FM: Aston Villa season 08/09

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I am the manager of Aston Villa. So far I have finished 4th, 3rd, 3rd and lastly 2nd. That is why I am writing this dynasty. With the team I have I think I should of won the EPL this last year but I finished second to Arsenal, by 7 points. I did however, manage to win the Champions League in 2007.

I have decided to make a new formation from scratch in hopes of becoming champs. I want to document all that here. I am not going to have screen shots and charts since I'm not sure how to post them.

This dynasty begins the day after the fourth season. And I will begin with a team report.

I am running the EPL-div 2, and the top leagues in Argentina, Brazil, Belguim, Czech Rep, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Italy, Portuagal, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey.

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Team Report:

GK:

Stefan Postma: Has been a backup all four years. Is unhappy, and transfer listed by request. Will stay at Villa until someone bids for him.

Thomas Sorensen: Four year starter, has played very well (7.30 avg over 4yrs). At 31 and with an unhappy Postma, I will look for an 'elite' GK if I can get one at a reasonable price. Other then that, his position looks set.

I have few others in the reserves, the only one of note is Olejnik who is 21 and perhaps in a few years could start. Also, 16 year old Walker looks like a real player for the future.

Defenders:

Vanden Borre: I'm sure we've all heard of him at 20 he is a fantastic player on the right side. Can play DM as well.

Andrew Davies: Bought him 2 years ago as a prospect. At 23 not a regular starter. Played well,26 apps 7.54.

Leme: Bought first season (Joao Guillerme-Internacianaol) Brazilian now 22yrs old, 46(1) apps 7.36. Faces real competition with V Borre and Davies on the right side. Luckily he can also play in center and that's what he did this season.

Jlloyd Samuel: DL 27yr old, No competition for his spot on left side. 39apps 7.38

Martin Laursen: At 30 slipping in form w/a 7.19 this season as starter. Can still hold his own though. Will look for replacement, if I can get one cheap, perhaps it will be Davies.

Magnus Troest: Another prospect at 20yrs, played very well, 11 apps 7.45 despite great form is not ready for prime time. Maybe in 2-3 years.

Gareth Barry: An all around player can play DM as well. Usually only comes in when a starter needs rest or is hurt. Deserves more playing time then he gets 19(6)apps 7.24

Fabio Aurelio: Bought from Vaencia this season for record 27.5M Euro's. Very disapointing. Have to keep him because his numbers are out of this world his Tech attributes are all 16+. Maybe he needs more time to settle down. Usually plays the DM role which he can play. 38(1)apps 6.97

Mifielders:

Eric Djemba Djemba: DM plays great. Played a lot less this season with the arrival of Aurelio. 31(1)apps 7.50. Will most likely platoon with Aureilio in this upcoming season.

Peter Whittingham: 23yrs great backup. numbers are 12-14 range. Injured a lot this season. Usually would go down for 5 days play one gain get injured, repeat.

Hitzlsperger, Renato, Wagner: Lumped them together because they are IT! My best guys. Renato I bought from Atletico Miniero, Wagner from Cruziero. Wagner is unhappy, wants to leave the club, hasn't asked for transfer which would be denied. Hitz and Renato are both [WNT]. I must hold on to them.

Yasin Karaca: Great Backup 14(29) 7.42. Should start to get more playing time.Got him on free.

Salim Tuama: Isreali backup got him for 750K because he is older backup. At 28 he also is unhappy, wants to start. Numbers not close to good enough to be starter, on this team anyway.

Strikers:

Juan Pablo Angel: Team legend. Finds himself playing less and less. Would try to get rid of him if not for status.

Hernan Jorge Crespo: Got him season 1 for 7.5M. Has taken off, 45(3) 7.48 with 35 goals this season had 32 goals last year. Led EPL this year in goals.

Fred: Also from Cruzeiro. GREAT player. Worth 38M, also [WNT] wont let go of him. Second is scoring in team and in EPL behind Crespo

Alexander Frei: Brought in to be Crespo's replacement. Crespo has held on to spot so he is number one sub in SC position.

Normal Lineup from this last season:

GK: Sorensen
DR: Vand Borre
DL: Samuel
DC: Leme
DC: Laursen
DM Aurelio
MC: Renato
MC: Hitz
MC: Wagner
SC: Crespo
SC: Fred

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Upcoming offseason to do list:

1. Hold on to players.

2. Build new formation. Try it out in number of friendlies.

3. Look for backup GK to replace Postma, perhaps starter if I can get one reasonably priced.

4. Look for elite DC to replace Laursen, will also consider Davies.

5.Try not to mess with the team to much.