 clean sheets in 6 games. He hasn't lost his skills at the age of 33. He will be tough to score against.

The Wolves are even odds favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the high 30's today.

We are using the same lineup except Ben Rix is injured and I'll have to start Alex Williams in at midfield. I'm using the same tactics (but I really hope to have some more players in soon.) David Graham is healed from his injury and I'll be using him as a sub who I will hopefully work into the game.

[Eaglesfan27]

4 minute mark: Roberts with a great dribble between two defenders to get into the box.. passes to Elliott who is tackled by the centreback.

13 minute mark: Teale with a great cross to Roberts who heads it.. nice save by the keeper.

24 minute mark: Paul Edwards gets a yellow card for a trip.

25 minute mark: Thompson takes it down the right sideline and then crosses to Bothroyd who heads it towards the upper right corner.. Paddy dives.. it is out of his reach.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

32 minute mark: Harrod with a shot from midfield.. nice shot.. the keeper barely tips it over the bar.

38 minute mark: Teale with a great dribble down the right sideline.. he is really impressing me.. he crosses it.. Kenton has to head it out of bounds..

40 minute mark: Teale dribbles into the right corner of the pitch.. crosses for Roberts.. he heads it.. barely wide right.



Halftime: Down 1-0. We have a crowd of 13,000 plus fans here tonight.

54 minute mark: Teale plays a through ball into the box.. Roberts get it.. he is tackled from behind by Richard Jackson.. yellow card for Jackson! Penalty awarded.. the announcer thinks Roberts dove.. but the ref doesn't see it that way! My AM thinks I should let Harrold take the penalty shot.. he steps up.. shoots.. over the keeper's left shoulder.. GOAL!!!!! 1-1 tie!

72 minute mark: Nice save by Paddy on a shot by Healy.

75 minute mark: Thompson takes a corner kick.. aimed for the near post.. Craddock outjumps both of my centrebacks.. he heads it.. towards the upper left corner.. PAddy is out of position for this one.. it's just inside the post.. GOAL. Down 2-1.

I bring on Graham for Roberts who is tired.

84 minute mark: Harrold steals it at midfield.. plays it to Lunt on the left wing.. he shoots from 25 yards out.. long curving shot.. barely wide right.

92 minute mark: Teale with a long pass to Elliott.. he is called for offsides.


Game over. 2-1 loss.

They outshot us 10-8 (6-2 on goal)

Gary Teale won MoM (and is really impressing me), 30 of 37 passes, 2 of 3 tackles, 2 of 3 headers, 1 interception, 6 runs, 4 fouls drawn.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 28, 2008 -

Looking to add some depth at striker, I decide to offer Harrogate 440,000 for Mark Smyth.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 30, 2008 -

Greg Kelly has agreed to come join the team. He said he is excited to be joining such a well supported team.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 31, 2008 -

Stuart Wall agreed to come play for us. He is excited about playing for such a well supported club.


Richie Wellens dismissed our contract offer as unacceptable!?!?! I'll move on and look for another good midfielder.


Speaking of which I had heard Joey Gudjonsson wants to leave Leicester. I offered them 1.2 million which they rejected. I think this player could be a major asset to the club, so I decide to make another offer of 1.7 million dollars.


Harrogate rejected my offer for Mark Smyth. They want 700,000 for him. I don't think he is worth that much, so I reject their counter offer.


Brescia has accepted my offer for Alberto Giuliani, a potentially very talented striker. This 21 year old Italian player is very much admired by 2 of my scouts... I call his agent up with some trepidation and find that they are being somewhat reasonable in their contract request... they want 9,000/week with a signing on fee of 4,000, a goal bonus of 650/goal, an assist bonus of 340/assist, and a 10% annual raise. The board will allow me to pay up to 17,000 for this kid. I decide that if I'm going to move Roberts, I really need some quality players and this kid has the potential.. I agree to his 9,000/week if he agrees to extend the deal from 4 years to 5. I leave all other stipulations in place.

If he accepts this deal, I can't believe that I will have my first million dollar acquisition (1.4 million to be precise.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 1st, 2008 -

Leicester's Jefferson Farfan has won English Championship Player of the Month. Dave Kitson of Preston came in 2nd, and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson of Coventry came in 3rd.

Reading's Peter Castle has won young player of the month. James Coutts of Preston came in 2nd, and Samuel Martin of Watford came in 3rd.

Derby's Ciriaco Cano has won the Championship Manager of the Month. George Burley of Charlton came in 2nd, and Stephen Constantine of QPR came in 3rd.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 1st 2008 -

We are currently in 21st place. Today we travel to play Doncaster which is in 23rd place. Doncaster has an anemic attack with no player having more than 1 goal. They only have 6 goals on the year. Their defense is good however. It all starts with keeper Nick Colgan who is quite good. Midfielder Gavin Mahon is quite good and does everything well. However, they don't have any other standout players, and I think we can get our first win this game.

We are 6-4 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the high 30's.

GK: Kenny (Paddy!)
DL: Baines
DC: Stuart Wall (in his debut! :))
DC: Ward
DR: Wright
ML: Lunt
MC: Greg Kelly (in his debut! I'm not sure if he can be effective in this midfield position, but he is better than the alternatives for now)
MC: Rix
MR: Teale
SC: Elliott (I can't afford to rest him until I get another quality striker in)
SC: Roberts

S1: Gerken
S2: Tony Taylor
S3: Matt Harrold
S4: David Graham
S5: Paul Edwards

[Eaglesfan27]

5 minute mark: Wall with a very nice defensive stop to prevent a breakaway.

Wall is looking very good in the first 15 minutes.

23 minute mark: Roberts breakaway is stopped short as he is tackled by Spence in the box.

26 minute mark: Alan Rogers gets a yellow card for a trip on Teale.

44 minute mark: Michael Spence gets a yellow card for pulling Elliott's jersey.

Halftime: 0-0 tie.

56 minute mark: Nice defensive play by Wall.

57 minute mark: Nice pass by Kelly into the box.. Roberts is tackled from behind.

75 minute mark: Roberts gets a yellow card for arguing an offside call.. I decide to put Graham on for Roberts.

82 minute mark: Baines gets whistled for shoving Izzet just outside the box.. Izzet shoots the free kick from 22 yards out.. wicked curving shot.. towards the upper left corner.. Paddy dives.. it's past him.. GOAL. :( Down 1-0.

91 minute mark: Teale with a cross to Elliott.. he heads it.. great header towards the upper left corner.. nice save by Colgan.



Game over. 1-0 loss :( (I thought we would at least get a tie this game..)

WE were outshot 11-4 (4-3 on goal)

Greg Kelly played the midfield spot surprisingly well. In fact, he had a 9 for form and won MoM! 13 of 17 passes, 7 of 8 tackles, 3 of 5 headers, 2 interceptions, 1 foul drawn.

Paddy, Stuart Wall, Teale all had 8's for form. The rest of the team had 7's.

[daedalus]

That's a tough loss to take. At least Wall had a good debut.

[gkb]

I'm really enjoying this dynasty, keep up the great work. :) I'm looking forward to you getting one of your dream jobs and reading how that goes.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 2, 2008 -

Stuart Elliott suffered a calf strain in practice today. He will miss approximately 2 weeks.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm really enjoying this dynasty, keep up the great work. :) I'm looking forward to you getting one of your dream jobs and reading how that goes.
Thanks! :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 2, 2008 -

Brescia's Alberto Giuliani has agreed to come to Wigan. We'll be paying his club 1.4 million dollars for this 21 year old striker.

Due to transfer windows in Brescia's league, he won't be arriving until January 1st, 2009.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 5, 2008 -

Today we travel to play Everton in the 4th round of the League Cup. Everton usually plays a 4-5-1 according to my scouts. Marcus Bent leads a potent pacey attacking line. Thomas Gravesen is an excellent spark in a creative midfield. Gravesen is a 32 year old veteran national player for Denmark who does just about everything right. He has been playing dominantly this year. Right fullback Tony Hibbert is the leader of a strong technically sound defensive line. However, their main keeper, Richard Wright, is out with a groin strain. My scout believes they are going to start an 18 year old kid named Danny O'Brien in goal. My scout believes the kid has a ton of potential, but is not ready to play at this level. He thinks that we have a good chance of beating the kid if we can get any good shots on goal.

It's sunny with temperatures in the high 30's today.

They are 4-5 favorites.


GK: Paddy
DL: Baines
DC: Wall
DC: Ward
DR: Wright
ML Lunt
MC: Kelly
MC: Rix
MR: Teale
SC: David Graham (fully recovered from injury has to play well with Elliott injured)
SC: Jason Roberts

S1: Gerken
S2: Taylor
S3: Harrold
S4: Edwards
S5: Mohamed Moreau (I really need to improve my depth.)

[Eaglesfan27]

3 minute mark: Gravesen plays a perfect through ball into the box for Bent.. he shoots from 10 yards.. great save by Paddy!!

On the counter attack Lunt makes an errant cross that sails over Roberts head.

9 minute mark: Paul Gardner gets a yellow card for a reckless 2 footed tackle on Jason Roberts.


14 minute mark: Wall with an important challenge on Bent and a subsequent clearance.

15 minute mark: kelly with a nice through ball to Roberts in the box.. Roberts shoots.. over the keeper's shoulder.. over the bar!

17 minute mark: Bent gets a long pass from Gravesen.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GO.. offside call!!!

24 minute mark: Teale (who is quickly becoming my favorite player at this club) has an amazing move after receiving a cross from Lunt.. he burns the left fullback, Anthony Gardner. Then he crosses over one of the centrebacks, Paul Gardner.. he dribbles in on net.. the keeper (Jason Campbell) comes out of net.. and tackles Teale!! Penalty shot awarded! The ref calls Campbell over.. RED CARD for the keeper!!! He is ejected. The young kid Danny O'Brien has to come on for him to face the penalty shot.. my AM thinks I should let Graham take the shot... he steps up confidently.. he looks right.. looks left.. shoots right over the keeper's right shoulder.. powerful shot!!! GOAL!!!!! 1-0!

29 minute mark: Lunt with a nice dribble down the left sideline.. crosses for Roberts who heads it.. Danny O'Brien punches away the shot.

39 minute mark: Wall blocks a shot by Gravesen with a great play.

44 minute mark: Kelly with a nice through ball into the box... Roberts gets it.. shoots from 15 yards.. over the keeper's shoulder.. it clangs off the crossbar.

Halftime: Up 1-0.

Their are 30,000 plus fans here at this game.

51 minute mark: Teale sends a cross a little bit high.. it goes out of bounds out the far side of the pitch.

54 minute mark: Ward with a very nice defensive play on Osman.

64 minute mark: Roberts steals the ball from one of the centrebacks.. gets into the box.. shoots.. just over the bar.

75 minute mark: A. Gardner barely heads away a cross from Lunt that was intended for Roberts.

79 minute mark: Paddy calmly saves a hard 25 yard shot from Osman.

80 minute mark: Wall with a superb defensive play on Gravesen in the box.

80 minute mark: Wall with a long pass to Teale who puts an amazing spin move on A. Gardner.. into the box.. about to shoot.. when Patrick Boyle tackles him hard.. whistle.. yellow card.. Penalty shot awarded!!! Graham steps up.. shoots into the lower right corner.. the keeper dives.. he can't get to it.. GOAL!!!! 2-0!

91 minute mark: wall blocks a shot by Gravesen.

92 minute mark: Wall clears a cross that was going into the box.



GAME OVER!!! My first win with Wigan is a big one with a 2-0 win on the road against Everton in front of 30,000+

We each had 12 shots, and we each had 7 shots on goal.

Gary Teale had a 10 for form and wins MoM, 29 of 36 oasses, 4 of 5 tackles, 2 of 4 headers, 10 runs, 4 fouls drawn, and 1 assist?

Paddy, David Wright, Darren Ward, Stuart Wall all had 9's for form. The rest of the team had 8's except for Jason Roberts who only had a 7.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

- Besides our share of the gate receipt, we were given 130,000 dollars for our 4th round win.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 7, 2008 -

Leicester countered my offer by asking for 3.4 million for Joey Gudjonsson. I'll hold of on getting him for that price.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 7, 2008 -

After some further thought, I decide to offer them Jason Roberts for Gudjonsson in a straight up trade.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 8, 2008 -

Today was the draw for the quarterfinals of the League Cup. I think I probably received the most favorable draw of the various possibilities. I will be hosting Bolton in the quarterfinal match (I missed out on having to face Arsenal, Man Utd, Newcastle, Tottenham, and the Wolves.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 8, 2008 -

My Assistant Manager, Chris Hutchings, reports that Paddy Kenny was absolutely magnificient for the Republic of Ireland in a friendly against Denmark today as his keeping led to a 1-0 victory for Ireland. Paddy had a 9 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 12, 2008 -

- Today we suffered a tough blow as Ben Rix tore a groin muscle. The physio wants us to send him to get surgery, but Ben wants to try to rehab and come back as soon as possible. It's a tough choice, but with our lack of depth in the midfield, I decide to go with the player and try a more conservative rehab without the surgery.

- Leicester have rejected the trade offer for Joey Gudjonsson, and suddenly I *need* him or another midfielder of a similar talent level. I decide to offer Roberts, 300,000 dollars and 25% of next sale for Gudjonsson.

- I decide to send my scouts out to look at several midfielders whom I hear are available for transfer. I also call Harrogate and offer them 300,000 for Richie Wellens. I'm going to try to re-convince Wellens to come play for us with a big pay raise..

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 12, 2008 -

Paddy Kenny played well for the Republic of Ireland in leading them to a 2-0 win over New Zealand today.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 14, 2008 -

Harrogate accepted my offer for Richie Wellens.

His agent is telling me that Richie has no interest in coming to this club. I decide to offer him a 500% pay increase to 8,000/week as well as a 40,000 dollar signing bonus. I also offer him 300/assist and a 20% annual raise.

Leicester have rejected my offer for Joey Gudjonsson.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 15, 2008 -

I've gotten my hair cut. I'm wearing a fresh new outfit. I'm bloody nervous. Today, my team is playing on TV for the first time ever. We are currently in 22nd place and we are traveling to play Ipswich. Ipswich is currently in 20th and I think we have a good chance to beat them as they are on a downturn and our spirits were really bolstered by that last win. They are led by keeper Alexandrs Kolinko who is a top notch keeper and will be difficult to beat. Tommy Miller is a creative skilled player who really plays well in the midfield. Centreback Aidan Collins is solid and getting better at the age of 22. Striker Dean Bowditch is their leading scorer with 5 goals.

We are 6-4 favorites.

It's going to be overcast with temperatures in the mid 30's today.

GK: Paddy
DL: Baines
DC: Wall
DC: Ward
DR: Wright
ML: Lunt
MC: Kelly
MC: Harrold (for the injured Rix)
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Roberts

S1: Gerken
S2: Taylor
S3: Edwards, Paul
S4: Edwards, Philip
S5: Mohamed Moreau

The Television commentators in the pregame show state that Gary Teale will be our key player. Tommy Miller will be the key player for Ipswich.

[Eaglesfan27]

2 minute mark: Kelly with an excellent through ball for Roberts in the box.. he is tackled by Adem Atay... Penalty shot awarded!!! Graham steps up.. looks left.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

17 minute mark: Harrold gets a yellow card for pulling Melligan's jersey.

23 minute mark: Kelly passes to Lunt on the left edge of the box.. Lunt shoots.. nice save by the keeper.

25 minutemark: Watson gets off a good shot from just outside the box.. nice save by Paddy.

35 minute mark: Teale with a great cross for Lunt on the left side of the box.. Lunt shoots.. powerful shot.. just over the bar.

41 minute mark: long pass from Ward into the box.. Roberts outraces two defenders.. gets to the ball.. shoots.. upper left corner.. nice save by Ipswich's keeper.

43 minute mark: Ward with a great series of clearances of crosses.

44 minute mark: Kelly with a nice through ball.. Graham shoots.. lower left corner.. Kolinko dives.. saves it.

45 minute mark: Paddy with a brilliant block of a header off of a corner.. he punches it out to ward who sends it down the left sideline to Graham.. Graham and Teale alone with the keeper in the box.. Graham passes over the keeper's head.. Teale heads it.. into the net!!!! GOAL!!!! 2-0.


Halftime: We are up 2-0. There are over 25,000 fans at this game.

54 minute mark: Baines gets a yellow card for a trip on Melligan.

58 minute mark: Graham gets a yellow card for a trip on Watson.

65 minute mark: Melligan gets a yellow card for a trip on Lunt who was racing down the left sideline.

68 minute mark: Wright gets a yellow card for a trip on Bowditch.

69 minute mark: paddy with a nice block of a Bowditch shot.. Bowditch gets the rebound.. quickly lifts it into the upper right corner.. it's in the back of the net. GOAL. Still up 2-1.

79 minute mark: Roberts steals it at midfield along the right sideline.. he passes it to Teale who is 30 yards out.. Teale spins to his right.. around one defender.. crosses over a second defender.. into the box.. fakes out the keeper going left than right.. fires it into the back of the net.. GOAL!!!! 3-1... What a spectacular goal!

91 minute mark: Harley crosses from the left wing.. Foster is by the near post.. he outjumps Ward.. heads it.. into the net.. nice goal by Foster. GOAL. Still up 3-2.


Game over. 3-2 win for us on TV!!! :)

We outshot them 19-17 (10-9 on goal)

Paddy has a 9 for form and wins MoM for 7 of 9 saves. Kelly, Graham, Teale, Wall, Ward, and Lunt all had 8's for form. The rest of the team had 7's (including the out of position Harrold.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 17, 2008 -

What an ass! Richie Wellens has rejected my very generous contract offer. He'd rather stay at Harrogate and continue to make 1,600/week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 18, 2008 -

I've just been informed that the following matches were picked for live TV coverage!!! :)

Dec. 14 - Hull v Wigan.

Feb. 7 - Wigan v Millwall

Feb 21 - Wigan v Preston.

I think I did well in talking about the team in the post game interview. Hopefully, I'll have a similarly positive experience in those games.

[Crapshoot]

Good move Eagles- sometimes you have abandon what you love to grow.

One piece of advice - don't always take the asking price at face value. Very often, as in the case of those young players, you can get them for less - and should make a low offer (though you might get laughed out of the park). They're still ridiculously expensive, but cheaper than their asking prices for sure.

[Eaglesfan27]

Good move Eagles- sometimes you have abandon what you love to grow.

One piece of advice - don't always take the asking price at face value. Very often, as in the case of those young players, you can get them for less - and should make a low offer (though you might get laughed out of the park). They're still ridiculously expensive, but cheaper than their asking prices for sure.
Thanks for tha advice. I definitely know that. I'm only offering top dollar to Harrogate (as one last favor to them.) For every other team, I'm offering low and working my way up if I really want the player (such as the young Italian striker from Brescia :) )

[Crapshoot]

yeah - it must feel great to make that first big offer after years scrimping for pennies.. :D

[Eaglesfan27]

yeah - it must feel great to make that first big offer after years scrimping for pennies.. :D
Absolutely! :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 18, 2008 -

Today we host Q.P.R. We are currently in 21st place, and they are in 13th place. QPR has an outstanding defensive line led by the dynamic duo of Dean Richards and Danny Shittu at centreback. They are both playing very well this year. Keeper Chris Day is solid, and has 8 clean sheets on the year. His reflexes are still impressive despite being 33. Left winger Kevin McLeod is fast a skilled dribbler and excellent at crossing the ball. Striker Christian Roberts is an excellent target for those crosses. He is the leading scorer with 6 goals this year.

They are 6-4 favorites.

It's going to be raining with temperatures in the low 40's today.

GK: Paddy!
DL: Baines
DC: Wall
DC: Ward
DR: Wright
ML: Elliott (I want him to play forward but need him in the midfield with the injury to Rix)
MC: Kelly
MC: Lunt (versatile midfielder moves inside)
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Roberts

S1: Gerken
S2: Taylor
S3: Edwards, Paul
S4: Edwards, Philip
S5: Matt Harrold

[Eaglesfan27]

7 minute mark: Wall with a pair of quality plays in this minute to stop Christian Roberts from getting a good scoring opportunity.

10 minute mark: Wall gets a yellow card for a trip on Christian.

25 minute mark: Martin Rowlands gets a yellow card for tripping Kelly.

26 minute mark: Lunt takes a corner kick.. Roberts at the near post.. heads it.. the keeper blocks it.. Ward gets the rebound.. blasts a shot.. just over the bar.

27 minute mark: Lunt gets a yellow card for pulling Bean's jersey.

36 minute mark: Wright gets a yellow card for checking Gallen.

39 minute mark: Darren Ward gets a yellow ard for a trip on Bean.

41 minute mark: kelly trips bean.. Roberts argues the call.. yellow card on Roberts.

Halftime: 0-0. We only have 10,000 plus fans today. I guess the cold and rain kept them away.

46 minute mark: Elliott with a brilliant dribble down the left sideline in which he evaded 2 defenders.. a great cross.. Roberts by the far post.. the keeper jumps with him.. the keeper punches it away.

57 minute mark: Elliott with a good cross.. Graham heads it.. the keeper blocks it.. the defense clears it.

60 minute mark: Paddy comes out to intercept a long pass from Bircham.. oh crap.. he misplays it.. it bounces over his head into the box.. Christian Roberts beats him and Wall to the ball.. Roberts fires it home.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

65 minute mark: Paddy stops a shot from Roberts just inside the box.

73 minute mark: The defense intercepts an offensive.. Martin Rowlands with a long pass.. Christian Roberts get to it.. puts a nice move on Ward.. dribbles around him into the box.. shoots.. upper left corner.. Paddy dives.. can't get to it.. GOAL. Down 2-0.

82 minute mark: Teale gets a yellow card for tripping McLeod.

Game over. 2-0 loss.

We were outshot 13-6 (5-2 on goal)

Danny Shittu won MoM. The entire defensive line was so good and they all had 9's for form!

Shittu's line - 17 of 27 passes, 13 of 16 tackles, 6 of 7 headers, 3 interceptions.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 22, 2008 -

Birmingam's young striker Jens Janse has agreed to come join us on loan for 3 months. This young Dutch player is a very good striker who has an excellent touch around the net.

[SunDancer]

EF,
I just read up prolly in two and half hours last night of your dynasty. Great read.

You are playing on a laptop? What specs are you using? How quickly does it move?

[Eaglesfan27]

EF,
I just read up prolly in two and half hours last night of your dynasty. Great read.

You are playing on a laptop? What specs are you using? How quickly does it move?
Thanks for the compliment.

Yes, I play FM on my laptop while having the TV on in the background for the downtime periods.

My laptop is an Inspiron 8500 from Dell. It is a Pentium 4 - 2.2 Ghz Processor with 512 MB of RAM. 40 GB Hard Drive with an 80 GB external hard drive attached.

It moves fairly well most times. For some reason it takes incessantly long to save the game throughout most points of the year. I'm not sure why, but it frequently takes over 5 minutes to save or load a game. Other than that, it moves smoothly most times and I'm currently running 10 leagues (the highest leagues in France, Spain, Italy, and all of the English Leagues down to English Conference North and South.)

[SunDancer]

Thanks for the compliment.

Yes, I play FM on my laptop while having the TV on in the background for the downtime periods.

My laptop is an Inspiron 8500 from Dell. It is a Pentium 4 - 2.2 Ghz Processor with 512 MB of RAM. 40 GB Hard Drive with an 80 GB external hard drive attached.

It moves fairly well most times. For some reason it takes incessantly long to save the game throughout most points of the year. I'm not sure why, but it frequently takes over 5 minutes to save or load a game. Other than that, it moves smoothly most times and I'm currently running 10 leagues (the highest leagues in France, Spain, Italy, and all of the English Leagues down to English Conference North and South.)

I asked because I am going to a laptop later this summer, and I will take it with me to college, and besides using it for the Internet, Word Processing, and I want to get FM 2005. It's the only game I would play, and would only thing I would have installed on my system. I'm just trying to figure out the specs of powering all the leagues in Spain, England, Scotland, Italy, Germany, France, Netherlands-all leagues I consider "premier" leagues with top clubs).

This game seems to be just be reimersive from CM 03/04, and seems like its pretty solid bug-wise. Sounds like its an awesome way to just relax, play with a beer or whatever, and spend a hour or two a night, unwinding after a days work. How often do you play, and how long?

[Eaglesfan27]

I asked because I am going to a laptop later this summer, and I will take it with me to college, and besides using it for the Internet, Word Processing, and I want to get FM 2005. It's the only game I would play, and would only thing I would have installed on my system. I'm just trying to figure out the specs of powering all the leagues in Spain, England, Scotland, Italy, Germany, France, Netherlands-all leagues I consider "premier" leagues with top clubs).

This game seems to be just be reimersive from CM 03/04, and seems like its pretty solid bug-wise. Sounds like its an awesome way to just relax, play with a beer or whatever, and spend a hour or two a night, unwinding after a days work. How often do you play, and how long?

CM 03/04 really got me into this series, and this game just seems so much better in so many small ways. The 2D is so much better and more realistic in my opinion. The next patch should (hopefully) take care of most of the remaining bugs. You will probably need a very powerful laptop, if you want to run all of the leagues in each of those countries and have it run smmothly. If you just want to run the top Spanish, English, Scotish, Italian, German, French, and Dutch leagues than most of the newer laptops should run that smoothly. Of course, it is all a matter of how patient you are going to want to be.

As for me, when I first got it, I was playing constantly for many hours a day. There was even a joke thread about it on the general board written by someone who was very funny. Now, I usually play 4-5 times/week for at least 30 minutes and usually an hour or two. It is definitely a great way just to relax, and it is still my favorite game I've bought in the last year (and I've bought many games in the last year.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 22, 2008 -

Today we travel to play Charlton. We are currently in 21st place in the Championship. Charlton is currently in 1st and playing very well. Charlton has many good players. Midfielder Michael Tonge is a skilled player who can make some amazing passes at times. He is also a very strong dribbler. Centreback Jonathan Fortune is one of the most dominating defensive players that I've ever played against. He is strong, fast, and usually in the right position. Striker Francis Jeffers is the perfect comination of fast, agile, and technically skilled. He has a few caps for the English National Team and has 2 goals internationally. He has 8 league goals this year and will be very difficult to contain. Right winger Dennis Rommedahl is a legend for the Dutch Internation team. He has 75 caps and 17 goals for Denmark. He is one of the fastest players I've ever seen despite being 30. He is a top notch player. Keeper Stephan Andersen certainly benefits from the great talent in front of him, but he is also quite good in his own right. He has 16 clean sheets in 23 starts this year.

Charlton are even odd favorites

It's supposed to be raining with temperatures in the mid 40's.

I'm using the same lineup as last game. I'll be playing a very conservative tactic against this superior team.

[Eaglesfan27]

11 minute mark: Rommerdahl gets a yellow card for pulling Elliott's jersey.

18 minute mark: Luke Young gets called for a hand ball just outside the box.. Jeffers argues the call.. yellow card for Jeffers.

25 minute mark: Rommerdahl crosses from the right wing.. Jeffers shoots.. Lunt is in the box.. deflects off him.. into the lower left corner of the goal.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

44 minute mark: elliott with a real strong dribble down the left sideline.. beats two defenders.. passes to Graham in the box.. Graham with a strong shot from 15 yards out.. goes for the lower right corner.. great save by the keeper.

45 minute mark: Tonge gets the ball from the keeper at midfield... Tonge passes to Matt Holland.. Holland passes to Jason Euell in the box.. Euell shoots from 15 yards.. Paddy waves at it as it sails over his shoulder into the back of the net.. GOAL. Down 2-0


Halftime: Down 2-0 with Charlton dominating us.

82 minute mark: Wall runs over Jeffers.. Jeffers is hurt and has to leave the pitch.

Game over. 2-0 loss.

We were outshot 10-6 (5-2 on goal)

Darren ward (and Wall) both had 8's for form.

Ward wins MoM with 24 of 32 passes, 5 of 5 tackles, 11 of 12 headers, 5 interceptions.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

My physio says that Elliott, Wright, and Baines all need rest. I wish I had some guys to play for them to give them that rest..

Jason Roberts strained his neck this game and will miss 5 days.

Birmingham's Dutch Striker Jens Janse has arrived to start his 3 month loan.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 26, 2008 -

Today we play Bolton the Quarter Final of the English League Cup. We are hosting Bolton who are currently 18th in the EPL. Bolton has a talented team led by left winger Ricardo Gardner who is a 30 year old legendary Jamaican Winger. He does everything well and is a true class player. Midfielder Kevin Nolan has no real weaknesses in his game. Centreback Nicky Hunt is strong and fast and is a very good defenisve player. Finish Keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen is a great keeper who will be hard to beat even if we get past the defense.

Bolton are heavy 4-6 favorites.

It's raining today with temperatures in the high 30's.

GK: Paddy
DL: Baines
DC: Wall
DC: Ward
DR: Wright
ML: Elliott
MC: Kelly
MC: Lunt
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Janse (the new loan player)

S1: Gerken
S2: Taylor
S3: Patterson
S4: Edwards
S5: Harrold

[Eaglesfan27]

31 minute mark: We had been playing them remarkably even, but they earned a corner which Ceh hit for the far post.. Sonck heads it.. past Paddy.. GOAL. Down 1-0

38 minute mark: Teale trips Ceh injuring him.. He'll have to leave the game.

44 minute mark: elliott passes it to Kelly in the box.. Kelly with the hard shot towards the upper right corner.. great diving save by the keeper.

Halftime: Down 1-0. We have drawn an almost full house of 24,600 fans today.

67 minute mark: Lunt with a great through ball into the box.. Janse gets to it.. shoots for the upper left corner.. the keeper dives.. barely tips it over the bar.

70 minute mark: Elliott with a nice pass between two defenders to Kelly inside the box.. Kelly shoots.. over the keeper's shoulder.. it clangs off the crossbar.. the defense clears the rebound.

78 minute mark: Teale takes it strong down the right sideline.. he passes it across the pitch to Graham.. he shoots.. just over the bar.


Game over. 1-0 loss.

We each had 12 shots. We each had 5 shots on goal.

Jussi Jaaskelainen won MoM for them with his great keeping.

[SunDancer]

EF,
Nice...
Care to post the league standings?

Are you trying to get players for this year to help you compete? Will you consider rebuilding the team if performance isn't going well, beginning with the Bosman window in January?

[Eaglesfan27]

EF,
Nice...
Care to post the league standings?

Are you trying to get players for this year to help you compete? Will you consider rebuilding the team if performance isn't going well, beginning with the Bosman window in January?

I'm not playing any more tonight (nor have I been for the last few hours as I went out with some friends), but I'll post the league standings tomorrow.

I'm definitely doing anything I can to improve this team. I think the recent German midfielder and Italian Striker I have acquired will significantly boost the talent of the team. However, I think we need to continue to upgrade.

I'll also be looking at Bosman transfers, but obviously as I'm managing at a higher level of competition, I'll be more selective about who I pursue in this regard. I'm also looking at any loan players that become available such as the Dutch striker I recently borrowed for 3 months.

[Eaglesfan27]

Hmmm... speaking of which it seems that my post about my new acquisition never actually made it into this thread?

A few days ago we acquired a midfielder Rolfe (?) from FC Koln. This midfielder is an excellent passer, excellent defender, and was a steal at 280,000 dollars (valued at 1.75 million.) He will arrive on January 1st along with my new young Italian Striker from Brescia.

[SunDancer]

Now, just to clarify the new structure of England's soccer leagues from CM 03/04:

English Premier League (EPL-the top league like always)
Championship (formerly Division One)
League One (formerly Division Two)
League Two (formely Division Three)
English National Conference (English Conference)
English Regional Conference (newly added)

What was the purpose of the re-structuring?

Also, any of the other major leagues undergo any changes from CM 03/04?

Dola...do you find that the tatics are more important at the higher level of competition then in the English Conference leagues?

[Eaglesfan27]

Now, just to clarify the new structure of England's soccer leagues from CM 03/04:

English Premier League (EPL-the top league like always)
Championship (formerly Division One)
League One (formerly Division Two)
League Two (formely Division Three)
English National Conference (English Conference)
English Regional Conference (newly added)

What was the purpose of the re-structuring?

Also, any of the other major leagues undergo any changes from CM 03/04?

Dola...do you find that the tatics are more important at the higher level of competition then in the English Conference leagues?
Add English National Conference North/South above the Regional Conference. Regional Leagues can't be played, but the Conference North and South can be played.

I have no idea what the purpose of the restructuring was, but I think it was partially a sponsorship thing as they have sponsor's names in the top leagues..

I don't know if any other major leagues underwent changes from CM 03/04, of course, the MLS (USA) being playable is a nice addition. It will be more fun after the next patch I think as their are many MLS specific issues being addressed in it. I plan on starting an MLS dynasty in the future (not sure if I will write it up or not.)

Yes, I think tactics are more important as you go up in levels. I could get by with focusing on adding good team speed at lower levels, which helped create goals. I think tactics are important on the lower levels, but I think the talent is so good at the higher levels that smart tactics become the key to success. I'm playing a vanilla 4-4-2 until I get to know this team a bit, but I plan on switching my tactics soon.

[daedalus]

82 minute mark: Wall runs over Jeffers.. Jeffers is hurt and has to leave the pitch.Something extraordinarily familiar to every single Gooners.

[Eaglesfan27]

Something extraordinarily familiar to every single Gooners.
Hehe :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Graham injured his foot and miss about 5 days, including our next game.

[Eaglesfan27]

Here are the standings at this point:

http://64.17.163.76/images/Championship%20Standinds.jpg

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 27, 2008 -

CRAP!! Leighton Baines "fractured his skull" according to team doctors during a training drill today. He is expected to miss at least 4 months and he leaves a huge hole at left fullback that I must fill immediately.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 29, 2008 -

Today we host Sheff. Wed. They are currently in 9th place while we are in 21st place. Sheffield's midfielder is their main strength with Chris Brunt being a creative, highly skilled left winger. Centreback Graeme Lee is a rock in the defense. Centreback Chris Doig is also very good. Striker Szilard Nemeth is their main scorer, but he is injured for this game. They will likely rely on striker Lee Peacock to pick up the scoring.

They are 5-4 favorites.

It's raining with temperatures in the high 40's today.

GK: Paddy Kenny
DL: Mark Patterson (I really don't like having to start him.)
MC: Wall
MC: Ward
MR: Wright
ML: Elliott
MC: Kelly
MC: Lunt
MR: Teale
SC: Roberts
SC: Jense

S1: Gerken
S2: Taylor
S3: Moreau
S4: Phillip Edwards
S5: Harrold

[Eaglesfan27]

3 minute mark: Teale with a perfect through ball into the box.. Roberts gets to it.. fakes right.. goes left.. shoots for the open left corner.. wide left.

20 minute mark: Wall with a big play to bail out Patterson who totally let the right winger dominant him on a drive down the pitch..

37 minute mark: Brunt gets to a long pass in the box... he has an open shot.. shoots for the upper left corner.. PAddy dives.. great catch.. what a save!

46 minute mark: Brunt takes a free kick from left of the box.. nice kick.. good pass.. Peacock by the near post.. rises.. heads it.. into the upper left corner.. GOAL. :( Down 1-0.

Halftime: Down 1-0. Over 13,000 fans here tonight for us.

70 minute mark: Patterson with a decent defensive play.

84 minute mark: Patterson gets a yellow card for a trip on McVeigh.

Game over. 1-0 loss.

We were outshot 13-4 (5-0 on goal)

Gary Teale wins MoM with 20 of 25 passes, 1 of 2 tackles, 2 of 4 headers, 5 interceptions, 7 runs, 1 foul drawn.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info: Stuart Wall injured his thigh and will miss about a week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 30, 2008 -

Sedan has agreed to sell Georges Ambourouet to me for 190,000 dollars. He is a good young left fullback who is fast and mentally tough from what my scouts say. I've contacted him and he wants a contract of 12,000/week. I've agreed to his offer despite it being high. Hopefully, we can get a deal signed very soon.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 1, 2008 -

Coventry City's Titus Bramble has won the English Championship Player of the Month. Darren Kenton of Wolverhamption came in 2nd, and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson of Coventry City came in 3rd.


Stuart Wall won young player of the month in the Championship. Anthony Grant of Coventry came in 2nd, and Lee Martin of Leicester came in 3rd.


Coventry's manager, Stan Ternent, has won the Manager of the Month. Micky Adams of Nottingham Forest came in 2nd, and Ernie Tippett of Millwall came in 3rd.


We had an unfortunate draw for the the third round of the English FA Cup. We will be hosting Aston Villa which are a very talented EPL team.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 1st, 2008 -

Chelsea have accepted 200,000 for Ben Hudell who is a young left fullback valued at over a million dollars. Hudell only wants 1,250/week and I'll gladly grant his request. Hopefully we can get him into town soon.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 4, 2008 -

Gabonese fullback Georges Ambourouet has agreed to sign a deal with us. We have applied to get a work permit for him. It will take until Dec. 18 for a decision to be made.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 5, 2008 -

Chelsea's Ben Hudell has agreed to come to our team. We have confirmed the deal and are hopeful he might arrive in time for tomorrow's game.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 6, 2008 -

Ben Hudell has arrived 2 hours before game time. He will start for us immediately as I believe he is a significant upgrade from Mark Patterson.

Today we have a televised game against Stoke on their pitch. Stoke is currently 13th in the championship and they have a pacey attacking line led by the trio of Gifton Noel-Williams, Ade Akinbiyi, and Leon Knight who all start in their 4-3-3. Stoke's Antonio Soldevilla is a strong defender who helps make the formation work. Centreback Wayne Thomas is also very good. Midfielder James Chambers is good at distributing the ball. Keeper Neil Alexander is a 30 year keeper who is at the top of his game. He will be difficult to beat.

They are 5-4 favorites

It's overcast with temperatures in the mid 40's today.

GK: Paddy
DL: Hudell
DC: Wall (back from his injury)
DC: Ward
DR: Wright
ML: Elliott
MC: Kelly
MC: Lunt
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Roberts

S1: Gerken
S2: Taylor
S3: Moreau
S4: Janse (finally a sub worth using)
S5: Harrold

[Eaglesfan27]

According to the TV announcers:

Simon Francis will be the key performer for stoke while Gary Teale will be our key player. They are picking Stoke to win a close match.

Game start:

2 minute mark: Nice play by our new left fullback to deflect a cross.

10 minute mark: Paddy stops a long shot by Vernazza with ease.

17 minute mark: Tony Capaldi hits a long free kick from 30 yards out that he hits between cracks in the wall.. it curves into the upper right corner.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

20 minute mark: Hudell clears a corner.

22 minute mark: Francis with a sharp corner from the right wing.. gets it to Wolleaston in the box.. Wolleaston settles it.. blasts it towards the upper left corner.. Paddy dives.. it's past him.. GOAL. Down 2-0.

25 minute mark: Ward gets called for a trip on Knight in the penalty box... Knight takes the penalty shot.. powerful kick right over Paddy's right shoulder.. GOAL. Down 3-0.



Halftime: Down 3-0. Stoke has over 20,000 fans here tonight.


63 minute mark: Janse on for Graham.

Game over. 3-0 loss.

We were completed dominated. They dominated possession, and they outshot us 22-3 (10-0 on goal)

Leon Knight won MoM, 26 of 31 passes, 0 of 1 tackles, 3 of 6 headers, 2 runs, 5 fouls drawn, 1 goal.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 9, 2008 -

Today we host Derby. Derby are currently 13th in the Championship. We are currently 22nd. Dery is led by midfielder Victor Salar who is a dynamic dribbler and creator. Keeper Matt Poom is 36, but doesn't seem to have lost any skills. He is a top notch keeper. The offense mostly relies on Leroy Lita to finish plays, and he is injured for this game. His 14 goals will be missing from their offense.

They are 6-4 favorites.

It's breezy with overcast skies. The temperatures will be in the high 30's.

GK: Paddy
DL: Hudell
DC: Wall
DC: Ward
DR: Wright
ML: Elliott
MC: Kelly
MC: Lunt
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Roberts

S1: Gerken
S2: Taylor
S3: Moreau
S4: Janse
S5: Harrold

We will be going with a much more aggressive offense today. I haven't done well with my defensive 4-4-2, so I'm going to a much aggressive offense from the 4-4-2.

[SunDancer]

Man, these European clubs got some weird, but cool, names.

Everytime you appear you TV, do you receive a fee, or is it done on the year, regardless of how many times you make the TV? If the later, does television apperances have any other effect expect the television money?

[Eaglesfan27]

12 minute mark: Kelly with a great through ball into the box.. Graham gets it.. fakes to his right.. dribbles left.. shoots to the left corner.. barely wide left.

21 minute mark: Lunt with a long shot.. barely wide right.

39 minute mark: Hudell with a solid defensive play.

Halftime: 0-0 tie. We have 12,800 fans here today. Our team is generally dominating time of possession.

54 minute mark: Teale with a shot from 25 yards out.. the keeper stops it.

57 minute mark: Jordi Lopez has a shot from 20 yards out.. Paddy stops it easily.

58 minute mark: Teale is tackled in the box by Marco.. whistle.. Penalty shot awarded! My AM recommends Roberts take the penalty shot.. he steps up.. blasts it into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

73 minute mark: Victor Salas gets a yellow card for a trip on Lunt.

75 minute mark: Janse on for Graham.

78 minute mark: Mario has it on the left corner of the pitch.. he crosses for the far post.. the keeper tries to cut off the angle, but Paddy misses it.. Tucker heads it.. into the goal. GOAL. 1-1.

90 minute mark: Kelly with a through pass into the box.. Teale gets it.. shoots.. just over the bar.

Game over. 1-1 tie.

We were outshot 12-6 (6-2 on goal)

Darren Ward wins MoM, 19 of 30 passes, 2 of 2 tackles, 10 of 11 headers, 6 interceptions.

[Eaglesfan27]

Man, these European clubs got some weird, but cool, names.

Everytime you appear you TV, do you receive a fee, or is it done on the year, regardless of how many times you make the TV? If the later, does television apperances have any other effect expect the television money?

I think you just get the fee for the year, but I'm not sure to be honest. Hopefully, one of the other readers can answer more clearly. I do know that each club gets an annual fee for TV rights.

I agree that the European Clubs have some wierd cool names :)

I'm not sure but I suspect that TV matches add more pressure to the players and can help fan attendance if you have a good showing, but that is just speculation on my part.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

The physio states that the following players need rest:

David Wright
Darren Ward
Stuart Elliott
Jason Roberts

We need to add some depth so I can start giving these guys some rest.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 13, 2008 -

Ben Rix is finally back from his injury.

Newcastle's Kevin Keegan has been sacked. Huub Stevens and Peter Taylor are believed to be the leading candidates to take the kob.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 14, 2008 -

Today we travel to play against Hull. This match will be televised and I really want the team to look good today. Hull is one of my favorite teams and they have several good players in their lineup. Keeper Matt Murray has played very well this year. Centrebacks Richard Hinds and Leigh Bromby are a very good pair of defenders. Their star striker Curtis Bernard is injured for this game and his 12 goals will be missed. Jonathan Walters their other main striker will have to step up big this game for them. Their midfielders have not been playing that well and hopefully we can dominate the ball in that portion of the field to enable us to get an effective attack generated.

We are 6-4 favorites.

It's raining with temperatures in the mid 40's today.

GK: Paddy
DL: Hudell
DC: Wall
DC: Ward
DR: Wright
ML: Lunt (giving Elliott some needed rest)
MC: Kelly
MC: Rix (back from injury)
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Janse (giving Roberts needed rest.)

S1: Gerken
S2: Taylor
S3: Moreau
S4: Elliott
S5: Harrold

The Tv announcers are saying that Matt Murray in goal will be Hull's key player. Gary Teale will be our key player. The announcers believe we will most likely play a boring game that will end in a draw.

[Eaglesfan27]

2 minute mark: Hamshaw with a corner kick finds Bromby by the near post.. Bromby outjumps Wall.. heads it.. into the upper left hand corner of the goal.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

9 minute mark: Beautiful play down the field.. first Ward passes to Kelly who puts it onto the left wing for Elliott.. Elliott with a quick long cross to Teale inside the right corner of the box.. Teale finds Janse with a quick pass.. Janse shoots it immediately.. upper right corner of the net.... GOAL!!!! 1-1.

18 minute mark: Paddy stops a pointblank shot from Westlake.

21 minute mark: Rix with a great pass to Janse in the box.. he is tackled.. Teale gets it.. shoots.. barely over the bar!

29 minute mark: Teale crosses to Kelly.. who draws two defenders.. plays a perfect pass between them into the box.. Graham is all alone.. he dribbles once.. to the right of the keeper.. blasts it into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!!! 2-1.

30 minute mark: Westlake takes a direct kick.. a midfielder heads it to Bett who has the ball wide open in the box.. Bett shoots.. powerful shot.. upper right corner.. Paddy dives.. it's past him.... into the net. GOAL. 2-2 tie.

32 minute mark: Wright plays the ball down the right sideline.. Teale gets it int he right corner of the pitch.. Teale with a powerful curving cross.. it's over the keeper's head.. Graham is by the far post.. he heads it.. GOAL!!!!! 3-2! Graham headed it in. So much for a slow boring game.



Halftime: We are up 3-2. Hull has over 22,000 fans here today.


54 minute mark: Graham and Lunt play a terrific two man game all the way down the left side of the field.. culminating in a pass into the box from Lunt to Graham.. Graham shoots.. over the keeper's shoulder.. it clambers off the bar.

56 minute mark: Bett gets a yellow card for a trip on Kelly.

57 minute mark: Hamshaw gets a yellow card for holding Rix's jersey.

On the ensuing free kick.. Rix kicks it to Lunt just inside the box.. Lunt passes it between two defenders to Graham.. he gets it wide open 10 yards from the net.. Graham shoots.. lower left corner.. the keeper dives.. it's past him.. GOAL!!!!! 4-2.. That is Graham's hat trick!

69 minute mark: Hull's fans are starting to leave early!

71 minute mark: Paddy stops a shot from Bett from 15 yards out.

75 minute mark: Janse gets a yellow card for elbowing Cort.


Game over. 4-2 win.

We outshot them 13-12 (9-8 on goal)

Graham and Teale both had 10's for form. Janse, Kelly, Rix, and Lunt all had 9's for form. The remainder of the team had 8's for form.

Graham won MoM, 27 of 28 passes, 0 of 0 tackles, 2 of 5 headers, 1 interception, 1 run, and 3 goals.

The TV announcers say that they are shocked with how well we played, and we are sure to be delighted with the result. I have to agree that we are delighted with this result, and hopefully the morale boost can get the entire team playing better. I can't help but notice we have had our best games when I've sat Roberts... He is our most talented striker, but many of the team members dislike him because he demanded to be traded. Perhaps, I need to keep sitting him.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info: The board have informed me that they are thrilled with the team's latest win.

Gary Teale has been playing so well that I decide to praise him to the press and say that if the team follows his example we will be climbing up the league standings soon.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 15, 2008 -

As the end of the year approaches, I realize that I need to look at the guys whose contract are expiring soon:

Darren Ward - This 30 year old centreback is still one of the team's best players. He is a very solid defender. I need to resign him. He is currently making 23,000/week. I decide to contract his agent. The agent informs me that Ward feels the team has grossly underachieved and Ward has no plans to resign with the club. I decide to offer him the maximum amount the board will allow - 19,000/week. I also offer a 400,000 signing bonus.

David Right - This 28 year old right fullback/centreback is a very solid all-around player. He is currently making 26,500/week. I contact his agent and the agent informs me that Wright has no intentions of resigning with the club. I offer him the max the board will allow - 19,000/week along with a 400,000 signing bonus.

David Graham - The 30 year old striker still has some skills as evidenced by his last game. He is currently making 14,000/week. I contact his agent and he says that Graham wants 14,000/week plus 900/goal to sign an extension for an extra year. He also wants a 70,000 signing bonus. I counter with a 3 year extension, but up the bonus to 100,000.

Jason Roberts - The 30 year old striker mostly relies on speed which will presumably be diminishing soon. Also, since he is disliked by the team I decide that I will not offer him a new deal. I also lower my asking price for him down to 1.4 million to see if any club will take him now. I also decide to actively shop him at this point.

Dean Gerken - This 23 year old backup keeper is better than any other I have right now. I decide to see if he wants to come back as a backup. I contact his agent and see that he is asking for 3,400/week for 2 year extension along with 950/appearance and 150/clean sheet. This seems like a fair offer, so I make that offer to him.

Leighton Baines - The 24 year old left fullback/left winger is a key player for my club. He is currently one of the highest paid at 35,500/week. The board is cutting back on the financial reins and I'm not sure we will be able to resign him, but he is a key player whom I really want to resign. I contact his agent. His agent is requesting 35,500/week along with a signing bonus of 160,000. The board will only allow me to offer 19,000/week. I decide to offer him the 19,000/week along with a signing bonus of 700,000 dollars.


It should be noted that the board is restricting wages because we are currently 44,000 over their expected wage budget of 190,000/week (which is 50,000 lower than what they promised when I took over :( )

Fortunately, the remainder of the team is under contract.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 16, 2008 -

Gary Teale was selected to the English Championship Team of the Week.

Our fans inundated the local newspaper with praise for Teale.

David Graham has signed a new 4 year deal that will almost certainly keep him with the club until he is ready to retire.

Backup keeper, Dean Gerken has signed a new contract with the team.

The board rejected my request to make more money available for current wages.

Leighton Baines has rejected our offer, but he is willing to negotiate. Unfortunately, it appears that I will have to let Baines go in favor of some cheaper talent at the position.

Darren Ward has rejected our offer. We are not nearly as far apart with him as we are with Baines. I up his bonus to 600,000 dollars to see if he will sign.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 18, 2008 -

Sedan's Georges Ambourouet has been granted a conditional British Work permit to come join the team and is set to sign for us.

The 190,000 dollar deal will be completed on January 1st, 2009.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 19, 2008 -

Darren Ward has rejected my latest offer. I will not be offering him another deal unless he lowers his demands later in the year.

I've offered Runcorn 36,000 dollars for a young defender/defensive midfielder named Liam Nicell. He is raw at the age of 23, but could play for us in a pinch. He is currently only making 650/week, and he would be better than most of my backups as of right now.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 20, 2008 -

David Wright has rejected my contract offer. I will not be offering him a new deal unless he lowers his demands later in the year.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 20, 2008 -

Today we will be hosting Crewe. Crewe are currently in 17th place while we are in 21st place. Crewe's best player has been midfielder Shane McFaul is a good young player. Their top striker, Stefan Moore, is suspended for this game due to 5 yellow cards. Left fullback Mark Roberts is a good defender. None of their players are having top notch seasons except for Stefan Moore. With his suspension, this *should* be an easy win.

We are 5-4 favorites.

It's breezy with temperatures in the low 40's today.

GK: Paddy
DL: Hudell
DC: Wall
DC: Ward
DR: Wright
ML: Lunt
MC: Kelly
MC: Rix
MR: Teale
SC: Elliott (finally have the midfield depth to play him up there like I've wanted to do.)
SC: Janse

S1: Gerken
S2: Roberts
S3: Moreau
S4: Graham
S5: Harrold

[Eaglesfan27]

11 minute mark: Edwards gets a good shot on our goal from 17 yards.. nice save by Paddy. We've been pressuring the attack and that was their first good offensive.

24 minute mark: Wilson gets it from their centreback to start the counterattack.. Wilson feeds it to Edwards.. Paul Edwards shoots from 30 yards.. vicious curve to the shot.. It sails over Paddy's left shoulder.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

31 minute mark: Stephen Dawson elbows Kelly.. Red card for Dawson.. he is ejected!

Halftime: Down 1-0.

We've dominated time of possession, but have no shots on goal. They have 2 shots on goal.

64 minute mark: Ben Rix is injured by Wilson.. Rix can't stay in this game. I decide to sub Harrold on in the midfield.

80 minute mark: Lee Bell gets a yellow card for tripping Kelly.

92 minute mark: Lee Bell gets a 2nd yellow card for tripping Kelly.


Game over. 1-0 loss.

We were outshot 5-2 (2-0 on goal)

Mario wins MoM, 20 of 29 passes, 8 of 10 tackles, 1 of 5 headers, 2 interceptions, 5 runs.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Ben Rix bruised his jaw and will be out for about 5 days.

David Wright, Darren Ward, and Stuart Elliott all need rest according to the physio.

Hull have paid 2.6 million to sign Mark Noble from West Ham. The 21 year old midfielder will be a nice addition for them.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 22, 2008 -

Marseille have agreed to my offer for Fabrice Begeorgi. I've contacted his agent and they want 13,500/week plus 12,000 signing bonus. They also want a 800,000 release clause. I decide to raise that to 3.2 million and offer him everything else he is requesting.

Runcorn have accepted my offer for Liam Nicell. Nicell wants 1,200 per week as well as a 2,000 signing bonus. That seems reasonable so I agree to the terms.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 25, 2008 -

Darn it! Gary Teale came to me in a private meeting today and told me that he has ambitions of winning major trophies. He likes me and likes the club, but he wants to move onto a higher level of competition. I tell him that I'll do what I can to see that his dreams are accomplished. He is 30, and if I get a good trade offer for him, I'll seriously consider taking it.

Liam Nicell agreed to our offer. He states that he is very enthusiastic about playing for such a well-supported club.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 25, 2008 - (Later in the evening)

Marseille's Fabrice Begeorgi has agreed to our contract offer. The 650,000 dollar deal can now be completed and the trade will be finalized on January 1st, 2009.

This 21 year old French Striker appears to have a superb touch around the net, and he is currently valued at 4.2 million. I feel like this is my biggest steal yet and he should be an immediate starter assuming he can adjust to the English game and language.

[SunDancer]

Your on a roll tonight, pumping out alot...(do you play in a minimized window and type as your play?)

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 26, 2008 -

We are currently in 22nd place. Today we host 20th place Watford. Watford is led by star striker Danny Webber. Centreback Fitz Hall is a very good defender. Keeper David Preece is a veteran keeper who is quite good. Midfielder Michael Higdon has played very well this year and has been a key distributor of the ball. There is a lot of dissension on their club and morale is rumored to be very bad. This could aid us in beating them.

We are 6-4 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the low 40's today.

GK: Kenny
DL: Hudell
DC: Wall
DC: Ward
DR: Wright
ML: Lunt
MC: Kelly
MC: Rix
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Janse

S1: Gerken
S2: Roberts
S3: Nicell
S4: Elliott
S5: Harrold

[Eaglesfan27]

Your on a roll tonight, pumping out alot...(do you play in a minimized window and type as your play?)
I type into a small Notepad window and then copy and paste into this thread during down times.

[Eaglesfan27]

9 minute mark: Teale with a nice cross to Graham who gets it just outside the box.. unleashes a great shot towards the upper left corner of the goal.. the keeper dives.. barely tips it over the bar.

44 minute mark: Dobson trips Graham just outside the box.. Lunt shoots the free kick.. barely over the bar.

The defenses really dominated the 1st half. 0-0 at the half.

We have a little over 10,000 fans here today.


49 minute mark: Lunt collided with Danny Webber.. Webber is hurt.. he is going to have to leave the game.

81 minute mark: Kelly with a great through ball into the box.. Graham shoots.. barely wide left.


Game over.. 0-0 tie.

We outshot them 4-2 (2-1 on goal)

They played very defensive all day and kept too many guys back to really generate an effective attack.

Fitz Hall won MoM, 24 of 34 passes, 6 of 6 tackles, 8 of 8 headers, 3 interceptions.

[Crapshoot]

I think you just get the fee for the year, but I'm not sure to be honest. Hopefully, one of the other readers can answer more clearly. I do know that each club gets an annual fee for TV rights.

I agree that the European Clubs have some wierd cool names :)

I'm not sure but I suspect that TV matches add more pressure to the players and can help fan attendance if you have a good showing, but that is just speculation on my part.

Yeah, I think for TV games, you get an additional fee - on top of the rights associated for the division as a whole.

[daedalus]

Ugh. Tough stretch. Keep up the fight, Ef.

[Barkeep49]

It has indeed been a tough stetch. Are fans and the board still behind you?

[FrogMan]

Post Match Info:

Ben Rix bruised his jaw and will be out for about 5 days.

David Wright, Darren Ward, and Stuart Elliott all need rest according to the physio.

Hull have paid 2.6 million to sign Mark Noble from West Ham. The 21 year old midfielder will be a nice addition for them.
I don't know for you, but I've found that Ward often needed to be rested when he first got with my QPR team. Now in his second season with us, he's the one that I rest on any Cup match that I can...

Good luck with him, he's indeed a good centreback...

FM

[Eaglesfan27]

This has been a tough stretch. The board is still behind me, just not as firmly as they were when I first stepped on the pitch as manager. Fans seem to be still behind me as well.

As far as Ward, he is a good centreback, but he is getting up there in age, and more importantly he wants more money than the board will allow me to pay him :(

I'm hoping he will lower his demands as the season progresses, but there is a good chance that we will be losing him (along with Roberts, Wright, and Baines)

The board yanked my funding when I got here down to 190,000/week and we are now 52,000 over and that is causing them to restrict salaries that I can offer to re-sign guys.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 31, 2008 -

Several players that my scouts have viewed are about to have contracts expire. I decide to approach a few players about singing Bosman contracts.

Pape Sarr - a 31 year old midfielder from Senegal who is still a fantastic passer, a dynamite marker, and great at controlling the ball in the midfield. He is currently making 16,500/week and I'm offering him the same to come play for us.

Jonathan Spector - This 22 year old centreback from the USA has 27 caps and 4 goals for the USA National Team. He has played the last 3 years for Werder Bremen but is reportedly unhappy and wants to leave. He is currently making 3,600/week. His agent states that he has no interest in comin to Wigan, but I decide to try to overwhelm him with money. I offer 19,000/week and 400,000 signing bonus.

Paul Longthorn - This 23 year old English midfielder is currently playing for Coventry. He lacks good speed, but he has everything else I look for in a midfielder. He states he isn't interested in coming to play for us, but I offer him 15,000/week anyway.

Yossi Benayoun is a 28 year old attacking midfielder from Israel. He has all of the qualities that are necessary to make my preferred 4-3-1-2 offense work (Kelly doesn't have the attributes to make that formation work at this level IMO.) He wants 23,000/week, but the board will only allow 19,000/week. I offer him that and 500,000 signing bonus (he wanted 340,000.)

Wellington Paulista is a 25 year old striker from Brazil (also French nationality) who is a top quality finisher. He is currently making 3,600 a week. He is due for a big pay raise. He is reportedly a very hard worker who never gives up on a play. He wants 20,000/week along with a 40,000 signing bonus. I offer him 19,000/week along with 60,000 signing bonus.

Dayro Mauricio Moreno is a 23 year striker from Colombia. His agent states that he wants to move into English Football. He has 7 caps, so it is questionable if it will be enough to get a work permit. He is asking for 17,500/week, but my AM feels he will be top notch and an essential member of the team (as he does with most of these signings) and that we should offer him 19,000/week. I agree and offer him 19,000/week along witht he 10,000 signing bonus that he is asking for.

Danny Spiller - This 27 year old defensive midfielder is playing very well for Gillingham in the Championship this year. He is seeking 22,000/week along with a 280,000 signing bonus. I offer him 19,000/week along with a 400,000 signing bonus.

That is it for now. I also have my eye on Ricardo Osorio, a very good Mexican Centreback who has over 70 caps. His contract will become Bosman Eligible at the end of January. I definitely plan on offering him a deal at that time.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 1st, 2009 -

As I think about it more, I realize I better get some coverage for left and right fullback. My scouts have looked at a few good players for these positions. Left Fullback Pavel Mares is particularly intriguing. He is a superb quality left fullback. He is already 32, but he still has great skills according to my scout. He is currently making 9,400/week. I contact his agent and he states that the player wants 9,600/week along with a 12,000 signing bonus. My AM agrees that this player would be an essential member of the squad. I decide to offer him 10,000/week and increase the minimum fee release clause the player is asking for to 1.6 million.

Pavel's contract expires in just 1 month so he could be arriving very soon to help the team.

Also, Boris Zivkovic is a Croatian legend who has over 70 caps and can play right or left fullback as well as centreback or midfielder. He is still very talented. He is currently making 30,000/week but once his contract becomes Bosman eligible at the end of January I'll approach him and see if he wants to come play for us.

Finally, I look at Vadim Yevseev. He is a 32 year old Russian national player. He is getting old and his skills are starting to decline. He only wants 8,200/week to play for us. My AM thinks he would be a backup and we should limit our offer to 5,000/week. I agree with my AM and just offer him 5,000 to come be insurance.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 1st, 2009 -

Today Mr. Whelan called me into his office and told me that he is still sure that the team made the right decision in hiring me to be manager.


Real Madrid's Fernando Cavenaghi (one of my favorite "finds" in CM 03/04) won the World Footballer of the Year award. Thierry Henry of Arsenal came in 2nd, and Jose Antonio Reyes of Arsenal came in 3rd.


Roma's Rodrigo Ferrante Taddei has won the World Player of the Year award. Robinho of Barcelona came in 2nd, Arjen Robben of Chelsea came in 3rd.


Cavenaghi won European Footballer of the Year. Henry came in 2nd, and Robben came in 3rd.


Chelsea's Petr Cech has won European Goalkeeper of the Year. Tim Howard of Manchester United came in 2nd, and Manuel Almunia of Arsenal came in 3rd.


Manchester United's Cristian Chivu has won European Defender of the Year. Ashley Cole of Arsenal came in 2nd, and Igor Tudor of Deportivo came in 3rd.


Arsenal's Manuele Blasi has won European Midfielder of the Year. Patrick Vieira of Arsenal came in 2nd, and Robben of Chelsea came in 3rd.


Thierry Henry won European Striker of the Year. Cavenaghi came in 2nd, and Louis Saha of Manchester United came in 3rd.


Coventry's Marc Bridge-Wilkinson has won the English Championship Player of the Month. Rohan Ricketts of Nottingham Forest came in 2nd, and Tommy Miller of Ipswich came in 3rd.

Coventry's Anthony Grant has won young player of the month. Lee Holmes of Derby came in 2nd, and Magnus Troest of Reading came in 3rd.

Ipswich's Leroy Rosenior has won Manager of the month. George Burley of Charlton has come in 2nd, and Micky Adams of Nottingham Forest came in 3rd.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 1st, 2009 -

Gabonese fullback Georges Ambourouet from Sedan has arrived and we have paid them 190,000.

The player is reportedly very reliefed to be at a team that will finally use his talents.

FC Koln's Simon Rolfes has arrived and we have paid them 280,000 for the transfer. This 26 year old midfielder is a very talented defensive midfielder who can also play left wing some.

French Striker Fabrice Begeorgi has arrived from Marseille today and we have paid them 650,000 dollars. Fabrice is thrilled that his "hell" at Marseille is over. He was sick of constantly being on the sidelines there.

Finally, Bescia's 22 year old forward Alberto Giuliani has arrived. We have paid them 1.4 million for this talented young striker. I can't wait to see him on the pitch.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 2nd, 2009 -

Darren Ward came into my office today and told me that he really wants to play in the EPL. He'd like me to try to transfer him if possible. He is 30, but still very talented. I'll definitely consider moving him if we get a good offer.

Racing's Yossi Benayoun has agreed to come play with us when his deal ends. WTF?!? I don't have enough transfer moneys to sign him? WTF?!? The game thinks I offered his team 5 million dollars for him!?!? Apparently, I offered a transfer deal for him? I don't remember doing so. In any case, I have to back out of that deal. He becomes a Bosman player next month and I'll offer him a deal then.

After I withdraw my transfer offer, I see that I could apparently offer him a deal before he became a Bosman but it automatically had me compensating Racing 5 million dollars! I'll approach him again when he is actually a true Bosman player.

Deportivo's 23 year old midfielder Abel Enrique Augilar has accepted my offer. He will be able to come to the club at the end of January (no transfer fee, he REALLY is a Bosman) if his WP gets approved.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan. 3, 2009 -

Paul Longthorn's agent stated that his client has no intentions of dropping down divisions and would not be willing to come play for us.

Pape Sarr has agreed to come join us as he is hoping we will give him more regular first team football.

Aguilar's WP hearing is set for January 17, 2009.

[SunDancer]

January 2nd, 2009 -

Darren Ward came into my office today and told me that he really wants to play in the EPL. He'd like me to try to transfer him if possible. He is 30, but still very talented. I'll definitely consider moving him if we get a good offer.

Racing's Yossi Benayoun has agreed to come play with us when his deal ends. WTF?!? I don't have enough transfer moneys to sign him? WTF?!? The game thinks I offered his team 5 million dollars for him!?!? Apparently, I offered a transfer deal for him? I don't remember doing so. In any case, I have to back out of that deal. He becomes a Bosman player next month and I'll offer him a deal then.

After I withdraw my transfer offer, I see that I could apparently offer him a deal before he became a Bosman but it automatically had me compensating Racing 5 million dollars! I'll approach him again when he is actually a true Bosman player.

Deportivo's 23 year old midfielder Abel Enrique Augilar has accepted my offer. He will be able to come to the club at the end of January (no transfer fee, he REALLY is a Bosman) if his WP gets approved.

Seems to have happen a few times to you...

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan. 3rd, 2009 -

Today we host Aston Villa in the third round of the English FA Cup. Aston Villa is a masterful team led by a large number of stars. Keeper Roy Carroll is the backup but still plays well when he plays. Aston Villa is currently 5th in the EPL and has been playing very well lately. Midfielder Gilberto has been playing very well for them. Centreback Martin Laursen has been leading their defense. Keeper Leo Franco has played very well. Striker Juan Pablo Angel is their leading scorer with 6 goals. Striker Darius Vassell also has 6 goals on the year for them. Attacking midfielder Paul Ifill also has 6 goals for them. They will be tough to beat.

They are 4-7 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the mid 40's.

GK: Paddy
DL: Ambourouet
DC: Wall
DC: Ward
DR: Wright
ML: Lunt
MC: Rolfes (Kelly needs some rest)
MC: Rix
MR: Teale
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Giuliana (throwing both new strikers into the fire.)

S1: Gerken
S2: Janse
S3: Nicell (my new D/DM RC)
S4: Elliott
S5: Kelly

Finally we have a list of subs who I won't mind bringing onto the pitch.

[Eaglesfan27]

Seems to have happen a few times to you...
Yes. I guess I should have been looking at the expiration date of his contract a little more closely.... :redface:


Hopefully, my gaffe doesn't prevent him from signing with me when he actually does become a Bosman.

[Eaglesfan27]

Just as the game is about to start I get word from my AM that Jonathan Spector has signed a new big money deal with Werder Bremen and will not be coming to join us. That would have been a major signing, but I never expected to get such a talented youngster.

5 minute mark: Ward with a key defenisve play.

9 minute mark: Gareth Barry abuses wright to get the ball to Vassell in the box after a sick dribble.. Vassell shoots a hard shot from 10 yards.. Paddy with a great block to save it.

11 minute mark: Paddy with another very good save of a Vasselll shot.

12 minute mark: Their midfield steals it from Rolfe and Barry with a great pass to Angel in the box.. Angel with an amazing shot that was lightning quick.. right into the upper right corner of the net.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

20 minute mark: Paddy stops two more quick shots.

They are completely dominating time of possession.

22 minute mark: Begeorgi with a brilliant dribble past three defenders into the box.. passes to Giuliani who shoots.. barely wide left.

29 minute mark: wolfe with a strong dribble down the middle of the pitch.. draws two defenders.. threads the pass between them.. one still back with Begeorgi.. he puts a spin move on him.. shoots for the upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. it is out of his reach.. GOAL!!!! 1-1!!

37 minute mark: Wall with a key defensive play.

41 minute mark: my new left fullback witha key defensive play.

Halftime: Tied 1-1. We played much better in the last 15 minutes. We have over 25,000 fans here today supporting us.

51 minute mark: wright with a big tackle of Angel in the box. Strong clean defensive play.

55 minute mark: Ambourouet with another great defensive play and a strong pass to Lunt.

62 minute mark: Paddy with a nice save of a point blank shot from Angel.

68 minute mark: Gareth Barry with a great pass into the box.. Luke Moore a fresh sub gets it.. powerful shot.. lower left corner.. Paddy dives.. can't get to it.. GOAL. Down 2-1.

74 minute mark: Kelly on for Rolfes who is tired and Nicell on for Ward who is tired.

79 minute mark: Nicell with a good play on a corner to head it away from danger.

88 minute mark: Nicell with a nice tackle of Angel in the box.

Game over. 2-1 loss. I thought this was one of the best games my team has played. We fought really hard but were overmatched.

We were outshot 23-3 (14-1 on goal)

Paul Ifill won MoM, 50 of 53 passes, 0 tackles, 4 of 5 headers, 3 interceptions, 1 run, 1 assist. He and Gareth Barry both had 10's for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 4, 2009 -

Vadim Yevseev has signed a new 4 year deal with CSKA Moscow. Hopefully, we get our other bigger target for right fullback.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 5, 2008 -

Wellington Paulista has agreed to sign a Bosman deal with us and will be joining us on July 1st, 2009.

David Wright asked me to move him as soon as possible because he wants to play in the EPL. I tell him that if an EPL team offers a deal, I'll be glad to accept it so he can fulfill his dreams.

Dayro Mauricio Moreno has agreed to sign with us. His WP hearing will be on Jan. 19, 2009.

Gillingham's Danny Spiller has rejected Gillingham's offer and agreed to sign a deal with us. The 27 year old midfielder will be signing after his current contract with Gillingham expires.

Pavel Mares has agreed to sign the deal that we offered him. The talented left fullback will be joining the team on Feb 1st, 2009 when his current contract ends.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 7, 2009 -

Today we travel to play Gillingham. They are currently in 13th place. We are in 22nd. Gillingham has a very good team. They are led by midfielders Andrew Crofts and Danny Spiller (who will be coming to join us soon) but Spiller is injured for this game. Striker's Darren Byfield and Neil Mellor each have 15 goals! Darren Byfield is injured for this game. Only 2 other plays on the team have scored at all (1 goal each) and the team will certainly miss Byfield today. Keeper Steve Phillips has played very well and the 30 year old is known for his exceptional reflexes. Centreback Daniel Cunningham is good, but the remainder of the line has been suspect at times this year.

We are 6-4 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the mid 40's today.

GK: Paddy
DL: Ambourouet
DC: Wall
DC: Ward (Was going to rest him until Wright injured himself in practice yesterday.)
DR: Nicell (going to get some PT giving Ward and Wright rest.)
ML: Lunt
MC: Rolfes
MC: Rix
MR: Teale
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Giuliani

S1: Gerken
S2: Janse
S3: Graham
S4: Elliott
S5: Kelly

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Nicell with a hard tackle on Henderson.. yellow card for Nicell.

5 minute mark: Ward gets called for pulling Henderson's jersey... yellow card for Ward.

6 minute mark: Begeorgi with a brilliant dribble down the field.. the keeper barely tips his shot away.. I like what I'm seeing from this new striker.

8 minute mark: Rolfes steals it at midfield.. Rolfes passes to Giuliani who quickly passes to Begeorgi in the box.. who passes to Lunt on his left.. Lunt draws the defender and passes it back to Begeorgi.. Begeorgi shoots from 10 yards.. powerful quick shot over the keeper's left shoulder.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

10 minute mark: Henderson gets the ball wide open in the box.. shoots from 10 yards.. great job by Paddy to smother the shot.

12 minute mark: Wall with a nice clearance of a corner.

18 minute mark: Rix steals the ball at midfield.. passes to Giuliani who seeks out Lunt with a quick cross.. Lunt heads it to Begeorgi in the box.. Begeorgi all alone.. shoots from 15 yards.. lower left corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

41 minute mark: Rix gets a yellow card for a hard tackle on Crofts.

Halftime: We are up 2-0.

65 minute mark: Lunt with a nice through ball into the box.. Begeorgi shoots for the upper left corner.. the keeper tips it over the bar.

70 minute mark: Giuliani is tired. I put Graham on for him. Rolfes is also tired, so I put Kelly on for him.

78 minute mark: Gillingham's fans start streaming out of the stadium!

85 minute mark: paddy stops a long shot from Wright.

Game over. 2-0 win! :)

We were outshot 8-4 (3-2 on goal in our favor)

Fabrice Begeorgi wins MoM, 24 of 28 passes, 1 of 3 tackles, 5 of 7 headers, 1 run, 2 goals. 8 for form (Paddy, Wall, and Lunt also had 8's. The remainder of the team all had 7's.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 10, 2009 -

Today we host Leicester. They use an attacking 5-3-2 and are a quality team. Midfielders Gudjonsson, McCann, and Hall are all strong powerful quick players. Striker Andrew Johnson has a good finishing touch around the goal as evidenced by his 12 goals on the season. Jefferson Farfan is the most explosive player I've ever managed against. He has 27 goals in 24 starts this year and he is absolutely deadly around the net. This 24 year old Peruvian star has 52 caps and 25 goals for Peru! He will be VERY hard to contain. Their keeper Ian Walker is 37 and he is starting to fade in skills. If we can get past the defense, he can be beat.

They are 5-4 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the mid 40's.

We are using the exact same lineup as last game. I think the extended time off for Elliott will help freshen him up again.

[Eaglesfan27]

3 minute mark: Begeorgi heads a pass to Lunt who passes to Rolfes.. Rolfes shoots.. just over the bar.

6 minute mark: wall with a key tackle on Farfan

8 minute mark: Gudjonsson takes a free kick from 30 yards that deflects off the wall.. it sails way out of sorts as a result.. right into the left corner of the net.. unfortunate goal. GOAL. Down 1-0.

10 minute mark: Rix with a good through ball to Giuliani.. he shoots.. barely over the bar.

27 minute mark: rolfes with a perfect through ball to the edge of the box for Giuliani.. he is tackled just before he can shoot.

28 minute mark: Canero with a great cross from the right wing.. to the far post.. Johnson jumps with Paddy.. he outjumps him and heads it.. past Paddy.. GOAL. Down 2-0.

35 minute mark: Teale gets it from Nicell at midfield.. Teale with a great through ball that gets into the box quickly and seems to stop there.. perfectly placed for Giuliani who beats the keeper to it.. shoots it into the upper left corner.. past the keeper.. GOAL!!!! 2-1.

44 minute mark: Hall with a pass from the midfielder.. to Farfan.. Farfan with an amazing dribble around Ward and Wall.. has the keeper alone.. dribbles to his right.. around Paddy.. blasts it into the upper right corner of the goal.. GOAL. Down 3-1. Amazing goal by Farfan (who is valued at over 11 million dollars.)

Halftime: Down 3-1.

51 minute mark: Farfan is stopped by Wall this time.

55 minute mark: Gudjonsson with a long pass.. Johnson outjumps the defender in the box and heads it.. into the upper left corner of the goal.. GOAL. Down 4-1.

62 minute mark: Begeorgi and giuliani are tired. I put in Elliott and Graham at striker. I also bring on Kelly for Rolfes.

72 minute mark: Lunt with a nice through ball to Elliott in the box.. Elliott shoots.. nice save by the keeper.


Game over. 4-1 loss. We were beat down by a superior team. I have no doubt that Leicester will win promotion this year.

They outshot us 18-8 (9-2 on goal)

Jefferson Farfan had a 10 for form and won MoM, 22 of 26 passes, 2 of 2 tackles, 5 of 6 headers, 2 interceptions, 9 runs, 1 goal.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 14, 2009 -

Interesting day in the football world. Milan and Barcelona both fired their managers today.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan. 17, 2009 -

Today Abel Enrique Aguilar's application for a WP was turned down despite him having 14 caps for Colombia. Hopefully, we will win the appeal.

Newcastle hired Paco Flores to take over as their manager.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan. 18, 2009 -

Interesting game in the FA cup 4th round last night. Manchester United beat Burscough (15th in English Conference National) by a score of 14-0! Saha, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Alan smith all had hat tricks. Eric Djemba Djemba and Christopher Eagles each had 2 goals. Xabi Alonso had a goal as well.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan. 19, 2009 -

Swindon's (our opponent tomorrow) boss Andy King said that he is very confident his team will beat our side in our relegation battle tomorrow.

I decide to reply, "I'm quite sure that Andy King and Swindon will be relegated this year." (They are in 24th by a large margin.)



Dayro Mauricio Moreno's work permit application was denied despite his 7 recent caps for the Colombian National Team. I appeal the decision.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 20, 2009 -

Today we travel to play Swindon. Swindon has only 14 points on the year and is dead last in the league. We are in 22nd. Swindon has an anemic offense, but a solid if unspectacular defense. Their best players are centreback Richard Wood and left fullback Daniel Harding. Keeper Phil Barnes is average at best, and usually under average. He has given up 40 goals in 21 starts. Their leading scorer is striker Taiwo Atieno who has 4 goals on the year. No one else on the team has more than 1. We should be able to beat them solidly this game.

We are heavy 4-5 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the high 30's today.

GK: Paddy
DL: Ambourouet
DC: Wall
DC: Nicell (Ward really needs rest)
DR: Wright
ML: Elliott (Lunt needs rest)
MC: Rolfes
MC: Rix
MR: Teale
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Giuliani

S1: Gerken
S2: Janse
S3: Graham
S4: Lunt
S5: Kelly

[Eaglesfan27]

21 minute mark: Rolfes with a pass to Rix just outside the box.. Rix with a nice pass between the defenders to Begeorgi.. he puts a move on the keeper.. blasts the shot into the lower left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0!

31 minute mark: Nicell with a nice clearance of a corner.

44 minute mark: Atieno gets the ball from a midfielder just inside our box.. hits a powerful shot.. great save by Paddy.


Halftime: Up 1-0. Not the domination I expected, but we are leading so I can't be too unhappy.

71 minute mark: Teale with a great cross gets Begeorgi the ball in the box.. he shoots.. great block by the keeper.. the defense clears it.

76 minute mark: rolfes gets a yellow card for pulling Atieno's jersey.

I decide to put Kelly on for Rolfes who is tired, and also I put Janse on for Giuliani who is tired.

82 minute mark: Nicell with a HUGE error passes the ball back to the keeper but actually passes it to Rory Fallon who fakes to his right.. dribbles left and shoots around the shocked and annoyed Paddy.

90 minute mark: Teale crosses to Janse who heads it.. the keeper barely tips it over the bar.

92 minute mark: Intricate series of passes between Janse, Begeorgi and Rix in the box.. leads to a Janse shot that the keeper barely blocks.


Game over. A very disappointing 1-1 tie.

We outshot them 12-6 (8-3 on goal)

We dominated possession.

Rix won MoM with a 10 for form, 39 of 44 passes, 8 of 9 tackles, 7 of 9 headers, 1 interception, and 1 assist.

[SunDancer]

How do the appeals for WP's work?

[Eaglesfan27]

How do the appeals for WP's work?
Basically, you have a choice. You can either appeal or don't appeal. If you chose to appeal, a second hearing is automatically scheduled (you are told the date.) When that time occurs, you are told the results. I've very rarely seen appeals work, but I almost always do them.