WWSM09: Luton Town or life after being decked 30 points [Archive]

FrogMan

08-11-2009, 09:11 AM

Let's start by taking a quick look at who these Hatters are... First here's the selection as it stood before I next game:
<table width="90%" align="center" bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ian Bennett</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>20</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>23 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.63</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>
</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>12</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.92</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>34 (2)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>38</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>32 (3)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.92</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>30 (7)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nathan Woolfe</td> <td>AM LC, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>24 (9)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>6</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.78</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Chris Martin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>7 (5)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>31 (2)</td> <td>12</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dean Brill</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Michael Spillane</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>12 (6)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.58</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Paul McVeigh</td> <td>AM RL, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>1 (15)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Ryan Charles</td> <td>AM R, ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>0 (19)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>6</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.35</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Sam Parkin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>16 (3)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.49</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>64%</td> <td>6 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.94</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>64%</td> <td>30</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.99</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>64%</td> <td>23 (9)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>16 (10)</td> <td>6</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Asa Hall</td> <td>D/M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>52%</td> <td>8 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>David Button</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr></tbody></table>

Information on players might be a bit vague cause there was something wrong with my screenshot app and everything is all blurry. I'll go by memory here.

Goalkeepers
I had a rought time settling on one goalkeeper. The season started with Dean Brill, a local product who, at only 21 years of age, I felt was a bit young to assume the daily grind between the posts. He'd sometimes let in a bad goal and the team would crumble.

I then went on looking for a possible loanee but as with all these, they are usually also young. I found a signed David Button on a season long, but he too gave away some suspect goals in the games he played. Still, he was considered better than Brill by all scouts and coaches.

I then came upon 37yo Ian Bennett a journeyman keeper who was brought in during the offseason. As I said, I rotated a bit between the three for a few weeks before deciding on Bennett as the starter. He's dependable enough not keep us in most games and sometimes will pull out an amazing performance. He had a sequence of 3 or 4 clean sheets in a row recently, certainly big contributor to us being closer to the safety line.

Defenders
George Pilkington is our most dependable defender and that's saying something in the sense that he his far from impressive skill wise but he gets the job done and can play both centre and right. He's over 30 and probably won't be with us for many years.

Olivier Bernard was brought in when the loanee we had at left fullback refused to extend his loan. He's done well for us and really can restart the attack from his fullback spot.

Claude Gnakpa is a bit shaky at times. He's a bit young and it shows at times, especially in his confidence during games. I've only played him at fullback despite the fact that he could play center too.

Edward Asafu-Ajaye is another young one. He can play very well but can also slump badly so I need to give him a day off every once in a while.

Kristian O'Leary is an older dude brought in during the January transfer window. He's mostly an MC but does very well as a centreback.

Keith Keane is a true Luton product and with his great versatility, can play almost anywhere from MC to DMC to D RC.

Michael Spillane is a loanee and has atrocious defending skills. I'd use him on defense as a last recourse.

Lewis Emanuel is listed as a full back and played some games in that capacity before being injured, but he had most of his success as an ML.

Midfielders
Our usual setup is Keith Keane at DMC and Kevin Nicholls at MC. Nicholls is the captain and the heart and soul of this team. He's determined and intense, as indicated by his 2 red cards he received earlier in the season.

Keane is solid at DMC and still has room to grow at only 23.

As mentioned above, Kristian O'Leary is a midfielder first. He's giving us good depth in the case where Nicholls or Keane has to tiake a night off.

Kevin Gallen has been our starting right winger since the start of the season and while he can do a serviceable job, he'd be more suited to play MC. I brought in Frenchman Shiva-Star N'Zigou, a free agent very well suited to play the MR spot in the January transfer window. He had some great games before getting injured for a month or so.

As I said, Lewis Emmanuel had some great games in the ML spot before getting injured, him for 2-3 months with a broken ankle. Nathan Woolfe, a young loanee, is now manning the left side and doing a decent job of it. His confidence is kind of shaky though.

Ryan Charles and Paul McVeigh are my two backups on the side midfield spots. Charles is a youngster with a great heart while McVeigh is an older dude with little stamina but with some fire in his eyes.

Asa Hall is a young Luton product and gave us some interesting performances before being injured too. His skill set is not real impressive, but he seemed to play well above his skills.

Strikers
Andrea Lombardo is a Canadian fella with Italian citizenship. He started the season on a complete tear, scoring goals apparently at will but has since cooled off considerably.

Sébastien Heitzmann was brought in from France. He's got a great skill set, great pace but he's having trouble adapting to play in England. Fans were ecstatic when we brought him in during the January window, scouts raved about him, coaches still see as one of the best players on the team, but it's just not translating to performances on the pitch. I'll try to ease him into the lineup.

Tom Craddock is our next most productive striker. He's not bad but probably not one I'll want to stick with in the very long term.

Chris Martin has gotten a lot of reps lately and he's mostly delivered just fine.

Sam Parkin used to be one of my favorite Hatter but he seems to have competely lost it. He's a big salary for us at $5,500 a week but he just can't get his groove on, as evidenced by his average rating of only 6.49.

As you can see from the roster list, we play a 4-1-3-2. I've yet to read the tactical framework and theorem thingie, might do so at some point. I'm mostly playing it by ear now. :)

FM

FrogMan

08-11-2009, 11:36 AM

February 20, 2009
I only recently requested to have a parent club, something I should have done much earlier. The board comes back with two possible clubs: Permier club West Ham or Championship club Crystal Palace. It's a no brainer to me as Crystal Palace are not only simply in the Championship, they're in 24th and last place and looking at possible relegation. The board announce the association between us and West Ham later on in the day.

February 21, 2009
We lose a tight road game against Darlington, 0-1. The absence of Kevin Nicholls really hurt us. Played the squad presented earlier on. The fans are disappointed with the loss, our first in seven games.

February 25, 2009
Our association with West Ham is already paying off. They are offering us to take centreback Hólmar Eyjólfsson on loan. I decide to end Michael Spillane's loan in order to make room for him as our fourth loanee. He agrees to come to us for the next three months. The interesting thing is I never had to make any transfer bid. West Ham offered him and next thing I knew, he had agreed to it.

February 28, 2009
We play Dag & Red at Kenilworth Road. Kevin Nicholls just started training full time again and is kinda low on condition but I decide to give him the start. I'll have our new loanee on the bench and might have him come on if Nicholls gets too tired. Here's our selection for that game:
<table width="90%" align="center" bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ian Bennett</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>21</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>24 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.64</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>
</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.81</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>7</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.71</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>39</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>33 (3)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.92</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>31 (7)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nathan Woolfe</td> <td>AM LC, F C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>25 (9)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>30</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.99</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>6 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.36</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>32 (2)</td> <td>12</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Brill</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Paul McVeigh</td> <td>AM RL, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>1 (16)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.66</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ryan Charles</td> <td>AM R, ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>0 (20)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.71</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chris Martin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>8 (5)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.72</td></tr></tbody></table>

The game ends up in a 1-1 draw after they tie us very late in the game. Frustrating draw in a game where they controlled the ball 58% of the time. The fans are disappointed that we couldn't keep them from tieing the game.

FM

FrogMan

08-11-2009, 11:40 AM

March 1st, 2009
The board feels I should be performing slightly better as a manager. They say Sébastien Heitzmann was a crappy signing while they are ecstatic with the signing of Shiva-Star N'Zigou (who's currently not playing).

Other than for Heitzmann, they do see all my other signings as mostly positive moves though.

My job status remains at "stable".

March 4, 2009
We play 23rd place Bournemouth on the road. As they are only two points above us, it's our chance to get on moving. Even on the road, it's a game we have a real chance of winning.

I decide to rest Claude Gnakpa after a few shaky games and give the start to new loanee Hólmar Eyjólfsson. He was on fire when asked to hop in at the end of our last game.
<table width="90%" align="center" bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ian Bennett</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>22</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>40</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>
</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>14</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>8</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>0 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>34 (3)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.92</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>32 (7)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nathan Woolfe</td> <td>AM LC, F C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>26 (9)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>31</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.98</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>33 (2)</td> <td>13</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>16 (10)</td> <td>6</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Brill</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>25 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.61</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Paul McVeigh</td> <td>AM RL, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>1 (17)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.65</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ryan Charles</td> <td>AM R, ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>0 (21)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.69</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chris Martin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>8 (5)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.72</td></tr></tbody></table>
We take a 1-0 lead early on in the second half, but they are attacking us hard. Ian Bennett makes a couple great saves late in the game then the crap hits the fan. We kick it out for a throw in with the clock showing 93:25 and the assistant referee indicating that there'll be 3 minutes of injury time to be played. It's all over, right? They'll blow it dead, right? WRONG! They take the throw in, center it and a frigging top corner kick from 25 yards out finds it's way past Bennett. I'm so pissed off. The clock shows 93:40 when the ball hits that back of the net...

I tell the guys I sympathise with them. The fans are still pleased with the away draw.

The earlier loss and the two draws have left us 7 points below the safety line with 11 games still to play.
<table width="90%" align="center" bordercolor="#000000"><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>Gillingham</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>22</td> <td>6</td> <td>7</td> <td>56</td> <td>32</td> <td>+24</td> <td>72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bradford</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>20</td> <td>10</td> <td>5</td> <td>57</td> <td>28</td> <td>+29</td> <td>70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bury</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>16</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>49</td> <td>29</td> <td>+20</td> <td>61</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Brentford</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>17</td> <td>9</td> <td>9</td> <td>52</td> <td>34</td> <td>+18</td> <td>60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Exeter</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>18</td> <td>5</td> <td>12</td> <td>42</td> <td>37</td> <td>+5</td> <td>59</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>17</td> <td>5</td> <td>13</td> <td>51</td> <td>48</td> <td>+3</td> <td>56</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Shrewsbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>15</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>48</td> <td>38</td> <td>+10</td> <td>55</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Darlington</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>16</td> <td>6</td> <td>13</td> <td>48</td> <td>42</td> <td>+6</td> <td>54</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rochdale</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>15</td> <td>8</td> <td>12</td> <td>48</td> <td>32</td> <td>+16</td> <td>53</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>15</td> <td>7</td> <td>13</td> <td>50</td> <td>32</td> <td>+18</td> <td>52</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>14</td> <td>9</td> <td>12</td> <td>35</td> <td>34</td> <td>+1</td> <td>51</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Grimsby</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>13</td> <td>10</td> <td>12</td> <td>47</td> <td>40</td> <td>+7</td> <td>49</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chesterfield</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>12</td> <td>13</td> <td>10</td> <td>47</td> <td>52</td> <td>-5</td> <td>49</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>11</td> <td>13</td> <td>11</td> <td>38</td> <td>34</td> <td>+4</td> <td>46</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Port Vale</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>13</td> <td>7</td> <td>15</td> <td>46</td> <td>61</td> <td>-15</td> <td>46</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rotherham</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>14</td> <td>13</td> <td>8</td> <td>37</td> <td>35</td> <td>+2</td> <td>38</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>10</td> <td>7</td> <td>18</td> <td>36</td> <td>58</td> <td>-22</td> <td>37</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Notts Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>9</td> <td>9</td> <td>17</td> <td>30</td> <td>53</td> <td>-23</td> <td>36</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Accrington</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>9</td> <td>8</td> <td>18</td> <td>39</td> <td>52</td> <td>-13</td> <td>35</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Morecambe</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>8</td> <td>8</td> <td>19</td> <td>40</td> <td>65</td> <td>-25</td> <td>32</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Wycombe</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>4</td> <td>11</td> <td>20</td> <td>23</td> <td>46</td> <td>-23</td> <td>23</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Macclesfield</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>5</td> <td>8</td> <td>22</td> <td>27</td> <td>59</td> <td>-32</td> <td>23</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bournemouth</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>9</td> <td>8</td> <td>18</td> <td>36</td> <td>46</td> <td>-10</td> <td>18</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>13</td> <td>7</td> <td>15</td> <td>40</td> <td>35</td> <td>+5</td> <td>16</td></tr></tbody></table>
If not for the 30 points penalty, we'd be sitting comfortably in 14th place... Also interesting to see how favorably our defense compares to other teams in terms of conceded goals...

FM

FrogMan

08-12-2009, 09:11 AM

March 7, 2008
We play Wycombe at Kenilworth Road. Their manager Andy Scott is a confident son of a gun and he comes out in the press pretty much guaranteeing a win gainst us. Dude, your team's in 21st place, you got nothing on us... I come out and tell the press we're confident and that we fear no one.

Looking at injured players, Shiva-Star N'Zigu and Sébastien Heitzmann are both between a few days and a week from coming back to training.

Here's our selection for the game:
<table width="90%" align="center" bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Ian Bennett</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>23</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>41</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>15</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>9</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.71</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>1 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>35 (3)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.93</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>33 (7)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nathan Woolfe</td> <td>AM LC, F C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>27 (9)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>32</td> <td>7</td> <td>7.00</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>34 (2)</td> <td>13</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>17 (10)</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Brill</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>25 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.61</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Paul McVeigh</td> <td>AM RL, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>1 (18)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.65</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ryan Charles</td> <td>AM R, ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>0 (22)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.69</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chris Martin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>8 (6)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.69</td></tr></tbody></table>

Pregame in the locker room, I tell the guys that not only I think we can win, I expect a win. We start the game on an asbsolute roar, controlling the ball at will with over 75% possession, but we can't convert chances and the game ends in a boring 0-0 draw. The guys really dropped their intensity in the second half.

Olivier Bernard had a good game (rating: 7.0) after being criticized by the fans for being in a slump.

Wycombe took one shot on Ian Bennett and it ended up being off target. Despite it being only a home draw, the fan are still pleased with it, mostly because of our hability to restrict their chances.

We remain at 7 points from the safety line.

Asa Hall resumes full training but I'm not sure I have a spot for him in the squad now. He's young so we'll see...

FM

FrogMan

08-12-2009, 11:44 AM

March 10, 2009
We play 4th place Brentford on their pitch. Even with them sitting in 4th place and the game being on their pitch, bookies have us as evens favourites. That's gotta mean something about the potential of this squad...

Tom Craddock suffered a knock in our last game and looks a bit tired going into the game so I start Chris Martin in his place. Sam Parkin is way out of shape to even be an option.
<table width="90%" align="center" bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ian Bennett</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>24</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>42</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>
</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>16</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.81</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>10</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>2 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.73</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>36 (3)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.92</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>34 (7)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Paul McVeigh</td> <td>AM RL, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>1 (19)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.65</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>33</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.99</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>35 (2)</td> <td>13</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chris Martin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>8 (7)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Brill</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>25 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.61</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nathan Woolfe</td> <td>AM LC, F C</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>28 (9)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ryan Charles</td> <td>AM R, ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>0 (22)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.69</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>18 (10)</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.71</td></tr></tbody></table>

The game starts with an averted catastrophe. We're only 90 seconds into the game when the referee goes all gung ho and call a dubious penalty against Kristian O'Leary. I did say averted catastrophe because the penalty kicker sends the ball straight to Ian Bennett. Phew...

We control the ball well but again can't convert, mostly because our strikers are worthless playing way too nervously. At the half, they are both rated in the 6.1-6.2 range.

Brentford took a 1-0 lead around the 35th minute and we never recover. It's not because we never tried though as Tom Craddock, coming off the bench in the 74th minute, came very close to tieing the game in the waning moments of the game.

The fans are still pleased, despite this away loss.

Andy Scott comes out to the press again, predicting that Luton will go down. I tell him that next time we'll be victorious. Yeah, I know, kinda weak but it was my only mind-game/negative comment option and there was no way I was gonna say anything positive about this bastage.

Hi comment, and my reply, seem to have whipped some guys. Maybe it'll help us rebounce from this tiny slump we're in. We remain 7 points away from safety, now with 9 games to play in the season. This is making me very nervous. A couple wins in those last two games and we'd be almost out of the relegation zone... Here's the table as it stands now:
<title>Holders - MK Dons</title><style type="text/css">  </style><center></center> <table width="90%" align="center" bordercolor="#000000"> <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>Bradford</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>21</td> <td>11</td> <td>5</td> <td>60</td> <td>30</td> <td>+30</td> <td>74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2nd</td> <td></td> <td>Gillingham</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>22</td> <td>7</td> <td>8</td> <td>57</td> <td>35</td> <td>+22</td> <td>73</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3rd</td> <td></td> <td>Bury</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>17</td> <td>13</td> <td>7</td> <td>51</td> <td>30</td> <td>+21</td> <td>64</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4th</td> <td></td> <td>Brentford</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>18</td> <td>9</td> <td>10</td> <td>53</td> <td>35</td> <td>+18</td> <td>63</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5th</td> <td></td> <td>Exeter</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>19</td> <td>5</td> <td>13</td> <td>45</td> <td>39</td> <td>+6</td> <td>62</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6th</td> <td></td> <td>Shrewsbury</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>16</td> <td>10</td> <td>11</td> <td>51</td> <td>41</td> <td>+10</td> <td>58</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7th</td> <td></td> <td>Darlington</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>17</td> <td>7</td> <td>13</td> <td>50</td> <td>43</td> <td>+7</td> <td>58</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8th</td> <td></td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>17</td> <td>7</td> <td>13</td> <td>52</td> <td>49</td> <td>+3</td> <td>58</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9th</td> <td></td> <td>Rochdale</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>16</td> <td>8</td> <td>13</td> <td>52</td> <td>35</td> <td>+17</td> <td>56</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10th</td> <td></td> <td>Barnet</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>16</td> <td>7</td> <td>14</td> <td>55</td> <td>37</td> <td>+18</td> <td>55</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11th</td> <td></td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>15</td> <td>10</td> <td>12</td> <td>39</td> <td>37</td> <td>+2</td> <td>55</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12th</td> <td></td> <td>Chesterfield</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>14</td> <td>13</td> <td>10</td> <td>50</td> <td>53</td> <td>-3</td> <td>55</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13th</td> <td></td> <td>Grimsby</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>14</td> <td>11</td> <td>12</td> <td>49</td> <td>41</td> <td>+8</td> <td>53</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14th</td> <td></td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>12</td> <td>13</td> <td>12</td> <td>40</td> <td>36</td> <td>+4</td> <td>49</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15th</td> <td></td> <td>Port Vale</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>14</td> <td>7</td> <td>16</td> <td>47</td> <td>62</td> <td>-15</td> <td>49</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16th</td> <td></td> <td>Rotherham</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>15</td> <td>14</td> <td>8</td> <td>40</td> <td>36</td> <td>+4</td> <td>42</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17th</td> <td></td> <td>Chester</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td>18</td> <td>38</td> <td>60</td> <td>-22</td> <td>39</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18th</td> <td></td> <td>Accrington</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>9</td> <td>9</td> <td>19</td> <td>42</td> <td>56</td> <td>-14</td> <td>36</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19th</td> <td></td> <td>Notts Co</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>9</td> <td>9</td> <td>19</td> <td>31</td> <td>58</td> <td>-27</td> <td>36</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20th</td> <td></td> <td>Morecambe</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>8</td> <td>8</td> <td>21</td> <td>42</td> <td>69</td> <td>-27</td> <td>32</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21st</td> <td></td> <td>Wycombe</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>5</td> <td>12</td> <td>20</td> <td>24</td> <td>46</td> <td>-22</td> <td>27</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22nd</td> <td></td> <td>Macclesfield</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>23</td> <td>30</td> <td>63</td> <td>-33</td> <td>24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23rd</td> <td></td> <td>Bournemouth</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>10</td> <td>8</td> <td>19</td> <td>38</td> <td>49</td> <td>-11</td> <td>21</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>24th</td> <td></td> <td>Luton</td> <td></td> <td>37</td> <td>13</td> <td>8</td> <td>16</td> <td>40</td> <td>36</td> <td>+4</td> <td>17</td></tr></tbody></table>

March 11, 2009
Sébastien Heitzmann resumes full training following his head injury. Hopefully it kocked some football sense into him and he'll start playing up to the coach's assessment...

March 13, 2009
It's Shiva-Star N'Zigou's turn to resume full training after missing a month. Him I really look forward to see back on the pitch. Thing is we play tomorrow or in a couple of days so he probably will not be ready to step right back in.

I've included some screenshots of a few profiles I had to help you get an idea of who's on the team. More to come soon, more like tonight or tomorrow though.

FM

FrogMan

08-13-2009, 09:11 AM

I've been reading the Tactical Theorem and Framework document, interesting piece of work. Can't say I'm ready to implement everything in it, but I understand the whole concept behind it. I have modified their 4-3-1-2 (see attached 4132original.jpg) from using 3 MCs to my preferred ML/MC/MR kind of setup (see attached 4132modified.jpg).

I like the linking between the three levels of players (defense, midfield, strikers) although using that much specific player by player instruction is quite new to me.

I'll be using one of their three flavours (standard, attacking, defensive) in my next few matches. Basically, the fullbacks are the ones who will be asked to support the attack or the defense more depending on how we play that tactic.

We'll see how it goes from there.

FM

FrogMan

08-13-2009, 09:14 AM

March 14, 2009
We play Grimsby at home. I'll be going with the attacking 4-1-3-2 formation for this game. Here's our squad for the game:
<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ian Bennett</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>25</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>43</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>
</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>17</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>35 (2)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>3 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>37 (3)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.94</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>35 (7)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nathan Woolfe</td> <td>AM LC, F C</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>28 (10)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>34</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.99</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>18 (11)</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>36 (2)</td> <td>13</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Brill</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>11</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Paul McVeigh</td> <td>AM RL, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>2 (19)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.65</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ryan Charles</td> <td>AM R, ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>0 (23)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.69</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chris Martin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>9 (7)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.66</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Sam Parkin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>16 (3)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.49</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>74%</td> <td>6 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.94</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>7 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.35</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>62%</td> <td>23 (9)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Asa Hall</td> <td>D/M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>8 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>25 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.61</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>David Button</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr></tbody></table>

I'll start by saying this was one of the most annoying game to watch. I mean, come one people, white with orange on the side (us) against white with black stripes. See the attached screenies, I can't believe any referee would let two teams play with such confusing colors.

The tactic seems to be working during the first half as we control the ball well and can pull off 8 shots while allowing them none. Thing is we just can't finish anything and of those 8 shots, only one was on target. Olivier Bernard suffers a brain fart 3 minutes into the second half when he lays a weak ass pass back to keeper Ian Bennett. The pass is intercepted before getting to the keeper and their forward scores in an empty net. Down 0-1.

We keep attacking, and putting shots in the stands behind their keeper, grrr. I'm pretty much resigned to the loss when Olivier Bernard redeems himself with a great strike from 25 yards out after beating two defenders. His goal ties the game 1-1 in the 91st minute.

Olivier Bernard goes from goat to hero and gets the Man of the Match. We end up with 2 shots on target out of 13 to their only 1. The fans were in a buoyant mood following the late equaliser and the good news is we get one point closer to safety with this draw.
<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><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>Bradford</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>22</td> <td>11</td> <td>5</td> <td>64</td> <td>32</td> <td>+32</td> <td>77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gillingham</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>22</td> <td>7</td> <td>9</td> <td>59</td> <td>39</td> <td>+20</td> <td>73</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bury</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>17</td> <td>14</td> <td>7</td> <td>52</td> <td>31</td> <td>+21</td> <td>65</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Brentford</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>18</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>54</td> <td>36</td> <td>+18</td> <td>64</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Exeter</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>19</td> <td>5</td> <td>14</td> <td>46</td> <td>41</td> <td>+5</td> <td>62</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Shrewsbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>17</td> <td>10</td> <td>11</td> <td>53</td> <td>41</td> <td>+12</td> <td>61</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>18</td> <td>7</td> <td>13</td> <td>54</td> <td>50</td> <td>+4</td> <td>61</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Darlington</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>17</td> <td>7</td> <td>14</td> <td>51</td> <td>46</td> <td>+5</td> <td>58</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chesterfield</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>15</td> <td>13</td> <td>10</td> <td>52</td> <td>54</td> <td>-2</td> <td>58</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>16</td> <td>8</td> <td>14</td> <td>56</td> <td>38</td> <td>+18</td> <td>56</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rochdale</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>16</td> <td>8</td> <td>14</td> <td>53</td> <td>37</td> <td>+16</td> <td>56</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>15</td> <td>10</td> <td>13</td> <td>39</td> <td>39</td> <td>0</td> <td>55</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Grimsby</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>14</td> <td>12</td> <td>12</td> <td>50</td> <td>42</td> <td>+8</td> <td>54</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>12</td> <td>13</td> <td>13</td> <td>42</td> <td>40</td> <td>+2</td> <td>49</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Port Vale</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>14</td> <td>7</td> <td>17</td> <td>47</td> <td>64</td> <td>-17</td> <td>49</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rotherham</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>16</td> <td>14</td> <td>8</td> <td>42</td> <td>36</td> <td>+6</td> <td>45</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>11</td> <td>9</td> <td>18</td> <td>41</td> <td>61</td> <td>-20</td> <td>42</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Accrington</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td>19</td> <td>46</td> <td>58</td> <td>-12</td> <td>39</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Notts Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>9</td> <td>10</td> <td>19</td> <td>32</td> <td>59</td> <td>-27</td> <td>37</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Morecambe</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>9</td> <td>8</td> <td>21</td> <td>44</td> <td>69</td> <td>-25</td> <td>35</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Wycombe</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>6</td> <td>12</td> <td>20</td> <td>30</td> <td>47</td> <td>-17</td> <td>30</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Macclesfield</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>24</td> <td>31</td> <td>69</td> <td>-38</td> <td>24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bournemouth</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>10</td> <td>8</td> <td>20</td> <td>38</td> <td>51</td> <td>-13</td> <td>21</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>13</td> <td>9</td> <td>16</td> <td>41</td> <td>37</td> <td>+4</td> <td>18</td></tr></tbody></table>
Our next game is only in seven days so maybe Sébastien Heitzmann and Shiva-Star N'Zigou might be available to play in that one...

FM

Alf

08-13-2009, 10:54 AM

I'm here and reading !

Wouldn't it be more of a challenge to let you slide to Conference level ?

FrogMan

08-13-2009, 11:18 AM

March 19, 2009
Arg! My physio reports that Ian Bennett stubbed his finger after awkwardly catching a ball in training today. Sounds worse than it really is as he's expected to mis between 5 and 6 days. We play in two days and if he's not ready to go, David Button would take his place. Him and Dean Brill were both available to play for the reserve's match of yesterday and my assistant picked Button.

March 21, 2009
We play 1st place Bradford on their pitch. We lost 0-3 to them in our first encounter this season and given the fact it was at Kenilworth Road back then and we're now playing on their pitch, I opt to go with the defensive 4-1-3-2 tactic. Both Shiva-Star N'Zigou and Sébastien Heitzmann will start this game. N'Zigou's a bit out of shape after missing a month of action, but I want him to come and play at least the first half, try and spark something. Ian Bennett is listed as doubtful but I decide to give him the start anyway.
<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</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>Ian Bennett</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>78%</td> <td>26</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>44</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.87</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>
</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>18</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>36 (2)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>4 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>35</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.96</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>91%</td> <td>6 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.94</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nathan Woolfe</td> <td>AM LC, F C</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>29 (10)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>38 (3)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.94</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>19 (11)</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>7 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.35</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Brill</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>11 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Paul McVeigh</td> <td>AM RL, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>2 (20)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.65</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>36 (7)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>37 (2)</td> <td>13</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Sam Parkin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>87%</td> <td>16 (3)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.49</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>61%</td> <td>23 (9)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chris Martin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>9 (7)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.66</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Asa Hall</td> <td>D/M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>77%</td> <td>8 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>25 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.61</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>David Button</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Ryan Charles</td> <td>AM R, ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>0 (24)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.70</td></tr></tbody></table>

The tactics seem to work well despite us being down 0-2 at the half. Strange to say, but the two goals were simply great of play. First, former Hatter Enoch Showunmi skinned righ fullback George Pilkington to take the ball to the 6 yard zone for an easy goal, and I mean really skinned him, great piece of dribbling. Their second goal was the result of a blistering shot from within the penalty area, nothing Bennett could do to stop it. Down 0-2 but we're winning possession, shots are 3(2) for them to 3(0) for us and nothing remarkable in corners. Really, as strange as this sounds, this could have gone either way. Really could have gone either way is Sébastien Heitzmann had not been forced to leave the game injured in the 20th minute. For once, he was having a strong start to a game and he can't finish it. Blech...

George Pilkington is a second casualty in the 48th minute as he too gets injured. Being forced to use two subs this early in the game kinda throws my game management out the window. One of the two wingers will have to finish the game way tired.

It won't change much anyway, as Enoch Showunmi scores another game and we lose it 0-3. Stats were fairly even throughout the game, except where it really counts, i.e. goals scored. The fans are disappointed with the heavy loss. We remain six points from Macclesfield and the safety line as they didn't play today.
<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><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>Bradford</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>23</td> <td>11</td> <td>5</td> <td>67</td> <td>32</td> <td>+35</td> <td>80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gillingham</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>22</td> <td>8</td> <td>9</td> <td>59</td> <td>39</td> <td>+20</td> <td>74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bury</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>18</td> <td>14</td> <td>7</td> <td>53</td> <td>31</td> <td>+22</td> <td>68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Exeter</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>20</td> <td>5</td> <td>14</td> <td>48</td> <td>41</td> <td>+7</td> <td>65</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Brentford</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>18</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>54</td> <td>36</td> <td>+18</td> <td>64</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Shrewsbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>17</td> <td>10</td> <td>12</td> <td>54</td> <td>43</td> <td>+11</td> <td>61</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Darlington</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>18</td> <td>7</td> <td>14</td> <td>55</td> <td>47</td> <td>+8</td> <td>61</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>18</td> <td>7</td> <td>14</td> <td>54</td> <td>54</td> <td>0</td> <td>61</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>17</td> <td>8</td> <td>14</td> <td>60</td> <td>38</td> <td>+22</td> <td>59</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rochdale</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>17</td> <td>8</td> <td>14</td> <td>55</td> <td>38</td> <td>+17</td> <td>59</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chesterfield</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>15</td> <td>14</td> <td>10</td> <td>52</td> <td>54</td> <td>-2</td> <td>59</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>16</td> <td>10</td> <td>13</td> <td>42</td> <td>40</td> <td>+2</td> <td>58</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Grimsby</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>14</td> <td>12</td> <td>13</td> <td>50</td> <td>43</td> <td>+7</td> <td>54</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Port Vale</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>15</td> <td>7</td> <td>17</td> <td>50</td> <td>65</td> <td>-15</td> <td>52</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>12</td> <td>13</td> <td>14</td> <td>42</td> <td>42</td> <td>0</td> <td>49</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rotherham</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>16</td> <td>15</td> <td>8</td> <td>43</td> <td>37</td> <td>+6</td> <td>46</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>11</td> <td>9</td> <td>19</td> <td>42</td> <td>64</td> <td>-22</td> <td>42</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Accrington</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td>20</td> <td>47</td> <td>62</td> <td>-15</td> <td>39</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Notts Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>9</td> <td>10</td> <td>20</td> <td>33</td> <td>62</td> <td>-29</td> <td>37</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Morecambe</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>9</td> <td>8</td> <td>22</td> <td>44</td> <td>71</td> <td>-27</td> <td>35</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Wycombe</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>7</td> <td>12</td> <td>20</td> <td>32</td> <td>47</td> <td>-15</td> <td>33</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Macclesfield</td> <td>
</td> <td>38</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>24</td> <td>31</td> <td>69</td> <td>-38</td> <td>24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bournemouth</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td>20</td> <td>39</td> <td>52</td> <td>-13</td> <td>22</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>13</td> <td>9</td> <td>17</td> <td>41</td> <td>40</td> <td>+1</td> <td>18</td></tr></tbody></table>
Sébastien Heitzmann will miss from 9 to 12 days with a bruised rib suffered after a late tackle. George Pilkington suffered a dead leg (aka Dr House injury ;)) and will be out around 6 days.

March 24, 2009
Macclesfield are soundly beaten 1-4 by Brentford so we remain at 6 points from them, with now only 7 games to play.
<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><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>Bradford</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>23</td> <td>11</td> <td>5</td> <td>67</td> <td>32</td> <td>+35</td> <td>80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gillingham</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>22</td> <td>8</td> <td>9</td> <td>59</td> <td>39</td> <td>+20</td> <td>74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bury</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>18</td> <td>14</td> <td>7</td> <td>53</td> <td>31</td> <td>+22</td> <td>68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Brentford</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>19</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>58</td> <td>37</td> <td>+21</td> <td>67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Exeter</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>20</td> <td>5</td> <td>14</td> <td>48</td> <td>41</td> <td>+7</td> <td>65</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Shrewsbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>17</td> <td>10</td> <td>12</td> <td>54</td> <td>43</td> <td>+11</td> <td>61</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Darlington</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>18</td> <td>7</td> <td>14</td> <td>55</td> <td>47</td> <td>+8</td> <td>61</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>18</td> <td>7</td> <td>14</td> <td>54</td> <td>54</td> <td>0</td> <td>61</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>17</td> <td>8</td> <td>14</td> <td>60</td> <td>38</td> <td>+22</td> <td>59</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rochdale</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>17</td> <td>8</td> <td>14</td> <td>55</td> <td>38</td> <td>+17</td> <td>59</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chesterfield</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>15</td> <td>14</td> <td>10</td> <td>52</td> <td>54</td> <td>-2</td> <td>59</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>16</td> <td>10</td> <td>13</td> <td>42</td> <td>40</td> <td>+2</td> <td>58</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Grimsby</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>14</td> <td>12</td> <td>13</td> <td>50</td> <td>43</td> <td>+7</td> <td>54</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Port Vale</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>15</td> <td>7</td> <td>17</td> <td>50</td> <td>65</td> <td>-15</td> <td>52</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>12</td> <td>13</td> <td>14</td> <td>42</td> <td>42</td> <td>0</td> <td>49</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rotherham</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>16</td> <td>15</td> <td>8</td> <td>43</td> <td>37</td> <td>+6</td> <td>46</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>11</td> <td>9</td> <td>19</td> <td>42</td> <td>64</td> <td>-22</td> <td>42</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Accrington</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td>20</td> <td>47</td> <td>62</td> <td>-15</td> <td>39</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Notts Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>9</td> <td>10</td> <td>20</td> <td>33</td> <td>62</td> <td>-29</td> <td>37</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Morecambe</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>9</td> <td>8</td> <td>22</td> <td>44</td> <td>71</td> <td>-27</td> <td>35</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Wycombe</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>7</td> <td>12</td> <td>20</td> <td>32</td> <td>47</td> <td>-15</td> <td>33</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Macclesfield</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>25</td> <td>32</td> <td>73</td> <td>-41</td> <td>24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bournemouth</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td>20</td> <td>39</td> <td>52</td> <td>-13</td> <td>22</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>13</td> <td>9</td> <td>17</td> <td>41</td> <td>40</td> <td>+1</td> <td>18</td></tr></tbody></table>
FM

FrogMan

08-13-2009, 11:23 AM

I'm here and reading !

Wouldn't it be more of a challenge to let you slide to Conference level ?

Hey Alf! Long time no see. :)

I guess it would be, wouldn't it? Reason why I'd like us to stay up is I'd really want to do better than the real life Hatters. They were relegated at the end of the 2008-09 season after finishing 24th. Funny thing, look at the final table:
<table cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr></tr><tr><th>
</th> <th>
</th> <th>
</th> <th>P</th> <th>W</th> <th>D</th> <th>L</th> <th>F</th> <th>A</th> <th>GD</th> <th>Pts</th> </tr> <tr style="background: rgb(240, 191, 63) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="right"> <td>C</td> <td>1</td> <td align="left">Brentford (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brentford_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>23</td> <td>16</td> <td>7</td> <td>65</td> <td>36</td> <td>+29</td> <td>85</td> </tr> <tr style="background: rgb(240, 191, 63) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="right"> <td>P</td> <td>2</td> <td align="left">Exeter City (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exeter_City_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>22</td> <td>13</td> <td>11</td> <td>65</td> <td>50</td> <td>+15</td> <td>79</td> </tr> <tr style="background: rgb(240, 191, 63) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="right"> <td>P</td> <td>3</td> <td align="left">Wycombe Wanderers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wycombe_Wanderers_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>20</td> <td>18</td> <td>8</td> <td>54</td> <td>33</td> <td>+21</td> <td>78</td> </tr> <tr style="background: rgb(204, 204, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="right"> <td> </td> <td>4</td> <td align="left">Bury (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bury_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>21</td> <td>15</td> <td>10</td> <td>63</td> <td>43</td> <td>+20</td> <td>78</td> </tr> <tr style="background: rgb(240, 191, 63) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="right"> <td>P</td> <td>5</td> <td align="left">Gillingham (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gillingham_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>21</td> <td>12</td> <td>13</td> <td>58</td> <td>55</td> <td>+3</td> <td>75</td> </tr> <tr style="background: rgb(204, 204, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="right"> <td> </td> <td>6</td> <td align="left">Rochdale (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rochdale_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>19</td> <td>13</td> <td>14</td> <td>70</td> <td>59</td> <td>+11</td> <td>70</td> </tr> <tr style="background: rgb(204, 204, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="right"> <td> </td> <td>7</td> <td align="left">Shrewsbury Town (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrewsbury_Town_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>17</td> <td>18</td> <td>11</td> <td>61</td> <td>44</td> <td>+17</td> <td>69</td> </tr> <tr align="right"> <td> </td> <td>8</td> <td align="left">Dagenham & Redbridge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dagenham_%26_Redbridge_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>19</td> <td>11</td> <td>16</td> <td>77</td> <td>53</td> <td>+24</td> <td>68</td> </tr> <tr align="right"> <td> </td> <td>9</td> <td align="left">Bradford City (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bradford_City_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>18</td> <td>13</td> <td>15</td> <td>66</td> <td>55</td> <td>+11</td> <td>67</td> </tr> <tr align="right"> <td> </td> <td>10</td> <td align="left">Chesterfield (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesterfield_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>16</td> <td>15</td> <td>15</td> <td>62</td> <td>57</td> <td>+5</td> <td>63</td> </tr> <tr align="right"> <td> </td> <td>11</td> <td align="left">Morecambe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morecambe_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>15</td> <td>18</td> <td>13</td> <td>53</td> <td>56</td> <td>-3</td> <td>63</td> </tr> <tr align="right"> <td> </td> <td>12</td> <td align="left">Darlington (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darlington_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>20</td> <td>12</td> <td>14</td> <td>61</td> <td>44</td> <td>+17</td> <td>62*</td> </tr> <tr align="right"> <td> </td> <td>13</td> <td align="left">Lincoln City (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_City_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>14</td> <td>17</td> <td>15</td> <td>53</td> <td>52</td> <td>+1</td> <td>59</td> </tr> <tr align="right"> <td> </td> <td>14</td> <td align="left">Rotherham United (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotherham_United_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>21</td> <td>12</td> <td>13</td> <td>60</td> <td>46</td> <td>+14</td> <td>58*</td> </tr> <tr align="right"> <td> </td> <td>15</td> <td align="left">Aldershot Town (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldershot_Town_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>14</td> <td>12</td> <td>20</td> <td>59</td> <td>80</td> <td>-21</td> <td>54</td> </tr> <tr align="right"> <td> </td> <td>16</td> <td align="left">Accrington Stanley (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accrington_Stanley_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>13</td> <td>11</td> <td>22</td> <td>42</td> <td>59</td> <td>-17</td> <td>50</td> </tr> <tr align="right"> <td> </td> <td>17</td> <td align="left">Barnet (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnet_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>11</td> <td>15</td> <td>20</td> <td>56</td> <td>74</td> <td>-18</td> <td>48</td> </tr> <tr align="right"> <td> </td> <td>18</td> <td align="left">Port Vale (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Vale_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>13</td> <td>9</td> <td>24</td> <td>44</td> <td>66</td> <td>-22</td> <td>48</td> </tr> <tr align="right"> <td> </td> <td>19</td> <td align="left">Notts County (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notts_County_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>11</td> <td>14</td> <td>21</td> <td>49</td> <td>69</td> <td>-20</td> <td>47</td> </tr> <tr align="right"> <td> </td> <td>20</td> <td align="left">Macclesfield Town (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macclesfield_Town_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>13</td> <td>8</td> <td>25</td> <td>45</td> <td>77</td> <td>-32</td> <td>47</td> </tr> <tr align="right"> <td> </td> <td>21</td> <td align="left">Bournemouth (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A.F.C._Bournemouth)</td> <td>46</td> <td>17</td> <td>12</td> <td>17</td> <td>59</td> <td>51</td> <td>+8</td> <td>46*</td> </tr> <tr align="right"> <td> </td> <td>22</td> <td align="left">Grimsby Town (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grimsby_Town_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>9</td> <td>14</td> <td>23</td> <td>51</td> <td>69</td> <td>-18</td> <td>41</td> </tr> <tr style="background: rgb(255, 204, 204) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="right"> <td>R</td> <td>23</td> <td align="left">Chester City (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chester_City_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>8</td> <td>13</td> <td>25</td> <td>43</td> <td>81</td> <td>-38</td> <td>37</td> </tr> <tr style="background: rgb(255, 204, 204) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="right"> <td>R</td> <td>24</td> <td align="left">Luton Town (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luton_Town_F.C.)</td> <td>46</td> <td>13</td> <td>17</td> <td>16</td> <td>58</td> <td>65</td> <td>-7</td> <td>26*</td></tr></tbody></table>
We currently have the exact same number of wins AND losses with seven games to play in the season. Kind of eerie...

I've never manage at the conference level though. Might be interesting. Will be interesting either way really. :)

FM

mrkilla22

08-13-2009, 11:40 AM

Good stuff as always FrogMan! :)

FrogMan

08-13-2009, 11:42 AM

Good stuff as always FrogMan! :)

thanks, glad to have you reading. :)

FM

kingfc22

08-13-2009, 11:58 AM

Following along.

FrogMan

08-13-2009, 12:02 PM

Following along.

welcome aboard! :)

FM

FrogMan

08-14-2009, 09:06 AM

March 28, 2009
We play 5th place Exeter City at Kenilworth Road. Sébastien Heitzmann is listed as doubtful for the match and being at only 76% in condition, I decide to sit him out. In a stunning move, I also give one rare start to Sam Parkin. Maybe this'll stir things up a bit.
<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ian Bennett</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>27</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>25 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.61</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>
</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>19</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>11 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>39 (3)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.93</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>7 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.91</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Paul McVeigh</td> <td>AM RL, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>2 (20)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.65</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>36</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.96</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Sam Parkin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>16 (3)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.49</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chris Martin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>9 (7)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.66</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Brill</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>PR</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>45</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.87</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nathan Woolfe</td> <td>AM LC, F C</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>30 (10)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>36 (8)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>37 (3)</td> <td>13</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>76%</td> <td>8 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.39</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>60%</td> <td>23 (9)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>20 (11)</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Asa Hall</td> <td>D/M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>8 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>David Button</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Trv</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>37 (2)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Ryan Charles</td> <td>AM R, ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>0 (24)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.70</td></tr></tbody></table>
We will play a neutral tactic, neither attacking nor defensive. I find it interesting that the prematch analysis is presenting loanee Hólmar Eyjólfsson as the key man for our squad. Two other tidbits of trivia in the milestones department: Sam Parkin has gone 601 minutes without scoring a goal and if we fail to win today, we'll have gone 8 games without a win, beating our previous record of 7...

Well, Parkin only went 610 minutes without a goal when his strike from 30 yards out finds the back of the net in only the 9th minute. Up 1-0 early on. We all thought we'd gone up by 2 in the 59th minute when a perfect pass to Nathan Woolfe was converted into a goal but it got disallowed. Apparently, Woolfe straye "fractionally" offside. It was very fractional, let me tell you this.

There was appearance of offside at the other end of the pitch in the 87th minute when Exeter score the tieing goal. We contest and argue but nothing does. Tied 1-1. Tied and very frustrated...

We do push until the very end and get a chance for redemption only a couple minutes later but the ball skims the top of the bar to end up in the stands. The game ends in a 1-1 lock.

I tell the guys I sympathise with them. We didn't really dominate the game, but I think we'd done enough to secure the win. Here are the match stats:
<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Exeter</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>48%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>52%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>19</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>25</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>62%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>65%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>33%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>33%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>97%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>96%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>50%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>78%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>

I had not realized the 3 clear cut chances on their side until now. Finally we're probably lucky to have let only one in, heh... Just to show how much of a star Shiva-Star n'Zigou is becoming for us, he got the Man of the Match and had 11 runs past opponents in the game with the assist on Parkin's goal.

The simple point we hauled in today is good enough to bring 1 point closer to safety. We're now trailing Macclesfield by only 5 points.
<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><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>Pl</td> <td>Bradford</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>23</td> <td>12</td> <td>5</td> <td>67</td> <td>32</td> <td>+35</td> <td>81</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gillingham</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>23</td> <td>8</td> <td>9</td> <td>60</td> <td>39</td> <td>+21</td> <td>77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bury</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>18</td> <td>15</td> <td>7</td> <td>53</td> <td>31</td> <td>+22</td> <td>69</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Brentford</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>19</td> <td>11</td> <td>10</td> <td>59</td> <td>38</td> <td>+21</td> <td>68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Exeter</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>20</td> <td>6</td> <td>14</td> <td>49</td> <td>42</td> <td>+7</td> <td>66</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rochdale</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>18</td> <td>8</td> <td>14</td> <td>56</td> <td>38</td> <td>+18</td> <td>62</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chesterfield</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>16</td> <td>14</td> <td>10</td> <td>54</td> <td>55</td> <td>-1</td> <td>62</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Shrewsbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>17</td> <td>10</td> <td>13</td> <td>55</td> <td>45</td> <td>+10</td> <td>61</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Darlington</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>18</td> <td>7</td> <td>15</td> <td>55</td> <td>48</td> <td>+7</td> <td>61</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>18</td> <td>7</td> <td>15</td> <td>54</td> <td>56</td> <td>-2</td> <td>61</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>17</td> <td>9</td> <td>14</td> <td>60</td> <td>38</td> <td>+22</td> <td>60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>16</td> <td>11</td> <td>13</td> <td>44</td> <td>42</td> <td>+2</td> <td>59</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Grimsby</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>15</td> <td>12</td> <td>13</td> <td>53</td> <td>43</td> <td>+10</td> <td>57</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Port Vale</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>16</td> <td>7</td> <td>17</td> <td>52</td> <td>65</td> <td>-13</td> <td>55</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>12</td> <td>14</td> <td>14</td> <td>42</td> <td>42</td> <td>0</td> <td>50</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rotherham</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>17</td> <td>15</td> <td>8</td> <td>45</td> <td>38</td> <td>+7</td> <td>49</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>11</td> <td>9</td> <td>19</td> <td>42</td> <td>64</td> <td>-22</td> <td>42</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Accrington</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>20</td> <td>49</td> <td>64</td> <td>-15</td> <td>40</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Notts Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>9</td> <td>10</td> <td>21</td> <td>33</td> <td>63</td> <td>-30</td> <td>37</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Morecambe</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>9</td> <td>9</td> <td>22</td> <td>45</td> <td>72</td> <td>-27</td> <td>36</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Wycombe</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>7</td> <td>12</td> <td>21</td> <td>33</td> <td>49</td> <td>-16</td> <td>33</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Macclesfield</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>26</td> <td>32</td> <td>76</td> <td>-44</td> <td>24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bournemouth</td> <td>
</td> <td>39</td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td>20</td> <td>39</td> <td>52</td> <td>-13</td> <td>22</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>
</td> <td>40</td> <td>13</td> <td>10</td> <td>17</td> <td>42</td> <td>41</td> <td>+1</td> <td>19</td></tr></tbody></table>
This could change when Bournemouth play the game they have on hand over us.

April 1st, 2009
The board still feel I should be performing slightly better in my role as manager. They still feel the signing of Sébastien Heitzmann was bad bu that Shiva-Star N'Zigou was a real steal. Honestly, I don't know what they think I should be doing better. I mean, yeah, we got knocked out early in both the League Cup and the FA Cup, but in both instances it was due to crappy draws and for both, they say they are disappointed but understand how we could have been knocked out when we were. We're expected to be fighting bravely against relegation, which I think we are, given the fact we started 30 points in the hole. Oh well...

FM

Qwikshot

08-14-2009, 09:19 AM

I'm reading, I miss these...perhaps when Z flies away Monday, I'll think about purchasing, though I did see 2010 is coming out soon.

FrogMan

08-14-2009, 11:40 AM

I'm reading, I miss these...perhaps when Z flies away Monday, I'll think about purchasing, though I did see 2010 is coming out soon.

It's funny cause I was reading my last dynasty (http://www.osatwork.com/fofc/showthread.php?p=1670984&highlight=luton#post1670984) and you were the last one to post in that one. I was wondering if you'd show up in this one. Glad to have you on board. :)

FM

FrogMan

08-14-2009, 11:43 AM

April 4, 2009
League Match #41: at Rochdale (6th) (Rochdale 6-4 fav)
<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ian Bennett</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>28</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.81</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>26 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.63</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>
</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>20</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.88</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>12 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>6 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.69</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>40 (3)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.93</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>8 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.98</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nathan Woolfe</td> <td>AM LC, F C</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>30 (11)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>37</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Sam Parkin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>17 (3)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.52</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>8 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.39</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Brill</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>45</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.87</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Paul McVeigh</td> <td>AM RL, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>3 (20)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.66</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>36 (9)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>37 (4)</td> <td>13</td> <td>6.71</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>60%</td> <td>23 (9)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>20 (11)</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chris Martin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>10 (7)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.66</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Asa Hall</td> <td>D/M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>8 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>David Button</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>37 (2)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Ryan Charles</td> <td>AM R, ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>0 (24)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.70</td></tr></tbody></table>
We beat them 1-0 in our earlier matchup this season. I decide to go with a defensive setting for this game. Sébastien Heitzmann is back in the side and Sam Parkin retains his starting spot. I tell the guys to do it for the fans.

After Parkin ending his scoring drought in our last game, it's Sébastien Heitzmann's turn to score. He does so on a beautiful shot from 20 yards out following a perfect pass from fellow Frenchman Shiva-Star N'zigou in the 4th minute. We end the first half ahead 1-0, controlling the ball most of the time. My assistant recommends I encourage the boys at the half but I digress. It's what I did in our last game and we faltered. I tell them not to get careless.

Well, not sure how good that halftime talk since Rochdale puts us in a bind early on in the second half. They tie the game following a corner kick only 90 seconds into the half, gah! We keep controlling the ball but we're not taking much chances. With about 10 minutes to go I say the heck with it and flip the switch into "attacking mode". It pays off 2 minutes into injury time when a kick from Andrea Lombardo, who'd replaced a knocked off Sam Parkin in the 53rd, finds the back of the net. Surely, it's got to be the winning goal... AND IT IS!!!

Sébastien Heitzmann earns the Man of the Match with a great performance. In addition to his goal, he also completed 17 of 19 passes. Interesting stat of the match, both centrebacks (Kristian O'Leary and Hólmar Eyjólfsson) won 9 of the 10 headers they challenged for.

The fans are only pleased with the win but I told my guys I was delighted with it. That win, combined with Macclesfield's 0-2 loss to Barnet, means we've to within two points from getting out of the relegation zone. Bournemouth still hold a game on hand over us and Maccesfield. It's now pretty much a lock that relegation will happen to one of our three clubs as the next one up, Wycombe, seem to have pulled away a bit.

Interesting tidbit regarding board confidence about signees. They now feel that Shiva-Star N'Zigou looks like he'll be a truly inspired signing (confidence: superb) and they're not as down on Sébastien Heitzmann as they were before (confidence now at poor instead of very poor).

April 7, 2009
Speaking of Sébastien Heitzmann, he just got selected into the League 2 Team of the Week.

April 8, 2009
Bournemouth lose the match they had on hand over us, 1-3 against Chester. The last three teams in League 2 are now within 2 points of one another.
<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><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>Pl</td> <td>Bradford</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>24</td> <td>12</td> <td>5</td> <td>68</td> <td>32</td> <td>+36</td> <td>84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gillingham</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>23</td> <td>9</td> <td>9</td> <td>62</td> <td>41</td> <td>+21</td> <td>78</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Brentford</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>20</td> <td>11</td> <td>10</td> <td>62</td> <td>40</td> <td>+22</td> <td>71</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bury</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>18</td> <td>16</td> <td>7</td> <td>54</td> <td>32</td> <td>+22</td> <td>70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Exeter</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>20</td> <td>7</td> <td>14</td> <td>50</td> <td>43</td> <td>+7</td> <td>67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Shrewsbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>18</td> <td>10</td> <td>13</td> <td>56</td> <td>45</td> <td>+11</td> <td>64</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>19</td> <td>7</td> <td>15</td> <td>59</td> <td>56</td> <td>+3</td> <td>64</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>18</td> <td>9</td> <td>14</td> <td>62</td> <td>38</td> <td>+24</td> <td>63</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rochdale</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>18</td> <td>8</td> <td>15</td> <td>57</td> <td>40</td> <td>+17</td> <td>62</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Darlington</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>18</td> <td>8</td> <td>15</td> <td>55</td> <td>48</td> <td>+7</td> <td>62</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>17</td> <td>11</td> <td>13</td> <td>45</td> <td>42</td> <td>+3</td> <td>62</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chesterfield</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>16</td> <td>14</td> <td>11</td> <td>54</td> <td>56</td> <td>-2</td> <td>62</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Grimsby</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>16</td> <td>12</td> <td>13</td> <td>56</td> <td>44</td> <td>+12</td> <td>60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Port Vale</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>16</td> <td>8</td> <td>17</td> <td>53</td> <td>66</td> <td>-13</td> <td>56</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>12</td> <td>14</td> <td>15</td> <td>42</td> <td>43</td> <td>-1</td> <td>50</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rotherham</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>17</td> <td>15</td> <td>9</td> <td>45</td> <td>39</td> <td>+6</td> <td>49</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>12</td> <td>9</td> <td>20</td> <td>46</td> <td>68</td> <td>-22</td> <td>45</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Accrington</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>21</td> <td>51</td> <td>67</td> <td>-16</td> <td>40</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Morecambe</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>9</td> <td>10</td> <td>22</td> <td>46</td> <td>73</td> <td>-27</td> <td>37</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Notts Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>9</td> <td>10</td> <td>22</td> <td>33</td> <td>68</td> <td>-35</td> <td>37</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Wycombe</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>7</td> <td>13</td> <td>21</td> <td>35</td> <td>51</td> <td>-16</td> <td>34</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Macclesfield</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>27</td> <td>32</td> <td>78</td> <td>-46</td> <td>24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bournemouth</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>21</td> <td>40</td> <td>55</td> <td>-15</td> <td>23</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>14</td> <td>10</td> <td>17</td> <td>44</td> <td>42</td> <td>+2</td> <td>22</td></tr></tbody></table>
FM

chesapeake

08-14-2009, 01:21 PM

That was an important win -- well done! I am not familiar with the Luton backstory. What led to the 30 point penalty?

FrogMan

08-14-2009, 02:04 PM

That was an important win -- well done! I am not familiar with the Luton backstory. What led to the 30 point penalty?

thanks, and yes it was an important win although they are all important at this point. :)

As for Luton's point deductions, from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luton_Town):
Due to financial irregularities, the side was docked 10 points for the 2008–09 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_in_English_football) season – and then 20 more points by the Football League for exiting administration without a Company Voluntary Arrangement. Luton Town therefore started the season on minus 30 points.<sup id="cite_ref-Times4340138_51-0" class="reference">[52] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luton_Town#cite_note-Times4340138-51)</sup>

Was a crazy year for the Hatters last year. Not sure anybody knew, but they were relegated in three consecutive seasons. From the Championship to League 1 to League 2 to Conference...

FM

FrogMan

08-15-2009, 11:01 PM

April 11, 2009
League Match #42: at Barnet (8th) (Luton 5-4 fav)
<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ian Bennett</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>29</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.81</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>27 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.66</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>
</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>21</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.90</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>13 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>7 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>41 (3)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.94</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>9 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.98</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nathan Woolfe</td> <td>AM LC, F C</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>31 (11)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.78</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>38</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Slt</td> <td>Sam Parkin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>18 (3)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.50</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>9 (1)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.50</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Brill</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>45</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.87</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Paul McVeigh</td> <td>AM RL, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>3 (21)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.66</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>36 (10)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>37 (5)</td> <td>14</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>59%</td> <td>23 (9)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>20 (11)</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chris Martin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>10 (7)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.66</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Asa Hall</td> <td>D/M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>85%</td> <td>8 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>David Button</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>37 (2)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Ryan Charles</td> <td>AM R, ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>87%</td> <td>0 (24)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.70</td></tr></tbody></table>
I decide to go with a neutral strategy for this game. 23rd place Bournemouth play against 18th place Accrington while 22nd place Macclesfield play at 1st place Bradford.

Kristian O'Leary gives us a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute on a beauty of a diving header, converting a corner from Kevin Nicholls but they do the same in injury time right before the end of the half. 1-1 after 45 minutes.

At the half, I see that Sébastien Heitzmann is having a rough game so while I tell everyone that I think we can win, I take him aside and tell him I have faith in his ability. It sure looks like it's given him a boost as he scores in the 60th minute to give us back the lead, 2-1. It was another one of his good, hard shot from 20 yards out. It's a good game, with chances on both end of the pitch and they push us hard. They finally score to tie the game in th 77th minute, 2-2.

I ask the guys to go all out for the last 7 minutes of the game or so, but we can't regain the lead. Final score: 2-2.

I tell the guys I'm pleased with their effort. A win was surely within our grasp, but a 2-2 tie on the road is not that bad.

Sébastien Heitzmann ended up being the Man of the Match. Aside from his goal, he had a heck of a good second half. The fans now think he will be a decent capture for us. ;)

Well, well, well, Bournemouth ended up losing 1-2 to Accrington and Macclesfield got beat soundly, 0-3, by Bradford, so we end up moving up one spot in the standings. For the first time this season, WE ARE NOT DEAD LAST!!!
<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><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>P</td> <td>Bradford</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>25</td> <td>12</td> <td>5</td> <td>71</td> <td>32</td> <td>+39</td> <td>87</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2nd</td> <td>Pl</td> <td>Gillingham</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>24</td> <td>9</td> <td>9</td> <td>66</td> <td>44</td> <td>+22</td> <td>81</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Brentford</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>21</td> <td>11</td> <td>10</td> <td>63</td> <td>40</td> <td>+23</td> <td>74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bury</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>18</td> <td>17</td> <td>7</td> <td>54</td> <td>32</td> <td>+22</td> <td>71</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Exeter</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>20</td> <td>8</td> <td>14</td> <td>50</td> <td>43</td> <td>+7</td> <td>68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Shrewsbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>19</td> <td>10</td> <td>13</td> <td>58</td> <td>45</td> <td>+13</td> <td>67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rochdale</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>19</td> <td>8</td> <td>15</td> <td>59</td> <td>40</td> <td>+19</td> <td>65</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Darlington</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>19</td> <td>8</td> <td>15</td> <td>57</td> <td>49</td> <td>+8</td> <td>65</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>18</td> <td>10</td> <td>14</td> <td>64</td> <td>40</td> <td>+24</td> <td>64</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>19</td> <td>7</td> <td>16</td> <td>59</td> <td>58</td> <td>+1</td> <td>64</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Grimsby</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>17</td> <td>12</td> <td>13</td> <td>57</td> <td>44</td> <td>+13</td> <td>63</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>17</td> <td>11</td> <td>14</td> <td>48</td> <td>46</td> <td>+2</td> <td>62</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chesterfield</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>16</td> <td>14</td> <td>12</td> <td>55</td> <td>58</td> <td>-3</td> <td>62</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Port Vale</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>17</td> <td>8</td> <td>17</td> <td>56</td> <td>66</td> <td>-10</td> <td>59</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>12</td> <td>14</td> <td>16</td> <td>42</td> <td>46</td> <td>-4</td> <td>50</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rotherham</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>17</td> <td>15</td> <td>10</td> <td>45</td> <td>40</td> <td>+5</td> <td>49</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>12</td> <td>9</td> <td>21</td> <td>47</td> <td>71</td> <td>-24</td> <td>45</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Accrington</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>11</td> <td>10</td> <td>21</td> <td>53</td> <td>68</td> <td>-15</td> <td>43</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Wycombe</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>8</td> <td>13</td> <td>21</td> <td>38</td> <td>52</td> <td>-14</td> <td>37</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Morecambe</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>9</td> <td>10</td> <td>23</td> <td>46</td> <td>74</td> <td>-28</td> <td>37</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Notts Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>9</td> <td>10</td> <td>23</td> <td>33</td> <td>70</td> <td>-37</td> <td>37</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Macclesfield</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>28</td> <td>32</td> <td>81</td> <td>-49</td> <td>24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23rd</td> <td></td> <td>Luton</td> <td></td> <td>42</td> <td>14</td> <td>11</td> <td>17</td> <td>46</td> <td>44</td> <td>+2</td> <td>23</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bournemouth</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>22</td> <td>41</td> <td>57</td> <td>-16</td> <td>23</td></tr></tbody></table>
FM

Izulde

08-15-2009, 11:07 PM

One frigging point away from safety.

You can do it, FM!

FrogMan

08-15-2009, 11:19 PM

One frigging point away from safety.

You can do it, FM!

welcome aboard and thanks! We sure will fight it out. :)

FM

FrogMan

08-17-2009, 09:10 AM

April 13, 2009
League Match #43: vs Port Vale (14th) (Luton evens fav)
<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>Last 5 Games</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Ian Bennett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.81</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Claude Gnakpa</TD><TD>D RC, WB R</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>28 (3)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Olivier Bernard</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.89</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Kristian O'Leary</TD><TD>D RC, DM, M C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>14 (2)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.76</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</TD><TD>D C, DM, M C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.82</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Kevin Nicholls</TD><TD>DM, M C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>6.92</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</TD><TD>AM R, F C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>10 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.96</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Nathan Woolfe</TD><TD>AM LC, F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>32 (11)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.78</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MC</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>93%</TD><TD>42 (3)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.93</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ST</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Andrea Lombardo</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>37 (6)</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>6.71</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ST</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Sébastien Heitzmann</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>10 (1)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.59</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Rsv</TD><TD>Dean Brill</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>94%</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.72</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>George Pilkington</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>98%</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.87</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Paul McVeigh</TD><TD>AM RL, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>3 (22)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>PR</TD><TD>Kevin Gallen</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>36 (11)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.83</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>Slt</TD><TD>Sam Parkin</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>19 (3)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.51</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Lewis Emanuel</TD><TD>D/M L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>62%</TD><TD>23 (9)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6.82</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Tom Craddock</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>100%</TD><TD>20 (11)</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>6.67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Chris Martin</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>10 (7)</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6.66</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Rsv</TD><TD>Asa Hall</TD><TD>D/M C</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>89%</TD><TD>8 (1)</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.76</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Rsv</TD><TD>David Button</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>6.74</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Rsv</TD><TD>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>99%</TD><TD>37 (2)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6.70</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>-</TD><TD>Rsv</TD><TD>Ryan Charles</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Superb</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>89%</TD><TD>0 (24)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6.70</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
As we get ready for the match, we learn that Sébastien Heitzmann has been once again named on the League 2 Team of the Week. He's certainly gotten more comfortable in our little league.

While we'll be playing, 22nd place Macclesfield will play 5th place Exeter and 24th place Bournemouth will play 2nd place Gillingham.

We're going into this game with an attacking strategy, pushing up the full backs.

The first half is pretty uneventful. We shoot 6 times but 4 off target and 2 blocked, holding 59% of the possession. 31 of those 59 percents were in the attacking tier though.

It's more of the same for most of the second half. I decide to pull out the good old 4-2-4 formation with 20 minutes to go. It's the time I use it personally, but I've been burned by it so many times at the end of games that I think it's worth a try. We do put some more pressure, but we just can't put one behind the keeper. Final Score: 0-0.
<TABLE borderColor=#000000 width="90%" align=center><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Luton</TD><TD>Statistic</TD><TD>Port Vale</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11</TD><TD>Shots</TD><TD>6</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1</TD><TD>On Target</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5</TD><TD>Off Target</TD><TD>5</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5</TD><TD>Blocked Shots</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>0</TD><TD>Clear Cut Chances</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>59%</TD><TD>Possession</TD><TD>41%</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8</TD><TD>Corners</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5</TD><TD>Free Kicks</TD><TD>23</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>40</TD><TD>Throw-Ins</TD><TD>14</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>21</TD><TD>Fouls</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2</TD><TD>Offsides</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>70%</TD><TD>Passes Completed</TD><TD>47%</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19%</TD><TD>Crosses Completed</TD><TD>0%</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>96%</TD><TD>Tackles Won</TD><TD>84%</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>53%</TD><TD>Headers Won</TD><TD>71%</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>0</TD><TD>Yellow Cards</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>0</TD><TD>Red Cards</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
We controlled the game is so many aspects (possession, shots taken, corners won, percentage of passes completed that it's a bit disappointing that we were unable to pull off the win. Look at how many throw ins we had, 40. This means they simply kept stopping us and kicking the ball out. I let the guys know that I'm disappointed with the effort. The fans are pleased with the draw however, go figure.

The good news is that both Macclesfield (1-3 to Exeter) and Bournemouth (0-1 to Gillingham) lost their matches so WE MOVE ON UP OUT OF RELEGATION!!!
<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>P</TD><TD>Bradford</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>72</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>+40</TD><TD>90</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2nd</TD><TD>P</TD><TD>Gillingham</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>67</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>+23</TD><TD>84</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3rd</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Brentford</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>63</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>+23</TD><TD>75</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4th</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Bury</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>+22</TD><TD>72</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5th</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Exeter</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>53</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>71</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>6th</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Rochdale</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>+20</TD><TD>68</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>7th</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Darlington</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>+9</TD><TD>68</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>8th</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Shrewsbury</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>58</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>+12</TD><TD>67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>9th</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Lincoln</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>58</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>67</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10th</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Barnet</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>65</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>+24</TD><TD>65</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>11th</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Grimsby</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>58</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>+13</TD><TD>64</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12th</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Dag & Red</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>+1</TD><TD>62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13th</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Chesterfield</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>59</TD><TD>-4</TD><TD>62</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>14th</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Port Vale</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>66</TD><TD>-10</TD><TD>60</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>15th</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Rotherham</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>+5</TD><TD>50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>16th</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Aldershot</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>-5</TD><TD>50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>17th</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Chester</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>71</TD><TD>-24</TD><TD>46</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18th</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Accrington</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>53</TD><TD>68</TD><TD>-15</TD><TD>44</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>19th</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Notts Co</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>70</TD><TD>-36</TD><TD>40</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>20th</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Wycombe</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>-14</TD><TD>38</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>21st</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Morecambe</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>75</TD><TD>-29</TD><TD>37</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>22nd</TD><TD></TD><TD>Luton</TD><TD></TD><TD>43</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>+2</TD><TD>24</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>23rd</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Macclesfield</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>84</TD><TD>-51</TD><TD>24</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>24th</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Bournemouth</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>58</TD><TD>-17</TD><TD>23</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Yeah, yeah, it's only on goal differential, but still, we now own our destiny. As they say: "win and you're in!" Easier said than done, but still... :)

FM

FrogMan

08-17-2009, 11:20 AM

April 18, 2009
League Match #44: vs Shrewsbury (8th) (Luton 2-5 fav)
<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ian Bennett</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>31</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.81</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>29 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>23</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.90</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>15 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>9 (1)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>40</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.92</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>11 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.92</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nathan Woolfe</td> <td>AM LC, F C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>33 (11)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.78</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>43 (3)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.93</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>38 (6)</td> <td>14</td> <td>6.71</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>11 (1)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Brill</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>45</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.87</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Paul McVeigh</td> <td>AM RL, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>91%</td> <td>3 (23)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>36 (12)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Slt</td> <td>Sam Parkin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>19 (3)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.51</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>68%</td> <td>23 (9)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>20 (11)</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chris Martin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>10 (7)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.66</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Asa Hall</td> <td>D/M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>8 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>David Button</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>37 (2)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Ryan Charles</td> <td>AM R, ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>0 (24)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.70</td></tr></tbody></table>
Bookies are predicting an easy win for the Hatters on this one which is kinda odd. I mean, Shrewsbury are still in 8th place and having a pretty good season.

Macclesfield play 14th place Port Vale at home today while Bournemouth will visit 12th place Dag & Red.

We head into the game with a our neutral 4-1-3-2 tactics and I tell the guys I not only think we can win it, I expect a win!

Seeing how we're not converting anything, I switch the team's tactics to a more attacking play halfway through the first half. Doesn't seem to help. We're losing possession a bit and have tried 6 shots, all off target. We've restricted them to only 2 shots in the first half though, only one of them on target.

Andrew Lombardo hits the post in the 59th minute and another shot, from Sébastien Heitzmann just grazes the bar only a couple minutes later. These two will be part of a 15 shots onslaught in the second half, with 8 of them coming in the last 20 minutes. Sadly, only one of these will end up being on target while 6 of them will end up being blocked. Final Score: 0-0.
<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Shrewsbury</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>52%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>48%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>27</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>25</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>66%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>55%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>26%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>17%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>92%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>84%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>73%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>46%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
My assistant recommends me to tell them I'm disappointed but dang, we got two games left to play in the season and I can only sympathise with them. Don't want to kill that morale heading into two of the most important games of the season. The fans are pleased, not so much with the result but more with the amount of chances the team created during the match.

Sébastien Heitzmann ends up with another Man of the Match selection

But look at that! We are distancing ourselves from the other two clubs fighting against relegation. Both Bournemouth and Macclesfield have lost their matches, both by a score of 0-1. We're now one tiny points out of the relegation zone with two games to play.
<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><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>Bradford</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>27</td> <td>12</td> <td>5</td> <td>73</td> <td>32</td> <td>+41</td> <td>93</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2nd</td> <td>P</td> <td>Gillingham</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>25</td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td>69</td> <td>46</td> <td>+23</td> <td>85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Pl</td> <td>Brentford</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>21</td> <td>13</td> <td>10</td> <td>65</td> <td>42</td> <td>+23</td> <td>76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4th</td> <td>Pl</td> <td>Bury</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>19</td> <td>18</td> <td>7</td> <td>56</td> <td>33</td> <td>+23</td> <td>75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Exeter</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>21</td> <td>9</td> <td>14</td> <td>54</td> <td>45</td> <td>+9</td> <td>72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Darlington</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>21</td> <td>8</td> <td>15</td> <td>61</td> <td>51</td> <td>+10</td> <td>71</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rochdale</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>20</td> <td>8</td> <td>16</td> <td>60</td> <td>41</td> <td>+19</td> <td>68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Shrewsbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>19</td> <td>11</td> <td>14</td> <td>58</td> <td>46</td> <td>+12</td> <td>68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>20</td> <td>7</td> <td>17</td> <td>61</td> <td>60</td> <td>+1</td> <td>67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>18</td> <td>12</td> <td>14</td> <td>66</td> <td>42</td> <td>+24</td> <td>66</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Grimsby</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>17</td> <td>14</td> <td>13</td> <td>60</td> <td>47</td> <td>+13</td> <td>65</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>18</td> <td>11</td> <td>15</td> <td>51</td> <td>49</td> <td>+2</td> <td>65</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chesterfield</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>17</td> <td>14</td> <td>13</td> <td>57</td> <td>60</td> <td>-3</td> <td>65</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Port Vale</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>18</td> <td>9</td> <td>17</td> <td>57</td> <td>66</td> <td>-9</td> <td>63</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rotherham</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>17</td> <td>17</td> <td>10</td> <td>47</td> <td>42</td> <td>+5</td> <td>51</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>12</td> <td>15</td> <td>17</td> <td>43</td> <td>48</td> <td>-5</td> <td>51</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>12</td> <td>10</td> <td>22</td> <td>47</td> <td>72</td> <td>-25</td> <td>46</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Accrington</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>11</td> <td>12</td> <td>21</td> <td>55</td> <td>70</td> <td>-15</td> <td>45</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Notts Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>10</td> <td>11</td> <td>23</td> <td>35</td> <td>71</td> <td>-36</td> <td>41</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Wycombe</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>8</td> <td>14</td> <td>22</td> <td>38</td> <td>53</td> <td>-15</td> <td>38</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Morecambe</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>9</td> <td>11</td> <td>24</td> <td>47</td> <td>76</td> <td>-29</td> <td>38</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>14</td> <td>13</td> <td>17</td> <td>46</td> <td>44</td> <td>+2</td> <td>25</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Macclesfield</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>30</td> <td>33</td> <td>85</td> <td>-52</td> <td>24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bournemouth</td> <td>
</td> <td>44</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>24</td> <td>41</td> <td>59</td> <td>-18</td> <td>23</td></tr></tbody></table>
Our next match is only in 7 days and when I compare our team morale with the morale of both our competitor to the last safe spot, I'd say our chances are looking good. You can check the attached screenies to see the difference between the three squads. You can also see how well Sébastien Heitzmann has played in his last 5 appearance. I'm also a bit surprised to see how much our two fullbacks have thrived in the new system. Looks like they are really taking a liking to being asked to go forward at times.

FrogMan

08-17-2009, 11:27 AM

April 25, 2009
League Match #45: vs Notts Co (19th) (Luton 4-6 fav)
<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ian Bennett</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>32</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.81</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>30 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>
</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>24</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.90</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>16 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>10 (1)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>41</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.91</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>12 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.92</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nathan Woolfe</td> <td>AM LC, F C</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>34 (11)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.78</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>44 (3)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.93</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>20 (11)</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>12 (1)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Brill</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>45 (1)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.87</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Paul McVeigh</td> <td>AM RL, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>3 (24)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>36 (13)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Slt</td> <td>Sam Parkin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>19 (3)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.51</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>39 (6)</td> <td>14</td> <td>6.71</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>84%</td> <td>23 (9)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chris Martin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>10 (7)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.66</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Asa Hall</td> <td>D/M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>8 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>David Button</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>37 (2)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Ryan Charles</td> <td>AM R, ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>0 (24)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.70</td></tr></tbody></table>
Here's a good matchup for us, we have a good chance at getting some points here. At least, we gotta hope to at least score a goal after two scoreless draws...

I give Tom Craddock a shot at starting opposite Sébastien Heitzmann. Despite all my wanting to really win this one, it's a game on the road and I want to avoid any early mishaps so we start the game in a defensive mood.

Bournemouth play host to 14th place Chesterfield while Macclesfield will visit 6th place Rochdale.

GAH! The 9th minute marks the end of the game for Sébastien Heitzmann. He's out with an injury. Sam Parkin will come in to replace him, that's kind of a drop in quality. We do control the ball quite a bit and Keith Keane jumps on a free ball following a scramble in front of the net. From just out of the six yard box, he kicks it past two defenders and the keeper to give us a 1-0 lead after 25 minutes. Funny enough, Sam Parkin was right in the middle of traffic there.

They come close to tieing the game in the 56th minutes but the hard shot clanks off the crossbar. They go to a 4-2-4 formation to end the game, but we hold our own and keep our lead. Final Score: 1-0.
<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Notts Co</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>38%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>62%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>25</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>60%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>67%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>0%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>100%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>88%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>62%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>60%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Crazy, crazy domination in terms of ball control for us in that game, in no small part due to Keith Keane's great play in the middle of the field. He earns the Man of the Match selection. He scored the winning goal but also complete 19 of 23 passes. The fans are delighted with the win.

This little win turns out to be very important as Bournemouth won their match 1-0 over Chesterfield and would have passed us if not for our win. Macclesfield did los their match to Rochdale and with that loss, have now clinched relegation to the Blue Square Premier conference.
<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><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>Bradford</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>28</td> <td>12</td> <td>5</td> <td>75</td> <td>32</td> <td>+43</td> <td>96</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2nd</td> <td>P</td> <td>Gillingham</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>25</td> <td>11</td> <td>9</td> <td>70</td> <td>47</td> <td>+23</td> <td>86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Pl</td> <td>Brentford</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>22</td> <td>13</td> <td>10</td> <td>66</td> <td>42</td> <td>+24</td> <td>79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4th</td> <td>Pl</td> <td>Bury</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>19</td> <td>19</td> <td>7</td> <td>57</td> <td>34</td> <td>+23</td> <td>76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Exeter</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>21</td> <td>10</td> <td>14</td> <td>54</td> <td>45</td> <td>+9</td> <td>73</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rochdale</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>21</td> <td>8</td> <td>16</td> <td>62</td> <td>41</td> <td>+21</td> <td>71</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Darlington</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>21</td> <td>8</td> <td>16</td> <td>61</td> <td>52</td> <td>+9</td> <td>71</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>21</td> <td>7</td> <td>17</td> <td>63</td> <td>61</td> <td>+2</td> <td>70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>19</td> <td>12</td> <td>14</td> <td>69</td> <td>44</td> <td>+25</td> <td>69</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Shrewsbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>19</td> <td>12</td> <td>14</td> <td>59</td> <td>47</td> <td>+12</td> <td>69</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Grimsby</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>17</td> <td>15</td> <td>13</td> <td>61</td> <td>48</td> <td>+13</td> <td>66</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Port Vale</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>19</td> <td>9</td> <td>17</td> <td>58</td> <td>66</td> <td>-8</td> <td>66</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>18</td> <td>11</td> <td>16</td> <td>51</td> <td>50</td> <td>+1</td> <td>65</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chesterfield</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>17</td> <td>14</td> <td>14</td> <td>57</td> <td>61</td> <td>-4</td> <td>65</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rotherham</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>17</td> <td>17</td> <td>11</td> <td>49</td> <td>45</td> <td>+4</td> <td>51</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>12</td> <td>15</td> <td>18</td> <td>44</td> <td>50</td> <td>-6</td> <td>51</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>12</td> <td>11</td> <td>22</td> <td>47</td> <td>72</td> <td>-25</td> <td>47</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Accrington</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>11</td> <td>12</td> <td>22</td> <td>55</td> <td>72</td> <td>-17</td> <td>45</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Wycombe</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>9</td> <td>14</td> <td>22</td> <td>39</td> <td>53</td> <td>-14</td> <td>41</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Notts Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>10</td> <td>11</td> <td>24</td> <td>35</td> <td>72</td> <td>-37</td> <td>41</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Morecambe</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>9</td> <td>11</td> <td>25</td> <td>47</td> <td>77</td> <td>-30</td> <td>38</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22nd</td> <td></td> <td>Luton</td> <td></td> <td>45</td> <td>15</td> <td>13</td> <td>17</td> <td>47</td> <td>44</td> <td>+3</td> <td>28</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bournemouth</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>11</td> <td>10</td> <td>24</td> <td>42</td> <td>59</td> <td>-17</td> <td>26</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>24th</td> <td>R</td> <td>Macclesfield</td> <td>
</td> <td>45</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>31</td> <td>33</td> <td>87</td> <td>-54</td> <td>24</td></tr></tbody></table>
We did get bad news back at the locker room though. Sébastien Heitzmann has sustained strained ankle ligaments after turning awkwardly during the match. He will miss 7 to 8 weeks, blech.

FM

FrogMan

08-17-2009, 02:05 PM

May 1st, 2009
Hey look at that, the board are now satisfied with my management of the team. I could almomst complain, "what? only satisfied?!?". I have brought the team back from a 30 points deficit, they should be ecstatic that we're in a position to possibly avoid relegation. They say the capture of Shiva-Star N'Zigou has been particularly pleasing while the fans are still pissed about our heavy 0-3 loss to Bradford. Wow...

May 2, 2009
League Match #46: vs Lincoln (8th) (Luton 4-7 fav)
<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ian Bennett</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>33</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.81</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>31 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.69</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>25</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.89</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>17 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>11 (1)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>42</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.92</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>13 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.94</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nathan Woolfe</td> <td>AM LC, F C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>35 (11)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.78</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>45 (3)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.94</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>21 (11)</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>39 (6)</td> <td>14</td> <td>6.71</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Brill</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>45 (1)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.87</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Paul McVeigh</td> <td>AM RL, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>3 (25)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>36 (14)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Slt</td> <td>Sam Parkin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>19 (4)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.53</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>78%</td> <td>13 (1)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>23 (9)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chris Martin</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>10 (7)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.66</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Asa Hall</td> <td>D/M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>8 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>David Button</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>37 (2)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Ryan Charles</td> <td>AM R, ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>0 (24)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.70</td></tr></tbody></table>
According to Sky Bet, we are being touted as comfortable favourites but will have to be wary about complacency in our match against Lincoln. This rings even truer when I look at the stats sheet for our first encounter with Lincoln, a game which we lost 0-2 and which we controlled the ball only 42% of the time.

We'll certainly have to give it our all as Bournemouth have a fairly good shot at winning their final match too, at home against 19th place Wycombe.

I set up our tactics as a neutral 4-1-3-2 and I tell the lads to do it for the fans in this last game of the season.

There's only six and a half minutes played when Andrea Lombardo give us a 1-0 lead on a weird play. One of their centreback played a sloppy backpass to their keeper. The keeper took the ball forward but Lombardo put pressure on him and he fumbled the ball away to Lombardo who side stepped the keeper, now out of the penalty area, and kicked the ball into an empty net.

1-0 is the halftime score and I take some time to look at scores elsewhere, well at the only place we really care about. Yup, what I feared, Bournemouth are also ahead, 1-0 over Wycombe at the half. A draw will not cut it here guys, we need to win. I tell the guys not to get careless.

We start the second half strong and add a goal to our lead in the 73rd minute when Ian Bennett kicks a long ball straight in the middle for a running Tom Craddock who's left one-on-one with the keeper. He doesn't waste the opportunity and makes it 2-0 for us. We hold on to win it by that score. WE'VE DONE IT! WE'VE AVOIDED RELEGATION!!!

<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Lincoln</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>9</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>55%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>45%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>21</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>25</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>72%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>60%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>25%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>11%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>97%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>84%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>50%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>69%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Ian Bennett, maybe one of our most unsung hero of this season, ends up with the Man of the Match. I finished this game with an assist on Craddock's goal but he also had a couple key saves to keep us in the game. He never really stood out during the season, but he's helped us stay in many games.

The fans are delighted with the wins and more importantly, the board are delighted that we've staved off relegation from the Coca-Cola League 2. We're given $105,000 for our final position. Wycombe won their final game but our win made it inconsequential. Here's how the league table looks like to end the season:
<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><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>Bradford</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>28</td> <td>12</td> <td>6</td> <td>77</td> <td>35</td> <td>+42</td> <td>96</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2nd</td> <td>P</td> <td>Gillingham</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>26</td> <td>11</td> <td>9</td> <td>73</td> <td>49</td> <td>+24</td> <td>89</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3rd</td> <td>P</td> <td>Brentford</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>22</td> <td>13</td> <td>11</td> <td>66</td> <td>43</td> <td>+23</td> <td>79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4th</td> <td>Pl</td> <td>Bury</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>19</td> <td>19</td> <td>8</td> <td>57</td> <td>35</td> <td>+22</td> <td>76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5th</td> <td>Pl</td> <td>Rochdale</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>22</td> <td>8</td> <td>16</td> <td>66</td> <td>41</td> <td>+25</td> <td>74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6th</td> <td>Pl</td> <td>Darlington</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>22</td> <td>8</td> <td>16</td> <td>65</td> <td>52</td> <td>+13</td> <td>74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7th</td> <td>Pl</td> <td>Exeter</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>21</td> <td>10</td> <td>15</td> <td>56</td> <td>48</td> <td>+8</td> <td>73</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Shrewsbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>20</td> <td>12</td> <td>14</td> <td>61</td> <td>47</td> <td>+14</td> <td>72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>21</td> <td>7</td> <td>18</td> <td>63</td> <td>63</td> <td>0</td> <td>70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>19</td> <td>12</td> <td>15</td> <td>69</td> <td>47</td> <td>+22</td> <td>69</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>19</td> <td>11</td> <td>16</td> <td>52</td> <td>50</td> <td>+2</td> <td>68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Port Vale</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>19</td> <td>10</td> <td>17</td> <td>58</td> <td>66</td> <td>-8</td> <td>67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Grimsby</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>17</td> <td>15</td> <td>14</td> <td>61</td> <td>52</td> <td>+9</td> <td>66</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chesterfield</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>17</td> <td>14</td> <td>15</td> <td>57</td> <td>64</td> <td>-7</td> <td>65</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>13</td> <td>15</td> <td>18</td> <td>47</td> <td>50</td> <td>-3</td> <td>54</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rotherham</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>17</td> <td>18</td> <td>11</td> <td>49</td> <td>45</td> <td>+4</td> <td>52</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>13</td> <td>11</td> <td>22</td> <td>50</td> <td>72</td> <td>-22</td> <td>50</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Accrington</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>12</td> <td>12</td> <td>22</td> <td>58</td> <td>74</td> <td>-16</td> <td>48</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Notts Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>11</td> <td>11</td> <td>24</td> <td>36</td> <td>72</td> <td>-36</td> <td>44</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Wycombe</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>9</td> <td>14</td> <td>23</td> <td>39</td> <td>54</td> <td>-15</td> <td>41</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Morecambe</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>9</td> <td>11</td> <td>26</td> <td>47</td> <td>81</td> <td>-34</td> <td>38</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>16</td> <td>13</td> <td>17</td> <td>49</td> <td>44</td> <td>+5</td> <td>31</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23rd</td> <td>R</td> <td>Bournemouth</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>12</td> <td>10</td> <td>24</td> <td>43</td> <td>59</td> <td>-16</td> <td>29</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>24th</td> <td>R</td> <td>Macclesfield</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>32</td> <td>33</td> <td>89</td> <td>-56</td> <td>24</td></tr></tbody></table>
May 5, 2009
Ian Bennett and Shiva-Star N'Zigou have been selected to the League 2 Team of the Week.

FM

08-17-2009, 02:19 PM

Congratulations!!

Hopefully without that 30 point weight on your back, you'll have an upper mid finish next season.

FrogMan

08-17-2009, 07:08 PM

Congratulations!!

Hopefully without that 30 point weight on your back, you'll have an upper mid finish next season.

thanks. I'm honestly intrigued to see what the board's expectations will be for next season. Without the 30 points deduction, we'd be at 61 points which would have given us 15th place. And that was in my first year, with many trials and tribulations in getting the right setup and lineup.

FM

FrogMan

08-18-2009, 09:06 AM

May 10, 2009
League 2 playoff semi final result, leg 1
Darlington 0 - 1 Rochdale
Exeter 1 - 2 Bury

May 14, 2009
League 2 playoff semi final result, leg 2 (and agregate)
Rochdale 2 - 3 Darlington (tied 3-3 on agregate, Bury win 5-4 on penalties)
Bury 2 - 2 Exeter (Bury win 4-3 on agregate)

May 22, 2009
I take a look at my manager profile, here are my ratings as of now:
Club/Player loyalty: 9 - makes perfect sense as I had to do some cleanup with players that were at the club but not needed anymore
Domestic Player Bias: 11 - we're not scouting much outside of the UK, maybe a bit in France
Financial Control: 9 - yeah, yeah, wages were about $4k over budget for most of last season, I really have a hard time staying under
Hands on Approach: 10
Squad Discipline: 11 - I handed a couple of warnings and even a fine last season, for violent straight red cards
Tactical consistency: 10 - might have gone up if not for the switch to our current system late in the season

May 23, 2009
League 2 playoff final
Bury 0 - 1 Rochdale (Rochdale are promoted to League 1)

We pay out $70k to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis after finishing 22nd in the League 2. That's gonna be what, $750 per player? ;)

That 22nd place in League 2 is a record low position for the club. The previous lowest League 2 finish was 17th. At least it's still in League play and not any lower.

May 27, 2009
All our loanees return to their club. At the same time, we get to see some of our players on loan return to the club. There are a couple strikers that were sent out when the club went into administration, i.e. before I took over, that might be interesting for us to use. Dean Morgan maybe more than Drew Talbot, but still, I've included both players' profile in attachement.

May 31, 2009
Players go on holiday for the Summer break. They'll report back on June 29.

I get a few reminders about contracts that will expire in a month's time. I don't plan on renewing any of the ones I see there. Among them my assistant Kevin Watson, midfielder Paul McVeigh, physio Harry Scott-Stackman, youth coach Dan Walder, scout Curtis Warren. Watson wasn't very good at judgin either a player's ability or potential, making him a liability more than an asset. McVeigh's lack of stamina made only good to be a sub for the end of games. Scott-Stackman's only had 10 for physio rating. Walder sure had 14 with dealing with youngsters but he had crap everywhere else and Warrne, well for a scout, was not even able to scout a U12 team. Byebye...

FM

FrogMan

08-18-2009, 11:41 AM

June 1st, 2009
The team board are satisfied with my management of the team. They're still pretty high on the signing of Shiva-Star N'Zigou but they say that despite the positives, the club's wage expenditure is still too high and I will be required to address this. I know that Sam Parkin's $5,500 weekly wage and Paul McVeigh's $3,400 weekly wage will be off my books soon and I'm currently some $11k above budget so this should take care of some of it, but I'll have to be more careful with wages in the future.

June 4, 2009
Sébastien Heitzmann resumes full training... at home! Seriously, he's been injured a bit more than what I'd like to see, especially for a guy who could play an important role in our whole offensive scheme.

June 10th, 2009
In order to appease the team board, I release both Sam Parkin and Paul McVeigh on free transfer. The compensation is $16k for Parkin and $12k for McVeigh but at least now they're not on the payroll anymore. These moves brings us to only $2k over budget.

June 17, 2009
In order to cut some wages, I transfer list some players I feel will never crack the starting lineup, or even be adequate backups. It's the case for Ian Henderson who spent all of last season on loan. I get an offer worth $22k fro him from Northampton. I accept the offer.

June 22, 2009
Ian Henderson has agreed to a contract with Northampton and his transfer will go through on July 1st. His weekly wages were at $1,100.

June 24, 2009
I wondered why I only had $1,100 in my transfer kitty following Ian Henderson's transfer deal and now I know. The board have released a statement announcing losses of $1.1M for the last financial year, ouch. They add that it's a worrying 20% of the club's turnover. The club board have indicated that the losses might result in smaller budget in the coming season.

In a WTF moment, while I thought that everyone were at home, it appears that Drew Talbot, and some others including Dean Morgan, was still training at the club. The idiot stained some ankle ligaments and will be missing from 7 to 8 weeks, or enough to miss most of our preseason action. Moron...

FM

GoldenEagle

08-18-2009, 01:31 PM

I am reading and enjoying. What are your plans to strengthen the squad over the summer? Are there any funds available to do that? It looks the club is in not so good shape financially.

FrogMan

08-18-2009, 02:03 PM

June 25, 2009
Kevin Nicholls has been voted Luton'S Player of the Year by the fans. He certainly had a pretty solid season, and has always been a fan favorite.

The Luton Best Eleven has been annouced. It goes like this:
GK: Bennett
DR: Gnakpa
DL: Emanuel
DC: Pilkington
DC: Asafu-Adjaye
DM: Nicholls
MC: Keane
MR: Gallen
ML: Woolfe
SC: Craddock
SC: Lombardo
=============
Brill
Bernard
O'Leary
N'Zigou
Baker
Eyjolfsson
McVeigh

See the attached screenie for form average and all. I only disagree with the selection of Emanuel as the left back. I think that Olivier Bernard with 26 appearances had a bigger impact for us at that spot. Emanuel played mostly as a left midfielder before being injured. Asafu-Adjaye was not as effective as O'Leary but appeared more than him...

We're given $400k for League 2 TV Right over the forthcoming season.

Remember how I said I was intrigued to see what the team board's expectations would be for the upcoming season? Well, today's the day and yowza. They expect nothing less than for us to win promotion from the League 2 this season. :eek: Ar you frigging serious?!? Okay, let's calm down and see how close we'd have been last season without the 30 point deduction. We finished with 31 points, to which we add 30 for 61. The lowest playoff team finished with 73, or 12 points ahead of us. That's four more wins. Hrm, not gonna be easy, but it's doable, I guess... Rough thing is my budgets won't change a bit: $1,000 transfer kitty and $45,000 weekly wage budget.

They do say that if I think the team can achieve more, they are willing to back me by both budget to accomodate my aspirations, but who am I fooling to guarantee winning the league straight up?!?

We get an interesting offer from parent club West Ham. They are offering us to take on Fred Sears on loan. He's a 19yo striker with speed to burn, valued at $3.9M. Certainly tons of potential, would have to see how he'd do for us as I don'T really have time to wait for him to develop. He's contemplating the offer. The good thing is he wouldn't cost us a thing on wage.

My assistant also advises about the new players that have been promoted to the youth squad. Usually, it's a load of crap with a bunch of 16 and 17yo who'll never see the field for us but this season, a nice little gem seems to have slipped through the cracks. Dean Pearce is a 16yo defensive midfielder whom my assistant believes has the potential to be one of the best players at the club. I'm skeptical until i really look at him. Wow, the kid's already described as being close in skill to our other strogn defensive midfielder, and the fans' player of the year, Kevin Nicholls. We're talking about rating a 16yo as a 6 stars player in current ability, not only in potential ability. Potential ability is rated at 7 stars. Heck my assistant, who might not know what he's talking about but still, is of the opinion that Pearce would be a leading star for most League 1 side. We'te still in League 2. :eek:

Anyway, not sure if a 16yo can play in league though, but he'll turn 17 in December and I'll make sure to give him some playing time then.

Phew, that's the end of a crazy long day. :)

FM

FrogMan

08-18-2009, 02:05 PM

June 26, 2009
Fred Sears has agreed to come to Luton on a year long loan.

Looking back to our last season, it became evident I'd have to shop for a starting left midfielder. I think I've found a nice one in Daniel Jones, a 22yo D/ML who's fallen out of favor at Wolves. He's valued at $55k but they have him listed at $45k. Blech, I have $1,100 in transfer budget. The heck with it, I offer them nothing with the addition of a clause for 50% of next sale. The kid's only 22 so they might bite. AND THEY DO! :) I get to offer him a contract. My scout says he should be regarded as a definite purchase. I like his overall skill set. He's asking for $2,900 a week and I skim a bit off and offer him $2,800 a week.

June 29, 2009
My assistant reports on the return of players for pre-season training. Nobody's too much out of shape. Pre-season training is a GO!

June 30, 2009
Weehee, Daniel Jones has agreed to the deal offered to him and will join us on July 1st. As you can see in the attached profile sheet, Jones is a 6'2, 182lbs left midfielder who's only 22. He's great speed although a bit weak in dribbling. He can cross the ball, take on both corner kicks and corners reasonably well. I think he'll do well for us.

FM

FrogMan

08-18-2009, 02:05 PM

I am reading and enjoying. What are your plans to strengthen the squad over the summer? Are there any funds available to do that? It looks the club is in not so good shape financially.

There's not a lot to work with in terms of transfer kitty as you can see from my last few posts. Financially, the club is on some shaky grounds. Remember that they went into administration last year.

I'm not too sure I'll be doing tons of rework on the squad anyway. I did bring in quite a few new players last year and I'd like to see them really gel together.

As I said, we needed a starting left midfielder and I think we got on with Daniel Jones. Shiva-Star N'Zigou is set to be our rigth winger. We got a steady groupf defenders and plenty of resources in the middle of the midfield. I might like to get a striker although we'll have to see if Fred Sears can work some magic and if Sébastien Heitzmann can stay healthy for more than three games in a row. A keeper will also have to figure in the plans at some point.

Other than that, I'll try to get a few loanees to help give us some depth, especially on the wings.

FM

FrogMan

08-18-2009, 02:06 PM

oh, and welcome aboard. :)

FM

kingfc22

08-18-2009, 02:31 PM

Jones looks like a real nice signing and hopefully Sears turns out to be a formidable striker on loan.

NoSkillz

08-18-2009, 02:56 PM

I get back from vacation and see a new FM dynasty by FM? Awesome!

FrogMan

08-18-2009, 09:10 PM

Jones looks like a real nice signing and hopefully Sears turns out to be a formidable striker on loan.

yeah, Jones is relatively cheap in wages and has got a much better skill set than Nathan Woolfe who did a serviceable job for most of last season on the left side. As for Sears, I'm really hoping for the best. If he can simply be as useful as Eyjolfsson was at centreback, I'll be happy.

FM

FrogMan

08-18-2009, 09:11 PM

I get back from vacation and see a new FM dynasty by FM? Awesome!

ah, vacation! that's where you were? I was wondering when you'd show up and was just about to PM you an invite... ;)

Welcome aboard.

FM

FrogMan

08-19-2009, 11:41 AM

July 1st 2009
The transfer window for English clubs has started and with it, we got plenty of movement. Fred Sears finally arrives and wow, media are stating that he's been labelled the next Michael Owen. That's quite a label to live up to. Might explain his $12.25k weekly wage, of which I'd like to say we will not be paying one cent. I'Ve attached a copy of profile. As I said before, he's got speed to burn with great acceleration to complement it. Let's hope that speed by itself will be enough to burn a few aging League 2 centerbacks this season.

Daniel Jones arrives to Kenilworth Road.

Assistant Manager Kevin Watson is let go. Same goes for physio Harry Scott-Stackman, youth coach Dan Walder, and scout Curtis Warren.

I offer a contract to Neil Montgomerie, a 15 rated physio. He agrees to it before the end of the day. As a comparison, Scott-Stackman was rated at only 10 for physio. The club won't allow more than one physio.

July 3, 2009
In hope of letting go of some players whom I judged would never see the field for us, I'd placed some player on the transfer list, as well as offered them around. I receive and accept and offer for Rossi Jarvis from Exeter. He agrees to a contract with them and will move out. He had a weekly wage of $1,500. We'll receive $30k for him. He was valued at $45k but as a centreback, I'd have been way too nervous to play him with his shaky skill set.

July 5, 2009
Asa Hall agrees to a contract with York. We get $10k for him. His weekly wage were also at $1,500.

I've found a new assistant in 33yo Englishman Jack Swaine. You can see his profile in the attachements. He's rated at 14 for judging both current and potential ability, something at which his predecessor was only rated around 7 or 9. That's an improvement.

As I start shopping for some extra help in the coaching department, I see that the board has limited the number of coaches I can hire to three. There's already three coach on staff. We'll have to make do with what we have I'm afraid.

July 6, 2009
We start our round of friendlies by playing host to Newcastle today. We've got 8 friendlies booked this Summer, here's the list:
07/06 vs Newcastle
07/11 vs Rangers
07/15 vs Dunfermline
07/18 vs Hibernian
07/24 at Weymouth
07/28 vs Dundee Utd
07/30 vs Norwich
08/01 at Bromley

I might drop the Dundee one since that sequence of three in 5 days might be a bit crazy. I midght also want to see with West Ham cannot replace one of these as they're supposed to play us once a year as part of our deal.

Putting together a lineup for today made me realize we got some holes where depth is concerned. I'm used to be able to field a full 11 with complete adequate backup at all 11 spots. It's not really the case right now.

<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</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>Ian Bennett</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>84%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>87%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>82%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>83%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>87%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>85%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>84%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>85%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>84%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>83%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>85%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Brill</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>80%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>85%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>85%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Beavan</td> <td>D LC</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>83%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Yth</td> <td>Ashley Deeney</td> <td>D RL</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S6</td> <td>Yth</td> <td>Jake Howells</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>80%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S7</td> <td>Yth</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S8</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>84%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S9</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Ryan Charles</td> <td>AM R, ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>84%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S10</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>81%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S11</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dean Morgan</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>87%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S12</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>85%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Drew Talbot</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>65%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Yth</td> <td>Aaron Fletcher</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>80%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Harry Hogarth</td> <td>D C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>58%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sam Barker</td> <td>M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Yth</td> <td>Oliver Cleaver</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>85%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Yth</td> <td>Taylor Nathaniel</td> <td>M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Yth</td> <td>Aidan Quinn</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>86%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Yth</td> <td>Adam Watkins</td> <td>AM C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>85%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Yth</td> <td>Jack Wood</td> <td>M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>84%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Yth</td> <td>Alan Goodall</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>84%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Yth</td> <td>Ryan Hughes</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Yth</td> <td>John Chadwick</td> <td>AM C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Yth</td> <td>Mark Watson</td> <td>D LC</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>83%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>
The game is a mess. We are not in shape and Newcastle played their starters for about 75% of the game. Michael Owen got subbed at the 80th minute mark or so. To add insult to injury, we commit three, THREE own goals. We end up losing it 0-12. Yup, you read right, zero-to-twelve. Ouch...

The fans are so disappointed with the heavy loss that not even a tip of yellow shows up on the confidence bar. :eek: Oh well, at least 9900+ spectators attended to the game, meaning some much needed cash in the coffers.

July 7, 2009
Ben Parker, a 21yo D/ML whom I had on my shortlist since the middle of last season was just released by his club. He agrees to come to us on a 4 week trial. I'Ve included his profile below. He's young and could be used as a backup at either the left fullback or left midfielder spot. Four weeks will give us plenty of time to see if he can cut it with us.

FM

MrBug708

08-19-2009, 07:23 PM

Ouch :(

Alf

08-20-2009, 04:55 AM

Congrats on the stay in League 2. Nice looking offseason so far. Can't you get more players on loan ?

FrogMan

08-20-2009, 05:09 AM

Ouch :(

ouch indeed. I think that was the longest game I've ever watched in all the versions of the game. The goals just would not stop coming, and from all angles, and from players both sides of the pitch. Oh well, we can only build from there. We're still only L2 after all. :)

Congrats on the stay in League 2. Nice looking offseason so far. Can't you get more players on loan ?

Thanks. Can't say much, but yeah, I'm working on that. ;)

FM

Qwikshot

08-20-2009, 06:41 AM

Just say what Herm Edwards used to say right "WE CAN BUILD ON THIS!"

FrogMan

08-20-2009, 09:03 AM

Just say what Herm Edwards used to say right "WE CAN BUILD ON THIS!"

or again that "WE PLAY TO WIN THE GAME!" ;)

FM

FrogMan

08-20-2009, 09:07 AM

July 11, 2009
We play a friendly against Scottish Premier side Rangers at Kenilworth Road. It's their first friendly of the season so maybe the "out of shape" factor will give us a break this time.

<table align="center" bordercolor="#000000" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ian Bennett</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>87%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>84%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>84%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>81%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>84%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>82%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>83%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>84%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>87%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>85%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Brill</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>86%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>87%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>87%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Beavan</td> <td>D LC</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>85%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ashley Deeney</td> <td>D RL</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S6</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Ben Parker</td> <td>D/AM L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S7</td> <td>Yth</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>91%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S8</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>78%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S9</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Ryan Charles</td> <td>AM R, ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>85%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S10</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>83%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S11</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dean Morgan</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>87%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S12</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>87%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>
We play a much better game this time around, even taking a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute on an own goal by one of the defenders. Well, they called it an own goal, but it was all Freddy Sears' doing really. His speed got him separation and he drived a crazy hard shot to goal that a defender tried to deflect and ended up putting behind their own keeper.

They score three goals before the end of the half though, showing how strong a side they can be. We get one back halfway through the second half when Sébastien Heitzmann scores from a distance. Final Score: 2-4.
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Rangers</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>46%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>54%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>16</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>19</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>63%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>66%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>36%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>88%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>78%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>56%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>68%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Not a bad match all in all, a good effort by the lads. Sure, Rangers dominated the game, but they're a Scottish Premier side after all... The fans are pleased and they were many to come watch that game, 10,250 of them to be exact.

July 12, 2009
Today's a big shopping day as I go through the list of players without a contract and players that could be available to come on loan with us.

First one I spot is 20yo right fullback Ritchie De Laet. He's currently playing with the Man U reserves squad but spent part of last season with League 2 club Barnet, averaging a form rating of 7.10 on 19 appearances. His profile is included below. I offer to take him on a season long loan with no wage obligation for us. That offer is accepted before the day is over. Now up to De Laet if he wants to come play for us or not.

I salivate at the idea of taking forward Lee Trundle off the hands of Bristol City but I'm not sure I'd be able to offer him am agreeable contract. He's currently paid $15k a week and Bristol City want $18k for the forward valued at $44k. They say he's not needed anymore. I offer them my usual $0 down, 50% next sale deal for him. He had an average form rating of 7.17 in 13 appearances for Bristol City in the Championship last season.

I had offered a 4 week trial to 28yo left defender Kevin Nicholson and he agrees to come try his luck with us. I only had partial scouting reports of him (see 090712nicholson-scout.jpg) and was intrigued to see if there were more bright red skills in there. I'm a bit disappointed to see that the coach reports are not too good (see 090712nicholson-coach.jpg). I'd probably want to offer a contract to Ben Parker before going with Nicholson.

July 13, 2009
Our offer for Lee Trundle has been accepted but as I feared, he believes we don't have the resources to meet his demands. Even when guaranteeing him a key spot on our squad, the most the team board allows me to offer him is $4,600. I offer him that, with the max Appearance fee and goal bonus the board allow me (only $925 for each) and tag a $110k signing on fee. Can only try something at this point.

FM

Alf

08-20-2009, 09:24 AM

Ritchie De Laet has 6 U21 Belgium caps, that's some serious potentially good player.

FrogMan

08-20-2009, 11:40 AM

July 15, 2009
We play a friendly against Dunfermline Athletic. They just promoted back to the Scottish Premier League after spending two seasons in the First Division.

I wanted to give the start to Dean Brill to see if he could hold his own but he stubbed a finger the day after our last game and is a bit doubtful to even play today. Olivier Bernard is already match fit so I give the start to Ben Parker.

<TABLE borderColor=#000000><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Pkd</TD><TD>Inf</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Position</TD><TD>Morale</TD><TD>Last 5 Games</TD><TD>Con</TD><TD>Apps</TD><TD>Gls</TD><TD>Av Rat</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>GK</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Ian Bennett</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>92%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DR</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Claude Gnakpa</TD><TD>D RC, WB R</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DL</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Ben Parker</TD><TD>D/AM L</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DC</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>George Pilkington</TD><TD>D RC</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>89%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>DMC</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Kevin Nicholls</TD><TD>DM, M C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>88%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MR</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</TD><TD>AM R, F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>88%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ML</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Daniel Jones</TD><TD>D/M L</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>88%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>MC</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Keith Keane</TD><TD>D/WB R, DM, M C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>88%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ST</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Sébastien Heitzmann</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Poor</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>88%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>ST</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Fred Sears</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>87%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S1</TD><TD>Inj</TD><TD>Dean Brill</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>71%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S2</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Kristian O'Leary</TD><TD>D RC, DM, M C</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>88%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S3</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Lewis Emanuel</TD><TD>D/M L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>89%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S4</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>George Beavan</TD><TD>D LC</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S5</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Ashley Deeney</TD><TD>D RL</TD><TD>Good</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>91%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S6</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Olivier Bernard</TD><TD>D/WB L</TD><TD>Okay</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>88%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S7</TD><TD>Yth</TD><TD>Dean Pearce</TD><TD>DM, M C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>96%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S8</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Kevin Gallen</TD><TD>AM RC, F C</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>87%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S9</TD><TD>Rsv</TD><TD>Ryan Charles</TD><TD>AM R, ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>87%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S10</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Adam Watkins</TD><TD>AM C</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S11</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Dean Morgan</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Poor</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>90%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>S12</TD><TD>Wnt</TD><TD>Andrea Lombardo</TD><TD>ST</TD><TD>Very Good</TD><TD>

</TD><TD>89%</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
We are definitely playing much better again today which is very encouraging. We take a 1-0 lead on a goal by Sébastien Heitzmann in the 22nd minute and hold that score until halftime. They tie it in the 54th minute on a crazy bending free kick from a long range that went around the wall and right inside the post opposite to where Ian Bennett was standing. Dean Pearce gives us back the lead in the 64th minute, heading in a ball centered by Ryan Charles. The kid's been playing pretty well whenever asked to play, either as an MC or DMC. Final Score: 2-1.

<TABLE borderColor=#000000><TBODY><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>Luton</TD><TD>Statistic</TD><TD>Dunfermline</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>12</TD><TD>Shots</TD><TD>10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>4</TD><TD>On Target</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>5</TD><TD>Off Target</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>3</TD><TD>Blocked Shots</TD><TD>5</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2</TD><TD>Clear Cut Chances</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>51%</TD><TD>Possession</TD><TD>49%</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>2</TD><TD>Corners</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>13</TD><TD>Free Kicks</TD><TD>11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>27</TD><TD>Throw-Ins</TD><TD>25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>10</TD><TD>Fouls</TD><TD>5</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>1</TD><TD>Offsides</TD><TD>8</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>60%</TD><TD>Passes Completed</TD><TD>57%</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>18%</TD><TD>Crosses Completed</TD><TD>6%</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>96%</TD><TD>Tackles Won</TD><TD>91%</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>53%</TD><TD>Headers Won</TD><TD>72%</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>0</TD><TD>Yellow Cards</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD>0</TD><TD>Red Cards</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
We certainly showed we're no pushovers here, great performance from the lads. Dean Pearce walks away with the Man of the Match. The fans are pleased with the win.

George Pilkington bruised some ribs in the game and he'll miss 8 to 10 days. Looking at his profile, I see that the dude is getting old fast and has lost some skills. Looking at my shortlist, I remember James Chester, a 20yo centreback recently released by Man U. He spent last season on loan with League 2 Bournemouth last season, averaging 6.81 in form over 24 appearances. He's got a sound skill set for a defender and I'm asking my assistant for a more recent report card on him.

July 16, 2009
As expected, Lee Trundle rejected our contract offer. He cites two reasons for the rejection: the basic wage offered was too low and he would prefer a substantial bonus for his appearances in the first team. Oh well, was worth a try.

There's not only bad news though, as I learn that Man U's Ritchie De Laet has agreed to come on a season long loan with us. This comes right on time following Claude Gnakpa's fairly pedestrian performance in our match against Dunfermline. Hi low positioning skill will probably make me nervous to play him in the middle, but he's got reasonable pace. He could be quite good in games where I need a more attacking fullback.

My assistant gets back to me with a report on James Chester and he tells me he would be a great asset to our squad. Chester is looking for a 2 year contract worth $1,300 a week with a signing on fee of $1,000. I offer him $1,100 a week with a $16,000 signing on fee.

July 18, 2009
As I keep shopping a bit, I come upon 31yo experienced centreback Pelé hailing from Cape Verde (a Cape Verdian?). He's currently a free agent but played with West Brom last season. Or more precisely trained with the first team and played with the reserves, as he didn't take part in one competitive match with them in their one season in the Premiership. The scout report I have is a bit dated but back then, my scout was saying he had to be regarded as a definite purchase. I ask my assistant for a new report card on him. He's a natural centreback but is also accomplished in playing at either MC or DMC. Profile below.

While still looking at centrebacks and defenders, I remember Holmar Eyjolfsson who spent who joined us on loan from West Ham in the January transfer window last season. He averaged a form rating of 6.82 over 13 appearances and was pretty solid as a centreback for us despite being only 18 years old. He was offered to us by West Ham last year and is no longer listed as available for loan but I try my luck and offer to take him back on loan this season. I'm thinking it's worth trying.

FM

FrogMan

08-20-2009, 11:42 AM

Ritchie De Laet has 6 U21 Belgium caps, that's some serious potentially good player.

yeah, I'd seen that. Quite happy to have him on board and can't wait to see him on the field for our next friendly. :)

FM

FrogMan

08-21-2009, 11:41 AM

July 18, 2009
We play a friendly against Hibernian from the Scottish Permier League at Kenilworth Road. These three friendlie against Scottish sides at home were all offered to me, kinda interesting. As if we've got some Scottish connection or something...

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Brill</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>76%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>91%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>Yth</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>87%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>87%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ian Bennett</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Ben Parker</td> <td>D/AM L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>87%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Kevin Nicholson</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Beavan</td> <td>D LC</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S6</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S7</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S8</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S9</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Ryan Charles</td> <td>AM R, ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S10</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S11</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dean Morgan</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>91%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S12</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>66%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Jake Howells</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>53%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Drew Talbot</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>59%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Harry Hogarth</td> <td>D C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>58%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>
Although Dean Brill is still a bit dinged from his injury, I decide to give him the start. Want to see if he can hold his own in case of an injury to old man Bennett. It's also the first time I'll see new loanee Ritchie De Laet in a Hatter jersey. I also give the start to youngster Dean Pearce, giving a breather to Kevin Nicholls.

Brill's game starts laboriously as they take the lead in the 6th minute on a loooooong shot from 30 yards out. Looking at the shot coming, I thought he could have moved a bit toward the ball. We're losing possession by an absurd number early on, not pretty. They score another in the 36th minute. I put in Ian Bennett for the secon half and we play a bit better. Coincidence or simply the fact our guys are in better shape than theirs, thus playing better in the last 45 minutes? Final Score: 0-2.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Hibernian</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>19</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>9</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>51%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>49%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>26</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>62%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>61%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>13%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>100%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>95%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>50%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>81%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Still, not a bad showing, considering again that this is a Scottish Premier side. The fans are pleased despite the loss.

Dean Pearce had a solid if unspecacular game but Ritchie De Laet really tore it up with a very nice performance. He ended up with a 7.4 rating, 10 interceptions, won 10 of 10 tackles and completed 31 of 42 passes in 70 minutes of play.

Back at the clubhouse, I learn that West Ham have accepted our offer for a friendly at Kenilworth Road on August 2nd. I let Bromley know that we will have to cancel our friendly with them that was planned for August 1st.

July 19, 2009
Looking at the transfer rumours, I see the Luton Football Free Press reporting we might be getting close to signing 19yo midfielder Lee Sawyer on a loan from Chelsea. Hrm, interesting, never heard of him and what I see in his profile (see below) is sparse at best. I ask my assistant for a better report card on him. The kid's very determined and aggressive. Could fit well into the squad...

I also see that Bradford appear to be close to sign trialist Ben Parker on a free transfer. I take a look at his wage requirements and they're a bit too rich for my taste. He's asking for $2,300 a week and I can't afford that much for a backup, especially considering I have Lewis Emanuel who can play left fullback if needed.

I hear back from my assistant about 31yo centreback Pelé. He's saying the former West Brom player should be regarded as a definite purchase. You can read the scouting report below. And here's the kicker, he's only looking for $1,200 a week. Seeing how many League 1 are interested in him I offer him what he's looking for to come and be a key player for our first team. I also up his required signing on fee from $1,000 to $10,000. Fingers crossed.

Our offer to loan West Ham centreback Holmar Eyjolfsson for the season has been accepted. Only to be seen if the 18yo is willing to come back for another season with us.

FM

FrogMan

08-21-2009, 02:04 PM

July 20, 2009
Woot! Holmar Eyjolfsson has agreed to come on loan with us. This will certainly boost our defensive backline. The 18yo told the London's Evening Standard that he was still learning his trade and that he felt the loan move would be a good step up from playing reserve team football. That's the kind of attitude I want to see.

We're link to yet another possible loan move, this time for 18yo D/ML Karim Laribi from Fulham. Again, little is known about his skill set. I ask my assistant to fill me up a bit.

I attend the English Trial Day. It's a game between two groups of free agents, set up so they can show off their skills. I attended the game last year and signed Andrea Lombardo on a free transfer following the game. While he fizzled a bit toward the end of the season, he had a monster first half and finished as our top scorer on the year. I also like reading that "Luton boss Steve Gougeon can be seen in attendance". :)

My assistant has recommended a few players, namely 19yo left midfielder Matty Ritchie and some others. The game is a goalfest that features Matty Ritchie prominently. He ends up with the Man of the Match, two goals and a form rating of 8.4. He had a pretty good season last year with fellow League 2 side Dag & Red, averaging a form rating of 6.93 on 46 appearances, collecting 7 goals, 6 assists and 7 Man of the Match selection. Many teams are interested in his services but only one has offered him a contract so far. I make sure we're the second. He's asking for $1,200 a week and I offer him that with a signing on fee of $7,000, up from his required $1,000.

Another player that caught my eye is the goalkeeper that played on Ritchie's team, a 22yo Irish fella named Darren Randolph. My assistant says he'd be a quality signing, that he is very close in skills to our best keeper, Dean Brill (interesting he mentions him and not Bennett) but has the potential to be a lot better than Brill. He's only looking for $950 a week and I offer him that.

July 22, 2009
and WOOT again!! Pelé has agreed to the deal I offered him a few days ago. The fans are delighted that I have landed such a nice bargain with that signing. They feel the 31yo will prove to be a great piece of business.

Oldham and Ross County have now offered contracts to Matty Ritchie.

July 24, 2009
I learn that James Chester has accepted a contract offer from Dundee. Honestly, I don't really care now as the arrival of Heyjolfsson and Pelé have got us pretty well covered at centreback.

Crawley are offering me to take Ryan Charles on a 6 months loan. He's only being paid $750 a week so they say they'll pay all of it. He's simply a backup and definitely not indispensable. I agree to the offer.

Ouch, Sky Bet have published their League 2 promotion odds and we're not exactly at the top of their list. Bury and Darlington have been made 7-4 joint favourites to gain promotion to League 1 this season. After them come Shrewsbury (3-1), Nothampton (5-1), Exeter (5-1) and Stockport (5-1). The bookmakers have priced us at 40-1, clearly showing that relegation remains a clear possibility and that we should be gearing up for a long, hard, and ultimately disappointing season. I'd like to make them lie about this, I would really like to...

FM

FrogMan

08-23-2009, 06:28 PM

July 24, 2009
We play a friendly against Blue Square South side Weymouth. I'd have expected us to dominate more than that, but we end up drawing it only 1-1.
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Brill</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ian Bennett</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>Bid</td> <td>Ben Parker</td> <td>D/AM L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S6</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S7</td> <td>Yth</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S8</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S9</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Ryan Charles</td> <td>AM R, ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>91%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S10</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</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>Dean Morgan</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S12</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>77%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Kevin Nicholson</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Jake Howells</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>53%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Drew Talbot</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>56%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Harry Hogarth</td> <td>D C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>58%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Beavan</td> <td>D LC</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>
Freddy Sears scored after stealing a back pass to their keeper. His pace and acceleration certainly helped him there.

Interesting, from our club info page, I see that the media are predicting a 3rd place for us this season.

July 25, 2009
I transfer list George Beaven in hope of cutting some dead wood. I'm asking for nothing in return, simply take him off my hands. I receive 35 offers for him. :) You can see his profile below.

Looking at Dean Pearce's profile, I see that Crystal Palace are interested in him. ARG!! He's only 16, could they simply sign him away from me? I'm taking no chance and offer him a pre-contract that'd come effective when he'll turn 17 in November.

July 27, 2009
George Beaven has accepted a contract offer from Welling and will join them. It's only $600 less in weekly wages but 2 or 3 players like that might mean a backup at $1500 or $1800 in extra.

Bah, Matty Ritchie has accepted the offer from Ross County in the Scottish First Division.

Dean Pearce agrees to the contract offered. He's ours for only $140 a week. I'm sure he'll command much more than that very quickly.

July 28, 2009
We play a friendly against Dundee United from the Scottish Premier League at Kenilworth Road.
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Brill</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ian Bennett</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>Bid</td> <td>Ben Parker</td> <td>D/AM L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S6</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S7</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S8</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S9</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Ryan Charles</td> <td>AM R, ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S10</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</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>Dean Morgan</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S12</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Kevin Nicholson</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Jake Howells</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>53%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Drew Talbot</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>55%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Harry Hogarth</td> <td>D C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>60%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>
They take a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute but Sébastien Heitzmann ties the game for us with a screamer from 25 yards out in the 38th minute. They put the game away on a very nice play in the 79th minute. Final Score: 1-2.
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Dundee Utd</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>48%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>52%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>24</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>25</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>64%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>67%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>12%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>86%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>94%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>44%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>77%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
While they did have many more scoring chances than we did, never did I feel we were really outclassed. A good game but with a bad news. Daniel Jones bruised a rib and will miss 8 to 10 days.

This injury means Emanuel Lewis will start but I have no real backup for him late in games. I start looking at possible loanees and one catches my eye, Graeme Owens, a 21 year old fella who can play both right and left wing. Sure is forte is the right side, but he could certainly help us on the left in a bind. His profile is below. He is listed as being available for loan by Middlesbrough. I offer to take him for a 3 months loan with no payment on wages from our part.

July 30, 2009
We play a friendly against Norwich at Kenilsworth Road.

Couple player news before the game. Darren Randolph has agreed to our contract offer. In fact, my assistant reports he's better than our current best keeper Dean Brill so I will give him the start today. Other news is that apparently trialist Ben Parker has signed a contract with Falkirk. Never heard of anything. Would have thought someone would have told me...
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</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>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>91%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>91%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Brill</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>85%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S6</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Kevin Nicholson</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S7</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S8</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>91%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S9</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Ryan Charles</td> <td>AM R, ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>91%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S10</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>87%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S11</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dean Morgan</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S12</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>64%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ian Bennett</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Jake Howells</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>53%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Drew Talbot</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>58%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Harry Hogarth</td> <td>D C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>63%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>
Game starts well and after 15 minutes it's 1-0 for us when Tom Craddock's shot finds its way past the keeper. They are pushing us hard though and they tie it in the 23rd minute. We come out flat to start the second half and go down 1-2 in the 48th minute. It's the final score.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Norwich</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>39%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>61%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>12</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>61%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>73%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>31%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>93%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>91%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>37%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>76%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Other than us losing the possession battle big time, it wasn't such a bad game against a Championship level side. As for the previous two games, the fans are pleased with it, despite the result.

Following the game, I learn that our offer to loan Graeme Owens has been accepted.

July 31, 2009
Graeme Owens has accepted to come on loan with us. I think he'll give us decent cover in case of injuries.

August 1st, 2009
Bah, the board feel I should be performing slightly better inmy role as manager. This could be a looong season, especially if we simply linger outside of playoff position in the table.

FM

FrogMan

08-24-2009, 09:11 PM

August 2, 2009
We play our final friendly against West Ham at Kenilworth Road.
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</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>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dean Morgan</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Brill</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Graeme Owens</td> <td>M RL</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>81%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S6</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Kevin Nicholson</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S7</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S8</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S9</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Ryan Charles</td> <td>AM R, ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S11</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S12</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>64%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ian Bennett</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Jake Howells</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>53%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Drew Talbot</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>62%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Harry Hogarth</td> <td>D C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>67%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Ine</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Ine</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>
Fred Sears and Holmar Eyjolfsson are ineligible since they come on loan from West Ham.

In the morning, news breaks that Rangers are interested in Dean Pearce. GRRR. I issue a hands off warning. Don't know what my alternatives are as he's only 16, but I'll make sure other teams know he's ours.

Gah, as we are ready to head to the field, Rangers put in a bid for Pearce. Basterds are cocky as all hell. They are offering to take him off our hands for free with 20% of profit from next sale. Are they frigging out of their minds?!? I simply reject the offer. I'd rather have them try to sign him off before he turns 17 and live with whatever the compensation will be to us.

The game itself is rough for us. Down 0-1 after 7, 0-2 after 14, 0-3 at the half. It end 0-4 as we play a much better second half. Still much, much better than the 0-12 drubbing we took when we played Newcastle.

Ryan Charles is set to go on loan to Crawley.

August 4, 2009
As I look at my assistant team report, I see he's pretty happy with the amoun of depth we've got but that we are still a bit weak in goal. I'd agree with that and start looking at transfer listed keepers. Mike Pollitt, a 37yo journeyman keeper currently playing for Wigan is an interesting prospect. One of my scouts saw him play only two weeks ago and he's saying that he's twice the keeper that Dean Brill is and that I should sign him whatever the price. He played three games for Wigan last season and had a rating of 6.93, with two clean sheets, in the Premiership no less. Wigan are asking for $35k for him and I try my usual ploy of $0 and 50% of next sale.

August 5, 2009
Wow, that was quick. Wigan have accepted our offer for Mike Pollitt. Hrm, he's getting paid $7,500 a week right now by Wigan. Getting him to agree to come play for us will not be as easy as getting Wigan to agree to a free transfer. I offer him the max my board will allow me to for a key player which is $4,600, with an appearance fee and a clean sheet bonus of both $925, also the max my board will allow me. I also offer him a $90k signing on fee. Strangely, the board doesn't really regulate that kind of thing. So you know, I'm currently running $240 a week over my wage budget. For me, it's REALLY good. ;)

George Pilkington is falling to pieces. He hurt his foot in training and will be out 3 to 4 weeks.

FM

FrogMan

08-25-2009, 09:15 AM

August 8, 2009
League Match #1: at Hereford (Luton 4-5 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</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>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>Bid</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ian Bennett</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Graeme Owens</td> <td>M RL</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>80%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Ine</td> <td>Kevin Nicholson</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dean Morgan</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Brill</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</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 C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>
GRRR, Rangers are back with another transfer offer for Dean Pearce and again, they must feel like they are doing us a favor by taking him off our hands. They are offering nothing plus 20% profit from next sale and a friendly against them. WTF!!! I'm setting a real price for the kid. If Rangers, or anybody else for that matter, want him, it'll be ONE... MILLION... DOLLARS!!! MUHAHAHAHAH!!! No seriously, where would I go with "only" one million dollar, it'll be $3.5M for Mr. Pearce. I'll see if they bite...

Hereford are a newly relegate club to League 2 so nothing easy on this one, despite the media predicting an easy win for us.

In hope of freeing some wage money, I offer Drew Talbot around to other clubs. I also offer a contract to trialist Kevin Nicholson. He's only asking for $1000 a week for 2 years and I offer him a meager $600 a week for only one season. Only a half hearted try I'd say.

Dean Pearce is set to start the game for us and is even listed as key man to watch in the pre-game reports. I tell everyone I think we can win this one but make sure to remind Pearce that there's no pressure on him.

It's a rough game for us. We're winning possession early on but we're spending too much time in our own end of the pitch. They take the lead in the 40th minute when an incoming corner is kick in off a volley. We go on the attack in the second half, even pulling out the 4-2-4 for the last two minutes and while we play much better and do have some chances of scoring, we failed to tie it. Final Score: 0-1.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Hereford</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>51%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>49%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>25</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>62%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>55%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>33%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>21%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>91%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>90%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>69%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>67%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Dean Pearce was one of our strongest player, his form rating at 7.0. He won 8 of 9 tackles and 4 of 5 headers. The fans are disappointed with the loss. Shiva-Star N'Zigou left the game injured in the 27th minute. He suffered a gashed leg following a late tackle. He will miss 2-3 weeks.

August 9, 2009
I receive a slew of offers for Drew Talbot, all for the $20k I'm asking for the strikers valued at $35k.

Rangers have withdrawn their bid for Dean Pearce but more importantly, Mike Pollitt HAS ACCEPTED OUR OFFER!!! He arrives at the clubhouse later in the day. As you can see from his profile, the 37yo journeyman goalkeeper is pretty well rounded. His coach report mentions shot stopping as a strength and no real weaknesses. Former manager and Luton favourite Mike Harford likes the signing. He thinks I have landed the club a real bargain with the signing of Pollitt. He believes the signing will really catch the imagination of the supporters and feels that the 37yo will prove to be a great piece of business.

Pollitt also goes on record, speaking of his relief of signing with Luton. He revealed that he had been extremely frustrated with the lack of first-team football at Wigan and was looking forward to getting his career back on track at Kenilworth Road. I can tell you, if he can deliver like I hope he can, I'll work him raw.

More on the house cleaning side of things. I offer Dean Morgan around, asking $50k for the striker valued at $80k.

August 12, 2009
MK Dons offer us $60k fro striker Sébastien Heitzmann. I knew there was some interest for the Frenchman but had not realized that four clubs were interested in him. Heitzmann is currently valued at $30k but is worth much, much more to us. Their offer consists of $20k up front and $40k over the next 12 months. I tell them it'll be $375k up front plus the monthly installments. Let's see if their interest is really genuine.

I field some offer for Dean Morgan, all for the requested amount. I accept all of them. I'll need the wage decrease now more than ever, following the Pollitt signing.

August 13, 2009
Holy Crap! MK Dons match the offer for Heitzmann!!! I accept it. It's a potential value of $415k for a player we got on a free transfer. It's just too good to turn down.

Drew Talbot has accepted a contract offer from Exeter.

FM

kingfc22

08-25-2009, 10:27 AM

That's some nice cash from that transfer.

FrogMan

08-25-2009, 11:19 AM

August 15, 2009
League Match #2: vs Aldershot (Luton 2-5 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>7.00</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>7.00</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.90</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>91%</td> <td>0 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.50</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Bid</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.00</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Graeme Owens</td> <td>M RL</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>0 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>0 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>77%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>73%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>
We're heavy favourites for that one. I had not formally put him into the first team squad so Dean Pearce will be ineligible for today's game since he's already played with the U18 squad earlier in the day. I'll make sure this doesn't happen again. He may be only 16 but he's got his spot for him with the big boys.

The draw for the second round of the League Cup happens in the morning and what a crappy draw we get. We will play Premier side Stoke City. They're in their second season in the Premiership, three levels above us.

We also learn that we will play League 1 Colchester United as part of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy South first round. They were in teh Championship only a couple seasons ago but played last season in League 1. Another rough draw for us.

Ingame shit: Something odd happened between two playing sessions. The gamefile apparently got corrupted and I am now unable to see any past domestic league records for any team, including my own. For example, Even going back to check on Stoke City now, the only seasonal record that shows is for this season. Nothin about seasons prior to this one. This is not a game breaker but kinda sucks cause I often use that kind of information to get an idea about whoever I face in Cup games. Fortunately, individual player informations are still there and the game saves and loads normally.

This is Mike Pollitt's big debut as a Hatter. It'll also be is 500th league appearance. We start this game with lots of possession and have tried 8 shots by the 20th minute. Sadly not one was on target, but 5 were blocked. Freddy Sears hit the bar once. We are really buzzing about their goal. We finally take a 0-1 lead in the 31st minute when Sears heads in a perfect cross from Ritchie De Laet.

1-0 is the halftime score and we're eating the ball with 58% possession by then. They tie the game in teh 58th minute after taking advantage of a mistake by Keith Keane. A crazy, and sad, play gives them their second goal when in the 70th minute a long ball played over the head of our defenders sees Mike Pollitt rush out to try and get it only to see him get dribbled around. Their striker scores an easy goal and Pollitt gets the blame for the goal. Final Score: 1-2

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Aldershot</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>55%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>45%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>17</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>76%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>54%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>25%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>0%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>96%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>97%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>70%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>52%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
What a letdown. We freakishly dominated them but a lack of cohesion within our ranks and we let that one slip away on silly mistakes. We got lots of new players on the pitch and I can only hope they'll gel soon. Pollitt ends his first game as a Hatter with a form rating of 5.1, but I just can't blame him for that one mistake. Had he not come out he would have faced a crazy one-on-one that he was almost certainly to lose anyway. I let it known in the post-match press conference that he had a good solid game and I expect more of the same from him. The fans are still pleased despite the losing result.

Kevin Gallen stubbed a toe in the game and will be out for 8 to 10 days.

Interesting news coming out in the press. Sébastien Heitzmann, probably through a translator, or with simply broken English, comes out and denies wanting out. He says he has never asked to leave Luton nor requested that he be allowed to talk to Darlington (another interested team). The 29 yo striker added that he was under contract at Kenilworth Road and would therefore continue to work hard for the club and his teammates. The media report concluded by saying that Heitzmann was currently considering a contract from MK Dons and was widely expected to sign in the next few days.

Kevin Nicholson accepted a contract offer from York.

August 17, 2009
Dean Morgan has accepted a contract offer from Exeter. His $50k move makes it the second Hatter to transfer out to Exeter in the last week.

In a surprise twist, we learn that Sébastien Heitzmann has rejected the contract offer from MK Dons. He simply said that the basic wage offered was unacceptable. Well, the transfer money would have been nice but I'm sure Heitzmann can help us quite a bit.

August 19, 2009
Hrm, looking at my profile, I see that I'm now described as an "under-pressure manager". Not sure I like that. My job status is still at "stable" though. It dipped to "insecure" for a little while last season.

FM

FrogMan

08-25-2009, 11:21 AM

That's some nice cash from that transfer.

It could have been although the board are saying I'll be getting only 5% of any incoming transfer money, no doubt due to the precarious financial position we got into in the offseason. 5% of $415k is only $20,750. Still much better than nothing, but I've been able to find nice players on free transfers so I don't mind the lack of transfer kitty right now...

FM

FrogMan

08-25-2009, 11:53 AM

August 22, 2009
League match #3: at Notts County (Luton evens fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>5.10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>7.10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.90</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.55</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>7.00</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Graeme Owens</td> <td>M RL</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>0 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.55</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.35</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>0 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>0 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>0 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>74%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>70%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>85%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>70%</td> <td>1 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.50</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr></tbody></table>
We've beat Notts Co twice last season with a combined score of 4-1. Let's hope we can repeat. Mike Pollitt is still not completely match fit but I cannot not start him, regardless of his "mistake" of last game.

We start the game with a bang when Sébastien Heitzmann scores one of his typical goal on a screamer from far out. From 35 yards out to be exact. A perfectly placed ball. Up 1-0. Holmar Eyjolfsson misses an interception in the 20th minute and they make him pay. Tied 1-1. Dang! Mistakes continue and this time it's right fullback Ritchie De Laet who gives away an easy ball and they score. Down 1-2. We do tie it before the end of the half when Freddy Sears finds himself alone on the edge of the 6 yard box. 2-2 at the half. It's bit crazy and I remind the fellas that we can win this game. I tell both Heyjolfsson and De Laet that I have faith in their abilities.

We do have our chances in the second half but they dominate in possession and transform that possession into a 3-2 lead in the 68th minute. Sears bangs in a late equalizer, converting a nicely centered ball by Kristian O'Leary in the 85th minute. We even have a couple at winning the game in injury time but we can't convert them. Final Score: 3-3
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Notts Co</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>49%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>51%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>12</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>66%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>63%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>31%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>21%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>97%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>90%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>66%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>45%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Crazy game, very open. Freddy Sears gets the Man of the Match with two goals and an 8.5 form rating. We definitely played a much better second half than the first. The fans go back home in a buoyant mood following the late equalizer.

The post-match conference presents an interesting question. I'm aksed what the future of Dean Pearce is at Luton, considering the recent transfer rumors. I reply categorically that he definitely has a future in my team, no doubt about that. He's still a bit unsettle but is please with my comment. Poor kid, 16yo is young to have to deal with stuff like that.

FrogMan

08-25-2009, 02:02 PM

August 24, 3009
Shiva-Star N'Zigou resumes full training following his shin injury.

Same goes for George Pilkington although I'm not sure there's a starting spot left for Old George anymore. I'll have him get back into form with the reserves and will see later on.

August 26, 2009
League Cup round 2: at Stoke City (Stoke City 2-5 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>5.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>3</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.33</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>3</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.63</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>0 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>7.30</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>3</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>7.10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Graeme Owens</td> <td>M RL</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>1 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>0 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>3</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.73</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>7.47</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>
</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>3</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.50</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>3</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.47</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S6</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>85%</td> <td>1 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.50</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S7</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>0 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>82%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>83%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>91%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>
Ugh, this is looking like a rough one. When the fans of the other team expect their club to pile on the misery for fans of the other club, you can expect the worse.

I tell the guys that the pressure is off for this one. They should go out and enjoy the game.

I thought the game had started reasonably well, with possession about even between the two clubs with maybe a little edge to Stoke. That was before I took a look at the shots stats. After 16 minutes, they had take 8 shots, with 6 of them being blocked, to none for us. They finally put one past Mike Pollitt about a minute later. We don't put much pressure on their keeper and when we finally do in the 25th minute, their keeper pulls off the miraculous save. We're only down 0-1 at the half but their outshooting us 13(3) to 1(1).

They add to their lead twice in the second half, in the 56th and 70th minutes. Final Score: 0-3.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Stoke</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>25</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>53%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>47%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>31</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>22</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>9</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>69%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>54%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>39%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>0%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>97%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>90%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>79%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>36%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>1</td></tr></tbody></table>
The loss isn't even the big highlight here. Daniel Jones, probably out of frustration, got sent off in the 82nd minute after kicking an opponent. I give him and official warning for violent behaviour which he accepts, indicating a willingness to control his temperament in future matches. He's automatically been banned for one match but a disciplinary committee will meet and could decide to extend the ban.

Other bad news injury wise. Sébastien Heitzmann suffered a stubbed toe and will miss between 8 to 10 days.

We're out of the League Cup with the loss but we had a bye for round 1. This means we made it to the board's expected 2nd round of the Cup and they are happy with it. :)

FM

FrogMan

08-26-2009, 09:04 AM

August 28, 2009
As the transfer window nears closure, rumors keep popping up about Sébastien Heitzmann being the target of some teams or others. The Luton Football Free Press are saying that MK Dons are apparently about to offer $220k for the striker. My assistant recommends I issue a hands off warning

August 29, 2009
League Match #4: vs Morecambe (Luton 2-5 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>3</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>4</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>1 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.45</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>4</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.38</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>3</td> <td>-</td> <td>7.07</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>1 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.55</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>4</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.78</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>0 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.25</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>7.30</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>
</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>3</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.50</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Graeme Owens</td> <td>M RL</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>2 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S6</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Sus</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>3 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.47</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>1 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.55</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>78%</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.42</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>4</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.22</td></tr></tbody></table>
Bookies are predicting an easy win for The Hatters on this one. Morecambe manager Sammy Mcllrroy on the other hand thinks he has luxury to doubt capabilities to promote Luton to higher football. The backlash is immediate. I reply through the media that I am relishing an easy victory on his club today. They're currently in 20th place, one spot ahead of us.

In the hope or bringing some stability back into our lineup, I give the start to Kristian O'Leary and Emanuel Lewis, two veterans returning from last season. I tell the guys in the locker room that not only I think we can win this one, but I expect a win!

It's a very flat first half. We can't seem to complete our passes and finally go down 0-1 in the 34th minute. It's the halftime score. I lash out at the fellas at the half, asking them to show some passion damnit.

It's of no use and while we play a bit better in the second half, we can't convert. Final Score: 0-1

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Morecambe</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>39%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>61%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>17</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>23</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>63%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>73%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>66%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>86%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>84%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>47%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>66%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"></tr></tbody></table>
What a disappointing loss. And a boring match to boot. 7 shots total, both teams combined. We lost possession BIG TIME with only 39%. I'm at a loss for words to describe how pathetic that display was... As you'd expect, the fans were also disappointed with the result and the showing from the team.

August 31, 2009
Interesting, Mike Pollitt made it onto the League 2 Team of the Week. He rated at 6.6 for the Notts Co game and 6.7 for the Morecambe game. Nothing out of this world. I guess reputation has something to do in the selection of those awards...

FM

FrogMan

08-26-2009, 09:05 AM

September 1st, 2009
The team board are now satisfied with my management of the team. According to them, the capture of Fred Sears has been particularly pleasing. Even though I never had a say in it, I'll take whatever praise I can get. They negative is the unhappiness of fans regarding the performance of Kristian O'Leary. Oh well, at one point, given who we played in friendlies, we had something like 5 or 6 players that the fans were unhappy about, based mostly on form rating. Sure, starting with a 0-12 drubbing didn't help matters much. O'leary in particular had a rough outing against Stokes and was one of the worst players on the pitch against Morecambe.

September 2, 2009
Johnstone's Paint Trophy, South first round: vs Colchester (L1) (Luton 6-4 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>4</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.25</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>4</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.22</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.62</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>3</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.50</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.44</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>Slt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>4</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>91%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>2 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.50</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>1 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>5</td> <td>3</td> <td>7.06</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>
</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Graeme Owens</td> <td>M RL</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>2 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>79%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Sus</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>3 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.47</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>81%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>63%</td> <td>1 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.55</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>2 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.17</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>79%</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.42</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.30</td></tr></tbody></table>
Before heading out to the field, we learn that Daniel Jones has been banned for two more matches for his recent red card.

We start this game with a neutral tactic and we're being manhandled early on. They're winning possession with 63% after 30 minutes but we've only allowed them four shots, that we've all blocked.

It's a scoreless first half and I tell the guys that all we need is one goal, they can do it! Sure, we'll need to shoot at least once in the next 45 minutes for that to happen, something we failed to do in the first 45 minutes.

We do take a few shots but the second half ends in a deadlocked 0-0 draw. Off to penalties!

It's a goalfest in the shootout as both teams score on all of their first four shots until they miss one on their fifth one. Andrea Lombardo is our fifth kicker and he buries it to give us the win. Final Score: 0-0 (5-4 on penalties)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Colchester</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>9</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>41%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>59%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>19</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>66%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>75%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>18%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>92%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>94%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>45%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>79%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Our other scorers were Kevin Nicholls, Dean Pearce, Ritchie De Laet and Fred Sears, in that order. Fans are pleased with the win and we live, for the time being. We've been awarded $4,500 for the win, woohoo. ;)

September 5, 2009
We've been drawn to play fellow League 2 side Hereford in the second round of the Johnston's Paint Trophy. We'll hopefully be able to do better than we did in the season opener.

Oh crap. Holmar Eyjolfsson got injured while playing for Iceland against Norway. It's not good, not good at all. My physion is a bit dense about how long he'll miss. He says between 8 weeks and 2 months. Well duh.

FM

FrogMan

08-26-2009, 11:18 AM

September 12, 2009
League Match #5: at Torquay (1st) (Luton 6-4 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.36</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.36</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>6</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.73</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>6</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.50</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>Slt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>3</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.57</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>3 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.58</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>6</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.73</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.42</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>7.00</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>
</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>2 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.17</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Graeme Owens</td> <td>M RL</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>2 (4)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>1 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.55</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>0 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Sus</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>3 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.47</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>2 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.03</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>1 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.30</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>80%</td> <td>4</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.65</td></tr></tbody></table>
Always feels a bit odd when you play the top team in your league, on their pitch, and the bookies have you as favourites and you really don't feel like a winner. Maybe they're seeing something I'm not seeing yet.

Sébastien Heitzmann gives us a 1-0 lead after Freddy Sears had use his pace to create separation from a defender in order to feed him a nicely centered ball. We're controlling the pace of the game at the half, winning possession with 57%.

Heitzmann doubles his tally, and our lead, in the 68th minute when heads in a corner kick from Kevin Nicholls. While we do control the game, we're still prone to the same kind of mental mistakes and we lose our lead within 10 minute when they score goals in the 71st and 80th minute. Tied 2-2. Grrr...

We finally put the game away in the 90th minute when Graeme Owens, who came into the game to replace Emanuel Lewis in the 69th minute, receives a perfectly centered ball by Nicholls, brought it into the box and beat the keeper one-on-one. Final Score: 3-2.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Torquay</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>42%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>58%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>22</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>61%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>64%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>25%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>100%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>92%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>65%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>51%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Heitzmann gets the Man of the Match with two goals. The fans are pleased with the win. It sure feels good to finally record the first win of the season. We'd had one draw and three losses so far, not really a stellar start to the season.

September 15, 2009
Mike Pollitt and Kevin Nicholls have been selected to the League 2 Team of the Week.

FM

FrogMan

08-26-2009, 11:20 AM

September 16, 2009
League Match #6: vs Oxford (23rd) (Luton 4-6 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>6</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.40</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>6</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.45</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>7</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.40</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>7</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.54</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>1 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>4</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.63</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Graeme Owens</td> <td>M RL</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>2 (5)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>7</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>5</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>7.07</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>
</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>2 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.17</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>3 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.47</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>1 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.53</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>0 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>4 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>2 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.03</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.30</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>78%</td> <td>4</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.65</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Slt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>6</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.83</td></tr></tbody></table>
Seeing how Graeme Owens gave us the win in our last game, I give him the start, despite the fact that Daniel Jones is back from his suspension. I also give a breather to kiddo Dean Pearce.

This game starts just crazy. So crazy that within the first 13 minutes of play, we've knocked in three, THREE balls and we're leading 3-0. Fred Sears, Shiva-Star N'Zigou and Olivier Bernard, up forward from his fullback spot, are the three scorers.

3-0 is the halftime score but we're far from really dominating all over the field. Shot are pretty even, but we're losing possession big time with only 34%. At the halftime break, I tell the guys I'm pleased with their play and believe me, it'll take a long time before I tell 'em that again. They'll score three goals between the 56th and 65th minute to tie the game. I'm livid, just can't believe it. I want to jump on the pitch and give them all a personal whack behind the head. Final Score: 3-3.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Oxford</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>12</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>41%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>59%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>23</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>60%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>69%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>29%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>7%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>91%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>92%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>68%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>55%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Seriously would never have thought in a millon years that we could let go of a 3-0 lead. While many of our players' form rate upward of 7, I tell 'em all that it was not good enough. Undertandably, the fans are disappointed with the draw.

After 6 matches, we're sitting in a very disappointing 19th place:
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Team</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>Stockport</td> <td>6</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>12</td> <td>3</td> <td>+9</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2nd</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>6</td> <td>4</td> <td>0</td> <td>2</td> <td>12</td> <td>5</td> <td>+7</td> <td>12</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Darlington</td> <td>6</td> <td>4</td> <td>0</td> <td>2</td> <td>7</td> <td>7</td> <td>0</td> <td>12</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4th</td> <td>Torquay</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>+3</td> <td>11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5th</td> <td>Bury</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>12</td> <td>6</td> <td>+6</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6th</td> <td>Exeter</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>4</td> <td>0</td> <td>8</td> <td>2</td> <td>+6</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7th</td> <td>Port Vale</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>+3</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8th</td> <td>Grimsby</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>8</td> <td>6</td> <td>+2</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9th</td> <td>Shrewsbury</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>8</td> <td>9</td> <td>-1</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10th</td> <td>Northampton</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>5</td> <td>6</td> <td>-1</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11th</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>4</td> <td>5</td> <td>-1</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12th</td> <td>Accrington</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>9</td> <td>8</td> <td>+1</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13th</td> <td>Rotherham</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>9</td> <td>10</td> <td>-1</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14th</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>8</td> <td>10</td> <td>-2</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15th</td> <td>Chesterfield</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>5</td> <td>7</td> <td>-2</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16th</td> <td>Cheltenham</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>7</td> <td>10</td> <td>-3</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17th</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18th</td> <td>Notts Co</td> <td>6</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>8</td> <td>8</td> <td>0</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19th</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>6</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>10</td> <td>12</td> <td>-2</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20th</td> <td>Morecambe</td> <td>6</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>5</td> <td>7</td> <td>-2</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21st</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>6</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>8</td> <td>-5</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22nd</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>6</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>6</td> <td>-3</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23rd</td> <td>Oxford</td> <td>6</td> <td>0</td> <td>4</td> <td>2</td> <td>8</td> <td>13</td> <td>-5</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>24th</td> <td>Wycombe</td> <td>6</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>5</td> <td>3</td> <td>12</td> <td>-9</td> <td>3</td></tr></tbody></table>
FM

FrogMan

08-26-2009, 11:22 AM

September 19, 2009
League Match #7: at Port Vale (7th) (Port Vale 5-4 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>7</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.43</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>7</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.51</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>8</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.96</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>8</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.55</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>Slt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>6</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>5</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Graeme Owens</td> <td>M RL</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>3 (5)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>8</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.88</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>7.08</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>2 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.17</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>3 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.47</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>1 (4)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.58</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>0 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>4 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>2 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.03</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>2 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.30</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>77%</td> <td>4</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.65</td></tr></tbody></table>
For a rare time we're not favourites to win this one. Graeme Owens played well again in our match against Oxford so he earns another start.

It's pretty even to the start of the game but we fall down one in the 26th minute. I decide to replace Freddy Sears at that time since his condition has dropped drastically after suffering a knock. Andrea Lombardo comes in off the bench. They take a 2-0 lead in teh 41st minute as we were playing with only ten men. Shiva-Star N'Zigou was down after a rough challenge. He'll keep playing though.

We're down 0-2 at the half but all stats are pretty even. I tell the guys I want to see more from them. I may have added a few choiced words, I'm not too sure...

We start the second half with a bang when N'Zigou'S nice play down the wing sets up Andrea Lombardo for an easy goal. We're playing with a lot more confidence in the second half and tie the game in the 70th minute with Kevin Gallen's first goal of the season, a goal created by Lombardo's pinpoint pass. Another Lombardo/Gallen exchange results in Lombardo's second goal of the game and it gives us the lead only 3 minutes later. Sébastien Heitzmann will add to our leads a minute into injury time. Final Score: 4-2.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Port Vale</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>45%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>55%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>60%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>67%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>31%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>93%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>86%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>48%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>76%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Wow, what a game. I tell the guys I think they were sensational. Andrea Lombardo gets the Man of the Match. That was the good news. The bad news is that Freddy Sears twisted his ankle. My physio tells me that normally we could manage his injury with a course of injection but since he's only on loan, we have to wait and let him heal. No idea rightaway about how long he'll be out.

September 21, 2009
Mike Pollitt and Andrea Lombardo have been selected to the League 2 Team of the Week.

Turns out Fred Sears will miss between 4 and 5 weeks. Hopefully Andrea Lombardo can pull more nice performance like the one in our last match.

FM

FrogMan

08-26-2009, 11:45 AM

September 25, 2009
League Match #8: vs Accrington (6th) (Luton 1-3 favourites)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>8</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.50</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>8</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.56</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>9</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.99</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>3</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>9</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.58</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>Slt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>7</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.91</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>6</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.93</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Graeme Owens</td> <td>M RL</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>4 (5)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>9</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.97</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>0 (2)</td> <td>2</td> <td>7.35</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>
</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>2 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.17</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>3 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.62</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>1 (5)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>2 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.03</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>4 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>2 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.30</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>70%</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.99</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>74%</td> <td>4</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.65</td></tr></tbody></table>
Wow, we're really heavy favourites for this one. In the pre-match press conference I'm asked about the interest surrounding Shiva-Star N'Zigou and how I rate my chances of holding onto him. I reply that I think my chances are very high.

Accrington are coming of a convincing 4-1 win over Morecambe. We're now in 16th place, but only 3 points behind them. It's a logjam with only 4 points between 5th place Darlington (12 points) and us and Rotherham tied in 16th place with 8 points.

Given our scoring in our last three match (3, 3 and 4 goals scored) I tell the guys to go all out to start the game. I also tell the guys I not only think we can win, but I expect them to go out and win it!

Andrea Lombardo adds to his tally of last game in the 15th minute when he heads in a nicely centerd ball by Graeme Owens, then he repeats his goal tally of last game in the 30th minute, this time converting a ball coming from Shiva-Star N'Zigou on the other wing.

It's 2-0 at the half and my assistant's recommendation is to tell the guys I'm pleased. Nuhuh, no way. I tell them not to let their performance drop. I don't want us to lose another nice lead by playing sloppy football.

We don't add to our lead in the second half but it's not by lacking of chances. Final Score: 2-0.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Accrington</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>9</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>48%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>52%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>12</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>26</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>22</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>70%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>69%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>38%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>97%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>82%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>53%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>73%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Andrea Lombardo earns his second Man of the Match in two games. A confident performance from the whole team. The fans are please with the win that allows us to claim 5 spots in the standings, up to 11th place, and only 3 points off 4th place.

Odd thing I see looking at Lombardo's profile. The rough start to our season has cause him, and some others, to feel that the team has more potential than it is showing. I'd agree with that although our last few games have been pretty solid. We're now tied for top scoring team in League 2 with 16 goals.

October 1st, 2009
Woah, I have won the League 2 Manager of the Month award! The team ended the month of September with three wins and a draw (that should have been a win). Nice!

The board are still satisfied with my management of the team. Their only negative comment is they're still rambling about our 0-3 loss to Stoke in the League Cup. Wow, get over it guys.

FM

Izulde

08-26-2009, 01:52 PM

Congrats on rebounding your form and winning the monthly award. :)

FrogMan

08-26-2009, 02:04 PM

October 2, 2009
League Match #9: vs Darlington (3rd) (Luton 4-7 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>9</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.54</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>9</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.62</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>10</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.98</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>4</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>10</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.62</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>Slt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>8</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.94</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>7</td> <td>1</td> <td>7.00</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Graeme Owens</td> <td>M RL</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>5 (5)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.81</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>10</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.87</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>1 (2)</td> <td>4</td> <td>7.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>2 (4)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.17</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>3 (4)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.62</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>1 (5)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>2 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>4 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>2 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.30</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>67%</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.99</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>71%</td> <td>4</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.65</td></tr></tbody></table>
How about taking on the 3rd placed team in your league to test out of your recent good form has only been a fluke? They are only 4 points ahead of us, sitting in the last autopromotion spot.

Once again, at home, I tell the guys to go all out to start the game. And holy moly did it pay off or what. We won the toss and elected to start with the kickoff. The ball is sent down the left wing where Graeme Owens takes it almost to the corner flag before centering it. Shiva-Star N'Zigou's first try gets blocked but there was no way Sébastien Heitzman's vicious top corner shot could be stopped. This is a new record, only 28 seconds to score a goal.

It's still 1-0 at the half, but we're quietly in control. Only 8 minutes into the second, one of their players makes a Daniel Jones of himself and shoves Graeme Owens in the chest during a stoppage of play. The referee doesn't hesitate, it's a straight red! They go to a very hermetic formation with 4 defenders, a DMC, 2 MCs and AMR/AML but no strikers. I pull my guys back a bit to make sure we don't let them take advantage of any long counter attack.

We get into a crazy ball control game from then on and will, amazingly enough, increase our lead by not one but two goals. Andrea Lombardo first, following a nice
pass from Graeme Owens, then Heitzmann with his second of the game, converting on a corner kick, again from Owens. From experience, I've always found it extremely difficult to score against a team which is a man down. To score two is simply great. Final Score: 3-0.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Darlington</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>59%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>41%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>30</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>17</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>73%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>57%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>20%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>100%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>92%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>60%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>61%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>1</td></tr></tbody></table>
Sébastien Heitzmann gets the Man of the Match with his two goals. We controlled the ball 67% of the second half, up from only 49% in the first half. Looking at the guys play, I got the feeling they had finally gelled. Nice passing, no balls left where there was nobody to pick it up. Great playing overall. Media called it a highly polished performance. Fans are delighted with the win. They were particularly pleased with how much more dangerous the team looked in the final third of the pitch.

The win moves us up to 8th place, now only 2 points off second place and 5 points off 1st place:
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Team</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>Stockport</td> <td>9</td> <td>6</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>16</td> <td>6</td> <td>+10</td> <td>19</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2nd</td> <td>Port Vale</td> <td>9</td> <td>5</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>12</td> <td>9</td> <td>+3</td> <td>16</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>9</td> <td>5</td> <td>0</td> <td>4</td> <td>14</td> <td>8</td> <td>+6</td> <td>15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4th</td> <td>Shrewsbury</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>12</td> <td>12</td> <td>0</td> <td>15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5th</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>7</td> <td>7</td> <td>0</td> <td>15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6th</td> <td>Cheltenham</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>12</td> <td>13</td> <td>-1</td> <td>15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7th</td> <td>Darlington</td> <td>9</td> <td>5</td> <td>0</td> <td>4</td> <td>9</td> <td>11</td> <td>-2</td> <td>15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8th</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>19</td> <td>14</td> <td>+5</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9th</td> <td>Bury</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>14</td> <td>9</td> <td>+5</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10th</td> <td>Grimsby</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>13</td> <td>10</td> <td>+3</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11th</td> <td>Torquay</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>9</td> <td>7</td> <td>+2</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12th</td> <td>Rotherham</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>12</td> <td>11</td> <td>+1</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13th</td> <td>Chesterfield</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>8</td> <td>9</td> <td>-1</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14th</td> <td>Northampton</td> <td>9</td> <td>3</td> <td>4</td> <td>2</td> <td>8</td> <td>9</td> <td>-1</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15th</td> <td>Accrington</td> <td>9</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>15</td> <td>13</td> <td>+2</td> <td>12</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16th</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>9</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>13</td> <td>14</td> <td>-1</td> <td>12</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17th</td> <td>Exeter</td> <td>9</td> <td>2</td> <td>5</td> <td>2</td> <td>9</td> <td>7</td> <td>+2</td> <td>11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18th</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>9</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>5</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>0</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19th</td> <td>Wycombe</td> <td>9</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>5</td> <td>6</td> <td>12</td> <td>-6</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20th</td> <td>Notts Co</td> <td>9</td> <td>1</td> <td>5</td> <td>3</td> <td>12</td> <td>13</td> <td>-1</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21st</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>9</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>5</td> <td>6</td> <td>9</td> <td>-3</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22nd</td> <td>Oxford</td> <td>9</td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>10</td> <td>18</td> <td>-8</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23rd</td> <td>Morecambe</td> <td>9</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>5</td> <td>7</td> <td>13</td> <td>-6</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>24th</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>9</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>12</td> <td>-9</td> <td>5</td></tr></tbody></table>

Nice to see our progression through the league table. (see below)

October 5, 2009
Mike Pollitt (again!), Graeme Owens and Sébastien Heitzmann have all be selected to the League 2 Team of the Week.

Wow, I'm now described as a "talented manager" on my profile. Sure looks a whole lot better than being called an "under-pressure manager". ;)

chesapeake

08-26-2009, 02:49 PM

Heitzmann has really responded well to almost being shipped out of town. What a professional!

kingfc22

08-26-2009, 02:59 PM

Nice run you have going FM

JonInMiddleGA

08-26-2009, 03:44 PM

I'm still back one page chuckling at the "8 weeks to 2 months" diagnosis :)

FrogMan

08-26-2009, 07:02 PM

Congrats on rebounding your form and winning the monthly award. :)

thanks, quite happy about it. Probably shouldn't have been surprise to have won it given the month we'd had, but it took me a bit by surprise anyway.

FM

FrogMan

08-26-2009, 07:06 PM

Heitzmann has really responded well to almost being shipped out of town. What a professional!

you are right, I hadn't thought about it that way. He sure had a rough start with us, I mean the first few games he played with us last year were borderline atrocious and I was worried I had signed a dud, but he's tuned out all right.

He's also got a basic English now. Shiva-Star N'Zigou still only speaks French. Makes for long speeches in the locker room when I have to translate everything to him. ;)

FM

FrogMan

08-26-2009, 07:08 PM

Nice run you have going FM

thanks, hopefully it'll continue ;)

And I say this really without having seen anything more. Up until that last post today, I had some two days of playing time accumulated in screenshots, but now I'm all caught up.

FM

FrogMan

08-26-2009, 07:10 PM

I'm still back one page chuckling at the "8 weeks to 2 months" diagnosis :)

know what, I had to read it two or three times when I first opened his profile. Wasn't too sure if there was not some information that was missing or something. heh.

For some extra info, Eyjolfsson is now 13 days to 3 weeks away from coming back while Fred Sears is 11 days to 3 weeks from coming back.

FM

FrogMan

08-27-2009, 02:02 PM

October 6, 2009
Johnstone's Paint Trophy, South second round: at Hereford (Luton 2-5 favourites)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>10</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>10</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.66</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>11</td> <td>1</td> <td>7.00</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>11</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>Slt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>9</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.94</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>8</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.99</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>3 (5)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.63</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>11</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.88</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>9</td> <td>6</td> <td>7.04</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>2 (2)</td> <td>5</td> <td>7.63</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>2 (5)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.17</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Graeme Owens</td> <td>M RL</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>6 (5)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.90</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>1 (5)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>2 (4)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>4 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>2 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.30</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>66%</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.99</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>69%</td> <td>4</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.65</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>
I hate those games where we're billed as heavy favourites, or even worse, when an easy win is predicted by the fans as well as the media. Gotta be careful with those.

I'd probably want to rest a starter or two, given how unimportant the Johnstone's Paint Trophy seems to be to the eyes of our team board, but I'm afraid I'l disrupt the great chemistry we've worked so hard to build. I do one tiny change and it's to start Daniel Jones in the place of Graeme Owens. I tell all the guys they can win this game but I take Sébastien Heitzmann aside and tell him to pick up where he left off.

That little aside certainly seems to have worked as he scores 66 seconds into the game. Daniel Jones drove the ball down the left side of the pitch and centered him a very nice ball. A perfect header later, we were up 1-0.

The first half ends with that score and while we didn't score, we're in total control of the game at that point. 68% possession while not allowing one shot from our opposition, well done. But I don't want to give 'em an inch. While my assistant recommends to encourage them, I bluntly tell them not to get careless.

The second half will stay scoreless but it's not because of a lack of chances on our part. We hit a couple of posts and one or two crossbars in that 45 minutes. Final Score: 1-0.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Hereford</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>40%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>60%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>60%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>73%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>26%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>89%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>100%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>58%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>64%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Yeah, 1-0 might look unimpressive, especially to the pundits who were predicting an easy win for us, but let me tell ya, we were in complete control in that game. Compare the possession figures (60/40), the number of corners (7/1) and the number of throw-ins (24/13) and you'll see that they spend the whole game simply defending themselves against our assaults.

October 6, 2009
My words get twisted in the press. In yesterday's post match press conference, I was asked what my reaction was to the narrow win, given how we were expected to win by far more. Given how we have a pretty determined bunch of players, I decided to answer that I thought there was room for improvement. The London's Evening Standard stated in big letters that I was disappointed at the embarassingly poor win. Huh, not really what I said there guys... A couple guys didn't react well to my comment and dropped in morale, but otherwise all others stayed at superb morale.

October 9, 2009
Kevin Gallen strained his neck after jumping to challenge for the ball during a training session today. He'll miss 11 days to 2 weeks. While he's not a starter anymore, he's mighty useful to close out games. Kristian O'Leary or Keith Keane will probably have to be used as backups to Shiva-Star N'Zigou. That or I give the left midfield starting spot to Daniel Jones, and I keep Graeme Owens (MR) and Lewis Emanuel (ML) as my two wingers on the bench. Jones had a pretty solid game against Hereford.

October 10, 2009
We've been drawn to play League 1 Leyton Orient in the Johnstone's Paint South quarter final. They're currently sitting in 4th place of League 1.

FM

FrogMan

08-28-2009, 09:09 AM

October 13, 2009
My assistant informs me that Holmar Eyjolfsson's three month loan is coming to terms soon. I quickly ask West Ham if they're willing to extend it.

October 14, 2009
League Match #10: at Northampton (17th) (Luton 4-6 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>11</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.63</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.30</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>12</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.98</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>2 (6)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.28</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>Slt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>10</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.96</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>9</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.97</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>4 (5)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>12</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.88</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>10</td> <td>7</td> <td>7.05</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>3 (2)</td> <td>5</td> <td>7.46</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>76%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>2 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Graeme Owens</td> <td>M RL</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>6 (5)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.90</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>4 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>2 (5)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.19</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>61%</td> <td>1 (6)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Int</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>12</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.71</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Int</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>11</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Trv</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>91%</td> <td>6</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>61%</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.99</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>65%</td> <td>4</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.65</td></tr></tbody></table>
Hrm, this match was rearranged due to international callups, but it doesn't look like it helps much. Edward Asafu-Adjaye, Ritchie De Laet and Pelé will all miss this match due to being away on international duty. I'm quite worried about starting Kristian O'Leary and George Pilkington in the middle of our defensive backline. Also, given Kevin Gallen's injury, I shuffle my winger spots and give the start for on the left wing to Daniel Jones, keeping Graeme Owens to come in late for Shiva-Star N'Zigou.

Interesting fact, Mike Pollitt has not conceded a goal in 319 consecutive minutes of football. Huh, have I just jinxed us but even simply reading that line out loud?

It's a very uneventful first half that ends scoreless. Sébastien Heitzmann is having one of his rare subpar performances. I tell him I have faith in his abilities, in hope it will boost his confidence.

We get a great chance to go one up in the 74th minute but Graeme Owens puts it just wide. The final whistle comes and the media call it a bore draw. I call it stealing a point. Final Score: 0-0.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Northampton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>47%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>53%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>12</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>9</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>71%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>73%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>38%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>20%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>100%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>87%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>65%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>68%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
I tell the guys I sympathise with them even though my assistant was disappointed with the showing. Sure the stats are not real good, but we survived it. The fans are pleased with the draw.

We move up to from 11th to 8th place with that tiny point, no sitting just outside the playoff zone. Second place is only 3 points away.

Our offer to extend Eyjolfsson's loan has been accepted by West Ham. Waiting to hear from him on it.

October 15, 2009
Bah, what a downer. Holmar Eyjolfsson has agreed to continue his stay on loan with us but it is turned down by the FA. There's apparently a rule that a player cannot spend more than three months on short term loan at one club during one season. I'll see if I can't get him back until the end of the season when the January window opens. For now, the last couple of months have shown that we can survive without him so I'm pretty sure we'll be okay.

FM

FrogMan

08-29-2009, 06:43 AM

October 17, 2009
League Match #11: vs Shrewsbury (3rd) (Luton 1-2 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>12</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.64</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>11</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>13</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.99</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>6</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>12</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.71</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>Slt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>11</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>10</td> <td>1</td> <td>7.00</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Graeme Owens</td> <td>M RL</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>6 (6)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.89</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.88</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>11</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>4 (2)</td> <td>5</td> <td>7.35</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>86%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>3 (6)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.36</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>5 (5)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>2 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>2 (6)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.19</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.90</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>60%</td> <td>1 (6)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>4 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.45</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>65%</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.99</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Hólmar Eyjólfsson</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>67%</td> <td>4</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.65</td></tr></tbody></table>
This match has been picked up to be a fan day. Any season ticket holder can brin a friend to that match at half-price. We're currently ranked 4th in all of League 2 in average crowd with a bit over 5500 spectators per game.

On the injury front, Holmar Eyjolfsson will not get better before his loan spell ends, but Fred Sears is now between a day and two days from going back to training full time.

We're in 8th place but only 3rd point off Shrewsbury. Not too sure I like the crazy kind of odds they are giving us.

We start the game on all out attack but we're losing possession big time so I tone it down after 15 minutes. It pays off in the 18th minute when Graeme Owens puts a volley from a tight angle behind their keeper.

1-0 is the score at the half and we're playing okay. My assistant again tells me to encourage the guys but I just want to whip them and I end up telling them not to get careless. It's a very tight second half with keeper Mike Pollitt making a few big saves to keep his clean sheet. Once the game is done, he's played for 499 minutes without conceding a goal. Final Score: 1-0.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Shrewsbury</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>12</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>51%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>49%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>18</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>21</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>69%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>64%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>31%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>23%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>95%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>78%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>44%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>68%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Graeme Owens gets the Man of the Match with his goal and overall good presence. Stats are quite even, as you would expectd when playing a time that high in the standings. The fans are pleased with the win.

We move up from 8th to 5th place with the win, now only 1 point from 3rd place and 2 points from 2nd. Stockport have sorta pulled away a bit for now:
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Team</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>Stockport</td> <td>11</td> <td>8</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>19</td> <td>6</td> <td>+13</td> <td>25</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2nd</td> <td>Darlington</td> <td>11</td> <td>7</td> <td>0</td> <td>4</td> <td>14</td> <td>14</td> <td>0</td> <td>21</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>11</td> <td>6</td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> <td>17</td> <td>10</td> <td>+7</td> <td>19</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4th</td> <td>Port Vale</td> <td>11</td> <td>6</td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> <td>18</td> <td>13</td> <td>+5</td> <td>19</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5th</td> <td>Bury</td> <td>11</td> <td>5</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>18</td> <td>11</td> <td>+7</td> <td>18</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6th</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>11</td> <td>5</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>20</td> <td>14</td> <td>+6</td> <td>18</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7th</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>11</td> <td>5</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>10</td> <td>8</td> <td>+2</td> <td>18</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8th</td> <td>Shrewsbury</td> <td>11</td> <td>5</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>13</td> <td>13</td> <td>0</td> <td>18</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9th</td> <td>Chesterfield</td> <td>11</td> <td>5</td> <td>2</td> <td>4</td> <td>10</td> <td>11</td> <td>-1</td> <td>17</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10th</td> <td>Torquay</td> <td>11</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>14</td> <td>12</td> <td>+2</td> <td>16</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11th</td> <td>Rotherham</td> <td>11</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>13</td> <td>12</td> <td>+1</td> <td>16</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12th</td> <td>Cheltenham</td> <td>11</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>13</td> <td>16</td> <td>-3</td> <td>16</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13th</td> <td>Wycombe</td> <td>11</td> <td>5</td> <td>1</td> <td>5</td> <td>10</td> <td>14</td> <td>-4</td> <td>16</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14th</td> <td>Exeter</td> <td>11</td> <td>3</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>11</td> <td>8</td> <td>+3</td> <td>15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15th</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>11</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>4</td> <td>16</td> <td>17</td> <td>-1</td> <td>15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16th</td> <td>Northampton</td> <td>11</td> <td>3</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>10</td> <td>11</td> <td>-1</td> <td>15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17th</td> <td>Grimsby</td> <td>11</td> <td>4</td> <td>2</td> <td>5</td> <td>14</td> <td>13</td> <td>+1</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18th</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>11</td> <td>4</td> <td>2</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>9</td> <td>0</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19th</td> <td>Accrington</td> <td>11</td> <td>3</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>18</td> <td>17</td> <td>+1</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20th</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>11</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>6</td> <td>13</td> <td>14</td> <td>-1</td> <td>11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21st</td> <td>Notts Co</td> <td>11</td> <td>1</td> <td>5</td> <td>5</td> <td>13</td> <td>17</td> <td>-4</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22nd</td> <td>Morecambe</td> <td>11</td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> <td>6</td> <td>8</td> <td>15</td> <td>-7</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23rd</td> <td>Oxford</td> <td>11</td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> <td>6</td> <td>10</td> <td>23</td> <td>-13</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>24th</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>11</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>8</td> <td>3</td> <td>16</td> <td>-13</td> <td>5</td></tr></tbody></table>

Our progression through the table is still mighty impressive. (see below)

After the game, I learn that the fan day brought in an impressive crowd of 6956 to Kenilworth Road. Unfortunately, they're saying the the match experience was somewhat of a disappointment and the board are unsure if the event will help boost club attendances in the long run. What the heck more did they want? We won, it was a close match, plenty of shots were taken on either side of the pitch. Really don't know what more we could have done.

October 19, 2009
This time I expected it following the nice saves he made in the Shrewsbury match, but Mike Pollitt was again selected to the League 2 Team of the Week.

FM

Alf

08-29-2009, 03:24 PM

fans wanted more goals :)

FrogMan

08-31-2009, 09:06 AM

October 20, 2009
League Match #12: at Lincoln (3rd) (Luton 4-6 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.66</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>12</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>91%</td> <td>14</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.99</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>7</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.81</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>12</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.96</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>11</td> <td>1</td> <td>7.02</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Graeme Owens</td> <td>M RL</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>7 (6)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>14</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.89</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>12</td> <td>7</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>5 (2)</td> <td>5</td> <td>7.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>3 (7)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.36</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>5 (6)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.73</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>2 (4)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>2 (6)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.19</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.90</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>63%</td> <td>1 (6)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>4 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.45</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>75%</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.99</td></tr></tbody></table>
Holmar Eyjolfsson has completed his loan spell at Luton and returns to West Ham. He'd been out of the starting lineup for a while anyway due to his injury.

Fred Sears has begun full training following his foot injury.

Going into this game, keeper Mike Pollitt has not conceded a goal in the last 499 minutes.

Our conditionning seems a bit better than theirs. Even though we have many players in the low 90%'s, they have three in mid-80% condition heading into pre-game warmup.

The first half is all Sébastien Heitzmann and Graeme Owens with a goal and an assist each. They both helped set up each other's goal in very similar ways. Up 2-0 at the half.

Heitzmann adds a second goal to his tally in th 70th minute, this time on a nice pass from Daniel Jones, in for Owens. Final Score: 3-0

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>12</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>43%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>57%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>25</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>68%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>69%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>40%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>97%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>90%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>65%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>57%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Great performance from the lads that has the supporters delighted. To fall the 3rd placed team, on their pitch, is a good way to show we're into it to win it. Heitzmann receives the Man of the Match but we get some bad news regarding Andrea Lombardo. The striker twisted his knee and will be out around three weeks. Good thing Freddy Sears is ready to come back. Mike Pollitt extended his run without conceding a goal to 589 minute, or six and a half games!

The win moves us up to 4th place.

FM

FrogMan

08-31-2009, 09:07 AM

fans wanted more goals :)

yeah, you're probably right. Guess they got used to high scoring affairs and it was just a bad day for our offense to stall. We got the win, that's all that counts in my book.

FM

FrogMan

08-31-2009, 11:46 AM

October 24, 2009
League Match #13: vs Stockport (1st) (Luton 4-7 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>14</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>15</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.99</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>8</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>14</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>Slt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>12</td> <td>1</td> <td>7.03</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Graeme Owens</td> <td>M RL</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>8 (6)</td> <td>3</td> <td>7.03</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>15</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.89</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>13</td> <td>9</td> <td>7.07</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.99</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>3 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.45</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5 (7)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.78</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>2 (5)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.78</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>2 (6)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.19</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.90</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>65%</td> <td>6 (2)</td> <td>5</td> <td>7.24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>84%</td> <td>1 (6)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>91%</td> <td>4 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.45</td></tr></tbody></table>
Wow, played 3rd place Lincoln four days ago and now we play the 1st place team. Talk about an important stretch in our schedule. I give the start to Fred Sears despite him being a bit low in conditionning.

Lotsa milestones mentioned in the pre-match report: Mike Pollitt having shut down opponents for 589 minutes now, Sébastien Heitzmann needing only 2 goals to reach 100 career league goals, if we're not beaten today, we'd beat our previous record of 10 games without a loss, and if we collect a clean sheet today, we'll beat the previous record of 6 consecutive matches without a goal... Only reading these makes me nervous. Something has got to go wrong at one point...

It's a fairly uneventful first half that ends in a deadlocked 0-0 tie. The second half starts on the wrong foot for us as Stockport takes a 1-0 lead only 97 seconds into the half. Down 0-1. At the time I was afraid we'd simply crumble as 2 or 3 players appeared to be playing nervously, but we rolled up our sleeves and Sébastien Heitzmann tied the game only two minutes later, converting a nice pass from Fred Sears.

We keep applying pressure and building confidence on it until the 67th minute when a free kick to the near post from a crazy tight by Daniel Jones is picked up by Heitzmann who uses it to make it his 100th career goal! Up 2-1! We'll add to our lead later in the game when we're awarded a penalty. Kevin Nicholls scores from the spot. Final Score: 3-1.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Stockport</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>12</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>47%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>53%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>26</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>9</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>60%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>66%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>16%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>97%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>90%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>52%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>68%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
What a vital win for us! Heitzmann gets the Man of the Match with his two goals and we move into autopromotion zone. The fans are simply "pleased" but I tell the lads I thought their performance was sensational.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Team</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>Stockport</td> <td>13</td> <td>9</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>22</td> <td>9</td> <td>+13</td> <td>28</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2nd</td> <td>Darlington</td> <td>13</td> <td>9</td> <td>0</td> <td>4</td> <td>16</td> <td>14</td> <td>+2</td> <td>27</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>13</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>26</td> <td>15</td> <td>+11</td> <td>24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4th</td> <td>Port Vale</td> <td>13</td> <td>7</td> <td>1</td> <td>5</td> <td>21</td> <td>16</td> <td>+5</td> <td>22</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5th</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>14</td> <td>10</td> <td>+4</td> <td>22</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6th</td> <td>Rotherham</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>16</td> <td>13</td> <td>+3</td> <td>22</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7th</td> <td>Chesterfield</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>4</td> <td>15</td> <td>13</td> <td>+2</td> <td>21</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8th</td> <td>Bury</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>19</td> <td>15</td> <td>+4</td> <td>19</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9th</td> <td>Torquay</td> <td>12</td> <td>5</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>16</td> <td>12</td> <td>+4</td> <td>19</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10th</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>1</td> <td>6</td> <td>17</td> <td>15</td> <td>+2</td> <td>19</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11th</td> <td>Exeter</td> <td>13</td> <td>4</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>13</td> <td>10</td> <td>+3</td> <td>18</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12th</td> <td>Shrewsbury</td> <td>12</td> <td>5</td> <td>3</td> <td>4</td> <td>13</td> <td>14</td> <td>-1</td> <td>18</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13th</td> <td>Northampton</td> <td>13</td> <td>4</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>11</td> <td>12</td> <td>-1</td> <td>18</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14th</td> <td>Cheltenham</td> <td>13</td> <td>4</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>17</td> <td>20</td> <td>-3</td> <td>18</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15th</td> <td>Wycombe</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>3</td> <td>5</td> <td>11</td> <td>15</td> <td>-4</td> <td>18</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16th</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>2</td> <td>6</td> <td>13</td> <td>13</td> <td>0</td> <td>17</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17th</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>13</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>5</td> <td>17</td> <td>19</td> <td>-2</td> <td>16</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18th</td> <td>Accrington</td> <td>13</td> <td>3</td> <td>5</td> <td>5</td> <td>23</td> <td>23</td> <td>0</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19th</td> <td>Grimsby</td> <td>13</td> <td>4</td> <td>2</td> <td>7</td> <td>17</td> <td>19</td> <td>-2</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20th</td> <td>Notts Co</td> <td>13</td> <td>2</td> <td>6</td> <td>5</td> <td>18</td> <td>20</td> <td>-2</td> <td>12</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21st</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>13</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>7</td> <td>15</td> <td>17</td> <td>-2</td> <td>12</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22nd</td> <td>Oxford</td> <td>13</td> <td>2</td> <td>5</td> <td>6</td> <td>15</td> <td>27</td> <td>-12</td> <td>11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23rd</td> <td>Morecambe</td> <td>13</td> <td>2</td> <td>4</td> <td>7</td> <td>10</td> <td>18</td> <td>-8</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>24th</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>13</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>10</td> <td>5</td> <td>21</td> <td>-16</td> <td>5</td></tr></tbody></table>

FM

kingfc22

08-31-2009, 12:17 PM

Sweet!

FrogMan

08-31-2009, 02:03 PM

October 25, 2009
I get a notice that Graeme Owens' loan is coming to an end. Following what happened with Holmar Eyjolfsson, I'm not to hopeful that it'll work, but I ask for a renewal of the loan.

October 26, 2009
Middlesbrough have accepted our offer to renew the loan for Graeme Owens.

Mike Pollitt and Sébastien Heitzmann have been selected to the League 2 Team of the Week.

We've been drawn to play League 1 Tranmere in the first round of the FA Cup. They're currently in 16th place and underachieving.

October 27, 2009
League Match #14: at Dag & Red (24th) (Luton 1-6 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>15</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.69</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.45</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>16</td> <td>1</td> <td>7.01</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>9</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>15</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>2 (6)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.78</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>13</td> <td>1</td> <td>7.05</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.81</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>16</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.92</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>14</td> <td>11</td> <td>7.16</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>10</td> <td>4</td> <td>7.04</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>Slt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>14</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.94</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Graeme Owens</td> <td>M RL</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>9 (6)</td> <td>3</td> <td>7.01</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>3 (9)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.51</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>2 (6)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.19</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.90</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>64%</td> <td>6 (2)</td> <td>5</td> <td>7.24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>1 (6)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>4 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>87%</td> <td>14</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr></tbody></table>
Those are mighty big odds for an away match for us, no matter who we're playing.

As we're getting ready to head out to the clubhouse, I learn that Graeme Owens has rejected the offer to come back on loan for us. I thought we were giving him plenty of playing time, and that he was playing quite well for us. That decision seals the deal and I give the start to Daniel Jones on the left wing.

Hrm, these odds might have been right after all. Only 6 minutes into the game and Shiva-Star N'Zigou had given us a 1-0 lead. We double that lead only11 minutes later when Sébastien Heitzmann's fierce shot finds the back of the net. We'll never look back from that point on. Final Score: 2-0.

<table bordercolor="#000000"> <tbody> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>55%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>45%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>18</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>25</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>9</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>72%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>71%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>37%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>100%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>94%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>69%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>56%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
N'Zigou gets the man of the match but more importantly, Daniel Jones had a very fine game on the left wing, finishing with an assist on N'Zigou's goal. We move up one more spot, now in 2nd place.

FM

FrogMan

08-31-2009, 02:05 PM

October 31, 2009
League Match #15: vs Cheltenham (15th) (Luton 1-6 favourites)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>16</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.69</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>14</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>17</td> <td>1</td> <td>7.02</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>10</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>16</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>Slt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>14 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.92</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>14</td> <td>2</td> <td>7.11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>6 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>17</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>15</td> <td>12</td> <td>7.18</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>11</td> <td>4</td> <td>7.03</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>3 (6)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>4 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>3 (10)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.53</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>2 (7)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.19</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.90</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>64%</td> <td>6 (2)</td> <td>5</td> <td>7.24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>1 (6)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>3</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr></tbody></table>
Another game in which we're heavy favourites to win. Graeme Owens' loan comes to an end and he leaves the club. Lewis Emanuel will be backing up Daniel Jones.

It's odd, as if our confidence bubble had pierced early on. We're leaving the ball to be picked up by opponents, passing erratically, pretty much giving away possession. Cheltenham are awarded a penalty in the 24th minute and they don't miss their chance to go one up on us.

We get to the half down one and I question the lack of passion from the lads. Eight of our eleven players are either playing nervously or looking complacent.

We do put tons more pressure in the second half, but we just can't break in. Final Score: 0-1.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Cheltenham</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>51%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>49%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>12</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>68%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>69%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>25%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>0%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>92%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>89%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>48%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>78%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
After winning so many games we might have had reasons to lose, we finally lose one. One we should have won easily. The fans are disappointed with the loss. Still, we only drop one spot in the league table.

Olivier Bernard has reached the yellow cards limit and will be banned one match starting on November 7.

FM

FrogMan

08-31-2009, 02:06 PM

November 1st, 2009
For the second month in a row, I win the League 2 Manager of the Month award. We played a crazy schedule of 7 league matches in October, winning 5, drawing 1 and losing 1.

The board are satisfied with my management of the team. They're still happy with the signing of Fred Sears and their only negative points to pick on is that the siging of Darren Randolph turned out to be a disappointment. Sure, sure, but Mike Pollitt has been a beast.

November 3, 2009
Jonhstone's Paint Trophy South Quarter Final: at Leyton Orient (Leyton Orient 5-4 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>17</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.69</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>3</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>18</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>11</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>17</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>3 (6)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>15</td> <td>2</td> <td>7.09</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>7 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>18</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>16</td> <td>12</td> <td>7.14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>12</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.92</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>Slt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>15 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.89</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>4 (4)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>3 (11)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.53</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>2 (7)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.19</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.90</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>64%</td> <td>6 (2)</td> <td>5</td> <td>7.24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>1 (6)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>15</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr></tbody></table>
Leyton Orient are currently in 14th place in League 1 but they use to hang around 3rd to 6th place at one point a few matches ago. They did beat fellow League 2 side Exeter 6-1 to get to this point in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Boy oh boy does this one turn ugly fast. We go down 1 in the 21st minute but by the 35th minute, we're already down 0-3. It' 0-5 at the half and nothing I tell the guys seems to have any effect on their level of confidence. We let two more go in during the second half. Final Score: 0-7.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Leyton Orient</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>51%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>49%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>65%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>58%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>32%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>11%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>100%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>88%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>67%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>53%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Ouch. I couldn't care less about that competition, but I'm sure hoping it won't kill team morale as we've still got plenty of League games to play. Olivier Bernard finished the game with a rarely seen rating of 3.7. The fans are very disappointed with the heavy loss.

FM

FrogMan

09-01-2009, 09:08 AM

November 7, 2009
FA Cup round 1: vs Tranmere (8th in League 1) (Luton 6-4 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>18</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.63</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>15</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>4 (5)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>12</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.73</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>18</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.63</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>Slt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>15 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.89</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>16</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.97</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>8 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>19</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.71</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>17</td> <td>12</td> <td>6.98</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>13</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.81</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>4 (6)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.66</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>1 (6)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>3 (12)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.51</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S6</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.90</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S7</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>4</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.25</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>67%</td> <td>6 (2)</td> <td>5</td> <td>7.24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Sus</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>19</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.78</td></tr></tbody></table>
Hrm, interesting. Tranmere are higher than Leyton Orient in League 1 and they even beat them while Leyton Orient destroyed us, and we're still seen as favourites to win this one... They do have tons of players that are either ineligible or injured or suspended for this game. We're talking five out of their eleven starters in their most recent match will not be in uniform for our match.

Gah, the board's initial expectations are for us to reach round 3 of the FA Cup. A loss in round one would not be good for the board confidence. This adds up to make me real worried that we could spiral downward. I mean, it all started two games ago with a loss in a game we should have won, ending an eleven game unbeaten streak, then we got severely trounced by Leyton Orient, now this one that could very well go all wrong...

And it starts rough. Only 4 minutes in, Dean Pearce, playing nervously, makes a mistake that directly leads to a goal for Tranmere. He'll never get over that mistake and will play skingly all game long although the rest of the team pick themselves up and Shiva-Star N'Zigou ties it in the 25th minute. Tranmere were calling for an offside on that goal and I can only wonder if it was maybe offside. Sure was a close call. The referee ends up giving a yellow to one of their complaining players after the goal. This crazy, action packed first half ends in a 1-1 tie.

We start the second half a bit shaky and it takes a couple of brilliant saves from Mike Pollitt to keep us in the game, at least until the 70th minute when Sébastien Heitzmann breaks the tie between the two teams with a piledrive of a freekick from way far out. We wil never look back after that, putting together a masterful performance of defensive football. Final Score: 2-1.

<table bordercolor="#000000"> <tbody> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Tranmere</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>44%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>56%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>63%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>69%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>30%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>10%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>94%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>72%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>43%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>76%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
I tell the guys I'm delighted with the win, a truly inspired end of the game for us. We dodged a bullet and save our team morale. I'm a bit surprised it has not gone up more though. N'Zigou received the Man of the Match with a goal and 8 runs past opponents.

We're given $30,000 for the win and are through to round 2 of the FA Cup.

November 8, 2009
Andrea Lombardo resumes full training after missing three weeks with a knee injury.

FM

FrogMan

09-01-2009, 02:08 PM

November 9, 2009
We've been drawn to play League 1 Crewe Alexandra in the second round of the FA Cup. At least that one will be at Kenilworth Road. They are currently in 19th place in League 1.

November 12, 2009
Happy Birthday to you Dean Pearce! The youngster turns 17 today putting into effect the contract he had pre-signed earlier on. He effectively becomes a pro and will start training with the seniors. He stated that his love for the club was the main reason behind him signing the new deal, worth a whopping $140 a week. I sure hope he's still living with ma and pa. :) Joke aside, I'm pretty happy that nobody decided to steal him from us. He's done quite well for us and I'm sure he's got a great future ahead of him.

I get a notice that the loan and free transfer deadline will be in one week. I'Ve had this Greek defender/midfielder free agent on my shortlist for a long time but never decided myself to pull the plug and offer him a contract. Name is Christos Karypidis and you can see his profile below. Reason why I never offered him a contract, despite running at about $1,900 below the weekly wage budget is that he was asking for close to $4,500 a week to come play for us. Now, maybe seeing that he'll have to wait another month and a half to get a chance to play organized football again, he's lowered his demands to $3,500 a week. He's not too old at 26 and has a pretty nice set of skills. Add to that the fact that he's quite determined and my scout says he'd only add to the determined nature of our team even though we've already got a group of pretty determined players. I try a lowball type of first offer at $2,500 a week, upping the appearance fee and signing on fee a bit.

November 14, 2009
League Match #16: at Exeter (5th) (Luton 4-6 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>19</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>4</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.25</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>19</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.78</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.90</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>19</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.64</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>16 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.81</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>17</td> <td>3</td> <td>7.01</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>9 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>20</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>18</td> <td>13</td> <td>6.99</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>6 (2)</td> <td>5</td> <td>7.24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>3 (13)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.54</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>1 (7)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5 (5)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.69</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>14</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>4 (7)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Int</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>84%</td> <td>16</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr></tbody></table>
We've got many former Hatters playing for this Exeter squad, including both their starting strikers, Drew Talbot and Dean Morgan, and centreback Rossi Jarvis.

The game turns out to be a boring affair. Few shots are tried, even fewer were put on target. We go down 0-1 midway through the second half and never recover. Final Score: 0-1

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Exeter</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>48%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>52%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>42</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>63%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>64%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>30%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>19%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>86%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>90%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>61%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>60%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
My assistant recommends that I tell the guys I'm disappointed in their performance but it's a road game and was real close, despite it being unspectacular and I decide to sympathise with the lads. Sébastien Jeitzmann had a stinker of a game although I let it flow. We need to rebuild some of that team morale. We drop to fourth place with the loss but we're still only 2 points from the two teams tied in second.

Following the game, Fred Sears vows to end his goal drought that's been going on for 553 minute now. Sure would help us if you scored one here or there Freddy...

November 15, 2009
Christos Karypidis rejects our first contract offer but he's willing to negotiate further. I up the weekly wage from $2,500 to $2,700 and up the appearance fee from $500 to $600 and the signing on fee from $30k to $35k.

November 16, 2009
Mike Pollitt, now quite used to the mention, has been selected to the League 2 Team of the Week. If he's not selected into the League's Team of the Year, I'll be really surprised.

And sweet news! Christos Karypidis has agreed to the terms of our most recent offer. He revealed that he was looking forward to being part of a team once again. He joins the club in the afternoon and Luton favourite Mick Harford says he's relishing the opportunity to watch the new signing in action. He believes I have really stirred up the fans with this signing and thinks the current atmosphere around Kenilworth Road could help spur the club on. Furhermore, the fans are delighted that I have landed the club a real bargain with the signing of the Greek defender. Karypidis will sport the #3 jersey, left unused with the end of Holmar Eyjolfsson's loan.

You can see coach reports for Karypidis below. He's a pretty versatile player who's a right fullback first but could very well play centreback too, and be of use to cover the central midfield positions.

With that signing, we're now running $849 over the weekly wage budget which is still VERY good for me.

November 18, 2009
Tom Craddock bruised a rib while playing with the reserves. He'll miss between 7 and 10 days. No big deal when the trio of Heitzmann/Sears/Lombardo is all healthy.

FM

FrogMan

09-02-2009, 09:07 AM

November 21, 2009
League Match #17: vs Grimsby Town (18th) (Luton 2-5 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>20</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>16</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>20</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.90</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>20</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>17 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>18</td> <td>3</td> <td>7.00</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>10 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>21</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>19</td> <td>13</td> <td>6.92</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>7 (2)</td> <td>5</td> <td>7.10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>3 (13)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.54</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>1 (8)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.81</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5 (6)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>14 (1)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>67%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>4 (7)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.38</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr></tbody></table>
Another easy victory predicted for the Hatters. Those always make me nervous. Instead of simply telling the guys they can win this game, I tell them to play it for the fans.

The team talk pays off early, and often. Andrea Lombardo scores in the 10th minute, ThenOlivier Bernard, up from his fullback spot, scored in the 23rd minute and finally, Lombardo adds to his tally in the 38th minute, converting a great assist from Shiva-Star N'Zigou. At that point, we were dominating with 63% possession and outshooting them 8(5) to 1(0).

I take a chance and simply tell the guys I'm pleased at halftime. It's a rough second though, not so much on the scoreboard but in the physio room as Dean Pearce and Shiva-Star N'Zigou have to leave the match injured. Final Score: 3-0.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Grimsby</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>51%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>49%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>31</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>62%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>57%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>32%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>0%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>100%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>80%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>56%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>65%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Great game, the kind of performance I expect from us against lower ranked sides. Andrea Lombardo gets the Man of the Match with two goals. Great form from pretty much everyone and the fans are delighted with the win. They were especially pleased with how much more dangerous the team looked in the final third of the pitch. The win gets us back to second place, ahead on the goal differential tiebreaker and only 5 points behind first place Stockport.

The news is not good from our physio. Dean Pearce pulled a hamstring and will miss about 4 weeks while Shiva-Star N'Zigou suffered a gashed leg and will miss between 13 days and 2 weeks. That's quite precise if you ask me.

November 23, 2009
Four Hatters have been selected to the League 2 Team of the Week, including Mike Pollitt, Ritchie De Laet, Olivier Bernard and Daniel Jones.

FM

finketr

09-02-2009, 09:46 AM

I'm on board too with my first visit to fofc in 6 weeks..

keep up the good work, FM.

FrogMan

09-02-2009, 11:43 AM

I'm on board too with my first visit to fofc in 6 weeks..

keep up the good work, FM.

welcome aboard, I wondered when you'd show up. ;)

FM

FrogMan

09-02-2009, 02:06 PM

November 24, 2009
League Match #18: at Chester (6th) (Luton 5-4 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>21</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>17</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.81</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>21</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>3</td> <td>-</td> <td>7.00</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>21</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.69</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>3 (14)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.53</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>11 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>22</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>14 (1)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>8 (2)</td> <td>7</td> <td>7.24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>4 (7)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>1 (9)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5 (7)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>20</td> <td>13</td> <td>6.91</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>66%</td> <td>19</td> <td>3</td> <td>7.03</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>66%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.38</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>78%</td> <td>18 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr></tbody></table>
Christo Karypidis is still severely lacking in match fitness but he'll have to do as I set him to make his debut, in replacement for the injured Dean Pearce. He played one match with the reserves upon arrival at the club and rated at 7.1 in form. I'm sure he'll do at least okay. Sébastien Heitzmann has been shaky lately so I sit him out and start Freddy Sears in his place.

Gah! we've been playing for 6 minutes when Olivier Bernard falls down and doesn't get back up right away. He has to be replaced and Lewis Emanuel comes in. We were playing an okay first half until the 22nd minute when they take a 0-1 lead.

We're down 1 at the half and I challenge the lads, where's the passion guys?!?

We put a bit more pressure and it finally pays off with 10 minutes to play when Andrea Lombardo puts one past the opposing keeper. Tied 1-1. Chester feel the goal was offside and I can't really say it wasn't.

We put tons more pressure the rest of the game but can't break through. Final Score: 1-1.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Chester</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>40%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>60%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>21</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>9</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>66%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>79%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>32%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>96%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>90%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>56%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>56%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
There's a game we should have but I feel happy simply drawing. Our first half play wasn't as good as the second half. Good if not really specacular showing by Karypidis in his debut. We remain in 2nd place with the draw but dropped two points to Stockport.

New is not so good about Olivier Bernard. My physio mentions he could get a course of injection and play next week but could be out 4 to 5 weeks after that, or simply be treated by the physio and miss about 3 weeks. I leave him with the physio.

FM

mrkilla22

09-02-2009, 05:00 PM

Nice job so far FM! I always love reading your WWSM dynasties. :)

mrkilla22

09-02-2009, 05:01 PM

dola. Actually I've started my own Luton career recently. :)

FrogMan

09-03-2009, 11:50 AM

November 28, 2009
FA Cup round 2: vs Crewe Alexandra (19th in L1) (Luton 5-4 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>21</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>17</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.81</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>21</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>3</td> <td>-</td> <td>7.00</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>21</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.69</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>3 (14)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.53</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>11 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>22</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>14 (1)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>8 (2)</td> <td>7</td> <td>7.24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>4 (7)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>1 (9)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5 (7)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>20</td> <td>13</td> <td>6.91</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>66%</td> <td>19</td> <td>3</td> <td>7.03</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>66%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.38</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>78%</td> <td>18 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr></tbody></table>
Interesting that we are favourites for this one. Might be the reason why the fans are so hopeful ahead of this tight clash. I'm in sort of a bind up front. Both Sébastien Heitzmann and Fred Sears are in a slump both with an average form rating around 6.2 over their last 5 appearances. I've seen both of them start games and go down in form, playing a bad first half, before going back up, or sometimes not and ending with a bad game overall. They both had a great game against Tranmere, but everyone played great in that game. I end up starting Heitzmann but I won't wait much before making a switch.

I would usually use a defensive setup against a higher opponent like Crewe but I decide to tell the guys to go on the attack since we're at home.

This decision turns out to be the right one as we get up by one 9 minutes into the game. Kevin Nocholls let go of a screamer of a volley from 35 yards out. The pass from Christo Karypidis that led to that goal was pinpoint perfect. Crewe tie the game at one a piece in the 33rd minute but it's their first shot, on or off target. We're keeping them on their end of the pitch and all they seem to be doing at that point is kick the ball to the sideline.

We take back the lead only 5 minutes later when Daniel Jones scores his first ever goal as a Hatter, the result of a great centered ball by Ritchie De Laet. Crewe do put some more pressure in the second half, but we hold on and we're through to the 3rd round! Final Score: 2-1

<table bordercolor="#000000"> <tbody> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Chester</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>40%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>60%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>21</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>9</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>66%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>79%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>32%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>96%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>90%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>56%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>56%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Sweet game in which Andrea Lombardo was the one striker to let me down. Kevin Nicholls gets the Man of the Match. The fans are pleased with the win.

We're given $45k for our win and while it doesn't sound like much, when you're losing close to $140k a month, it'll make a world of difference.

Next game is in 7 days and here's a roundup of our injured players:
Shiva-Star N'Zigou, 3 to 6 days
Olivier Bernard, 13 days to 2 weeks
Dean Pearce, 2 to 3 weeks

FM

FrogMan

09-03-2009, 11:51 AM

Nice job so far FM! I always love reading your WWSM dynasties. :)

dola. Actually I've started my own Luton career recently. :)

Thanks and cool about playing with Luton. That 30 points deduction coupled with their financial situation make them an interesting challenge. Not quite LLM, but really not too up on the ladder of English clubs. Good luck with them!

FM

FrogMan

09-03-2009, 02:13 PM

November 29, 2009
I realize I never reported that a couple weeks ago, keeper Dean Brill requested to be transfer liste, a request that was granted at the time. I see that Wrexham are scouting him out and I decide to move things forward a bit. Brill is currently being paid $3,300 a week for not even being the starter on the reserve squad. That is way too much and it would allow us to get back under the wage budget. He's currently valued at $9,000 but I fax an offer for him at $20,000 to other clubs around England.

November 30, 2009
Wrexham have put in a bid for Dean Brill. They're offering $3,000 up front and $16k over the next 24 months. I accept the offer on the spot.

We've been drawn to play another League 1 side in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. It'll be Swindon at Kenilworth Road this time around. I guess we could have drawn worse. They are currently in 11th place in League 1 and have dropped mostly in the last 7 or 8 games after starting very strong.

December 1st, 2009
The board are satisfied with my management of the team. Kinda odd, the positive thing they have to say is that the positive atmosphere among the players has been a contributing factor. I don't really get it. Sure, say you're delighted we're on par to get promoted, but to say you're happy that players are getting along? Oh well. Oh, they're still pissed at the 0-7 loss against Leyton Orient.

December 3, 2009
well, that was fast. Dean Brill has agreed to a contract with Wrexham and will join them on January 1st.

Shiva-Star N'Zigou has resumed full training following his injury.

December 4, 2009
Ian Bennett, our starting keeper for all of last season, has set his sight on retirement at the end of the season. He really had declined in skills from the end of last season to the beginning of this season.

FM

FrogMan

09-06-2009, 06:58 PM

December 5, 2009
League Match #19, vs Bury (9th) (Luton 4-5 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>23</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>19</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>6 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.88</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>23</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>1 (11)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>13 (8)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>24</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>21 (1)</td> <td>13</td> <td>6.89</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>10 (2)</td> <td>8</td> <td>7.13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>5 (14)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.57</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>4 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>15 (2)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>80%</td> <td>19</td> <td>3</td> <td>7.03</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>72%</td> <td>22</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.38</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>73%</td> <td>18 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr></tbody></table>
Sébastien Heitzmann gives us a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute, heading in the ball. We're putting lots more pressure in the second half and in a span of 3 minutes, hit the post or the crossbar three times. We finally put the game away when Keith Keane converts a nicely centered ball from Daniel Jones. Final Score: 2-0
<table bordercolor="#000000"> <tbody> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Bury</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>54%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>46%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>31</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>75%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>66%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>32%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>14%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>93%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>94%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>36%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>76%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>

A good performance overall. Keith Keane gets away with the Man of the Match, coming off the bench. The fans are delighted with the win.

We remain in 2nd place with the win.
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Team</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>Stockport</td> <td>19</td> <td>12</td> <td>2</td> <td>5</td> <td>31</td> <td>13</td> <td>+18</td> <td>38</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2nd</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>19</td> <td>10</td> <td>4</td> <td>5</td> <td>34</td> <td>18</td> <td>+16</td> <td>34</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Port Vale</td> <td>19</td> <td>10</td> <td>2</td> <td>7</td> <td>28</td> <td>20</td> <td>+8</td> <td>32</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4th</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>19</td> <td>10</td> <td>1</td> <td>8</td> <td>29</td> <td>26</td> <td>+3</td> <td>31</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5th</td> <td>Cheltenham</td> <td>19</td> <td>8</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>25</td> <td>23</td> <td>+2</td> <td>31</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6th</td> <td>Darlington</td> <td>19</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>6</td> <td>20</td> <td>21</td> <td>-1</td> <td>31</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7th</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>19</td> <td>8</td> <td>6</td> <td>5</td> <td>27</td> <td>24</td> <td>+3</td> <td>30</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8th</td> <td>Exeter</td> <td>19</td> <td>7</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>21</td> <td>17</td> <td>+4</td> <td>29</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9th</td> <td>Shrewsbury</td> <td>19</td> <td>8</td> <td>5</td> <td>6</td> <td>23</td> <td>22</td> <td>+1</td> <td>29</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10th</td> <td>Bury</td> <td>19</td> <td>7</td> <td>6</td> <td>6</td> <td>30</td> <td>25</td> <td>+5</td> <td>27</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11th</td> <td>Chesterfield</td> <td>19</td> <td>8</td> <td>3</td> <td>8</td> <td>23</td> <td>22</td> <td>+1</td> <td>27</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12th</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>19</td> <td>7</td> <td>6</td> <td>6</td> <td>18</td> <td>17</td> <td>+1</td> <td>27</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13th</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>19</td> <td>7</td> <td>5</td> <td>7</td> <td>26</td> <td>21</td> <td>+5</td> <td>26</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14th</td> <td>Northampton</td> <td>19</td> <td>6</td> <td>8</td> <td>5</td> <td>18</td> <td>21</td> <td>-3</td> <td>26</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15th</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>19</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>8</td> <td>23</td> <td>24</td> <td>-1</td> <td>25</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16th</td> <td>Torquay</td> <td>19</td> <td>6</td> <td>7</td> <td>6</td> <td>21</td> <td>22</td> <td>-1</td> <td>25</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17th</td> <td>Rotherham</td> <td>19</td> <td>6</td> <td>6</td> <td>7</td> <td>21</td> <td>25</td> <td>-4</td> <td>24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18th</td> <td>Wycombe</td> <td>19</td> <td>6</td> <td>6</td> <td>7</td> <td>19</td> <td>27</td> <td>-8</td> <td>24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19th</td> <td>Grimsby</td> <td>19</td> <td>6</td> <td>5</td> <td>8</td> <td>23</td> <td>23</td> <td>0</td> <td>23</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20th</td> <td>Oxford</td> <td>19</td> <td>5</td> <td>6</td> <td>8</td> <td>25</td> <td>35</td> <td>-10</td> <td>21</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21st</td> <td>Accrington</td> <td>19</td> <td>4</td> <td>5</td> <td>10</td> <td>28</td> <td>35</td> <td>-7</td> <td>17</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22nd</td> <td>Notts Co</td> <td>19</td> <td>2</td> <td>10</td> <td>7</td> <td>25</td> <td>29</td> <td>-4</td> <td>16</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23rd</td> <td>Morecambe</td> <td>19</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>11</td> <td>16</td> <td>28</td> <td>-12</td> <td>16</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>24th</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>19</td> <td>3</td> <td>4</td> <td>12</td> <td>11</td> <td>27</td> <td>-16</td> <td>13</td></tr></tbody></table>

December 6, 2009
With January 1st looming over, I take a look at who will have his contract running up in June 2010. Here's a list:
<table bordercolor="#000000"> <tbody> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>No.</td> <td>Squad Status</td> <td>Cnt</td> <td>Weekly wage</td> <td>Expires</td> <td>Value</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>2</td> <td>First Team</td> <td>F/T</td> <td>$2,000</td> <td>30.6.2010</td> <td>$22K</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>22</td> <td>Key Player</td> <td>F/T</td> <td>$3,100</td> <td>30.6.2010</td> <td>$22K</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>13</td> <td>First Team</td> <td>F/T</td> <td>$1,900</td> <td>30.6.2010</td> <td>$18K</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>32</td> <td>First Team</td> <td>F/T</td> <td>$1,000</td> <td>30.6.2010</td> <td>$4K</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>17</td> <td>First Team</td> <td>F/T</td> <td>$1,000</td> <td>30.6.2010</td> <td>$6K</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>7</td> <td>Key Player</td> <td>F/T</td> <td>$3,800</td> <td>30.6.2010</td> <td>$18K</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>4</td> <td>Key Player</td> <td>F/T</td> <td>$1,100</td> <td>30.6.2010</td> <td>$5K</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>11</td> <td>First Team</td> <td>F/T</td> <td>$2,200</td> <td>30.6.2010</td> <td>$35K</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>21</td> <td>Backup</td> <td>F/T</td> <td>$3,300</td> <td>30.6.2010</td> <td>$170K</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>9</td> <td>First Team</td> <td>F/T</td> <td>$0</td> <td>30.6.2010</td> <td>$575K</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>6</td> <td>First Team</td> <td>F/T</td> <td>$1,700</td> <td>30.6.2010</td> <td>$12K</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>15</td> <td>Backup</td> <td>F/T</td> <td>$825</td> <td>30.6.2010</td> <td>$35K</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>12</td> <td>Rotation</td> <td>F/T</td> <td>$0</td> <td>30.6.2010</td> <td>$3.4M</td></tr></tbody></table>
Of these players, I offer new contracts to a few. To Shiva-Star N'Zigou, for $200 less than what he's currently receiving. To Andrea Lombardo, for what he's presently being paid. Kristian O'Leary is now 32, but he's only asking for $800 a week and I offer him that. Kevin Gallen is 34 and I will let him walk away at the end of his contract. Sébastien Heitzmann want what he's already getting and I also offer him $200 less than that. Edward Asafu-Adjaye is not getting lots of playing time, but he's still young and has potential. He's also only asking for $825 a week for a year. I up his signing on fee to tack on another year to his deal. George Pilkington has played well for us this season and I realized he is younger than I first thought at "only" 27. He's looking for $2,000 a week and I offer him $1,800. Lewis Emanuel is another one of those "useful but not indispensable". He's looking for $2,100 a week but I offer him only $1,600. He's currently being paid $2,200.

December 7, 2009
Answers are coming already. Kristian O'Leary, Lewis Emanuel, Edward Asafu-Adjaye and Sébastien Heitzmann have all agreed to the offered contracts. Nice! Awaiting answers from Pilkington, N'Zigou and Lombardo.

December 9, 2009
It's now George Pilkington who's agreed to the offered contract. I've gone from being $849 a week over the wage budget to being $295 UNDER budget. Well done!

December 10, 2009
And there they are. Andrea Lombardo and Shiva-Star N'Zigou have both agreed to new deals.

FM

FrogMan

09-07-2009, 08:29 AM

December 11, 2009
Olivier Bernard resumes full training.

December 12, 2009
League Match #20: at Barnet (13th) (Luton 6-4 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>24</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.71</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>20</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>7 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>6</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.92</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>24</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.70</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>3</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.87</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>19</td> <td>3</td> <td>7.03</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>14 (8)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>25</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>22 (1)</td> <td>14</td> <td>6.92</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>11 (2)</td> <td>8</td> <td>7.09</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5 (14)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.57</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>2 (11)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>4 (9)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>15 (3)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>82%</td> <td>22</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>91%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.38</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>71%</td> <td>18 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr></tbody></table>
We thought we'd get up by one in the 14th minute but one of their defenders cleared the ball right on the line. We didn't wait much though, as Sébastien Heitzmann gives us the lead in the 22nd minute, converting an in-swinging corner from Daniel Jones. What worries me a bit at that point is that we're losing possession heavily. Another corner by Jones is at the source of our second goal, but this time our pressure didn't lead to us putting it past the keeper, but one of their defenders did. It's an own goal and we're up 2-0 at the half. Kevin Nicholls suffered a nick and he's taken out at the half.

Daniel Jones also has to leave the game after being nicked in the second half. They'll take one back in the 89th minute but it was too little, too late. Final Score: 2-1

<table bordercolor="#000000"> <tbody> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Barnet</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>50%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>50%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>23</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>67%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>62%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>18%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>95%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>91%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>57%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>59%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
A pretty even game that could have gone either way. I warn the lads about complacency in our next game. Stockport beat Lincoln 4-0 so we're still in 2nd place.

Kevin Nicholls comes out of the game unhurt but Daniel Jones sustained a gashed leg and will miss 2 to 3 weeks.

December 15, 2009
Dean Pearce resumes full training after missing three weeks.

FM

FrogMan

09-07-2009, 08:45 AM

December 19, 2009
League Match #21: vs Wycombe (19th) (Luton 4-7 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>25</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>21</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>22</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>7</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.91</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>25</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.71</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>4</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>20</td> <td>3</td> <td>7.02</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>8 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>26</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>23 (1)</td> <td>15</td> <td>6.94</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>12 (2)</td> <td>8</td> <td>7.09</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5 (15)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.53</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>2 (12)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>4 (10)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>15 (3)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>64%</td> <td>15 (8)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.87</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.38</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>18 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr></tbody></table>
The full 7 days between games has been nice. Daniel Jones is now 6 to 10 days away from coming back from his injury. Morale is insanely high in the locker room prior to the game and it translates into a lightning fast strike Sébastien Heitzmann beats his previous record and scores the fastest ever Luton goal, scoring only 19 seconds after the start of the game. Hi s previous record was of 28 seconds.

It'll be complete domination from there on with two goals from Andrea Lombardo before the end of the half, and another from Shiva-Star N'Zigou to start the second. We're coasting to an easy victory. Final Score: 4-0

<table bordercolor="#000000"> <tbody> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Wycombe</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>50%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>50%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>19</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>18</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>67%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>70%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>31%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>40%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>88%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>96%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>57%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>62%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
As expected, Andrea Lombardo gets the Man of the Match. The fasn are delighted by the convincing win.

Even better, Stockport lost to Oxford and we're now within one point of them and 1st place in the table.

December 20, 2009
Interesting tidbit of news in the transfer rumours. It's being circulated that I might be interested in bringing Etienne Esajas to Kenilworth Road. Might sound out of the blue but those of you who've read my previous dynasty (WWSM2008: Long live The Hatters and their FrogManager! (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=63039&highlight=esajas)) might remember that I had brought him in to the Hatters. He's been transfer listed by Sheff Wed but they're asking $45k for the left winger. I'll keep an eye on him.

December 22, 2009
Mike Pollitt and Andrea Lombardo have been selected to the League 2 Team of the Week.

FM

FrogMan

09-07-2009, 08:54 AM

December 26, 2009
League Match #22: at Chesterfield (6th) (Luton 4-5 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>26</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>22</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.88</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>23</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.92</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>26</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.73</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>18 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>21</td> <td>4</td> <td>7.09</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>9 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.78</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>27</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>24 (1)</td> <td>16</td> <td>6.99</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>13 (2)</td> <td>10</td> <td>7.19</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5 (16)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.54</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>2 (13)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>4 (11)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>15 (3)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.72</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>67%</td> <td>15 (8)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.87</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>8</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.94</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.38</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>91%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr></tbody></table>
We go down one in the 24th minute on a crazy long and well placed shot that Mike Pollitt just couldn't save. Dean Pearce's mistake is pointed as the reason for the goal. The kid will not play well after that mistake.

We put some pressure, but it's a down game for us. We go down by two in injury time. Final Score: 0-2.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Chesterfield</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>51%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>49%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>9</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>26</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>18</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>65%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>61%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>29%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>18%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>91%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>92%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>60%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>61%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
An ugly, ugly game for us and I tell the guys I'm disappointed by their effort. Good news is that Stockport also lost, to Dag & Red, so we're still only one point behind.

This was our first defeat in six games.

December 27, 2009
Daniel Jones resumes full training.

FM

FrogMan

09-07-2009, 09:44 AM

December 30, 2009
League Match #23: vs Rotherham (15th) (Luton 4-6 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>27</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.73</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>23</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.90</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>24</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>8</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.94</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Yel</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>27</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.73</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>6</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>22</td> <td>4</td> <td>7.07</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>15 (8)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.87</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>28</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>25 (1)</td> <td>16</td> <td>6.96</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>14 (2)</td> <td>10</td> <td>7.11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5 (17)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.54</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>91%</td> <td>2 (14)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.81</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>10 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>15 (4)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.69</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>87%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>4 (11)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.38</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>79%</td> <td>19 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.75</td></tr></tbody></table>
Prior to the game, I get tons of notices of contracts that will expire in 6 months time. Kevin Gallen is among them. Is okay as a backup but at 34, with about no speed left (pace=5, acceleration=3) and little stamina left (9), I can't justify offering him contract. I'll also hold off on Olivier Bernard who, at 30, could probably be replaced by a younger, just as effective left defender.

Keith Keane is a young one, but his skill set just can't justify $3,300 a week.

As for the game, we go up 1-0 on a Kevin Nicholls penalty in the 20th minute but they tie the game only 5 minutes later. They go down to 10 players in the 29th minute when one of their guys is sent off after having pushed Andrea Lombardo in the chest during a stoppage of play.

It's 1-1 at the half but we take a 2-1 lead on a Sébastien Heitzmann goal only 4 minutes into the second half. We put some heavy pressure on their back line but the craziest thing happen when they tie the game at 2 a piece 50 second into injury time. ARRRRGGG!!!!! Ten men and their lone scorer ran through three defenders!!! and he really looked to be offsides. This really sucks. Final Score: 2-2.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Rotherham</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>64%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>36%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>16</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>12</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>83%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>52%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>33%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>92%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>81%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>50%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>62%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>1</td></tr></tbody></table>
We completely dominated them but our defenders had a collective brain fart to let that one guy go through with time fading away... Ugh, the game's taken a toll on us too. Kevin Nicholls will miss 3 weeks after suffering a thigh strain. Shiva-Star N'Zigou came out of the game after getting nicked but he comes out okay.

FM

FrogMan

09-07-2009, 10:29 AM

January 1st, 2010
The board are satisfied with my management of the team. The fans are still unhappy with the 0-2 loss to Chesterfiel though.

I come in third for Manager of the Month. The Hatters collected 10 points in December while Paul Simpson's Shrewsbury collected 11 points. Close call I'd say...

Rumours fly as the tranfer window opens. We're again tied to a move for Etiennne Esajas but also to 33yo MC Ian Ashby. He looks good on paper, but at 33, and playing at which we're well stocked, I'm not too sure I need him.

Dean Brill's $20,000 move from Luton to Wrexham is finalized, freeing us of $3,300 on our weekly wage bill.

As we're getting ready for our FA Cup clash with Swindon, we're hearing that the fans are hopeful for us to win it.

January 2, 2010
FA Cup round 3: vs Swindon (10th in L1) (Luton 5-4 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"> <tbody> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Con</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Yel</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S6</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S7</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td></tr></tbody></table>
(sorry for the cut-off info. no clue what happened here)
We're comfortable favourites, maybe the fans had reasons to feel hopeful. Neither of my captain, Kevin Nicholls, nor his co-captain, Kristian O'Leary will be of the starting eleven so Sébastien Heitzmann will act as captain for this game.

We're having a rough start but Sébastien Heitzmann pinpoint freekick, rounding a five man wall from just outside the penalty area, gives us a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute. You can see where the ball went in the screenie below. We really pick up our play level after that goal and we hold the lead at the halftime break.

We play a tight defensive game for the second half, but they are knocking at the door like crazy. They get a corner kick in the 86th minute where their keeper comes up to be the 10th man inside the box. We hold on to our lead! Final score: 1-0.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Swindon</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>9</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>42%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>58%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>70%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>71%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>18%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>88%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>88%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>65%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>55%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
We're through to round 4!!! That second half was simply us pushing them out. A cool crowd of 7117 was their to enjoy the win. We're given $110k for the win. We did lose Daniel Jones for 7 to 10 days though. He suffered a bruised rib following an accidental collision. He's making me nervous as he looks a bit brittle.

January 4, 2010
Mike Pollitt was selected to the League 2 Team of the Week.

Seeing how Daniel Jones is again injured, I try my luck and put in a bid for Etienne Esajas. They're asking for $40k for him but I only have $10k in my transfer kitty. I offer them that plus 50% of the next sale.

The draw for round 4 of the FA Cup happens and we'll play Wigan, at Kenilworth Road. Won't say it out loud, but this may be where our run ends.

January 5, 2010
Our offer for Etienne Esajas has been accepted! Sadly, his agent informs us that he not currently willing to discuss terms of a deal with us. Maybe later when he'll have evaluated all the options, but not now. Blech. I still offer him a contract, not a big one, nothing to break the bank, but still something to mull over.

FM

FrogMan

09-08-2009, 09:07 AM

January 6, 2010
League Match #24: vs Hereford (15th) (Luton 1-2 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"> <tbody> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>29</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.38</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>26</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>10</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.92</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>29</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>8</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.88</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>24</td> <td>4</td> <td>7.06</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>10 (10)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>20 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>27 (1)</td> <td>18</td> <td>6.98</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>15 (2)</td> <td>10</td> <td>7.05</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5 (19)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.56</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>2 (15)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.81</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>4 (11)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>16 (5)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.71</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>64%</td> <td>17 (8)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>70%</td> <td>29</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>25</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.90</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr></tbody></table>
They beat in week 1, we beat them in the Johnston Paint Trophy a few weeks later. Daniel Jones is 2 to 4 days from coming back fully. As for Kevin Nicholls, he is 8 to 13 days from coming back.

It's a cold day to play football, -2 C is what the thermometer indicates today at Kenilworth Road. I'm used to that but these English lad are all freezing. :) Oh, and we're playing with that funky orange winter ball.

The cold weather is probably what makes this game a very defensive one. It's scoreless until the 76th minute when Andrea Lombardo scores. We double our lead when Kevin Gallen scores one of his rare goals in the 88th minute. Sadly, he'd had to come in because of an injury to Shiva-Star N'Zigou. Final Score: 2-0

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Hereford</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>63%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>37%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>32</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>77%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>47%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>29%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>50%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>90%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>86%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>70%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>53%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Score sure wasn't close only because we didn't try. Look at that domination in the stats. Shots, possession, corners, throw-ins, percentage of pass completion. We seriously ran them over. Kevin Gallen's late goal makes him he Man of the Match. The fans are delighted with the win but oh crap. My physio informs me that Shiva-Star N'Zigou has suffered a torn calf muscle and will miss 4 to 5 months. Or in other words, he's gone for the season. That's a slap in the face.

Sure is better for it to happen early in the tranfer window. I go back to Graeme Owens, see if he's changed his mind a few months later and I offer Middlesbrough to take him back on loan.

January 7, 2010
Looking for replacement wingers, I also spot a winger available for loan at parent club West Ham. Name is Junior Stanislas, 20, who could probably be of good use to us.

January 8, 2010
Heh, Middlesbrough have rejected our offer to loan Graeme Owens. They say they are not willing to allow him to leave on loan du to his first-team commitments to the team. He's listed as a backup to the first team.

January 9, 2010
League Match #25: at Aldershot (17th) (Luton 1-3 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>30</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>6</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.50</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>27</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>11</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.96</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>30</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>9</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.87</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>2 (16)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>11 (10)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.78</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>21 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>28 (1)</td> <td>18</td> <td>6.96</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>16 (2)</td> <td>11</td> <td>7.07</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5 (20)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.58</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>4 (11)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>16 (6)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.71</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>66%</td> <td>17 (8)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>63%</td> <td>25</td> <td>4</td> <td>7.07</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>69%</td> <td>29</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>25</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.90</td></tr></tbody></table>
We've never won in three games against Aldershot (2L, 1D). Sébastien Heitzmann makes sure it doesn't stay that way with a brace in the first half and after 36 minutes, we're up 2-0. It's still a very close game and at the half, I tell the guys not to let their performance drop. Stockport is currently losing 1-2 to Grimsby.

They take one back in the 57th minute and damnit, they tie the game in the 73rd minute. Looks like we went on the defensive a bit too early. I crank up the tempo a bit and we finally get back ahead in the 83rd minute when Andrea Lombardo heads in a nicely centered ball from Heitzmann down to the byline. Final Score: 3-2.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>9</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>46%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>54%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>22</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>67%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>73%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>33%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>33%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>97%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>95%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>64%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>55%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Phew, dodged one there. As you'd expect, Heitzmann is the Man of the Match with two goals and an assist in a truly wonderful performance.

Stockport lose their match to Grimsby, 1-2 and we're sitting on top of the league table!
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Team</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>Luton</td> <td>25</td> <td>14</td> <td>5</td> <td>6</td> <td>47</td> <td>25</td> <td>+22</td> <td>47</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2nd</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>25</td> <td>15</td> <td>2</td> <td>8</td> <td>41</td> <td>20</td> <td>+21</td> <td>47</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Port Vale</td> <td>25</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>7</td> <td>40</td> <td>26</td> <td>+14</td> <td>44</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4th</td> <td>Darlington</td> <td>25</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>7</td> <td>28</td> <td>25</td> <td>+3</td> <td>44</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5th</td> <td>Exeter</td> <td>25</td> <td>11</td> <td>9</td> <td>5</td> <td>33</td> <td>21</td> <td>+12</td> <td>42</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6th</td> <td>Shrewsbury</td> <td>25</td> <td>11</td> <td>7</td> <td>7</td> <td>28</td> <td>24</td> <td>+4</td> <td>40</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7th</td> <td>Cheltenham</td> <td>25</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>5</td> <td>28</td> <td>25</td> <td>+3</td> <td>40</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8th</td> <td>Northampton</td> <td>25</td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td>6</td> <td>27</td> <td>27</td> <td>0</td> <td>39</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9th</td> <td>Chesterfield</td> <td>25</td> <td>11</td> <td>3</td> <td>11</td> <td>32</td> <td>30</td> <td>+2</td> <td>36</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10th</td> <td>Bury</td> <td>25</td> <td>9</td> <td>8</td> <td>8</td> <td>37</td> <td>31</td> <td>+6</td> <td>35</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11th</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>25</td> <td>9</td> <td>8</td> <td>8</td> <td>31</td> <td>31</td> <td>0</td> <td>35</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12th</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>25</td> <td>11</td> <td>2</td> <td>12</td> <td>33</td> <td>36</td> <td>-3</td> <td>35</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13th</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>25</td> <td>9</td> <td>7</td> <td>9</td> <td>30</td> <td>25</td> <td>+5</td> <td>34</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14th</td> <td>Rotherham</td> <td>25</td> <td>9</td> <td>7</td> <td>9</td> <td>29</td> <td>31</td> <td>-2</td> <td>34</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15th</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>25</td> <td>9</td> <td>6</td> <td>10</td> <td>30</td> <td>31</td> <td>-1</td> <td>33</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16th</td> <td>Oxford</td> <td>25</td> <td>9</td> <td>6</td> <td>10</td> <td>34</td> <td>42</td> <td>-8</td> <td>33</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17th</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>25</td> <td>8</td> <td>6</td> <td>11</td> <td>23</td> <td>27</td> <td>-4</td> <td>30</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18th</td> <td>Wycombe</td> <td>25</td> <td>8</td> <td>6</td> <td>11</td> <td>23</td> <td>37</td> <td>-14</td> <td>30</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19th</td> <td>Torquay</td> <td>25</td> <td>7</td> <td>8</td> <td>10</td> <td>24</td> <td>29</td> <td>-5</td> <td>29</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20th</td> <td>Grimsby</td> <td>25</td> <td>7</td> <td>6</td> <td>12</td> <td>32</td> <td>36</td> <td>-4</td> <td>27</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21st</td> <td>Notts Co</td> <td>25</td> <td>5</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>37</td> <td>39</td> <td>-2</td> <td>25</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22nd</td> <td>Accrington</td> <td>25</td> <td>5</td> <td>8</td> <td>12</td> <td>31</td> <td>43</td> <td>-12</td> <td>23</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23rd</td> <td>Morecambe</td> <td>25</td> <td>6</td> <td>5</td> <td>14</td> <td>18</td> <td>34</td> <td>-16</td> <td>23</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>24th</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>25</td> <td>4</td> <td>6</td> <td>15</td> <td>13</td> <td>34</td> <td>-21</td> <td>18</td></tr></tbody></table>

January 10, 2010
Portuguese Filipe Morais is another possible winger I could bring in. The 24yo is currently playing with the Rangers reserve team and while he's valued at $275K, Rangers seem to be intent on letting him go as they have listed him for only $14K. I take my usual shot and offer them nothing up front but 50% of next sale.

Etienne Esajas accepted a contract with Leyton Orient. I never had any hope of landing him, really.

January 11, 2010
Mike Pollitt is again selected to the League 2 Team of the Week. It's now been 11 times this season.

Our offer for Filipe Morais has been accepted and I set to work on a deal to bring him to Kenilworth Road. Woah, the greedy bastage is looking for a lot of money. He's currently earning $4,100 a week at Rangers, something I would have thought to be a bit high for us, but now he's looking for lots more money, $7,100 a week to be exact. We can't afford that much. I offer him the max our board will allow me, $4,600 with a signing on fee of $30k, based off the evaluation of my scout that he's to be regarded as a definite purchase.

Sweet, Junior Stanislas has agreed to join us on loan until the end of the season. He's still a bit raw, but he comes from a much bigger team so he could probably contribute. Coach report mentions he should be regarded as a key member of the first team squad.

January 13, 2010
Filipe Morais rejected our contract and while he's willing to negotiate, I will never be able to meet his demands so I break off talks.

Looking at my assistant's team report, I see that he feels we are weakest in defence, especially at the left fullback spot. I sorta agree with that, thus my decision not to offer yet a contract to Olivier Bernard. He recommends 22yo Rhoys Wiggins as a potential tranfer target. He's currently playing with the reserve team at Crystal Palace but while he's tranfer listed, when I go to make an offer to Crystal Palace, I'm told he has already accepted a contract offer. I can't see anything anywhere until I realize that Crystal and Southampton seem to have a part exchange organized. Might be only the other player left to accept a contract. I'll keep an eye on him in case that deal falls through.

FM

FrogMan

09-08-2009, 09:11 AM

January 16, 2010
League Match #26: vs Notts County (21st) (Luton 1-2 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>31</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ritchie De Laet</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>25</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.90</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>28</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>12</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.97</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>31</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>10</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.92</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Junior Stanislas</td> <td>AM RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>17 (8)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>22 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.76</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>29 (1)</td> <td>20</td> <td>7.01</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>17 (2)</td> <td>12</td> <td>7.07</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>13 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>5 (21)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.57</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>12 (10)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>16 (6)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.71</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>62%</td> <td>25</td> <td>4</td> <td>7.07</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>3 (16)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.88</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>72%</td> <td>29</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>4 (12)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>7</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.56</td></tr></tbody></table>
This'll be Junior Stanislas debut as a Hatter. I tell him there's no pressure on him today.

We take a 1-0 lead in the 9th minute when Olivier Bernard lays a perfect pass for Andrea Lombardo who dribbles past a defender before beating the keeper. We double our lead only 4 mintues later when Dean Pearce scores his first ever goal as a Hatter, again following nice play by Lombardo and Bernard.

We're up 2-0 after 45 but it's been a rough first half. Both Daniel Jones and Sébastien Heitzmann's have taken hits and are limping slightly. I replace them both to start the second half. The second is uneventfu and we hold on to our lead. Final Score: 2-0

<table bordercolor="#000000"> <tbody> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Notts Co</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>42%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>58%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>22</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>71%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>74%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>30%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>12%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>100%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>94%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>43%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>86%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
My assistant is odd sometimes. We win it with our keeper getting a clean sheet and he recommends I give no team speech and that I tell Mike Pollitt, Ritchie De Laet and Pelé that I'm disappointed in their performance. They got form ratings of 6.9, 6.9, and 7.0 respectively, and A CLEAN SHEET for our keeper. I tell the guys collectively that it was well done. Andrea Lombardo is the Man of the Match and the fans are pleased with the win. This was our third straight league win. We remain in first place and even pull away a little with a draw by Stockport. Progression report is attached.

Kevin Nicholls resumes full training following his thigh injury.

January 16, 2010
Hrm, rumour is that Leyton Orient might be ready to shell out up to $3.5M for Dean Pearce. If they really want to, I'll gladly take the money...

January 18, 2010
And again, Mike Pollitt is selected to the League 2 Team of the Week.

January 19, 2010
Seeing how Watford was now also interested in Dean Pearce, I upped his required price to $4M. Sure enough, the rumour is now that Watford could be ready to pay that much for Pearce.

January 20, 2010
Oh crap! My physio wants to see me. He's got the long face that never announces good news. Turns out Ritchie De Laet tore his hamstring while attempting a sprint in training today. No clue as to how long he will be out, but it's not looking good.

News comes in the afternoon. Ritchie'll be out for 3 months, essentially ending his season. With the limit on the number of players on loan, I terminate his loan effective immediately.

January 21, 2010
Remember Rhoys Wiggins? Well, he's now available again. Crystal Palace are looking for $6k for the defender valued at $60k. I offer them only 30% of next sale.

FM

FrogMan

09-08-2009, 11:18 AM

January 23, 2010
FA Cup Round 4: vs Wigan (3rd in Championship) (Wigan 4-6 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"> <tbody> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>32</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>7</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.56</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>29</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.98</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>32</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>11</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.92</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Junior Stanislas</td> <td>AM RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>18 (8)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>29</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>30 (1)</td> <td>20</td> <td>6.98</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>18 (2)</td> <td>13</td> <td>7.10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>13 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>5 (22)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.58</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>12 (11)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>16 (7)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S6</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>23 (1)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S7</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>3 (16)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.88</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>62%</td> <td>25</td> <td>4</td> <td>7.07</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>4 (12)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.77</td></tr></tbody></table>
Fans are openly pessimistic about the outcome of this game. Let's say I'm not too optimistic myself either, but I try not to let it show to the players. We've already attained the goal set out by the board, I only hope we don't get destroyed too much.

Setting up for the game, I get the news that our offer for Rhoys Wiggins has been accepted. Going to offer him a contract, I find that his demands are quite acceptable. He's looking for a two year deal worth $1,300 a week. We're currently $4,500 under our weekly wage budget and I offer him what he's looking for. Immediately following that offer, I get the news that Blackpool have offered $2,000 To Crystal Palace for Wiggins.

Kevin Nicholls is match fit and will be back in the starting eleven for this important match. Again, my assistant is acting a bit silly. He recommends telling the guys they can win this match. Huh, oookay. I end up telling them to play this one for the fans.

We're playing really well early on, but it's Wigan who score first. Down 0-1 after 22 minutes and that's the score after 45.

We put all sorts of crazy pressure to start the second half. Kevin Nicholls put a fierce shot just above the bar and Sébastien Heitzmann heads one just wide. We finally tie the game in the 75th minute when Heitzmann bends a nice ball using the outside of his foot. We've done it, we're back into this! From then on, we're surprisingly in charge of play, yet we can't pierce their defensive wall. Final Score: 1-1.

<table bordercolor="#000000"> <tbody> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Wigan</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>51%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>49%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>19</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>31</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>18</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>68%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>60%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>27%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>94%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>86%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>57%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>61%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Arg, at home is where we should have won this thing. Will be much tougher to go win this thing in the replay match on their pitch. Still, a very good game in which we at least showed we're no pushovers. Look at the number of throw-ins for us. This tells me they were simply defending for some time in the game and juts kicking the ball out. Andrea Lombardo is the Man of the Match. He had 14 runs past opponents in the game. Replay match is planned for February 3rd.

January 24, 2010
There's an open rumour that Scottish Premier side Kilmarnock are hot after Dean Pearce. It's being said that a fee upward of $2M could be necessary to get Pearce. I SAID $4M, NOTHING LESS!!! ;) Seriously, I issue a hands off warning.

January 25, 2010
The draw for the fifth round of the FA Cup is today and it dawns on me that if we succeed to win again Wigan, we'll have made it into the sweet sixteen. Then holy moly, it hits me. I'm thinking about us having a shot at winning. The it hits me again when the draw is over. The winner of our match will play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. :eek:

FM

FrogMan

09-08-2009, 11:20 AM

January 26, 2010
League Match #27: at Oxford (16th) (Luton evens fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>33</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>8</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.65</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>12 (12)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>14</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.96</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>33</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>5 (22)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.58</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Junior Stanislas</td> <td>AM RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>19 (8)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>30</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>31 (1)</td> <td>21</td> <td>6.99</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>19 (2)</td> <td>13</td> <td>7.12</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>12</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.89</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>3 (17)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.88</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>30</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>16 (7)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>62%</td> <td>25</td> <td>4</td> <td>7.07</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>4 (12)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>13 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>23 (2)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.80</td></tr></tbody></table>
The first half is a bore to watch. We're not able to get anything going and I chew a few guys up at the halftime break.

While we start the second half stronger, it still takes about 20 minutes for use to creat something worth cheering for. Junior Stanislas dribbles the ball wide right, all the way to the byline, before crossing the ball to the far post to an unmarked Andrea Lombardo. We hold on to that one goal lead until the end. Final Score: 1-0.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Oxford</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>55%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>45%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>70%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>59%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>47%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>38%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>92%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>90%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>56%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>61%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
A win is a win, and an away win is quite okay in my book, but it was a poor match. Mike Pollitt collects his first Man of the Match selection of the season, surprisingly enough, given how many times he's been part of the Team of the Week.

Pelé reached the limit of 5 yellow cards and will be banned for one match starting February 2. Grr, he'll play the League match against Torquay on the 30th but will miss the Wigan FA Cup replay match.:banghead:

Following the game, we learn that Rhoys Wiggins has agreed to the terms of the contract we offered him. He joins us right after the match and rightaway, my assistant says he should be regarded as a key member of the first-team squad already.

FM

kingfc22

09-08-2009, 11:59 AM

Nice job FM. The squad continues to be in excellent form.

FrogMan

09-08-2009, 06:05 PM

February 2, 2010
FA Cup Round 4 replay: at Wigan (3rd in Championship) (Wigan 2-5 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>35</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>9</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>30 (1)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>16</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.96</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>13 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.91</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Romain Beynié</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Junior Stanislas</td> <td>AM RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>4</td> <td>-</td> <td>7.05</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>13 (13)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>32</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>33 (1)</td> <td>22</td> <td>6.99</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>21 (2)</td> <td>15</td> <td>7.14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>6 (23)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.59</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>3 (19)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>4 (12)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>16 (7)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S6</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>24 (2)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S7</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gavin Swankie</td> <td>AM RL</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>64%</td> <td>21 (8)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>61%</td> <td>25</td> <td>4</td> <td>7.07</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Rhoys Wiggins</td> <td>D/WB/M L</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>60%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Sus</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>35</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>13 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr></tbody></table>
Well, this is comforting. Not only is an easy win being predicted for Wigan, but their fans expected their club to pile on the misery for our fans.

I tell the guys the pressure is off. We're having a rough first half but we keep it scoreless and even take the lead late in the half. Sébastien Heitzmann take a free kick from the left and contrary to his habit of driving the ball to the net, he floats a nice ball to the far post, and ball that Andrew Lombardo runs under and heads past the keeper. Up 1-0 at the half.

Possession is about even at that point, but they are outshooting us badly. Still, we're up 1-0, anything can happen now. I tell the guys to do it for their fans.

They seem to respond very well to that as they start denying Wigan of chances after chances. Kevin Nicholls clears a couple of very dangerous balls and we're playing a tight defensive game for the rest of the way. Final Score: 1-0.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Wigan</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>51%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>49%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>25</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>29</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>23</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>65%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>52%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>33%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>97%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>93%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>62%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>56%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
We're through, WE'RE THROUGH!!!! then it hits me. Oh SH*T! we're playing Chelsea next! :eek: Oh well, we'll deal with it when we get there. :)

Claude Gnakpa is the Man of the Match. Romain Beynié played solidly in his debut, despite severely lacking in match fitness. The fans are delighted with the win. We're given $150k for the win. Now we're talking!

We'll play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on February 13.

Tough news following the game though. Lewis Emanuel pulled a hamstring and will miss around 4 weeks. What's with this darn left side of the field??? Looks Like Gavin Swankie's signing has now become really important.

FM

FrogMan

09-08-2009, 06:12 PM

Nice job FM. The squad continues to be in excellent form.

thanks, I'm quite pleased with the form myself. Apart from a couple of flat games, which we managed not to lose, we've been doing quite well.

FM

kingfc22

09-08-2009, 06:59 PM

Bring on Chelsea.

They got nothing on you!

Izulde

09-08-2009, 08:07 PM

:eek:

Wow! Knocking off Wigan on their home pitch!!!

Great job you've done thus far and Lombardo has really kicked ass for you this season it seems.

FrogMan

09-08-2009, 10:02 PM

Bring on Chelsea.

They got nothing on you!

LOL, gotta love the optimism. So you know, While we were toying with Wigan, they just knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup to get to round 5. heh...

FM

FrogMan

09-08-2009, 10:05 PM

:eek:

Wow! Knocking off Wigan on their home pitch!!!

Great job you've done thus far and Lombardo has really kicked ass for you this season it seems.

that Wigan away game was surreal. And that free kick floated for like 5 mintues on the way to the far post. To see Lombardo run under it, pas the defender who simply stayed there and never saw it coming, it was beautiful.

I kinda agree about Lombardo, he's been on hot streaks at time. The nice thing is that him and Heitzmann have relayed each other on goal scoring duties, so much so that it has not left much space for Fred Sears. All the better for me, as these two will be there after this season. Even better is that Lombardo is still relatively young.

FM

condors

09-08-2009, 11:03 PM

congrats, KUTGW!

chesapeake

09-09-2009, 08:30 AM

Hatters Top Wigan!

Congratulations on your great cup run. How is the gate split in the FA cup? At the very least, I would expect that the Chelsea match will be a big payout for you.

FrogMan

09-09-2009, 09:09 AM

February 6, 2010
League Match #29: at Accrington (22nd) (Luton 1-3 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"> <tbody> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>36</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.78</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>14 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.94</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>31 (1)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>17</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>35</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>24 (2)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.80</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Junior Stanislas</td> <td>AM RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>7.02</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gavin Swankie</td> <td>AM RL</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>0 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>33</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>34 (1)</td> <td>22</td> <td>6.99</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>22 (2)</td> <td>16</td> <td>7.15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>6 (24)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.59</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>3 (20)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>4 (12)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>16 (7)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>64%</td> <td>21 (8)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>61%</td> <td>25</td> <td>4</td> <td>7.07</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Rhoys Wiggins</td> <td>D/WB/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>59%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>64%</td> <td>14 (13)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>10</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.73</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Romain Beynié</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>7.10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>13 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr></tbody></table>
These away games where we're heavy favourites always make me nervous, but we are 3-0 against Accrington in the last two seasons.

We talked about Andrea Lombardo being a fixture for us up front, well he does it again in the 32nd minute. Kudos to Sébastien Heitzmann for winning an aerial battle with an opposing defender that sprung Lombardo's run to the net. It's 1-0 at the half and I encourage the players. While we're winning possession, all other stats are pretty even between the two teams.

For some odd reason, many guys start the second half playing nervously, but they get a hold of themselves eventually and we hang on to win it. Final Score: 1-0

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Accrington</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>48%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>52%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>18</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>30</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>11</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>62%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>58%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>26%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>15%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>96%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>92%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>52%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>69%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Not a real dominant win, but a win's a win. The fans are pleased with the away win which was our six straight win in a row. Stockport also won their game and we keep 'em one point away with two games on hand.
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Team</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>Luton</td> <td>29</td> <td>18</td> <td>5</td> <td>6</td> <td>54</td> <td>25</td> <td>+29</td> <td>59</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2nd</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>31</td> <td>18</td> <td>4</td> <td>9</td> <td>54</td> <td>29</td> <td>+25</td> <td>58</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Port Vale</td> <td>31</td> <td>16</td> <td>7</td> <td>8</td> <td>49</td> <td>30</td> <td>+19</td> <td>55</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4th</td> <td>Cheltenham</td> <td>31</td> <td>14</td> <td>10</td> <td>7</td> <td>37</td> <td>30</td> <td>+7</td> <td>52</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5th</td> <td>Darlington</td> <td>30</td> <td>15</td> <td>6</td> <td>9</td> <td>33</td> <td>31</td> <td>+2</td> <td>51</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6th</td> <td>Exeter</td> <td>31</td> <td>13</td> <td>11</td> <td>7</td> <td>40</td> <td>29</td> <td>+11</td> <td>50</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7th</td> <td>Chesterfield</td> <td>31</td> <td>15</td> <td>4</td> <td>12</td> <td>43</td> <td>36</td> <td>+7</td> <td>49</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8th</td> <td>Northampton</td> <td>31</td> <td>13</td> <td>10</td> <td>8</td> <td>35</td> <td>33</td> <td>+2</td> <td>49</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9th</td> <td>Shrewsbury</td> <td>31</td> <td>13</td> <td>9</td> <td>9</td> <td>34</td> <td>30</td> <td>+4</td> <td>48</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10th</td> <td>Bury</td> <td>31</td> <td>11</td> <td>11</td> <td>9</td> <td>43</td> <td>35</td> <td>+8</td> <td>44</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11th</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>31</td> <td>12</td> <td>8</td> <td>11</td> <td>43</td> <td>36</td> <td>+7</td> <td>44</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12th</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>31</td> <td>11</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>41</td> <td>41</td> <td>0</td> <td>43</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13th</td> <td>Rotherham</td> <td>31</td> <td>11</td> <td>9</td> <td>11</td> <td>31</td> <td>33</td> <td>-2</td> <td>42</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14th</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>31</td> <td>11</td> <td>7</td> <td>13</td> <td>30</td> <td>32</td> <td>-2</td> <td>40</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15th</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>31</td> <td>12</td> <td>4</td> <td>15</td> <td>40</td> <td>48</td> <td>-8</td> <td>40</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16th</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>31</td> <td>10</td> <td>8</td> <td>13</td> <td>36</td> <td>38</td> <td>-2</td> <td>38</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17th</td> <td>Oxford</td> <td>31</td> <td>9</td> <td>10</td> <td>12</td> <td>40</td> <td>50</td> <td>-10</td> <td>37</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18th</td> <td>Torquay</td> <td>31</td> <td>9</td> <td>9</td> <td>13</td> <td>30</td> <td>38</td> <td>-8</td> <td>36</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19th</td> <td>Wycombe</td> <td>31</td> <td>9</td> <td>9</td> <td>13</td> <td>29</td> <td>46</td> <td>-17</td> <td>36</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20th</td> <td>Notts Co</td> <td>31</td> <td>7</td> <td>12</td> <td>12</td> <td>43</td> <td>46</td> <td>-3</td> <td>33</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21st</td> <td>Grimsby</td> <td>31</td> <td>9</td> <td>6</td> <td>16</td> <td>40</td> <td>47</td> <td>-7</td> <td>33</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22nd</td> <td>Accrington</td> <td>31</td> <td>6</td> <td>10</td> <td>15</td> <td>33</td> <td>48</td> <td>-15</td> <td>28</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23rd</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>31</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>17</td> <td>17</td> <td>40</td> <td>-23</td> <td>24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>24th</td> <td>Morecambe</td> <td>30</td> <td>6</td> <td>6</td> <td>18</td> <td>21</td> <td>45</td> <td>-24</td> <td>24</td></tr></tbody></table>

February 8, 2010
Our FA Cup match against Chelsea has been brought forward to 12:30 for television coverage. Game is in 5 days. This is gonna be big.

February 10, 2010
League Match #30: at Morecambe (24th) (Luton 1-6 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>37</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.78</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>15 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.96</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>32 (1)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>18</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.93</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>36</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Romain Beynié</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>7.10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Junior Stanislas</td> <td>AM RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>6</td> <td>-</td> <td>7.00</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gavin Swankie</td> <td>AM RL</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>1 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>25 (2)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>16 (7)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>23 (2)</td> <td>17</td> <td>7.14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>6 (25)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.58</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>3 (21)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>4 (13)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>35 (1)</td> <td>22</td> <td>6.99</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>64%</td> <td>21 (8)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>60%</td> <td>25</td> <td>4</td> <td>7.07</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>34</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Rhoys Wiggins</td> <td>D/WB/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>59%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>64%</td> <td>14 (13)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>10</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.73</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>13 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr></tbody></table>
Wow, I know they're dead last, but those are some heavy odds in our favour. This is one of our games on hand and we're the only two teams in action in League 2 today.

Injury status time:
Rhoys Wiggins, 1-2 days
Daniel Jones, 2-3 weeks
Lewis Emanuel, 2-3 weeks
Shiva-Star N'Zigou, 2-3 months

I'm sitting out Kevin Nicholls for this game and going with a youngish inner midfield of Romain Beynié and Dean Pearce. Beynié is still lacking in match fitness quite a bit. Sébastien Heitzmann will also rest in preparation for the Chelsea match. Andrea Lombardo will act as captain for this match. Kind of a tiny reward for his nice season.

I toyed with the idea of telling the guys I expected them to win but I decided to tell them to do it for the fans. My assistant warns me of overconfidence in the locker room and maybe it's the reason for how flat we play in the first half.

Odd too is how by the 40th minute or so, 9 players are playing nervously, maybe fearing they'll make a mistake and cause us to go one down. A boring scoreless first half is followed by more boring soccer and a scoreless second half. Final Score: 0-0.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Morecambe</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>6</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>56%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>44%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>9</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>17</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>12</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>73%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>72%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>26%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>94%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>87%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>88%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>48%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Disappointing, and I tell the guys it was just not good enough. Seriously, we should have destroyed these guys. At least we didn't let in a fluke goal and we scrape away a tiny point. The fans, just like me, are disspointed.

Chesapeake mentioned gate receipts and as I checked, our bank balance shows upward of $315k, much, much higher than what it was just a year ago at the same time. Those two round 4 matches have certainly helped us. I see gate receipts close to $500k for January, that's about as high as what we had in July, when we had some very high profile friendlies. Through all of last seasons, we never had a month go higher than $275k (November 2008). Looking forward to see how much that match at Stamford Bridge will bring in. Certainly, win or lose, we should get something for or coffers.

FM

kingfc22

09-09-2009, 10:22 AM

FrogMan

09-09-2009, 11:36 AM

February 13, 2010
FA Cup Round 5: at Chelsea (1st in Premiership) (Chelsea 1-8 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>38</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.78</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>10</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.73</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>33 (1)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>19</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.94</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>37</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.78</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>16 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Junior Stanislas</td> <td>AM RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>7</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.97</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gavin Swankie</td> <td>AM RL</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>2 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.73</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>34</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>35 (2)</td> <td>22</td> <td>6.97</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>24 (2)</td> <td>17</td> <td>7.13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>6 (25)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.58</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>3 (22)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>4 (14)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>17 (7)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.66</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S6</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>26 (2)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S7</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>64%</td> <td>21 (8)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>60%</td> <td>25</td> <td>4</td> <td>7.07</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rhoys Wiggins</td> <td>D/WB/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>68%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>64%</td> <td>14 (13)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Romain Beynié</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>13 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr></tbody></table>
What nice headlines in the papers yesterday: "Chelsea fans expecting comfortable win" & "Luton face the impossible". Well, they are sitting 1st in the Premiership and if they can knock Arsenal out of the Cup, we surely are not much on their radar screen.

Rhoys Wiggins resumes full training but will not be suiting up for this match. I go with my more experienced lineup and while my assistant is all upbeat and wants to tell the guys that they "can win it today!" I tone it down a bit and tell them that the pressure is off.

They pressure us from the opening kickoff and even score in the 8th minute, but it's disallowed. Our offside trapped worked just fine that time. It won't be long before they score and after a crossbar in the 16th minute, it's their. Down 0-1.

We're hanging in there though and surprisingly, the guys are playing with motivation and confidence. We're just not getting out of our defensive zone much. By the 34th minute, they've attempted 12 shots to none for us. They finally score another just before the end of the half on a very nice play, almost unstoppable for us. We finally have our first shot in injury time of the first half and it took a great save from their keeper to keep us from cutting into their lead.

Still, reality is we're down 0-2 and they are dominating us, as they were expeted to, but we're surviving and not completely being destroyed, which is, in all honesty, better than what I expected.

We hold on until the 79th minute before letting a third goal go in and while we're not really challenging their keeper, we manage to fire a couple shots. Final Score: 0-3.

<table bordercolor="#000000"> <tbody> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Chelsea</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>29</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>54%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>46%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>9</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>18</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>15</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>72%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>54%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>27%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>20%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>100%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>89%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>64%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>47%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Okay, don't look at the match stats. Oh, too late? Well it was not much prettier than what the stats indicate, but we stuck in there and came out of it taller, if only in experience. I mean, this was a match on TV, in front of a hostile crowd of more than 34,000 screaming fans. I tell the guys that despite the loss, it was a good effort. The fans are still pleased even though we lost the game.

We're out of the FA Cup and the team board declare themselves delighted that we reached the 5th round, much higher than their expectation of a 3rd round. But holy moly! this last Cup match has brought in close to $950k in gate receipts and close to $400k in TV revenue. That's a cool $1.35M in our coffers. Rock on! Our bank balance now sits at over $1.5M. :D

While we were playing, the whole of League 2 were in action and Stockport regained possession of 1st place witha 2-1 win over Aldershot. We still have two games on hand though and even with these two games on hand, we're still 5 points ahead of 4th place Cheltenham and the autopromotion line.
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Team</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>Stockport</td> <td>32</td> <td>19</td> <td>4</td> <td>9</td> <td>56</td> <td>30</td> <td>+26</td> <td>61</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2nd</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>30</td> <td>18</td> <td>6</td> <td>6</td> <td>54</td> <td>25</td> <td>+29</td> <td>60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Port Vale</td> <td>32</td> <td>16</td> <td>8</td> <td>8</td> <td>52</td> <td>33</td> <td>+19</td> <td>56</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4th</td> <td>Cheltenham</td> <td>32</td> <td>15</td> <td>10</td> <td>7</td> <td>39</td> <td>31</td> <td>+8</td> <td>55</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5th</td> <td>Chesterfield</td> <td>32</td> <td>16</td> <td>4</td> <td>12</td> <td>44</td> <td>36</td> <td>+8</td> <td>52</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6th</td> <td>Darlington</td> <td>31</td> <td>15</td> <td>7</td> <td>9</td> <td>36</td> <td>34</td> <td>+2</td> <td>52</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7th</td> <td>Exeter</td> <td>32</td> <td>13</td> <td>11</td> <td>8</td> <td>40</td> <td>30</td> <td>+10</td> <td>50</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8th</td> <td>Northampton</td> <td>31</td> <td>13</td> <td>10</td> <td>8</td> <td>35</td> <td>33</td> <td>+2</td> <td>49</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9th</td> <td>Shrewsbury</td> <td>32</td> <td>13</td> <td>9</td> <td>10</td> <td>34</td> <td>32</td> <td>+2</td> <td>48</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10th</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>32</td> <td>12</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>42</td> <td>41</td> <td>+1</td> <td>46</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11th</td> <td>Bury</td> <td>32</td> <td>11</td> <td>12</td> <td>9</td> <td>44</td> <td>36</td> <td>+8</td> <td>45</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12th</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>32</td> <td>12</td> <td>8</td> <td>12</td> <td>43</td> <td>37</td> <td>+6</td> <td>44</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13th</td> <td>Rotherham</td> <td>32</td> <td>11</td> <td>9</td> <td>12</td> <td>32</td> <td>35</td> <td>-3</td> <td>42</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14th</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>32</td> <td>11</td> <td>7</td> <td>14</td> <td>31</td> <td>34</td> <td>-3</td> <td>40</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15th</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>32</td> <td>12</td> <td>4</td> <td>16</td> <td>40</td> <td>49</td> <td>-9</td> <td>40</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16th</td> <td>Torquay</td> <td>32</td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td>13</td> <td>33</td> <td>40</td> <td>-7</td> <td>39</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17th</td> <td>Wycombe</td> <td>32</td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td>13</td> <td>32</td> <td>48</td> <td>-16</td> <td>39</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18th</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>32</td> <td>10</td> <td>8</td> <td>14</td> <td>36</td> <td>39</td> <td>-3</td> <td>38</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19th</td> <td>Oxford</td> <td>32</td> <td>9</td> <td>11</td> <td>12</td> <td>41</td> <td>51</td> <td>-10</td> <td>38</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20th</td> <td>Notts Co</td> <td>32</td> <td>8</td> <td>12</td> <td>12</td> <td>44</td> <td>46</td> <td>-2</td> <td>36</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21st</td> <td>Grimsby</td> <td>32</td> <td>9</td> <td>6</td> <td>17</td> <td>42</td> <td>50</td> <td>-8</td> <td>33</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22nd</td> <td>Accrington</td> <td>32</td> <td>6</td> <td>10</td> <td>16</td> <td>35</td> <td>51</td> <td>-16</td> <td>28</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23rd</td> <td>Morecambe</td> <td>32</td> <td>7</td> <td>7</td> <td>18</td> <td>23</td> <td>45</td> <td>-22</td> <td>28</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>24th</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>32</td> <td>6</td> <td>9</td> <td>17</td> <td>18</td> <td>40</td> <td>-22</td> <td>27</td></tr></tbody></table>

February 15, 2010
Mike Pollitt has again been selected to the League 2 Team of the Week. Seriously, if he's not an easy selection to the League's Best Eleven of the season, I'll cry to the media.

FM

FrogMan

09-09-2009, 11:38 AM

February 17, 2010
League Match #31: at Darlington (6th) (Luton 4-5 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>39</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>11</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.73</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>34 (1)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>20</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.93</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>17 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>26 (2)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Junior Stanislas</td> <td>AM RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>8</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gavin Swankie</td> <td>AM RL</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>3 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.53</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>35</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>36 (2)</td> <td>22</td> <td>6.96</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>25 (2)</td> <td>17</td> <td>7.08</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>6 (26)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.58</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>3 (23)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>4 (14)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>17 (8)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.64</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>64%</td> <td>21 (8)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>60%</td> <td>25</td> <td>4</td> <td>7.07</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rhoys Wiggins</td> <td>D/WB/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>88%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>64%</td> <td>14 (13)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>38</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Romain Beynié</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>13 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr></tbody></table>
Interesting stats, in three games against Darlington, we've beat them 4-0 and 3-0 at home while we've lost our only away game to them 0-1. This game is away and as thus, makes me nervous. Pelé has been struggling recently and I give him a game off.

Junior Stanlislas scores his first goal as a Hatter to give us a 1-0 lead in the 21st minute. He's played quite well since joining us. He received a nice pass from our other new winger, Gavin Swankie.

The second half starts with Claude Gnakpa upending an opponent inside the penalty area. PENALTY! Former Hatter from way in the past, Richard Langley, buries the ball to tie it at one a piece. We can't find a way to score another goal and it ends in a tie. Final Score: 1-1.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Darlington</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>48%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>52%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>21</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>26</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>22</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>9</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>63%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>62%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>29%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>91%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>90%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>54%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>71%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Junior Stanislas is the Man of the Match but overall it was a disappointing performance from the lads and I tell them so. Bein the only team in action, we regain 1st place, tied on point The fans are pleased with the draw on the road.

And Pelé will finds his spot back in the starting eleven real fast as George Pilkington suffered a pulled hamstring and will miss around 4 weeks.

FM

FrogMan

09-09-2009, 11:40 AM

FM - I don't have '09, but I see you mention your guys playing nervously. Is there a mention of that during the game or does it show up on one of the in-game screens? Or is it just to make the write-ups more interesting?

It is indeed part of the in-game "TV View" mode where one of the little info screen you can activate is a "motivation" module. For every player, it shows the mood they are in. Info I remember seeing are among the following:
Playing okay (yellow/neutral
Looking motivated (green/positive)
Playing with confidence (green/positive)
Having/had a good game (green/positive)
Deserved his "x" goals (green/positive)
Having/had a poor game (red/negative)
Looking complacent (red/negative)
Playing nervously (red/negative)
Mistake led to goal (red/negative)

I've included screenies from the TV View with the motivation module opened. #1 is from the Morecambe game with lots of guys playing nervously, #2 is from the Chelsea game when guys were still playing with confidence, #3 is with the Darlington player setting up for the penalty kick and #4 is to show how bad Claude Gnakpa felt about causing a penalty.

I think it's a really nice feature, I quite love it and consult it numerous times per game, especially at halftime to adjust my team-talk to try and give a confidence boost to some players. Not much you can do about it during the game though. Maybe this'll be touched upon with the new in-game instructions I think you'll be able to make in FM2010.

FM

kingfc22

09-09-2009, 04:09 PM

It is indeed part of the in-game "TV View" mode where one of the little info screen you can activate is a "motivation" module. For every player, it shows the mood they are in. Info I remember seeing are among the following:
Playing okay (yellow/neutral
Looking motivated (green/positive)
Playing with confidence (green/positive)
Having/had a good game (green/positive)
Deserved his "x" goals (green/positive)
Having/had a poor game (red/negative)
Looking complacent (red/negative)
Playing nervously (red/negative)
Mistake led to goal (red/negative)

I've included screenies from the TV View with the motivation module opened. #1 is from the Morecambe game with lots of guys playing nervously, #2 is from the Chelsea game when guys were still playing with confidence, #3 is with the Darlington player setting up for the penalty kick and #4 is to show how bad Claude Gnakpa felt about causing a penalty.

I think it's a really nice feature, I quite love it and consult it numerous times per game, especially at halftime to adjust my team-talk to try and give a confidence boost to some players. Not much you can do about it during the game though. Maybe this'll be touched upon with the new in-game instructions I think you'll be able to make in FM2010.

FM

Definitely getting FM2010 now.

I have 08, but this type of feature and all the other new ones I have read about are just to good to resist.

JonInMiddleGA

09-09-2009, 04:46 PM

It is indeed part of the in-game "TV View" mode where one of the little info screen you can activate is a "motivation" module.

That really is a nice looking feature.

Pity I couldn't even get the demo to run (IIRC) on my poor old PC.

FrogMan

09-09-2009, 04:57 PM

Definitely getting FM2010 now.

I have 08, but this type of feature and all the other new ones I have read about are just to good to resist.

What I found about '09 is that there's a lot more feedback available to you. Your assistant is a lot more useful this time around. I think I've mentioned about him recommending players in his team report. I think Rhoys Wiggins came to me as a recommendation from there. Say your assman will say he's happy with the depth of the club but that we could still improve in the defense area and then he'll recommend a player or two, most of the times, players I have no scouting reports on.

You can also ask him to give you a report about possible players to get on loan, either at a certain club, or at large in a certain position (say "find me left defenders to loan").

There's also a lot more confidence ratings that you are evaluated upon and the team board seems a bit more "intelligent" in their evaluation. Like last season when I had a crappy draw in the League Cup and lost in first round. They expected me to make it to the 2nd round and said they were disappointed we got out in first round but that they could understand how we lost to the team we lost to.

I can't believe '10 will have less of this, actually more and more is being advertised already.

FM

FrogMan

09-09-2009, 04:57 PM

That really is a nice looking feature.

Pity I couldn't even get the demo to run (IIRC) on my poor old PC.

it's a pity indeed. :(

FM

FrogMan

09-10-2009, 09:09 AM

February 20, 2010
League Match #32: vs Port Vale (3rd) (Luton evens fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>40</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>12</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.61</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rhoys Wiggins</td> <td>D/WB/M L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>18 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>38</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>27 (2)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Junior Stanislas</td> <td>AM RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>9</td> <td>1</td> <td>7.02</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gavin Swankie</td> <td>AM RL</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>4 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.58</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>36</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>37 (2)</td> <td>22</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>26 (2)</td> <td>17</td> <td>7.07</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Romain Beynié</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>3 (24)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>35 (1)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>99%</td> <td>17 (9)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.64</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>63%</td> <td>21 (8)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>66%</td> <td>21</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.93</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>59%</td> <td>25</td> <td>4</td> <td>7.07</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>6 (27)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.56</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>64%</td> <td>14 (13)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>4 (14)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>13 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr></tbody></table>
Feels good to be back home. We've played our last five games on the road: at Wigan, at Accrington, at Morecambe, at Chelsea and at Darlington. Also, this long cup run came with a cost. Sure we have two games on hand over everyone, but we're suffering through fixture congestion, having just played three days ago while everybody else played 7 days ago, and we play again in three days, when nobody but us will be playing.

This is a big one, against 3rd place team Port Vale. Third place is the line for autopromotion. Rhoys Wiggins is not in super shape, but I give him the start as he's our left back of the future.

I had not realized this but it hits me when it's mentioned in the pre-game milestones. It's been a heck of a long time since Sébastien Heitzmann's last goal. 481 minute to be exact or more than 5 games. I tell him I have faith in his ability.

Well, it made it to just a tad over 500 minutes before he scored, in the 22nd minute of the game to be exact. He took a great lofted ball from Dean Pearce into the box and the keeper just couldn't do anything. We keep putting pressure and have a goal disallowed for offside maybe 15 minutes later. It's almost odd looking at the stats since we're losing possession but are having more chances on goal than them.

It's only 1-0 at the half and with that kind of tight game, I tell the guys not to get careless. Right after the start of the half, they hit a post that I was absolutely certain was going in. The ball's cleared and we take all the way down the other end where Gavin Swankie scores his first ever goal as a Hatter. Final Score: 2-0.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Port Vale</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>14</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>47%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>53%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>5</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>12</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>24</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>13</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>57%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>63%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>20%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>97%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>92%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>63%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>55%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Great, confident performance by many of our guys. Good crowd of 7167 too. Dean Pearce did very well, assisting on both goals, but it's Gavin Swankie who's the Man of the Match. This win extends our unbeaten run to 10 league games. Stockport lost 0-1 at Rotherham and we move 3 points away from them.
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Team</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>Luton</td> <td>32</td> <td>19</td> <td>7</td> <td>6</td> <td>57</td> <td>26</td> <td>+31</td> <td>64</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2nd</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>33</td> <td>19</td> <td>4</td> <td>10</td> <td>56</td> <td>31</td> <td>+25</td> <td>61</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Port Vale</td> <td>33</td> <td>16</td> <td>8</td> <td>9</td> <td>52</td> <td>35</td> <td>+17</td> <td>56</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4th</td> <td>Cheltenham</td> <td>33</td> <td>15</td> <td>11</td> <td>7</td> <td>40</td> <td>32</td> <td>+8</td> <td>56</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5th</td> <td>Darlington</td> <td>33</td> <td>16</td> <td>8</td> <td>9</td> <td>38</td> <td>35</td> <td>+3</td> <td>56</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>6th</td> <td>Chesterfield</td> <td>33</td> <td>17</td> <td>4</td> <td>12</td> <td>47</td> <td>37</td> <td>+10</td> <td>55</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7th</td> <td>Exeter</td> <td>33</td> <td>13</td> <td>12</td> <td>8</td> <td>41</td> <td>31</td> <td>+10</td> <td>51</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8th</td> <td>Shrewsbury</td> <td>33</td> <td>13</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>34</td> <td>32</td> <td>+2</td> <td>49</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>9th</td> <td>Northampton</td> <td>32</td> <td>13</td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td>36</td> <td>35</td> <td>+1</td> <td>49</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>10th</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>33</td> <td>12</td> <td>11</td> <td>10</td> <td>43</td> <td>42</td> <td>+1</td> <td>47</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>11th</td> <td>Bury</td> <td>33</td> <td>11</td> <td>13</td> <td>9</td> <td>46</td> <td>38</td> <td>+8</td> <td>46</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12th</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>33</td> <td>12</td> <td>9</td> <td>12</td> <td>44</td> <td>38</td> <td>+6</td> <td>45</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13th</td> <td>Rotherham</td> <td>33</td> <td>12</td> <td>9</td> <td>12</td> <td>33</td> <td>35</td> <td>-2</td> <td>45</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14th</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>33</td> <td>11</td> <td>8</td> <td>14</td> <td>40</td> <td>40</td> <td>0</td> <td>41</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>15th</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>33</td> <td>11</td> <td>8</td> <td>14</td> <td>31</td> <td>34</td> <td>-3</td> <td>41</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16th</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>33</td> <td>12</td> <td>4</td> <td>17</td> <td>41</td> <td>53</td> <td>-12</td> <td>40</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>17th</td> <td>Wycombe</td> <td>33</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>13</td> <td>33</td> <td>49</td> <td>-16</td> <td>40</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18th</td> <td>Notts Co</td> <td>33</td> <td>9</td> <td>12</td> <td>12</td> <td>46</td> <td>47</td> <td>-1</td> <td>39</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>19th</td> <td>Torquay</td> <td>33</td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td>14</td> <td>33</td> <td>41</td> <td>-8</td> <td>39</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20th</td> <td>Oxford</td> <td>33</td> <td>9</td> <td>12</td> <td>12</td> <td>42</td> <td>52</td> <td>-10</td> <td>39</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>21st</td> <td>Grimsby</td> <td>33</td> <td>9</td> <td>7</td> <td>17</td> <td>44</td> <td>52</td> <td>-8</td> <td>34</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>22nd</td> <td>Morecambe</td> <td>33</td> <td>8</td> <td>7</td> <td>18</td> <td>26</td> <td>46</td> <td>-20</td> <td>31</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>23rd</td> <td>Accrington</td> <td>33</td> <td>6</td> <td>10</td> <td>17</td> <td>36</td> <td>54</td> <td>-18</td> <td>28</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>24th</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>33</td> <td>6</td> <td>9</td> <td>18</td> <td>19</td> <td>43</td> <td>-24</td> <td>27</td></tr></tbody></table>

February 22, 2010
Aaaaand Mike Pollitt has once again been selected to the League 2 Team of the Week. :)

FM

FrogMan

09-10-2009, 11:43 AM

February 24, 2010
League Match #33: vs Northampton (9th) (Luton 1-2 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"> <tbody> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>41</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>13</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.65</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rhoys Wiggins</td> <td>D/WB/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>91%</td> <td>2</td> <td>-</td> <td>7.00</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>19 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.95</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>39</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>28 (2)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Junior Stanislas</td> <td>AM RC</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>10</td> <td>1</td> <td>7.03</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gavin Swankie</td> <td>AM RL</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>5 (1)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>37</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>38 (2)</td> <td>23</td> <td>6.96</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Poor</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>17 (9)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6.64</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Romain Beynié</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>2 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.87</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>6 (27)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.56</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>96%</td> <td>35 (2)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>27 (2)</td> <td>17</td> <td>7.06</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>66%</td> <td>21 (8)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>66%</td> <td>21</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.93</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>59%</td> <td>25</td> <td>4</td> <td>7.07</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>91%</td> <td>3 (25)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>66%</td> <td>14 (13)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>85%</td> <td>4 (14)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>89%</td> <td>13 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr></tbody></table>
Interesting question in the pre-match press conference. I'm asked for my views on the title chase. Been asked that question in the past and used to answer with the name of the team that was sitting in 1st place. We're currently sitting in 1st place so I get cute and answer the only team I could: Luton. :) There's no reaction from the players though. I was kinda worried about doubt, or overconfidence.

This is the only game in the League today, we're playing that last game on hand. In injury status news, both Lewis Emanuel and Daniel Jones are 1 to 3 days away from being back to training while George Pilkington is 2 to 3 weeks away.

I give a game off to Andrea Lombardo and the start to Fred Sears. Trying to build back up Sears's confidence, I tell him there's no pressure on him today. Maybe only a coincidence but he starts on a roar and scores only two minutes and a half into the game. Junior Stanislas's cross from the byline was simply perfect on that play. Christos Karypidis then doubles our lead in the 16th minute with his first ever goal as a Hatter. He is then called for a foul in our penalty area in injury time for the first half. He can't believe it, expressing to the referee that he thought it wasn't a penalty. Referee stands by his decision and they score on the ensuing kick. We're up 2-1 at the half, coolly in control.

Fred Sears adds to his tally, again two minutes and a half into the half. He's having a heck of a game. Final Score: 3-1.

<table bordercolor="#000000"> <tbody> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Luton</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Northampton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>9</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>4</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>1</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>51%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>49%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>3</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>8</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>12</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>19</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>16</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>61%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>56%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>20%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>8%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>90%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>91%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>56%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>68%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
As expected, Sears is the Man of the Match, ending his own goal drought of more than 943 minutes with his 5th and 6th goals of the season. The fans are delighted with the win that puts us six points clear atop the league table and a cool eleven points safe into autopromotion. Even further, we're now 18 points ahead of the playoff line.

February 25, 2010
Looking at the team stats, we're at the top of just about every stat category. Look at the attached screenie below, we've scored more goals than anyone else, and conceded less than anyone else.

FM

Alf

09-15-2009, 10:51 AM

I was saying : rock on !

FrogMan

09-15-2009, 02:08 PM

February 27, 2010
League Match #34: at Shrewsbury (8th) (Luton 4-5 fav)
<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Last 5 Games</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mike Pollitt</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>100%</td> <td>42</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.77</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Claude Gnakpa</td> <td>D RC, WB R</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>14</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.68</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DL</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Olivier Bernard</td> <td>D/WB L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>35 (3)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Christos Karypidis</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>95%</td> <td>20 (1)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.98</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DC</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Pelé</td> <td>D C, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>40</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>DMC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Romain Beynié</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>2 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.83</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MR</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>Junior Stanislas</td> <td>AM RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>11</td> <td>1</td> <td>7.09</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gavin Swankie</td> <td>AM RL</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>6 (1)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.79</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>MC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Nicholls</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>38</td> <td>3</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Fred Sears</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>94%</td> <td>18 (9)</td> <td>6</td> <td>6.71</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>ST</td> <td>
</td> <td>Andrea Lombardo</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>97%</td> <td>27 (2)</td> <td>17</td> <td>7.06</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S1</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Darren Randolph</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>1</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.60</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S2</td> <td>Wnt</td> <td>Dean Pearce</td> <td>DM, M C</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>29 (2)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.84</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S3</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kristian O'Leary</td> <td>D RC, DM, M C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>98%</td> <td>6 (28)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.57</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S4</td> <td>
</td> <td>Rhoys Wiggins</td> <td>D/WB/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>87%</td> <td>3</td> <td>-</td> <td>7.10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sébastien Heitzmann</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Superb</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>39 (2)</td> <td>23</td> <td>6.96</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Daniel Jones</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>69%</td> <td>21 (8)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.85</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>George Pilkington</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>66%</td> <td>21</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.93</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Shiva-Star N'Zigou</td> <td>AM R, F C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>58%</td> <td>25</td> <td>4</td> <td>7.07</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kevin Gallen</td> <td>AM RC, F C</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>3 (25)</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.82</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Lewis Emanuel</td> <td>D/M L</td> <td>Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>70%</td> <td>14 (13)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.86</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Tom Craddock</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>
</td> <td>93%</td> <td>2 (8)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Keith Keane</td> <td>D/WB R, DM, M C</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>90%</td> <td>4 (14)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.75</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Edward Asafu-Adjaye</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Very Good</td> <td>
</td> <td>92%</td> <td>13 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.74</td></tr></tbody></table>
Romain Beynié is still lacking match fitness but that darn fixture congestion is leaving Dean Pearce a bit out of breath so Beynié gets the start today.

Grr, Gavin Swankie has to leave the game in the 19th minute because of an injury. Rhoys Wiggins is kinda low on conditionning but he'll have to do for the rest of the game.

We play a reasonably good first half, but our last 8 minutes are really good in terms of pressure applied on the opposing defense. It finally pays off when Andrea Lombardo scores on a nicely centred ball by Junior Stanislas, two and a half minute into the announce three minutes of injury time.

We add to our lead in the 60th minute when Freddy sears converts a pinpoint pass from Andrea Lombardo. Final Score: 2-0.

<table bordercolor="#000000"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>Shrewsbury</td> <td>Statistic</td> <td>Luton</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>8</td> <td>Shots</td> <td>10</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>On Target</td> <td>7</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>5</td> <td>Off Target</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Blocked Shots</td> <td>3</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Clear Cut Chances</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>47%</td> <td>Possession</td> <td>53%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>2</td> <td>Corners</td> <td>4</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>14</td> <td>Free Kicks</td> <td>20</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>25</td> <td>Throw-Ins</td> <td>16</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>13</td> <td>Fouls</td> <td>12</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>7</td> <td>Offsides</td> <td>2</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>71%</td> <td>Passes Completed</td> <td>70%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>18%</td> <td>Crosses Completed</td> <td>33%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>97%</td> <td>Tackles Won</td> <td>97%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>70%</td> <td>Headers Won</td> <td>58%</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>1</td> <td>Yellow Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td>0</td> <td>Red Cards</td> <td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Andrea Lombardo is selected as the Man of the Match with a goal and an assist. He also completed 17 of 20 passes, 3 of them key passes. The fans are delighted with the win.

Stockport destroyed Notts County, 5-1, so we remain 6 points ahead of them.

Swankie was able to walk off his injury and comes out okay. The same cannot be said for Romain Beynié. He will miss 3 weeks with a twisted knee.

The good news is that both Daniel Jones and Emanuel Lewis have returned to full training today.

In other news, Liverpool have won the League Cup, beating Portsmouth 2-0.

March 1st, 2010
Wow, February really was the Luton month! I was named Coach of the month while Dean Pearce was named Player of the Month and Junior Stanislas was selected as Young Player of the Month. The team won four games out of six, drawing the other two for 14 points. Second best were Chesterfield and Stockport with 12 points in their month of February.

Dean Pearce and Junior Stanislas make for an interesting case. Pearce is 17 and Stanislas is 20. Pearce came in first for Player of the month while Stanislas came in second, but Pearce is not even mentioned in the top three for young player of the month. He's still only 17. Odd... Anyway, really, really happy with the awards.

Mike Pollitt, Chirstos Karypidis and Andrea Lombardo have been selected to the League 2 Team of the Week.

The board are still pleased with my management of the team. The club made a profit of $1.27M last month, thanks to that game at Stamford Bridge. :)

FM