WSM2006: 2012/13 - a frog in the Champions League

[FrogMan]

I've used this "frog in" them before but this time, it's kinda special to me. This is the first time in my playing CM/FM/WSM that I get a team to the Champions League. Even though we'll have to go through a qualifying round, I felt it was still worth resurrecting the theme. :)

Those of you who followed last season (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=51211) have witnessed what the team was capable of in the last few weeks of the season. Because of how it was playing, I'll be taking the approach of possibly shaking it as little as possible this offseason.

In addition to having the Hatters in the Champions League, 2012 is also a big year for my other squad, Team Canada, who will be entering group play qualification phase for the 2014 World Cup, but will also be playing in the 2012 Olympic games to be held in London.

This should make for an entertaining season, hopefully you'll have fun with me as I report about it.

As always, I enjoy comments and small talks regarding the team so feel free to join in on the fun...

FM

Note: I often like linking to screenshots from the game, especially for player profiles, but sometimes to other stuff. Trying to keep it consistent, if you see some text only underlined (not bold, see the "last season" above), it's probably a link to a screenie or another page, try it :)

[Tellistto]

I'm here, FM! Good luck in the Champs League!

Tell

[FrogMan]

May 15, 2012
Seeing how Kevin Foley still wants to get a new contract, I'm thinking about doing something I've never done before: offer extentions to every important players whose contract runs up in 12 months right now instead of waiting...

Kevin Foley: wants $34k per week up from current of $13k. Useful but not a superhero either. I offer him $23.5k, much closer to what my assistant believes he's worth.

Giannis Taralidis: that one is easy, he wants the same he's earning right now, with a $300k signing on fee to add a year to his current contract. I offer him that.

Youssouf Hersi: wants $0k per week up from $30k. I offer him half the increase, to $35k and $350k signing on fee instead of the $550k he asked for.

Curtis Davies: wants $31.5k up from $26.5k. I offer him that.

James Simmons: wants $34.5k up from $26.5k and a signing on fee of $575k. I offer him $30k and $400k.

Keith Keane: he only wants $6.5k per week, up from $5k and that's good like that because he's mostly a backup. I shave off a bit from his offer and make sure it says he's viewed as a backup and offer him $5.5k.


May 16, 2012
Arsenal and Rangers are playing in the Champions League final and Arsenal lose a bitter one. Final score is Rangers up 2-1 but Arsenal dominated that one. Shots were 12(6) to 4(2) for Arsenal with 54% possession to them too. They were awarded 7 corners to 2 for Rangers, frankly I feel bad for them...

Remember that Everton had just sacked their manager and were thinking of me to replace him, well they just replaced him, by Danny Glover! No, not the black dude in the Lethal Weapon movies, the guy who was sacked at both Leicester and Southampton, helping get them relegated both times. Ouch...


May 18, 2012
Good, Kevin Foley has signed a new contract with us. The same goes for Keith Keane, James Simmonds, Youssouf Hersi, and Curtis Davies. Wow!

I get an email that Newcastle has put in a bid for a 16yo keeper name Danny Jones (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120518jones.jpg). My curiosity is piqued. He looks like an interesting prospect but I take the "ofer a contract" instead of bidding for him. I offer him a contract a tad higher than what he's seemingly looking for and if he agrees, I'd have to pay $875k in compensation. Seems like a reasonable price for a 16yo promising keeper. A slew of other teams are interested in him though...

Giannis Taralidis agrees to a new contract later in the day, making it all important players resigned through one more season at least. Taralidis added that he was delighted to have signed a new deal for the club of his dreams. :)

FM

[FrogMan]

May 20, 2012
Stoke became the third promotee to the Premiership by winning the Championship playoff.


June 1st, 2012
The team board are still thrilled with the level of commitment I continue to show the club.


June 2, 2012
Sweet, Danny Jones has decided to agree to our contract offer, snubbing his previous club Southampton, but also Newcastle and Tottenham. He will join the club on July 1st.

With what little transfer budget that's left, it's time to see if we need any new coach that we could pry away from other clubs. I do that with a top notch keeper coach that that agrees to come and will give us our first 5 star training rating...


June 4, 2012
The European qualifiers from England are confirmed:
Champions League: Chelsea & Arsenal to grou play, Liverpool & Luton through qualifiers
UEFA Cup: Middlesbrough, Man Utd, Tottenham
Inter-Toto Cup: Aston Villa, Blackburn


June 5, 2012
Six of our players have been called up for EURO2012. They are...
Portugal: Ricardo Vaz Te
Sweden: Alexander Farnerud, Christian Wilhelmsson
Greece: Giannis Taralidis
Republic of Ireland: Kevin Foley, Michael Timlin

FM

[FrogMan]

June 9, 2012
FIFA World Cup Quals. (NAM) 1st Phase, 2nd Round, Leg 1: at Antigua & Barbuda (Canada 1-33 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Asmir Begovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Stalteri</TD><TD>D/WB RL</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michaël Klukowski</TD><TD>D LC, M L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin McKenna</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-8-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Marco Reda</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-8-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Atiba Hutchinson</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-9-8-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jonathan de Guzman</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Julian De Guzman</TD><TD>WB L, DM, M LC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jacob Lensky</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Brown</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-8-8-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Oliver Occean</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-8-9-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Srdjan Djekanovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-8-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Ret</TD><TD>Jim Brennan</TD><TD>D/WB/M L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Winston Marshall</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Jaime Peters</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8-8-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>1 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Patrice Bernier</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Josh Simpson</TD><TD>D/AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Rob Friend</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ali Gerba</TD><TD>F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-10-7-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Felix Brillant</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-5-5</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Andrea Lombardo</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Bid</TD><TD>David Edgar</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Roberto Giacomi</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chris Pozniak</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-6-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Milad Rahmati</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>85%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jeff Kiebbe</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

They are ranked 146th in the world and we, possibly thanks to winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup, are now ranked 22nd in the world. I guess that explains the odds. :)

We take a very early lead, in fact only 90 seconds were necessary for Paul Brown to score our first goal. It still takes us until injury time for the first half to add a second one, from Jonathan De Guzman this time. We add two more in the second half, one from Oliver Occean and another one from De Guzman, very late in the game.

Final Score: Canada 4, Antigua & Barbuda 0

We outshot them 17(6) to 8(1) but at some points, I felt they were doing well at keeping the ball away from us... De Guzman rated at 10 and was selected as Man of the Match.

In other news, USA drew 2-2 playing away at Surinam.


June 12, 2012
Possibly because they are EURO2012, I see that German side HSV are scouting Ricardo Vaz Te.


June 14, 2012
Yep, HSV enquires about how much we'd want for Vaz Te. I tell them an ambitious $30M would pry him away from us. Heh.

FM

[FrogMan]

June 16, 2012
FIFA World Cup Quals. (NAM) 1st Phase, 2nd Round, Leg 2: vs Antigua & Barbuda
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Asmir Begovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Stalteri</TD><TD>D/WB RL</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michaël Klukowski</TD><TD>D LC, M L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-9</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Kevin McKenna</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-6-6-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Marco Reda</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-8-7-8</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Atiba Hutchinson</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-9-8-7-8</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jonathan de Guzman</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-6-10</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>8.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Julian De Guzman</TD><TD>WB L, DM, M LC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jacob Lensky</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-8</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Brown</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-8-7-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Oliver Occean</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-9-7-9</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Srdjan Djekanovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-8-8-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jeff Kiebbe</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Bid</TD><TD>Jaime Peters</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8-8-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>1 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Patrice Bernier</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Josh Simpson</TD><TD>D/AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Felix Brillant</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-5-5</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ali Gerba</TD><TD>F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-10-7-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Winston Marshall</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-8-6</TD><TD>80%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Rob Friend</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>86%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Andrea Lombardo</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Ret</TD><TD>Jim Brennan</TD><TD>D/WB/M L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Bid</TD><TD>David Edgar</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Roberto Giacomi</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chris Pozniak</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Milad Rahmati</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>58%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

We start this games as quickly as the first one, even quicker, this time scoring after only 77 seconds. Oliver Occean was the scorer. It was all downhill from there for poor Antigua & Barbuda. We scored 4 more in the first half while they added another one... in their own goal!!!

That was not even cute anymore. From 6-0 at the half, the goals kept on happening, from any angle, from any strength of shot...

Final Score: Canada 11, Antigua & Barbuda 0 (15-0 on aggregate)

Seriously, a carnage. We outshot them 19(2) to 4(1) on this game and six player rated at 10. Jonathan De Guzman got the Man of the Match again with 3 goals while Paul Brown and Oliver Occean both had 2 and Julian De Guzman, Jacob Lensky, and Ali Gerba all scored once...

Following the game, I see that our three remaining friendlies have been cancelled, and for good reason. The next step is group play in Qorld Cup qualifying. We've been draw to group 3 with Panama, Trinidad & Tobago, and Guatemala.

USA won their second leg against Surinam with an unimpressive 1-0 score and have been drawn to group 2 with El Salvador, Haiti, and Jamaica.

Group 1 is Costa Rica, Guyana, Mexico, and US Virgin Islands.

Our first group play match will be on Auguts 15, then two games in September, two more in October and one in November.

We've never played Panama before but have a 2-0 record against Trinidad & Tobago from the last WC qualifying in 2009, and we have won our only game against Guatemala but that was back in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2007.

FM

[FrogMan]

June 17, 2012
As I usually do, I sent a couple scouts to EURO2012. I always like looking at higher kinds of players, especially now that I may be able to afford one of them at one point, when the new transfer budget is announced in a week or about. One of the first that he spots is a player I've had my eyes on for some time now but could never afford, striker Fabio Ferreira (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120616ferreira.jpg) who plays alongside Ricardo Vaz Te on the Portuguese National Team. My scout adds that with the insecurities surrounding Wolves' finances, Ferreira could be had for around $9.5M... Kinda funny but later in the day, Blackburn put in a bid for exactly that amount...

As expected, HSV have withdrawn their enquiry for Ricardo Vaz Te.


June 19, 2012
Deservedly, Ricardo Vaz Te has been voted Luton's Player of the Year by supporters. What a magical season he just had.

Our U18 squad received a fresh contingent of new players. Many of them are pure crap though. My assistant points out to me 15yo promising midfielder Jason Hughes (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120619hughes.jpg). I'm not too impressed by him to be honest. I find 15yo striker Robert Gibson (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120619gibson.jpg) to be an interesting prospect while Chris Murray (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120619murray.jpg), even though he has all the determination in the world, might lack in general skills.

We're given $26.5M for TV rights.

Without me asking, the board have announce plans to install undersoil heating in the stadium. They say it will help ensure that our fixture schedule is not affected by the weather conditions. Let me ask, has anybody ever had a game be postponed because of bad weather?

The team board announces the transfer budget I will have to work with, a nice $25M. That's the highest starting transfer budget they've given me since I've been here.

They also say they are delighted with my performance as manager and they expect the team to achieve a respectable position within the Premiership in the comin season. The supporters on the other hand have just gone crazy. They expect the team to actually win the Premiership this season. Woah...

I also learn that the average attendance of 24145 last season was a Luton Town team record. We should again break that this season since there won't be one home game with limited capacity.

I see we're second seed in the Champions League draw but I have no clue what that means. I also don't know when we'll be entering the qualifying stages.

Using that new found transfer money, I put in a bid for $9.75M for Fabio Ferreira.

Ricardo Vaz Te twisted his ankle at EURO2012 and will mis up to a month.

West Brom have offered me $1.9M for Michael Timlin. I paid $190k for him a couple seasons ago and while he's had some flashes, he's more a backup than anything. I accept the offer.

FM

[FrogMan]

June 21, 2012
Looking to improve my staff of physios, in which none is higher than 16 in physio skill, I offer a contract to a 37yo Brazilian physio named Rodrigo Lasmar who's rated a perfect 20. I had little hope of him agreeing, since he was being paid $1,600 per week and said it would take a very large contract offer for him to even consider signing with us and my board only allowed me to offer him up to $1,700, not that bid an increase... Looks like that was just enough for him because before the day is over, he's agreed to come over from Athlético Mineiro. We owe them $300k in compensation for his signing.


June 22, 2012
Wolves want to negotiate over Fabio Ferreira. They are asking $12.25M for him with 10% of the next sale. I offer them $11M and 15% of the next sale.

I arrange a tour of Scotland to start our friendlies. We will play Celtic, Rangers and Hearts to start it off. First game planned for June 28.

Looking at our players, I'm thinking that bringing back Christian Wilhelmsson as a backup could be a good idea. He's looking for $11,250 per week for a one year deal. I shave off some and offer him $10k per week. He currently earns $19k per week.


June 23, 2012
Michael Timlin has agreed terms with West Brom and will join them on July 1st.

Blackpool and Brighton have offered contracts to Christian Wilhelmsson.


June 25, 2012
Players report back to camp for preseason training. Nobody is in bad shape but Ricardo Vaz Te is still recovering from the injury suffered at EURO2012.


June 26, 2012
Our offer for Fabio Ferreira has been accepted! Going to offer him a contract, I see he's looking for a 3 year deal with wages around $47.5k per week in addition to a signing on fee of $850k. My assistant believes he would become an essential member of the first team squad and recommends a contract in the region of $55k per week. I offer him what he wants.

Later in the day, Wolves accept an offer from Blackburn for Ferreira.


June 27, 2012
The draw for the second qualifying phase of the Champions League has happened and we were not in it. It's coming clear that we will enter in the third qualifying phase with a two leg series to win to make it to group play.


Well, it didn't take long. Christian Wilhelmsson has decided to continue (end?) his career at Brighton. Good luck Chris!

FM

[FrogMan]

June 28, 2012
Friendly: at Celtic
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-7-7-10-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-9-6-6</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-9-9-8</TD><TD>88%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-9-7</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-8-6-7</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>88%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-6</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-8</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-8-8-6</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Paul Reid</TD><TD>D/M C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>88%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S8</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S9</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Lubos Loucka</TD><TD>D C, DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>86%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S10</TD><TD></TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S11</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>Andy Fox</TD><TD>DM, M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S12</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>5-9-7-10-6</TD><TD>89%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>5-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unf</TD><TD>Djaïd Kasri</TD><TD>D RC, DM, M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-8</TD><TD>49%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Ret</TD><TD>Fabrice Fernandes</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Trn</TD><TD>Christian Wilhelmsson</TD><TD>AM RLC, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-5</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Trn</TD><TD>Michael Timlin</TD><TD>D L, M LC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-5</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>9-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>50%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Andy O'Brien</TD><TD>D RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>84%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

We start our Scottish tour with a game against Celtic. It takes me until almost halftim to realize that they are playing absolutely not one starter in that game. I was wondering why we were dominating plays as much.

Final Score: Luton 2, Celtic 0

Romone Rose scores two as we cruise to the win, but playing the game pointed out a couple things. First, letting go of Michael Timlin might have been a mistake. His dual ability to cover both as a backup left winger or left fullback is something is undervalued a bit. This was made even more obvious to me when I took Christian Wilhelmsson and Fabrice Fernandes out of the lineup and I was left with no backup left winger for late in games... This will need to be addressed. As will be the fact that we're kind of thin at up front if one of our main guys gets injured, as is the case with Vaz Te being out right now. This will need to be addressed too, maybe by bringing an experienced striker on a one year contract or by giving more playing time to a guy like Paul Graham.


June 29, 2012
In a completely different line of thought, there's a promising midfielder that my scouts seem to have liked that just got released by his club. David Talbot (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120629talbot.jpg) is only 17 and I don't know everything that he's capable of but I offer him a 4 week trial.

And back to the left side thing. Michel Bastos (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120629bastos.jpg) is a player that would fit quite well in that kind of role, probably start at fullback and backup the left wing when necessary. I offer Bordeaux $6.5M for him.


June 30, 2012
The Olympics are coming to England! Canada will be part of them in football and we've been drawn to Group A with Iran, Norway, and Cameroon. The olympics are played by the countries' respective U23 squads. Interesting to note that USA are not part of the games but I have no clue why or how the selection was made.


July 1st, 2012
Danny Jones (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120701jones.jpg) arrives to Kenilworth Road from Southampton for a compensation of $875k. My assistant immediately tells me that he insists that the promising goalkeeper is a player of immense quality and should be nurtured carefully in order for the club to harness his fantastic ability. Wow, what a glowing review. Even nice, looking at his profile, Jones' general happiness is such that he "believes he will learn a lot while at Luton". :cool:

Michael Timlin and Christian Wilhelmsson leave Luton.

AHH!!! In the middle of all the moves, Fabio Ferreira announces that he is really enthusiastic about the prospect of playing for such a well-supported club as Luton Town. He rejected the offer from Blackburn and comes to Kenilworth Road!!!

The 22yo striker (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120701ferreira.jpg) said that the opportunity to come to Kenilworth Road was too good to turn down and that he was looking forward to the new challenge. He also admitted that not every Wolves fan would understand his reason for leaving but hoped that they would still find it in their hearts to give him a round of applause next time he returns to Molineux.

Later in the day, Wolves fans said they understood why the firm favourite did his move and they would welcome the forward back with open arms should he ever decide to return.

He scored 18 goals and average 7.53 in form last season for Wolves. For now, I plan on platooning him and Arjan Wisse as the two right side strikers with Ricardo Vaz Te taking on the left side. He can also play right or left side attacking midfielder.

One thing's for sure, this takes care of our need for an extra striker. Now to keep 'em all happy is another thing...

France have won EURO2012 after beating Holland 1-0 in the final.

Our bid for Michel Bastos has been rejected. I offer them $9.5M. With the purchase of Fabio Ferreira, I'm left with $15.1M in transfer budget.

FM

[tanglewood]

You do realise that you're typing every date with 2011 right? ;)

Still a great dynasty.

[FrogMan]

You do realise that you're typing every date with 2011 right? ;)

Still a great dynasty.

err, dang! I do now :D

Will try to remember to start typing the right year ;)

FM

[FrogMan]

this just in: I'm a frigging perfectionist. I've just edited the dates to reflect the correct year we're in. It's 2012, not 2011... :)

FM

[FrogMan]

July 2, 2012
Friendly: at Rangers
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-10-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-6-6-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-9-9-8-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-9-7-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-9</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-8</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-8</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-8-6-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Paul Reid</TD><TD>D/M C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>87%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>89%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S8</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-6-7-8</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S9</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Lubos Loucka</TD><TD>D C, DM</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>87%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S10</TD><TD></TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S11</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-6-8-8</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S12</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-7-10-6-7</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>5-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Djaïd Kasri</TD><TD>D RC, DM, M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-8</TD><TD>61%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>9-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>46%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Andy O'Brien</TD><TD>D RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>86%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>Andy Fox</TD><TD>DM, M R</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Yth</TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Right off the bat, I see that they are playing more starters than Celtic did, and it shows on the field.We lead 1-0 at the half on a goal from Fabio Ferreira. Shots and possession are in a deadlock.

We add another one in th 55th minute when Youssouf Hersi converts a Scott Donnelly corner kick but we let them come back in the game with a couple of goals in the last ten minutes.

Final Score: Luton 2, Rangers 2

The story of two halves really. The first 45 minutes, we held our own, the last 45 minutes, they ate us alive. Gotta say I subbed many starters at the 45 minute mark and by the 70th minute, we only had B teamers in there.


July 5, 2012
Our bid for Michel Bastos has been rejected.

I offer $4M to Leverkusen about Kevin Mirallas (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120704mirallas.jpg), a 24yo right winger. He's not played for Leverkusen a lot in recent years, most often going on loan, or playing for their B unit.

Gabriel Obertan (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120705obertan.jpg) is a 23yo right winger who's really come into his own in the last two seasons (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120705obertan2.jpg). My scouts have returned favorable reports and I try a big offer for him. I put in a bid at $10.25M.


July 6, 2012
Leverkusen gets back to me regarding Kevin Mirallas. They want 6.25M. I offer them $5M.

FM

[FrogMan]

July 6, 2012
Friendly: at Hearts
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-8-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-6-6-7-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-8-6-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-8</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-6-8-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-9-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Yth</TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Andy O'Brien</TD><TD>D RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Paul Reid</TD><TD>D/M C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S8</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S9</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Lubos Loucka</TD><TD>D C, DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S10</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>Andy Fox</TD><TD>DM, M R</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S11</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-8-8-6</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S12</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-10-6-7-5</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>5-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Int</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Int</TD><TD>Djaïd Kasri</TD><TD>D RC, DM, M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-8</TD><TD>83%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-10-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Int</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-9-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>9-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>42%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Fabio Ferreira scores an outstanding goal to give us a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute and he's the source of our second goal when his perfect header ahead of Arjan Wisse puts him in a position to score. Before the half is over, Ferreira will have added a second goal and a second assist, this time on a Youssouf Hersi goal. This is very promising.

We keep on putting shots on goals in the second half but the ball is not going in. They score once.

Final Score: Luton 4, Hearts 1

The kind of feel good game you need every once in a while. We outshot them 17(5) to 9(5). Fabio Ferreira received the Man of the Match selection. Danny Jones played the whole second half and didn't look too bad. He got tested a few times and didn't crumble...

Based on scout reports, I put in a bid for Aaron Lennon (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120706lennon.jpg) at $6.5M. His skills are not that impressive, but if I could get him for less than half my remaining budget, that would leave some money for some depth.

As you've notice, I'm looking at mostly right wingers when my need could seem to be left winger. My thinking behind it is that Alexander Farnerud, while an very good all around midfielder, isn't really at his best on the right wing. Getting a right winger would allow me to get him to roam a bit everywhere.


July 7, 2012
I get my first good experience of having such a top notch physio on staff when I get initial reports that Fabio Ferreira will miss 2 weeks after hurting himself in the weights room. Looking at his profile, it say he will miss 5 days. Wow, split in half...

Nicky Wroe (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120707wroe.jpg) is a 26yo midfielder capable of playing a bit everywhere. I like his technical attributes and thinks he could give me some depth. I put in a bid at $3M which is low to me but is still double is current value at Barnsley.

Our bid for Aaron Lennon is rejected and I don't push any further.


July 8, 2012
David Talbot has agreed to come to Kenilworth Road for a four week trial. He turned down offers from Dunfermline Ath., Inverness CT and Blackpool for the chance at earning a spot in our training academy.

For some stupid reason, I have not saved a screenie of his skills at that point in time but my assistant is telling me that he believes that while Talbot still has a lot to learn, he has the potential ability to succeed at the club. He feels we should attempt to make him a permanent addition to the squad.

Our offer for Nicky Wroe has been accepted, we can talk contract with him. He is currently earning $8k per week but would want to up that to $17.5k per week with us. Against my assistant's best judgment, he thinks it would not be worthwhile to sign him, I still offer him a contract, but only for $14.25k per week. I've also cut the requested signing on fee from $400k to $275k. Wroe isn't somebody I would absolutely need to sign, that's why I can play a bit of hardball...

Leverkusen want over $7.1M for Mirallas this time. I stick to my guns and offer them $5.5M split over some time.


July 11, 2012
Nicky Wroe (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120711wroe.jpg) reveals that the lure of playing in Europe was a major factor for him and he agrees to our contract offer. He will get to the club in time for our next friendly.

Boardeaux want $13.8M for Gabriel Obertan. With the signing of Wroe, I'm now left with only $12.1M. I offer them that, split over some time.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA :D Lubos Loucka has come out of the shadows as Nicky Wroe got to the club. He says he will not be giving up his place in the first-team easily. Reality check for you Lubos, you don't have a first-team place. :D Seriously, I tell him that I'm in charge of team affairs, not him.

I'm not sure Wroe would be a super winger for us, but I think he'll bring us some needed depth. As you can see in his stats (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120711wroe2.jpg) and even though it was only at the Championship level, he's been fairly dependable for Barnsley in the last few seasons.

Leverkusen still want to negotiate over Kevin Mirallas. They want too much for him. I cancel my offers and stop trying.

FM

[terpkristin]

July 6, 2011
Leverkusen gets back to me regarding Kevin Mirallas. They want 6.25M. I offer them $5M.

FM

ahem? ;) just kidding, enjoying reading as always, fm!!!

/tk

[FrogMan]

ahem? ;) just kidding, enjoying reading as always, fm!!!

/tk

/start whiny voice
awww maaaaaaaan!
/end whiny voice

Seriously, what's with this 2011 fixation... thanks for pointing it out. I see that you do pay good attention to what I write. :)

FM

[finketr]

i'm so confused...

weren't you QPR and Cote D'Ivor?

[SirFozzie]

That was his last dynasty.. this is a fresh one.. he picked up either in 10/11 or 11/12

[FrogMan]

Tim, what SirFozzie said. The QPR/Ivory Coast career was with FM2005. This one is with WSM2006... You can backtrack with links in the first post of this thread and then the 2011/12 thread and then to the half season reported where I restarted reporting...

FM

[FrogMan]

July 12, 2012
Friendly: at Plymouth
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-10-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>9-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-7-7-7-9</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-8-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-9-7-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-7-8-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>10-6-7-5-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-8-6-9</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-7-6-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Paul Reid</TD><TD>D/M C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S8</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S9</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>David Talbot</TD><TD>D R, DM, M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S10</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S11</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-10</TD><TD>81%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S12</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-8-8-6-6</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>5-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Djaïd Kasri</TD><TD>D RC, DM, M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-6-8-6</TD><TD>89%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>9-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>39%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>Lubos Loucka</TD><TD>D C, DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Andy O'Brien</TD><TD>D RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>Andy Fox</TD><TD>DM, M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Yth</TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

The first half ends scoreless and was very boring. The second half isn't much better, until we break the tie in the 85th minute when Fabio Ferreira scores only 10 minutes after having entered the game.

Final score: Luton 1, Plymouth 0

Paul Graham started this game but struggled a bit. He even picked up a knock which is why I got Ferreira in the game. Philippe Senderos was selected as Man of the Match.


July 14, 2012
Bordeaux are sticking to what they want for Gabriel Obertan which is $13.5M with some of it now and some over some months. I lower my offer but I also offer Niki Mäenpää as part-exchange.

Curtis Davies is suffering from food poisoning and will miss 5 days.


July 15, 2012
My part-exchange offer for Obertan is flat out rejected. I offer them $11M up front and only $1.1M over 24 months.

Seeing that Gillingham is scouting Andy O'Brien and that he's nowhere close to ever seeing the field with the senior squad, I decide to offer him to other teams. Asking price is $475k for the midfielder valued at $750k.


July 16, 2012
Adam Hardy (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120716hardy.jpg) is a 23yo Aussie midfielder currently playing with Marseilles. They have him listed at $1.8M as they say they don't need him. I think he could be useful as a depth player for us, capable of playing anywhere on our attacking midfield. I offer them what they want.


July 17, 2012
Gillingham offers me $475k for O'Brien. I accept the offer without waiting.


July 18, 2012
Holy cow, Bordeaux have gone stir crazy. They now want over $16.4M for Gabriel Obertan. I keep sticking to what I can offer them: $12.1M... Only this time, I add 40% of next sale and a friendly with them. We'll see.


July 19, 2012
Our offer for Adam Hardy has been accepted by Marseilles. Going to offer him a contract, I see he's looking for only $475 a week but with a signing on fee of $90k. My assistant doesn't say he's worthless at first but that he has a lot to learn before he is ready for first team football. He recommends a weekly wage of $500k. Thing is, at that level of weekly wage, I can only offer a signing on fee of $20k. I'm way under my wage budget so I offer him $1000 per week and a $50k signing on fee which is the most I can offer.

Ricardo Vaz Te resumes full training.

I had spotted a winger on Leicester, James Morrison (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120719morrison.jpg). I like his mental skills and my scouts tell me he would be a good signing. I offer them $7M for him. He has some experience playing in the Premiership before, with Middlesbrough from 2004 to 2009, then with stints with Norwich and Leicester.

FM

[finketr]

Tim, what SirFozzie said. The QPR/Ivory Coast career was with FM2005. This one is with WSM2006... You can backtrack with links in the first post of this thread and then the 2011/12 thread and then to the half season reported where I restarted reporting...

FM

i guess this is what happens when you are on vacation 7/1-7/16, and then pounded by work for the next two week.s

[FrogMan]

i guess this is what happens when you are on vacation 7/1-7/16, and then pounded by work for the next two week.s

hehe, welcome back on board ;)

FM

[FrogMan]

July 19, 2012
Friendly: vs Real Madrid
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>10-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-8-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-9-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-7-8-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-5-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-8-6-9-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-6-8-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Paul Reid</TD><TD>D/M C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S8</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S9</TD><TD></TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S10</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S11</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-10-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S12</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-6-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>5-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Djaïd Kasri</TD><TD>D RC, DM, M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-6-8-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unf</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>49%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>Lubos Loucka</TD><TD>D C, DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Bid</TD><TD>Andy O'Brien</TD><TD>D RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>Andy Fox</TD><TD>DM, M R</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>David Talbot</TD><TD>D R, DM, M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Yth</TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

It's our yearly meeting with the Spanish fellows :) It's even been picked up for live TV coverage.

The first half is fairly uneventful with us taking a 1-0 lead on a late Arjan Wisse goal. Paul Graham is getting another start and is doing much better. He assisted on Wisse's goal.

We really cranked it up a notch in the second half though, even if it only resulted in one more goal. Fabio Ferreira scored in the 76th minute.

Final Score: Luton 2, Real Madrid 0

We outshot them 20(11) to 11(5), a solid performance. Nicky Wroe played the whole second half and he surprised me with a 7 rating.

Following the game, I do some transfer work. Not that David Talbot (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120719talbot.jpg) has been super impressive during his trial but my assistant can't stop raving about how much potential he has. Since he's a free agent, signing him would cost us nothing. He's looking for a 4 year deal at $425 per week with a signing on fee of $110k. Again, as was the case with Adam Hardy recently, I can't offer him as big a signing on fee with as low a wage. I offer him the same deal I offered to Hardy: $1000 per week and $50k in signing on fee.


July 20, 2012
Undersoil heating has now been installed at Kenilworth Road. I still have no clue what it will do to our games other than players may never catch a cold due to having cold feet. :)

Andy O'Brien has rejected the contract offer from Gillingham, saying it wasn't acceptable. He added that he is very happy playing for me and that he needs to show loyalty to his current club in order to repay my investment in his development. DAMN FOOL!!! I AM THE ONE WHO OFFERED YOU AROUND!!! *sigh*

July 21, 2012
Today's the day to confirm the squad numbers. I like that day. :)

Four matches of our first half of the season have been picked up for TV coverage:
08/26 at Everton
09/29 at Tottenham
11/04 at Blackburn
12/01 vs Nottm Forest

Almost disappointed that we're not getting a Chelsea or an Arsenal match on TV. Then maybe it'll help the guys concentrate on the game more...

Seeing how Reims have offered to loan Kevin Mirallas until the end of the season, I make the same offer to Leverkusen. The offer is rejected because they say they are not willing to allow this player to leave on loan due to his first-team commitment to the team.


July 22, 2012
Leicester have accepted my offer for James Morrison. The funny thing is he just signed a new deal with them this very same day. Anyway, even funnier is the fact that he is not even asking for as much money as his new deal. Under this new contract, he's earning $21k per week but he's looking for a 3 year contract with $16.25k with a signing on fee of $250k. My assistant doesn't believe that signing him would be worthwhile but I offer him a contract nevertheless...


July 24, 2012
Bordeaux are really getting on my nerves. Now they want more than $16M for Gabriel Obertan. I cancel my offer and let it go.


July 25, 2012
James Morrison has accepted our offer! He revealed that the lure of playing in Europe was a major factor in his decision. I confirm the deal.


July 26, 2012
Adam Hardy has also accepted our contract offer and is set to come to Kenilworth Road. I ask to delay the transfer for a week. Having just signed Morrison and Nicky Wroe, both of whom I think are better than Hardy, I want to take a little while to see if we really need Hardy with us... Still, he rejected offers from three other teams to have a chance to come play for me. And I say that because he specifically said that he's looking forward to working under my guidance.

FM

[FrogMan]

July 27, 2012
Friendly: at Hull
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-8-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-9-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-8-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-10-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>89%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-9-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-8-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Paul Reid</TD><TD>D/M C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-8-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S8</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S9</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S10</TD><TD></TD><TD>David Talbot</TD><TD>D R, DM, M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S11</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S12</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>5-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Djaïd Kasri</TD><TD>D RC, DM, M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-6-8-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>Lubos Loucka</TD><TD>D C, DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Andy O'Brien</TD><TD>D RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>Andy Fox</TD><TD>DM, M R</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-5-6-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Ctr</TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Before we start the game, I learn that David Talbot has agreed to terms on the contract we offered him earlier in the week. He reiterates that he is enthusiastic to work under my guidance.

Also, today is the draw for the Third Qualifying phase of the Champions League where we will apparently enter. They say we have not been seeded for this game but again, I have no clue what that means. We will play either Dinamo Kiev, current title holders of the Ukraine Vyscha Liha, or their Premier League, or Skonto, a little known side whome I forget the country. Dinamo Kiev are leading 4-0 after the first leg of their series...

On to our friendly, the combination of Fabio Ferreira and Ricardo Vaz Te up front is too much for Hull and they both score before the are able to get one back on a 30 yarder and we're leading 2-1 at the half.

The second half is all ours, even though we don't score until 2 minutes into added time. As their keeper, former Hatter Richard Wright, had joined the offense on an offensive corner, Arjan Wisse picked up a loose ball and launched a bomb to score from 70 yards away.

Final Score: Luton 3, Hull 1

We outshot them 16(12) to 9(3).

I see that Danny Jones turned 17 today so I offer him a contract to tie him up and make sure we don't lose him on some crazy bidding. He wants $600k per week until June 2015 and that's what I offer him.


July 29, 2012
Danny Jones signs his new contract, the one making him into a professional football player. He said he was eager to learn and believed he would learn a lot while at Luton Town. That's the kind of attitude I like. The promising goalkeeper is also described as being professional.

Wow, Chelsea are still Chelsea. They just signed Roma's Alessio Cerci for a stupendous fee of $72M. :eek: You know what's funnier? Roma's fans are upset at losing one of their favourites :eek: :eek:


August 1st, 2012
The team board is still absolutely thrilled with the level of commitment I continue to show the club.

It's confirmed, we will play Dinamo Kiev in the Champions League Third Qualifying Phase. First leg to be played at Kenilworth Road on August 8. They have won the Vyscha Liha 4 of the last 7 seasons and have finished 2nd twice and 3rd once. This WILL NOT be easy.

FM

[FrogMan]

August 2, 2012
Marseilles get back to me regarding Adam Hardy. I finally accept the deal. He'll hopefully give us some depth.

Interesting, today is the day we need to confirm our selection of 25 players for the Champions League qualifier. We will be allowed to swap as many as we want before group play, if we make it through this qualifying round. Here's a twist I'd never heard of before. Looks like we need to have 4 players who are home grown from the club and a total of 8 players who are home grown from England. Meeting this minimums is not a problem for now. Once my selection is done and confirmed, I have the minimum four Luton grown players and a total of 15 whom are English. You can see who was selected below:
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>5-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD>HG</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-9-7-7-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD>HG</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Andy O'Brien</TD><TD>D RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Djaïd Kasri</TD><TD>D RC, DM, M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-6-8-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>HG</TD><TD>David Talbot</TD><TD>D R, DM, M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD>HG</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>Lubos Loucka</TD><TD>D C, DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD>HG</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD>HG</TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD>HG</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-6-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Paul Reid</TD><TD>D/M C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>HG</TD><TD>Andy Fox</TD><TD>DM, M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD>HG</TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Hardy</TD><TD>AM RLC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD>HG</TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD>HG</TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD>HG</TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-10-7-7-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD>HG</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD>HG</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>In</TD><TD>HG</TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>HG</TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-5-6-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Today is also the day where I have to freeze my lineup for Canada's olympic team. I usually don't make a big deal out of picking out the Canadian Nationa Team, but this one is a bit special. See, the olympics are played with U23 squads. Looking at who was last called up to the National Team, I see three players who are 23yo or younger. Of these three, Jeff Kiebbe is a part-time backup meaning he is often not even selected in the subs, but the other two are somewhat regular starters, AMC Jacob Lensky and striker Paul Brown. Finding 22 players to make up this squad was quite a challenge. Anyway, here they are:
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Oliver Brown</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chris Franks</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Roberto Thompson</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Abusabal</TD><TD>D R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Steve Azcurra</TD><TD>D RLC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-5-5</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jeff Kiebbe</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Thompson</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>73%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Nick Santos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Mark Vickers</TD><TD>D C, DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Simpson</TD><TD>WB L, M LC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tony Santos</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8-8-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jason Clarke</TD><TD>M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-5-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Fletcher</TD><TD>M RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>75%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>David Franks</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-8-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon MacLean</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jacob Lensky</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>David Berg</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Richard Thompson</TD><TD>AM LC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-6-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Dave Fletcher</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>5-8-8-8-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jason Hattrell</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>81%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Mike Brown</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Brown</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-8-8-8</TD><TD>74%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>8.50</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

The good thing about this exercise is that it made me realize that the Canadian National Team is somewhat old and that we will need to inject some new blood in there if we want to build on something for the future.

FM

[FrogMan]

August 2, 2012
Friendly: at Accrington
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-6-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-10-7-7-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-9-7-7-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Paul Reid</TD><TD>D/M C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Hardy</TD><TD>AM RLC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S8</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S9</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S10</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S11</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S12</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>Lubos Loucka</TD><TD>D C, DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

We come visit this small conference side to end our list of friendlies.

We take an early lead in th 6th minute when the triangle of Fabio Ferreira, Ricardo Vaz Te, and Alexander Farnerud confuses their defense so much that Farnerud is left all alone in between their central defenders where he aims a ball to the top corner, scoring the 1-0 goal. James Morrison leaves the game injured in the 26th minute. Adam Hardy gets his first taste of playing as a Hatter coming in to replace him.

Arjan Wisse scores a very late goal to make 2-0 but despite the somewhat close score, they never came close to our goal.

Final Score: Luton 2, Accrington 0

We outshot them 14(5) to 3(1) and won possession with 55% most of it on their end of the pitch. Zac Barrett got the Man of the Match selection, why, I don't know. He made one save, maybe that was a VERY dangerous shot...

James Morrison suffer a gashed leg and will miss two weeks.

One kid I was impressed with while doing the U23 selection for Canada is right winger Kevin Fletcher (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/120802fletcher.jpg). Currently playing for the Montreal Impact in the first division of the USL, I like that he's got the pace and acceleration that often turn an ordinary winger into a good or even great winger. I know we probably would not get a work permit for him but what the heck. I offer Montreal $2M for him.


August 4, 2012
Wanna know how good our new physio is? Only two days after James Morrison was said to be missing two weeks, he's showing with only 3 days left in his treatment before he's ready to come back. That Mr Myiagi-like healing right there!


August 5, 2012
Montreal have rejected our bid for Kevin Fletcher. I'll let it sleep for a little while. The transfer window doesn't close for another 25 days or so...

Chelsea beat Arsenal 1-2 on penalties after playing to a 0-0 draw in the Community Shield game.


August 6, 2012
Totalbet.com have announced that they have picked Chelsea and Arsenal as 7-4 joint favourites to win the Barclasy Premiership title this season.

The rest of the contenders are as follows: Liverpool (5-2), Manchester United (5-1), Tottenham (33-1), Luton (33-1).

I'm kind of happy to see these odds, people are starting to believe in us. The bookmakers seem to think that with a good run of results we have an outside chance of mounting a title challenge. However, from the drop in price from Man Utd to Tottenham and us, they obviously don't place us in the hot favourites either...

FM

[FrogMan]

August 8, 2012
This will be a two-in-one kind of day as the Hatters are playing the first leg of their Champions League qualifier while the Canada U23 squad also plays their first games of the Olympics tournament.

As I set my lineup for Canada, seeing Kevin Fletcher on the roster squad reminds me of putting in another offer for him. I offer Montreal $2.5M for him.

Olympics Group Play: vs Iran U23 at Wembley
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chris Franks</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Abusabal</TD><TD>D R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Thompson</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Nick Santos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jeff Kiebbe</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tony Santos</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8-8-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD>Bid</TD><TD>Kevin Fletcher</TD><TD>M RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Simpson</TD><TD>WB L, M LC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jacob Lensky</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Paul Brown</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-8-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>8.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jason Hattrell</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Roberto Thompson</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Mark Vickers</TD><TD>D C, DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Steve Azcurra</TD><TD>D RLC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-5-5</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Richard Thompson</TD><TD>AM LC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-6-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>David Franks</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-8-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jason Clarke</TD><TD>M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-5-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Mike Brown</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon MacLean</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>David Berg</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Dave Fletcher</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>5-8-8-8-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Oliver Brown</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

They earned the right to play in the games by finishing first in their Asian Qualifying section, ahead of Iraq, Saudi Arabia and uzbekistan.

Paul Brown gives us a 1-0 lead in the 9th minute after Michael Abusabal sent him flying after a great through ball. Jason Hattrell adds a second goal for us, not even two minutes later and Brown scores again in the 29th minute as we romp all over them. It's 3-0 at the half and we're outshooting them 15(6) to 2(1).

Jason Hattrell adds to our lead in the 53rd minute and we then sit on our lead.

Final Score: Canada U23 4, Iran U23 0

We outshot them 18(9) to 3(1) and won possession with 54%. A solid win in which Paul Brown was selected as Man of the Match.

Chris Franks, our keeper, had to leave the game in the 30th minute though. He will miss two weeks, or about the rest of the Olympics.

Following the game, I learn that my bid for Kevin Fletcher has been rejected. Even though he didn't play the best of games, I might still come back to bid on him...

Champions League Third Phase Qualifying, Leg 1: vs Dinamo Kiev (Dinamo Kiev 4-5 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>10-7-7-8-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

We put a lot of pressure on them early on and it pays off in the 30th minute when Ricardo Vaz Te buries one for the 1-0 lead. As we often do however, we let them come back almost immediately and they tie it in the 33rd minute. We were outshooting them 10(4) to 3(1) at that point. We do regain the lead right before the end of the half, when James Simmonds centered a very nice ball to Alexander Farnerud near the penalty spot. 2-1 is the halftime score. I tell the guys not to get careless.

They seem to have tied it up in the 72nd minute but the goal is disallowed due to their striker being offside. We get a big break in injury time when a cross from the sideline by Farnerud finds its way behind their keeper in bizarre fashion. This goal could come in handy over two legs...

Final Score: Luton 3, Dinamo Kiev 1

We outshot them 18(8) to 10(6) but let possession slip in the second half. Alexander Farnerud was selected as Man of the Match with a rating of 9 and two goals. He did put 4 of his 5 shots on target.

James Simmonds suffered a gashed leg in the game and will miss one week.

August 9, 2012
Going to decide the Canada squad for our upcoming World Cup qualifier, I see that the Olympics are screwing me out of two players. Jacob Lensky and Paul Brown cannot play in both competitions... Kind of a good thing we don't have more players aged under 23 in the regular squad after all... In Lensky's place, I pick Iain Hume and the media make a big deal of him getting to play with the National Team again.


August 10, 2012
I get back to Montreal and offer them $3.2M for Kevin Fletcher. I add a 15% next sale clause and a friendly before March 23rd.

FM

[FrogMan]

August 11, 2012
Another two in a day kind of day. The Hatters play Newcastle to open their EPL season later on in the day.

Olympics Group Play: vs Norway U23
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Roberto Thompson</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>88%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Abusabal</TD><TD>D R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-9</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michael Thompson</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Nick Santos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-6-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Steve Azcurra</TD><TD>D RLC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-5-5</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>David Franks</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-8-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jason Clarke</TD><TD>M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-5-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Richard Thompson</TD><TD>AM LC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-6-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jacob Lensky</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>88%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Paul Brown</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-8-8-9</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>8.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jason Hattrell</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Oliver Brown</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Mark Vickers</TD><TD>D C, DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jeff Kiebbe</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>87%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Simpson</TD><TD>WB L, M LC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-8</TD><TD>88%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Bid</TD><TD>Kevin Fletcher</TD><TD>M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-6</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tony Santos</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-6-6-9</TD><TD>85%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Mike Brown</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Simon MacLean</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>David Berg</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Dave Fletcher</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>5-8-8-8-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Chris Franks</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-8</TD><TD>75%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Keeper Chris Franks is still out for two weeks following the injury he had in the Iran game. Roberto Thompson is less than impressive on paper to say the least. Norway drew 2-2 with Cameroon to open their Olympics tournament.

It's a very close first half and the 1-0 score is reflexion of this. Paul Brown gave us the lead very late in the half after chipping a ball over the keeper's head from some way out.

We secure the game right at the start of the second half, when Jason Hattrell and Paul Brown score two quick goals. From there, we never looked behind.

Final Score: Canada U23 3, Norway U23 0

A good game considering the fact that Norway should have probably one of the good teams in the tourney... We've still to allow a goal in the tournament and with two wins, we have qualified for the quarter finals round.



League Match #1: at Newcastle (Newcastle 5-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-9</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>9.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-6</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>63%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Only one new face will start for us today, rigth winger James Morrison. Newcastle finished 9th last season.

We're off to a flying start! Ricardo Vaz Te scores after only 32 second of play to give us a 1-0 lead. The rest of the half is all Newcastle though. They tie is in the 35th minute and 1-1 is that halftime score. At that time, they were outshooting us 10(5) to 2(1). ugh...

They keep on putting pressure on us but by the 85th minute, we've built a 3-1 lead on two goals from headers from defencemen. First it was Philippe Senderos on a corner, then Leonel Romero, in for a nicked Curtis Davies, on a free kick. Good stuff! They do add a consolation goal in the 93rd minute but we hang in there...

Final Score: Luton 3, Newcastle 2

Leo Franco got the man of the match selection but it will be his last for a little while as he's strained his groin and could miss two weeks. Philippe Senderos, Alexander Farnerud and Ricardo Vaz Te also had very good games. James Morrison didn't do too bad in his first game for us, rating at 7 in 60 mintues of play.

Following the game, Newcastle sack their manager. :eek: One game into the season, that's a ruthless world out there for sure...
According to bookies, I'm the favourites to take over. No way Jose. I tell the media I'm not interested.


August 12, 2012
Oldham have offered to loan Danny Jones for 5 months. I reject the offer as I want to keep him under watch, maybe even give him a game here or there...

Man Utd is showing interest in Philippe Senderos.


August 13, 2012
Montreal have accepted our lates bid for Kevin Fletcher! I offer him a contract, well knowing that getting him a work permit will be next to impossible. Still worth a try... :)

FM

[FrogMan]

Okay, reports have been coming kinda slow the last couple of weeks. In fact, I'm really outplaying my reporting speed right now and whil I won't tell you what has happened in the season so far, I have played until the middle of April or so.

Because of that, I will streamline my reporting here and might go over some things a bit faster and more sucinctly than what I was doing at the moment...

Hopefully, you will keep on reading, all three of you :)

FM

[FrogMan]

August 14, 2012
Canada U23 play Cameroon U23 in our last game of the Olympic tournament, a meaningless game since we're already qualified for the quarter finals. It's 0-0 at the half despite us outshooting them 8(3) to 2(0).

We score to open the half and they're as good as dead from there...

Final Score: Canada U23 2, Cameroon U23 0


August 15, 2012
Two games today.

League Match #2: vs Birmingham (Luton 6-4 favourites)
Zac Barrett starts for the injured Leo Franco. They score on a penalty in the 30th minute but we're lucky to only be down one as they are killing us.

we draw even in the 49th minute on a goal from Arjan Wisse.

Final Score: Luton 1, Birmingham 1

We're really luck to get the draw here. They outshot us 14(7) to 5(2) although we did control the ball more with 56%.


World Cup Qualifying group play: at Panama (Canada 1-2 favourites)
They take the lead in the 12th minute but we are really in the game, controlling the ball a lot. Damn, they increase their lead in the 30th minute, despite the fact that they're still barely not touching the ball... We do take one back in the 40th minute on a goal from Jonathan De Guzman.

A goofup by backup winger Jaime Peters is the source of a 3rd goal for them in the second half and despite it all, we lose it.

Final Score: Canada 1, Panama 3

An embarassing start to our World Cup qualifying group play run...

FM

[FrogMan]

August 18, 2012
Again, two games today.

League Match #3: at Aston Villa (Aston Villa 6-4 favourites)
Kevin Fletcher has accepted our offer but his move is delayed until he is granted a work permit, which I doubt he will, but still...

They take the lead in the 20th minute as again, we are being destroyed. Shots after 20 are 7(4) to 1(0) in their favour, ouch... But again, we do draw level, in the 40th minute when Ricardo Vaz Te scores after a nice combination of passes involving both fullbacks. We keep on pushing late in the half and four minutes later, Alexander Farnerud's great vision helps Vaz Te score his second of the game.

They tie it in the 47th minute and even though we take back the lead on Nicky Wroe's first ever goal as a Hatter, we stumble late in the game and allow two more goals... Very disappointing.

Final Score: Luton 3, Aston Villa 4

They outshot us 17(6) to 7(4), ouch.


Olympics quarter-final: vs Ghana U23
We pressure them early on but Kevin Fletcher has to leave the game in the 12th minute. That's a blow. The first half ends scoreless although we are outshooting them a bit.

We keep putting more pressure on them in the second half but they score on a free kick from 25 yards out in the 80th minute. Try as we might, we cannot get one past their keeper.

Final Score: Canada U23 0, Ghana 1

That's where out olympic experience ends. :(


August 19, 2012
I turn down two offers for Philippe Senderos. Tottenham offered $5.25M and two no-names in part-exchange and Middlesbrough offered me another no-name, no money. No brainers really.


August 21, 2012
Fletcher's initial work permit application has been turned down, I appeal it.


August 22, 2012
Woohoo, it pays to have been under the Queen for so long I guess, Canadian Kevin Fletcher has been granted a conditional work permit!

FM

[Dawgfan1980]

Great thread, as always. Makes me itch to fire up another attempt at a dynasty, if only I had the time.

[tanglewood]

Notice in your last two Luton games you have scored 4 goals from 6 shots on target. Never again can you complain when you outshoot an opponest and they score more goals than you. ;)

[FrogMan]

Great thread, as always. Makes me itch to fire up another attempt at a dynasty, if only I had the time.

thanks for reading, glad you enjoy it :)

FM

[FrogMan]

Notice in your last two Luton games you have scored 4 goals from 6 shots on target. Never again can you complain when you outshoot an opponest and they score more goals than you. ;)

yeah, well... cna't promise anything. Complaining is one of the little pleasures of life you know ;)

FM

[FrogMan]

August 22, 2012
Champions League third qualifying round, leg 2: at Dinamo Kiev (Dinamo Kiev 4-5 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-8-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-9-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>3 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Niki Mäenpää</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-5</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-9-8-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>0 (3)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-9</TD><TD>75%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Due to the rough start to the season so far, the team board are now only very pleased with my work while the supporters are still delighted with it.

Dinamo Kiev are still first in the Ukrainian league. Youssouf Hersi gives us a 1-0 (4-1 aggregate) lead in the 6th minute but he has to leave the game 7 minutes later, injured. They tie it 1-1 (4-2 aggregate) only 3 minutes after he's left the field.

And I'll be damned, they add another goal in the 22nd minute, making it 4-3 for us on aggregate. Philippe Senderos has made a couple of goofups and he's rating at 4.

We play a bit better defensively and the score stays the same for most of the second half. It gets tougher with 5 minutes to play when Fabio Ferreira has to leave the field too, injured. We still hold on with only 10 men.

Final Score: Luton 1, Dinamo Kiev 2 (4-3 aggregate)

We're through to group play!!!

They did outshoot us pretty badly and as you'd expect, keeper Zac Barrett got the MoM selection.

Fabio Ferreira will miss 2 weeks with a sprained wrist, as will Youssouf Hersi with a thigh strain.

We've been drawn to group G, a tough group that will include Scottish side Rangers, Italian side Lazio and French side Saint-Etienne.

We've been given $5.25M for making it to group play.


August 25, 2012
Holland U23 have won the Gold Medal at the Olympics. Damn, this could have been us, we beat them in group play!

Leo Franco resumes full training.

FM

[FrogMan]

August 26, 2012
I turn down a $7.75M bid from Sunderland for Alexander Farnerud.

League Match #4: at Everton (Everton 6-4 favourites)
They put us down 1 after only 8 minutes but we had spent all the start of the game in their half. This continues for the rest of the half which ends with us down 0-1. We're outshooting them 8(4) to 3(2) at that point.

they add to their lead when Leo Franco lets one in from some way out. He's rated at 5 at that point. Benoît Assou-Ekotto has to leave the game in the 80th minute, injured.

Final Score: Luton 0, Everton 2

Damn, this time we hold the ball, play well, shoot a lot, yet can't score...

This loss drops us to 15th place.

Assou-Ekotto will miss 5 days.


August 29, 2012
Kevin Fletcher sustained a bruised head in training. This has more impact to team Canada than for us, since he's currently playing with the Luton U18 squad. I have to replace him in the Team Canada squad for our upcoming World Cup Qualifier.


September 1st, 2012
Time to register 25 players for the Champions League group play. I take out Tony Hibbert and add in Paul Graham. The kid has been playing extremely well with the U18 and reserves squad and I might want to give him a shot at some point.

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

FM

[FrogMan]

September 1st, 2012
World Cup qualifier: vs Trinidad & Tobago (Canada 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Asmir Begovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-5-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>5.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Stalteri</TD><TD>D/WB RL</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>83%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michaël Klukowski</TD><TD>D LC, M L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>81%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Winston Marshall</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin McKenna</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-8-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Patrice Bernier</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-6-8-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jonathan de Guzman</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Julian De Guzman</TD><TD>WB L, DM, M LC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jacob Lensky</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Oliver Occean</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-8-9-7</TD><TD>80%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Will Johnson</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-8-8</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Srdjan Djekanovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-8-8-8</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Josh Simpson</TD><TD>D/AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>74%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Marco Reda</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>9-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tamandani Nsaliwa</TD><TD>DM, M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jonathan Bustamante</TD><TD>M L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>9-9-7-7-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sita-Taty Matondo</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ali Gerba</TD><TD>F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jaime Peters</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-5-6-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Rob Friend</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>83%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Atiba Hutchinson</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>69%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Andrea Lombardo</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>5-8-6-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Roberto Giacomi</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chris Pozniak</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jason Clarke</TD><TD>M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>73%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Simpson</TD><TD>WB L, M LC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
That's one frustrating game. We stayed in their half all game but just could not convert anything. Sure, when you shhould off target, you rarely convert anything...

Final Score: Canada 0, Trinidad & Tobago 0

We outshot them 14(4) to 5(0) and won possession with 54%. We should have won that one, darn it!

That draw has us last in our group after two games...
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD></TD><TD>Panama</TD><TD></TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>+3</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Canada</TD><TD></TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Trinidad & Tobago</TD><TD></TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Guatemala</TD><TD></TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>1</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


September 2, 2012
Zac Barrett suffered a bruised head in training. He might miss up to a week.


September 5, 2012
World Cup qualifier: at Guatemala (Canada 1-6 favourites)
Same lineup, other than Atiba Hutchison taking back his DM spot now that he's fitter.

Wow, what a contrast to our game of only 4 days ago. At the half, we lead 5-1, everything seems to find its way to the back of the net. Oliver Occean with a hattrick and Will Johnson with a brace have supplied with all our goals.

The second half is very quiet and we don't add to the humiliation...

Final Score: Canada 5, Guatemala 1

We move back up to 2nd place with the win. Top two teams will qualify for further rounds...

Grrr, in a game for Portugal, Ricardo Vaz Te bruised a rib. He could miss up to a week.

FM

[FrogMan]

September 8, 2012
League Match #8: vs Man Utd (Man Utd 4-5 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-9-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-5-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>5 (1)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>2 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-7-6-9</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-7-10-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1 (4)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>87%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Int</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Int</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-5-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Two players out on international duty and Vaz Te is still not 100%.

I set Giannis Taralidis to man mark their top scorer, forward Borut Semler.

They score on a penalty in the 26th minute but the first half is pretty close. Shots are 6(4) for us, 9(4) for them.

They add to their lead on a freaky kind of goal on a long cross in teh 84th minute but we don't give up and we tied it up, but it's in injury time and much too late.

Final Score: Luton 1, Man Utd 2

Shots end up being the same on both sides at 12(6). It was a good game for us despite the result.

After 5 games, we're in 16th place, not good...
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>+6</TD><TD>13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD></TD><TD>5</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>+6</TD><TD>11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>+3</TD><TD>11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nottm Forest</TD><TD></TD><TD>5</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD></TD><TD>4</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>+3</TD><TD>9</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD></TD><TD>5</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>9</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>5</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>9</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD></TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Southampton</TD><TD></TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-1</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD></TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-1</TD><TD>5</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>5</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD></TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>-4</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Stoke</TD><TD></TD><TD>5</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-6</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>-8</TD><TD>2</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


September 11, 2012
Hrm, the team board is now only satisfied with my performance as manager of the club. That's going down...

FM

[Dawgfan1980]

Well, you said you played until April, so I don't sense a dread vote of confidence anytime soon, just a bump in the road...

[FrogMan]

Well, you said you played until April, so I don't sense a dread vote of confidence anytime soon, just a bump in the road...

hehehe, I never said I was still at Kenilworth Road though, did I? ;)

you shall see, you shall see... :p

FM

[FrogMan]

September 12, 2012
Champions League group play #1: vs Rangers (Rangers 4-5 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-9-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-5-7-6-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>6 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-5-7-6-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>6 (1)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1 (5)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>6 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>5 (1)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-8-7-6-9</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>4 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>3 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

We played them to a 2-2 draw in a friendly where they were playing quite a few starters so I had some hopes. These hopes all die before the game is 20 minutes old, as we fall behind by two, the second coming on a 30 yarder bending shot. At that point, Leo Franco and Ricardo Vaz Te were both rated at 5, trouble up front and at the back, not good... But darn it, we kept fighting and the possession figure read 62% for us after 45 minutes, but still down 0-2.

The darn Spanish referee is spraying yellow cards like Santa giving gifts at xmas. We end the game on our tiptoes with 5 guys with yellows and a much rougher second half. The team stopped playing after halftime and I almost let them have it in my postgame speech.

Final Score: Luton 0, Ranger 2

Benoît Assou-Ekotto left the game in the 64th minute. He will miss up to two weeks with a gashed leg.

FM

[FrogMan]

September 15, 2012
League Match #6: at Man City (Man City 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-9-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>5-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>5-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>5 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>4 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.86</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>6 (1)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-8-7-6-9</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>2 (5)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>3 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>84%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4 (3)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.57</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

With three losses in a row, winning one now would be good.

It's a tight start to the game and even though they have a player sent off on a straight red in the 21st minute, they are able to score first in the 36th minute. The good thing is that we tie the game right back on a goal from Ricardo Vaz Te and 1-1 is the halftime score. They have put 8 or their 9 shots on target though.

They absolutely collapse in the second half though and we take the lead only two minutes in. We keep them coming though and by the 61st minute, it's 4-2 for us. We would not look back...

Final Score: Luton 5, Man City 2

I tell the guys it's how I want them to play every week. An amazing second half display. Vaz Te ends the game with a brace and the Man of the Match selection. Alexander Farnerud, Youssouf Hersi and Cedric Fernandez all have one goal.

The board is pleased with the win and our chairman hopes we can use it as a platform to build from.


September 17, 2012
James Simmonds, Youssouf Hersi, and Ricardo Vaz Te have all been selected to the EPL team of the week.

FM

[FrogMan]

September 19, 2012
League Match #7: vs Liverpool (Liverpool 4-6 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>9-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>6 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.71</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>4 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-9</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>5 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.71</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-9</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>3 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-10</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-8-7-6-9</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2 (6)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4 (3)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.57</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

The win against Man City has done wonders for the team morale but it doesn't show on the field. We give up one in the 10th minute and they are dominating us. We still catch a break during injury time of the first half when the ref awards us a penalty. Youssouf Hersi converts it to give us the 1-1 tie at the half. They are outshooting us 10(6) to 2(1) however...

It's more of the same in the second but Leo Franco is having a great game and he's stopping everything until we give him some cushion to work with. In the 80th minute, Arjan Wisse heads in a cross from Adam Green on the left. That's all it takes for us to rob Liverpool of a sure win...

Final Score: Luton 2, Liverpool 1

While possession was an even 50-50 split, they outshot us 21(11) to 6(4) on the game. Franco got a well deserved Man of the Match selection.

We move back up to 9th place but I see that the team board is now only satisfied with my work while the supporters are now only pleased with it. Better win some games soon...

FM

[FrogMan]

September 22, 2012
League Match #8: vs Arsenal (Arsenal 4-7 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-8-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>9 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>5 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-9-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>6 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-8-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>8 (2)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8 (2)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.70</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-10-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7.44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-8-7-6-9</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>0 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2 (7)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>4 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-9-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4 (3)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.57</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

I exchanged some words of respect with Arsène Wenger prior to the game.

Now 35yo, Thierry Henry will not play in this game as he is injured.

Well, that's a very tough first half and we're down 0-2 after 45. I let the players have it, they look clueless out there!

Nothing goes in the second half either...

Final Score: Luton 0, Arsenal 2

We will not always have lucky penalty shots followed with lucky second half goals. We deserved to lose that one based on our first half showing alone. The second half was somewhat better as we won possession with 60% in the half, but couldn't get close enough to have quality shots.

We drop back down to 11th place with the loss.

Nicky Wroe suffered a dead leg in the game (?!?) and will be out for 5 days. James Morrison suffered a bruised head (at least it was not dead) and will miss a week.

We've drawn Birmingham for our Carling Cup third round match, not an easy draw.

Weird enough, we lost but the board is now back to being pleased about my work, same with the supporters.

FM

[FrogMan]

September 25, 2012
Champions League group play #2: at Saint-Etienne (Saint-Etienne evens favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-8-7-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>10 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.09</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4 (3)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>9 (2)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.27</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-9-7-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>7 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.78</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-9-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>9 (2)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.73</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-10-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>9 (1)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7.30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-7-6-9</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>0 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>2 (8)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.90</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Hardy</TD><TD>AM RLC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>4 (5)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>76%</TD><TD>6 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

They are currently sitting in 6th place of the Ligue 1 after finishing in 3rd place last year. They lost 0-1 to Lazio to open group play.

Prior to the game, I see the first sign of a player getting concerned. Alexander Farnerud is concerned that the club aren't topping the table. Hrm...

We're off to a flying start, taking the lead on a header from Arjan Wisse in only the 3rd minute. Even better, in the span of a couple minutes right before the half, we see Wisse double his tally and one of their defender gets sent off for a professional foul. Even betterer, the ensuing free kick leads to a goal from Ricardo Vaz Te. 1-3 is the halftime score and while we don't score in the second half, we put tons of pressure on them.

Final Score: Luton 3, Saint-Etienne 1

We outshot them 26(15) to 10(6) on the game, winning possession with 56%. I again tell the guys that's how I'd like to see them play every week.

Alexander Farnerud was on fire in this game, running around opponents at will and he got the MoM.

We're given $425k for the wing and are up to 3rd place in the group after two games...
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD></TD><TD>Lazio</TD><TD></TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>6</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Rangers</TD><TD></TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Saint-Etienne</TD><TD></TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Bad news though, Adam Hardy fractured his wrist in the game and will miss a month. Even worse news is the fact that Leo Franco had to be pulled off the game with a bruised head late in the game. He could miss up to a week. Funny thing in this is that Ricardo Vaz Te ended the game as our keeper. Looked like a nine year old running after the ball out of his area all the time, but we held the lead...

The team board is delighted with the win. Our chairman hopes it will be a big boost for our club.

FM

[FrogMan]

September 30, 2012
League Match #9: at Tottenham (Tottenham 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-7-6-9</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-6-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.64</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>11 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5 (3)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>5 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-7-9</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>10 (2)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.42</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-9-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>8 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-9-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-9</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>10 (2)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-10-7-6-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>10 (1)</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>7.36</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-8-6-7</TD><TD>85%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>2 (9)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.82</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>6 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4 (5)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>0 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.25</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

While we are having a rough start, it doesn't compare with Tottenham's. They are currently last in the league after only drawing twice in 8 games.

And oh crap, one more players is starting to be concerned. Leonel Romero now thinks the club may be underachieving.

Barrett is in for Franco.

Well, another crappy start as we go down 0-2 after only 6 minutes. We keep it at that score until halftime but we are struggling. Not as much as James Simmonds whom I pulled out in the 32nd minute when (a) his condition was very low and (b) he was rated at 5. He's having a very rough start to his season, something we were not used to, as he was very dependable last year.

Both teams exchange goals in the second half but other than controlling the ball a bit more, we don't do enough to get back in the game.

Final Score: Luton 1, Tottenham 3

Ouch, we should have taken advantage of Tottenham's rough patch.


October 1st, 2012
The team board is pleased with my work, nice to see. The supporters are pleased too so there's hope of us turning things around before things get sour.


October 6, 2012
New signee David Talbot (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/121006talbot.jpg) is doing well with the U18 and Reserves squads. He just had his second MoM selection in three days, one with the reserves, one with the U18s and he's improved many of his skills in training.

FM

[FrogMan]

October 6, 2012
World Cup qualifier #4: at Trinidad & Tobago (T&T 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Asmir Begovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Stalteri</TD><TD>D/WB RL</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michaël Klukowski</TD><TD>D LC, M L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Rst</TD><TD>Winston Marshall</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>2 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin McKenna</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Atiba Hutchinson</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-7-8-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Fletcher</TD><TD>M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Julian De Guzman</TD><TD>WB L, DM, M LC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jacob Lensky</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Will Johnson</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>10-7-6-8-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Brown</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Srdjan Djekanovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Josh Simpson</TD><TD>D/AM L</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-6-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Marco Reda</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>9-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Patrice Bernier</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-9-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jonathan Bustamante</TD><TD>M L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-8-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Sita-Taty Matondo</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Oliver Occean</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jaime Peters</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Rob Friend</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tamandani Nsaliwa</TD><TD>DM, M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ali Gerba</TD><TD>F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Roberto Giacomi</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chris Pozniak</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-6-6-8-8</TD><TD>89%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jason Clarke</TD><TD>M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Simpson</TD><TD>WB L, M LC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-8-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Kevin Fletcher will get to start since Jonathan De Guzman got injured last week. Let's hope the kid won't get destroyed...

Wow, rough, rough first half. Even though it remains scoreless, they are outshooting us 8(5) to 2(1). We lost Will Johnson to injury in the 22nd minute.

We don't do much better in the second half and they make us pay with a goal in the 83rd minute.

Final Score: Canada 0, Trinidad & Tobago 1

This loss drops us below the qualifying line. The top two teams go through.
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD></TD><TD>Panama</TD><TD></TD><TD>4</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Trinidad & Tobago</TD><TD></TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>6</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Canada</TD><TD></TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Guatemala</TD><TD></TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>-4</TD><TD>4</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


October 7, 2012
David Martin complains about a lack of first team play. I tell him that he will get his chance. I'm not very happy with how Kevin Foley has played so far this season.

Oh damn, Leo Franco now feels the team has more potential than it is showing. That's one thing, the other is that he also has for slight concern that he has lost confidence in his manager, i.e. me. How's that a SLIGHT concern?!? :eek:

Arjan Wisse also now thinks the team may be underachieving. Same for Benoît Assou-Ekotto. Ugh...


October 9, 2012
I other news on the English football scene, David Beckham, now retired as a player, has taken over the management of Charlton in the Championship.

FM

[FrogMan]

October 10, 2012
World Cup qualifier #5: vs Guatemala (Canada 1-8 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Asmir Begovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Stalteri</TD><TD>D/WB RL</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-9-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michaël Klukowski</TD><TD>D LC, M L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-8-7-6</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Rst</TD><TD>Winston Marshall</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>3 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Marco Reda</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>9-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Atiba Hutchinson</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>8-7-8-6-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Fletcher</TD><TD>M RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Julian De Guzman</TD><TD>WB L, DM, M LC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jacob Lensky</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Will Johnson</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Oliver Occean</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>2 (1)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Srdjan Djekanovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Josh Simpson</TD><TD>D/AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin McKenna</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-8</TD><TD>74%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Patrice Bernier</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-9-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jonathan Bustamante</TD><TD>M L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-8-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Sita-Taty Matondo</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>0 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Brown</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-7-9-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jaime Peters</TD><TD>AM RL</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Rob Friend</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tamandani Nsaliwa</TD><TD>DM, M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ali Gerba</TD><TD>F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Roberto Giacomi</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chris Pozniak</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-6-6-8-8</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jason Clarke</TD><TD>M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Simpson</TD><TD>WB L, M LC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

The first 20 minutes are uneventful but that's when boredom ended. By the 35th minute, we've built a 3-0 lead on two goals from Will Johnson and one from Jacob Lensky.

Johnson completes his hattrick in the 63rd minute as we cruise to an easy win.

Final Score: Canada 6, Guatemala 0

Johnson added a 4th goal to his tally and Oliver Occean scored one also. We outshot them 22(12) to 3(0) on the game, a carnage.

We move up to 2nd place with a game against Panama still to play. With Trinidad & Tobago playing Guatemala in their last game, we will need to win our game to really make sure we make it through. A draw or a loss would kill our chances...
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD></TD><TD>Panama</TD><TD></TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>8</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Canada</TD><TD></TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>+7</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Trinidad & Tobago</TD><TD></TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Guatemala</TD><TD></TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>-10</TD><TD>4</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[FrogMan]

October 13, 2012
League Match #10: vs Middlesbrough (Middlesbrough 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-8-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-10-7-8-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>12 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>6 (3)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.78</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>2 (10)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-9-6-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>11 (2)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-9-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>4 (6)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>11 (1)</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-9-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>6 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>6 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>9-7-7-7-5</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.64</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-9-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>11 (2)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.85</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Int</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.58</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Int</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>0 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.25</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hrm, board and supporters are now only satisfied with my work, down from pleased... I see that Fabio Ferreira, while he doesn't have the "slt" tag by his name still is embarassed by the club's league position. Kid, seeing how you are averaging 6.20 in form, I'm not sure who should be embarassed, you, or me for signing you in the first place? Anyway, I give him a start, in hope that he'll shake this bad form soon.

And playing him pays off in the 25th minute when he crosses a nice ball to Ricardo Vaz Te who scores to give us a 1-0 lead. We're a bit lucky in the 35th minute when Leo Franco saves a penalty. We're ahead at the half, but only where it counts, on the scoreboard. They are outshooting us outrageously.

Ferreira plays a great second half as he scores a couple of goals as we stand our ground to a great, if lucky win.

Final Score: Luton 3, Middlesbrough 2

We almost let it get away though. Ferreira gets a well deserved MoM selection with two goals and an assist. I'd appreciate a more constant production though, i.e. less 6's & 9's and more 7's & 8's...

Vaz Te pulled a hamstring and could miss up to 3 weeks. We will need Ferreira to step up his game for good. David Martin also suffered a bruised thigh in the game and will miss a week.


October 15, 2012
Scott Donnelly complains about a lack of first team play. I tell him to prove to me that he is worthy of first team selection. He says he's ready to wait for his chance.

Games are played and after 10 games, we stand in 11th place...
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD></TD><TD>10</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>+18</TD><TD>26</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD></TD><TD>10</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>+12</TD><TD>22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD></TD><TD>10</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>+7</TD><TD>19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD></TD><TD>10</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>+3</TD><TD>19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD></TD><TD>9</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>+8</TD><TD>18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD></TD><TD>10</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>+4</TD><TD>17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nottm Forest</TD><TD></TD><TD>10</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>-2</TD><TD>17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD></TD><TD>10</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD></TD><TD>10</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>-1</TD><TD>14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD></TD><TD>10</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>10</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>-2</TD><TD>13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD></TD><TD>9</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>+4</TD><TD>12</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD></TD><TD>10</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>-4</TD><TD>11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>9</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>-2</TD><TD>10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD></TD><TD>9</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>-4</TD><TD>10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD></TD><TD>10</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>-8</TD><TD>9</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Stoke</TD><TD></TD><TD>10</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>-6</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD></TD><TD>10</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>-8</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Southampton</TD><TD></TD><TD>10</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>-12</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD></TD><TD>10</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-9</TD><TD>6</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

FM

[finketr]

hehehe, I never said I was still at Kenilworth Road though, did I? ;)

you shall see, you shall see... :p

FM


now, this just wasn't nice. :P

how is your game setup these days? (england all levels only?)

[FrogMan]

now, this just wasn't nice. :P

hehe, gotta keep my readers on edge ;)


how is your game setup these days? (england all levels only?)

I have the following leagues on normal:
England, League Two and up
France, the top two division (Ligue 1 and whatever it is called below it)
Holland's Eredivisie (the top league)
Scotland's Premier
MLS

I didn't care about managing in Italy or Spain, the two league I could have included instead of France, Scotland or Holland, but I found that these three had a certain "appeal" to me. That's one of the reason why Paris-SG was so much after me two seasons ago, it's a manageable league. I then included the MLS on the off chance that I might be tempted to switch continent one day and wouldn't want to start a new career...

I also have a slew of top division league in countries who have a chance of providing a team I could meet in at least group play of either of the two big European competition (Champions League and UEFA Cup). That includes countries like Italy, Spain, Portugal, but also countries like Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Belgium and the likes... These basic leagues at least give me an idea of where a team stands in its league, like it did with Dinamo Kiev when I played them, or even Lazio in group play of the Champions League.

FM

[FrogMan]

October 16, 2012
Champions League group play #3: at Lazio (Lazio 4-5 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.58</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-8-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-6-8-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>13 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-9</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>3 (10)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>9-7-7-7-5</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.64</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>12 (2)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.36</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-9</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>5 (6)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.45</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-9-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>11 (3)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.86</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-9-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>7 (3)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.90</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>6 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.88</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>6 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>0 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>80%</TD><TD>12 (1)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Ine</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>10-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>86%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

They are currently in 6th place of the Italian Serie A after finishing last season in 4th place.

Rough break for us in the 4th minute. Fabio Ferreira is injured and has to be replaced. Romone Rose comes on. Hot damn! In the 36th minute, it's Arjan Wisse's turn to get injured. Youssouf Hersi comes on as I push Alexander Farnerud up to the striker spot. Rose rates at 5 at this point as we've yet to even try a shot, off target or on... They take a 1-0 lead late in the half.

Romone Rose redeems himself in the 59th minute when his run beats the last defender around midfield and he outruns him to the keeper whom he beats with a chipped ball to tie it 1-1.

They regain the lead in teh 69th minute when a free kick from just outside our penalty area is flighted just over the wall to the back of the net.

Final Score: Luton 1, Lazio 2

Not that we deserved to win, but we fought hard and to lose it on a frigging free kick is very frustrating. Curtis Davies gets the MoM selection.

We're in a logjam of three teams with a win after three games. Lazio still have not lost one game.
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD></TD><TD>Lazio</TD><TD></TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>+3</TD><TD>9</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Rangers</TD><TD></TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-1</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Saint-Etienne</TD><TD></TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-2</TD><TD>3</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

The news are not good back at the clubhouse. Arjan Wisse broke a cheekbone and might miss up to 4 weeks and Fabio Ferreira bruised a rib and might miss up to a week. The media want me to comment about how the team will miss Wisse. I tell them that I feel we got adequate cover, although I'm not so sure about that...

Wisse didn't like the comment though. He felt that I still put too much emphasis on his injury.

FM

[FrogMan]

October 20, 2012
League Match #11: at Chelsea (Chelsea 4-6 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.27</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>14 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-6-9-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>9 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>6 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.88</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>6 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-5-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>10 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.58</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>12 (1)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>13 (2)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-9-6</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>6 (6)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.42</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-9-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>9 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>0 (5)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>4 (10)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-8-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-9-6-7-6</TD><TD>82%</TD><TD>12 (3)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>76%</TD><TD>12 (1)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>10-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7 (3)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.90</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Yth</TD><TD>Robert Gibson</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

With us being down on strikers, I go with a 2 AMC/1 F formation.

The formation kind of works as we stay pace for pace with them in a scoreless first half.

We're still in the game until the 52nd minute when a, in a dubious decision, the ref awards them a penalty. Lampard puts it away to kill us...

Final Score: Luton 0, Chelsea 1

Very frustrating. Shots were equal at 11(5) and possession was an even 50-50 split. It took a bad call to give them the win, how shitty is that???

I tell the guys I'm elated with them, it was a good showing. Alexander Farnerud is chosen as Man of the Match with a rating of 8.

And the bad news keep on pouring. Leo Franco bruised a rib in the game he will miss up to a week.

FM

[FrogMan]

October 24, 2012
Carling Cup 3rd round: at Birmingham (Birmingham 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-9-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>10-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7 (3)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.90</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-9-8-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>10 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.82</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.09</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>0 (6)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-5-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>11 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>14 (2)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-6-9-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>7 (6)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>85%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>7 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>7 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.27</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4 (11)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>13 (1)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.86</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-9-6-7-6</TD><TD>78%</TD><TD>12 (3)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.64</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>72%</TD><TD>12 (1)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8-7-8-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>15 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Huhoh, the board are now only satisfied by my work, but the supporters are now saying they're unsatisfied. ouch.

It's another scoreless first half with Birmingham dominating play a bit.

Zac Barrett, maybe due to a lack of match fitness, make a bad decision to come out of his goal in the 50th minute and Birmingham make him pay for it. Down 0-1. We somehow stay in the game and in the 67th minute, David Martin centers a nice ball to Romone Rose who ties the game at 1-1.

It remains tied after 90 minute and we go to extra time. After 90, they are outshooting us 17(8) to 6(3).

Damn, Barrett again makes a mistake in the 98th minute and they take the lead again. There's no golden goal and we keep on playing. At the extra time half, they are outshooting us 20(10) to 7(3).

I thought we had tied it a minute after the start of the second extra time half but a defender hacks it off the line!!! We keep fighting though and 5 minutes later, Youssouf Hersi buries it from 25 yards out to tie it 2-2!!!

The joy is shortlived though as they score again in the 120th minute to kick us out of the cup.

Final Score: Luton 2, Birmingham 3

They outshot us 24(12) to 11(6) on the game, you'd think that our keeper would at least get a reasonable rating, right? Nope, Zac Barrett gets rated at 3, a frigging 3!!! I've never seen this, not on a team where most of his teammates rated at 6 or 7. Maybe on a team that gets killed and most of the players rate at 4, but not in a game like that, after the guy has made 9 saves. All three goals came off mistakes of his. I issue him an official warning for poor performance following this atrocious game.

He appologises for his poor performanceand admits he deserved his official warning. He understands that senior squad members have to lead by example and has said that he will try to motivate himself more for future matches. Zac, I got a kiddo keeper who can take your place. I hear he's plenty motivated...

FM

[FrogMan]

October 27, 2012
League Match #13: vs Crystal Palace (Luton 5-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.64</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8-7-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>15 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-9-8-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>11 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>10 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>7 (5)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>15 (2)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>13 (2)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-9-6-6-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>8 (6)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-9-6-3</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>4 (12)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-5-6-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>12 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-9-6-7-6</TD><TD>74%</TD><TD>12 (3)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>76%</TD><TD>12 (1)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>1 (6)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>8 (3)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.91</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

It's yet another scoreless first half. We controlled the ball very well, owning possession with 56%, but could not get close enough to attempt worthy shots. I hate that 4-5-1 formation that has 4 middies on a line with a DMC behind them and only one striker up front. Trying to cheer up my guys, I tell them they're outplaying them everywhere.

Well, it still take another 45 minutes for us to finally score one, at 90:43, when Youssouf Hersi flighted a free kick from just outside their penalty area, over the wall and to the back of the net.

Final Score: Luton 1, Crystal Palace 0

We won possession with 57%, increasing from our first half figure, and we outshot them 10(4) to 6(0). They didn't have one shot in the second half.

Youssouf Hersi got the MoM selection. James Morrison is still struggling though. He registered yet another 6 today. The guy I had brought in to be his backup, Nicky Wroe, is outlaying him right now...

We move up to 11th place with the win and the board is satisfied with my performace while the supporters are still unsatisfied.


October 28, 2012
Ricardo Vaz Te resumes full training following his thigh injury. He missed two weeks.


October 29, 2012
Youssouf Hersi has been selected to the EPL team of the week.

Tony Hibbert pleads for more first team playing time. Still not happy with how the right fullback position is doing, I tell him he will get his shot.

Ugh, we're not the only team struggling out there. Man Utd and their new manager Mark Hughes are way low in the table and there's already talks of him getting the axe if things don't improve...

FM

[FrogMan]

October 30, 2012
David Martin was absent from training today. I issue him an official warning which he accepts, admitting that his behaviour was unacceptable.


October 31, 2012
Champions League Group Play #4: vs Lazio (Lazio 4-5 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.12</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>9-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>12 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.85</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.90</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4 (13)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-6-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>16 (2)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-6-8-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>14 (2)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>9-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>9 (6)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>12 (1)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-9-6-3</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>11 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8 (3)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.91</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>8 (5)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-5-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>1 (6)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-8-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>2 (1)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Ine</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-8-8-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-9-6-7-6</TD><TD>69%</TD><TD>12 (3)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Ine</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-8-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

They have dropped to 9th place in the Serie A since our last game against them.

Youssouf Hersi's free kick accuracy is displayed again as he gives us a 1-0 lead in the 9th minute on a kick from 25 yards out. They do tie it before the end of the half though. That was a very close half, shots almost even, same with possession.

Nicky Wroe has to leave the game in the 52nd minute. He's replaced by James Morrison. Romone Rose, in for struggling Fabio Ferreira in th 63rd minute, scores in the 66th minute to give us the lead back. Rose was so much on fire that he elbows an opponent in the face in the 71st minute. The ref shows him the red card. I replace Vaz Te for an extra defender in Leonel Romero.

They convert a corner kick into the equalizer in the 81st minute...

Final Score: Luton 2, Lazio 2

A game we should have won, especially with how we were playing from teh start of the second half until Rose's red card. Stil, it's not a bad result. We're the first team not to lose against Lazio in group play.
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD></TD><TD>Lazio</TD><TD></TD><TD>4</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>+3</TD><TD>10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Saint-Etienne</TD><TD></TD><TD>4</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-1</TD><TD>6</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-1</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Rangers</TD><TD></TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-1</TD><TD>3</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Rose has been banned for one match but a disciplinary committee could extend his ban. Nicky Wroe strained his neck and will miss up to two weeks.


November 1st, 2012
The team board is satisfied with my work as manager of the club.

David Martin is again asking for first team playing time. I tell him that he has to prove to me he merits it.

Kevin Foley broke some ribs in training and will miss up to fours weeks.

FM

[FrogMan]

November 4, 2012
League Match #14: at Blackburn (Blackburn 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-8-8-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>17 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>13 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.79</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>11 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Fletcher</TD><TD>M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-6-8-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>17 (2)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.32</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-8-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>15 (2)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>10 (6)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>13 (1)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-9-6-3</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>8 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.91</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1 (6)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-5-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2 (2)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-9-6-7-6</TD><TD>64%</TD><TD>12 (3)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>8-7-8-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.91</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>65%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>8 (6)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>83%</TD><TD>5 (13)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Blackburn are having a good season so far, currently in 5th place. Arjan Wisse, Nicky Wroe and Kevin Foley are all out of this one. In a last minute decision, I give the start to Canadian kid Kevin Fletcher (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/121104fletcher.jpg) on the right wing.

Both teams exchange a goal in a closely contested first half. Curtis Davies was our scorer.

Leo Franco has to leave the game because of injury again in the 51st minute. In comes Barrett. They take the lead 2-1 in the 71st minute on a shot from long range but that was their last moment of celebrationg. From teh 74th minute onward, it was all Luton as we go on to score four goals in 16 minutes for a very impressive win.

Final Score: Luton 5, Blackburn 2

Romone Rose was the catalyst to our offense, scoring twice after coming off the bench in the 73rd minute. Ricardo Vaz Te and Youssouf Hersi also each scored a goal with Vaz Te being selected as MoM.

Franco sustained strained ankle ligaments and might miss up to a month. This really sucks as it looked like we could have hit a good streak. We'll see how the kids do in his absence.

The board is pleased with the win. The chairman hopes we'll use this result to build for the future. The board is still satisfied with my work while the supporters remain unsatisfied. I guess it'll take more than one big win to win back their hearts...

FM

[FrogMan]

November 5, 2012
Four Hatters have been selected to the EPL team of the week: Curtis Davies, Alexander Farnerud, Yousouf Hersi, and Ricardo Vaz Te.


November 7, 2012
The decision has been announced. Romone Rose has been suspended for two more European matches following his recent sending off.

Ouch, kid DMC David Talbot (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/121107talbot.jpg) sustained strained knee ligaments in a game with the reserves. He could miss up to 2 months. Sad because he looked like he had improved a lot. Hopefully this won't set him back too much.


November 9, 2012
Arjan Wisse resumes full training

Hrm, while reading my assistant report (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/121109ferreira.jpg) on Fabio Ferreira, I have some concerns regarding his long term usefulness to the team, especially given how he's performed for the team so far this season...

FM

[FrogMan]

November 14, 2012
World Cup qualifier #6: vs Panama (Canada 4-7 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Asmir Begovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-5-7-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Stalteri</TD><TD>D/WB RL</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-9-7-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Rst</TD><TD>Michaël Klukowski</TD><TD>D LC, M L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Winston Marshall</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Marco Reda</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Atiba Hutchinson</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-6-8-9</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jonathan de Guzman</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Julian De Guzman</TD><TD>WB L, DM, M LC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-5-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Iain Hume</TD><TD>AM R, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-9-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Will Johnson</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-10-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Oliver Occean</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3 (1)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Bid</TD><TD>Srdjan Djekanovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-8-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Josh Simpson</TD><TD>D/AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-8-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Kevin McKenna</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-8-8-7</TD><TD>80%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Patrice Bernier</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Jonathan Bustamante</TD><TD>M L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Fletcher</TD><TD>M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Brown</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-9-7-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tamandani Nsaliwa</TD><TD>DM, M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-8-8-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ali Gerba</TD><TD>F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Sita-Taty Matondo</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>0 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jacob Lensky</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>79%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Roberto Giacomi</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chris Pozniak</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-6-6-8-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Steve O'Connor</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Simpson</TD><TD>WB L, M LC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8-8-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

We're in a tight spot here. We're in 2nd place with 7 place and Panama are currently in 1st with 8 points. What makes me nervous is that Trinidad & Tobago are 3rd with 7 points like us but they play Guatemala. I have to assume that T&T will win, meaning we have to win this last game against Panama to really make sure we get through.

Jacob Lensky is not fit enough to start and Iain Hume replaces him in the AMC spot.

But oh damn, we are controlling the ball like crazy, think 60% possession, getting some chances and all, but it's them who take the lead in injury time of the first half.

We get a chance to come back in the game in the 68th minute when the referee awards us a penalty but Jonathan de Guzman's kick is saved! NOOOOO!!!

We keep trying, still controlling the ball well and getting more and more chances on goal and we finally score one at 89:50. Sadly it's too little too late and on the big screen, we see that Trinidad & Tobago are destroying Guatemala 3-0...

Final Score: Canada 1, Panama 1

What a letdown. Canada fails to qualify for the 2014 World Cup. Damn. :(
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD>Q</TD><TD>Trinidad & Tobago</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>+4</TD><TD>10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD>Q</TD><TD>Panama</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>9</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Canada</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>+7</TD><TD>8</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Guatemala</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-13</TD><TD>4</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

The other groups in the CONCACAF qualifiers are as follows:
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD>Q</TD><TD>Mexico</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>+6</TD><TD>12</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD>Q</TD><TD>Guyana</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>12</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Costa Rica</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>+4</TD><TD>10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>US Virgin Is.</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>-7</TD><TD>1</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD>Q</TD><TD>U.S.A.</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>+7</TD><TD>13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD>Q</TD><TD>Haiti</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>8</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jamaica</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-2</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>El Salvador</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>-7</TD><TD>6</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Following this failure, I fully expect the FA and supporters opinion to say they want to fire me, but they still both say they are satisfied with my performance as manager of the National Team.

FM

[FrogMan]

November 17, 2012
League Match #15: vs Leeds (Luton 5-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-9-6-3-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>5 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-8-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-9</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>18 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>14 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>5 (13)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-9-9-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18 (2)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-8-7-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16 (2)</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-9-6-7-6</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>12 (3)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-9-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>14 (1)</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.91</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>8 (6)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-5-6-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>12 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>11 (6)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.35</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.91</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>77%</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>51%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>8 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2 (3)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.40</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Zac Barrett is back in the nets and Danny Jones will be backing him up. I won't hesitate to put in the kid if Barrett falters.

We dominate in the first half with again 60% possession, but again, we fail to capitalize and it remains scoreless after 45.

Philippe Senderos is injured in the 49th minute and he has to leave the game, replaced by Giannis Taralidis. Barrett has also suffered a knock but I leave him in.

We finally take a 1-0 lead on a 73rd minute Youssouf Hersi kick from some way out and we hang on to win it.

Final Score: Luton 1, Leeds 0

Shots were kept low in this game but we had possession and we eventually cashed in on it. Hersi gets the MoM selection but Barrett could have had it too with a big save toward the end.

Woah, the win propels us all the way to 6th place. This is how close the middle of the pack is.
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD></TD><TD>14</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>+15</TD><TD>30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD></TD><TD>14</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>+17</TD><TD>29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD></TD><TD>14</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>+7</TD><TD>25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD></TD><TD>13</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>+6</TD><TD>25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>13</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>+4</TD><TD>22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>14</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD></TD><TD>14</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>+5</TD><TD>21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD></TD><TD>14</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD></TD><TD>13</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nottm Forest</TD><TD></TD><TD>13</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-4</TD><TD>21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD></TD><TD>14</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>+3</TD><TD>20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD></TD><TD>14</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>+3</TD><TD>20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD></TD><TD>13</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>+6</TD><TD>19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD></TD><TD>13</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD></TD><TD>14</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>-9</TD><TD>12</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD></TD><TD>14</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>-9</TD><TD>11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD></TD><TD>13</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>-9</TD><TD>11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Stoke</TD><TD></TD><TD>13</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>-9</TD><TD>10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD></TD><TD>14</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>-9</TD><TD>10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Southampton</TD><TD></TD><TD>14</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>-17</TD><TD>8</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Sadly, the board is still only satisfied with my work and the supporters are still unsatisfied... sigh...

The win came at a cost though. Senderos broke his arm and will miss four weeks and Zac Barrett sustained a cut hand, but will miss only 3 days.

Following Hersi's strong performance, I praise him in the media.


November 19, 2012
Youssouf Hersi has been selected to the EPL team of the week.

Leo Franco resumes training following his foot injury.

FM

[FrogMan]

November 20, 2012
Champions League group play #5: at Rangers (Rangers 4-5 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-6-3-7-8</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>6 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-10-7-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.91</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>8 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-9-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>15 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>13 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>8 (7)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-9-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>19 (2)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-7-9-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>17 (2)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-9-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>15 (1)</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>88%</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Paul Reid</TD><TD>D/M C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-8-8-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>6 (13)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-5-6-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>12 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>9-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>13 (3)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>11 (7)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Ine</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-8-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>48%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Ine</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Ine</TD><TD>Lubos Loucka</TD><TD>D C, DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-9-6</TD><TD>82%</TD><TD>19 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Sus</TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2 (3)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.40</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Another game where we have tons of possession but where shots are kept low early on. Youssouf Hersi is the latest to leave a game injured. James Simmond comes on the left wing and Alexander Farnerud moves over to the AMC spot.

And yes, despite us dominating, it's another scoreless first half.

Even worse, they jump to a lead after only 2 minutes in the second half. We keep on fighting and James Simmonds scores his first goal of the season in the 73rd minute.

We go to 10 men when Farnerud is forced to leave the game, injured, in the 77th minute. Even with ten men, we apply pressure on their keeper, a 17yo kid, but he stops us and their counterattack is just too good, we go down 1-2 in the 85th minute.

Final Score: Luton 1, Rangers 2

A very frustrating loss that we should have won if not for the Man of the Match performance from their 17yo keeper.

We drop to fourth in our group with only a game against Saint-Etienne to play. They just drew 1-1 with Lazio. We will also need Lazio's help to make it through, but it's a faint possibility.
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD>Q</TD><TD>Lazio</TD><TD></TD><TD>5</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>+3</TD><TD>11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Saint-Etienne</TD><TD></TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-1</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Rangers</TD><TD></TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>6</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>-2</TD><TD>4</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Injury news are not good. Hersi will miss 4 weeks with a twisted ankle and Farnerud will miss three weeks with a twisted knee. At this pace, we will run out of warm bodies for practice...

Following the game, the board is satisfied with my performance and the supporters are stil unsatisfied with it.


November 23, 2012
Canada has been drawn to group D in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, along with Belize and Mexico.

FM

[FrogMan]

November 24, 2012
League Match #16: at Stoke (Luton 4-5 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>9 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-9-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>16 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>14 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>9 (7)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>5-6-6-6-8</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>12 (3)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1 (7)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>11 (7)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>9-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>16 (1)</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-3-7-8-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Hardy</TD><TD>AM RLC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>6 (14)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.90</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>13 (4)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.76</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-9-8-7</TD><TD>83%</TD><TD>18 (2)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>50%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-9-6</TD><TD>77%</TD><TD>19 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>9-9-7-7-8</TD><TD>78%</TD><TD>20 (2)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.41</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

We're showing the top form in the EPL for our last 5 games with three wins in a row and 4 wins in 5. We do have many injuries for this game though: Hersi, Farnerud, Senderos and Foley are all out. Benoît Assu-Ekotto is having a rough season and strangely, is being outplayed by Adam Green so I give the start to Green. Scott Donnelly is in at the AMC spot.

Leo Franco is the one who keeps us in the game early on, but it's also a mistimed rush that allows Stoke to take the lead in the 28th minute. We're down 0-1 at the half and I let the guys have it, they really look clueless out there...

We really put the heat on for the second half, putting tons of pressure on their backline, but unfortunately, we just can not convert a chance.

Final Score: Luton 0, Stoke 1

Adam Green, proving what I was thinking before the game, comes out as the Man of the Match. We drop to 8th with the loss.


November 25, 2012
Djaïd Kasri hands in a transfer request. I can't see playing him with the first team anytime soon so I grant him his request.


November 26, 2012
Adam Green is selected to the EPL team of the week.

Kevin Foley resumes full training.


November 29, 2012
Dang, Giannis Taralidis twisted his ankle in training and will miss up to 4 weeks. He has pretty much lost his starting spot to Cédric Fernandez, but I always like having him as a change of pace DM...


November 30, 2012
Huhoh, the supporters are now disappointed with my management of the club. I believe this is a downgrade from "unsatisfied"...

FM

[FrogMan]

December 1, 2012
League Match #17: vs Nottm Forest (Luton 5-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>8-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.36</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-9-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>17 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>15 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.12</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10 (7)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.35</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>6 (15)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.86</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>9-9-7-7-8</TD><TD>85%</TD><TD>20 (2)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7.41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>13 (5)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.72</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>17 (1)</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7.28</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-3-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>10-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>2 (7)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>13 (3)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12 (7)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.37</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-9-8-7</TD><TD>76%</TD><TD>18 (2)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Adam Hardy</TD><TD>AM RLC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>76%</TD><TD>0 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>80%</TD><TD>8 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>87%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-9-6</TD><TD>70%</TD><TD>19 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.10</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Team morale took a hit following the Stoke loss but this doesn't show early on. It's a thrilling start to the game, a first half in which both teams score once. Alexander Farnerud scored a magical goal for us to give us the lead before thei tied it just before the break.

We keep moutning pressure to their goal but we get stopped by their backup keeper who came in the game midway through the second half to earn a Man of the Match selection.

Final Score: Luton 1, Nottm Forest 1

That's an unfortunate draw against a newly promoted side that we should have beat.

I don't get that one. Looks like right after the game, Leo Franco did some extra training and strained a calf after jumping to challenge for the ball. Yep, it says during a training session, not during the match against Nottm Forest. GRRRRR! I have him take a painkiller injection so he could be able to play our last Champions League group play game against Saint-Etienne.


December 3, 2012
Scott Donnelly is granted is request to be transfer listed. He never really found a place in the lineup for us...


December 4, 2012
Damn, another rough cup draw as we're drawn to play Tottenham *agai* in the 3rd round of the FA Cup.

Youssouf Hersi resumes full training.

FM

[FrogMan]

December 5, 2012
Champions League group play #6: vs Saint-Etienne (Saint-Etienne 5-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>86%</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>11 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>9-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>18 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.95</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>16 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>7 (15)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.86</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMR</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>11 (7)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>21 (2)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7.43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>14 (5)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.74</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>18 (1)</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7.21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-3-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>10-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Paul Reid</TD><TD>D/M C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-8-8-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>2 (7)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-8-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>13 (4)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.59</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-9-8-7</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>18 (2)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12 (8)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.35</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Ine</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Hardy</TD><TD>AM RLC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>86%</TD><TD>0 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>75%</TD><TD>8 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-9-6</TD><TD>65%</TD><TD>19 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.10</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

With the way the table is, as presented before, we have an outside chance of advancing, although we would need help from Lazio on top of us winning this game here. A draw or a win by Rangers, who btw are the defending Champions League title holders, and we're done, no matter how well we do against Saint-Etienne. We did beat Saint-Etienne 3-1 the first time we met, on their pitch, so their might be hope...

Leo Franco will start this game after receiving a course of painkiller. I'm also trying an unbalanced formation where James Morrison is already in an advanced position on the right while Nicky Wroe is in an ML position with an up arrow. I'm trying to give Morrison as much chance of having a good game, putting him in a more natural position for him to start, instead of having him run to that position when we get the ball...

My heart sinks only 15 minutes into the game when I see them take a free kick from right outside our penalty area and flight it over our wall to the back of our net. Dang!

My spirits are lifted short after, when Arjan Wisse picks up his own shot after a rebound off the post and put it past their keeper in the 18th minute. We're back in the game.

Not that we're dominating, but we're playing better than them for the rest of the half, without any results to show for it though. At the half, I see that Lazio are helping us now, they are leading 1-0 against Rangers.

The second half is very tightly contested, sometimes even a bit physical. For once it's not one of ours who goes done but one of theirs and in the 86th minute, they go a man short with an injury. Cédric Fernandez sees an opening and launches a 35 yard pass ahead of Ricardo Vaz Te who takes it home for the 2-1 goal in the 90th minute!!!

Hoping not to jinx us, I take a quick look at the score in the Lazio/Rangers game and Lazio are now ahead 2-0!

Final Score: Luton 2, Saint-Etienne 1

We've done it! Luton advance to the knockout phase!!!
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD>Q</TD><TD>Lazio</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>+5</TD><TD>14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD>Q</TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>-1</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Saint-Etienne</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-2</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Rangers</TD><TD></TD><TD>6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-2</TD><TD>6</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Nicky Wroe had a very solid Man of the Match performance.

Leo Franco's calf strain now needs treatment. He will miss two weeks. Adam Green also bruised a rib and will miss a week.

FM

[FrogMan]

December 8, 2012
League Match #18: at Southampton (Luton 5-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-8-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>12 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>19 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.95</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>17 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>8 (15)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.91</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>22 (2)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-9-8-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>18 (3)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12 (8)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.35</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>15 (5)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-3-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>10-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>12 (7)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.32</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>13 (5)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.61</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>19 (1)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>71%</TD><TD>8 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>71%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.65</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>81%</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>2 (8)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-9-6</TD><TD>65%</TD><TD>19 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.10</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

I give the start to 17yo Danny Jones at keeper. This will be his competitive debut for us.

Poor him, he gets bombarded early on. After 27 minutes, we're down 0-1 and they're outshooting us 7(3) to 1(0). Both teams exchange another goal before the half is over, but we're really outplayed. Curtis Davies cost us the second goal.

We tie the game in the 50th minute, after a strong start to the second half. We do cool off though and they're able to regain the lead in the 79th minute.

Final Score: Luton 2, Southampton 3

They soundly beat us, even though the score might indicate otherwise. They outshot us 17(9) to 5(4) and won possession with 55%. The board even comment that they are disappointed with that loss. They understand that every team can have an off-day, but added that this sort of performance is unacceptable. Ugh. They still say they are satisfied with my performance as manager though, while the supporters are still disappointed with my management of the club.

Curtis Davies rated at 4 and I issue him an official warning for poor performance. He accepts it without any extra comment. Danny Jones had a good game, given that he was sprayed with shots coming from about anywhere. The team gave up on him, pure and simple.


December 10, 2012
Ugh. Looking over the confidence ratings, I see that the supporters now feel that a new manager is required to bring a fresh approach to the club. This is not good although the board is still satisfied with my performance.


December 11, 2012
Philippe Senderos resumes full training.


December 12, 2012
Canada have been drawn to group B in the FIFA Confederations Cup, along with France, New Caledonia, and Argentina. No clue how we qualified for that one, maybe by winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup last year. Anyway, it starts Jun 20. There's only one other group of four and it's England, Brazil, Cameroon, and Singapore.


December 13, 2012
Giannis Taralidis resumes full training.


December 14, 2012
The Champions League first knockout phase draw is today. We will play Schalke 04, current title holders of the Bundesliga. The first leg will be played on February 20.

FM

[condors]

eeks hopefully the league form can turn around

[FrogMan]

just realized that since October 27, I'm off one match in the match numbers for league matches. The Southampton match was in fact #17 and the next, still unreported, will be #18. Sorry for that.

FM

[FrogMan]

December 15, 2012
League Match #18: vs Bolton (Luton 4-5 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-3-7-8-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.65</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>13 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.88</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-9-6</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>19 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9 (15)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-8-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>23 (2)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7.36</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>9-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>19 (3)</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>13 (8)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>19 (1)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-8-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-4</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>20 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.81</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12 (8)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>13 (6)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16 (5)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>6.81</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>84%</TD><TD>8 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.85</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>63%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>2 (8)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Bolton are currently 5th in the league, so nothing easy here.

Revisiting some coach reports prior to the game, two of them give me great concerns. James Morrison (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/121205morrison.jpg) and Fabio Ferreira (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/121205ferreira.jpg), two new signees this season, seem to be made of the same mold, a lazy mold I might say. Read the last paragraph of both reports, that's where it makes cringe... This might explain why they are both struggling in the top flight league where you can't get by on talent alone...

It's another strugglin start for us and we go down one in the 36th minute. At that point everyone but Fabio Ferreira is rated at 6. You can't survive long when 10 of your 11 starters take a night off...

They add another goal in teh second half and we don't even come close to mounting a rally...

Final Score: Luton 0, Bolton 2

Ouch. They outshot us 14(5) to 7(5). Way to go trying to gain back some love from the supporters...

It occurs to me to check in the job security screen. My job status is still listed as being safe, at least for now...

FM

[FrogMan]

December 22, 2012
League Match #19: vs Sunderland (Luton 5-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-8-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>14 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-9-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>20 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>8 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10 (15)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.88</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>24 (2)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7.35</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>20 (3)</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7.09</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-7-6-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>14 (8)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-10-10-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>3-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>19 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12 (9)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>13 (6)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>20 (1)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16 (6)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>6.77</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.85</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>56%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.61</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-7-4-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>20 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.77</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>2 (8)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Halfway point to the season, at last... I try something with this game. I put some new faces in, players who could want to impress me: Keith Keane at right fullback, Paul Graham up front, Giannis Taralidis who's not started many games this season and I strip down our tactics, telling the guys to play it defensive and stick to the gameplan, i.e. not be too creative.

Well, not that we play super well, we still take the lead first, in the 35th minute. After he got in the way of a kick from their keeper, Paul Graham scored his first ever competitive goal for Luton, in an empty net.

They tie it in the 55th minute and we barely hang on for a draw, still, it's better than another loss.

Final Score: Luton 1, Sunderland 1

After 19 games, we're sitting in a lousy 14th place, but still only 3 points from 9th place.
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD></TD><TD>19</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>+19</TD><TD>38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD></TD><TD>19</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>+16</TD><TD>38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD></TD><TD>19</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD></TD><TD>19</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD></TD><TD>19</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>+8</TD><TD>31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD></TD><TD>19</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>+6</TD><TD>31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD></TD><TD>19</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>-2</TD><TD>30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>18</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>+5</TD><TD>29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD></TD><TD>19</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>+3</TD><TD>27</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD></TD><TD>19</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>-2</TD><TD>27</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nottm Forest</TD><TD></TD><TD>19</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>-8</TD><TD>25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD></TD><TD>18</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>+4</TD><TD>24</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD></TD><TD>19</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>24</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>19</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>-2</TD><TD>24</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD></TD><TD>19</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>23</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD></TD><TD>19</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-8</TD><TD>19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Stoke</TD><TD></TD><TD>19</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>-11</TD><TD>18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD></TD><TD>19</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>-10</TD><TD>17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Southampton</TD><TD></TD><TD>19</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>-18</TD><TD>14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD></TD><TD>19</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>-13</TD><TD>12</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Here's how our position has evolved over the weeks. That peak at week 14 would have been nice if we could have not lost the two close games that followed. I'm sure the supporters and board would be much happier if we'd be sitting in 6th place right now. Oh well...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/121222positions.jpg

Alexander Farnerud had to leave the game in the 43rd minute due to a bruised head. He could be out for a week.

[FrogMan]

December 25, 2012
League Match #20: vs Newcastle (Newcastle 5-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-8-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>2 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>8-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>15 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.79</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-9-6-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>21 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.05</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>9 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Fletcher</TD><TD>M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-6-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>11 (15)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.88</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>21 (3)</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-8-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>15 (8)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.39</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-10-10-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>2 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>3-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>19 (3)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.09</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Hardy</TD><TD>AM RLC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>0 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>12 (9)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>20 (2)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16 (6)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>6.77</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.85</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>51%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>13 (7)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.61</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-7-4-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>20 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.77</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>2 (8)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>83%</TD><TD>25 (2)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Wow, a team who's struggling as much as us! They are currently one spot behind us, in 15th place.

With Farnerud still injured, I try yet another new thing. I move Nicky Wroe to the left side and give the right side start to Kevin Fletcher. Same two strikers get the start. Having Ricardo Vaz Te coming off the bench isn't the worst thing in the world.

It's a boring first half and even though Newcastle was a bit better than us, it ends scoreless.

We fight much, much harder in the second half and it's all ours although we just can't score. This all changes in the 90th minute when Youssouf Hersi buries a penalty kick to give us the win.

Final Score: Luton 1, Newcastle 0

Shot ended up being pretty even but Vaz Te was the difference maker, coming off the bench at halftime and playing well enough to earn the MoM selection.


December 26, 2012
Paul Reid has been transfer listed for a long while now and Northampton offer me $1.7M for the unsettled centreback. I accept the offer.


December 27, 2012
Youssouf Hersi will miss a week with a strained wrist.

I reject an $8.5M bid from Sunderland for Alexander Farnerud.


December 28, 2012
Interesting enough, Birmingham manager Iain Dowie comments positively about my managerial abilities but I don't feel like playing nice, even though he lists me as one of his favoured personnel. I tell the media that I am relishing the prospect of of beating Birmingham in our upcoming league match. Maybe this will wake some of the players up a bit.

Well, it's a done deal. Paul Reid will join Northampton on January 1st on a $1.7M transfer deal.

FM

[FrogMan]

December 29, 2012
League Match #21: at Birmingham (Birmingham 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-6-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.61</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.85</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-7-4-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>20 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.77</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>9-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>22 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.04</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>19 (4)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.09</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Fletcher</TD><TD>M RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-6-8-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>12 (15)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>2 (8)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-8-6-6-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>16 (8)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16 (6)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>6.77</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>3-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-5</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>10 (4)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.79</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Hardy</TD><TD>AM RLC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>0 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12 (10)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.27</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>20 (3)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>81%</TD><TD>22 (3)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>51%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>13 (7)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.06</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>3 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>16 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>25 (2)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>10-10-7-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>3 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Time to back the trash talk. I scratch some of my tactics of the last two games and put some regulars back in the lineup. Arjan Wisse has not played in a while and I give him the start next to Fabio Ferreira.

They make a heck of a team and before the game is 15 minutes old, they have both scored once, giving a healthy 2-0 lead early on.

They take one back later in the half, on what seems to happen a lot against us, a long free kick. It might be a lack of experience on Danny Jones's part, or simply bad luck that all of our opponents have good free kick takers.

We lose Nicky Wroe to injury in the 42nd minute and I try something. I bring in Ricardo Vaz Te to Wisse's striker position and put Wisse on the left wing. Wisse has played there in the past and he did well too.

James Morrison, playing in the AMC spot for Scott Donnelly, is on fire in the second half as he bags two goal, leading us to a great win.

Final Score: Luton 4, Birmingham 2

Maybe I should trash talk more often. :)

Arjan Wisse received the MoM selection with a goal and two assists. Philippe Senderos had a bad game though, rating at 5.

Following this nice win, the board's approval rating has soared to them being pleased with my performance although the supporters still feel that a new manager is needed...

This is weird though. Following the game, I told the guys I wanted them to play like this every week. Seems like they think they do play like this every week because there are a few of them that suddenly feel that I am not giving the team enough credit. Dear God, this managing a kindergarten thing is sure tough!

Funny story, right after the game, Richard Rickets, a winger for Birmingham revealed that Iain Dowie had been absolutely furious with the team's performance and had let them know in no uncertain terms just how unhappy he was. heheheh, mission accomplished. ;)

Nicky Wroe will miss a week with a facial injury. I praise Arjan Wisse over the good performance.

FM

[FrogMan]

December 30, 3012
Today is the day that many players enter the last 6 months before their contract is over, i.e. free bargain hunting season is open.

I was always up against my wage budget in the past, especially the last couple of seasons, so I was kind of quiet in that market, but this time around, I got some room to play with so I'm shopping a little. One player that I find pretty damn tempting is an old friend of mine from an old life, DM/MR Freddy Guarin (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/121230guarin.jpg). Currently playing for Turkish side Kocaelispor, Guarin is looking for a pretty big contract worth around $95k per week for three years, with a signing on fee of $750k. Given that it would be the only fee to pay to get him, that doesn't worry me so much. There's one thing though, my board will allow me to offer him a contract up to $85k per week, which is exactly what my assistant thinks I should offer. I offer him that and I up the signing on fee to $1M.

I'm also intrigued with a kid player currently with Leeds, 18yo Steven Milne (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/121230milne.jpg). He'd be a development kind of player but I like how he is described: explosive winger. He's not looking for a big weekly wage but more for a big signing on fee. I offer him double what he wants, at $1800 per week, with a signing on fee of $90k, much less than the $210k he is looking for.

These are the only two offers I'll make for now.


December 31, 2012
Kevin Foley, Benoît Assou-Ekotto and Arjan Wisse have been selected to the EPL team of the week.

Leo Franco resumes full training.


January 1st, 2013
Paul Reid completes his move to Northampton even speaking of his relief to leave Kenilworth Road.

The board is back to being satisfied with my performance as manager. The supporters still feel that a new manager is required though. sigh...

FM

[FrogMan]

January 1, 2013
League Match #22: vs Aston Villa (Aston Villa 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.68</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-4-6-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>21 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-5</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>23 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>20 (4)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Fletcher</TD><TD>M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-8-6-8</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-9</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>17 (6)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.87</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>25 (2)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-6-6-8</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>17 (8)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-8-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>20 (4)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>7.21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>3-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-5-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>10 (5)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>13 (7)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-9</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>12 (11)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.39</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>10-10-7-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>3 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>79%</TD><TD>22 (3)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Hardy</TD><TD>AM RLC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>0 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>55%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.06</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>85%</TD><TD>13 (15)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>62%</TD><TD>3 (8)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.45</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Both teams have 28 points so an important game for both in trying to build some room in the league table.

It's a scoreless first half in which we appear a little behind them.

Alexander Farnerud, starting in place of the injured Hersi in the AMC spot, scores in th 67th minute to give us the lead. He's been on fire since the start of the half.

We keep our own but we have three players slowed down by nicks late in the half and they take advantage of it, scoring the equalizer in the 83rd minute.

Final Score: Luton 1, Aston Villa 1

A very good showing, even though we started a bit slow. Kevin Foley and James Morrison will both miss a week because of the aforementionned nicks.

This may look like nothing to you but this draw gives us a run of four unbeaten league games.

Following the game, I get the news that Kevin Milne has agreed to the contract offered. He will join us on July 1st.


January 3, 2013
Great news, Freddy Guarin has turned down the latest offer from Kocaelispor and has agreed to come to Kenilworth Road!!! We should get an answer on his work permit on January 9.

FM

[FrogMan]

January 5, 2013
FA Cup 3rd round: vs Tottenham (Luton 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>3-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.06</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-4-6-8-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>22 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-5-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>10 (6)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>13 (15)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>13 (8)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>26 (2)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.32</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-6-8</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>2 (3)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-8-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>21 (4)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>21 (4)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-6-9-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>18 (6)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.88</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-9-7</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>12 (12)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.42</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-8-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>18 (8)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.42</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>86%</TD><TD>22 (3)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Adam Hardy</TD><TD>AM RLC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>0 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>81%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-8-7</TD><TD>85%</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.70</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Scott Donnelly</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>84%</TD><TD>3 (8)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.45</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-5-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>24 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Fletcher</TD><TD>M RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-6-8-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

I give a rare start to Zac Barrett while Leo Franco is still not ready to come back.

Ricardo Vaz Te takes matters into his own hands in the 45th minute as he runs from centerfield to the edge of their penalty area before driving the ball low for the 1-0 goal just before the end of the half, a half that we clearly dominated.

But I'll be damned, we let in an easy goal only 3 minutes into the second half.

The rest of the half, we play very well, but we're never able to put one past their keeper.

Final Score: Luton 1, Tottenham 1

We finished the game with 58% possession and outshot them 12(7) to 9(4). I can't believe we will have to replay this, on their pitch this time.

Ricardo Vaz Te gets the MoM selection. I praise his recent performances in the media but it looks like the players felt I had praised too many lately and they say they take it with a grain of salt.


January 7, 2013
If we win our replay against Tottenham, we will play Wycombe in the 4th round of the FA Cup.


January 9, 2013
Freddy Guarin has been granted a work permit, he is coming to Kenilworth Road on July 1st!!! Seriously, I'm psyched by this signing. I always liked him very much in my former life and if he can replicate the kind of form he's had in Turkey (average form of 7.71, 7.47, 7.39, and 7.27 in the last four seasons), he'll be a big success with us. Hopefully, I'll still be at Kenilworth Road to see it...

FM

[FrogMan]

January 12, 2013
League Match #23: at Liverpool (Liverpool 4-5 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-8-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.70</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.06</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>4-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>23 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.84</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-5-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>24 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>21 (4)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>14 (15)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.90</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>14 (8)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.59</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>22 (3)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-9-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18 (7)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.88</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-8-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>22 (4)</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>7.23</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-5-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>11 (6)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.76</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>27 (2)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-9-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>12 (13)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-8-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18 (9)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Tony Hibbert</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>17 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.81</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3 (3)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Leo Franco is back in the nets for this game. Seeing how Djibril Cissé is still their main goal scorer, I ask Cédric Fernandez to watch him man-to-man. This does us no good if the rest of the team is slacking and Cissé does score in the 16th minute. That's the only goal of the half but it's not because we're really playing well as a team but more because Liverpool has not been lucky and Leo Franco is having a heck of a game.

Final Score: Luton 0, Liverpool 1

We kept them to one goal, but they outshot us 25(15) to 6(4). How Franco didn't get the MoM, I can't explain. He did rate at 9 and was phenomenal.

I get an interesting offer from Millwall regarding Tony Hibbert. They are offering me $60k plus left winger/striker James McFadden (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/130112mcfadden.jpg) in exchange of Hibbert. Given how poorly James Simmonds has been playing this season on the left wing, and how little of a shot I want to give to Tony Hibbert, I decide to accept the offer.

Going to offer a contract to McFadden, I see he is ready to accept a paycut from $17.5k to $13k. This only would be a big savings in wages over what Hibbert is earning.


January 13, 2013
Danny Jones strained his neck in a game with the U18 squad. He will miss two weeks.

French side Nantes approach me to take over the management of their club. They are saying I would have a transfer budget of about $61M and some room for more wages. Just as the Paris-SG offer was a couple years ago, this is tempting. I ask them to get back to me in a week. I'm still dedicated to Luton. We'll see what the next week brings. They agree to the delay.

The Luton team board is still satisfied with my work but the supporters still feel that a new manager is required.


January 14, 2013
Leo Franco has been selected to the EPL team of the week.

League games are played and with everyone still left with 15 games, here's how the league table is shaping up:
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD></TD><TD>23</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>+23</TD><TD>50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD></TD><TD>23</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>+24</TD><TD>48</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD></TD><TD>23</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>+14</TD><TD>40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD></TD><TD>23</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>+10</TD><TD>40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD></TD><TD>23</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>+11</TD><TD>39</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>23</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>+10</TD><TD>39</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD></TD><TD>23</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>+4</TD><TD>34</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD></TD><TD>23</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD></TD><TD>23</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>+5</TD><TD>32</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD></TD><TD>23</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>-6</TD><TD>31</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD></TD><TD>23</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>-8</TD><TD>30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>23</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>-1</TD><TD>29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD></TD><TD>23</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>-4</TD><TD>29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD></TD><TD>23</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>-1</TD><TD>27</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nottm Forest</TD><TD></TD><TD>23</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>-11</TD><TD>27</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD></TD><TD>23</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>-10</TD><TD>24</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD></TD><TD>23</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>-10</TD><TD>21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Southampton</TD><TD></TD><TD>23</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>-19</TD><TD>19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Stoke</TD><TD></TD><TD>23</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>-19</TD><TD>18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD></TD><TD>23</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>-13</TD><TD>17</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


January 15, 2013
In a matter of hours, James McFadden and Tony Hibbert both aggree to new contract with their new teams. McFadden arrives to Kenilworth Road.

FM

[Tellistto]

Very cool! I've always been a fan of Gaurin in the FM universe, kinda surprised that ine both of your last games he's gone to turkish sides, though. He was a rock for my Everton team in the 05 version.

Tell

[FrogMan]

Very cool! I've always been a fan of Gaurin in the FM universe, kinda surprised that ine both of your last games he's gone to turkish sides, though. He was a rock for my Everton team in the 05 version.

Tell

yeah, he was very solid for my QPR side in my FM2005 career. I'm almost bummed that his long throw ability is "only" 17. He used to have 20 and could launch the ball to some amazing distances...

FM

[SirFozzie]

Looks like you're starting to pull yourself up by the bootstraps here

[FrogMan]

Looks like you're starting to pull yourself up by the bootstraps here

okay, had to look it up first to make sure it was a compliment but thanks. ;)

FM

PS: I honestly had never read/heard that expression before so I'll go to bed with a better english tonight :cool:

[Dawgfan1980]

How they would fire you until after you get knocked out of the Champions League is beyond me, so just don't get knocked out.

[oykib]

You might need a really strong captain to keep those two slackers in line.

Who's your guy now? What's his Influence, Work Rate, and Bravery ratings.

Right now I'm managing L'pool. Gerrard keeps everybody under control.

It really cuts down on bad runs of form.

[FrogMan]

January 16, 2013
FA Cup third round replay: at Tottenham (Tottenham 6-4 favourites)

<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-9</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.05</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>24 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.85</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-5-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>25 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>22 (4)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>15 (15)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.87</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>27 (3)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.27</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>23 (3)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3 (3)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>23 (4)</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>7.22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>5-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>11 (7)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.78</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>15 (8)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-9-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>12 (13)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-9-7-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>19 (7)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.85</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.06</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18 (10)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.39</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>James McFadden</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>17 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.81</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

The roster screen is really turning into a sea of "slt" tags...

It's a scoreless first in which we are pretty much absent from play. They are not really dominating, but we're not fighting really hard... I tell the guys that all we need is one goal.

It remains scoreless through 90 minutes, then through 105 minutes and finally through 120 minutes.

We're lucky to be in this position in a sense because we didn't put one ball on target the whole game, a poor showing.

On to penalty kicks... Alexander Farnerud goes first for us but his kick is saved. They have scored on their first two attempts and when David Martin scores for us, we're behind 1-2.

Their third kicker misses but Ricardo Vaz Te misses for us too, stil 1-2.

Their fourth kicker misses while James Morrison scores for us, tieing it 2-2 with a kick to go.

They score first and all the pressure is on Curtis Davies who kicks it straight in the hands of Paul Robinson who saves it...

Final Score: Luton 0, Tottenham 0 (2-3 pen)

Seriously, a sad showing. We didn't deserve to get to penalties and once there, we didn't use the opportunity to advance.

Curtis Davies still got the Man of the Match selection.


January 17, 2013
German side Ahlen have offered me $2.4M for keeper Niki Mäenpää. I accept the offer.

FM

[FrogMan]

January 19, 2013
League Match #24: vs Everton (Luton 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-9-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.05</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.06</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>25 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-5-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>26 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>5-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>11 (7)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.78</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>24 (3)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>7.07</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMR</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-9-7-6-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>12 (14)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James McFadden</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18 (10)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.39</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>9-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>19 (8)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.81</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>9 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>23 (4)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.07</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>15 (9)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>16 (15)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.84</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>24 (4)</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>7.21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-8-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>17 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.81</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>28 (3)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.26</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>4 (3)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.29</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Right before I get to the game, I get an enquiry from Scottish side Rangers who want to know how I'd want for promising keeper Danny Jones. Seriously, I really don't want to let him go as I think he has tons of potential. He's valued at $1.8M and I tell them $17.5M would get him to them. He's that precious to me, heh.

I try something with our tactics in this game. I pull Youssouf Hersi back a little, to an MC spot but with an upward arrow, and I push up both my wingers to real AM spots. I'm thinking we could generate stuff on the outside, and I also want to give a chance to James McFadden in his debut with us, playing him in a more natural AM spot for him.

Well, it pays off twice before we get to the 10 minute mark. Two goals from Fabio Ferreira, the first of the two, a combination between him and James McFadden. They did get one back before the end of the half, and the 56% possession they had in the half had me worried a little.

All worries went away when we really put the game away in the 63rd minute on a splendid combination involving Ferreira again that ended in a goal from Youssouf Hersi.

Final Score: Luton 3, Everton 1

A fantastic showing is how I describe it to the boys. Nine of our eleven starters ended up rating at 8, simply beautiful. Adam Green continues to push Benoît Assou-Ekotto farther to the bench as he gets the MoM selection in this one.

We move up to 10th place with the win, only 2 points off 7th place.

Following McFadden's solid game, the media approach me. I tell them that it was a good debut for him but that I'm always more interested in the way the team have played as a whole. He likes that comment and seems determined to prove that he can be a good signing for the club.

The team board is pleased with the win, and now pleased with my performance as manager. The supporters however still feel a new manager is required. Heh.


January 20, 2013
Nantes is back with their offer to take over management of their club. How could I leave Kenilworth Road after a win like this? I ask them to delay for one more week and they accept.

Niki Mäenpää has agreed to terms with Ahlen. I approve of the $2.4M transfer move.


January 21, 2013
Rangers will not follow up on their enquiry for Danny Jones. Looking at his profile, I see that Celtic and Man Utd are both scouting him at the moment. This often tells me that I might be on to a good player. ;)

Still a bit disappointed by the right fullback spot on our squad, I look around. I got $4.2M in transfer budget following Mäenpää transfer. I put in two separate bids. One is for Abubakari Yakubu, currently with Auxerre. He's valued at $3.7M and I offer them $4.2M.

The other offer is to Fulham, for a 30yo right fullback named Moritz Voltz (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/130121voltz.jpg) who's been tearing it up with great form this season. He's valued at $3M and I offer them $4.2M also.

FM

[FrogMan]

January 21, 2013
CONCACAF Gold Cup, group play #1: vs Belize (Canada 1-33 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Asmir Begovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Stalteri</TD><TD>D/WB RL</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-9-7-8-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Michaël Klukowski</TD><TD>D LC, M L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-7-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Winston Marshall</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Bid</TD><TD>Kevin McKenna</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Atiba Hutchinson</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-6-8-9-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jonathan de Guzman</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>9-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Julian De Guzman</TD><TD>WB L, DM, M LC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jacob Lensky</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-8-6-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Will Johnson</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Brown</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-9-7-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Srdjan Djekanovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Josh Simpson</TD><TD>D/AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Ret</TD><TD>Marco Reda</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-8-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Patrice Bernier</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-8-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jonathan Bustamante</TD><TD>M L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Fletcher</TD><TD>M RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8-6-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Steve O'Connor</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>5-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ali Gerba</TD><TD>F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Iain Hume</TD><TD>AM R, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Roberto Giacomi</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Simpson</TD><TD>WB L, M LC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-9-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

We're in a group with Belize and Mexico with two of the three making it through. Even though I never want to take any team lightly, it's had to ignore the 1-33 odds of us winning this one and Mexico have already beat Belize 2-0 a few days ago... Belize has never made it out of the groupplay phase in their last three participations to the CONCACAF Gold Cup and a win for us here would clinch us a qualification to advance.

And well, I'm almost sad for what's in store for them. After only 2:50 of play, as we score our first goal, it's clear we're not in the same league as them. We'll add two more before the half ends, outshooting them 11(5) toa big flat zero on the half.

We pull back a little during the second half and even lose left winger Julian de Guzman to injury...

Final Score: Canada 3, Belize 0

Paul Stalteri received the Man of the Match selection and as I commented, we qualified for the quarter final round with the win.


January 22, 2013
Still waiting for answers on Yakubu and Voltz, I put in a bit for AEK's Christo Bourbos (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/130122bourbos.jpg). He seems like the kind of guy that plays with great form and is one of Alexander Farnerud's favoured personnel. That bid is shot down pretty quick.

Sunderland is back with a bid for Alexander Farnerud. They're offering me $7.75M for him. His agent is not saying that he would like to talk to them and I want to keep him around so I reject the offer.

FM

[FrogMan]

January 23, 2013
CONCACAF Gold Cup, group play #2: vs Mexico (Mexico 1-6 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Asmir Begovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Winston Marshall</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-8</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Michaël Klukowski</TD><TD>D LC, M L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Ret</TD><TD>Marco Reda</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-8-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Bid</TD><TD>Kevin McKenna</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Patrice Bernier</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Fletcher</TD><TD>M RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-6-8-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jonathan Bustamante</TD><TD>M L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jacob Lensky</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-6-8-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Steve O'Connor</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Iain Hume</TD><TD>AM R, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Srdjan Djekanovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Josh Simpson</TD><TD>D/AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Stalteri</TD><TD>D/WB RL</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>9-7-8-7-9</TD><TD>89%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Atiba Hutchinson</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-9-7-8</TD><TD>89%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Simpson</TD><TD>WB L, M LC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-9-9</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jonathan de Guzman</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-8</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Brown</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>9-7-6-7-8</TD><TD>89%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Julian De Guzman</TD><TD>WB L, DM, M LC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>84%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ali Gerba</TD><TD>F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Will Johnson</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>80%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7.57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Roberto Giacomi</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

I looked at the odds and found them to be a bit harsh but then I looked at how we fared against Mexico in the past and they've owned us forever. We're 0-4 against them scoring 5-11 in four matches.

Since we've clinched a spot to advance, I'm resting some players on top of having Julian De Guzman out with injury. He's probably out for the rest of the tournamnent, set to miss 5 days to 2 weeks.

Kevin Fletcher scores is first ever internation goal in the 5th minute to give us a 1-0 lead. They tie it in the 43rd minute but we get a break during injury time when the ref awards us a penalty kick. Patrice Bernier takes it but it's saved. It was a great first half with plenty of chances on either side.

They get a freaky, lucky goal in th 52nd minute when a ball takes a long bounce and on of their strikers gets behind our line of defenders at midfield. He runs all alone to the keeper and scores and easy goal. They will add another one before the game is over.

Final Score: Canada 1, Mexico 3

Another loss to Mexico. We really crumbled in the second half after a very promising first half...

Following the game, Kevin Fletcher says he couldn't thank me enough for having the confidence in him and hopes he could put in a few more good performances in the future. You're our future kid, I hope you have tons more good performances in you.

We will play Costa Rica in the quarter final round.

Back at Luton looking at the stats for the most recent reserves game, I see that Paul Graham played quite well and that he scored a goal. Looking at his personal stats, I see he's already scored 22 in non-competitive play this season, on top of assisting on 10 others. I'm also very impressed with how his skills (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/130123graham.jpg) have improved. I will seriously think about bringing him up with the senior squad.

FM

[FrogMan]

You might need a really strong captain to keep those two slackers in line.

Who's your guy now? What's his Influence, Work Rate, and Bravery ratings.

Right now I'm managing L'pool. Gerrard keeps everybody under control.

It really cuts down on bad runs of form.


That's a very good point about the captain and sadly something I often overlook. Giannis Taralidis or Ricardo Vaz Te are usually my captains but I don't remember their specific skills. I remember them being good worker and influential and determined, but can't remember if theiy were brave.

Thing is I can't even look it up since my computer is in the shop right now. Started wanting to turn itself on in the night from Wednesday to Thursday and we're suspecting a faulty motherboard. If that turns out to be the case, some serious upgrade will happen which would make my gamin much more enjoyable, but would also mean I'd have to redownload WSM and fuss with a reinstallation, meaning some pleasure time with Digital River...

I have screenshots on my flash memory stick that go through March 3 or about, so I'll keep report until I run out of stuff, after that, I'll have to get access to my home computer to keep going...

FM

[finketr]

what is "Slt"?

[FrogMan]

what is "Slt"?

player has a "slight concern". Mainly they all think we're underachieving.

FM

[finketr]

is it better to have a 1gb or 2gb RAM on your pc for fm2k6 (and going into fm2k7)?

[FrogMan]

is it better to have a 1gb or 2gb RAM on your pc for fm2k6 (and going into fm2k7)?

I'd think "the more the better" but I have nothing to back that up. I currently have only 512 and that was an upgrade from 256 I did last Summer. Saw a good deal of improvement on my Athlon 2000+ (1.67ghz).

FM

[SirFozzie]

The More RAM, the better.

[finketr]

The More RAM, the better.

and given that i already spent X on a computer, the extra .5% ...

scheduled to be shipped 8/28/06

[FrogMan]

Thing is I can't even look it up since my computer is in the shop right now. Started wanting to turn itself on in the night from Wednesday to Thursday and we're suspecting a faulty motherboard. If that turns out to be the case, some serious upgrade will happen which would make my gamin much more enjoyable, but would also mean I'd have to redownload WSM and fuss with a reinstallation, meaning some pleasure time with Digital River...

well, I'm back from the computerless world, what a sad wolrd ;)

As often happens, once the PC was in the shop, it stop misbehaving. They put in a second 512 stick of RAM and it ran all night and was able to be shut down and restarted without problem. I decided to keep the stick of RAM so for now I got an Athlon 2000+ with 1gb of RAM and it is working and it only cost my $100cdn, so I'll take that for now.

Tim, about your 1gb vs 2gb dilemma, one thing's certain for me, whenever I change this computer for a new one, I'll try as much as possible to have 2gb of RAM in the new one.

FM

[FrogMan]

January 24, 2013
Auxerre have rejected our bid for Abubakari Yakubu, as I expected them to do.

Waiting to hear about my bid on Moritz Voltz, I put in a loan bid for PSV fullback Robin Huisman de Jong (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/130125dejong.jpg). I don't do loans much anymore and he is currently transfer listed, so I'm not too sure how this would work out. Anyway, they accept the loan. We're one of 5 teams interested in getting him.

We do get some news from Fulham regarding Voltz later in the day. Our offer has been accepted and going to offer him a contract, my assistant believes he would be no more than a fringe player. He still recommends a wage of $46.5k per week but he's looking for $38.5k per week. I offer him that but lower thet requested signing on fee from $350k to $200k.


January 26, 2013
Things sometimes move fast when approaching the closing of the transfer window and Moritz Voltz is just too happy to accept our contract offer. He made it known that featuring in European competition was too good for him to pass up. One Fulham player reveals his anger at the sale to the media. He added that the club couldn't succeed if they keep on selling their star players. Fulham manager Stanley explains that due to the poor financial situation of the club, they just had to sell Voltz.

Upon Voltz's arrival to Kenilwort Road, David Martin decides to go the the media. He says he will fight to keep his position in the starting eleven. I remind him that he doesn't have a position in the starting eleven and even more, that he doesn't fit our plans and will be transfer listed immediately.


January 27, 2013
Nantes get back to me regarding their manager offer. I again ask them to delay one more week.

[FrogMan]

January 27, 2013
CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter final: vs Costa Rica (Costa Rica evens favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Asmir Begovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Stalteri</TD><TD>D/WB RL</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>9-7-8-7-9</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michaël Klukowski</TD><TD>D LC, M L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Winston Marshall</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin McKenna</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Atiba Hutchinson</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-9-7-8</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Fletcher</TD><TD>M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-6-6-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>3 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Jonathan de Guzman</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jacob Lensky</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-6-8-8-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Steve O'Connor</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Brown</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-8-6</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Srdjan Djekanovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Josh Simpson</TD><TD>D/AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Ret</TD><TD>Marco Reda</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Patrice Bernier</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>3 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Simpson</TD><TD>WB L, M LC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-9-9-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jonathan Bustamante</TD><TD>M L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Iain Hume</TD><TD>AM R, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Julian De Guzman</TD><TD>WB L, DM, M LC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>79%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ali Gerba</TD><TD>F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Will Johnson</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>89%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7.57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Roberto Giacomi</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Julian de Guzman is still out for this one. I switch his brother Jonathan from the right wing to left wing and start Kevin Fletcher on the right wing. Jonathan is one of those rare players to be a natural at multiple position, six in all, both outside midfielder positions, every attacking midfielder spots as well as the striker position. He's accomplished in the MC spot, a very versatile player.

Not only do we take the lead midway through the first half, thanks to Steve O'Connor's first internation goal, we completely control the game at halftime. We're outshooting them 13(8) to 4(1) at that point with 59% possession. I still tell the guys not to get careless.

Steve O'Connor added a second goal right at the start of the half and one of their players got sent off in the 66th minute. They were as good as dead by then.

Final Score: Canada 4, Costa Rica 0

Atiba Huntchinson and Michaël Klukowski scored our last two goals. Klukowski even received the MoM selection.

We will play Mexico again in the semi final. Ugh...

Following the game, the Nantes chairman tells me he rejects my delay request. He's asking me to make a decision right now. I reject their offer. My heart is still with Luton, despite all the problems we're going through...


January 29, 2013
Stoke have offered to take James McFadden on loan. I reject.

FM

[FrogMan]

January 30, 3013
League Match #25: at Man Utd (Man Utd 4-5 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-9-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.05</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Moritz Volz</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>26 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>5-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>27 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>23 (4)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.07</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>25 (3)</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMR</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>9-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>13 (14)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James McFadden</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>20 (8)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.86</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>24 (5)</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>9 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12 (7)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.84</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>28 (3)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.26</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16 (16)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.81</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-6-6-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>19 (10)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.45</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>15 (10)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.52</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.73</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>17 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.81</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

They are currently in 10th place, but really only 10 points ahead of us, with still 14 games to be played in the season...

This game will mark the debut for Moritz Voltz.

Curtis Davies goofs up in the 14th minute and we go down 0-1, but Ricardo Vaz Te pulls us level only 6 minutes later.

An action packed first half ends with the team deadlocked at 1-1. We're actually outshooting them 9(5) to 8(3). Curtis Davies still has not recovered from his mistake and is rating at 4. I won't accept that long...

Vaz Te scores his second goal of the game in the 62nd minute to give us a 2-1 lead. Moritz Voltz's 20 yard pass to Youssouf Hersi is what started the play that led to that goal.

I've had enough with Curtis Davies and in the 70th minute, I pull him out. We don't have an extra central defender on the bench so I pull out this crazy formation (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/130130formation.jpg) with two DM and three defenders.

ManU keeps on pushing, hard, and even bring on the 4-2-4 formation, but we hang on to our lead!

Final Score: Luton 2, Man Utd 1

As they say, we certainly showed we're no pushovers here! ;)

Youssouf Hersi got the MoM while Curtis Davies gets to feel my wrath. I issue an official warning for poor performance. The poor baby feels the warning was unfair.

Back to the club, I learn that Robin Huisman de Jong has accepted to come on loan for us. I approve the deal. Not too sure how often, or even if he will play at all. We'll see.

Following the win, the board is now pleased with my work, but the supporters still feel a new manager is required to bring a fresh approach to the club. sigh... We're still 8th after 25 games played, not all bad...
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD></TD><TD>25</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>+27</TD><TD>56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD></TD><TD>25</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>+25</TD><TD>51</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD></TD><TD>25</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>+16</TD><TD>46</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD></TD><TD>25</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>+12</TD><TD>43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD></TD><TD>25</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>25</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>+11</TD><TD>42</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD></TD><TD>25</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>+3</TD><TD>37</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>25</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>35</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD></TD><TD>25</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>-1</TD><TD>34</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD></TD><TD>25</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>+4</TD><TD>33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD></TD><TD>25</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>-7</TD><TD>32</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD></TD><TD>25</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>-11</TD><TD>30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD></TD><TD>25</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>-8</TD><TD>29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD></TD><TD>25</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>-2</TD><TD>28</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD></TD><TD>25</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>-9</TD><TD>28</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nottm Forest</TD><TD></TD><TD>25</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>-12</TD><TD>28</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD></TD><TD>25</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>-13</TD><TD>22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Southampton</TD><TD></TD><TD>25</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>-17</TD><TD>22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Stoke</TD><TD></TD><TD>25</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>-18</TD><TD>22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD></TD><TD>25</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>-11</TD><TD>21</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


And a two-for-one day, so.....

CONCACAF Gold Cup semi final: vs Mexico (Mexico 1-6 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Asmir Begovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Stalteri</TD><TD>D/WB RL</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-9-8</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.71</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michaël Klukowski</TD><TD>D LC, M L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-8-7-9</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Winston Marshall</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin McKenna</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-9</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>9.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Atiba Hutchinson</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-9-7-8-8</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Fletcher</TD><TD>M RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>4 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Jonathan de Guzman</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-8-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jacob Lensky</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-8-6-9</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Steve O'Connor</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-9</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>2 (1)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Will Johnson</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7.57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Srdjan Djekanovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Josh Simpson</TD><TD>D/AM L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Ret</TD><TD>Marco Reda</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Patrice Bernier</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Iain Hume</TD><TD>AM R, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>3 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jonathan Bustamante</TD><TD>M L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Brown</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>88%</TD><TD>2 (1)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Julian De Guzman</TD><TD>WB L, DM, M LC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>76%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ali Gerba</TD><TD>F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Roberto Giacomi</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Simpson</TD><TD>WB L, M LC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-9-9-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

At first, I hated the odds, but then after seeing us go down 0-2 after 45, I gotta say they were about right.

Even though we play a bit better in the second half, we don't even mount some kind of push to score...

Final Score: Canada 0, Mexico 2

Someday we will beat them Mexicans, just not today. I let the guys know I'm disappointed with their performance.

We will play USA in the third place playoff.

FM

[finketr]

well, I'm back from the computerless world, what a sad wolrd ;)

As often happens, once the PC was in the shop, it stop misbehaving. They put in a second 512 stick of RAM and it ran all night and was able to be shut down and restarted without problem. I decided to keep the stick of RAM so for now I got an Athlon 2000+ with 1gb of RAM and it is working and it only cost my $100cdn, so I'll take that for now.

Tim, about your 1gb vs 2gb dilemma, one thing's certain for me, whenever I change this computer for a new one, I'll try as much as possible to have 2gb of RAM in the new one.

FM

yeah..

here's the highlights for my new laptop:
1.83GHz Inter Core Duo
2GB RAM
120GB hard drive
256M Nvidia Turbocache
8x DVD/CD Burner
XP Pro SP2
and a cheap color printer.

[FrogMan]

yeah..

here's the highlights for my new computer:
1.83GHz Inter Core Duo
2GB RAM
120GB hard drive
256M Nvidia Turbocache
8x DVD/CD Burner
XP Pro SP2
and a cheap color printer.

pretty nice. I assume it's another laptop, right?

The 1gb ram is definitely making a difference over the previous 512 so hopefully the 2gb will make a difference for you over 1gb.

Had they told me my mobo was fried, I was contemplating something like this:
AMD X2 3800+
2GB RAM
250GB HD
256mb Nvidia
XP media center
19" LCD monitor
all in one cannon printer...

Thing is, we can't afford it right now, so as much as I wanted to have a new toy to play with, my head is telling me it's better to wait a little bit longer...

FM

[finketr]

pretty nice. I assume it's another laptop, right?

The 1gb ram is definitely making a difference over the previous 512 so hopefully the 2gb will make a difference for you over 1gb.

Had they told me my mobo was fried, I was contemplating something like this:
AMD X2 3800+
2GB RAM
250GB HD
256mb Nvidia
XP media center
19" LCD monitor
all in one cannon printer...

Thing is, we can't afford it right now, so as much as I wanted to have a new toy to play with, my head is telling me it's better to wait a little bit longer...

FM

yes, a new laptop and no POS HP (Hi, Cringer, Tk, every other HP laptop owner).

dell inspiron e1505 modified a bit... more RAM, HD, Video, sound, etc. :)

[FrogMan]

February 1st, 2013
I need to confirm my lineup for the rest of the Champions League. I'm allowed to either bring in new players or substitute three players. With Niki Mäenpää gone, I need a third keeper in there, that will be Danny Jones. I pull out Scott Donnelly and add Moritz Voltz and David Martin.

I get some weird news that one player I knew nothing about on my U18 squad is being called up to the USA U20 squad. Please meet Mark Myers (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/130201myers.jpg). I guess his parents happened to be visiting England when he was to come to life as he's got both citizenship... :)


February 2, 2013
League Match #26: vs Man City (Luton 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-9-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.05</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Moritz Volz</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>17 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.81</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>28 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>24 (4)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.07</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>26 (3)</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMR</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>28 (4)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James McFadden</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-6-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>19 (11)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.47</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-6-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>25 (5)</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>9 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12 (8)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>14 (14)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.39</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16 (16)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.81</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-6-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>21 (8)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>15 (10)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.52</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.73</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-4</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>27 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

They're having a very nice season, currently sittingin 4th place.

While we did put some pressure early on, the rest of the half is not a good showing for us. We're down 0-2 at the half.

The second half goes much better and Arjan Wisse converts a cross from Ricardo Vaz Te in the 68th minute to give us some hope, but hope is all we'll get...

Final Score: Luton 1, Man City 2

A much, much better second half that sadly didn't make up for the hole we'd dig in the first one.

Despite the loss, we remain in 8th place. Even better, I see that the supporters are now back to being only disappointed about my work, that's a positive ;)

Alexander Farnerud twisted his ankle in the game and could miss up to 4 weeks.

And again, it's a two-for-one day, so...

CONCACAF Gold Cup 3rd place playoff: vs USA (USA 1-6 favourites)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Asmir Begovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Stalteri</TD><TD>D/WB RL</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-9-8-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD></TD><TD>Michaël Klukowski</TD><TD>D LC, M L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-8-7-9-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Winston Marshall</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin McKenna</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-9-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>8.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Atiba Hutchinson</TD><TD>M C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>9-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.86</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Fletcher</TD><TD>M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>5 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.71</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Jonathan de Guzman</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jacob Lensky</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-8-6-9-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Steve O'Connor</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-9-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>3 (1)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Brown</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-6</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>2 (2)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Srdjan Djekanovic</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD></TD><TD>Josh Simpson</TD><TD>D/AM L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Ret</TD><TD>Marco Reda</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>Patrice Bernier</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Iain Hume</TD><TD>AM R, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>3 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>Jonathan Bustamante</TD><TD>M L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Will Johnson</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Julian De Guzman</TD><TD>WB L, DM, M LC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>79%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Ali Gerba</TD><TD>F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>1 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Roberto Giacomi</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Simpson</TD><TD>WB L, M LC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-9-9-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>0 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Again some ugly odds but again, they are justified as we crumble to a 0-2 deficit in the first half. We only tried one shot, off target at that, in the whole half to their 7 shots on target out of 8.

We're very fortunate at the start of the second half, as the referee awards us a penalty on a dubious decision. Jonathan de Guzman buries it to make it 1-2. that'S the closest we'll get.

Final Score: Canada 1, U.S.A. 2

We played a much better second half, but just as it was in the Luton game earlier, we couldn't make it up for the ugly first half.

Following the game, the Canadian FA tell me they are very pleased with the team's performance within the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

FM

[FrogMan]

February 9, 2013
League Match #27: at Arsenal (Arsenal 4-6 favourites)
<TABLE borderColor=#000000 width="90%" align=center><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>9-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.04</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Moritz Volz</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-4</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>27 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>29 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>25 (4)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.07</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>16 (17)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.82</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James McFadden</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-8-8-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>27 (3)</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>7.10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-8-7-8</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>3 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>26 (5)</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>9 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>12 (9)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.81</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>15 (10)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.52</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>14 (14)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.39</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-6-8-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>21 (9)</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-6-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.73</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>20 (11)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.45</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>18 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.82</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>77%</TD><TD>29 (4)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.21</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

In a shocking move, I give the start to Paul Graham in the right striker spot. The kid is outgrowing is U18 teammates and needs to play with the big boys a little.

It's a rough start and after 34 minutes, Leo Franco is the sole reason the game is still scoreless. He's faced 7 shots on target so far and has stopped every one of them.

As if they needed the help, Arsenal get some when Ricardo Vaz Te plays a crazy backpass to the middle of nowhere. It's picked up by one of their striker between Vaz Te and Franco. He's got an empty net and he doesn't waste his chance. 0-1 is the halftime score but the game is much worse than us being only down 1. We've not put one shot, off target or on. Pathetic showing...

We play better to start the half and the rebound from Paul Graham's shot fall to Vaz Te's feet, he doesn't miss his chance and levels the game, 1-1.

We go down again in the 71st minute when Cesc Fabregas bends one from 30 yards out.

We're not giving up though and in the 88th minute, it's our turn to benificiate from a crazy backpass that falls to Arjan Wisse's feet. He beats the keeper to make it 2-2 and a chance to have to play against a 4-2-4 formation from hell by Arsenal. We survive though and come home with a draw we never should have had.

Final Score: Luton 2, Arsenal 2

I tell the guys I'm elated with them, if only for their second half showing. They playd with heart, even though it didn't translate into many shots only goal.

Leo Franco collected the MoM selection for his 13 saves.

Following the draw, the board is still satisfied with my work while the supporters are still disappointed with it.


February 10, 2013
I'm not the only one having a rough go. Mark Hughes, the current manager at Man Utd is given an ultimatum by the ManU board. It's rumoured that a bad result in their next match could seal his fate.


February 11, 2013
Leo Franco has been selected to the EPL Team of the Week.


February 13, 2013
Adam Hardy complains of a lack of first team playing time. I'm not too sure I see a future for him with us but I tell him that if he trains well, there might be a chance for him.


February 16, 2013
Alexander Farnerud resumes full training.

and oh crap, the supporters are back to feeling that a new manager is required to bring a fresh approach to the club, sigh...


February 17, 2013
There it is, the dreaded vote of confidence... Not for me though, for Mark Hughes. ;)

FM

[FrogMan]

February 20, 2013
Champions League 1st Knockout round, leg 1: vs Schalke (Schalke 4-6 favourites)
<TABLE borderColor=#000000 width="90%" align=center><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Moritz Volz</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-8-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.09</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-8-4-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>28 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>30 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>26 (4)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.07</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>17 (17)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.82</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>29 (4)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.21</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-8-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>28 (3)</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>7.10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>21 (10)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>6.84</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>27 (5)</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>9 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>18 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.82</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-6-8</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.73</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>12 (10)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.82</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>15 (11)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>14 (14)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.39</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-8-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>20 (11)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.45</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Ine</TD><TD>James McFadden</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Schalke are currently in 3rd place in the Bundesliga, only one point off first place. They finished first with 5 wins and a draw in the Champions League group, a group that included Real Madrid, Panathinaikos and Partizan.

The game is not even a minute old when Nicky Wroes makes it 1-0 on a nice cross to the near post by Adam Green. Arjan Wisse added a second goal for us in a game that turned into the best example of "what could go wrong for Schalke". Moritz Voltz handballed for a penalty in the 20th minute, but Leo Franco saved it, they then had a couple of goals overturned because of players being offsides and we kept on scoring, and scoring, and scoring...

We got up 3-0 at the half, putting all 8 shots on target, but also letting them put 7 of 9 on target.

The second half was not so much all Luton, but very much not Schalke. We ended up shutting them down of any shots in the last 45 minutes while scoring three more, en route to an impressive 6-0 first leg win.

Final Score: Luton 6, Schalke 0

Wow, talk about giving yourself a cushion!!! I tell the guys it was simply fantastic!

Arjan Wisse ended the game with two goals. Youssouf Hersi and Ricardo Vaz Te, with two, were the other scorers. Vaz Te got the Man of the Match selection.

As one would hope, the board was siply delighted with the win. Following the win the board is now pleased with my performance as manager while the supporters are now only unsatisfied with it. How a good beating can help you. :)


February 22, 2013
Nicky Wroe bruised a shin and could miss up to a week.


February 24, 2013
Aston Villa have sacked their manager and the media are touting me as the hot favourite to replace him. I again tell the media of my loyalty to Luton.

Arsenal have won the Carling Cup, beating Tottenham 2-1 in the Final.

Awww damn! Leo Franco strained some knee ligaments in training and will miss up to 2 months. That's a frigging blow.

Looking at my assistant report regarding Robin Huisman de Jong, I see that he's telling me that he's no better than our current crop of players and sees no reason for continuing our interest in the player.

FM

[FrogMan]

March 2, 2013
League Match #28: at Middlesbrough (Middlesbrough 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE borderColor=#000000 width="90%" align=center><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>9 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-6-8-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>22 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.74</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-6-7-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-4-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>29 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.87</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>31 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.03</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>27 (4)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.06</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-8</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>18 (17)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.86</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-9</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>30 (4)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.26</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-6-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>29 (3)</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>22 (10)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>6.91</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-7-10</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>28 (5)</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7.27</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-5-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>12 (11)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD></TD><TD>James McFadden</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD></TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>14 (14)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.39</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-8-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>20 (11)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.45</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-9</TD><TD>54%</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>15 (12)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.52</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Moritz Volz</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>18 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.82</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Boro have now lost 3 in a row and on a streak of 5 games without a win. Overall team morale is a bit low. Hopefully we can take advantage of that.

They take the lead in the 13th minute, but we're able to equalize when the ref awards us a penalty in the 34th minute. The game is not even for long though. Curtis Davies scores an own goal in the 39th minute and we're back down 1-2. That's the halftime score and it's a very even game.

Despite us unleashing the focking fury on them, we just can't score a goal in the second half. We lose a game we could have won, or at least esily tied.

Final Score: Luton 1, Middlesbrough 2

We pretty much shut them down in the second half while we kept shooting on target yet we couldn't convert one. I still tell the guys I'm elated with them. That second half was something to see.

We drop to 11th place following this loss. Here's what the league table looks like with 10 games remaining for us.
<TABLE borderColor=#000000 width="90%" align=center><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD></TD><TD>28</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>+30</TD><TD>63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD></TD><TD>29</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>+31</TD><TD>59</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD></TD><TD>29</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>+16</TD><TD>53</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD></TD><TD>29</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>+14</TD><TD>52</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD></TD><TD>29</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>+14</TD><TD>51</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD></TD><TD>29</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>+11</TD><TD>49</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>28</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>+13</TD><TD>47</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD></TD><TD>29</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>+7</TD><TD>41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD></TD><TD>29</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>-1</TD><TD>39</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD></TD><TD>29</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>37</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>28</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>36</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD></TD><TD>29</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>-15</TD><TD>34</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD></TD><TD>28</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>-9</TD><TD>33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD></TD><TD>28</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>-10</TD><TD>32</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD></TD><TD>28</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>-4</TD><TD>29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nottm Forest</TD><TD></TD><TD>29</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>-18</TD><TD>29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Southampton</TD><TD></TD><TD>29</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>-20</TD><TD>26</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD></TD><TD>29</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>-18</TD><TD>25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD></TD><TD>27</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>-12</TD><TD>22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Stoke</TD><TD></TD><TD>29</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>-24</TD><TD>22</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Bad news were awaiting back at the clubhouse. Zac Barrett twisted an ankle in the game and could miss up to four weeks if left to the physios. With Leo Franco already down, I decide to have him receive a course of painkiller.


March 4, 2013
Kevin Foley has been selected to the EPL Team of the Week.

FM

[FrogMan]

March 6, 2013
Champions League 1st Knockout Round, leg 2: at Schalke (Schalke 4-7 favourites)
<TABLE borderColor=#000000 width="90%" align=center><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-6-5-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Moritz Volz</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>18 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.82</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>32 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.03</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>12 (11)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>14 (15)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>15 (12)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.52</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-6-7-8-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>30 (3)</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>7.12</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-8-7-6-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>20 (12)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>86%</TD><TD>10 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.55</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>23 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-4-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>30 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.88</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>28 (4)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.06</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>19 (17)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.86</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-9-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>23 (10)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>6.91</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-9-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>31 (4)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.23</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-9</TD><TD>50%</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-6-7-9-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-10-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>29 (5)</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7.26</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Ine</TD><TD>James McFadden</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

With a 6 goal cushion, something really out of the ordinary would have to happen for us not to make it through. I start kid keeper Danny Jones in this one, leaving Zac Barrett to back him up.

The first half is going well as we play defensively, until Giannis Taralidis commits a fould inside our penalty area. They score to make it 0-1, 6-1 aggregate.

The sky is falling in injury time of the first half as I see Danny Jones fall to the ground. He won't be able to shake that one off and Zac Barrett has to come on in his place.

We play a much stronger second half, holding them off.

Final Score: Luton 0, Schalke 1 (6-1 aggregate)

We're through!!! Seeing how there were only 16 teams in this knockout round, I can only assume that the next round is the quarter final round, sweet!

Back to the clubhouse, I learn that Zac Barrett's ankle is still hurting him. I set him to have another painkiller shot. Arjan Wisse suffered a strained thigh and he will miss up to two weeks. Danny Jones suffered a bruised head and will miss up to a week.


March 8, 2013
We've been drawn to play Inter in the Champions League quarter final. They are currently in 1st place of the Italian Serie A and have won it for the previous 3 seasons. This is not gonna be easy.

I'll be damned though when I learn when our Leeds game has been rescheduled. The EPL administration must not want us to go forward in the Champions League because they have put that game only two days prior to our second leg against Inter.

FM

[FrogMan]

March 9, 2013
League Match #29: vs Chelsea (Chelsea 4-6 favourites)
<TABLE borderColor=#000000 width="90%" align=center><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>87%</TD><TD>10 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.58</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Moritz Volz</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-6-7-9-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-4-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>30 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.88</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>33 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.03</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>28 (4)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.06</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>19 (18)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.84</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James McFadden</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-9-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>31 (4)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.23</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-9-7-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>4 (3)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-10-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>29 (5)</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7.26</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>Luke Law</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-5</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>13 (11)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.79</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>15 (15)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.37</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>31 (3)</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>7.12</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>21 (12)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.42</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-9-7-6</TD><TD>83%</TD><TD>23 (11)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>6.88</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-9</TD><TD>47%</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>88%</TD><TD>16 (12)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>23 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>19 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>5 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-5-7-7</TD><TD>84%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Zac Barrett, painkiller shot and all, is the starting keeper in this one and he better not get injured again because no talent Luke Law is backing him up. Danny Jones is only two days from being back but his "Inj" tag is a bright red color so he's out.

We're playing very well early on but the number of yellows we are getting is making me nervous. by the 19th minutes, Wroe, McFadden and Fernandez have been carded so far.

The ref slows down his yellow spray painting and we end the half at 0-0. We're very much in the game at this point.

We go down 0-1 on a Frank Lampard free kick from 25 yards out in the 55th minute and we never recover...

Final Score: Luton 0, Chelsea 1

I'll be damned, we could and maybe should have won this game. We outshot them 11(4) to 8(4) and were awarde 6 corners to their 2. A very good, if unproductive in terms of standing points, showing for us.

Following the game, I have Zac Barrett get another painkiller injection. I know I'm taking chances, but we're very thin at keeper at the moment.

The board is now satisfied with my work while the supporters are disappointed by my management of the club.


March 10, 2013
Huhoh, Man Utd supporters protests about Mark Hughes's handling of the club...

FM

[FrogMan]

March 13, 2013
League Match #30: vs Tottenham (Luton 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE borderColor=#000000 width="90%" align=center><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-5-7-7</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>23 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-7-9-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>4-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>31 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.88</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>34 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>29 (4)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.06</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-9-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>32 (4)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.22</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James McFadden</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>5 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>31 (4)</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>5 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-10-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>30 (5)</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7.26</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>86%</TD><TD>11 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>13 (11)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.79</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>15 (16)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.35</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>20 (18)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.82</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-9-7-6</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>23 (11)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>6.88</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-9</TD><TD>43%</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>16 (12)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Moritz Volz</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>21 (13)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>19 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>9-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>5 (3)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>Luke Law</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-5</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

The Spurs are really struggling this season and are seriously facing relegation after many season spent in the Premiership. I don't know how their last game went, but they have a couple of starters suspended and another one or two injured.

Youssouf Hersi gives us a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute when his free kick from distance finds the back of the net. We allow them to tie it in the 29th minute.

While shots are not reflective of a domination on our part, we close the first half with 58% possession. I tell the guys that we can win this.

This speech seems to work as we take an early lead, only 2 minutes into the half when Cédric Fernandez finds the back of the net. As it often happens with us against Tottenham, we do find a way to let the back in and they score in teh 80th minute.

Philippe Senderos gets nicked a couple minutes later and we have to go to the crazy 2DM-3D formation I used a little earlier in the season but it works and we hold on for a draw that could have easily turned into a loss late in the game...

Final Score: Luton 2, Tottenham 2

I know we should have won, but I will still take that draw over a loss.

Well, the painkillers are off for Zac Barrett. He will now miss a month with his twisted ankle. Leo Franco is still three weeks from coming back. Hopefully Danny Jones can hang in there until one of them comes back.

And huhoh again. The supporters are back to feeling that a new manager is required to bring a fresh approach to the club.

We now stand in 11th place with 8 games to play.
<TABLE borderColor=#000000 width="90%" align=center><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD></TD><TD>30</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>+35</TD><TD>69</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD></TD><TD>30</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>+30</TD><TD>59</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD></TD><TD>30</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>+18</TD><TD>56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD></TD><TD>30</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>+17</TD><TD>55</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD></TD><TD>30</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>+14</TD><TD>52</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>30</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>+15</TD><TD>51</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD></TD><TD>30</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>49</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD></TD><TD>30</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>+6</TD><TD>41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD></TD><TD>30</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>-4</TD><TD>40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD></TD><TD>30</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>-2</TD><TD>39</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>30</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>-1</TD><TD>37</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD></TD><TD>30</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>-7</TD><TD>37</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD></TD><TD>30</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>-11</TD><TD>35</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD></TD><TD>30</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>-15</TD><TD>35</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD></TD><TD>30</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>32</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nottm Forest</TD><TD></TD><TD>30</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>-18</TD><TD>30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Southampton</TD><TD></TD><TD>30</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>-19</TD><TD>29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD></TD><TD>30</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>-18</TD><TD>26</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD></TD><TD>30</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>-17</TD><TD>23</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Stoke</TD><TD></TD><TD>30</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>-27</TD><TD>22</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

FM

[condors]

FrogMan,

you seem to be leaking a little too many goals (imho) besides your keeper troubles have you watched a few game completely? Not sure if your lacking pace anywhere on your d-line or if your lacking in the air (although Davies shouldn't be the issue), or if your making bad passes on the back line tell your defensemen to force the ball up the wings or if its numbers make sure your midfielders are getting back to help out.

Just some friendly suggestions, good luck going forward as always :)

[FrogMan]

FrogMan,

you seem to be leaking a little too many goals (imho) besides your keeper troubles have you watched a few game completely? Not sure if your lacking pace anywhere on your d-line or if your lacking in the air (although Davies shouldn't be the issue), or if your making bad passes on the back line tell your defensemen to force the ball up the wings or if its numbers make sure your midfielders are getting back to help out.

Just some friendly suggestions, good luck going forward as always :)

Davies has great pace although Senderos is somewhat lacking in that aspect. Both of them are just great in the air, no problem on that side.

Most of the time, goals often seem like the whole team giving up which may be all part of the "slightly concerned"/"lost confidence in manager" part. Some of them goals also look like perfectly placed shot from a distance and these are the ones that drive me batty during a game. We work hard to build whatever little lead we can. They pick up the ball, swing one from 25 yards out and boom, back to level...

I'll look into having the middies come back to help though, good suggestion. Maybe my wingers are just set to be too offensive...

FM

[condors]

not sure what kinda tactic your using but if those long balls are getting you you may want to have your center midfielders or dmc be a little more aggressive on them, just something else to look into may be giving a little too much room, course there are some players who will make things happen no matter what but that should only be against the Chelsea, Liverpool, Manutd and Arsenals of the game.

[FrogMan]

March 16, 2013
League Match #31: at Crystal Palace (Luton 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE borderColor=#000000 width="90%" align=center><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-5-7-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Moritz Volz</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-9-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>19 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>32 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.85</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>30 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.06</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>8-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>20 (19)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.79</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James McFadden</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>6 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>32 (4)</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>6 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-10-7-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>31 (5)</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>Luke Law</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-5</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>13 (12)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.76</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>15 (16)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.35</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-9-6-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>33 (4)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-9-7-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>23 (12)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>6.86</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-9</TD><TD>40%</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>82%</TD><TD>11 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>16 (12)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>24 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.76</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>21 (13)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>35 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>9-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>5 (3)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

We've not won in our last 5 league games, this is getting embarassing...

We do come out with a roar and we end the half with a 2-0 lead. We did play very well, but both these goals came by mistakes from our opponents. The first goal was handed to Ricardo Vaz Te following a crazy back header and the second goal was an own goal following some hot play after a corner.

I did have to adjust our tackling midway through the half after we'd been handed a couple of yellows and I realized who was the referee: Rob Styles. Damn, he's still officiating?!? He's like 49 years old. GO HOME YOU FOOL!!!!

The second half is Luton all the way, after they'd scored their only goal of the game. Vaz Te doubled his tally in the 60th minute and our pressure forced one of their defenders into a foul inside their penalty area. Youssouf Hersi converted the penalty.

Final Score: Luton 4, Crystal Palace 1

I tell the guys is was a simply fantastic result. Ricardo Vaz Te got selected as Man of the Match with his two goals but the whole team played very well.

I praise Vaz Te in the media. The team board was very pleased with that win and they're now back to being pleased with my management of the club. The supporters still feel a new manager is required, sigh...


March 18, 2013
Moritz Voltz, Ricardo Vaz Te and Leonel Romero have all be selected to the EPL team of the week.

FM

[FrogMan]

March 21, 2013
Very interesting, we've just received $2.3M from the Marcio Junquiera transfer to NEC. There was a clause that became effective after 50 league appearances from Junquiera.


March 24, 2013
Well, the axe has finally fallen on Mark Hughes's neck. He just got sacked by the Man Utd team board. Pundits in the media are already speculating that high-profile manager... Steve Gougeon could be tempted to quit Luton for Old Trafford. Woah, high-profile :eek: I still deny any interest. Man U is not really a place I would want to end up at. Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle, and some others, but not Man U... And I still want to right this ship here...

Wow, talk about acting quick. The Tottenham board have sacked their manager Javir Clemente and pundit are seeing Mark Hughes as a possible replacement...

As you'd expect, the Luton team board is delighted that I reaffirmed my commitment to the Kenilworth Road club.

After getting some interesting scout reports about German striker Danny Galm (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/130326galm.jpg), I decide to offer him a contract effectice at the end of his current contract. He's eligible to a free transfer. The guy's got goal scorer written all over him. Hopefully, he could bring that goal scoring to Kenilworth Road. He also seems to be very determined and has some very solid work ethics.

He's looking for $65k per week with a signing on fee of $925k and a minimum fee release clause at $13.75M. I lower the offered salary to $50k and increase the minimum fee release clause to $17M and offer him a contract.

FM

[FrogMan]

March 27, 2013
Champions League quarter final, leg 1: at Inter (Inter 4-6 favourites)
<TABLE borderColor=#000000 width="90%" align=center><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>5-7-7-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Moritz Volz</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.86</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>9-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.19</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>20 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-6-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>33 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.91</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>31 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.09</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>21 (19)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>9-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>23 (13)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>33 (5)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-10-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>32 (5)</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>7.32</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>Luke Law</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-5</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>3 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-8-6-8-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>15 (16)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.35</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>16 (12)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>9-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>5 (3)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>21 (13)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Int</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>33 (4)</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Int</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>13 (13)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.77</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-9</TD><TD>42%</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>70%</TD><TD>11 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>24 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.76</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Ine</TD><TD>James McFadden</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Int</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>35 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Ricardo Carvahlo is sent off for a professional foul in the 29th minute. They go to a 3-4-2 formation. We bring on the pressure for the rest of the half yet we're unable to convert anything as they keeper, Igor Akinfeev, is having a great game.

Ricardo Vaz Te finally gives us a 1-0 lead in the 54th minute.

James Morrison is injured in the 80th minute but we're out of subs so we go to 10 against 10 for the last 10 minutes. They use this opportunity to tie the game just 3 minutes later.

Final Score: Luton 1, Inter 1

Well, we should have been to convert more of our 10 shots on target but I'll take this scoreline for now. Anything can happen in the second leg, at Kenilworth Road no less...

Ricardo Vaz Te was selected as Man of the Match, outshining a very impressive performance from Igor Akinfeev.

James Morrison will miss one week with some bruised ribs.


March 28, 2013
Spanish legend Lorenzo Serra Ferrer has been appointed to be the new manager at Man Utd. His last job was with Betis, where he got sacked on March 17.


March 29, 2013
Danny Galm has accepted our contract offer and will come to Kenilworth Road on July 1st. He said that playing in European competition had a large bearing on his decision. Shhhh, don't tell him there's a good chance we will only play in England next season... As I said, he looks like a poacher kind of striker, having scored 13, 15, 24 goals in the last three season and already has 17 this season.


March 30, 2013
Portsmouth have won promotion to the EPL. Looking at the Championship table, I see that QPR are in second with a three point lead over 3rd place Bristol City with 5 games to be played. Interesting.


March 31, 2013
Leo Franco resumes full training.

FM

[FrogMan]

April 1, 2013
League Match #32: at Leeds (Luton 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE borderColor=#000000 width="90%" align=center><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>24 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.76</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-9-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>21 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-6-7-9</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>35 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>32 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.08</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-8-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>22 (19)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD></TD><TD>James McFadden</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>7 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>33 (4)</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>7.14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>9-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>5 (3)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-10-7-8</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>33 (5)</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>7.34</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>Luke Law</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-7-6-6-5</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>13 (13)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.77</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>34 (5)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>16 (12)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>24 (13)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>6.84</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-9</TD><TD>61%</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>64%</TD><TD>11 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Moritz Volz</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-8-5</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-9-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>34 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>15 (17)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.34</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>21 (14)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Prior to the game, I see that the team board is still satisfied with my performance while the supporters still feel that a new manager is required.

Interesting, I see that future Hatter Steven Milne is set to start for Leeds in this game.

Well, we're stuck with a Rob Styles wannabe and after only 24 minutes, four of our guys have been carded. Add to the the fact that we were not playing very well to begin with, us having to go to easy tackling will not help matters... We eventually go down one in the 42nd minute and are almost lucky that the halftime score is only 0-1.

I lash at the boys at halftime. They really look clueless out there.

James McFadden's goof up is the source of a second goal for them in teh 75th minute. After doing a great interception, he sent a crazy backpass that never made it to the keeper.

We do get one back in the 89th minute but it was too little too late.

Final Score: Luton 1, Leeds 2

Definitely a game we could and maybe should have won. I tell the guys I'm disappointed by their performance.

We drop to 12th place with the loss.


April 2, 2013
Tottenham have made it official. Mark Hughes is their new manager.

Games are played and we dropped to 13th place, but with a game on hand over 12th place Birmingham.
<TABLE borderColor=#000000 width="90%" align=center><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>57</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>+41</TD><TD>75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>+31</TD><TD>64</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>+20</TD><TD>62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD></TD><TD>31</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>+17</TD><TD>56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>54</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>+12</TD><TD>55</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>+10</TD><TD>54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>+14</TD><TD>53</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>+6</TD><TD>44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>-7</TD><TD>41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>-8</TD><TD>41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>-14</TD><TD>41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nottm Forest</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>-17</TD><TD>34</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>-10</TD><TD>33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Southampton</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>-17</TD><TD>33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>-16</TD><TD>27</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>-23</TD><TD>26</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Stoke</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>-32</TD><TD>23</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

FM

[FrogMan]

April 3, 2013
Champions League quarter final, leg 2: vs Inter (Inter 4-6 favourites)
<TABLE borderColor=#000000 width="90%" align=center><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-8-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.90</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Moritz Volz</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-8-5</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.17</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-6-9-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>34 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-7-9-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>36 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.97</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>33 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.05</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-8-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>23 (19)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.81</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>34 (6)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>34 (4)</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>24 (14)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>6.84</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-10-7-8-8</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>34 (5)</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>7.36</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-9</TD><TD>73%</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-9-8-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>22 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>13 (14)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.78</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>25 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.73</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>16 (12)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>15 (17)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.34</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>21 (14)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>62%</TD><TD>11 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Ine</TD><TD>James McFadden</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>6 (3)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Teams are tied at 1-1 on aggregate after the 1st leg.

We put tons of pressure on them early on and after something like 4 rebounds, Ricardo Vaz Te is able to put one past Akinfeev in the 11th minute.

They do hit right back and before the 31st minute, they are now in the lead after scoring twice. We're down 1-2, 2-3 on aggregate and with the away goals, we can not simply tie the aggregate score anymore. We need to win this straight up.

While we stay with them pace for pace, even threatening them quite a few times, we're just unable to score in the second half.

Final Score: Luton 1, Inter 2 (2-3 aggregate)

We proved we can play with the best of them, this was a very, very close game with a 50-50 possession split and shots at 14(6) for us, 15(8) for them. It really could have gone either way.

We're given $3.5M for playing in the Champions League, not bad.

The semi finals will pit Benfica with Arsenal and Inter with Chelsea.

FM

[Tellistto]

Nice run at the Champs league! Hopefully they kept the tv money for that in this version, which means you should be getting a substantial chunk of it, or did, at the end of the competition!

Tell

[FrogMan]

April 6, 2013
League Match #33: vs Stoke (Luton 4-5 favourites)
<TABLE borderColor=#000000 width="90%" align=center><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-8-8-7-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.82</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Moritz Volz</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-8-5-6</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-7-9-6-6</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>37 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.95</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-9-8-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>22 (5)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>13 (14)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.78</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Morrison</TD><TD>AM RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>15 (17)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.34</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>James McFadden</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-7-7-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>35 (6)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Unh</TD><TD>Romone Rose</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>7-6-7-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>6 (3)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>10-7-8-8-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>35 (5)</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>7.35</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-9</TD><TD>86%</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>34 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.05</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>24 (19)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.81</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>35 (4)</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>21 (15)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.39</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>25 (14)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>6.85</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>58%</TD><TD>11 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>16 (13)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.52</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>25 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.73</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-9-7-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>35 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

They are currently 20th in the EPL, we can not let that one slip.

The first half ends scoreless although we did put in some great moves and are somewhat dominating play. I'm worried we might end up with a scoreless draw.

My worries itensify until 3:55 into injury time when, as we put more and more pressure on their backline, one of their defenders puts one into his own goal.

Final Score: Luton 1, Stoke 0

They say we deserved the win, based on stats alone, I say we got lucky to get the three points. But I'll take them and run...

Giannis Taralidis received the MoM selection.

After 33 games, we're back up to 9th place.
<TABLE borderColor=#000000 width="90%" align=center><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD></TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>+44</TD><TD>78</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>+36</TD><TD>67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>+18</TD><TD>62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>+19</TD><TD>59</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>57</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>+12</TD><TD>56</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>+14</TD><TD>54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>54</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>53</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>-7</TD><TD>42</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>-8</TD><TD>42</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>-15</TD><TD>41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nottm Forest</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>-17</TD><TD>35</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>53</TD><TD>-13</TD><TD>33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Southampton</TD><TD></TD><TD>32</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>-17</TD><TD>33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>-15</TD><TD>30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD></TD><TD>33</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>-22</TD><TD>29</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Stoke</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>-33</TD><TD>23</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

April 7, 2013
Helped by good performance all season long of players like Kevin Fletcher, Danny Jones, David Talbot, and Paul Graham, the Luton U18 have retained the English U18 group 6 title.


April 8, 2013
Moritz Voltz and Giannis Taralidis have been selected to the EPL Team of the week.

FM

[FrogMan]

April 13, 2013
League Match #34: at Nottm Forest (Nottm Forest 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE borderColor=#000000 width="90%" align=center><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-9-7-7</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Moritz Volz</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-5-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.94</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-9-6-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>38 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.95</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>9-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>23 (5)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>14 (14)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.82</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Fletcher</TD><TD>M RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-9-8-8</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>James McFadden</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-7-8-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>9 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>35 (5)</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-6-6-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>21 (16)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>25 (14)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>6.85</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD></TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>8-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>34 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.05</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>24 (20)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.82</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>36 (6)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.07</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>49%</TD><TD>11 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>16 (13)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.52</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>25 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.73</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-9-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>35 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-8-7-7</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>36 (5)</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>7.34</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>David Talbot</TD><TD>D R, DM, M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

You know it's not going right when the relegation candidates are favourites to win against you...

Tired of James Morrison's underperforming, I decide to bring up Kevin Fletcher (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/QcFrogMan/FM2006/luton2011/130413fletcher.jpg) and give him some playing time with the senior squad.

Well, these odds were probably not that crazy. We go down 0-1 after 45 seconds and 0-2 just before the end of the first half, only about three minutes before Leo Franco broke down and had to be replaced by Danny Jones.

They add a third goal in the 49th minute and even though we fight back a little, it's still another forgettable performance...

Final Score: Luton 2, Nottm Forest 3

they outhsot us 13(6) to 5(3) despite us winning possession with 53%.

Looks like Danny Jones will start until the end of the season or so. Leo Franco suffered a gashed leg and will miss two weeks.

The board tell me they are disappointed with that loss. The chairman accepts that every team can have an off day but that this sort of performance is not acceptable.

Stoke have been relegated from the Premiership.


April 14, 2013
Chelsea have retained the Premiership title.

FM

[FrogMan]

April 17, 2013
League Match #35: vs Blackburn (Luton 6-4 favourites)
<TABLE borderColor=#000000 width="90%" align=center><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Form</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD></TD><TD>Danny Jones</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>12 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.77</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Moritz Volz</TD><TD>D/WB R</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>8-5-6-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.64</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Adam Green</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.13</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Philippe Senderos</TD><TD>D C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>9-6-6-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>39 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.95</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Curtis Davies</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-9-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>35 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Cédric Fernandez</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-8-7-6-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>34 (4)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7.05</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD></TD><TD>Kevin Fletcher</TD><TD>M RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-9-8-8-6</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Arjan Wisse</TD><TD>AM L, ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>95%</TD><TD>26 (14)</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>6.85</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>AMC</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Youssouf Hersi</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>97%</TD><TD>36 (5)</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>7.12</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD></TD><TD>Paul Graham</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>8 (2)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.70</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>FC</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Ricardo Vaz Te</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>7-8-8-7-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>36 (5)</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>7.34</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Leo Franco</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>8-9-7-7-7</TD><TD>82%</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.15</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>Giannis Taralidis</TD><TD>DM</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-7-7-8-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>15 (14)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Nicky Wroe</TD><TD>M RLC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>24 (21)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.80</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Alexander Farnerud</TD><TD>AM RLC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-6-6-6</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>36 (6)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7.07</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Yel</TD><TD>James McFadden</TD><TD>AM L, F C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>7-8-6-7-7</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>10 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>7.09</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Benoît Assou-Ekotto</TD><TD>D L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Zac Barrett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>44%</TD><TD>11 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>James Simmonds</TD><TD>AM L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>6-6-7-7-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>16 (13)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.52</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Kevin Foley</TD><TD>D/WB/M R</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>7-7-7-7-6</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>25 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.73</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Fabio Ferreira</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>6-6-6-7-6</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>22 (16)</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6.39</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Leonel Romero</TD><TD>SW, D C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>8-7-6-7-7</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>24 (5)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD></TD><TD>David Talbot</TD><TD>D R, DM, M R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>6-8-7-8-7</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Seeing how poorly he adapted to life at Kenilworth Road, I decided to transfer list Fabio Ferreira. I just can't stand to see him keep on putting 6 rated performances game in, game out. Also, seeing how my assistant believes he will never develop over what he's for now, I transfer list Romone Rose too.

It's a scoreless first half in this game. Blackburn have won possession, but shots are pretty even.

We put a lot more pressure and even take control of possession and shots in the second half, but it remains scoreless...

Final Score: Luton 0, Blackburn 0

Curtis Davies received the MoM selection in a game we should have won. Sometimes the difference between a win and a draw is very small...

We move up to 10th place with three games to play.
<TABLE borderColor=#000000 width="90%" align=center><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD></TD><TD>Pld</TD><TD>Won</TD><TD>Drn</TD><TD>Lst</TD><TD>For</TD><TD>Ag</TD><TD>G.D.</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1st</TD><TD>C</TD><TD>Chelsea</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>62</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>+45</TD><TD>81</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Arsenal</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>58</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>+37</TD><TD>70</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Liverpool</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>53</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>+21</TD><TD>65</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man City</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>+18</TD><TD>63</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Middlesbrough</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>59</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>+14</TD><TD>59</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Bolton</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>+11</TD><TD>57</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Man Utd</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>+14</TD><TD>55</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Blackburn</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>47</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Newcastle</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>-6</TD><TD>45</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>54</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Aston Villa</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>-3</TD><TD>44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Leeds</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>-10</TD><TD>43</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Everton</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Birmingham</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>53</TD><TD>-16</TD><TD>41</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Nottm Forest</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>-16</TD><TD>38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Sunderland</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>54</TD><TD>-12</TD><TD>36</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Southampton</TD><TD></TD><TD>34</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>-20</TD><TD>34</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Tottenham</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>-14</TD><TD>33</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD></TD><TD>Crystal Palace</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>-23</TD><TD>30</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD>R</TD><TD>Stoke</TD><TD></TD><TD>35</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>-33</TD><TD>24</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

The board is satisfied with my work while the supporters still feel a new manager is required.

After only a few hours on the transfer list, there are already three teams scouting Fabio Ferreira: Olympiakos, Atalanta, and Brescia.


April 19, 2013
In the news out of nowhere department, Paris-SG have won the France Ligue 2 title, putting them back to Ligue 1 level.

FM

[finketr]

Igor Akinfeev

I hate that guy...

him and shay given.

and my new laptop has been shipped!! could be here by the end of the week.!

[FrogMan]

well guys, sorry to say this but I'm dropping the ball on this one. Yesterday's reporting was way more like a chore than actual fun, had been going for a few days now. Sorry again, hope you liked it while it lasted.

If you wanna know, as of October 2014, I'm still managing the Hatters. After 8 games in the new season, we've won four and have lost four, sitting in 9th place. The supporters were satisfied for a littl while at the start of the season and fell back to being unsatisfied with my work after 4 or 5 games. The board now hoves from satisfied to a little unsatisfied, depending on if we just won or not. The way the team plays sometimes (like when we lost 2-4 to Bristol Rovers in the Carling Cup with an own goal and two goals conceded due to crazy backpass that never made it to the keeper, or the two 0-3 losses we suffered where we played well for about 40 minutes then let one in then simply imploded) leads me to believe that I will have a hard time making it past Christmas.

Other than Danny Galm and Freddy Guarin, I also brought in Aaron Lennon as our new right winger. He seems to be doing well, much better than James Morrison ever did. Fabio Ferreira and James Morrison were both shipped outm same with Adam Hardy.

I might start a new dynasty someday but for now, it took me all free time at work (every coffee breaks or free minutes in my 45 minute lunch break went into writing this) and I'm simply overworking myself which is not good...

Take care all!

FM

[Tellistto]

That's ok, FM. I'll catch the next one if there is one!

Tell

[3ric]

No problem, I know it's hard to keep up writing. Thanks for sharing your story this far!

[Dawgfan1980]

To put in this much effort in writing is a true example of how a dynasty should be written, and even more so, to admit when it ceases to be fun and to be a chore should be commended, thank you for the ride Frogman!

[condors]

enjoyed it while it lasted

[Blade6119]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/soccer/08/16/renault.briatore/index.html

[FrogMan]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/soccer/08/16/renault.briatore/index.html

LOL, good catch! And actually touching that you identify me with QPR. ;)

FM