FM: Leaving Harrogate Behind - The Wigan Experience.

[Eaglesfan27]

Welcome readers. If you have been following my dynasty, you already know that I left Harrogate last year and have moved on to manage Wigan. Last year, we had a rough start but had a good last quarter of a season. We've had some major changes to the team and I'll take a look at the new composition of the team soon.

If you are new to this thread or just want to review our old exploits, I'll include the relevants links below:


Here is where it all began with me as a green manager who thought he was frequently going to get fired from Harrogate. We didn't do very well in the Conference North this season: http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=32963


In my second season, the meteoric rise began and we won promotion to the English Conference National: http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=33340


In my third season, I acquired a few more key contributors and continued to help Harrogate rise as we won the English Conference National: http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=33908


In my fourth season, The team struggled early but we managed to right things and eventually rose to the top of League Two and won the League Two Title. Here is the recount of that year: http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=34430


In my fifth season, I had to make a very hard decision. The team was struggling in League One as the board had continued to refuse to expand the stadium over the years. We were losing money. We didn't have the money to keep our top players. We were floundering. My status was very high and I was being offered several high profile jobs because of what I had done with Harrogate. I made the hard decision to leave Harrogate in midseason and I moved to Wigan. I suddenly had massive amounts of money. I sent some of it to Harrogate Town for a few of my favorite players (including a regular starter at Wigan - Stuart Wall.) Read about my fifth season here: http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=35300


Now, I'm about to start the 6th season. Several players are about to leave the team either due to personality conflicts or because they wanted more money than I either could afford or thought they were worth. However, I have brought in a slew of Bosman players and am excited about the team. I'll be doing a review of the main roster soon.

[SunDancer]

This is your first off-season, and first full-year with Wigan, correct?

If so, this will be your chance to begain building your team with your people. Will this be true?

[Eaglesfan27]

This is my first offseason and first full-year with Wigan. However, really January was a key month for building my team. I signed many Bosman players and they will all be arriving July 1st, 2009.

At this point, with our financial problems I don't see me going after any big ticket items during this transfer window (unless a real bargain becomes available that will fill a need.)

However, these friendlies will be very important because I have quite a few new guys and I need to see how they play together.

[QuikSand]

We hate Wigan.


-Lincoln City

[Eaglesfan27]

July 1, 2009 -


Gary Megson has taken over as manager of Tottenham.

My scouts have found a potential diamond in right winger Dimitris Galanos. They highly recommend signing this 20 year old right winger from Greece. He is already a skilled player and they think I may be able to get him cheap. I offer Aris 150,000 dollars to see if I can get this potential star.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 2, 2009 -

Several of the Bosman signings have arrived:

Michael Stewart has arrived from Preston.

Wellington Paulista has arrived from Reims.

Danny Spiller has arrived from Gillingham.

Pape sarr has arrived from Lens.

Tomasz Jarzebowski has arrived from Kalamaria with us paying them 44,000 dollars.


Several of my veteran players have left on Bosman Signings:

Jason Roberts has moved to Leicester.

Darren Ward has moved to Plymouth.

Leighton Baines has moved to Everton.

David Wright has moved to Cardiff.


My other Bosman transfers will be arriving on August 1, 2009. They include:

Paz Abraham from Cadiz, Yossi Benayoun from Racing, Ricardo Osorio from Tigres, and Fabrizio Melara from Lazio. Also, midfielder Paul Longthorn has become a free transfer player and he is a skilled midfielder. I will offer him 7,500/week to come play for us.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 6, 2009 -

My bid for Galanos was rejected. This kid looks really good for a 20 year old player so I decide to offer them 300,000 plus 50% of next sale. This will be my final offer at this time.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 7, 2009 -

Paul Longthorn has signed the deal that I offered him. Both my AM and I agree that our midfield is by far our strongest position on the pitch now. I decide that I'm going to get Pavel Mares to start working on playing centreback and after my first friendly I will be switching to a 3-5-2 to take advantage of the strengths of this team.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 7, 2009 -

Today is our first friendly of the year. WE are traveling to play Forest Green. The Forest Green Rovers are in the English Conference South and we should be able to dominate them.

My starting Lineup:

(Last time using 4-4-2 likely)

GK: Paddy Kenny
DL: Pavel Mares
DC: Tom Hutchingson
DC: Liam Nicell
DR: Tomasz Jarzebowski
ML: Stuart Elliott
MC: Simon Rolfes
MC: Michael Stewart
MR: Gary Teale
SC: David Graham
SC: Fabrice Begeorgi

S1: Dean Gerken
S2: Ben Hudell
S3: Kenny Lunt
S4: Greg Pearson
S5: Stuart Wall
s6: Ben Rix
S7: Wellington Paulista
S8: Greg Kelly
S9: Pape Sarr
S10: Alberto Giuliani
S11: Georoges Ambourouet
S12: Danny Spiller

[Eaglesfan27]

6 minute mark: Elliott with a cross to Begeorgi who heads it.. the keeper tips it over the bar.

12 minute mark: Mares with a good defensive play.

16 minute mark: Rolfes with a shot from 20 yards out.. barely over the bar.

21 minute mark: Mares steals the ball at midfield.. plays a perfect through ball into the box.. Graham fakes right dribbles towards the left goal post.. shoots.. lower left corner.. GOAL! 1-0.

44 minute mark: Teale steals the ball at midfield.. dribbles it up the right sideline.. crosses to Graham.. he heads it.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL! 2-0.

Halftime: 2-0 lead.

46 minute mark: Teale gets the ball from Stewart on the right wing.. passes a nice through ball to Begeorgi in the box.. he shoots.. the keeper partially blocks it.. Graham gets the rebound.. puts it into the open net for the hat trick! GOAL! 3-0.

61 minute mark: I've seen what I've wanted from the first team. I sub on my second team.

70 minute mark: Lunt crosses to Rix in the box.. the keeper pushes Rix.. yellow card for the keeper.. Lunt steps up to take the penalty shot.. quick powerful shot into the upper right corner.. GOAL! 4-0.

Game over. 4-0 win. Everyone played well. I know this was severely inferior competition, but I'm glad my AM scheduled this game. It accomplished just what I wanted. Gave the new guys some good feelings and some time to play together. Graham won MoM with a 10 for form and his hattrick.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Thoughts:

After thinking about this some more, I'm going to design a unique offense (well unique to me) that hopefully will play off the best talents of my key players. I'm not going to use a 3-5-2 but some variant of that idea. I'll post a screen shot of it once it is done evolving (which will hopefully be by the end of the preseason ;) )

[SunDancer]

Care to give a brief overview of the roster and the players before the season opener?

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm going to give a detailed breakdown of the roster and the players before the regular season opener. The main reason I decided not to do it yet is that I still have several Bosman players coming in on August 1st, 2009. I want to wait til they come in before I do it. Also, I'll have seen some of the new guys in preseason and be able to elaborate on my thoughts about them more.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 8, 2009 -

I've just finished designing the first version of my new offense. It may fail terribly. It is an odd looking formation, that I have several questions about. Basically it is a 3-2-3-2. The two defensive midfielders are on the wings, the 3 midfielders are in the center of the pitch (but with directions to fan out.) My two strikers are in the usual position. I'll post a picture of it once I've committed to it (or a version of it.)

[Eaglesfan27]

July 9, 2009 -

Aris has rejected my 300,000 dollar offer for Dimitris Galanos. Probably, a smart decision for them as I think this kid will become quite good. However, with my current talent base I'll stop pursuing him now.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 10, 2009 -

Today we are playing Hinckley (an English Conference North team.) This will be another opportunity to get some "feel good" time on the pitch. Hopefully, my new offense/defense will not prevent us from beating them handily.

GK: Paddy Kenny
DC: Pavel Mares
DC: Stuart Wall
DC: Tomasz Jarzebowski
DML: Simon Rolfes
DMR: Liam Nicell
MC: Stuart Elliott
MC: Michael Stewart
MC: Gary Teale
SC: Fabrice Begeorgi
SC: Wellington Paulista

S1: Dean Gerken
S2: Ben Hudell
S3: Kenny Lunt
S4: David Graham
S6: Tom Hutchinson
S6: Ben Rix
S7: Paul Longthorn
S8: Greg Kelly
S9: Pape Sarr
S10: Alberto Giuliani
S11: Georges Ambourouet
S12: Danny Spiller

[Eaglesfan27]

8 minute mark: Elliott takes it down the left sideline.. crosses to Teale who heads it.. over the bar.

18 minute mark: Eliott takes it down the left sideline.. crosses for Paulista who heads it.. just over the bar.

31 minute mark: Wellington crosses for Begeorgi who shoots from the middle of the box.. nice save by the keeper.

42 minute mark: Elliott gets it at midfield.. with a long cross to Teale in the right portion of the box.. he passes to Wellington.. he settles.. shoot.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!! 1-0.

Halftime: Up 1-0.

46 minute mark: Teale crosses to Wellington who settles it.. shoots.. the keeper tips it over the bar.

53 minute mark: Wellington crosses to Stuart Elliott.. Elliott heads it.. past the keeper's left shoulder.. GOAL!!! 2-0!

65 minute mark: The entire bench is subbed in.

85 minute mark: Kelly with a nice through pass from midfield into the box.. Lunt gets it shoots.. into the crossbar.

Game over. 2-0 win. Pavel Mares had trouble adjusting to be a centreback, but with practice I'm hoping he'll get better at it.

Gary Teale was excellent and won MoM. Not a bad win for us since we are just getting used to a new offense (which I will tweak slightly after this game.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Thoughts:

As I'm tweaking my offense, I realize the last few Bosman players will be arriving the day of our first regular season. It is a shame they won't be available to help us bolster our team right away, but I'll work them into the team in a short period of time.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 13, 2009 -

Michael Stewart injured his hip in practice yesterday. He will need surgery on the hip and will likely miss approximately 4 months. Michael is very talented and this clearly is a big loss, but midfield is our deepest area and we should be able to absorb this loss (even with running a 3-2-3-2 with 5 midfielders.)

[Eaglesfan27]

July 13, 2009 -

Today we will be playing Harrow Borough (English Conference South) in another tune up game.

We are going to use the same lineup with the exception of Kelly getting the start at Stewart's MC spot (which is really more like an AMC spot.)

[Eaglesfan27]

6 minute mark: kelly with a through ball to Wellington who shoots.. the keeper blocks it.. Begeorgi gets the rebound.. shoots.. the keeper blocks it.. the defense clears it.

16 minute mark: Nicell comes up from his DMR spot.. supporting the attack.. gets a pass from Kelly.. dribbles up the right sideline.. crosses.. Kelly in the box.. jumps.. heads it.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

22 minute mark: Teale gets the ball at midfield.. dribbles down the right sideline.. crosses to Begeorgi who settles it.. shoots from 10 yards out.. the keeper blocks it.. Begeorgi gets the rebound.. shoots it past the keeper.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

25 minute mark: Mark Pitcher shoots from 20 yards out.. it hits off Mares.. and deflects past Paddy.. GOAL. Still up 2-1, but bad play from Mares.

40 minute mark: Mares with a good defensive play.

Halftime: Up 2-1.

46 minute mark: Kelly gets it at midfield.. dribbles towards the right portion of the box.. passes it to Elliott.. perfect pass between two defenders.. Elliott with the quick left footed shot from 10 yards out.. into the upper left corner... GOAL!!! 3-1.

50 minute mark: Kelly passes to Wellington in the right corner of the pitch.. Wellington with a wicked cross to Begeorgi who heads it.. past the keeper.. GOAL!!! 4-1.

58 minute mark: Having seen enough good play from this first team, I bring in the bench.

Game over. 4-1 win. Another solid win against signficantly inferior talent. Fabrice Begeorgi won MoM for his 2 goals. Everyone played well except for Pavel. I hope he eventually gets used to being a centreback instead of a left fullback.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info: Danny Spiller injured his groin and will miss approximately 2 weeks (which would make him ready for the regular season.)

Also, my scouts are really annoying me. I've sent them to Brazil and they are bringing reports of brilliant players who would instantly command a place in our lineup. However, as they rightly point out, most of them have no chance of getting a work permit.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 18, 2009 -

I've noticed that our AM didn't schedule any friendlies that would be against top notch talent or generate money. After several failed negotiations, I convinced Manchester United to come play against us on 7/23/09. I had to pay them 80,000 dollars, but our board estimates this match will generate over 400,000 in revenue so this seems like a good deal. Arsenal rejected a similar deal, but I'll continue to negotiate with them.

I've just been informed that our friendly with Manchester United will be televised!

[Eaglesfan27]

July 19, 2009 -

Today we will play Macclesfield in a friendly match. They are currently in League One and should provide a higher level of challenge than our last few opponents.

I'm using a lineup that is mostly based on who I think needs the most work on conditioning and such.

GK: Paddy
DC: Nicell
DC: Hutchingson
DC: Jarzebowski
DML: Rolfes
DMC: Pape Sarr
MC: Elliott
MC: Longthorn
MC: Lunt
SC: Giuliani
SC: Greg Pearson

S1: Gerken
S2: Hudell
S3: Teale
S4: Wellington Paulista
S5: Mares
S6: Kelly
S7: Begeorgi
s8: Wall
S9: Rix
S10: Graham
S11: Ambourouet

[Eaglesfan27]

8 minute mark: elliott gets a cross from Lunt.. Elliott crosses to Longthorn who heads it.. just wide left.

17 minute mark: Longthorn passes to Giuliani just outside the box.. Giuliani hits one of the fastest.. most powerful.. most curving shot that I've ever seen that curves from wide right into the upper right corner of the goal!!!! 1-0!

Halftime: 1-0 lead. We've played a solid if unspectacular first half.

48 minute mark: Greg Pearson with a great steal of the ball from the keeper outside the box.. but he misses the shot on the open net from 25 yards!

52 minute mark: Hughes gets a pass from Miles and shoots the quick shot.. Hutchinson was out of position.. Hughes shot.. upper left corner.. GOAL. Tied 1-1.

53 minute mark: Rolfes gets the pass at midfield.. passes it down the left sideline to Elliott.. Elliott crosses to Longthorn in the box.. Longthorn settles it.. shoots.. upper right corner! GOAL!!! 2-1!

60 minute mark: I bring in the bench players (including quite a few guys who project as starters.)

76 minute mark: Rix passes it down the right sideline to Teale who dribbles into the box.. shoots.. the keeper tips it over the bar.

82 minute mark: Gerken with a save.. quick outlet to Kelly who heads it on to Begeorgi who dribbles from 30 yards out.. 20 yards out.. into the box.. shoots from 15 yards out.. lower left corner.. it curves around the keeper.. GOAL!!! 3-1.

92 minute mark: Mares with a very long pass to the right corner of the pitch.. Teale gets to it.. fakes out one defender.. crosses into the center of the box.. Wellington Paulista jumps.. heads it.. into the lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 4-1.


Game over. 4-1 win. Everyone on the team (including Mares as a sub) played very well. Good solid win.

Elliott wins MoM for his assist and goal. It's against inferior talent, but this odd formation I'm running is clearly producing more Elliott scoring so far.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 19, 2009 -

Chelsea has accepted a friendly on our pitch for 7/27/09. We are paying them 80,000 just like we did with Manchester United. They are also expected to bring in over 400,000 in income.

I've just been informed that this friendly will also be televised! :)

[Eaglesfan27]

July 23, 2009 -

I've been informed of a list of players whose contract expires at the end of this year. Most of them are easy enough to resign, but 5 stand out.

Stuart Elliott wants over 30,000/week and the board won't allow me to pay that much until the wage budget is under better control.

Ben Rix wants over 27,000/week. Same situation.

Gary Teale wants 25,000/week. The board won't let me pay that either.

Kenny Lunt wants 8,400/week and I decide to offer him that now.

Paddy Kenny wants 20,500/week. The board won't allow me to pay that!

I hope that the wage budget will rise as we start winning and hopefully start generating more revenue. This is going to be a big gamble.

[Eaglesfan27]

This match will be televised, and I thought the preview of lineups would be interesting to show who is playing. Also, this will unveil a shot of my new formation (I know it looks kind of crazy.) Here is the screenshot:


http://64.17.163.76/images/Wigan%20-%20Man%20Yoo.jpg

[Eaglesfan27]

2 minute mark: Mares with a key defensive play on Rooney.

5 minute mark: Eric Djemba-Djemba with a long curving shot from 30 yards.. Paddy with a great save.

Their midfield is dominating us early.

7 minute mark: Djemba-Djemba with a pass to Rooney.. Rooney with a shot from 25 yards.. wicked curving shot.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

12 minute mark: paddy stops a hard shot from Rooney.

19 minute mark: Wall with an amazing recovery to tackle Rooney.

25 minute mark: Longthorn tackles Djemba-Djemba and injures him. He has to come off.

36 minute mark: Paddy stops a shot by Saha.. rebound to Rooney.. Paddy catches that shot!

37 minute mark: Silvestre gets it to Woods.. who passes to Rooney.. Rooney shoots from 25 yards out.. strong curving shot.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL. Down 2-0.

43 minute mark: Paddy stops a Rooney shot.

Halftime: We are down 2-0. However, we have drawn over 21,000 fans to this game :) Hopefully it generates plenty of income.

55 minute mark: Paddy stops a long shot from Engles.

61 minute mark: Paddy stops a shot from Ruud Van Nistelrooy from only 15 yards out.

62 minute mark: I bring on the bench.

70 minute mark: Kelly passes it to Lunt in the box.. Lunt shoots.. Howard barely saves it.

Game over. 2-0 loss.

Everyone except Longthorn actually played well and got 7's or higher, but Manchester's talent level was just too much.

Wayne Rooney had a 10 for form and won MoM for his 2 spectacular goals.

Now, I can't wait to hear from the accountant about how much money this game generated for us.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info: We made over 450,000 dollars for that match. However with our other non-money making matches we have lost 400,000 on the month. We continue to spiral into the red.. not good.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 25, 2009

Lunt signed a new 3 year deal today that will guarantee I don't lose all of my good players whose contracts will be expiring this year.


Georges Ambourouet has requested he be placed on the transfer list. With the acquisition of Pavel Mares and my switch to this new offense, it is an easy choice to grant him his request.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 27, 2009 -

Today we will be hosting Chelsea which also has a very strong team. As the lineup I used last game is the lineup that I envison as my top lineup for the moment (it will change when my last few Bosman players arrive) I use the same lineup. I'm only planning on playing these guys for 45 minutes today as my first "real" game is in 5 days. Hopefully, we get a large amount of money from this game.

[Eaglesfan27]

2 minute mark: Pablo Aimar with a shot from 15 yards.. Paddy stops it.

4 minute mark: Longthorn with a through ball into the box.. Wellington gets it.. shoots.. nice save by the keeper.

6 minute mark: Teale passes to Wellington in the box.. he shoots.. barely wide left.. inches wide.

8 minute mark: Elliott with a cross.. Wellington heads it.. Jason Brown (the keeper) barely tips it over the bar.

9 minute mark: Teale with a cross to Elliott.. he heads it.. barely wide left.

12 minute mark: Aimar with a through ball.. Heath gets it.. shoots.. Paddy catches it with a diving save!

31 minute mark: Tomasz gets a yellow card for pulling Joe cole's jersey.

35 minute mark: Joe Cole crosses for Michael Ballack.. Ballack with a powerful header.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

40 minute mark: Longthorn with a long shot from 25 yards out.. curving shot.. the keeper tips it over the bar.


Halftime: Down 1-0, but we have played surprisingly well against them. I'm somewhat disappointed that only 17,500 fans showed up.

I bring on the second team.


Game over. We played them well with an even split of ball possession. They outshot us 10-9, but we were on target more, 5-4.

Their keeper, Jason Brown, won MoM for his 5 saves.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

We made a little over 400,000 dollars for our match against Chelsea.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 29, 2009 -

The Wolves have been made 7-4 favorites to get promoted to the EPL.

Leicester, Everton, and Leeds all have 2-1 odds to get promoted.

Nottm Forest and QPR have 8-1 odds to get promoted.

We have 20-1 odds to get promoted.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 29, 2009 -

Time for a review of the roster particularly with the new guys coming in:

Keepers: I have great quality, but not much depth.


Paddy Kenny - This 31 year old Irish Keeper is above average and has played well when the defense has played well in front of him. He is currently making 18,500/week and wants a raise next year. There is serious questions as to whether I'll be able to afford him. His top qualities are the right decisions in when to rush out, good reflexes, and good command of the area.

Dean Gerken - This 24 year old English Keeper is signed for 2 more years. He may take over as the top keeper next year. He is almost as good as Paddy in most areas as he has matured. At least he has looked that way in practice. Played well in limited time last year.

Lee Bradshaw - This 18 year old just graduated from my youth academy. Has interesting potential from what my assistant manger thinks. Is fairly advanced for his age and could start for us with a few years of development.


Defenders: I have decent top quality and depth, particularly since we only need 3 defenders now.

Pavel Mares - This 33 year old player was a legend on the Czech Republic national teams. He is now retired from international football. He is still a very good player, but may be having trouble adjusting to centreback. He has excellent jumping and heading ability. He also has good marking and positioning. I suspect once he adjusts that he could be a top notch centreback.

Stuart Wall - This 22 year old transfer from Harrogate continues to impress. He continually improves and is an above average defender with his heading and jumping skills as well as his determination in practice standing out the most. Still has positioning problems at times. Is a great value player as only 1,850 dollars/week and is signed for 3 more years.

Georges Ambourouet - This 23 year old player from Gabon was a bit of a disappointment when he arrived. He is still a servicable left fullback but with the transitioning of formations, he doesn't have much of a role for this team. I will continue to experiment with him at the DML position and he may get some PT there. He is currently making 14,000/week and I would like to move him. Hopefully, some team takes me up on the transfer list that was done by his request.

Tom Hutchingson - This 27 year old centreback is cheap depth. He has good skills, but is a little slow of foot to play too much for me. However, I like his intangibles and expect to play him some. He is signed for 3 more years at 2,600/week.

Tomasz Jarzebowski - This 30 year old Dutch Player can play multiple positions including centreback, right fullback, midfielder, and DMR. I expect to mainly play him at DC, but will rotate him if needed into other positions. All around solid player.

Abraham Paz - This 30 year old Spanish player hasn't arrived here yet, but he will be here in a few days. According to my scouts, he is a superb defensive player with great determination, positioning, heading, passing, tackling. He reportedly is slowing down in speed, and that will be his main weakness. However, I expect him to play DC and possibly DMR quite a bit.

Ricardo Osorio - This 29 year old Mexican Legend has over 70 caps for the Mexican Team. He is regarded as a top notch defensive player who is fast, has excellent marking ability, excellent tackling, good heading, great positioning, great bravery, and decent determination. I expect him to become my best centreback if my scout is correct.

[Eaglesfan27]

Midfielders: Great depth and very good top quality.

Liam Nicell - This 23 year old English player can play right fullback, centreback, defensive right midfield, or defensive centre field. I like his dogged determination, solid tackling, decent passing. I'll probably rotate him in some at DMR and perhaps DC in a pinch.

Simon Rolfes - This 27 year old German Player is a superb defensive midfielder who can play on the left or the centre of the pitch. He is really thriving in my friendlies in the new system. He is an excellent passer, marker, header, and he has good balance. He has great intangibles. I think he will be a key starter at DML.

Michael Stewart - This 28 year old Scottish player is an all around great midfielder. He is a real bargain at 4,400 dollars/week and I expected to regularly start him, but with his injury he will be out for 3 more months recovering from surgery. It will be great to work him back into the rotation when he is healthy.

Danny spiller - This 27 year old English Player has outstanding practice habits and looks great in practice, but has not produced in our friendlies. I'm going to give him some regular PT and hope that he can pull it together. If not, I'll be looking to move him in a few months as he is an expensive player (23,500/week.)

Ben Rix - This 25 year old English Player is a very good all around midfielder whose strongest abilities are his excellent passing and creativity. I plan on playing him regularly but I expect to let him leave the club when his contract expires after this year. If a team shows interest, I would consider moving this player.

Paul Longthorn - This 24 year old English player is a very good Bosman signing who is a superb passer. He also has excellent shooting ability and is a danger to score from 25 or even 30 yards out. He is also superb at heading the ball, crossing, passing, positioning, decision making, and anticipation. He could thrive in my MC/AMC spot.

Gary Teale - This 31 year old Scottish Player is an excellent right winger who continues to have great first touch. He makes guys miss and can really burn guys with his top notch speed that hasn't decreased at all as he has aged. He is a good passer and can really make things happen on the pitch.

Kenny Lunt - This 29 year old left winger/right winger/AMC is a versatile player who can do many things well, but very few things great. He just signed a new deal for 8,400/week and he adds great depth to us this year.

Pape Sarr - This 31 year old right winger from Senegal has very good physical skills and is a good passer. Tenacious tackler. I expect him to play mostly at DMR and some at the right midfielder spot.

Greg Kelly - This 25 year old English Player is one of my favorites from Harrogate. He has good scoring ability, great determination and team work. He has solid all around physical skills.

Stuart Elliott - This 31 year old N. Ireland player has 50 caps for the team. He is a superb passer, dribbler, header who has a great scoring touch. He is fast, physically gifted and has been thriving in our new offense. His contract expires at the end of the year. He currently makes 28,000/week and I hope I can find a way to resign him.

Yossi Benayoun - This 29 year old Isreali player has not arrived yet. However, according to my scout, he has amazing skills for my MC/AMC spot. He will get a shot at being the starter. He has excelelnt speed, great acceleration, great agility, great mental attrbitutes, a strong dribble, great first touch, good finishing ability, excellent passing, and reportedly has phenomenal technique and creativity.

Fabrizio Melara - This 23 year old Italian Player hasn't arrived yet either. He reportedly has excellent physical attributes. He reportedly has good mental attrbitutes. He is an excellent passer and plays some very good crosses for his teammates.

[Eaglesfan27]

Strikers:

David Graham - This 30 year Scottish Player doesn't do anything particularly great, except for penalty taking. However, he does everything well. He'll be a valuable contributor at this position and will start some games and come on as a sub in others.

Wellington Paulista - This 26 year old Brazilian player just arrived as a Bosman player. He is very skilled with a great first touch, great dribble, very good speed, good determination, good off the ball movement, and a good shot. I expect him to start most games unless he shows that he doesn't deserve to start after a few games.

Greg Pearson - This 24 year old English Striker is strictly depth. He has great determination and very good physical attributes but he isn't technically gifted enough to start with any regularity. He is cheap depth and will liekly spend most of the year on the reserve squad.

Alberto Giuliani - This 22 year old Italian Player doesn't have very good speed or really good physical attributes, but he is a lethal shooter if he can get a bit of space. He also has a good first touch and good mental attributes. His long shots can be particularly hard to stop. I expect him to rotate on quite a lot.

Fabrice Begeorgi - This 22 year old French Player has good speed, good physical ability (particularly excellent balance), great mental attrbitutes, and a lethal shot. His shooting ability is as good as any player I've seen. He had 7 goals in limited time last year (half of a season) but I expect him to get close to 20 goals this year. I expect him to start alongside Wellington Paulista in our big games.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 31, 2009 -

We drew Cardiff on our pitch for the 1st round of the English League Cup. They should be a good opponent, but I'm hopeful we'll beat them.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug. 1, 2009 -

The Wigan Board have informed me that they are very pleased with my performance.

Fabrizio Melara has arrived from Lazio and he held a press conference today and said that his football ability will leave fans at Wigan drooling and that he is going to show them how real football is played! I'm getting worried that this guy might be too cocky. Then again, his personality might help fire up other players.

Abraham Paz has also arrived today from Cadiz.

Yossi Benayoun has arrived from Racing.


Ricardo Osario has arrived from Tigres today.

Our Commercial Director has noted that Ricardo Osario's arrival is likely to produce a sharp increase in revenue from shirt sales!

Fans have written into the newspaper saying they are concerned that Ricardo Osario's personality could disrupt the team's chemistry.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug. 1, 2009 -

Today we host Chesterfield to kick off the season. Chesterfield won promotion from League One last year and they are taking a big leap up. Chesterfield has mostly relied on their top keeper Kevin Goeman who is a 21 year old Belgian star. He is above average and quickly developing. Mark Hudson has led their midfield and he is an average midfielder. Striker Gareth Williams has led their offense and he was the main scorer for the team last year. Centreback Paul Edwards is their top defender but he is average at best. I expect we should be able to beat them easily.

We are heavy 4-5 favorites.

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

GK: Paddy
DC: Mares
DC: Wall
DC: Jarzebowski
DML: Rolfes
DMR: Spiller
MC: Elliott
MC: Longthorn
MC: Teale
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Wellington Paulista.

S1: Gerken
S2: Nicell
S3: Rix
S4: Graham
S5: Giuliani

[Eaglesfan27]

8 minute mark: Tomasz recovers after a mistake and tackles the striker before he can shoot.

12 minute mark: Trevor Benjamin gets a yellow card for tripping Elliott.

30 minute mark: paddy stops a shot by Murray.

32 minute mark: Wellington crosses to Begeorgi who heads it.. nice save by the keeper.

37 minute mark: Longthorn steals it at midfield.. dribbles up the middle of the pitch.. shoots from 25 yards.. barely wide left.

Halftime: 0-0 tie. I'm surprised that our offense isn't bursting out more. Only 8,800 fans here today is disappointing.

47 minute mark: Mares with a great defensive play.

49 minute mark: Longthorn with a nice through ball to Begeorgi who passes it to Wellington.. who heads it.. keeper tips it over the bar.

55 minute mark: Tomasz with a great defensive play to catch up to a striker who had a breakaway and tackle him cleanly from behind.

65 minute mark: Graham on for Begeorgi. Rix on for Longthorn.

71 minute mark: Elliott to the left of the box.. passes to Graham just inside the box... Graham shoots.. just over the bar.

75 minute mark: Lloyd passes it down the right wing to Smith who crosses it for Simon Brown who heads it.. Paddy blocks it.. Simon Brown gets the rebound.. taps it in for the GOAL. Down 1-0 :(

81 minute mark: Rix with a pass down the right sideline.. Wellington crosses for Elliott who heads it.. nice save by the keeper.

82 minute mark: Teale with a corner kick.. Rix heads it.. barely wide left of the net.

85 minute mark: Spiller has the ball.. looking for someone.. I have 4 guys in the box.. 4 defenders in the box.. Spiller with the hard shot.. it deflects off Bailey.. into the right corner of the net.. GOAL!!!! 1-1.

Game over. Disappointing that we didn't get a win, but glad we fought back for the tie. 1-1 final score.

We outshot them 11-6 (5-3 on goal)

Elliott won MoM, 31 of 36 passes, 1 of 2 tackles, 7 of 8 headers, 5 runs. 8 for form. Tomasz Jarzebowski also had an 8. Everyone else had a 7.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug. 1, 2009 -

(Later that night)

Television reporters are saying that I will be enjoying the adulation of the fans after securing the signature of former Lazio winger Fabrizio Melara and that fans can't wait to see him in action.

[SunDancer]

Man,
You got Jersey sales? WOW...I am drooling over this.

When you get statements of players fans can't wait to see, does that bump attendence? Can you set ticket prices? Whats an average attendence?

[Eaglesfan27]

You can't set ticket prices, but ticket prices vary depending upon what level of play you are at. For example they were only like 3 dollars when I was with Harrogate in the English Conference North. I know they are much higher with Wigan now (maybe 30$)

I think it does bump attendance, even though attendance was poor in this first match. My average attendance last year was around 10,000. I need to do a much better job of filling our stadium this year to start making money.

[Barkeep49]

So is your basic plan on how to stop losing money to win and fill the seats?

[Eaglesfan27]

So is your basic plan on how to stop losing money to win and fill the seats?
Yes. If that doesn't happen by midseason, then I'm going to start shopping my biggest ticket players. Well if we aren't winning and looking like we have a realistic shot at promotion, then I'm going to be looking to move my biggest ticket players.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug. 2, 2009 -

Rix has a hairline fracture of his wrist that he suffered in practice today. He will miss approximately 3 weeks including our game against Preston on Aug 22, 2009 that he was looking forward to playing against.


Portuguesa's Joao Paulo has agreed to come play for us. For 80,000 dollars we are acquiring a potentially very good striker. He is a 28 year old Brazilian player that will add depth and may get some starts for us.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug 4, 2009 -

Today we host the Wolves. We are in 14th place and they are in 6th place. Last year, they finished in 4th place and barely missed advancement in the playoffs. They have a very talented team led by left winger Julian Gray. Julian is fast skilled and can really create for his teammates. Seyi George Olofinjana is a very good midfielder who doesn't have any weaknesses. Their top striker Jay Bothroyd is injured and David Healy will have to play very well today, but he has the talent to do so. Right fullback Darren Kenton is very quick and is a good tackler. Keeper Arni Gautur Arason is 34, but is still very skilled and is difficult to beat.

Tonight we will be having several players making their debut.

I like our depth for when we have games this close (3 days after our last game) so that we can rotate guys in more.

GK: Paddy
DC: Wall
DC: Osorio (making his debut)
DC: Jarzebowski
DML: Rolfes
DMR: Pape Sarr (debut)
Mc: Lunt
MC: Benayoun (debut, expecting big things)
MC: Melara (debut - fans excited)
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Wellington Paulista

S1: Gerken
S2: Nicell
S3: Abraham Paz (debut)
S4: Graham
S5: Giuliani

[Eaglesfan27]

5 minute mark: Lunt heads a long pass on to Begeorgi who dribbles into the box.. he is tackled.. Lunt gets the loose ball.. shoots from 20 yards out.. the keeper saves it.

16 minute mark: Lunt with a nice pass into the box for Begeorgi.. he shoots upper right corner.. the keeper saves it.

17 minute mark: Benayoun gets called for offside.. argues the call.. gets a yellow card.

35 minute mark: Lunt plays it down the left sideline for Begeorgi who crosses for Paulista.. he heads it.. nice save by the keeper.

42 minute mark: Paddy stops a hard shot from Olofinjana with relative ease.

46 minute mark: Paulista gets a yellow card for tripping Naylor.


Halftime: 0-0 tie. We have over 13,000 fans today :)

50 minute mark: Osario gets a yellow card for a trip on Healy.

61 minute mark: Graham on for Begeorgi who is tired. Paz on for Benayoun who is also tired.

71 minute mark: Lunt passes it to Graham who puts a move on the defender.. dribbles into the box.. shoots.. the keeper partially blocks it.. it is trickling towards the goal.. it barely rolls wide right.

74 minute mark: Lunt takes a corner kick.. Paulista heads it.. into the crossbar.. Paulista shoots the rebound.. great save by the keeper.


Game over. 0-0 tie.

The Wolves outclasses us most of the game, but our defense held strong.

We were outshot 12-3 (5-2 on target in their favor)

Paddy wins MoM for his 5 save clean sheet performance.

[SunDancer]

Aug 4, 2009 -



MC: Melara (debut - fans excited)


Whats that mean, fans excited?

You got two key injuries now, or am I thinking of the 3-month one from last year?

[Eaglesfan27]

I have two good midfielders with injures, but that is the one area where I really can absorb some injuries.

As far as the comment about the fans being excited, earlier in a media story the fans noted they were excited to see Melara play. I did have a jump of over 5,000 more fans from the last game with some of my new acquisitions starting!

[Eaglesfan27]

April 8, 2009 -

Today we travel to play Stoke. Stoke is currently in 5th place while we are in 16th place. Stoke finished in 14th place right below us last year. Stoke is led by the strong play of thei midfield. John Eustace is a quality midfielder while Scott Phelan is a 21 year right winger who is gradually becoming a star. Their top centreback Antonio Soldevilla is injured for this match. Simon Francis their right fullback will have to step up his game. Their main scorer is Karl Noon is an average striker. Their keeper Neil Alexander is a 31 year old veteran who is still on top of his game.

We are 6-4 favorites

It is sunny with temperatures in the mid 80's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Wall
DC: Osorio (I want to keep these 3 together to build some rapport)
DC: Jarzebowski
DML: Rolfes
DMR: Spiller
MC: Elliott
MC: Benayoun
MC: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Joao Paulo (the new acquisition deserves a start)

S1: Gerken
S2: Nicell
S3: Longthorn
S4: Lunt
S5: Giuliani

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Osorio with a good defensive play on a corner in the box.

20 minute mark: Spiller intercepts it at midfield.. passes it to Benayoun.. who passes it to Teale on the right edge of the box.. he shoots.. it grazes the bar and sails over.

29 minute mark: Vernazza gets the ball in the box.. shoots from 15 yards.. powerful shot.. amazing save by Paddy to tip it over the bar.

39 minute mark: Tomasz with a great defensive play.

Halftime: 0-0 tie. Stoke has over 22,000 fans here today.

48 minute mark: Teale with a thru ball for Benayoun in the box.. he shoots.. keeper with a quality save.

62 minute mark: Long pass from vernazza to Hutchinson who heads it into the box for Noel-Williams.. he shoots.. lower left corner.. Paddy dives.. it's past him. GOAL. Down 1-0.

I sub in Lunt for Graham, moving Elliott to forward and having Lunt in at MC. I also put Longthorn in for Benayoun.

90 minute mark: Wall with a long pass towards the box for Paulo.. he is chasing the ball down.. burning the defense.. he is about to reach it.. the keeper is rushing out.. the keeper pounces on it before he can get to it.


Game over. 1-0 loss on the road.

We were outshot 7-5 (2-1 on target)

Stuart Elliott won MoM, 24 of 29 passes, 0 tackles, 3 of 5 headers, 10 runs, 2 fouls drawn.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info: Gary Teale strained his ankle and will miss about a week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug 10, 2009 -

Stuart Elliott was selected to the Championship Team of week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug 15, 2009 -

My preview of my match against Everton didn't post for some reason. They were in the EPL last year and were relegated. They are currently in 17th place and we are in 18th place. They have a deep team.

They are 5-4 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the mid 70's today.

GK: Paddy
DC: Wall
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
DML: Rolfes
DMR: Nicell
MC: Elliott
MC: Benayoun (he needs to do something this game or I'll start rotating guys in)
MC: Melara
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Paulista

S1: Gerken
S2: Spiller
S3: Longthorn
S4: Paz
S5: Giuliani

[Eaglesfan27]

11 minute mark: Benayoun was run over by a defender and is hurt. He can't continue to play. I bring on Longthorn for Benayoun.

23 minute mark: Begeorgi gets it at midfield.. passes to Paulista in the box.. he shoots.. great save by Wright.

40 minute mark: Paulista gets it at midfield.. perfect pass to Begeorgi just outside the box.. he puts a move on the defender.. open shot.. barely wide right of goal.

Halftime: 0-0 tie. Everton has over 35,000 fans here today.

54 minute mark: Cahill steals it at midfield.. passes it to Reid who passes it Cahill.. who passes it back to star striker Hornos.. he shoots.. blistering shot into the upper left corner of the net.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

56 minute mark: Elliott takes it down the left sideline.. passes it to Begeorgi in the box.. hard shot for the upper left corner.. Great save by Richard Wright.

61 minute mark: Paz on for Melara. Giuliani on for Begeorgi.

72 minute mark: Elliott crosses for Giuliani who unleashes a very hard shot.. just over the bar.

82 minute mark: Zaccardo gets a pass from Cahill.. Zaccardo with a strong crossing pass.. Hornos heads it.. into the right corner of the goal.. that is his second goal. Down 2-0.

85: giuliani is run over by a defender.. he is hurt. I have to sub him out, but I've used all 3 subs already.

90 minute mark: Osman passes it to Chadwick.. Nick Chadwick fakes out Osorio.. shoots.. lower left corner.. GOAL. Down 3-0.

Game over. 3-0 loss.

We were outshot 17-6.

German Hornos wins MoM with a 10 for form, 28 of 35 passes, 0 tackles, 13 of 17 headers, 1 interception, 4 runs, 2 goals.

I'll give this formation one more game, but I'm considering going to a more conventional 3-5-2.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Tomasz Jarzebowski strained his neck and will miss approximately 5 days.

Yossi Benayoun damaged his shoulder and will miss about a week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug. 19, 2009

Today we play Cardiff in the League Cup 1st round matchup on our pitch. Cardiff is currently 20th in the championship. They rely on striker Lewis Guy who is developing into a very good striker. Left winger Paul Parry and midfielder Gary Liddle are creative players who work the midfield well. Right fullback David Wright is my old player who is now their best defensive player. Keeper Paul Harrison is above average and has played well this year.

This will be out last match using our 3-2-3-2 if we lose this game.

They are 6-4 favorites.

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

GK: Paddy
DC: Wall
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
DML: Mares
DMR: Pape Sarr
MC: Elliott
MC: Joao Paulo
MC: Teale
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Wellington Paulista

S1: Gerken
S2: Spiller
S3: Lunt
S4: Graham
s5: Giuliani

[Eaglesfan27]

6 minute mark: Sarr sends it down the pitch to Elliott who heads it to Begeorgi in the box.. Begeorgi shoots.. amazingly powerful shot.. the keeper blocks it. The defense clears it.

7 minute mark: Jarzebowski with a great defensive play.. then he sends it down the right sideline.. Teale gets to it.. centers for Begeorgi.. he is alone in the box.. settles.. shoots.. lower left corner.. the keeper dives.. it's past him! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

11 minute mark: Liddle passes it to Parry on the left wing.. he centers for Guy who heads it.. Paddy blocks it.. Guy gets the rebound.. shoots... into the lower right corner. GOAL. 1-1 game.

38 minute mark: Paulo passes it to Paulista on the right corner of the pitch.. Paulista crosses for Elliott in the box.. he heads it.. over the bar.

Halftime: 1-1 tie. We have about 10,000 fans at this game.

46 minute mark: McAnuff passes it to Guy in the box.. Guy fakes out Wall.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL. Down 2-1.

47 minute mark: Paulo with a hard shot from 15 yards out after dribbling into the box.. nice save by the keeper.

58 minute mark: Elliott gets a pass from Paulo.. he dribbles into the box.. shoots.. the kepeer saves it.

60 minute mark: Graham on for Begeorgi and Lunt on for Teale.

75 minute mark: Paulo is hurt and has to come off the pitch. I put Spiller in for him.

89 minute mark: Paul Harrison with a long kick.. the defense and Paddy misplay it.. Guy gets an open shot on Paddy.. Paddy tries to smother the ball, but he can't.. Guy dribbles.. shoots.. gets his hat trick. Down 3-1.


Game over. 3-1 loss. It looks like it is time to shelf this formation for now.

They outshot us 14-9 (5-5 on target)

Lewis Guy had a 10 for form, won MoM, 22 of 23 passes, 1 of 5 tackles, 1 of 9 headers, 2 interceptions, 1 run, and 3 goals.

[tanglewood]

Your new formation seems to be a basic 5-3-2, only when you have the ball the midfield gallops into the attack. That is probably your big problem, as when you lose the ball your midfield is literally empty and the opposition has a free run at your centre-halves. Also, I imagine that you would have a hard time keeping possesion against some of the better sides you'll face as there is no outlet to construct moves from, everyone is trying to get in the box. Fine if you just want to boot striaght upfield I supose but not if you want to play decent football. Try it with only the central player making a foward run. That way you have a solid base in the centre of the park to build from. Also maybe put forward runs on your wingbacks (the DML & DMR players in football speak are 'wingbacks'; a cross between a fullback and a winger, geddit?) to the AM positions to provide more width when attacking.

[Eaglesfan27]

Yeah, I usually don't have this many guys running forward and this was definitely an experiment. A failed experiment, but an experiment none the less. I'm going to switch to a 3-5-2 that will provide heavy defensive support with the middle midfielder doing most of the forward runs and the wings also providing support at times. We'll see how that works soon.

[SunDancer]

Post a layout of the reformed tatic when you get it done.

[Eaglesfan27]

I will. I've almost finished it up. I've been thinking about how to tweak it for a few hours.

[Eaglesfan27]

So here is the new tactic. Hopefully it will work better than the old tactic:

http://64.17.163.76/images/Wigan%20Tactic%201.jpg

[SunDancer]

I will. I've almost finished it up. I've been thinking about how to tweak it for a few hours.

A few hours? Glad I'm not the only one who thinks about this game too much (well, the previous series CM 03/04, I would think of what to do in classes, ect.) :D

I've always struggled in completely understanding the tatics. When you use the arrow, is that when you are attacking they move in that position, or when they are they on the defense..Example-You got the center MF going into the offensive zone, is that only when you have the ball...When you don't have the ball, he returns to his original position? When he attacks that way, does he stay up in that area until you lose possesion, and immediately retracts to the midfield position? Do the midfielders even get up the attacking area, or do they only go to a certain area, and do defenders never cross the midfield if you don't have them doing so?

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug 22, 2009 -

Today we are playing Preston in our first televised regular season match of this year. Preston is currently in 4th place in the Championship while we are 21st. Preston relies heavily on star forward Mark Jackson who already has 5 goals on the year. Keeper Andrew Lonergan is their next most important player and he is an above average keeper who has played very well so far this year. Midfielder Andy Ferrell is creative and will work the ball around the pitch. Danny O'Donnell is a powerful strong centreback who is very good at shutting down the opposition.

We are 6-4 favorites

It is overcast with temperatures in the high 50's today.

GK: Paddy
DC: Wall
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Elliott
MC: Rolfes
MC: Paulo
MC: Sarr
MR: Teale
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Paulista

S1: Gerken
S2: Spiller
S3: Lunt
S4: Graham
s5: Giuliani


The announcers believe Stuart Elliott is my key player and Mark Jackson is Preston's key player. The announcers believe that a draw is the most likely result of this match.

[Eaglesfan27]

A few hours? Glad I'm not the only one who thinks about this game too much (well, the previous series CM 03/04, I would think of what to do in classes, ect.) :D

I've always struggled in completely understanding the tatics. When you use the arrow, is that when you are attacking they move in that position, or when they are they on the defense..Example-You got the center MF going into the offensive zone, is that only when you have the ball...When you don't have the ball, he returns to his original position? When he attacks that way, does he stay up in that area until you lose possesion, and immediately retracts to the midfield position? Do the midfielders even get up the attacking area, or do they only go to a certain area, and do defenders never cross the midfield if you don't have them doing so?
I think about tactics a lot when I'm not playing :D

Someone can correct me on this, but I'll give you my understanding of it. The arrows are only one factor in what a player does. If a player has a forward arrow, but say an instruction to be defensive than the player will generally stay back and help out on the defense except when we are moving with the ball. However, if a player has a forward arrow and has a heavy attacking mentality (which is what my center midfielder has) than they will generally be hanging out further up the field and be ready to leak out into the attack.

Similarly, if a guy has an arrow telling him to go backwards and he has a defensive instruction, than that player is really going to hang back and focus on defense. On the other hand if he has an attacking mentality given to him he will support the attack when the team has the ball while racing back when the team doesn't have the ball (presumably using more energy.)

Hopefully, someone will correct me if I'm wrong :)

As far as your last questions, midfielders will sometimes run all the way up despite the instructions, and I've had a few defenders (Lucio at Manchester United in an old CM 03/04 career comes to mind) who will press all the way up the field to support attack. Actually Wall in this career likes to drift up sometimes despite my instructions.

[Eaglesfan27]

4 minute mark: Elliott with a throw in gets it to Paulista.. he is tackled.. Begeorgi gets the loose ball in the left half of the box.. shoots.. powerful quick shot.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0!

28 minute mark: Paulo passes ot Begeorgi in the box.. Begeorgi passes back to Paulo in the box.. he shoots.. wide right.

46 minute mark: Giddings dribbles down the left wing after getting a cross from Conuago.. Pablo Conuago gets a pass back to him.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL! 1-1.


Halftime: 1-1 tie. We have over 17,000 fans for this game! :)

57 minute mark: Paddy stops a shot from Conuago.

60 minute mark: Graham on for Begeorgi who is tired. Giuliani on for Paulista who is also tired.

64 minute mark: Pape Sarr with a great steal and pass from the midfield.. gets it to Graham just outside the box.. he shoots immediately.. barely wide right.

77 minute mark: Elliott passes to Graham in the left corner of the pitch.. Graham crosses.. for Giuliani the defender heads it away but over the end line for a corner kick. Pape sarr gets whistled for unfairly jumping on the corner kick.

89 minute mark: Elliott gets a yellow card for pulling Kitson's jersey.

Game over. 1-1 tie. It looks like the announcers were correct.

We each had 9 shots, but they had 5 on target, we had 2 on target.

Danny O'Donnell wins MoM, 14 of 16 passes, 9 of 10 tackles, 4 of 4 headers, 2 interceptions. Great defense tonight.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug. 25, 2009 -

Today we travel to play Gillingham. They are currently in 4th place while we are in 22nd place. Gillingham's left winger has played very well this year. Centreback Leon Johnson has played very well this year. Their leading scorer is Darius Henderson who has 2 goals on the year and they have mostly been winning due to defense and strong goal keeping. Kepper Matteo Piazza has been phenomenal this year with 5 clean sheets in 6 starts. He will be difficult to score against.

We are 5-4 favorites.

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

GK: Paddy
DC: Wall
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Lunt
MC: Rolfes
MC: Benayoun
MC: Paz
MR: Melara
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Spiller
S3: Mares
S4: Kelly
S5: Giuliani

[Eaglesfan27]

6 minute mark: Rolfes steals it at midfield.. passes it Benayoun who heads it Paulo in the edge of the box.. he shoots.. hard curving shot.. great save by the keeper.

18 minute mark: Paddy stops three quick shots from a variety of players who were crowding the box. Finally Osorio clears it.

35 minute mark: Benayoun with a strong dribble up the middle of the field.. passes to Graham.. strong hard shot for the upper right corner.. great save by the keeper.

38 minute mark: Rolfes steals it at midfield.. passes it Benayoun on the edge of the box.. he passes to Lunt on the left wing.. Lunt with a through ball to Graham.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. it's past him.. GOAL!!!! 1-0! That is Graham's first goal of the year.

40 minute mark: Crofts passes to Darius Henderson who shoots a good curving shot from 25 yards.. Paddy is in front of it.. Paddy misplays it.. it sails over his shoulder.. GOAL! 1-1. Bad play by Paddy.

44 minute mark: Paz steals it at midfield.. passes to Graham who crosses for Paulo.. he heads it.. the keeper blocks it.. it bounces out to Paz at the edge of the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. it is past him.. GOAL!!!! 2-1! That is Paz's first goal for Wigan!

Halftime: 2-1 at the half.

62 minute mark: Benayoun has picked up a minor injury.. I'll put on Kelly for him. Paz is tired so I put Spiller on for him.

74 minute mark: Crofts gets a yellow card for pulling Paulo's jersey.

77 minute mark: Paddy stops a long shot from Crofts.

81 minute mark: Crofts with a two footed tackle on Spiller.. that is his second yellow card. He is ejected!

85 minute mark: Osorio and Wall with a series of great defensive stops in the last few minutes.

94 minute mark: spiller steals it at midfield.. passes it to Paulo up ahead.. Paulo passes across to the left side of the pitch to Graham.. Graham dribbles into the box.. passes to Spiller in the box who immediately kicks it into the lower right corner. GOAL!!!! 3-1.

Game over. 3-1 win!

We outshot them 17-16 (9-7 on goal)

Jarzebowski, Graham, Spiller all had 9's. The remainder of the team all had 8's except for Lunt and Kelly who had 7's.

Jarzebowski won MoM, 32 of 40 passes, 6 of 6 tackles, 11 of 11 headers, 6 interceptions, 1 run.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug 29, 2009 -

England beat San Marino 3-0 in World Cup Qualifying Group 4 play.

Gary Teale has been called up to the Scotland squad to replace injured Darren Fletcher.

Tomasz Jarzebowski played very well for Poland in a 0-0 tie against France in World Cup Qualifying play.

Stuart Elliott plaed well in Northern Ireland's 1-0 loss to Croatia in World Cup Qualifying play.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug 31, 2009 -

Sunderland has signed away Rohan Ricketts from Nottm Forest for 4.6 million dollars.

Tomasz Jarzebowski was selected to the English Championship Team of the Week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep 1, 2009 -

Tom Hutchinson has been mouthing off in the media saying that he isn't happy at not being part of the first team.

Mr. Whelan has informed me that he is pleased with my performance as manager of the club.


Leeds' Aaron Lennon has won English Championship Player of the Month. Thomas Gravesen of Everton came in 2nd, and Martin Rowlands of QPR came in 3rd.

Leeds' Steve Gardner has won young player of the month. Lee Wright of Gillingham came in 2nd, and Ryan Miller of Crewe came in 3rd.

Millwall's Ernie Tippett has won Manager of the Month. Nigel Clough of Nottingham Forest came in 2nd, and Glenn Hoddle of West Ham came in 3rd.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep 2, 2009 -

England beat Finland 2-0 in a group 4 World Cup Qualifying match.

Tomasz Jarzebowski had a 10 for form and was magnificient in a 1-1 tie between Poland and FYR of Macedonia.

Stuart Elliott had a goal for N. Ireland as they beat Liechtenstein 2-0 in World Cup Qualifying play.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep. 5, 2009 -

Today we host Norwich. We are currently in 18th place. Norwich is currently in 16th place. Their centreback Jason Shackell has been leading the defense with superior play this year. He has been tackling hard and intercepting many passes before they get to their man. Keeper Alex Walker has been Phenomenal early in the year. He has gotten minimal offensive support. 24 year old Eddie Johnson has been the main striker and he only has 2 goals on the year so far. Left winger Ian Henderson is a dangerous player who can set up any guy at any time.

We are 5-4 favorites.

It's raining and windy with temperatures in the mid 50's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Nicell
DC: Wall
DC: Hutchinson (giving Jarzebowski and Osorio rest due to their recent WC qualifying play.)
ML: Lunt
MC: Rolfes
MC: Benayoun
MC: Paz
MR: Melara
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Spiller
S3: Mares
S4: Kelly
S5: Giuliani

[Eaglesfan27]

3 minute mark: Lunt takes it up the left side of the pitch.. passes to Graham left of the box.. he passes it to Benayoun in the box.. he shoots.. just over the bar.

10 minute mark: Paddy stops a close shot from Henderson.

19 minute mark: Paz passes to Paulo just right of the box.. he centers for Benayoun who shoots.. just over the bar.

22 minute mark: Hard shot from Johnson.. Paddy tips it over the bar.

25 minute mark: Paz steals it in our zone.. passes to Paulo at the midfield.. he plays a perfect pass to just outside the box.. Graham gets to it.. defender on his heels.. fakes left.. goes right.. shoots.. lower right corner.. it's past the keeper.. just inside the post.. GOAL!!!! 1-0. :)

32 minute mark: I almost have heart failure as Melara passes back to Paddy who kicks it.. right into Henderson's head who heads it back at goal.. Paddy blocks it.. Wall beats Johnson to the ball and clears it preventing a sure goal!

33 minute mark: Lunt trips Johnson in our box.. Penalty shot awarded :(... Johnson steps up to take it... lower left corner.. Paddy dives.. it's past him.. GOAL. 1-1.

37 minute mark: Melara takes the corner kick.. hits it to Paulo on the near post.. heads it.. barely wide right.


Halftime: 1-1 tie. We only have 7500 fans here today :(


47 minute mark: Johnson gets the ball inside our box.. shoots from 10 yards out.. Great save by Paddy to block it.

49 minute mark: Graham steals it at midfield.. plays a thru ball for Paulo.. Paulo burns the defense.. dribbles to his left.. shoots into the left lower corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-1. That is Paulo's first goal for us.

63 minute mark: Paz is tired so I bring on Spiller for him. For the same reason, I sub Kelly on for Benayoun.

71 minute mark: our midfielders pass it around among themselves just outside the box.. Spiller to Kelly to Lunt to Kelly to Spiller.. Spiller with a very hard shot from 25 yards.. the keeper barely saves it.

79 minute mark: Spiller intercepts it at midfield.. plays a perfect thru ball into the box.. Paulo gets it.. one dribble.. shoots.. powerful shot.. lower left corner... it's past the keeper.. inside the post.. GOAL!!!! 3-1! That is Paulo's second goal! :)

81 minute mark: Wall heads it from our box to Spiller at midfield.. he plays a great pass to Graham just outside the box.. Graham dribbles twice.. shoots.. past the keeper.. it hits the crossbar. Shackell clears the rebound.

83 minute mark: Hutchinson with a great series of defensive plays.. he has played very well today in my estimation.

89 minute mark: Rolfes intercepts it at midfield.. passes it to Spiller.. Spiller with the very hard shot from 30 yards.. the keeper barely saves it.. Spiller is going to be a dangerous long range scorer for us it looks like.

90 minute mark: Nicell with a good defensive play.

Game over. 3-1 win. I feel like our backup defenders played really well. Actually now, I know they did...

We each had 11 shots (8-5 on target in their advantage.)

Tom Hutchinson, Stuart Wall, and Liam Nicell all had 8's (along with Paddy.) Tom Hutchinson wins MoM, 16 of 32 passes, 5 of 5 tackles, 8 of 8 headers, 8 interceptions.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep 6, 2009 -

Wellington Paulista has told a national newspaper that he is having problems adjusting to life in Wigan :(

The Board just gave the club a 7.2 million dollar cash infusion to get us out of the red, firmly into the black and prevent us from falling into receivership.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep. 8, 2009 -

YES! Blackpool wants to buy Georges Ambourouet. I really don't need him any longer as I've switched defenses and have enough good defenders to make this formation work. Furthermore, this is the chance to generate some income while reducing our wage budget.

He is currently valued at 170,000 and I try to ask for 220,000 for him.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep 10, 2009 -

Blackpool has agreed to our request of 220,000 for Georges Ambourouet and has made an official offer for the player.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep 12, 2009 -

Today we travel to play West Ham. West Ham is currently in 7th place. We are currently in 15th place. West Ham is led by centreback Hayden Mullins who is excellent at shutting down the opposition. Striker Bobby Zamora has 4 goals and is a dangerous striker. Michael Proctor also has 4 goals. Midfielder Neil Barrett is a very good playmaker. Keeper Danny Coyne is an average keeper at the age of 36 and we should be able to score against him.

West Ham are 5-4 favorites.

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

GK: Paddy
DC: Hutchinson (giving Wall rest)
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Elliott
MC: Rolfes
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller (he has earned the start with great reserve play)
MR: Teale
SC: Graham (played too well not to start him again)
SC: Paulo (ditto)

s1: Gerken
S2: Paulista
S3: Mares
S4: Kelly
S5: Begeorgi

[Eaglesfan27]

7 minute mark: We've been pressing the attack early.. Elliott takes it down the left wing.. crosses to Benayoun.. he gets it on the left edge of the penalty box.. shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0. That is his first goal for us.

13 minute mark: Hutchinson with a great defensive play.

20 minute mark: Paulo gets it at midfield.. passes it to Graham.. he is dribbling into the box.. hard tackle.. whistle.. no penalty shot.. free kick given from just outside the box. Graham shoots it.. just over the bar.

27 minute mark: Elliott intercepts it at midfield.. heads it to Graham.. he plays a thru ball for Paulo who dribbles into the box.. the keeper is backpedaling.. Paulo shoots.. great save by the keeper to tip it over the bar.

31 minute mark: Teale takes a corner kick.. sends it towards the near post... Osorio outjumps everyone.. heads it.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

39 minute mark: Osorio heads away a pass into the box.. but Zamora gets the header and heads it to Proctor.. Proctor shoots immediately before the defense can close in on him.. upper left corner.. past Paddy.. GOAL. Up 2-1.

Halftime: We are up 2-1. West Ham has over 30,000 fans here today.

49 minute mark: Paddy stops a shot from Proctor.

52 minute mark: Elliott dribbles down the left sideline.. passes to Benayoun just outside the box.. he shoots.. it curves.. barely wide right.

60 minute mark: Benayoun steals the ball at midfield.. plays a long pass to Teale who is alone in the box.. he shoots.. the keeper smothers the shot.

61 minute mark: Begeorgi on for Graham who is tired. Kelly on for Benayoun.

80 minute mark: Robbie Stockdale gets a yellow card for tripping Kelly.

82 minute mark: Paddy stops a close range shot from Stockdale.

83 minute mark: Begeorgi gets the long pass.. shoots the keeper blocks it.. Begeorgi passes the rebound to Paulo.. he shoots.. keeper tips it over the bar.

85 minute mark: Begeorgi gets a long pass from Osorio.. he crosses it for Kelly who heads it.. keeper punches it out.. Begeorgi gets it.. passes to Rolfes just outside the box.. Rolfes with a hard powerful shot.. it deflects off a defender.. into the lower right corner of the goal!!! GOAL!!!! 3-1.

88 minute mark: Paddy kicks a long free kick that the defender misses and it gets to Paulo just right of the box.. he centers for Kelly.. Kelly settles it.. shoots.. upper right corner.. past the keeper.. GOAL!!!! 4-1! :)

91 minute mark: Paddy stops a long shot from Anton Ferdinand.


Game over. Impressive 4-1 win for us :)

We outshot them 20-10 (10-6 on target)

EVERY guy on the team had an 8 for form!

Stuart Elliot wins MoM, 25 of 33 passes, 7 of 7 tackles, 3 of 5 headers, 2 interceptions, 8 runs, 1 assist.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

The Wigan Board could not hide their delight after that big win over West Ham.

Gary Teale's 303 League Appearances in his Wigan career is a new record for the team.

[daedalus]

I'm getting worried that this guy might be too cocky.The question, obviously, is whether he's just cocky or cocky and funny.

[Eaglesfan27]

The question, obviously, is whether he's just cocky or cocky and funny.
:D

I'm thinking it is the latter as morale on the team is very upbeat now. ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep 15, 2009 -

Darn it! Danny Spiller tore a groin muscle today in practice and will miss the next 4 weeks. Danny has really been stepping it up. I have depth to cover it, but I feel like he has been bringing a spark to the team.

Tom Hutchinson, Tomasz Jarzebowski, and Simon Rolfes were all selected to the Championship team of the Week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep 18, 2009 -

That A-hole! Georges Ambourouet has rejected the Blackpool trade as he feels the basic wage being offered there is unacceptable!

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep. 19, 2009 -

Today we host Cardiff. We are currently in 9th place while Cardiff is in 18th place. Cardiff has a good defense led by Peter Clarke, James Collins and Stephen Crainey. The midfield has been average with Gary Liddle and left winger Paul Parry being the best players for this team. Striker Lewis Guy is a potent scoer and he has 9 goals on the year. His partner Andrew Campbell only has 2 and is the next leading scorer on the team. Their keeper Paul Harrison has generally been very good in net.

We are 6-4 favorites.

It's raining with temperatures in the mid 60's

GK: Paddy
DC: Hutchinson (earned one more start)
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Elliott
MC: Rolfes
MC: Benayoun
MC: Longthorn
MR: Melara
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Paulista
S3: Lunt
S4: Kelly
S5: Begeorgi

[Eaglesfan27]

3 minute mark: McAnuff takes the corner.. Collins heads it from the center of the box.. into the upper left corner.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

12 minute mark: Paulo steals it at midfield.. nice pass to Graham.. he dribbles into the box.. my former player David Wright tackles him from behind and clears it.

22 minute mark: Gorgeous passing between Benayoun and Paulo all the way down the pitch from our own end.. finally this beautiful two man game ends with a pass from Benayoun to Paulo in the right edge of the box.. he centers back to Benayoun who immediately kicks it into the lower left half of the goal.. GOAL!!!! 1-1.

Remainder of the 1st half they played turtle and we pressed the attack but with 9 men back didn't really have any good scoring opportunities.


Halftime: 1-1 tie. We have over 15,000 fans today :)


49 minute mark: Elliott passes it down the left sideline to Graham.. Graham crosses for Benayoun.. point blank shot.. the keeper blocks it.. Paulo racing to the rebound.. Collins the centreback barely beats him to it and clears it.. saving a goal.

54 minute mark: Osorio has been smothering Guy all day and he heads a pass away to midfield.. Rolfes passes to Graham.. he passes it up the pitch to Benayoun.. Benayoun draws two defenders.. passes between them to Paulo.. the keeper comes out to the cut the angle.. Paulo shoots.. lower left corner.. it's past the keeper.. barely wide left of the post.

65 minute mark: Paulista on for Paulo who is tired. Begeorgi on for Graham who is tired. Kelly on for Benayoun who is also tired.

88 minute mark: Elliott dribbles into the box.. shoots.. barely over the bar.


Game over. 1-1 tie. They played turtle most of the second half and prevented us from getting many scoring opportunities.

We outshot them 6-2 (3-1 on goal)

Tomasz Jarzebowski wins MoM, 24 of 39 passes, 0 tackles, 14 of 15 headers, 8 interceptions. 8 for form.

Elliott, Benayoun, and Paulo also had 8's for form. The remainder of the team had 7's except for Paddy who had a 5 since he gave up a goal on the only shot he faced.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep 20, 2009 -

Welling Paulista has told the media that after initially having trouble, he is now settled at Wigan and very happy to be here. He is looking forward to concentrating on football and performing very well.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep 26, 2009 -

Today we travel to play Crewe. Crewe is currently in 23rd place. We are in 8th place. Crewe's leading weapon striker Stefan Moore is injured. This next best striker Ben Burgess is also injured. They will have to rely on the defense which is led by left fullback Ryan Miller and right back Lee Bell. Keeper Joe Murphy is above average and will be difficult to score against. Daniel Fox is a skilled midfielder. The rest of the midfield hasn't been playing well lately.

We are 4-5 favorites.

It's windy and overcast with temperatures in the low 50's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Wall
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Lunt
MC: Rolfes
MC: Benayoun
MC: Paz
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Paulista
S3: Nicell
S4: Kelly
S5: Begeorgi

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Wigan Chairman Dave Whelan could not hide his delight after that win.

On TV, I see that the experts believe we are having a fantastic start, but that we will fade by midseason. They say my squad should enjoy the spotlight while they can.

I hope to prove the pundits wrong.

[Eaglesfan27]

Well crud, I could have sworn that I posted the log of the last match, but I don't see it in this thread.

We dominated Crewe. We outshot them 22-2. Paulo played particularly well with a goal and a brilliant assist to Fabrice Begeorgi who came on as a sub at the 64 minute mark. Graham had three shots hit the crossbar, but the last one hit the crossbar, then the keeper's back! It bounced in off the keeper's back and gave us credit for an own goal! :) That was a funny fluky goal. It was a great 3-0 win for us and Teale won MoM for his great passing and 1 assist.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep 30, 2009 -

Kenny Lunt was selected to the Championship Team of the Week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct 1, 2009 -

The Wigan board is pleased with my performance as manager.

Stuart Elliott has suffered a calf strain in practice today. He will likely miss about 2 weeks.


Leed's Aaron Lenn has won Player of the Month. Mark Jackson of Preston came in 2nd, and Seyi George Olofinjana of Wolverhampton came in 3rd.

Crewe's Ryan Miller won young player of the month. Steven Brogan of Sheffield came in 2nd, and Chris Casement of Millwall came in 3rd.

Sheffield's Paul Sturrock won Manager of the Month. I came in 2nd, and Mark Hateley of Preston came in 3rd.

Joao Paulo won goal of the month for his strike against Norwich on September 5th!

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 3, 2009 -

England beat Norway 3-1 in a World Cup Qualifying match.

Yossi Benayoun was Israel's hero as he scored a hattrick and had 2 assists in a 6-0 win versus Andorra in World Cup Qualifying match!

Tomasz Jarzebowski was in magnificent form for Poland and he had a 9 for form in a 4-0 win over Georgia in their World Cup Qualifying match.

[weinstein7]

I just started following this dynasty with this thread, but I'm quickly getting hooked on it (even though I've never played FM!).

How is Harrogate doing without you?

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 7, 2009 -

Greg Kelly injured his neck in training and will miss about a week.

England beat Scotland 4-0 in their World Cup Qualifying Match.

Tomasz Jarzebowski played well in a 2-0 win versus Armenia while earning a 7 for form.

Yossi Benayoun played well but didn't score in a 0-0 match versus Switzerland.

[Eaglesfan27]

I just started following this dynasty with this thread, but I'm quickly getting hooked on it (even though I've never played FM!).

How is Harrogate doing without you?
Good question. As I mentioned, they were relegated from League One last year. This year they are hanging in League Two. They have a record of 1 win, 6 draws, and 3 losses and are currently in 19th place hovering out of the relegation zone. They have a new keeper named Danny Clarke who is playing well. Richard O'Connor is his backup. Stephen Cooke has been a key contributor at right wing :) I liked him and thought he would be good for the team. Mark Smyth is the leading scorer for them with 5 goals but he is unhappy about his contract and wants to be transferred. Jermaine Palmer has 3 goals for them and is doing well. Andrew Wright is getting old and is primarily a sub now, but is still playing well in limited action. They are playing my old striker Andy Farrell quite a bit, and he hasn't done much but he does have 1 goal. Joe Barnett is finally happy playing centreback and he is doing it well. It looks like if they can get more consistent offense, they could avoid relegation. Their stadium is still the same tiny stadium. Their facilities are still horrible and their finances aren't great but are okay thanks to the money I sent to them for Kelly and others.

Feel free to ask any questions as you read along, and I hope you enjoy. :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 10, 2009 -

Today we host Leeds. Leeds are currently in 15th place and have suffered with a few key injures. Striker Michael Ricektts is out for this game. Midfielder Matthew Spring is also out as is his fellow midfielder Seth Johnson. Their defense is solid with Liam Parker and Billy Jones at centreback. Keeper Chris Taylor has been playing very well this year. Midfielder Elrik Bakke has also played very well. Striker Marlon King who is a new acquisition will have to step up to get the offense going with the recent injuries.

We are 5-4 favorites.

It's raining with temperatures in the mid 50's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Mares (giving my international stars the game off.)
DC: Wall
DC: Hutchinson
ML: Lunt
MC: Rolfes
MC: Rix
MC: Melara
MR: Teale
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Paulista
S3: Nicell
S4: Paz
S5: Giuliani

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Hutchinson with a good defensive play.

3 minute mark: Begeorgi dribbles it down the left side of the pitch.. crosses to Paulo.. he heads it to Rix in the middle of the box.. he shoots.. over the bar.

5 minute mark: Rolfes with a key tackle in the box.

6 minute mark: Mares with a nice defensive play in the box.

10 minute mark: Rubins with a long corner kick.. Wall misses it.. it gets to Frazer Richardson.. who hits it on the half volley.. into the lower right corner.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

23 minute mark: Mares with a good defensive play.. nice pass to Rix at midfield.. Rix with the solid pass to Paulo.. Paulo totally fakes out one defender.. then dribbles past a second defender.. into the box.. shoots.. lower left corner.. it's past the keeper.. it hits the post and bounces wide.. embarassing miss for him.

29 minute mark: Begeorgi gets the ball in the left corner of the pitch after a long pass from Mares.. he crosses to Paulo.. Paulo jumps.. heads it.. it grazes the bar as it sails over.

35 minute mark: Mares gets a yellow card for a trip on King.

37 minute mark: Melara gets a yellow card for a trip on Rubins.

38 minute mark: Frazer Richardson gets a yellow card for a bodycheck on Fabrice Begeorgi.



Halftime: We are down 1-0. We have over 16,000 fans today :)

53 minute mark: Paulo beats two defenders to the right edge of the box.. great dribble.. centers for Rix.. he shoots.. lower right corner.. the keeper dives.. barely gets his finger tips on it to send it wide.

Mares and Melara look tentative with their yellow cards. I put Paz in for Melara and Nicell in for Mares.

63 minute mark: Paulo with a brilliant dribble down the right side of the pitch.. beats two different defenders.. crosses for Rix.. he shoots.. over the bar.

65 minute mark: Lunt with a nice thru ball into the box.. Begeorgi gets it.. is about to shoot.. is tackled by a defender..

66 minute mark: Begeorgi is exhausted. I put Paulista on for him.

68 minute mark: Paz gets a tellow card for a trip on Richardson.

74 minute mark: Their keeper stops a flurry of shots by Paulista and Paulo.

82 minute mark: Paulista crosses to Paulo who heads it to Rolfes in the middle of the box.. quick left footed shot from Rolfes.. barely wide right.

83 minute mark: Rix with a perfect pass into the box for Paulo.. he fakes out a defender.. is inside the penalty box.. shoots.. upper left corner.. brilliant save by the keeper to tip it over the bar.

88 minute mark: We've been pressing the attack, but they are playing turtle and blocking any shots before they get to the keeper.

90 minute mark: Teale plays it in the right corner for Paulo.. he crosses.. Rix heads it.. the keeper punches it over the bar.


Game over. 1-0 loss.

We outshot them 12-11 (5-5 on target.)

Interestingly, Paddy gets MoM.

The team played well, but their defense and keeper were great.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

That loss dropped me from 6th to 10th place, but we are in nice striking range of the playoff spots early in the season.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 11, 2009 -

Newcastle has fired Paco Flores today. Paul Scholes, formerly of Manchester United fame, is the favorite to receive the job at the tender age of 34.

Ipswich had to fine Dean Bowditch a week's wages for missing practice.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct 13, 2009 -

Tom Hutchinson has told the media that he is prepared to wait for a first team opportunity at Wigan if necessary, as he feels I'm a good manager who will recognize his talent if he continues to work hard.

Danny Spiller has returned to full practice today as he is recovered from his injury.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 17, 2009 -

Today we travel to play Plymouth. They are currently 7th in the Championship while we are in 10th place. Plymouth's midfielder Keith Lasley has been playing very as has Steve Sidwell. Darren Ward and Hasney Aljofree are playing great at centreback to make their defense very strong. Keigan Parker is the main scoring threat, but the striker has plenty of fellow teammates who have also scored a few goals including striker Dean Evans, right winger David Norris, and Midfielder Scott Robertson.

We are 6-4 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the mid 60's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Wall
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Lunt
MC: Rolfes
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC; Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Paulista
S3: Nicell
S4: Begeorgi
S5: Sarr

[Eaglesfan27]

3 minute mark: Paulo collided with Clive Clarke.. Clarke is injured. The match is over for him.

7 minute mark: My former player, Darren Ward, gets a yellow card for tripping Benayoun who had burnt him with a crossover.

22 minute mark: Paulo with a strong dribble around two defenders.. draws a third defender to him just outside the box.. passes to Benayoun who quickly taps it to Graham in the box.. Graham shoots for the lower right corner.. the keeper saves it.

26 minute mark: Rolfes puts an amazing pass between three defenders to Paulo who is inside the penalty box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper dives.. gets his finger tips on it to send it over the bar.. great save from the keeper.

35 minute mark: Long kick from Paddy to Benayoun.. Benayoun with a spin move.. burns Darren Ward.. Ward recovers.. hard tackle from behind on Benayoun.. yellow card for Ward.. that is his second. Goodbye Darren Ward!

They pull Dean Evans off and bring in a defender to cover the spot as they are now playing short handed.

They start playing turtle being down a man and we don't get any more opportunities in the first half.



Halftime: 0-0 tie.


46 minute mark: Aljofree takes a free kick from 30 yards out.. powerful shot curving towards the upper right corner.. Paddy is in position.. Paddy misplays it and it hits off of him into the goal! GOAL. Down 1-0 :(

65 minute mark: Spiller and Paulo are both tired. I put Paulista on for Paulo and Sarr on for Spiller.

84 minute mark: Lunt with a good pass into the box for Benayoun.. he shoots a hard shot towards the upper left corner.. great save by the keeper.


Game over. Disappointing 1-0 loss, particularly since they were down a man most of the match.

We outshot them 15-7 (6-1 on target in our favor)

Graham Stack, their keeper, won MoM for his 6 save cleansheet performance.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 18, 2009 -

Newcastle announced that Fernando Vazquez will be their new manager taking charge immediately. There is plenty of speculation in the media that Newcastle is likely to be relegated this year!

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 21, 2009

York City upset Newcastle 2-1 in the League Cup 3rd round match today.

Alex Williams played very well for my reserve team today. This 21 year old right winger is starting to develop nicely.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 24, 2009 -

We are hosting Sheff Wed today. We are currently in 12th place while they are in 5th place. Left winger Chris Brunt leads their midfield and sets up their strikers to score. Striker Ian Stonebridge has been the main beneficiary of Brunt's assists this year and he is a good finisher. The defense is very solid with centreback Chris Doig and right fullback Mark Lynch being the two key players. Their Keeper Alexandrs Kolinko continues to play well recently.

We are 6-4 favorites.

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

GK: Paddy
DC: Wall
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Elliott
MC: Rolfes
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Paulista
S3: Nicell
S4: Begeorgi
S5: Melara

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Benayoun steals it at midfield.. he plays a perfect pass into the box.. Paulo races to it.. the keeper races to it.. Paulo wins the race.. fakes out the keeper.. fires it into the open net! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

15 minute mark: Benayoun gets it at midfield.. dribbles it down the pitch.. passes to Graham.. three defenders converge on Graham.. Lamine Traore trips him.. Penalty shot awarded! Graham steps up confidently.. fires it into the lower left corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

22 minute mark: Gary Teale gets a yellow card for pulling Brunt's jersey.

32 minute mark: Benayoun and graham pass it back and forth down the pitch.. finally Benayoun passes to Paulo in the right half of the box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. barely high.

39 minute mark: Anthony Pulis gets a yellow card for pulling Rolfes jersey.


Halftime: 2-0 lead for us. We dominated possession in the first half. We have over 13,000 fans today.


49 minute mark: Paulo bodychecks Doig.. yellow card for Paulo.. Doig looks hurt.

51 minute mark: Paddy stops a flurry of shots.. finally Wall clears the ball.

52 minute mark: Lamine Traore gets a yellow card for a trip on Graham.

55 minute mark: Paulo gets it at midfield.. dribbles past two men.. passes it into the box for Graham.. he shoots.. the keeper saves it.

56 minute mark: Teale with a long pass down the right sideline.. Paulo gets to it.. centers for Benayoun in the box.. Benayoun shoots.. lower left corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0.

62 minute mark: Melara on for Teale since Teale has the yellow card. I also decide to rest Paulo since he has a yellow card. I put Paulista on for him.

73 minute mark: Melara crosses for Benayoun just outside the box.. he shoots.. powerful shot.. upper left corner.. the keeper barely tips it over the bar.

81 minute mark: Tomasz gets a yellow card for obstructing Stonebridge.

85 minute mark: Wall gets a yellow card for tripping Stonebridge.. on the ensuing free kick.. Lee fires a shot that curves into the upper left corner.. really a great shot for the goal. 3-1.

93 minute mark: Rolfes steals it at midfield.. plays it up the pitch to Benayoun.. he passes to Graham.. who fires a crisp pass between two defenders to Paulista on the right side of the box.. Paulista immediately shoots.. lower right corner.. the keeper tries to get there.. he can't.. GOAL!!!! 4-1. That is Paulista's first goal for our team.



Game over. 4-1 win :)

We dominated possession. We outshot them 20-9 (9-2 on target)

Simon Rolfes wins MoM, 27 of 32 passes, 1 of 1 tackles, 3 of 4 headers, 2 interceptions, 2 fouls drawn. 9 for form.

Jarzebowski, Paulista, Teale, Benayoun, Paulo, and Graham all had 8's for form. The rest of the team had 7's.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug. 2, 2009 -

Rix has a hairline fracture of his wrist that he suffered in practice today. He will miss approximately 3 weeks including our game against Preston on Aug 22, 2009 that he was looking forward to playing against.


Portuguesa's Joao Paulo has agreed to come play for us. For 80,000 dollars we are acquiring a potentially very good striker. He is a 28 year old Brazilian player that will add depth and may get some starts for us.
I think this 80,000 dollars might be the best money I've spent in this career. I'm really glad that I didn't pass on him because I had too many strikers (which I considered doing for that reason.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct 26, 2009 -

Simon Rolfes, Joao Paulo and Wellington Paulista were all selected to the Championship Team of the week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 27, 2009 -

Today we travel to play Leicester. They have fallen down to 18th place this year. We are currently in 11th place. Leicester's keeper Joe Lewis has played very well this year except for his last game where he was horrible. Centrebacks Zander Diamond and James Chambers have solidified the defense, but the rumor is that Diamond wants to leave the club and is very unhappy. Midfielders Danny Pugh and Lee Martin lead the midfield in creating offense. Midfielder Gavin McCann is their leading scorer. Striker Andrew Johnson also has 3 goals.

They are 6-4 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the high 60's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Hutchinson
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Lunt
MC: Mares
MC: Benayoun
MC: Rix
MR: Melara
SC: Begeorgi
SC; Paulista

S1: Gerken
S2: Sarr
S3: Longthorn
S4: Giuliani
S5: Nicell

[Eaglesfan27]

7 minute mark: Benayoun passes to Paulista just outside the box.. he is tripped by Matt Heath. Free kick awarded from just outside the box.. Lunt steps up to take it.. powerful shot.. it deflects off the wall.. into the right side of the net! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

10 minute mark: Mares steals it at midfield.. passes it to Lunt who plays a ball into the box for Benayoun.. he shoots.. the keeper tips it over the bar.

13 minute mark: Jarzebowski steals it deep in our zone.. passes to Rix who plays the perfect through ball into teh box.. Begeorgi gets it.. fakes left.. dribbles right.. shoots.. lower right corner.. it's past the keeper.. into the net! GOAL!!!! 2-0.

21 minute mark: Hutchinson with a great defensive play.

34 minute mark: Matt Heath gets a yellow card for tripping Mares.

38 minute mark: Hutchinson with a brilliant defensive play.

45 minute mark: Benayoun passes to Paulista in the box.. he shoots from 15 yards.. great save by the keeper.


Halftime: We are up 2-0. Leicester has over 30,000 fans here today.


67 minute mark: Begeorgi is tired, I sub Giuliani on for him. I also bring on Longthorn for Mares who is tired.

92 minute mark: Benayoun receives a pass from Hutchinson at midfield.. quickly passes it to Giuliani at the edge of the box.. Giuliani is tackled hard.. yellow card for Diamond.. we take the free kick.. Lunt steps up.. hard shot.. deflects off the wall.. into the left corner of the net.. GOAL!!!! 3-0.



Game over. 3-0 win! :)

We dominated time of possession and outshot them 10-6 (6-5 on goal)

Tom Hutchinson wins MoM, 20 of 25 passes, 11 of 13 tackles, 13 of 15 headers, 4 interceptions. 9 for form! Paulista also had a 9 for form. The remainder of the team had 8's except for Mares who only had a 7 (still not bad for my experiment of trying this left fullback at midfield.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 31, 2009 -

Ouch! Tough injury today as Simon Rolfes tore his groin muscle and will miss approximately a month. While I have plenty of midfielders, I only have a few that are left footed and are naturals for that position (hence the Mares experiment.) This will be a noticed loss.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 31, 2009 -

Today we play MK Dons in a televised match. We are hosting them. We are currently in 6th place. They are currently in 23rd and are struggling. Matthew Gillston, James Morrison, and Danny Bunce have all played well in the midfield. Will Haining and Sean O'Hanlon have provided solid defense. However, their scoring has been anemic and no one has more than 1 goal on the season. The team has only scored 5 goals on the season. Conal Platt is a recent arrival to the team and they are hoping he can reinvigorate the offense. Keeper Crhis Chiu has played reasonably well, but he isn't a great keeper.

We are heavy 1-2 favorites.

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

GK: Paddy
DC: Wall
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Elliott
MC: Melara (He is too good to keep off the pitch, and if he can play this position it will increase his PT.)
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo (When I play games within a few days off each other I plan on rotating my two teams of strikers.)

S1: Gerken
s2; Begeorgi
S3: Kelly
S4: Hutchinson
S5: Nicell

[Eaglesfan27]

The Tv announcers believe that Gary Teale will be my dominant player today. They feel that James Morrison will be MK Don's key player. They predict an easy win for my team.

20 minute mark: Benayoun passes to Graham.. who passes back Benayoun.. passes back to Graham in the box.. he shoots.. nice save by the keeper.

30 minute mark: They have been playing 9 men back at all times, but we get off a flurry of good shots.. 3 of which are deflected by defenders, and the last one is shot by Paulo but saved by the keeper.

31 minute mark: Graham crosses for Paulo who heads it just wide.


Halftime: A disappointing first half produces a 0-0 tie. Also disappointing is that we only have 7,500 fans or so here today.


56 minute mark: Paulo puts a great move on two defenders in the box.. passes it across to Spiller who has the open shot.. hard shot towards the right corner.. great save by the keeper.

66 minute mark: Kelly on for Benayoun and Begeorgi on for Graham.

80 minute mark: Jarzebowski with a long pass down the right sideline.. Paulo gets it.. dribbles past one defender.. tries to cross for Kelly.. a defender intercepts it in the box.. Paulo immediately rushes towards that defender.. steals it from him.. shoots it.. into the lower left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0. WHAT A GOAL!! :)


Game over. 1-0 win. Not as big of a win as I wanted, but three points is three points :)

We outshot them 11-1 (7-0 on target)

Their keeper, Chris Chiu won MoM for his 6 saves.

Elliott and Paulo had 8's for form, Melara had a 6 at the odd position (for him.) the remainder of the team had 7's.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

That win puts us into 5th place. We are 6 points behind the Wolves and Preston who are 1st and 2nd. The Wolves have an impressive +21 GD. Our differential of +11 is next best in the league.

Morale on the team is very good right now and almost everyone is very happy.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 1, 2009 -

The Wigan Board is very pleased with my performance as manager.


Leeds' Aaron Lennon has won Championship Player of the Month. Shane Paul of QPR came in 2nd, and Thomas Gravesen of Everton came in 3rd.

Cardiff's Dani has won Young player of the month. Michael Spence of Doncaster has come in 2nd, and Stephen Taylor of Preston came in 3rd.

Leeds' Ronnie Moore has won Manager of the Month. Paul Fairclough of Wolverhampton came in 2nd, and Stephen Constantine of QPR came in 3rd.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 3, 2009 -

Tom Hutchinson, Kenny Lunt, and Wellington Paulista were all selected to the Team of the Week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov 4, 2009 -

Ricardo Osorio, Yossi Benayoun, and Stuart Elliott have all been called up for international duty on Nov. 7, 2009.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 7, 2009 -

Michael Stewart has recovered and is now back in full training.

Staurt Elliott was in magnificient form and had a 9 for the match despite his N. Ireland squad losing to Finland 2-0.

Tomasz Jarzebowski played well for Poland in a 0-0 tie against Norway in a WC Qualifying Match.

Yossi Benayoun had both goals for Isreal in a 2-0 win over Luxembourg.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 11, 2009 -

33 year old Tomasz Jarzebowski played well for Poland and had an assist in a 3-0 win over Norway in a WC Qualifying match.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 14, 2009 -

Today we travel to play QPR. They are currently in 8th place. We are currently in 5th place. QPR has been suffering some internal dissension with Wayne Routledge demanding to be traded. As a result, tehy haven't been starting him recently. Their most consistent performer has been midfielder/right winger Martin Rowlands. Danny Shittu has been a rock for the defense. Striker Shane Paul has provided most of the offense and has 10 goals on the year. Keeper Paul Gallacher has been inconsistent. He has 9 clean sheets in 16 starts, but has given up almost 3 goals a game in the other 7 starts. It will be interesting to see which way it goes for us and him today.

They are 6-4 favorites.

It's raining and temperatures are in the mid 40's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Mares
DC: Hutchinson
DC: Wall (giving Tomasz and Osario off due to international play recently.)
ML: Lunt
MC: Stewart
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Begeorgi
S3: Kelly
S4: Paz
S5: Paulista

[Eaglesfan27]

7 minute mark: Teale with a long pass down the right sideline.. Paulo gets to it.. dribbles around a defender.. into the box.. shoots the hard angle shot.. the keeper blocks it partially.. Shittu gets to it and clears the rebound.

8 minute mark: They hit Paul with a long pass on the counter attack.. he crosses to Rowlands who is alone in the right half of the box.. quick shot.. upper right corner.. great save by Paddy.

10 minute mark: Paul gets the long pass on the counter attack.. hard shot.. Paddy stops it partially.. Wall tries to clear it, but Marc Bircham steals it.. shoots it into the open net.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

17 minute mark: Teale with a corner kick that gets to the middle of the box.. Benayoun heads it.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-1.

24 minute mark: up and down game with plenty of attacking and counterattacking from both sides.. long pass to Paulo.. he catches up to it.. puts a move on the defender.. dribbles into the box.. passes between two defenders.. to Stewart.. who slams it into the wide open left half of the net! GOAL!!!! 2-1.

35 minute mark: Paddy stops a point blank shot from Paul.

36 minute mark: McVeigh takes the corner.. Ouaddou outjumps wall.. heads it.. into the upper left corner of the goal.. GOAL. 2-2.


Halftime: 2-2 tie. Over 17,000 fans here today.

49 minute mark: Teale with a corner to the middle of the box.. Lunt heads it.. over the bar.

57 minute mark: Paulo gets the ball at midfield.. passes it to Benayoun 30 yards out.. Benayoun does a spin move on one defender.. dribbles past a second.. into the box.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-2.

67 minute mark: Graham is tired and slightly injured. I bring in Begeorgi for him. Benayoun is exhausted. I bring in Kelly for him.

75 minute mark: Hutchinson with a series of great defensive plays.

83 minute mark: Spiller passes to Kelly who plays a nice pass into the box for Begeorgi.. hard shot.. upper left corner... nice save by the keeper.

87 minute mark: Paul gets a breakaway.. into the box.. he tries to make a move on Paddy.. shoots.. Paddy with the clean save!

89 minute mark: Wall clears a ball down the right side of the pitch.. Paulo gets it at midfield.. strong dribble down the right side of the pitch.. puts moves on two different defenders.. crosses.. Kelly settles.. shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. tips it over the bar.


Game over. 3-2 win for us :)

We outshot them 16-12 (8-6 on goal)

Benayoun wins MoM, 9 of 12 passes, 0 tackles, 1 of 5 headers, 1 interception 1 run, 2 goals. 8 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info: The board is very pleased with that win which moves us into 4th place.

Leyton Orient has fired Martin Ling.

Yossi Benayoun has sprained his wrist and will miss approximately a week.

Michael Stewart has bruised his thigh and will miss 3 days.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 17, 2009 -

We've been informed that our match against Leicester has been rescheduled for live television coverage. It will now take place on March 7, 2010.

[Eaglesfan27]

November 17, 2009 -

Today we travel to play Doncaster. They are currently in 17th place. We are currently in 4th place. Steven Davis has played very well in the midfield and he has set up Ryan Jarvis for many goals this year. However, Ryan Jarvis is injured and the offense will miss his scoring as he leads the team with 10 goals. Matt Jarvis is the next leading scorer with 4 goals and will have to step up his play at striker. Right fullback Dave Mackay and centreback Nicky Fenton lead the defensive line. Keeper Nick Colgan has played well this year.

We are even odd favorites.

It's raining and temperatures are in the high 30's today.

GK: Paddy
DC: Mares
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Elliott
MC: Rix
MC: Kelly
MC: Spiller
MR: Melara
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Paulista

S1: Gerken
S2: Hutchinson
S3: Nicell
s4: Paz
S5: Giuliani

[Eaglesfan27]

Sheesh.. I really need to remember to copy my notepad into this window before deleting it and typing something else (I've only started making this mistake recently.)

In any case to summarize the match, Stuart Elliott was brilliant with 2 headers for goals. He had a 10 for form and helped guide us to a 3-0 win. Melara had the other goal when he shot from 25 yards out with 10 guys in the box (5 from each side.) It deflected off 2 guys and into the right corner of the net.

The 3-0 win was total domination and we outshot them 7-2 (3-1 on target)

Elliott won MoM.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

I woke to find this in the newspaper:

Following Wigan Athletic's 3-0 win over the Doncaster Rovers, Wigan's Chairman Dave Whelan declared himself extremely pleased with the results.

The Latic were reckoned to have little chance of breaking into the top 6 before the season began, yet Christopher Engles' men now find themselves described as potential title challenger by some sections of the media.

With so many games still to go it remains to be seen whether they can do it but the fans are increasingly optimistic after this excellent recent form.



What an article! I decide that I'm going to praise someone.. Looking at my notes, I see Elliott has had 4 8's and then a 10 in our last 5 games. He is an easy choice. I decide to release a comment to the media:

Stuart Elliott has been a vital part of our current form and he is partly to thank for our excellent league position. I'm proud to have such a quality player and person on my team.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov 18, 2009 -

Cardiff has fired Steve McMahon today. Kevin Keegan is the favorite to take over according to the media, but my name is also linked to the opening. I'm not sure why the media thinks I would want to make that lateral move.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 21, 2009 -

We are currently in 3rd place and we are hosting Millwall which is in 9th place. Millwall is led by striker Simeon Jackson who has 9 goals on the year. However, no one else has more than 1 goal. Their defense has been very very good, and has contributed to their high league position.. Centreback Mark Phillips and right fullback Jon Otsemobor have been very good. Midfielder Jody Morris has played a solid two way game. Keeper Julian Speroni is an excellent veteran keeper. He has 11 clean sheets in 16 starts.

We are 5-4 favorites.

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

GK: Paddy
DC: Wall
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Lunt
MC: Stewart
MC: Paulista (an experiment with Benayoun injured still)
MC: Spiller
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Hutchinson
S3: Nicell
S4: Kelly
S5: Giuliani

[Eaglesfan27]

5 minute mark: Teale with a corner kick.. Lunt heads it.. keeper saves it.

12 minute mark: Spiller gets a yellow card for a trip on Serioux.

35 minute mark: Osorio gets a yellow card for a trip on Morris.

38 minute mark: Jarzebowski gets a yellow card for a trip on Morris.

40 minute mark: Mark Phillips gets a yellow card for sliding hard and dirty into Paulo.


Halftime: Their defense was phenomenal. 0-0 at the half. On a good note, we have over 16,000 fans today :)


57 minute mark: Michael Stewart gets a yellow card for holding Potter's jersey.

64 minute mark: Kelly on for Paulista who has picked up a minor injury and hasn't done so well at the MC/AMC spot. Nicell on for Stewart who has a yellow card and is tired.

78 minute mark: Spiller passes to Kelly just outside the box.. strong shot.. the keeper tips it over the bar.


Game over: Both defenses were very solid. 0-0 tie.

We each had 6 shots. We each had 1 shot on target.

Gary Teale won MoM, 30 of 33 passes, 3 of 3 tackles, 4 of 5 headers, 4 runs, 2 fouls drawn.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Despite the tie, we remain in 3rd place. We are currently 3 points behind the Wolves and Preston. The Wolves have a +20 GD. Preston's is +12. Ours is second best in the league, +15. We are now 18 games into the season, and our record is 9 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses. I'll post a shot of the standings when I get to the halfway point of the season which isn't that far away.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 22, 2009 -

Cardiff City has offered me their managerial job today. I would be given a transfer budget of 3 million dollars and a wage bill of about 170,000. They are currently 14th in the Championship. Lewis Guy is a phenomenal striker who is among the leading scorers, but there is nothing else that makes this job even remotely interesting. I turn it down.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 24, 2009 -

Stuart Elliott was selected to the team of the Week.

Real Madrid is under pressure from fans and the media to drop Iker Casillas who has bad form recently.

I'd be glad to offer them some money for him (dreaming.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 28, 2009

Our U18 team beat Manchester United's U18 team 2-1! Shaun Morris is a 16 year old midfielder who looked particularly good in this match. 18 year old left fullback Joe Gibson was great. Striker Steve McMahon had 2 goals for us. Maybe some of these kids will develop.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 28, 2009 -

Today we travel to play Ipswich. They are currently in 22nd place. We are currently in 3rd place. Their most consistent player has been midfielder Ben Watson. He and teammate Tommy Miller have been very good in the center of the pitch. Keeper Scott Carson has played well, but the offensive support has been lackluster. The leading scorer is right winger Ashley Young with 4 goals. Striker Shefki Kuqi has 3 goals on the year and is the top striker.

We are heavy 4-5 favorites.

GK: Paddy
DC: wall
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Elliott
MC: Paz
MC: Benayoun
MC: Melara
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Hutchinson
S3: Paulista
S4: Kelly
S5: Begeorgi

[Barkeep49]

With your December board update could you say how the financial picture is looking? After all you've certainly been doing the winning part!

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Watson steals it at midfield.. plays a perfect through ball to Dean Bowditch (a talented but unhappy striker who hasn't been playing well) and Bowdith immediately shoots.. buries it in the upper left corner. GOAL. Down 1-0.

14 minute mark: Graham with a pass to Benayoun just outside the box.. he dribbles into the box.. shoots.. nice save by the keeper.

31 minute mark: Paz with a good pass to Graham in the box.. left side of the box.. he shoots.. lower left corner.. the keeper dives.. pushes it wide.

33 minute mark: Elliott with a hard shot that keeper blocks.. Melara gets the rebound.. shoots.. barely wide left.

37 minute mark: Graham gets two seperate passes from Benayoun.. shoots wide left on both shots.

38 minute mark: Paz plays it down the left side of the pith.. Graham gets to it.. centers it for Benayoun.. he settles it inside the penalty box.. shoots.. upper left corner.. it's out of the keeper's reach.. GOAL!!!! 1-1.

41 minute mark: Benayoun steals it at midfield.. plays it to the right side of the pitch for Paulo.. he dribbles around two defenders.. centers for Graham in the box.. Graham heads it.. barely over the bar.

45 minute mark: Two defenders immediately close on Paulo as he gets a pass from Benayoun.. they are keying in on Paulo and stopping him most of the time today.


Halftime: 1-1 tie. Over 20,000 fans here for Ipswich today.


46 minute mark: Steve Foster gets a yellow card for tripping Benayoun just outside the box.

61 minute mark: Melara is having a poor game at this position, I decide to bring on Kelly for him. Graham is tired, I decide to put Begeorgi in for him.

67 minute mark: Watson with a nice pass to Bowdith 25 yards out.. Bowditch shoots.. Paddy should be able to stop this.. but he misplays it! GOAL. Down 2-1.

73 minute mark: Begeorgi draws two men... passes to Paulo.. wide open shot.. he shoots.. wide left!

79 minute mark: On a corner kick.. Abraham Paz gets called for tripping Steve Foster! Penalty shot awarded.. Tommy Miller steps up.. drills it into the upper left corner.. GOAL. Down 3-1.

82 minute mark: Paddy with a long kick that sails over the defender's heads.. Begeorgi raes to it.. he dribbles into the box.. fakes left.. dribbles right.. shoots.. right lower corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-2.

89 minute mark: Elliott plays it down the left sideline.. Begeorgi gets to it.. centers for Benayoun.. he settles.. shoots.. upper right corner... it's past the keeper.. it sails wide.


Game over. Disappointing 3-2 loss.

We outshot them 21-10 (11-4 on target)

Paddy was very disappointing, and is starting to make me think he isn't the highest priority to re-sign this year.

Benayoun won MoM, 25 of 27 passes, 2 of 2 tackles, 4 of 7 headers, 4 runs, 1 goal. 9 for form. Elliott also had a 9 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

With your December board update could you say how the financial picture is looking? After all you've certainly been doing the winning part!
Absolutely.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 30, 2009 -

Stuart Elliott, Yossi Benayoun, and Joao Paulo were all selected to the Team of the Week.

We had a very favorable draw for the 3rd round of the English FA Cup. We will be hosting Southend (18th in League 2.)

[Eaglesfan27]

December 1st, 2009 -

The board has informed me that they are delighted with my performance as manager. Despite that last loss we are still in 4th place. They are satisied with the financial picture and they are thrilled that the club is exceeding expectations. The Supporters are delighted with my performance as well. However, the team continues to lost money. Last month with lost over a million dollars! How the heck did that happen? Let's take a closer look at our expenditures last month. We spent 1.7 million on wages!?! My wage budget is only 340,000/week according to that screen.. hmm maybe November had 5 weeks. We spent 10,529 on Bonuses. We spent 286,000 on Ground Maintenance. We spent over 75,000 in taxes! We spent over 190,000 on misc. expenses. On the other hand, our income from gate receipts was 530,196. Our income from Merchandising was 270,000. Our income from interest was 233 dollars. Our income from misc. sources was 24,500. We are back in debt and I'm not sure if I'll get another infusion from the board or not.


Everton's Tim Cahill has won Player of the Month. Dean Ashton of Leicester came in 2nd, and Lamine Traore of Sheffield Wed. came in 3rd.


Nottingham Forest's Michael Vickers won Young Player of the Month. Paul Edwards of Chesterfield came in 2nd, and Stephen Taylor of Preston was 3rd.

Leicester's Bobby Williamson has won Manager of the month. Alan Pardew of Stoke came in 2nd, and Graham Rix of Watford came in 3rd.

Fabrice Begeorgi came in 3rd for goal of the month for his goal against Ipswich on the 28th.

[Eaglesfan27]

December 2, 2009 -

I decide to transfer list Pape Sarr who never really met my expectations.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 5, 2009 -

Simon Rolfes has returned to full training.


Today we host Derby. We are currently in 4th place while Derby is in 18th. Derby has a new keeper, Lee Camp, who has 5 amazing games recently with all 9's for form! Striker Grzegorz Rasiak has 7 goals which leads the team. Right back Nathan Doyle has played very well on defense. Left winger Lee Holmes has created plenty of scoring opportunities.

We are 5-4 favorites.

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

GK: Paddy
DC: Wall
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Elliott
MC: Rix
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Hutchinson
S3: Kelly
S4: Paulista
S5: Begeorgi

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Benayoun has it at midfield.. plays a perfect pass into the box.. Graham fakes right.. dribbles left.. wide open net as he beat the keeper.. shoots.. into the side of the netting! What a terrible miss. He is embarassed (and should be!)

8 minute mark: Teale collides with Rasiak their striker.. Rasiak is hurt.. he has to leave the pith.. Teale gets a yellow card.

19 minute mark: Teale plays a nice pass into the box for Graham.. he is alone with the keeper.. shoots.. keeper blocks.. Graham shoots the rebound.. the keeper flails and blocks again.. Graham gets the rebound.. shoots.. the keeper recovers and blocks again! The defense finally clears the rebound.

21 minute mark: Benayoun heads it into the box for Graham after a cross from Teale.. Graham shoots.. over the keeper's left shoulder.. into the.. Crossbar! The defense clears the rebound.

39 minute mark: Leroy Lita gets a yellow card for a dangerous slide on Tomasz.

41 minute mark: Teale with a corner kick.. Elliott in the center of the box.. heads it.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.


Halftime: 1-0 lead. We have over 16,500 fans today.


57 minute mark: Elliott gets it in our zone.. fakes out a defender.. passes it down the left sideline to Graham.. Graham dribbles into the box.. shoots the hard angle.. the keeper tips it over the bar.

61 minute mark: Graham and Wall are having off days.. I sub in Begeorgi for Graham and Hutchinson for Wall.

67 minute mark: Hutchinson with a series of good defensive plays.

69 minute mark: Paulo gets the ball on the right side of the pitch... strong dribble down the right side.. centers for Benayoun.. he shoots from 20 yards out.. upper left corner.. it deflects off a defender.. into the right side of the net! GOAL!!!! 2-0.

89 minute mark: Elliott plays a nice pass into the left side of the box for Begeorgi.. Begeorgi shoots.. very hard shot into the upper right corner.. it's past the keeper before he even knows it.. GOAL!!!! 3-0.


Game over. 3-0 win for us :)

We outshot them 18-4 (9-1 on target)

Stuart Elliott had a 10 for form and won MoM, 19 of 23 passes, 0 tackles, 4 of 4 headers, 5 interceptions, 7 runs, 2 fouls drawn, 1 assist, 1 goal.

Gary Teale and Benayoun both had 9's for form. Everyone else had a 7 except Graham and Wall who both had 6's.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Wow! Bobby Williamson who has been winning Manager of the Month awards was just fired by Leicester (12th in Championship.) Kevin Keegan is the media favorite to take over the job.

Gary Teale strained his calf in this math and will miss about 2 weeks.

Stuart Elliott strained his wrist and will miss about a week.

The Wigan Board is thrilled with this win.

Edit: Math should have been match.. my C key isn't working too well on my laptop.. anyone have any suggestions on how to fix it? :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 8, 2009 -

Liverpool has given manager Rafa Benitez an ultimatum.

Gary Teale and Stuart Elliott were selected to the Team of the Week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 8, 2009 -

Today we travel to play Nottingham Forest. They are currently in 3rd place while we are in 4th place. They are a well balanced team that is playing very well. Midfielder Justin Cochrane has been dominating on the pitch. Keeper Stuart Taylor is playing at a very high standard and has been pursued by several EPL teams. Striker Sam Parkin has 11 goals and is difficult to contain. Right fullbak James Biggins has been a steady force on the defensive line.

We are even odd favorites.

It's raining and temperatures are in the mid 40's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Wall
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Lunt
MC: Rolfes
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller
MR: Melara
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Paulista

S1: Gerken
S2: Hutchinson
S3: Mares
S4: Kelly
S5: Giuliani

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Paddy stops 2 shots from Parkin.

2nd minute: Osorio heads away a pass.. Spiller gets it.. long pass from Spiller to the edge of the box.. Paulista beats the defender to it.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

6 minute mark: Melara gets a yellow card for pulling the jersey of Cochrane.

8 minute mark: Paulista is run over by Biggins.. Paulista is writhing in pain.. he has to come out of this game. I put Giuliani in for him.

20 minute mark: Rolfes with a pass into the box for Giuliani.. he shoots.. wide left.

25 minute mark: Tomasz with a series of great defensive plays.

26 minute mark: Kris Commons gets a yellow card for pulling Melara's jersey.

40 minute mark: Melara steals it at midfield.. passes to Benayoun who passes to Giuliani who heads it to Begeorgi in the box.. he shoots a very hard shot.. left corner of the net.. the keeper saves it.

43 minute mark: Cochrane gets a yellow card for pulling Lunt's jersey.


Halftime: We are winning 1-0. They have over 27,000 fans here today.


59 minute mark: Begeorgi has it on the left corner of the box.. passes to Benayoun in the middle of the box.. he shoots.. WIDE right. Terrible shot.

65 minute mark: Commons passes it into the left half of the box for Turner.. he shoots from 10 yards out.. into the upper left corner of the net.. GOAL. 1-1.

Kelly on for Benayoun who is tired.

86 minute mark: Kelly with a good pass to Begeorgi in the box.. Begeorgi with a ultra fast shot towards the upper left corner.. the keeper barely turns it over the bar.. Begeorgi has to have the fastest shot I've seen as a manager.

91 minute mark: Lunt is injured by Commons.. he can't finish the match. I put Mares on for Lunt to finish the match.


Game over. 1-1 tie.

We dominated possession and outshot them 15-8 (8-4 on target)

Melara won MoM, 35 of 39 passes, 10 of 13 tackles, 1 of 2 headers, 8 interceptions, 4 runs, 2 fouls drawn. 9 for form. Wall rebounded nicely with an 8 for form this match.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Kenny Lunt damaged his heel and will miss a week.

Wellington Paulista has a damaged shin and will miss about a week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 12, 2009 -

Preston have signed Joey Gudjonsson from Leicester for 260,000 dollars.

We host Watford today. We are currently in 4th place while they are in 16th place. Watford is led by the excellent play of their keeper David Preece. Centreback Fitz Hall leads the defense. Midfielder Michael Higdon is a solid player. Striker Heidar Helguson leads the offense with 5 goals.

We are 5-4 favorites.

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

GK: Paddy
DC: Hutchinson
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Elliott
MC: Stewart
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller
MR: Melara
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Wall
S3: Mares
S4: Kelly
S5: Giuliani

[Eaglesfan27]

8 minute mark: Our offense passes it around the perimeter of the box.. finally Elliott crosses to Graham.. he heads it.. into.. the crossbar.

24 minute mark: Benayoun passes back to Spiller who shoots... just over the bar.

35 minute mark: Melara crosses to Elliott.. he heads it.. the keeper blocks it.

41 minute mark: Paulo tracks down a ball in the right corner of the pitch.. crosses for Graham.. Graham jumps.. the keeper outjumps him and intercepts it.


Halftime: 0-0 tie. We have over 13,000 fans today.


56 minute mark: Spiller passes to Benayoun who shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper is out of position.. it hits a defender and bounces out of bounds.

67 minute mark: Elliott crosses for Benayoun in the box.. he heads it.. upper left corner.. the keeper dives.. tips it over the bar.

71 minute mark: Melara crosses to Spiller.. he settles.. shoots from 25 yards out.. strong powerful curving shot.. heading to the upper right corner.. great save by the keeper.

87 minute marK: Elliott crosses to Spiller who shoots from 20 yards.. very good save by the keeper.


Game over: They played turtle all match and held us to a 0-0 tie.

We outshot them 16-2 (8-1 on target)

Stuart Elliott had a 10 for form!

He also won MoM, 50 of 59 passes, 3 of 3 tackles, 2 of 2 headers, 13 runs.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 15, 2009 -

Trevor Francis has been sacked by Birmingham City. Paul Scholes is the leading candidate to take over the manager's job.

Stuart Elliott was selected to the Championship Team of the Week.

Joe Kinnear has taken over at Birmingham City. So much for that rumor.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 19, 2009 -

Blackburn has fired Mark Hughes. Paul Scholes is being linked as the favorite to get the job (sheesh the media seem to love this guy [I like him too])

Greg Pearson has told the national media that he is unhappy being in the reserves and believes he deserves place in my top 11!

Liverpool has sent Sami Hyypia on loan to watford!!

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 19, 2009 -

Today we travel to play the Wolves. They are currently in 1st place while we are in 5th place. They have a strong balanced team. They are led by midfielder Seyi George Olofinjana who is playing extremely well this year. They have instealled a new keeper recently in Ben Williams since Arni Gautar Arason has been struggling. I wonder who will start today. Right back Darren Kenton will play strong defense in front of whoever it is. They have a very varied offense with 4 different players having 8 goals: Right winger David Thompson, Striker David Healy (who is questionable due to a heel injury), Striker Kevin Lisbie, and Striker Jay Bothroyd.

They are 5-4 favorites.

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

GK: Paddy
DC: Hutchinson
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Elliott
MC: Rolfes
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller
MR: Melara
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Wall
S3: Begeorgi
S4: Kelly
S5: Paulista

[Eaglesfan27]

5 minute mark: Paddy with a nice save of a shot by Bothroyd.

17 minute mark: Their defense smothers Benayoun as he gets into the box.

27 minute mark: Graham with a corner kick.. Paulo heads it.. the keeper with a good save.

Their defense is smothering our offensive attempts.

45 minute mark: Paulo tries a long range shot.. just wide left.

Ben Williams with a good first half on the few shots that reached him.


Halftime: 0-0 tie. The Wolves have over 24,000 fans today.


46 minute mark: Long pass from Craddock on the counter attack.. Julian Gray heads it to Bothroyd in the box.. he shoots.. lower left corner.. Paddy dives.. it's past him.. GOAL.

62 minute mark: Thompson takes the corner kick.. finds Dunne inside the box.. by the near post.. he heads it.. into the upper left corner.. GOAL. DOwn 2-0. We are being beaten in every phase of the game.

I bring on Kelly for Benayoun, Begeorgi on for Graham and Paulista on for Paulo to try to fire up the offense.

73 minute mark: Kelly passes it into the box.. Paulista with a rare open shot.. fakes left.. dribbles right.. has the open shot towards the upper right corner.. the keeper dives back and tips it over the bar.. Amazing recovery by Ben Williams to save that one.


Game over: 2-0 loss. We were dominated today.

They outshot us 14-9 (7-3 on target)

Julian Gray wins MoM, 23 of 29 passes, 0 of 1 tackles, 2 of 6 headers, 3 interceptions, 5 fouls drawn, 1 assist. 9 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 20, 2009 -

Greg Kelly injured his groin in training today and will the next 2 weeks approximately.

[SunDancer]

Nice to hear the success..

Is the new formation working well?

EF, I think I've found my new laptop: P4 Processor (3.6 Ghz), 1GB RAM, 80GB HD. Should kick some butt for FM2005 I think?

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 21, 2009 -
I just realized we are exactly halfway through the season. Due to our recent losses we are now in 9th place, but we are only 2 points out of 3rd and 5 points out of 2nd. The Wolves are pulling away though. Allow me to post a shot of the league standings from today's newspaper:


http://64.17.163.76/images/Championship%20Standings%202.jpg

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 21, 2009 -

Other thoughts at the halfway point:

Our 36 goals are 5th best in the league. The Wolves are 1st with 39 (tied with Everton.)

Our 21 goals allowed are 4th best in the league. Millwall is best with only 9 allowed! The Wolves are second with only 12 allowed which is also impressive.

The Wolves are best in the league with a +27 Goal Differential. We are second at plus 15.

Given the fact that I cost us a few wins early in the season with my failed experimental formation, I think we are doing exceptionally well this season. I expect us to finish in either second or third place. I think the Wolves will be too hard to catch and will likely win the League Title. I'd be happy with second and automatic promotion.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 23, 2009 -

Tomasz Jarzebowski was selected to the Team of the Week.

Blackburn becomes the latest team to overlook Paul Scholes as they hire Ciriaco Cano to take over as manager.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nice to hear the success..

Is the new formation working well?

EF, I think I've found my new laptop: P4 Processor (3.6 Ghz), 1GB RAM, 80GB HD. Should kick some butt for FM2005 I think?
That definitely sounds like it will kick butt :)

I can't wait to get a new laptop, but saving up money for a downpayment for a house is top priority right now,

Since switching to the new formation our record is: 10 wins 4 losses and 6 draws. We had 2 losses and 2 ties before the switch. So I think it is much more successful than the old experimental formation. I also think we are doing well as a team. I'm very hopeful that we will get promoted this year.

[SunDancer]

That definitely sounds like it will kick butt :)

I can't wait to get a new laptop, but saving up money for a downpayment for a house is top priority right now,

Since switching to the new formation our record is: 10 wins 4 losses and 6 draws. We had 2 losses and 2 ties before the switch. So I think it is much more successful than the old experimental formation. I also think we are doing well as a team. I'm very hopeful that we will get promoted this year.

Yeah, it was priced about $2400-something, HP, includes a printer, mouse, printer cable, and backpag. Not bad, along with a 3-year warranty.

Think it could run all the leagues in Europe (not sure how many countries, and leagues their are)?

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 26, 2009 -

Today we host Stoke. We are currently in 9th place while they are in 2nd place. Stoke has a well balanced team as well. Midfielder Paolo Vernazza is a real playmaker. Right fullbak Simon Francis is an intimidating defender. Keeper Neil Alexander is above average and has played well lately. entreback Wayne Thomas and Antonio Soldevilla also play very good defense. Strikers Gifton Noel-Williams and Karl Noon power the attack.

We are 6-4 favorites.

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

GK: Paddy
DC: Hutchinson
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Elliott
MC: Rolfes
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller
MR: Melara
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Wall
S3: Begeorgi
S4: Teale
S5: Paulista

[Eaglesfan27]

Yeah, it was priced about $2400-something, HP, includes a printer, mouse, printer cable, and backpag. Not bad, along with a 3-year warranty.

Think it could run all the leagues in Europe (not sure how many countries, and leagues their are)?
I'm not sure. I suspect it could run them all, but if you want to run all of the divisions of all of them, I suspect it will be somewhat slow. There is only one way to find out how quickly it runs :)

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Benayoun attacks but is stopped by the keeper.. he kicks a long pass to Noel-Williams.. Noel fakes right.. goes left.. the keeper comes out to cut down the angle.. Noel-Williams chips it.. over the keeper.... into the goal. Down 1-0.

8 minute mark: Melara with the corner.. Spiller heads it... barely over the bar.

30 minute mark: Thomas shuts down Paulo yet again.

33 minute mark: Melara takes the corner.. Elliott jumps.. Ryan Hutchinson jumps.. whistle.. Hutchinson is adjudged to have pushed Elliott... Penalty shot awarded! Benayoun steps up to take it.. drills it into the lower right corner. GOAL!!!! 1-1.

38 minute mark: Benayoun passes it to Graham just outside the box.. he shoots.. wide left.


Halftime: 1-1 tie. We have over 17,000 fans here today! :)


63 minute mark: Begeorgi on for Graham.

78 minute mark: Osorio with a good defensive play.. sends it down the pitch to Paulo.. he centers to Benayoun in the box.. Benayoun misses it.. Elliott gets it.. shoots.. wide right.

81 minute mark: Vernazza with a good pass into the box for Noon.. he unleashes a powerful shot.. Paddy dives.. tips it over the bar.

85 minute mark: Osorio chasing Noel-Williams in the box.. Noel-Williams falls to the ground.. the whistle blows.. I hold my breath.. whew.. he is called for diving and gets a yellow card.

91 minute mark: Elliott, Rolfes, and Paulo have a flurry of shots that don't make it in because of good defenders by the keeper.


Game over. 1-1 tie.

We played very well, but so did they.

We outshot them 10-6 (4-2 on target in their favor.)

Stuart Elliott won MoM, 25 of 29 passes, 1 of 1 tackles, 7 of 7 headers, 9 runs, 3 fouls drawn, 1 assist. 10 for form.

Yossi Benayoun and Paulo each had 9's. Paddy, Jarzebowski, Melara, and Graham all had 8's. The rest of the team had 7's.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 29, 2009 -

Jarzebowski, Elliott, and Benayoun were all selected to the Championship Team of the Week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 29, 2009 -

Today we are traveling to Crystal Palace. They are currently in 12th place. We are currently in 7th place. They have a very good defense but weak offense. Their leading scorer is midfielder Richard Chaplow who has 7 goals. Keeper Luis Garcia has played very well this year. Right fullback John Halls has played very well and is in demand from some several EPL teams. Centrebacks Mark Hudson and Ivar Ingimarsson are both very good. Striker Wayne Andrews is the leading striker with 5 goals.

We are 5-4 favorites.

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

GK: Paddy
DC: Hutchinson
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Lunt
MC: Rix
MC: Melara
MC: Spiller
MR: Teale
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Paulista

S1: Gerken
S2: Wall
S3: Rolfes
S4: Giuliani
S5: Paulo

[Eaglesfan27]

3 minute mark: Melara passes it to Begeorgi in the left half of the box.. Begeorgi shoots.. barely wide left.

4 minute mark: Jarzebowski with a great defensive play.

7 minute mark: Rix passes to Paulista in the box.. impressive crossover dribbles takes him to his left.. shoots towards the left lower corner.. it's past the keeper.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

9 minute mark: Melara with a nice pass into the box.. Begeorgi shoots.. the keeper tips it over the bar.

15 minute mark: Rix passes it to Melara at the edge of the box.. Melara shoots.. the keeper tips it over.

31 minute mark: Paddy stops a hard shot from McKenna.

40 minute mark: Paddy stops a hard shot from Campbell.

44 minute mark: Rix passes to Melara in the box.. he shoots.. the keeper barely tips it over the bar.


Halftime: Up 1-0. Crystal Palace has over 23,000 fans at this game.


52 minute mark: Paddy stops a hard shot from Chaplowe.

55 minute mark: Melara with a great pass between two defenders.. sets up Begeorgi in the middle of the box with just the keeper.. Begeorgi dribbles to this right.. shoots.. right lower corner.. powerful shot.. right past the keeper.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

66 minute mark: Mark Hudson gets a yellow card for pulling Paulista's jersey.

71 minute mark: McKenna with the corner kick.. Garry heads it... into the upper left corner.. GOAL. Still up 2-1.


Game over. 2-1 win for us.

We outshot them 15-12 (8-5 on target in their favor)

Rix has a 10 for form and wins MoM, 24 of 30 passes, 5 of 5 tackles, 5 of 10 headers, 3 interceptions, 1 run, 1 assist.

Everyone except Begeorgi had an 8 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 30, 2009 -

My Assistant reminds me that Gary Teale's contract will expire in 6 months. WOO HOO!! The Board has been restricting offers, but somehow they will let me give him the 22,000 he wants. I feel this is a key signing because he is the number 1 fan favorite according to my staff. I offer him the 22,000 that he is looking for and request that he agree to a 3 year deal instead of just a 1 year extension.

Paddy Kenny wants 18,500/week which is his current salary. Despite his few flubs, he is still a top notch keeper. I decide to offer him the 18,500 that he wants.

Stuart Elliott wants 30,000/week. He is currently paid 28,000/week. I decide to offer him the 26,500/week which is the maximum the board will allow.

Finally, Ben Rix is a tough choice. He is currently making 25,000/week. He is mostly a rotator, but he is 26 and my other midfielders are generally older. Rix can definitely play. I decide to give him the 24,000 that he is requesting as I feel he would be a valuable player even at the EPL level and I think we will get promoted this year.

I'm really shocked that the board is allowing me to pay all of this money to these guys.


Matt Harrold is a 25 year old striker who is decent as a reserve, but he isn't going to be good enough to have any first team action with us. I decide to let him go and not offer him a new deal since he wants 6,000/week.

Alex Williams is a 21 year old right winger who is playing nicely with the reserve team. He is currently making 1900/week. He is requesting 1900/week to resign for 2 more years. I decide to give him that extension.

Kevin Wright is a 19 year old striker who has played well for my reserve team. He is developing some and is currently making 220/week. He wants 340/week to stay. I agree.

Jason Morris is a 20 year old central defender who hasn't shown much yet. I decide to let him go when his deal ends.

I'm really shocked that the board is allowing me to offer big money to these guys.

Checking my finances, I see we actually made 40,000 this month! Our rise in attendance is starting to generate income :) We are still almost a million in debt, but the board might see the light at the end of the tunnel :)

[Eaglesfan27]

January 1, 2010 -

CRAP! Crystal Palace has also offered a contract to Stuart Elliott.

Alex Williams has signed a new deal with us.

Ben Rix has signed the deal that we offered.



The board has informed me that they are delighted with my performance as manager.

Stuart Elliott has damaged his foot in training and will miss about a week.



Arsenal's Thierry Henry has won World Footballer of the Year. Joaquin of Real Madrid came in 2nd, and Damien Duff of Manchester Utd came in 3rd.

Arsenal's Jose Antonio Reyes has won World Player of the Year. Damien Duff of Manchester Utd came in 2nd, and Henry came in 3rd.

Reyes has also won European Footballer of the Year. Henry came in 2nd, and Joaquin came in 3rd.

Arsenal's Manuel Almunia has won European Goalkeeper of the Year. Tim Howard of Manchester United came in 2nd, and Petr Cech of Chelsea came in 3rd.

Real Madrid's Maxwell has won European Defender of the Year. Philipp Lahm of Real Madrid came in 2nd, and Adriano of Juventus came in 3rd.

Real Madrid's Joaquin won European Midfielder of the Year award. Patrick Vieira of Arsenal came in 2nd, and Damien Duff came in 3rd.

Thierry Henry won European Striker of the Month. Javier Saviola of Arsenal came in 2nd, and Wayne Rooney of Manchester Utd came in 3rd.




Stuart Elliott has won English Championship Player of the Month. Thomas Gravesen of Everton came in 2nd, and Gregory Vignal of Stoke came in 3rd.

Watford's Gary Fox has won Young Player of the Month. Andy Campbell of Crystal Palace came in 2nd, and Scott Phelan of Stoke came in 3rd.

Everton's Micky Adams has won Manager of the Month. Paul Fairclough of the Wolves came in 2nd, and Alan Pardew of Stoke came in 3rd.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 1, 2010 (later that night) -

Kevin Wright has signed a new contract with the club.

Paddy Kenny signed his new deal for 3 more years! :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan. 2, 2010 -

Today we host Southend in the English FA cup match.

Southend is currently 18th in League Two. Their best left fullback Mike Howell is injured. David Bryan is their best midfielder. Adam Barress is their best centreback. He is average at best. Keeper Tony Caig is below average. Their leading scorer is striker Shahed Ahmed who has 3 goals.

We are 1-6 favorites.

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

GK: Paddy
DC: Hutchinson
DC: Wall
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Lunt
MC: Rolfes
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Nicell
s3: Stewart
s4: Begeorgi
S5: Giuliani

[Eaglesfan27]

23 minute mark: They have been playing turtle all match.. but Paddy makes a save.. long pass to Benayoun in the box.. he dribbles to his right.. around the keeper.. shoots.. the keeper dives back.. tips it over the bar.. great recovery.

31 minute mark: Paulo gets the ball on the right side of the box.. centers for Benayoun.. hard shot.. upper left corner.. good save by the keeper.

38 minute mark: Rolfes steals it at midfield.. passes it to Spiller.. he passes to Paulo.. Paulo draws two defenders.. passes it to Benayoun in the box.. fakes right.. goes left.. shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.


Halftime: 1-0 lead. Only 7,800 fans to see this inferior team (hopefully) lose to us.


47 minute mark: Lunt passes it into the box for Paulo.. he shoots.. the keeper tips it over the bar.

58 minute mark: Rolfes steals it at midfield.. passes it to Paulo.. he heads it to Benayoun in the box.. Benayoun shoots.. lower left corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0!

66 minute mark: Begeorgi on for Graham, Giuliani on for Paulo, and stewart on for Spiller.

82 minute mark: Stewart with a pass into the box for Begeorgi.. he shoots.. the keeper blocks it.. Begeorgi gets the rebound.. powerful smash towards the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0!


Game over. Benayoun couldn't get the hat trick, but a nice 3-0 win :)

We outshot them 18-1 (9-1 on target)

Paulo had a 10 for form and won MoM, 24 of 25 passes, 0 tackles, 2 of 5 headers, 1 interception, 9 runs, 2 fouls drawn, 2 assists.

Benayoun also had a 10 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

We won 90,000 for that English FA Cup win.

Gary Teale has signed with us for 3 more years. :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 4, 2010 -

Ben Rix was selected to the Championship Team of the Week.

We had a fairly fortunate draw today for the fourth round of the English FA cup as we will be hosting QPR (3rd in Championship.) They are certainly better to face than the multiple EPL teams still around in the cup.

Our match against them will be 1/16/10.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 5, 2010 -

DARN! Stuart Elliott rejected my contract offer as he feels that his ability should justify a more lucrative salary. I decide to offer him a higher signing bonus.

CRAP!!! Stuart Elliott accepted an offer from Crystal Palace and will be leaving once the season is over.

Left winger is one of the areas where I have relatively little depth. Although Melara might be able to play the left side according to his profile.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 6, 2010 -

Today we travel to play Chesterfield. They are currently in 23rd place while we are in 7th place.

Their most consistent player, Centreback Simon Lee is injured for this game. Striker Trevor Benjamin leads the team with 5 goals. His partner Matthew Naylor has 4 goals. Their keeper Kevin Goeman is good, but often overmatched due to a spotty defense. Ian Evatt, their centreback, will have to play well for them to beat us today.

We are 4-5 favorites

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

GK: Paddy
DC: Hutchinson
DC: Wall
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Lunt
MC: Rolfes
MC: Kelly
MC: Rix
MR: Melara
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Paulista

S1: Gerken
S2: Nicell
S3: Stewart
S4: Giuliani
s5: Benayoun

[Eaglesfan27]

11 minute mark: Paulista gets it on the right edge of the box.. centers for Kelly who shoots.. the keeper tips it over the bar.

22 minute mark: Greg Kelly gets a yellow card for a trip on Bejamin.

25 minute mark: Benjamin gets a yellow card for a trip on Melara.

29 minute mark: Begeorgi dribbles up the left side of the pitch... crosses to Kelly.. he shoots.. the keeper tips it over the bar.

31 minute mark: Lunt intercepts the ball at midfield.. passes it long to Paulista.. wide open.. dribbles into the box.. dribbles hard to his right.. gets around the keeper.. fires it into the center of the net! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

33 minute mark: Kelly intercepts it at midfield.. passes it ot Begeorgi.. he passes bak to Kelly.. passes back to Paulista.. Paulista dribbles around two different defenders.. into the box.. shoots.. lower right corner.. the keeper dives.. it's past him.. into the net! GOAL!!!! 2-0.

39 minute mark: Wall intercepts an offensive.. long pass to Begeorgi.. he has it 30 yards out.. beats a defender with a crossover dribble.. into the box.. shoots.. lower left corner.. it's past the keeper.. GOAL!!!! 3-0.


Halftime: Up 3-0. :) They have over 7500 fans here today.

48 minute mark: Rix with a yellow card for tripping Harvey.

54 minute mark: Paddy stops a long shot from Hudson.

61 minute mark: Begeorgi crosses to Paulista.. he shoots.. the keeper punches it over the bar.

61 minute mark: Giuliani on for Begeorgi, Nicell on for Rolfes, and Stewart on for Rix. I'm leaving Paulista in specifically to give him a shot at the hat trick.

76 minute mark: Evatt steals the ball from Paulista.. plays it back to the keeper.. the keeper misplays it! Evatt with an own goal!!!! 4-0.

86 minute mark: Paddy stops a close range shot by Benjamin.


Game over. 4-0 win.

We outshot them 16-11 (7-3 on target)

Kenny Lunt wins MoM! Perhaps he will be a good first team Left winger once Elliott goes. Melara could back him up perhaps.

Lunt with a 9 for form, 36 of 40 passes, 5 of 6 tackles, 3 of 3 headers, 7 interceptions, 1 foul drawn, 2 assists.

Jarzebowski also had a 9. The remainder of the starting lineup all had 8's and the 3 reserves had 7's.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info: Lunt collided with Matthew Naylor during that match. NAylor has a compound fracture of his leg and he will miss the remainder of the season.

Our board is delighted with that win which moves us up into 6th place.

We are 3 points out of 3rd place, 5 points out of 2nd place, and 8 points out of 1st place.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan. 9, 2010 -

Leicester has hired Kevin Keegan to be their new manager.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan. 9, 2010 -

Today we host Everton. Everton is in 3rd place while we are in 6th place. Everton has a very talented team and looks like they might be returning to the EPL this year. Everton is led by the superb play of Thomas Gravesen who has been phenomenal all year long. He has 8 assists and 6 goals and has played an all around great game every game. Left winger Andy Reid is quite good. Striker Marcus Bent is deadly on the pitch and has 15 goals already. His partner German Hornos is hurt, but Nick Chadwick has been picking up the slack and has 7 goals. Their offense will be tough to contain. Cristian Zaccardo is their right fullback and he has been leading the defense. Keeper Richard Wright has had some bad games lately, but has had a good season overall. Wright is still on top of his game at 32 years of age.

They are 6-4 favorites.

It's raining and the temperatures are in the low 40's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Hutchinson
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Lunt (Elliott is still hurt)
MC: Stewart
MC: Benayoun
MC: SPiller
MR: Teale
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Kelly
S3: Wall
s4: Graham
S5: Paulista

[Eaglesfan27]

3 minute mark: Osorio heads it away in our zone.. Lunt gets it.. long pass down the left side of the pitch.. Begeorgi gets to it.. dribbles into the box.. fires an ultra hard shot into the left lower corner.. Wright didn't have a chance.. GOAL!!!! 1-0! That is Begeorgi's 10th goal of the year.

9 minute mark: Li Tie gets a yellow car for a dangerous two footed tackle on Benayoun.

14 minute mark: Gravesen gets a yellow card for a trip on Teale.

17 minute mark: Aaron Lennon gets a yellow card for a trip on Lunt.

22 minute mark: Benayoun passes it to Begeorgi on the left edge of the box.. he shoots a powerful shot towards the upper right corner.. Wright dives.. barely tips it over the bar.

39 minute mark: Paddy with a great save on a shot by Chadwick.

40 minute mark: Jarzebowski gets a yellow card for a trip on Gravesen.


Halftime: Up 1-0. We have over 17,500 fans here today :)


47 minute mark: Osorio with a header deep in our zone to Benayoun at midfield.. he plays a perfect through ball into the left half of the box for Begeorgi.. he fakes right.. dribbles left.. shoots.. powerful shot.. lower left corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

61 minute mark: Paddy stops a hard shot by Bent.

64 minute mark: Paulo is tired, I bring on Paulista for him. Benayoun is very tired, so I bring on Kelly for him.

71 minute mark: Intricate passing between Kelly, Begeorgi, and Paulista all the way down the field.. Begeorgi finally holds it up and then passes it to Paulista in the box.. Paulista fakes out one defender.. is right of the goal.. shoots the angled shot.. upper left corner of the net.. HARD shot.. GOAL!!!! 3-0.

75 minute mark: Osorio heads it from in our box.. gets it to Kelly at midfield.. he passes to Begeorgi to his left.. Begeorgi with a powerful dribble.. splits two defenders.. into the box.. lightning quick shot.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 4-0! That is his hat trick!


Game over!!! :) 4-0 win. I put out my best 11 (except for Elliott who was injured, but Lunt played well.) Also, I debate whether Paulo or Paulista is better.. in any case, I played what is close to my best 11 and smacked down a very good team. Great win for us!

We dominated ball possession, outshot them 12-7 (6-5 on target)

Fabrice Begeorgi won MoM, 22 of 25 passes, 0 tackles, 4 of 9 headers, 2 interceptions, 2 runs, 4 fouls drawn, 3 goals! 10 for form. Every other starter had an 8. Paulista had an 8 and Kelly had the lone 7 this game.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Tomasz Jarzebowski has suffered a groin strain. He will miss about 2 weeks.

Mr. Whelan is thrilled with our 4-0 win over Everton. The win moves us in 4th place, and only 1 point behind the 3rd place team. We are 5 points behind the 1st and 2nd place team. Also, our GD is now plus 24 which is only 2 behind the Wolves. We still have 20 matches left to make our move up to the top of the board which is now looking more possible.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 10, 2010 -

During a private meeting, Pavel MAres stated that he expects to be playing first team football. I can't blame the guy and really do feel bad for sitting him, but he hasn't done well in this new formation. He has great skills, and if he could become more consistent at DC I'd play him there more. I'll try to give him a game soon.

[daedalus]

Arsenal's Manuel Almunia has won European Goalkeeper of the Year. Tim Howard of Manchester United came in 2nd, and Petr Cech of Chelsea came in 3rd.There's just something . . . wrong - so very wrong - with that sentence.

Unless it was true.

[daedalus]

We had a fairly fortunate draw today for the fourth round of the English FA cup as we will be hosting QPR (3rd in Championship.) They are certainly better to face than the multiple EPL teams still around in the cup.I feel that you need to talk trash to Frogger in the other thread.

It would only be right. :D

[Eaglesfan27]

I feel that you need to talk trash to Frogger in the other thread.

It would only be right. :D

:D

[Eaglesfan27]

January 13, 2010 -

Tomasz Jarzebowski, Tom Hutchinson, and Danny Spiller were all selected to the Championship Team of the Week.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 16, 2010 -

Today we host QPR for our FA Cup 4th round game. This game will be shown on live TV. QPR is currently 3rd in the Championship while we are in 4th. QPR are missing two of their most important players this game as both Shane Paul and Martin Rowlands are injured. Centreback Danny Shittu will need to help the defense have a perfect day if they are to beat us I suspect. Keeper Paul Gallacher has been phenomenal the last few weeks. Centreback Abdeslam Ouaddou has played very well. Midfielder Paul McVeigh has been a creative spark in the midfield that has generated plenty of goals for the team this year. Striker Christian Roberts will have to pick up his play with Shane Paul being injured.

We are 6-4 favorites

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

GK: Paddy
DC: Mares
DC: osorio
DC: Hutchinson
ML: Elliott
MC: Rolfes
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller
MR: Teale
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Kelly
S3: Wall
S4: Graham
S5: Paulista

The announcers think Stuart Elliott will be my key player while Paul Gallacher will be their key player. They think this match will likely end in a draw.

[Eaglesfan27]

10 minute mark: The keeper stops a flurry of shots including shots by Paulo, Elliott, Benayoun and Begeorgi.

25 minute mark: Osorio with a long pass down the center of the pitch.. Paulo alone in the box.. trying to fake out the keeper.. the keeper backpedals.. Paulo shoots.. the keeper blocks it.

35 minute mark: Shittu and his partner are doing a great job of shutting down our offensive pressure.


Halftime: We dominated possession and pushed the attack, but 0-0 half. We have over 16,000 fans here today :)


49 minute mark: Paulo splits two defenders.. passes to Benayoun in the box.. he shoots.. keeper saves.. Begeorgi gets the rebound.. very hard shot towards the net.. the keeper blocks that too.

52 minute mark: McVeigh with a corner kick to Shittu in the box.. powerful header.. very good save by Paddy.

55 minute mark: Paulo gets the ball on the right side of the pitch.. draws two defenders.. centers for Benayoun.. he is alone in the box.. strong shot towards the lower right corner.. the keeper dives... pushes it wide.

62 minute mark: Wall on for Mares, and Paulista on for Begeorgi who is tired.

75 minute mark: Spiller with a pass into the box for Paulo.. he shoots.. the keeper tips it over the bar.

90 minute mark: Benayoun with a pass to Paulista in the box.. very hard shot.. upper right corner.. the keeper tips it over the bar. Teale takes the corner kick.. sends it to Wall.. he falls down.. Shittu is adjudged to have pushed him! Penalty kick awarded! Benayoun steps up to take the shot.. looks confident.. shoots for the left side of the net.. the keeper dives.. saves it! Paulista gets to the rebound.. but the defense steals it from him!



Game over. I'm glad we didn't lose, but was sure we would win it once we got the penalty shot.

We outshot them 11-5 (7-2 on target)

Paul Gallacher wins MoM for his 7 saves.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 17, 2010 -

Greg Pearson has requested that he be placed on the transfer list. I agree to his request.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 18, 2010 -

Mark Hateley is trying to play mindgames with my team. He states that we have to win today if we want to continue our march towards the EPL. He also said that he was going to win this match and he wouldn't lose any sleep if it harms Wigan's Chances of being promoted.

I respond that I believe we will be promoted today. I told the media that I do not share Hateley's view that the club would fall short of our ambition.

The 5th round of the FA Cup was drawn today. If we beat QPR in our rematch, we will be traveling to play Middlesbrough next. They are currently 8th in the EPL and will be a tough challenge.

[weinstein7]

Who is Mark Hateley? (insert "hater" joke here...but seriously, who is he?)

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 19, 2010 -

Stuart Wall tore his groin muscle in practice today and will miss approximately 2 months which our fans feel will be a major disruption.

We travel to play Preston today. They are currently in 5th place while we are in 4th place. Preston's best striker Mark Jackson who has 15 goals is injured for this game. They have two keepers who are splitting time and playing well, and it will be interesting to see who starts. Will it be Scott Shearer or Andrew Lonergan. Either way, centreback George Pilkinton will likely play well in front of him. Right winger Stephen Taylor has also been very consistent this season. Striker Pablo Counago is a new acquisition (that I almost acquired myself) who has 7 goals on the year and will be the top striker with Jackson hurt.

Preston are 6-4 favorites

GK: Paddy
DC: Mares (was going to start Wall before his injury)
DC: Osorio
DC: Hutchinson (I hope Jarzebowski makes it back soon from his injury)
ML: Lunt
MC: Stewart
MC: Kelly
MC: Rix
MR: Melara
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Paulista

S1: Gerken
s2: Nicell
s3: Paz
s4: Graham
s5: Giuliani

[Eaglesfan27]

Who is Mark Hateley? (insert "hater" joke here...but seriously, who is he?)
Preston's Manager.. trying to mess with my team. Paddy came into my office, and told me he is determined to show Hateley up. Managers will play mind games with your team in the media in this game :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Who is Mark Hateley? (insert "hater" joke here...but seriously, who is he?)
Dola - My bad for not mentioning he was Preston's manager in the post (I thought I did but forgot to type that)

[Eaglesfan27]

It's Lonergan in goal today and he stops Begeorgi's first shot in the 1st minute.

15 minute mark: Hutchinson plays the ball down the right side of the pitch.. Paulista gets it.. dribbles around a defender... into the right side of the box.. shoots.. upper left corner with the severely angled shot... barely wide left.

28 minute mark: Stewart with a nice pass between two defenders.. gets Kelly open in the box.. he shoots.. wide right! Darn it. Great opportunity missed.

35 minute mark: Begeorgi with a nice pass into the right side of the box for Paulista.. he fakes left.. dribbles right.. shoots.. the keeper recovers and tips it over the bar.

36 minute mark: Counago beats Paddy.. Hutchinson tackles him.. and saves a goal!

42 minute mark: Melara is tackled hard by Stephen Taylor.. Melara is crumpled down on the pitch.. he is hurt bad. Least it appears that way. I have no choice but to put Nicell in for him.

45 minute mark: Kelly passes it to Paulista in the box.. he has a good shot on goal.. great save by the keeper.


Halftime: Back and forth game.. 0-0 tie. Over 19,000 fans here rooting for Preston.


53 minute mark: Conuago with a breakaway.. dribbles into the box.. shoots.. Paddy stops it.

63 minute mark: Mares with a long pass to Begeorgi in the box.. he shoots a hard shot.. lower left corner.. the keeper with a brilliant save.

68 minute mark: Osorio totally misplays a long kick from the keeper as it sails over his head.. Counago gets a breakaway.. into the box.. dribbles to the right.. around Paddy.. fires it into the net. GOAL. Down 1-0.

75 minute mark: Graham on for Begeorgi, Giuliani on for Paulista.


Game over. 1-0 loss.

We outshot them 11-5 (8-4 on target) and dominated them most of the second half.. disappointing loss.

Lonergan had a 9 for form, but my guy Tom Hutchinson also had a 9 and won MoM, 25 of 27 passes, 7 of 7 tackles, 14 of 17 headers, 8 interceptions.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Melara strained his groin and will miss approximately 2 weeks.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan. 20, 2010 -

LOL! David Wright is concerned that the squad at Cardiff is too small and that the players are going to become complacent. If he wanted a big squad, he shouldn't have left us.

Stoke has signed away Chris Sedgwick from QPR as a Bosman Transfer.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan. 22, 2010 -

Simon Rolfes is generating some interest. saarbrucken just offered me 1.7 million for Rolfes. They are offering 340,000 up front and another 1.36 million over 2 years. I decide to pass as he is a vital player at my MC (left defensive position.) However, if Hannover and Saarbrucken keep upping the offers, it may be hard to resist over time.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan. 23, 2010 -

Today we host Gillingham. We are currently in 6th place. They are in 10th place. Gillingham has been winning to the play of 3 superb players. New keeper Darren Randolph has been brilliant so far. Centreback Clint Hill has been very good every game. Striker Neil Mellor has been critical to the offense and leads the team with 15 goals. His partner Darren Byfield has chipped in 5 more goals. No one else on the team has more than 1 goal.

We are even odd favorites.

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

GK: Paddy
DC: Mares
DC: Osorio
DC: Hutchinson
ML: Elliott
MC: Rolfes
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Nicell
S3: Lunt
S4: Jarzebowski (freshly back from his injury)
s5: Giuliani

[Eaglesfan27]

12 minute mark: Graham tries a long range shot from 30 yards that barely skims over the bar.

25 minute mark: Graham gets the ball in the left corner of the pitch.. passes to Elliott in the middle of the box.. Elliott with a big left footed shot.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0!


Halftime: Only up 1-0. A bleh first half except for that goal. Only 11,000 fans today.


71 minute mark: Simon Rolfes is tackled hard by Clint Hill.. he has to limp off the pitch and can't finish this game. I sub Nicell for Rolfes. I also sub Giuliani for Graham who is tired.

80 minute mark: Benayoun passes into the box for Giuliani.. he shoots.. good save by the keeper on the curving shot.

82 minute mark: Osorio gets a yellow card for a trip on Neil Mellor.

82 minute mark: Giuliani gets a long pass.. holds up.. hits Benayoun with a great pass into the box.. Benayoun shoots.. lower left corner.. this quick shot is past the keeper.. GOAL!!!! 2-0!

85 minute mark: Teale plays it down the right sideline for Paulo.. Paulo crosses to Benayoun who heads it.. the keeper blocks it.. Giuliani picks up the rebound.. shoots.. into the net! GOAL!!!! 3-0!


Game over. 3-0 win for us. We played a blah first 70 minutes but really played well the last 10 minutes of the match.

We outshot them 11-3 (7-0 on target)

Paulo has a 9 for form and wins MoM, 16 of 20 passes, 0 tackles, 9 of 17 headers, 1 interception, 12 runs, 3 fouls drawn.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Simon Rolfes injured his ribs and will miss a few days.

That win put us in 5th place. We are 3 points behind the 1st-3rd place teams which are all tied and 1 point behind the 4th place team. It is going to be a real race down the stretch with 17 games to go.

[weinstein7]

Preston's Manager.. trying to mess with my team. Paddy came into my office, and told me he is determined to show Hateley up. Managers will play mind games with your team in the media in this game :)

Good God this game is complicated!

It's fun following your thread having never seen the game, it might as well be real soccer for all I know :). Stuff just "happens," and it's totally unexpected to me.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 26, 2010 -

Michael Stewart and Joao Paulo were selected to the Championship Team of the Week.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 27, 2009 -

Today we are replaying QPR in the 4th round of the English FA Cup. There preview is the same as last week. We are playing on their pitch this time, and there will be a winner one way or the other.

This replay is also being televised.

We are 6-4 favorites.

It's raining and temperatures are in the low 50's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Hutchinson
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski (good to have my strongest trio back together again.)
ML: Lunt
MC: Stewart
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller
MR: Teale
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Paulista

S1: Gerken
S2: Giuliani
S3: Kelly
S4: Longthorn
S5: Mares

The announcers think Gary Teale will be my key guy while Paul Gallacher will be their key guy. They think I will win in overtime.

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: David Shaw gets a yellow card for a trip on Paulista.

4 minute mark: Lunt passes to Benayoun.. he passes to Begeorgi in the left side of the box.. Begeorgi with a hard powerful fast shot.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

25 minute mark: Paul McVeigh gets a yellow card for a trip on Begeorgi.

32 minute mark: Benayoun passes it to Begeorgi in the left half of the box.. hard shot.. the keeper punches it over the bar.

35 minute mark: Simon Marshall elbows Begeorgi in the mouth! That A-hole! He only gets a yellow card!

38 minute mark: Benayoun passes to Teale in the box.. he shoots.. just wide left.

40 minute mark: Teale gets it on the right wing from Jarzebowski.. he crosses.. Begeorgi settles it in the center of the box.. then kicks it so hard.. I can't even see it! But, I hear the whistle and it is in the back of the GOAL!!!! 2-0! That is his second. It's amazing how hard his shot is (he has 20 finishing.)



Halftime: Up 2-0. QPR has over 17,000 fans.

51 minute mark: Osorio with a great defensive play.

66 minute mark: I sub in Kelly for Benayoun. I bring Longthorn in for Spiller who is also tired. Begeorgi is tired, but I want him to have a shot at the hat trick.


Game over! 2-0 win :)

We outshot them 13-7 (7-0 on target)

Gary Teale had an 8 and won MoM, 27 of 30 passes, 7 of 8 tackles, 1 of 3 headers, 5 interceptions, 2 runs, 1 assist. Hutchinson, Osorio, Jarzebowski, Teale, Lunt,Stewart, Paulista, and Begeorgi all had 8's. The rest of the team had 7's.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Charlton has sacked George Burley. Paul Scholes is reportedly the leading candidate to take over the team.


We have won 130,000 dollars for that win in the 4th round of the English FA Cup.

We will now play Middlesbrough in the English FA Cup 5th round on 2/13/10.

Our match against Crewe has been re-scheduled for 2/17/10 due to the conflich with my match with Middlesbrough.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan. 30, 2010 -

Today we travel to play Norwich. They are currently 17th in the Championship while we are in 5th. Norwich will be missing one of their best players Dickson Etuhu due to international play. They also will be missing their other good midfielder Damien Francis due to injury. David Sanchez is a solid midfielder and will have to play very well today. Their leading striker, Eddie Johnson, is also injured and Izale McLeod is doubtful. He will need to play well despite the injury for them to beat us in my opinion. Centrebacks Greg Halford and Mark Banks are good. Keeper Colin Nicholson is just average.

We are 5-4 favorites.

It is raining with temperatures in the low 40's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Hutchinson
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Elliott
MC: Rolfes
MC: Benayoun
MC: Stewart
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
s2: Giuliani
S3: Kelly
s4: Rix
S5: Mares

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Stewart steals it at midfield.. passes it to Paulo who dribbles across midfield.. Paulo passes to Stewart.. he passes to Teale.. who passes back to Stewart just outside the box.. he passes it into the box for Benayoun.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0!

10 minute mark: Graham steals it at midfield.. passes it to Paulo just outside the box.. Paulo dribbles between two defenders.. into the box.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

13 minute mark: Graham steals it at midfield.. passes it to Elliott on the left wing.. he passes bak to Graham.. Graham crosses for Paulo.. he heads it.. the keeper blocks it.. Benayoun gets the rebound.. shoots it into the upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0.

17 minute mark: Paddy stops a long shot by Sanchez.

27 minute mark: Steven Bell gets a yellow card for a vicious tackle on Graham.

33 minute mark: Paddy stops a long shot by Sanchez.


Halftime: 3-0 lead. We are dominating this game.


60 minute mark: Their keeper barely stops a long shot from Stewart.

61 minute mark: Giuliani on for Graham, Kelly on for Benayoun, and Rix on for Stewart.

76 minute mark: Kelly is run over by Sanchez.. he is hurt. I've used up all 3 subs so I will have to go down a man.

92 minute mark: Duke takes it down the right sideline.. passes it up to Norville.. he centers for Sanchez just outside the box.. Sanchez with a hard shot.. upper right corner.. GOAL. Still up 3-1.



Game over. 3-1 win for us :)

We outshot them 10-6 (7-4 on target)

Michael Stewart won MoM, 20 of 22 passes, 3 of 4 tackles, 1 of 3 headers, 1 interception, 1 run, 1 assist.

Stewart and most of our Starters had an 8 for form. Only Paddy, Graham, Osorio, and the reserves had 7's. The rest all had 8's.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Greg Kelly has torn his groin muscle and will miss about a month. :(

The Board is very pleased with this win over the Canaries. We are now 4th in the Championship. We are now only 3 points behind first place stoke and 1 point behind 2nd and 3rd place Preston and Everton.

WOW! Olympiakos has bought German Hornos from Everton for 15 Million dollars!

[Eaglesfan27]

January 31, 2010 -

Sunderland has sacked Steve Bruce. According to the media, Paul Scholes is the favorite to get the job. (Someone please hire this guy already!)

Valencia has sacked Pako Ayestaran.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 31, 2010 -

Coventry has hired Paul Scholes! Finally!

The news says that Scholes has had a growing reputation within football and it is hoped that his appointment will take Coventry onto bigger and better things. Coventry is currently 19th in the EPL.

[Eaglesfan27]

Feb. 1, 2010 -

The Wigan Board is delighted with my performance as manager.


Tomasz Jarzebowski has won the Championship Player of the Month! Fabrice Begeorgi came in 2nd! Aaron Lennon of Everton came in 3rd.

Stoke's Scott Phelan has won Young Player of the Month. Matt Potter of Millwall came in 2nd, and Simon Marshall of QPR came in 3rd.

Simon Rolfes was selected to the Team of the Week.

West Ham's Glenn Hoodle has won Manager of the Month. I came in 2nd, and Mark Hateley of Preston came in 3rd (take that Hateley!)

Fabrice Begeorgi won goal of the month for a running strike against Everton in our Jan. 9th match with them.

[Eaglesfan27]

Feb 3, 2010 -

Wierd. Millwall who are currently 6th in the English Championship have offered me 20,000 dollars plus 25% of next sale for one my reserve centrebacks. They want Jason Morris who is currently 20 years old and is valued at 8,000 dollars. Jason doesn't have anything I look for in a defender and I was planning on letting him leave the club on a free transfer. He is slow of foot, has poor heading skill, poor marking, poor tackling, poor positioning, and poor jumping. Millwall does have 3 defenders injured, but they couldn't be this desperate for defensive help.. could they? I'm kind of scared they are seeing something in this kid that I'm just missing since he is only 20. After some thought, I agree to the deal. Every 20,000 dollars help and if this kid ever blossoms, least I'll get 25% of his next sale value.

[weinstein7]

Jan. 30, 2010 -

Today we travel to play Norwich. They are currently 17th in the Championship while we are in 5th. Norwich will be missing one of their best players Dickson Etuhu due to international play. They also will be missing their other good midfielder Damien Francis due to injury. David Sanchez is a solid midfielder and will have to play very well today. Their leading striker, Eddie Johnson, is also injured and Izale McLeod is doubtful. He will need to play well despite the injury for them to beat us in my opinion. Centrebacks Greg Halford and Mark Banks are good. Keeper Colin Nicholson is just average.


Just out of curiousity, is that current US international Eddie Johnson? How has his career been shaping up?

[Eaglesfan27]

Feb. 4, 2010 -

Well, Hutchinson has gone down to an ankle injury today and will miss about two weeks. With Wall out for a month more from his injury, this is a tough loss.. I will need to move Mares into the starting lineup regularly for 2 weeks.

Tomasz Jarzebowski played well in a friendly match against Austria that saw Poland win 2-1.

Stuart Elliott scored two goals for Northern Ireland in a friendly match against Cyprus.

[Eaglesfan27]

Just out of curiousity, is that current US international Eddie Johnson? How has his career been shaping up?
No, it is an English Player by the same name. I find myself wondering the same thing every time I play them.

Since I'm looking up USA players, it is worth noting that 20 year old Freddy Adu has 44 caps and 11 goals for the National Team. He has 2 goals for Barcelona this year in 12 starts. He played the previous three years at Real Madrid and had 5 goals and 4 assists in 26 starts last year for Real Madrid. Real Madrid was payed 36 million dollars to sell Adu this year!

I tried doing a quick search for Eddie Johnson (the American) and I can't find him in the database which makes me think that he flamed out and retired by 2010?

[Eaglesfan27]

Feb. 6, 2010 -

The Wolves have apparently given up on Arni Gautar Arason. He will be going to West Ham as a Bosman player in July.

Abraham Paz has been mouthy in the media.. he says that he wants to be in the first 11 and he will push to leave the club if I don't start playing him soon. I hate when players get mouthy.

The 20,000 deal for Jason Morris has been confirmed.

[Eaglesfan27]

Feb 6, 2010 -

Hmm, apparently the previous manager had bought Jason Morris and agreed to 30% next sale clause. As a result, we have sent 6,000 dollars to Derby.

Today we host West Ham in a big match that will be televised. West Ham is currently in 12th place while we are in 4th place. West Ham has been relying on two explosive strikers and a solid defense. Michael Proctor and Bobby Zamora have had a very good season and each have 14 goals. Danny Coyne has played very well in goal recently. Centreback Clarke Carlisle and Hayden Mullins have played very well in front of him. Midfielder Grant McCann has been a major playmaker.

They are 6-4 favorites.

It's rainy windy and the temperature is in the mid 30's.

CRAP! Jarzebowski hurt himself in training the other day and is just telling me now that he can't play today (in reality I forgot to notice it when the message popped up 2 days ago.)


GK: Paddy
DC: Mares
DC: Osorio
DC: Paz (he is rated at DMC and DC)
ML: Lunt
MC: Longthorn
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller
MR: Melara
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Paulista

S1: Gerken
S2: Giuliani
S3: Nicell
s4: Rix
s5: Sarr

[weinstein7]

Since I'm looking up USA players, it is worth noting that 20 year old Freddy Adu has 44 caps and 11 goals for the National Team. He has 2 goals for Barcelona this year in 12 starts. He played the previous three years at Real Madrid and had 5 goals and 4 assists in 26 starts last year for Real Madrid. Real Madrid was payed 36 million dollars to sell Adu this year!

2010 and he's still only 20 years old? That just sounds so wrong somehow. 2020 and he'll still be in the prime of his career.

Speaking of the US, do you have a sense of how Project 2010 is developing? How are they shaping up for the World Cup this summer?

[Eaglesfan27]

8 minute mark: Longthorn with a long range shot.. the keeper parries it.. Paulista with the rebound.. shoots.. Carlisle with a great play to throw himself in front of the shot and save a goal.

10 minute mark: Melara takes the corner.. gets it to Spiller in the right side of the box.. he passes between two defenders to Lunt in the middle of the box.. Lunt from within 5 yards.. shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

(OOC: Darn I'm on call and just got called away.. hopefully can finish this game before I have to go.)

14 minute mark: Melara plays it into the box for Paulista.. he tries to fake out the keeper.. Coyne dives on the ball ending the play.

17 minute mark: Melara passes down the right side of the pitch.. Paulista gets it.. fakes out two defenders.. centers for Benayoun who is in the center of the box.. he shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

19 minute mark: Paz with a good defensive play.

23 minute mark: Osorio with a good defensive play heads it to Lunt in our zone.. he passes down the middle of the pith.. Paulista gets it in the box.. dribbles right.. shoots.. upper left corner.. it's past the keeper.. GOAL!!!! 3-0.

40 minute mark: Mares with a good defensive play.


Halftime: We are up 3-0. We have over 18,000 fans here today :)


46 minute mark: Mares steals it deep in our zone.. long pass to Benayoun.. he dribbles into the box.. dribbling towards the right post.. shoots.. upper left corner.. past the keeper... GOAL!!!! 4-0.

59 minute mark: Rix steals it at midfield.. passes to Benayoun.. he passes to Begeorgi just outside the box.. he passes across to Paulista.. Paulista shoots from 22 yards out.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 5-0.

72 minute mark: I've given Benayoun the shot at the hat trick but he is tired and has a yellow card. I decide to put Sarr in at the position. Begeorgi is tired as well, so I put Giuliani in for him. I'll give Paulista a shot at the hat trick still.


Game over. 5-0 win! :)

We outshot them 20-7 (11-3 on target)

Lunt had a 10 for form and won MoM, 40 of 44 passes, 5 of 6 tackles, 3 of 4 headers, 1 interception, 4 runs, 1 assist, and 1 goal.

Paulista and Benayoun both had 9's with their two goals.

I gotta run to the ER now :( Cya all later :)

[Eaglesfan27]

2010 and he's still only 20 years old? That just sounds so wrong somehow. 2020 and he'll still be in the prime of his career.

Speaking of the US, do you have a sense of how Project 2010 is developing? How are they shaping up for the World Cup this summer?

They are currently 4th in their qualifying group :(

[Desnudo]

They are currently 4th in their qualifying group :(

Actually they're in 1st. ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Dave Whelan is thrilled with this big 5-0 win which has moved us into 2nd place. We are now 1 point behind Stoke. Also our GD of plus 33 has become best in the league. The Wolves are second with plus 24 but they have dropped to 5th place temporarily. This looks like it will be a tight race down the stretch.

I have to correct what I said earlier about the USA team. They are definitely in the World Cup and they will be in Group F which includes Denmark, Nigeria, Turkey, and the USA. They are currently 4th in the group since it is listed alphabetically. Sorry for the confusion.

[Eaglesfan27]

Actually they're in 1st. ;)
:D

On an OOC note, I really needed to relax with FM tonight. I saw 4 patients in 4 hours, and for the first time ever I truly wanted to kill a parent, even if it was only a few seconds that I considered it. I have 1 more patient coming later tonight too (at least.)

I can't wait til I take one steady full time job in July and don't do 4 part time jobs (one of which requires six nights of call a month.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Feb 9, 2010 -

Kenny Lunt and Wellington Paulista were both selected to the Team of the week.

[daedalus]

Coventry has hired Paul Scholes! Finally!Good grief! It's about darn time. I think you, Scholes and Keegan were odds on to take every job in the last year or so.

[Eaglesfan27]

Good grief! It's about darn time. I think you, Scholes and Keegan were odds on to take every job in the last year or so.
Within England, I certainly think this was true. I haven't followed the job movement in other countries as much (or in the lower leagues of England.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Feb 9, 2010 -

Today we travel to play Cardiff. We are currently in 2nd place while they are in 21st place. Their most consistent performer this season has been my former player, right fullback David Wright. He has really stepped up his play for them. Striker Lewis Guy is one of the highest scoring in the league and he has 17 goals on the year. His partner Andrew Campbell only has 5, and is the second leading scorer on the team. The defense has been good lately with centreback James Collins playing well in front of the keeper, Paul Harrison.

We are 6-4 favorites.

It's sunny and temperatures are in the mid 50's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Mares
DC: Osorio
DC: Paz
ML: Elliott
MC: Rolfes
MC: Benayoun
MC: Rix
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Giuliani
S3: Nicell
s4: Longthorn
s5: sarr

[Eaglesfan27]

10 minute mark: Teale gets a yellow card for a trip on Wright.

25 minute mark: We are pressing the attack, but they are keeping 9 men back and foiling any good scoring opportunities.

33 minute mark: Paulo gets a yellow card for diving.

35 minute mark: Graham gets the ball in the left corner of the pitch.. he crosses.. Benayoun heads it.. the keeper blocks it.


Halftime: 0-0 tie. Wow. Cardiff has over 20,000 fans here at this match.


59 minute mark: Teale takes the corner.. gets it to Paulo just outside the box.. Paulo with a hard shot.. deflects off a defender.. the keeper somehow gathers in the richochet.. very impressive save.

65 minute mark: Rolfes passes it from just outside the box into the center of the box for Graham.. he shoots.. great save by the keeper.

80 minute mark: Graham gets the ball outside the box.. passes it into the box for Benayoun.. he heads it.. the keeper saves it.

90 minute mark: Paulo crosses to Graham in the left side of the box.. he shoots.. the keeper blocks it.


Game over. We dominated possession, but couldn't score against their 9-10 man defense. 0-0 tie.

We outshot them 16-2 (5-1 on target)

Stuart Elliott won MoM, 29 of 34 passes, 2 of 4 tackles, 4 of 4 headers, 7 runs, 3 fouls drawn. 9 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Gary Teale has earned an automatic one match ban after picking up 5 yellow cards.

[Eaglesfan27]

Feb 10, 2010 -

The Wolves' Seyi Georgo Olofinjana and Darren Kenton have expressed significant concern about the club's shrinking roster and lack of depth on the team.

[Eaglesfan27]

Feb 13, 2010 -

Today we have a tough matchup against Middlesbrough in the 5th round of the English FA Cup. We are currently third in the Championship League while they are currently 8th in the EPL. They have superior talent at almost every position. Centreback Chris Riggott is particularly impressive. He is strong, fast, has great positioning, heading, tackling, marking. He will be very difficult to get by for our strikers. Keeper Jan Lastuvka is having a superb year with 18 clean sheets in 30 starts. He is lightning quick in reacting to shots. He has great positioning. He is one of the premier keepers in the World right now. He will be very hard to beat. Centrebak Leon Andreaeasen is powerful, fast, has great agility. He is so physically gifted and he is great at heading and tackling. However, he occasionally gets caught out of position. Midfielder John Paul Kelly has 40 caps for Ireland at the age of 22. He is a highly skilled player who is equally adept at scoring and setting up other players. Striker Alejandro Sanchez Fernandez is only 22, but this Spanish player is quickly becoming apremiere striker. This 22 year old has 23 U21 caps and 31 U21 goals. He is an elite scorer and has 15 goals in the EPL this year! His speed will be hard for our defense to handle. In summary, this game has the potential to be an ugly loss unless we can play an amazing game.

They are 4-5 favorites.

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

GK: Paddy
DC: Mares (our regular DC's are still hurt)
DC: Osorio
DC: Paz
ML: Lunt
MC: Stewart
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller
MR: Melara
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Paulista

S1: Gerken
S2: Giuliani
s3: Nicell
S4: Longthorn
s5: Sarr

[Eaglesfan27]

3 minute mark: Lunt puts a great move on his defender.. passes it to Begeorgi who passes between both centrebacks into the box.. Paulista with a good shot.. upper right corner.. the keeper tips it over the bar.

5 minute mark: Spiller intercepts it deep in our zone.. long pass to Benayoun.. he fakes out two defenders.. dribbles left.. then right... into the box.. shoots.. lower right corner.. the keeper dives.. it's past the keeper! GOAL!!!! 1-0!

12 minute mark: John Paul Kelly passes it into the box to Marius Niculae (their other striker).. Marius dribbles further into the box.. shoots upper right corner.. Paddy with a great save!

15 minute mark: Osorio with a few clearances in a row.. they are pressing the attak.

17 minute mark: Marius gets it on the left corner of the pitch.. he crosses to Steven Pienaar by the near post.. he heads it.. into the upper right corner on the angled header! GOAL. 1-1.

25 minute mark: Paz with a very good defensive play against Marius.

41 minute mark: Spiller takes a free kick.. passes it to Melara just inside the box.. he shoots from 20 yards after receiving the pass.. hard shot.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. it's past him! GOAL!!!! 2-1!


Halftime: 2-1 lead! Our defense is playing great! Our offense is beating this defense (which is a big surprise to me!) They have over 25,000 fans cheering for them, but we are playing them even.


52 minute mark: Hanno Balistch takes it down the right sideline.. centers for Pienaar.. he heads it.. Paddy with a huge save!

60 minute mark: They are pressing the attack but Osorio, Paz, and Stewart (defensive midfield) keep shutting them down in my zone.

67 minute mark: Great defensive play by Paz to likely save a goal on a cross where the keeper was out of position.

70 minute mark: Paddy stops a point blank shot from Marius.

72 minute mark: Balistch gets a yellow card for a trip on Begeorgi.

77 minute mark: Osorio with a great defensive play to save a likely goal from Balistch who is joining the attack.

85 minute mark: Begeorgi gets the pass from Spiller.. passes it into the box for Paulista.. he shoots.. the keeper barely blocks it.

88 minute mark: We hit them on the counter attack... Melara with a great move on two defenders.. centers for Spiller.. he passes between two defenders into the box.. Benayoun shoots.. lower left corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-1!


Game over! 3-1 win! I'm very impressed with how well Melara and Benayoun played.. they rose to the occasion!

We were outshot 19-11 (5-5 on target - the defense prevented most of the shots from reaching goals.)

Yossi Benayoun won MoM, 22 of 24 passes, 4 of 5 tackles, 4 of 12 headers, 5 interceptions, 4 runs, 2 fouls drawn, 2 goals scored! 10 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

We have been awarded 260,000 for winning this 5th round match in the FA Cup.

Abraham Paz has strained his neck and will miss 5 days.

Yossi Benayoun has strained his neck and will miss 5 days.

Benayoun's 17 goals for Wigan this season is a new record!


A quick update on our leading scorers this season (all goals):

Benayoun 17 goals in 28 starts.

Begeorgi 14 goals in 17 starts, 10 relief appearances.

Paulista 8 goals in 15 starts, 7 relief appearances.

Paulo 6 goals in 25 starts.

Elliott 5 goals in 19 starts.


Our 5 leading assists man at this point:

Paulo 11 assists in 25 starts (the guy fights for the ball and makes great passes)

Teale 6 assists in 22 starts.

Graham 6 assists in 20 starts and 5 reserve appearanes

Lunt 5 assists in 18 starts, 2 reserve appearances.

Begeorgi 4 assists in 17 starts, 10 reserve appearances.

[Eaglesfan27]

Feb 15, 2010 -

Stuart Elliott was selected to the Championship Team of the Week.

Today the draw for the 6th round of the FA cup occurred. We didn't get the best draw, but we didn't get the worst either (Arsenal or Manchester Utd.) Instead, we will be hosting Newcastle in the 6th round of the FA cup.

[Eaglesfan27]

Feb 16, 2010 -

Hull has sold Mark Noble to Ipswich for 2.6 million dollars, but the fans are livid that their favorite player was sold. There is talk that the fans want Brian Little to be fired from Hull.

[Eaglesfan27]

Feb 17, 2010 -

Today we host Crewe. We are currently in 2nd place. They are in 18th place. They have an anemic offense this year with striker Stefan Moore being the only player providing offense. The defense is solid but is often let down by the lack of offensive support. Centreback Wes Morgan and left fullback Ryan Miller lead the defense. They have acquired a new keeper Lee Camp who has just been average. We should be able to beat this team.

We are 5-4 favorites.

It's raining with temperatures in the mid 30's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Hutchinson (fresh back from injury)
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski (ditto)
ML: Elliott
MC: Rolfes
MC: Melara
MC: Rix
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Giuliani
s3: Nicell
S4: Longthorn
S5: Sarr

[Eaglesfan27]

10 minute mark: Melara with the throw in deep in enemy turf.. he passes it to Paulo who heads it back to him.. Melara crosses into the box.. Elliott jumps.. heads it.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

24 minute mark: Osorio picks up a yellow card for a hard tackle on Fox.

A rather boring first half as they played turtle most of it.


Halftime: 1-0 lead. Only 11,000 fans today :(


52 minute mark: Rix passes it into the box for Paulo.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper punches it over the bar.

61 minute mark: Osorio runs over Reid and injures him. They have to bring on a backup.

74 minute mark: Paddy stops a shot by Stefan Moore.

75 minute mark: Graham has picked a minor injury.. I put on Giuliani for him. I also put Longthorn on for Rix.

78 minute mark: Melara is tripped by Wes Morgan just outside the box.

85 minute mark: Osorio gets his second yellow card for a trip on Stefan Moore.. he is ejected. I bring on Nicell for Paulo and move Nicell to DC, leaving me with just one striker. I move Hutchinson into the center of the three DC's and put Nicell on the left edge.

91 minute mark: Paddy stops a 20 yards shot from Stefan Moore.

93 minute mark: Nicell with a nice header to intercept a cross from Mario intended for Stefan Moore.


Game over. 1-0 win :)

We outshot them 9-6 (5-2 on target)

Wes Morgan won MoM, 19 of 23 passes, 7 of 7 tackles, 4 of 4 headers, 2 interceptions. Very good defense and a 9 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Osorio has picked up an automatic one match ban for being sent off that game.

With 13 games to go we are 1 point behind Stoke which is now in 1st place. We are in 2nd place. Our GD of plus 34 is best in the league by a wide margin now.

[Eaglesfan27]

Feb 20, 2010 -

Yossi Benayoun injured his ankle in practice yesterday. He will miss about a week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Feb 20, 2010 -

Today we travel to play Leeds. Leeds are currently in 14th place. We are currently in 2nd place. Leeds has recently loaned out a super player in Gregory Maury to Hartlepool. This 18 year old looks like a wonderkid who already has 5 goals in 4 appearances for Hartlepool. This french kid looks like he could be the real thing. He is already valued at 5 million dollars or I would try to acquire him. As far as players I will actually face, their star striker Michael Ricketts is doubtful for this game due to a hamstring injury and he is their best player. Striker Marlon King is good and will have to play well for them to beat us. Their centreback, Simon Walton and Billy Jones, are both very good. Midfielder Elrik Bakke is a solid player. Their keeper Chris Taylor has had a bad string of games recently.

We are 5-4 favorites.

It's raining and windy with temperatures in the low 40's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Mares
DC: Hutchinson
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Lunt
MC: Stewart
MC: Melara
MC: Spiller
MR: Teale
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Paulista

S1: Gerken
S2: Giuliani
s3: Nicell
s4: Longthorn
s5: Sarr

[Eaglesfan27]

7 minute mark: Spiller passes it to Melara just outside the box.. he gets off a good shot.. nice save by the keeper.

22 minute mark: spiller collide with Bakke.. Bakke is hurt and has to come off the pitch for the rest of this game.


Halftime: Boring first half. 0-0 tie. Leeds has over 29,000 fans here today.


57 minute mark: Melara passes to Paulista just outside the box.. he passes into the box for Begeorgi.. Begeorgi shoots.. Taylor with a great diving save.

72 minute mark: Time to shake things up. Longthorn in for Melara and Giuliani on for Paulista.

80 minute mark: Spiller tackles the new midfielder that came on for Bakke. Spiller had a hard two footed tackle.. red card on spiller.. Mares is angry.. yellow card for Mares.

82 minute mark: Lunt crosses for Stewart in the box.. Stewart is pushed by the keeper.. yellow card on the keeper.. Penalty shot awarded! Mares steps up to take the shot (according to my AM, he has the best penalty shot among the current players).. Mares steps up confidently.. shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

87 minute mark: Mares with a great defensive play.

90 minute mark: Paddy stops a flurry of shots from Barry Corr and Marlon King who both had a breakaway.


Game over. 1-0 win :)

We outshot them 13-10 (9-5 on target)

Chris Taylor wins MoM for his 8 save performance in goal.

[Eaglesfan27]

Feb 27, 2010 -

Today we host Plymouth. We are now in 1st place! We have the same number of goals as Everton but GD is 15 better. Plymouth is in 9th currently. Plymouth is led by their young striker Dean Evans who is only 22 but is becoming one of the better players in the English Championship League. He has 12 goals and 9 assists on the season. Centreback Hasney Aljofree leads the defensive line. Keith Lasley is an excellent two way midfielder. Keeper Graham Stack has 12 clean sheets in 37 starts and is a very good keeper.

We are even odd favorites.

It's raining with temperatures in the mid 50's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Mares
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Elliott
MC: Rolfes
MC: Melara (Benayoun still hurt)
MC: Rix
MR: Teale
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Paulista

S1: Gerken
s2: Giuliani
s3: Nicell
s4: Paz
s5: Sarr

[Eaglesfan27]

9 minute mark: Teale gets a yellow card for a trip on Evans.

12 minute mark: Teale passes down the right sideline.. Paulista gets it.. centers.. Begeorgi heads it.. just wide.

21 minute mark: Rolfes passes into the box for Paulista.. he has a good shot on goal.. shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper blocks it.

22 minute mark: Teale gets the ball on the right wing.. he centers for the far post.. Elliott heads it to Begeorgi in the box.. Begeorgi shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

29 minute mark: Melara gets it on the right edge of the box.. passes back to Rolfes.. Rolfes passes to Begeorgi.. he shoots.. it bounces off a defender.. right to Paulista.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper is out of position from the quick deflection.. GOAL!!!! 2-0!

31 minute mark: Teale crosses to Melara.. he shoots.. the keeper punches it over the bar.


Halftime: Up 2-0 at the half. Over 16,000 fans here today.


62 minute mark: Begeorgi is exhausted. I bring on Giuliani for him. Rolfes is tired, I bring on Sarr for him.

71 minute mark: Jarzebowski intercepts in our zone.. passes it down the right sideline to Paulista.. he crosses for the far post.. Giuliani heads it.. into the crossbar. The defense clears the rebound.

77 minute mark: Teale with a corner kick to Melara just outside the center of the box.. he shoots.. hard shot.. over the keeper's right shoulder.. GOAL!!!! 3-0.


Game over. 3-0 win for us :)

We dominated the game. We outshot them 17-6 (9-3 on target)

Teale has a 10 for form and wins MoM, 28 of 32 passes, 3 of 5 tackles, 1 of 2 headers, 2 interceptions, 4 runs, 2 assists.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Stuart Elliott sprained his knee and will miss a week.


Interesting News Story in tonight's copy of the paper:

"Following Wigan Athletic's 3-0 win over Plymouth Argyle, Wigan's Chairman Dave Whelan declared himself extremely pleased with the result and quite confident that the team will be promoted.

Wigan Athletic have stunned their rivals by being in the top spot as the league campaign reaches it latter stages.

Some recent superb displays have added to the growing feeling in the media that Wigan, despite not featuring as title contenders in any pre-season previews, are capable of finishing the season as champions."