Viva Espana! A FM14 Dynasty

[mrtourette]

On 18 June 2013, 90 years after its foundation, UD Salamanca of Segunda Division B were liquidated due to the accumulation of unpaid debts. 10 days later Salamanca AC was founded and after initially being assigned to Tercera division won a court case to allow them to be admitted straight into Segunda Division B and the arduous task of continuing the city's football history was to begin...

(note - in real life Salamanca AC, although given permission to join the league and having started signing players, never formally registered to take part in the competition and therefore are only in the default database in FM14, not in the updated database).

http://i57.tinypic.com/4ubgh5.png

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Was given a 1 year contract at £900pw

No money to spend on new players, and a £9kpw wage budget (with only £350pw left under that budget).

The club only had eight contracted players, and three of those were goalkeepers, meaning I could only fill six positions with contracted players and the rest would have to be scrubs.

The obvious task was to fill out my squad with contracted players, although with very little money or wage budget to play with it wasn't going to be easy.

My initial meeting with the squad (if you could call it that) went about as badly as possible:

http://i57.tinypic.com/21oc2ef.png

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First move was to try and ship out two of my three keepers and free up some money to spend on wages so I could start looking for players available on free transfers.

Nobody was willing to pay actual money for any of them so I had to let two of them (Alejandro Rebollo and Sergio Garabato) go to other clubs on free transfers, which cleared about £2k from my wage budget. Unfortunately the keeper that was left was the one that I really didn't want, but beggars can't be choosers I guess.

This left the six-man squad looking like this:

Urtzi Iturrioz, GK, 25 years old

Jose Rodriguez, DC, 28 (can also play DR)

Pablo Redondo, MR, 31 (can also play AM across the pitch)

Aaron Bueno, ML, 30 (can also play AM across the pitch and ST)

Vicente Moscardo, MC, 26 (can also play DM)

Carlos de la Nava, ST, 20 (can also play AMC)


My scout immediately recommended two teenage fullbacks who were without clubs that I snapped up and then went about trying to fill the gaps in my team sheet.

Signings before the season started were:

Jose Manuel, DR, 16 (2yr/£250pw)

Marcos Flexas, DL, 16 (2yr/£250pw)

Jesus Campos, DC, 23 (2yr/£250pw)

Alberto Gil, DC, 22 (2yr/£425pw)

Elvis Onyema, ST, 27 (2yr/£900pw)

Nigerian striker Onyema was a bit of a splurge as I could have got three players for his weekly wage, but de la Nava was injured during the pre-season friendlies and doubtful for the start of the season so I splashed out.

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Talking of pre-season friendlies:

http://i59.tinypic.com/2v8hml5.png


Carlos de la Nava was back in time for the start of the season, but Jose Rodriguez will miss the first couple of weeks (a shame as he'd played well in the first couple of friendlies).

The bookies were less than optimistic about my chances of winning the title:

http://i60.tinypic.com/25rp27s.png

1000-1! Looks like I'll do well to avoid utter embarrassment.

[Grover]

Looking forward to this one!

[mrtourette]

01/09/13 v Ferrol (A) 2-3
An exciting start to the season as we twice came from behind with goals from Onyema and Gil, but Ferrol's superior possession paid dividends in the end and after hitting the woodwork twice late in the game they scored the winner in injury time.

08/09/13 v SD Logrones (H) 0-1
An early goal form Logrones won the game as we struggled to produce anything of note, ending up with only one shot on target during the whole match.

15/09/13 v Aviles (H) 1-4
Aviles went ahead after just 14 seconds and scored a second after 10 minutes to kill the game early on. Gil scored mid-way through the first half but a goal just before half-time restored the two-goal advantage. Gil conceded a penalty in the second half to present Aviles striker Geni with his hat-trick.

22/09/13 v Ourense (H) 3-5
Onyema put us ahead early on but three goals in 15 minutes mid-way through the first half gave Ourense control. They scored a fourth just before half-time and although de la Nava pulled one back they soon netted a fifth. Redondo scored at the death to at least make the score appear close.

25/09/13 v Caudal (A) 1-2
Once again Onyema scores early on but this time we manage to hold on until half-time. However Gil is sent off early in the second half and while a rearguard action nearly claims us some points two goals in the last nine minutes for Caudal gives them all three.

29/09/13 v Marino (A) 1-3
For the third straight game Onyema puts us ahead but Jose Rodriguez is shown a red card just before half time. An attempt at defending the lead is instantly dashed as Marino equalise two minutes after the break and it's only a matter of time before they add another two to make the points safe.


Six games, six defeats, and obviously rooted to the bottom of the table. Two red cards is also an issue, although Onyema's four goals is a plus point.

An emergency team meeting at the end of the month goes slightly better than the last one:

http://i62.tinypic.com/2utguib.png

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06/10/13 v Guijuelo (H) 2-1
Bueno and Onyema score first half goals to put us in the driving seat, although another red card for Gil at the start of the second sets up a dramatic ending. We hold on until the 84th minute when Guijuelo pull one back but they can't find an equaliser and we get our first win. Aaron Bueno is MOM.

13/10/13 v Cultural Leonasa (A) 2-2
Carlos de le Nava volleys us ahead after only two minutes as we look to continue momentum from our last game but Leonasa equalise after half an hour. Redondo puts us back in front just before half time but superior second-half pressure takes it's toll and Leonasa draw level again ten minutes from the end and the points are shared. Pablo Redondo is given the MOM award.


During the week we sign unattached 21 year-old central midfielder Sergio Garcia to a two year contract on £240pw.


16/10/12 v Noja (A) 1-2
A familiar story as Elvis Onyema puts us ahead after 15 minutes but Rodriguez sees red after only half an hour. We hold on until half time but Noja soon find two goals to take the lead and Vincent Moscardo is given our second red card of the game with five minutes remaining.

20/10/13 v Burgos (H) 0-2
One to forget as Burgos take an early two-goal lead and then toy with us throughout the match. We fail to generate any kind of attacking football and are lucky they don't score any more.

27/10/13 v UD Logrones (H) 1-2
Logrones take a first half lead but are pegged back by de la Nava's equaliser shortly before the break. After a tense second half a draw would have been a fair result but it wasn't to be as a late Logrones breakaway resulted in Jesus Campos putting into his own net and we walk away with nothing.


We finish October with four points, good enough to lift us off the bottom and into 19th place.

Looks like our disciplinary issues may not be our only concern with financial problems on the horizon:

http://i57.tinypic.com/2em0mz6.png

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03/11/13 v Celta B (H) 2-1
A bottom-of-the table clash is unsurprisingly a poor game that comes alive in the 70th minute when Redondo's cross accidentally goes in, and he follows it up with an intentional second four minutes later. Celta B pull one back with five minutes remaining but we hold on for our second win of the season. Redondo is MOM.

10/11/13 v Sporting B (A) 2-3
The chance to beat the team above us is spurned despite de la Nava scoring twice after we concede an early goal to give us the lead. Sporting equalise just before half time and then turn the screw in the second half, eventually scoring the winner with ten minutes remianing. Carlos de la Nava is MOM.

17/11/13 v Coruxo (A) 3-2
What looks like a tough game turns out to be so as we fall behind to two first half goals. However the players come out fired up for the second half and are soon level after two goals in three minutes from Beuno and de la Nava. Onyema pops up to head us in front in the closing stages and we win despite only having three shots on target in the whole game.

24/11/13 v Tropezon (H) 3-0
We take control of the game early on as Bueno fires us ahead on 25 minutes and then scores form the spot just before half time. Tropezon push forward during the second half but Bueno heads home to complete his hat-trick as we keep our first clean sheet of the season. Unsurprisingly Aaron Bueno is MOM.


Three wins in November, two against teams also in the relegation zone, sees us leap out of the automatic relegation places and into 16th place.

Some serious concerns are being raised about our two teenage full backs, Jose Manual and Marcos Flexas, who are struggling for form and fitness.

Financial concerns are growing, looks like I'll have to start shipping players out again soon. It may look like we halved our losses this month but that's only because the directors pumped £60k into the club during the month.

http://i62.tinypic.com/21aefig.png

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01/12/13 v Oviedo (A) 0-5
Back down to earth with a bump after unsurprisingly being taken apart by league leaders Oviedo. We managed only two shots on goal compared to Oviedo's 19 as they raced into an early 2-0 lead, and then goals either side of half-time put them four up. Striker Sergio Garcia completed his hat-trick with a penalty in the last ten minutes.

08/12/13 v Compostela (H) 1-0
A crucial but undeserved win against fellow relegation candidates thanks to a goal after 18 minutes from Aaron Bueno. Compostela had far more possession and had they taken their chances would have easily won the game. Alberto Gil was sent off for the third time this season after an hour but we managed to hang on. Aaron Bueno was MOM.

14/12/13 v Racing (A) 2-0
A fantastic away win over the pre-season title favourites. A closely-matched first half ended goalless but Sergio Garcia scores his first for the club shortly after the break, and as Racing piled forward for the equaliser Vicente Moscardo added a second from long-range. Moscardo picked up the MOM award.

22/12/13 v Zamora (H) 0-3
A bad result as again we conceded the vast majority of possession and were completely subdued by a dominant opponent. Zamora took the lead mid-way through the first half and strolled through the rest of the game, adding two more late in the second half. Fans were unhappy with the result and flooded local radio shows with complaints about the performance.


A polarising month with two good victories and two embarrasing losses.

Still we end 2013 in 15th place, our highest position yet.

http://i57.tinypic.com/fz0tja.png

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As the transfer window opens we snap up CM Dani Duran from third division part-timers Illescas on a free transfer, with him signing a 2 year/£350pw contract.


05/01/14 v Ferrol (H) 1-1
A frustrating draw as we should have taken all three points in this game. Possession was equally shared in a tight match but we took the lead when Carlos de le Nava broke the deadlock with a header after an hour. Things looked good for us when Ferrol were reduced to ten men with 15 minutes remaining but shortly after we swtitched off and conceded an equaliser. Definitely two points lost.

12/01/14 v SD Logrones (A) 1-2
A good game for the neutral as both sides pile forward and have plenty of attempts on goal, but unfortunately despite playing well we come away with nothing. Longrones take the lead after 20 minutes and a the match is finely poised until they score again with 15 minutes remaining. Carlos de la Nava pulls one back almost immediately but our comeback attempts are runied when Alberto Gil receives his fourth red card of the season.

19/01/14 v Aviles (A) 1-2
Another good performance with nothing to show. Again we go behind to an early goal and Alives add a second shortly after the break. Aaron Bueno pulls one back but as usual we leave ourself too much to do with too little time.


A short month as heavy snow postpones our game against Cadual, and a frustrating one as three good performances yield only one point. We drop down to 16th place in the league, the relegation play-off position.

Some worrying reports in the media refer to our 'financial crisis' and our situation is downgraded to 'insecure'.

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02/02/14 v Ourense (A) 1-1
A good performance and point earned at title-chasing Ourense, we took the lead after only two minutes through Aaron Bueno but conceded the equaliser ten minutes later. Both teams prodded and pushed for the rest of the game but ended with the points shared.

05/02/14 v Cadual (H) 0-2
A poor performance handed an easy win to Cadual in a game that we should have been competitive in. Cadual took the lead after eleven minutes and controlled the rest of the game with ease, taking advantage of a mistake by Gil in the final ten minutes to score again and give them a scoreline they deserved.


Following the limp performance against Cadual morale is low and an emergency team meeting is called, with encouraging results:

http://i62.tinypic.com/4rxqtz.png


Lots of attention being paid in the media to the poor form of Elvis Onyema, who has failed to score in the last ten games.


09/02/14 v Guijuelo (A) 0-6
A new low as rampant Guijueno completely outplayed us, taking the lead after only a minute and coasting at 4-0 after only half an hour. Their superior possession allowed them to control the game and mercifully they took their foot off the pedal, only adding a fifth with 20 minutes remaining and a sixth with a late penalty.


I decide it's time for a change in tactics, changing from 4-4-2 to 4-1-3-2, moving Vincente Moscardo to the DM position and asking Carlos de la Nava to play more of a target man role with my wingers targeting him with crosses. Also decide to change to a more counter-attacking style of play.


16/02/14 v Marino (H) 1-0
We manage to scrape an unlikely victory as Onyema finally rediscovers his goalscoring touch and scores the only goal of the game after half an hour. Marino dominate most of the proceedings with more possession and attempts on goal but we defend well to hold out for the victory. Jose Rodriguez is MOM.

23/02/14 v Cultural Leonesa (H) 2-1
Another scrappy win as Leonesa had twice as many attempts on goal, but we'll take points wherever we can get them. Pablo Redondo put us ahead mid-way through the first half but Leonesa equalise straight after the break, only for a defensive error to allow Onyema to score with 20 minutes left to seal the victory. Redondo is MOM.


A good end to the month keeps us in 16th place, without those six points we'd be in serious trouble.

http://i59.tinypic.com/rm8djd.png

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02/03/14 v Burgos (A) 2-1
A third straight win for the first time as we soak up a lot of pressure to defeat Burgos, who are tumbling down the league table fast. Pablo Redondo puts us ahead after 20 minutes and the game was sewn up when Dani Duran scored his first goal for the club mid-way through the second half. Burgos grabbed a consolation goal with eight minutes remaining but we held on comfortably. Duran is named MOM.

09/03/14 v Noja (H) 1-1
A game we should have won and for once we had more attempts on goal that our opposition. A tight first half finished goalless but Noja took the lead three minutes into the second half, however a late long range strike from Elvis Onyema earned us a point from a spirited display. Onyema was given the MOM award.

16/03/14 v UD Logrones (A) 4-3
A great game between two teams desperately battling to avoid relegation. Logrones took the lead inside ten minutes before Pablo Redondo and Dani Duran scored to put us ahead. Logrones equalised a few minutes before half time and then took the lead straight after the break, but an excellent long range strike for Carlos de la Nava and a late winner from Elvis Onyema sealed the points for us.


During midweek training Aaron Bueno twists his ankle and will be out for six to seven weeks. A serious blow to our survival hopes.


23/03/14 v Sporting B (H) 2-2
A frustrating result as we threw away a two goal lead against inferior opposition. Two goals from Elvis Onyema gave us a 2-0 half-time lead but an own goal from Jose Rodriguez early in the second half got Sporting back into the game and they equalised on the hour and held on for a point. Onyema was named MOM.


16 youth team players are taken on for assessment, could provide us with some much-needed backup for our current first team.


30/03/14 v Celta B (A) 2-1
A hard-fought victory that that was kicked off when Carlos de la Nava headed home mid-way through the first half. Dani Duran pout us two up with a long range effort shortly after half time and although Celta pulled one back on 66 minutes we held on for all three points. Duran picked up the MOM award.


An excellent month and we have now gone seven games unbeaten. We're still in 16th place but have more teams within reach above us.

http://i57.tinypic.com/255sxg7.png

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From the group of teenage trialists we sign the following to three-year youth contracts:

Bernardo Ivan, GK, 0 current rating/5 potential rating

Alberto, DR (can also play DL), 0 current rating/5 potential rating

Mikel Fernandez, DC (can also play DR and DL), 1 current rating/5 potential rating

Johan Lugo, ST (can also play AMR and AML), 1 current rating/5 potential rating

Asier Rivero, ST (can also play AMC and MC), 0 current rating/4 potential rating


06/04/13 v Coruxo (H) 1-3
Our good run comes to an end as we are comprehensively beaten. Coruxo took an early lead before being pegged back by a Carlos de la Nava header, but went ahead again a minute before half time. Neither team could put their stamp on the game in the second half until Coruxo finally managed to kill us off in the 86th minute.

13/04/13 v Tropezon (A) 0-2
A poor result for us as we slip back into the relegation zone. The first half was goalless but Tropezon continued to control the match on the second half, going ahead on the hour and sealing the win with a late penalty.


Devastating news as captain Pablo Redondo pulled his hamstring against Tropezon and will probably miss the rest of the season.


20/04/14 v Oviedo (H) 1-4
As with earlier on the season Oviedo completely take us apart, going ahead on the half hour mark and going 3-0 up with two quickfire goals early in the second half. Sergio Garcia pulls one back on the hour but Oviedo score again soon after and then play the game out.

27/04/14 v Compostela (A) 2-2
A game we really needed to win started badly as Bueno gave away a penalty in the opening minutes to allow Compostela to take the lead and they doubled that advantage after half an hour. Sergio Garcia pulled one back shortly after the break and our pressure finally told with ten minutes left when Carlos de la Nava equalised.


A wretched month yields just one point and an injury to our captain and best player. We are still in 16th place but have lost touch with the teams above us, and with two games remaining we'll be fighting it out with UD Logrones (who are on just as bad a run as us) to see who is automatically relegated and who will go into the relegation play-off.

http://i58.tinypic.com/k1rhvs.png

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04/05/14 v Zamora (A) 0-3
In a repeat of the reverse match earlier in the season Zamora dominate possession and shots on goal to record an easy win. Zamora cruised to an early lead and were 2-0 up at half time, and seemed to relax in the second half before adding a third in the dying minutes.

11/05/14 v Racing (H) 1-3
Despite taking the lead through Aaron Bueno after six minutes were totally outplayed by Racing and they equalise on the stroke of half-time. Their doiminace continues in the second half and two goals form Chumbi gove them a comfortable win.


We finish the season with two defeats but fortunately US Logrones also fail to pick up any points so we cling on to 16th position and avoid automatic relegation.

Final league table:

http://i62.tinypic.com/mtoxzm.png


18/05/14 v Las Palmas (H) 4-0
A preposterous 13,184 people (about 12,900 more than our average attendance) turn up to see us win the playoff first leg despite only having 34% of possession. Elvis Onyema put us ahead after only 14 seconds and then added another around the half-hour mark, and Carlos de la Nava put the game beyond doubt with a header after an hour. Onyema capitalised on a defensive error to complete his hat-trick and surely seal survival for us. Onyema of course gets MOM.


After the game I am offered a new contract at the same terms as my current one - one year, £900pw, no transfer budget, £9k wage budget, target to avoid relegation. How could I refuse?

The board also pump £375k into the club to help cover operating costs.


25/05/14 v Las Palmas (A) 2-2 (agg 6-2)
Survival is assured with this draw after both sides abandon their defensive duties to go on the attack. Carlos de la Nava opened the scoring with a long range effort only for Las Palmas to equalise just before half time. Bueno put us ahead again from the penalty spot early in the second half and although Las Palmas drew level again with ten minutes remaining the overall result was never in doubt.


http://i57.tinypic.com/1zlakox.png

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Player stats for the 2013/14 season

http://i57.tinypic.com/32zknsm.png


Some financial housekeeping taken care of in June:

- we avoid a tax bill for the year due to it being estimated that we will make no taxable profit (lol).

- we sign a new three-year sponsorship deal for £64k per year (the old one was £70k).

- our wage budget has been increased to £10.5k per week.

- we pay out £14k in squad bonuses.

- we receive £25k for our final league position.

[mrtourette]

All my backroom staff's contracts expire at the end of June and I decide to release them all. They are all replaced by what I consider to be better candidates and at the same time the total staff wage expenditure is cut by 25%.


My entire playing squad will be out of contract at the end of the upcoming season, and Aaron Bueno, Pablo Redondo and Vicente Moscardo all inform me that they have no intention of renewing their contract. Not surprising but will rip the heart out of my team.


Carlos De la Nava is named our player of the year.


I accept the 'avoid relegation' expectation for the upcoming season, resisting the lure of an extra £1k to spend on wages to aim for a mid-table position.


We are given £42.26k for TV rights for the upcoming season.


Tenerife are sniffing around one of my youth players, striker Johan Lugo. I refuse an offer than will eventually be worth £30k with a 20% resale fee clause and sign him to a professional contract at £275 for three years.

[mrtourette]

http://i61.tinypic.com/2myw0pg.png

Germany win the World Cup in what looks like the best final ever (apart from 1966 of course), beating Argentina 5-3 aet after the match finished 2-2.

Italy beat Spain 2-0 in the third-place playoff.

The losing quarter-finalists are England, Colombia, Scotland and Holland.

Argentina's Sergio Aguero is player of the tournament, while Italy's Mattia De Sciglio is the young player of the tournament.

Italy's Mario Balotelli is the Golden Boot winner with six goals, while Aguero and fellow Argentinian Gonzalo Higuain are joint second with four.

Maarten Stekelenburg of Holland is goalkeeper of the tournament.

Portugal's Miguel Velosa is awarded goal of the tournament for his effort against Algeria, with James Rodriguez (for Colombia against England) second and Luis Suarez (for Uruguay against Iran) third.

http://i57.tinypic.com/2wnwgec.png

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As the troops return from the summer break here's what my squad looks like:

http://i57.tinypic.com/25zp9a0.png


And the backroom staff:

http://i58.tinypic.com/iqdd82.png


We sign strikers Carlos de la Nava and Elvis Onyema and keeper Urtzi Iturrioz to new two year deals, persuading them to forget about their requests for a pay rise in exchange for increased potential bonuses.

I decide to add some loanees to provide back up to positions that don't currently have any cover so pick up these on season-long deals:

Antonio Vega, DL, 22, from Martos (Spanish Division 3)

Roberto, MR, 24, from Rayo Majadahonda (Spanish Division 3)

Andrea Raffa, ML, 20, from Udinese (Italian Serie A)

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Pre-season is uneventful and we go into the new season with no significant injury concerns:

http://i57.tinypic.com/2e2r05j.png


Due to regional re-alignment we are moved to league B2 for the upcoming season; also moving from B1 to B2 are SD Logrones and Guijuelo

The bookies are a bit kinder on us this season but still expect us to be relegated:

http://i58.tinypic.com/ejeg6q.png


We sign DR Alberto to his first professional contract, for £240pw over three years.

Season ticket sales are down on last season, from 115 to 112. My aim is to make those three people regret their decison!

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31/08/14 v Guijuelo (A) 3-2
A hard-fought win to open the season and revenge for two defeats last season. Guijuelo went ahead in the opening minutes but goals from Sergio Garcia and Elvis Onyema soon after gave us a 2-1 half-time lead. Onyema scored again midway through the second half and although Guijuelo pulled one back towards the end a late red card scuppered their chances of a comeback. Onyema is named MOM.

07/09/14 v Amorebieta (H) 0-0
A tedious game by all accounts, with little threat of a goal and the two teams content to spend the match fouling each other. We had the greater possession but neither team deserved to win.

14/09/14 v Alfaro (A) 4-0
Unfamiliar territory for us as we race into a 4-0 half-time lead thanks to goals from Pablo Redondo, Vincente Moscardo, Alberto Gil and Aaron Bueno. We ease off in the second half but 14 attempts on goal compared to Alfaro's one demonstrated the dominance. Redondo was given the MOM award.

21/09/14 v Leganes (H) 1-1
A tight game ended in a fair result as both teams pushed each other but found it hard to break the other down. Alberto Gil headed us ahead on 81 minutes but just a minute later Leganes equalised to share the points.

24/09/14 v Alcorcon (A) 1-3
First defeat of the season in an open and entertaining game. Alcorcon took the lead after 15 minutes but an equaliser from Sergio Garcia sent the teams in level at the break, however Alcocorn controlled the second half and added two more goals to seal the points.


Captain Pablo Redondo will be out for three to four weeks after twisting his knee against Alcorcon.


28/09/14 v Getafe B (H) 1-2
A tight game that we looked like winning for most of it. Aaron Bueno put us ahead in the 19th minute and it looked like being enough until Getafe fortunately equalised when a cross went in with 10 minutes left. Getafe then snatched victory with a winner in injury time.


A good start to the season soured by two defeats at the end of the month but we sit in 12th position on eight points, and that's eight points more than at this point last season.

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05/10/14 v Sestao (H) 0-0
A frustrating draw, possession was even but we managed 13 attempts on goal compared to Sestao's four. Better finishing would have lead to a comfortable victory.


The press are reporting on the poor form of Carlos de la Nava, who has failed to score so far this season.


12/05/14 v Laudio (A) 0-2
Another frustrating game as statistically both tams were even but Laudio took two early chances to go ahead in the first half an hour. Laudio were reduced to 10 men after just 36 minutes but we couldn't take advantage to get back into the game.


The press is now piling the pressure on strikers de la Nava and Elvis Onyema due to neither finding the net so far this season.


19/05/14 v Pena Sport (A) 1-4
De la Nava ends his goal drought to put us ahead after just 14 minutes but it goes downhill from there, as Pena score three first half goals to go into the break with a comfortable lead and then add a fourth with quarter of an hour remaining. Jose Rodriguez is sent off for a second yellow card in the closing minutes to cap off a wretched match.

26/05/14 v Athletic Bilbao B (H) 2-0
An excellent victory and our first in six games. Sergio Garcia put us ahead mid-way through the first half and as both teams searched for a breakthrough in a tight match Aaron Bueno fired home form the spot to give us a famous victory.


The month is saved by the victory against Bilbao and we sit in 13th place.

http://i59.tinypic.com/14cquf5.png

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02/11/14 v La Roda (H) 2-0
A comfortable win as we outgun our opponents 14 shots to one. Elvis Onyema opens his account for the season after half an hour and then after La Roda are reduced to 10 men in the second half Onyema headed home his second in the final minute. Onyema is awarded MOM.

09/11/14 v Beasain (H) 0-0
Despite them being in the relegation zone we are lucky to escape with a draw against Beasain, who control the game and deserve the win. After the game the local media question our aggressive tactics and the number of fouls committed by us.

16/11/14 v SD Logrones (A) 1-2
A deserved win for Logrones who pepper our goal throughout the match. They take the lead after a mistake by Marco Flexas and although Alberto Gil equalised early in the second half he turned villain and gave away a penalty that allowed Logrones to claim all three points.


Pablo Redondo once again twists his knee and will be out for another month.


23/11/14 v Barakaldo (A) 3-3
A sensational game ended with honours even as both teams will be disappointed not to claim all three points. Vicente Moscardo put us ahead with a long-range strike and Elvis Onyema doubled the lead after half an hour, however an excellent fightback from Barakaldo saw them take the lead with three goals in 16 second-half minutes. Alberto Gil saved a point for us after firing home from close range in injury time.

30/11/14 v Real Sociedad B (H) 1-0
A comfortable victory as we dominate the match and should have won by more. Our single goal came courtesy of Elvis Onyema shortly before half time, enough to give us the win and Onyema the MOM award.


Bad news as Carlos de la Nava sprained his ankle in the last match and will be out for up to seven weeks.


An excellent month sees us sitting in 11th position, our highest ever.

http://i59.tinypic.com/zswzky.png

[mrtourette]

07/12/14 v Real Union (A) 1-2
Three points thrown away as despite Elvis Onyema's early goal we come away with nothing. Despite Jose Rodriguez's red card after just 18 minutes we are comfortable until Alberto scores an own goal early in the second half and then Real Union steal the points with a winner with just two minutes left.

14/12/14 v Atletico Madrid B (A) 1-1
A tight game ends with a draw the fair result. Pablo Redondo's free kick just before half time puts us ahead in his first game back after injury but Atletico B equalise in the second half after a mistake by Alberto Gil.

21/12/14 v Toledo (H) 0-0
We dominate the game in freezing conditions but despite managing 15 shots on goal to Toledo's three the points are shared. Pablo Redondo is MOM.


With the transfer window coming up I attempt to reduce the wage bill by offering Jose Rodriguez to clubs on a free transfer, to no avail. Rodriguez gets wind of this and skips training, although after an official warning accepts his reaction was wrong.


A frustrating month as we could easily have won all three games and come away with nine points, instead we end up with only two.


The board seem very happy with the clubs performance, although financial problems are still very much a concern.

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[mrtourette]

04/01/15 v Fuenlabrada (H) 0-0
A tedious draw to start the new year as neither team was able to take control of the match. Fuenlabrada created more chances but failed to take advantage due to poor finishing.

11/01/15 v Amorebieta (A) 3-1
An excellent away win as Amorebieta had more possession and shots but we made our chances count. Pablo Redondo put us ahead in the first minute and Sergio Garcia doubled the lead shortly before half time. An error by Alberto Gil allowed Amorebieta to get a goal back but Elvis Onyema restored the two-goal lead to seal the win. Redondo was MOM.

18/01/15 v Guijuelo (H) 2-0
A comfortable win as youngster Johan Lugo scored his first goal for us to open the scoring in the first half. Carlos de la Nava capped his return from injury with a second goal on the hour. Alberto Gil is given the MOM award for keeping Guijuelo's potent attack subdued.


Elivs Onyema injures his shoulder in training and will miss up to a month.


25/01/15 v Alfaro (H) 3-3
A disappointing draw after dominating against bottom-of-the-table Alfaro, who took the lead after a Jose Manuel mistake after 12 minutes. Carlos de la Nava equalised after half an hour but shortly after Pablo Redondo scored an own goal, before de la Nava equalised again just before half time. Alfaro took the lead for the third time from the spot after a foul by Marcos Flexas but substitute Segio Garcia rescued a point with five minutes remaining. De la Nava was named MOM.


A good month sees us sitting in 10th place, which pleases the board.

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[mrtourette]

01/02/15 v Leganes (A) 4-3
A superb win in a frantic end-to-end game. Leganes took the lead after 26 minutes but Pablo Redondo equalised less than a minute later, and put us ahead with a free-kick to go in 2-1 up at the break. Johan Lugo put us further ahead before Carlos de la Nava conceded a penalty to allow Leganes to pull one back and they equalised with two minutes remaining, but loanee Andre Raffa scored his first goal for us deep into injury time to seal the win.


Centre-back Alberto Gil injured his foot in training and will miss up to six weeks.


08/02/15 v Getafe B (A) 1-4
Back down to earth after a comprehensive defeat due to poor defensive errors. Getafe took the lead early on after a mistake by Jesus Campos and doubles their lead shortly after half time. An error from youngster Mikel Fernandez allowed Getafe to further increase their lead and after Carlos de la Nava pulled a goal back poor marking from Aaron Buena allowed Getafe to score a fourth.


Goalkeeper Urtzi Iturrioz suffered a thigh strain in the game against Getafe B and will be out for three to four weeks.


15/02/15 v Sestao (A) 1-1
A draw was a fair result after an even match in which both teams shared possession evenly. Elvis Onyema put us ahead after 16 minutes but Sestao equalised soon after, and neither team could find a further breakthrough.


Pablo Redondo is injured again, this time twisting his ankle in training and will be out for up to six weeks.


21/02/15 v Alcorcon (H) 1-3
Our inexperienced team are comfortably beaten by top-of-the-table Alcorcon thnks to a hat-trick from Jorge Gala. An error form Alberto allowed Alcorcon to take the lead after half an hour and the lead was doubled on the hour, with Galan completing his hat-trick with 15 minutes remaining. Aaron Bueno scored a consolation goal in the dying minutes.


Two convincing defeats sees us slip down to 13th place.

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[mrtourette]

01/03/15 v Laudio (H) 3-1
Elvis Onyema's opener after half an hour set us on our way to a comfortable win even if Andrea Raffa's red card just before half time made it harder than it should have been. Laudio equalised form the resulting penalty but two goals at the start of the second half, a penalty form Vicente Moscardo and a second from Onyema, gave us the victory. Onyama was named MOM.


Our ground El Helmantico fails a safety inspection resulting in the closure of our west stand and a loss of 1710 seats.


08/03/15 v Pena Sport (H) 0-1
A tight game is won by a single goal, with Pena snatching it in the 21st minute. Both teams had plenty of chances to add further goals but suffered from poor finishing in front of goal.


Carlos de la Nava suffered a groin strain against Pena Sport and will miss three to four weeks.


CMs Dani Duran and Sergio Garcia both sign new two year deals, Duran at £325pw and Garcia £375pw.


15/03/15 v Athletic Bilbao B (A) 1-1
A good away draw but we could have come away with the win. We soaked up a great deal of pressure before Aaron Bueno put us ahead against the run of play at the start of the second half. Elvis Onyema was sent of with 15 minutes remaining but we looked to be holding on for all three points until an own goal by substitute goalkeeper Bernardo Ivan in injury time gave Bilbao a point.


Bernardo Ivan breaks a finger in training and will be out for up to two months.


A new batch of youth trialists join the club and we sign 15 year-old striker Jose Samuel and 16 year-old right midfielder Goyo de la Puente to youth contracts.


29/03/15 v SD Logrones (H) 2-0
A comfortable win against promotion-chasing Logrones as an own goal just before half time and a Johan Lugo strike just after seal the points. Alberto Gil is given the MOM award.


Aaron Bueno strained high thigh against SD Logrones and will be out for three to four weeks.


Centre-back Alberto Gil signs a new two year deal worth £475 a week.


Two wins this month help up climb back up to 12th place.

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[mrtourette]

05/04/15 v Beasain (A) 0-0
An evenly-contested game ended in a stalemate as both teams wasted opportunities to score. Alberto Gil was sent off in the closing minutes as Beasain pushed for the victory but we held on. Marcos Flexas was MOM.

15/04/15 v La Roda (A) 1-1
Another draw for us as despite an open game with plenty of chances each team could only manage one goal. Elvis Onyema put us ahead after just two minutes but La Roda equalised 15 minutes later, with the rest of the game spent by both teams desperately searching for a winner.

19/04/15 v Real Union (H) 1-0
We completely dominated the game but only had Johan Lugo's long range strike to show for it, but it was still enough to take all three points from the game. Alberto Gil was awarded MOM.

22/04/15 v Real Sociedad B (A) 2-0
A frenetic game end-to-end game ended with an impressive win for us to continue our impressive run. Sociedad had the better of the first half but two quick goals after the break from Johan Lugo and Pablo Redondo gave us the points. Johan Lugo was given the MOM award.

26/04/15 v Toledo (A) 3-0
A comfortable win against the team above us in the league as we dominate proceedings. Johan Lugo continued his good form by putting us ahead after six minutes and Sergio Garcia doubled the lead shortly before half time. Toledo were reduced to ten men with quarter of an hour left and Elvis Onyema added a third soon after. Carlos de la Nava contributed with two assists and was given the MOM award.


John Lugo strained knee ligaments against Toledo and will be out for the rest of the season.


29/04/15 v Barakaldo (H) 3-1
Superior finishing gave us the points from a tight game. Carlos de la Nava put us ahead after four minutes and Pablo Redondo followed it up with a second just before half time. Barakaldo pulled one back on the hour but captain Redondo added his second and our third with 15 minutes remaining. Redondo was named MOM.


Sergio Garcia twisted his knee during the match against Barakaldo and will be out for three to four weeks.


The Salamanca board injects £450k into the club to help with running costs.


Our current run of eight games unbeaten, having conceded only three goals in that period, sees us sitting in eighth place.

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[mrtourette]

03/05/15 v Fuenlabrada (A) 0-1
Our unbeaten run comes to an end as Fuenlabrada deservedly win after peppering our goal with 21 shots. Our resolve is broken by the only goal after 68 minutes and although we are no slouches ourselves on the attacking front we are unable to find a way to snatch a point.

10/05/15 v Atletico Madrid B (H) 0-0
The final game of the season is a tedious affair as both goalkeepers see little action. Atletico have most possession but can muster only one attempt on goal, while we can only offer slightly more as an attacking force.


Pedro Redondo breaks his toe against Atletico B and will be out of action for five months.


Our season fizzles out with two poor performances but we can still hold our head high after finishing in ninth place, a significant improvement on last year and well above expectations for this season.

Final league table:

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Following the final game we have a team meeting to set out the targets for next season.

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I am offered another one year contract, again with the target to avoid relegation next season but this time with a raise to £1200pw and a weekly wage budget of £10.5k. Still no transfer funds available. I accept the challenge.

[mrtourette]

Player stats for the 2014/15 season:

http://i60.tinypic.com/2mdi5ci.png


Some financial housekeeping taken care of in June:

- we avoid a tax bill for the year due to it being estimated that we will make no taxable profit.

- our wage budget has been increased to £11.75k per week.

- we pay out £17.5k in squad bonuses.

- we receive £60k for our final league position.

[mrtourette]

We re-sign fullbacks Marcos Flexas and Jose Manual to £350pw/2 years deals.


As expected arguably my three best players RM (and captain) Pablo Redondo, DM Vicenete Moscardo and LM Aaron Bueno decide not to renew their contracts and leave the club, and I decide against renewing the contracts of centre-backs Jose Rodriguez and Jesus Campos and they also leave the club.


Elvis Onyema is named our player of the year.


Although the board are happy to accept avoiding relegation as an acceptable target for the upcoming season I insist that a mid-table position is a realistic aim and they increase the monthly wage budget by £1k in order to achieve this.


We are given £42.26k for TV rights for the upcoming season.


Alaves (£30.5k) and Oviedo (£13.5k) both make offers for youth striker Jose Samuel which are rejected.

Racing make an offer worth £14k for backup full back Alberto, which is rejected.

Xerex make an offer of £0k (with 20% sell-on clause) for goalkeeper Urtzi Iturrioz, which is rejected.


We sign the following free-agents during the Summer:

Miguel Angel, DC, 25 (2yr/£725pw), former Real Madrid youngster who has been bouncing around the third division for the last few seasons. Should instantly upgrade our defense.

Alex Escobar, DC, 19 (1yr/£400pw), spent the last two years as a squad member for San Fernando in Second Division B4. Signed as cover for the centre-back position.

Sergio Boix, DM, 27 (2yr/£800pw), excellent performances for Saguntino and Alzira in the third division over the last couple of seasons. Will replace Vicente Moscardo.

Carlos Calvo, DM, 20 (2yr/£300pw), former Zaragoza youngster released after not making the grade. Will back up Sergio Boix.

Andrea Raffa, ML, 21 (2yr/£525pw), on loan with us last year and was released by Udinese when his contract expired. Planned to replace Aaron Bueno on the left wing.

Victor Bertomeu, MR, 22 (2yr/£500pw), spent the last two seasons in the third division with Utebo. Signed as a replacement for Pablo Redondo.

Jorge Pulido ML/MR, 25 (2yr/£525pw), released by third division Teruel after playing 75 games in the last two seasons. Is able to offer cover for both wings and push for a starting place.

[mrtourette]

Squad for the 2015/16 season:

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As the players return from holiday I re-iterate our goals for the upcoming season:

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Strikers Carlos de la Nava and Elvis Onyema and keeper Urtzi Iturrioz are out of contract at the end of the season. We try to open negotiations with de la Nava but he states that he is unwilling to renew his contract with us.

Urtzi Iturrioz comes to see me to say that he wishes to leave the club in order to play at a higher level. He is unimpressed by my belief that we could be challenging for promotion next season. This is very disappointing as over the last two seasons he has grown ino a positive presence in the changing room and I was planning on giving him the captain's armband this season.

[mrtourette]

New signing Miguel Angel misses pre-season with an injury but should be ready for the stat of the season:

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As with last season we are given odds of 40-1 for the title and little hope of anything better than a mid-table finish.

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I name Miguel Angel as our new captain, with Sergio Garcia as vice-captain.

[mrtourette]

Season ticket sales are up from last year to 118, so we've won back the sales we lost after the first season and then some.


Gimnastic agree a full-time contract with our youth team striker Jose Samuel, with compensation set at £30.5k potentially rising to £81k based on certain conditions. There are mixed feelings among the fans but they all acknowledge the need to bring in money from transfers due to the club's poor financial position.


30/08/15 v Barakaldo (A) 3-0
A dominant start to the season as we fully deserve all the points after controlling the game. Victor Bertomeu put us ahead after half an hour of his debut and Elvis Onyema doubled the lead shortly after. Onyema then sealed the game with a close-range header shorty after half time and was given the MOM award for his two goals.

02/09/15 v Segoviana (A) 0-1 (Copa del Rey)
Our first Spanish Cup appearance ends in embarrassment as we are knocked out by a team we were expected to easily turn over. Segoviana took the lead on 30 minutes and although we had enough chances poor finishing meant we were unable to get a result that frankly we didn't deserve.

06/09/15 v CD Izarra (H) 5-1
We bounced back from our cup elimination in fine style despite giving up considerably more possession than our opponents. Elvis Onyema put us ahead after quarter of an hour but when Marcos Flexas was sent off shortly after things looked bleak, however a second on the stroke of half time from Onyema put us in at the break two goals up. Izarra pulled on back at the start of the second half and pushed for an equaliser until an excllent long range effort from Carlos de la Nava put us two up again and as Izarra piled forward goals form Sergio Garcia and a third from Onyema gave us a scoreline that was far more comfortable than the match itself. Onyema's hat-trick secured him the MOM award.

13/09/15 v Real Sociedad B (A) 0-1
In a complete reversal from our last match we dominate possession and shots on goal but come away with nothing. After a close first half Sociedad B took the lead two minutes before the break and despite immense pressure on the second half we were unable to find the net.

20/09/15 v Puerta Bonita (H) 1-0
A close game that was decided by an Elvis Onyema strike mid-way through the first half. Both team created chances but were unable to find a way add another goal. Victor Bertomeu was given the MOM ward.

23/09/15 v Pena Sport (A) 2-1
We dominate this game, peppering Pena Sport's goal with 22 shots although only managing to find the net with two. A tense first half ens goalless but Carlos de la Nava outs us ahead straight after the break, and substitute Johan Lugo puts us two up with a sensational long-range strike. Pena Sport pull one back almost immediately but are unable to get another to claim a point, and Lugo is named MOM for his impressive goal.

27/09/15 v La Roda (H) 3-0
Another comfortable victory as we completely control the game. Elvis Onyema continued his excellent start to the season with two first-half goals to see us in charge of the game at the break, and Johan Lugo came of the bench to score for the second game in a row with 15 minutes left. Onyema is named MOM.


Despite our cup exit a great start to the season, with five wins out of six league games being good enough for third place at the end of September.

[mrtourette]

04/10/15 v Huracan Valencia (A) 4-2
A win that takes us to the top of the table for the first time ever. We take an early two-goal lead through Sergio Garcia and Elvis Onyema and while Huracan pull one back mid-way through the first half Garcia strikes again to make it 3-1 at the break. The tempo slowed in the second half until Andrea Raffa scored a fourth with five minutes left and Huracan quickly pulled another back. Garcia was named MOM.

11/10/15 v Haro Deportivo (A) 2-3
We were dominated by our opponents in this match and were fortunate to keep the score so close. Haro went ahead in the fifth minute but Victor Bertomeu pulled us level just two minutes later. Alex Escobar then put us ahead but on the stroke of half-time put through his own net to send he teams in level. Haro controlled the play in the second half and finally found a breakthrough with ten minuted left to win the game.

14/10/15 v SD Logrones (H) 1-1
A close-fought and tense match ended with the points shared as neither side convinced that they deserved all three. SD Logrones took the lead after half an hour and looked to be heading for victory until Dani Duran equalised with fifteen minuted remaining.

18/10/15 v Guijuelo (H) 3-2
A great victory a we stun Guijuelo and come back from two goals down. Guijuelo find themselves with a comfortable 2-0 lead after just 26 minutes but goals in quick succession from Carlos de la Nava and Sergio Garcia brought us level at half time. Johan Lugo scored what turned out to be the winner on the hour and we held on despite late pressure from the visitors.

25/10/14 v Toldeo (A) 4-2
We fully control this game and run out deserved winners. Sergio Garcia continued his excellent goalscoring form from midfield to put us ahead after 30 minutes and Elvis Onyema heads us into a two-goal lead at the break. Toldo pull a goal back after an hour but strikes form Jorge Pulido and Carlos de la Nava give us a comfortable 4-1 lead. Toledo score a late consolation from the penalty spot. Sergio Garcia is named MOM.


Another good month with three victories sees us cement our place amongst the early pacesetters.

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[mrtourette]

The board inform me that due to our deteriorating financial position they are reducing our wage bill budget by £1k a week, instantly putting me over budget.


01/11/15 v Lleida Esportiu (H) 0-0
A tedious match with very little action. We have the better of the possession and shots on goal but waste what chances we do have. Alex Escobar is given the MOM award.

08/11/15 v Llagostera (A) 1-3
We are convincingly beaten and despite having more possession we are unable to create enough chances. Llagostera take an early lead but are pegged back by Jorge Pulido's strike. A mistake by goalkeeper Urtzi Iturrioz gifts Llagostera the lead again just before half time and they extend their lead mo-way through the second half.


11/11/15 v Binissalem (H) 2-1 (Federation Cup)
Despite controlling the game we fail to win convincingly against lower-league opposition. Sergio Garcia put us ahead after 24 minutes but Binissalem equalise shortly after. Elvis Onyema put us back in front before the break but we are unable to extend our lead in the second half.


Centre-back Alex Escobar twisted his knee against Binassalem and will be out for a month.


15/11/11 v Real Union (H) 2-1
A vital league win after recent wobbles. Real Union took the lead after just five minutes and it took us until an hour in for Johan Lugo to equalise and Victor Bertomeu to put us ahead shortly after. Bertomeu was named MOM.

18/11/15 v Binissalem (A) 1-3 (Federation Cup)
We crash out of the cup to lower league opposition for the second time this season. We took the lead after 20 minutes through Miguel Angel but were almost immediately pegged back, with Binassalem taking the lead and drawing the tie on aggregate after an hour. Marcos Flexas was sent off before the game went into extra-time, with Binassalem grabbing a 119th-minute winner to avoid penalties and take the tie.

22/11/15 v Atletico Madrid B (H) 3-1
Back to winning ways and in convincing style against the league leaders. After a goalless first half Johan Lugo gave us the lead form the penalty spot before Dani Duran and Carlos de la Nava put us three up late on. Atletico B pulled one back but it they deserved little more.

29/11/15 v Sanse (A) 2-2
A draw was a fair result as both teams attacked with gusto looking for the win. Jorge Pulido put us ahead after a defensive error but two quick goals towards the end of the half saw Sanse go into the break 2-1 up. The second-half was an end-to-end affair with substitute Dani Duran grabbing us an equaliser after 72 minutes.


A mixed month with two good league victories but another embarrassing cup defeat. We end the month in third place.

[mrtourette]

06/12/15 v Getafe B (A) 3-1
A comfortable win despite falling behind early on. Carlos de la Nava equalised after 20 minutes and he game remained a stalemate until the last ten minutes when Elvis Onyema and Carlos de la Nava with a penalty sealed the points. De la Nava's brace earned him the MOM award.


Centre-back Alberto Gil tore his hamstring in the win over Getafe B and will miss three to four months.


13/12/15 v UD Logrones (H) 0-2
A scrappy game in windy conditions as we fail to muster any real attacking impetus and are soundly beaten. A mistake form Carlos de la Nava gifts the visitors a first half lead and the settle the game with a second after 78 minutes.


Goalkeeper Urtzi Iturrioz is suffering from a virus and is sent home for two weeks.


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The remaining games of the month are postponed due to our waterlogged pitch.


We re-sign centre-back Alex Escobar and striker Elvis Onyema to new two-year deals, but talks with striker Carlos de la Nava fail to reach an agreement.

Goalkeeper Urtzi Iturrioz won't even discuss a new deal so it looks like he'll be leaving in the Summer.


The board provide a cash injection of £450k to help towards the running costs of the club.

[mrtourette]

03/01/16 v CD Izarra (A) 3-1
An efficient performance gives us the double over Izarra this season despite going behind in the first ten minutes. Elvis Onyema equalised from close range after 21 minutes before strike partner Carlos de la Nava put us ahead ten minutes later. The game was closely matched until the 72nd minute when Izarra were reduced to ten men and five minutes later substitute Johan Lugo sealed the points. Onyema is given the MOM award.


Captain Miguel Angel suffered a thigh strain against Izarra and will be out for up to a month.


10/01/16 v Barakaldo (H) 0-0
A tight game against promotion-rivals ends goalless and we can consider ourselves fortunate as Barakaldo had the better of the chances and should have taken all three points.

17/01/16 v Real Sociedad B (H) 2-0
A good result against another promotion-chasing team, with Victor Bertomeu heading home to break the deadlock shortly after half time. The game was tightly balanced as both teams pushed for the next goal and eventually Johan Lugo sealed the game for us with a free-kick, for which he was named MOM.


Following some good performances covering for injuries I give centre-back Mikel Fernandez his first professional contract


The board provide a cash injection of £375k to help towards the running costs of the club. A quick look at the accounts shows that we are currently £2.8mil in the red. Yikes.


23/01/16 v Puerta Bonita (A) 0-2
A tough result to swallow as we had more possession and attempts on goal than our relegation-fighting opponents but two goals mid-way through the first half condemned us to defeat.

30/01/16 v La Roda (A) 3-0
An excellent response to a poor result thanks to a late hat-trick from Carlos de la Nava, who was unsurprisingly named MOM for his efforts. De la Nava put us ahead with a free-kick in the 76th minute and then doubled his tally two minutes later. As La Roda pushed forward he completed the scoring with a tap in with a minute remaining.


Murcia offer a contract to our youth goalkeeper Bernardo Ivan, who had been acting as back-up to the first team. He accepts the offer and we are awarded £42k compensation, potentially rising to £110k. We need all the money we can get but I really should have signed to a professional contract by now, he had been a capable and promising understudy.


As Ivan was on a youth contract his departure frees up little space to sign a proper replacement, so I am forced to promote 16 year-old Nacho Ortiz to the first team squad as my back-up goalkeeper.


We lie 4th in the table at the end of January, although with a game in hand on the teams around us:

http://i58.tinypic.com/2wc0hnr.png

[mrtourette]

Excellent news as I manage to get Carlos de la Nava to sign a new contract. I have to really ramp up his bonuses to do so and I expect it to come back and bite me, but with him and Elvis Onyema signing new deals and youngster Johan Lugo making great progress (and scoring goals) barring serious injuries I can relax about my striking options for another couple of years.


07/02/16 v Pena Sport (H) 3-1
A comfortable and deserved win against bottom-of-the-table Pena with first half goals from midfielders Sergio Garcia and Andre Raffa putting us in control. Pena pulled one back just after half time to make the game closer than it should have been but a fluke goal from Carlos de la Nava with five minutes left meant we count relax and see the game out. Jorge Pulido had two assists as was named MOM.

10/02/16 v Athletic Bilbao B (H) 2-0
A goal after only two minutes form Alex Escobar put us ahead against Bilbao, who controlled possession but couldn't find a way of breaking our defense down. The game was a tight affair with chances for both sides and could have gone either way until Carlos de la Nava scored a second in injury time to finish off Bilbao. Escobar was named MOM.

14/02/16 v Huracan Valencia (H) 1-0
A bad-tempered match was settled by a singe goal as Johan Lugo justified being given a starting place ahead of Elvis Onyema with a goal after 11 minutes. Huracan had the better of the possession but couldn't find a way past keeper Urtzi Iturrioz, who was given the MOM award for keeping the Huracan attack at bay.

21/02/16 v SD Logrones (A) 0-1
A poor result against strugglers Logrones, who sealed the game with a goal just after half-time after an error by midfielder Sergio Biox. We created enough chances to win but were wasteful in front of goal and came away with nothing.

28/02/16 v Haro Deportivo (H) 0-1
Another worrying defeat without scoring after Haro nick this closely-fought match with a goal in the 83rd minute. We managed to hit the woodwork twice in the closing minutes but were unable to find an equaliser.


February started well with three wins although petered out with two disappointing defeats. We hold on to third place in the league.

[mrtourette]

06/03/16 v Toledo (H) 1-2
Alarm bells are ringing following our third straight defeat in a game that we again controlled. Johan Lugo put us ahead in the 14th minute but Toledo equalised shortly after and scored the winner a few minutes into the second half.

13/03/16 v Guijuelo (A) 3-3
We halt our losing run but still a disappointing result after throwing away a two-goal lead. Captain Miguel Angel headed us in front early on but Guijuelo struck back just before half-time to send the teams in level at the break. Sergio Biox and Carlos de la Nava put us 3-1 up and seemingly in control but a mistake by Angel gifted Guijuelo a goal with 15 minutes left and they snuck an equaliser in injury time.

20/03/16 v Lleida Esportiu (A) 2-0
Bck to winning ways but unjustly so as Lleida dominate the game. Elvis Onyema ended his 11-game goal drought and pounced on a defensive error to out us ahead early on and Sergio Garcia increase the lead ten minutes into the second half. Lleida has 17 attempts on goal but were unable to find a breakthrough. Onyema was named MOM.

27/03/16 v Real Union (A) 4-2
A satisfying win thanks to a spirited second-half display. Real Union took the lead on the half-hour mark and although Carlos de la Nava headed us level shortly after a second goal before the break sent us in at the break 2-1 down. We peppered the Real Union goal in the second half and were rewarded with a bizarre own goal by the Real Union goalkeeper with 20 minutes remaining. Sergio Garcia headed us in front with quarter of an hour left and Carlos de la Nava bagged his second and made the game safe a few minutes later. Winger Jorge Pulido was named MOM.


We finish March still in third place and look to have consolidated our position amongst the play-off qualifiers. UD Logrones look to be pulling away in top spot so I think this is the best we can hope for.

[mrtourette]

From this year's group of teenage trialists we sign the following to youth contracts:

Angel Lobo, GK, 0 current rating/4 potential rating

Francisco, DR (can also play DC), 2.5 current rating/5 potential rating

Oliver Bahiya, MC (can also play AMC), 2 current rating/5 potential rating

Eliecer Barriocanal, AMC (can also play MC and ST), 0 current rating/3.5 potential rating

Francisco and Bahiya look like they may be ready for first-team football very soon, my coaches are ranking them higher than my current options.


03/04/16 v Llagostera (H) 0-0
A terribly dull match as both teams struggle to generate any kind of attacking threat. As the home team we should have won this game but poor discipline and finishing meant we were able to get any momentum going.

10/04/16 v Atletico Madrid B (A) 2-4
We were comfortably beaten by a rampant Atletico despite leading at half-time as we were unable to hold off their relentless attack. Jorge Pulido concended a penalty that gave Atletico the lead early on but goals from Sergio Garcia and a Johan Lugo penalty gave us the lead at the break. Atletico dominated possession in the second half and two goals mid-way through the half saw them take the lead. We were reduced to ten men when full-back Jose Manuel had to leave the field injured after using all three substitutions and Atletico took advantage and scored a fourth in the closing minutes.

16/04/16 v Sanse (H) 3-1
A vital win as the competition for promotion places hots up. Johan Lugo justified his continued place in the first team with goals in the 17th and 60th minutes to put us two up. Sanse pulled one back shortly after but winger Andrea Raffa sealed all three points in the the last few minutes. Sergio Garcia was named MOM.


Centre-back Alex Escobar breaks down in training and is found to be suffering from a hernia, and will miss the rest of the season.


24/04/16 v UD Logrones (A) 1-2
A tough defeat against the champions-elect as we push them right to the wire. Logrones took the lead at the end of at tightly-contested first half but Victor Bertomeu equalised on the hour. We had the better of the rest of the half but it was Logrones who snatched the points with a winner in the 82nd minute. Bertomeu was given the MOM award.


With two games remaining we are a point outside the playoffs, fighting Huracan Valencia for the final spot.

http://i62.tinypic.com/5y9mpc.png

[mrtourette]

01/05/16 v Athletic Bilbao B (A) 3-1
A good win that saw up leapfrog Huracan into the last playoff spot. Elvis Onyema justifies being put back into the first team by putting us ahead in the third minute and a second from midfielder Sergio Biox gave us a comfortable half-time lead. Onyema scored again after an hour and although Bilbao pulled one back late in the game our lead was never threatened. Onyema was named MOM.

08/05/16 v Getafe B (H) 1-1
A poor result but we qualify for the playoffs as Huracan lose their final game. Jorge Pulido gave us an early lead and we looked to be cruising until a Getafe equaliser after 67 minutes cretaed an unnecessarily tense end to the game.


We qualify for the promotion playoffs!


Final league table:

http://i58.tinypic.com/2rcbdk7.png


15/05/16 v San Fernando (H) 1-1 (Division 2B playoffs round 1 1st leg)
We managed to cling on for a draw despite our superior opponents controlling the majority of the game. Johan Lugo gave us the lead after 36 minutes but San Fernando drew level shortly after the break to set up a tense second leg.

22/05/16 v San Fernando (A) 3-3 (Division 2B playoffs round 1 2nd leg)
A fine comeback secured us the tie on away goals after a thrilling match. All looked bleak when San Fernando raced into an early 2-0 lead and still held the same advantage at the break. However a minute after the restart Sergio Garcia pulled one back and Elvis Onemya equalised with ten minutes remaining. A long range effort from Andrea Raffa put us ahead soon after and although San Fernando equalised in injury time we had done enough to win the tie on away goals.


After the game I am offered another one year contract, again at £1200pw. I accept.


The comeback against San Fernando was inspired by switching from a direct passing strategy to employing more of a short passing style and aiming to retain possession rather than getting the ball forward quickly, and I decide to keep that tactic.


29/05/16 v Alcorcon (H) 2-0 (Division 2B playoffs round 2 1st leg)
An excellent first-leg victory to set us up nicely for the return game. Jorge Pulido put us ahead towards the end of the first half and although Alcorcon had more of the possession our counter-attacking was threatening their goal throughout the second half and an own goal in the 87th minute from gave us a deserved second and a nice buffer.

05/06/16 v Alcorcon (A) 1-1 (Division 2B playoffs round 2 2nd leg)
We comfortably hold on for a draw in an open game to see us through to the next round as Alcorcon were forced to attack for most of the game and that left room for us to exploit. Young defender Mikel Fernandez headed us in front after only 18 minutes and while Alcorcon drew level after half an hour they were unable to score again to bring themsleves back into the tie.


12/06/16 v L'Hospitalet (H) 1-0 (Division 2B playoffs round 3 1st leg)
We dominated this game and should have had more than a solitary goal to show for it. Johan Lugo scored the crucial goal after an hour and although we wasted many chances at least have a lead to take with us to the second leg. Victor Bertomeu was named MOM.

19/06/16 v L'Hospitalet (A) 3-1 (Division 2B playoffs round 3 2nd leg)
L'Hospitalet had the best of this game but an excellent counter-attacking display saw us run out as comfortable winners. Sergio Garcia scored in the first half to give us the lead going into the break but a mistake by Voctor Bertomeu gifted L'Hospitalet an equaliser. Sergio Garcia scored again after 64 minutes and the match and tie was sealed with a superb Johan Lugo solo goal with 20 minutes remaining. Sergio Garcia was named MOM.


We are promoted!

http://i59.tinypic.com/otp4pk.png

http://i58.tinypic.com/15gq9ky.png

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[mrtourette]

Player stats for the 2015/2016 season:

http://i59.tinypic.com/2w4095g.png


Some financial housekeeping taken care of in June:

- we avoid a tax bill for the year due to it being estimated that we will make no taxable profit.

- our wage budget has been set at £11.75k per week.

- we pay out £63k in squad bonuses.

- we receive £95k for our final league position.

[mrtourette]

Following promotion goalkeeper Urtzi Iturrioz decides he would be happy to stay at the club. I contemplate releasing him but none of the available free agents I could sign would be any better, plus he has a friendly face and I've only recently finally learned how to spell his name without checking the records, so I decide to keep him around. Since last negotiating he appears to have employed an arsehole of an agent but we eventually agree on another 2yr/£1000pw week deal with increased potential bonuses.


I sign promising youth players Francisco and Oliver Bahiya to 3yr/£250pw professional contracts.


The re-signing of Iturrioz means that we won't be losing any players this Summer but also that there is no money left under the wage budget for new signings, leading to the scary prospect of playing in a tougher division with exactly the same team as last year.


Carlos De la Nava is named our player of the year, for the second time.


I accept the 'avoid relegation' expectation for the upcoming season. Anything else would be foolish.


We are given £1.81m for TV rights for the upcoming season. £1.81m! That wipes out two thirds of the clubs debt. If I can manage to avoid relegation we may actually be in the black this time next year.


The majority of the playing squad will be out of contract next Summer so I prioritise re-signing young stars Alex Escober (2yr/£650pw) and Johan Lugo (2yr/750pw). These new deals along with contracted annual wage rises put me £3k over my £11.75k wage budget and makes any further re-signings impossible unless players are willing to take severe pay cuts. Unsurprisingly, they aren't.


La Liga clubs have started to take serious interest in 16 year-old right-back Francisco, and I receive bids from Levante (£425k), Valladolid (£450k), Valencia (£500k), Athletic Bilbao (£750k) and Seville (£775k). For a club in our situation that is an astonishing amount of money for a youngster who has never played a first-team game. After careful consideration I decide to refuse the offers (I'm not sure how I managed to refuse the last two as Francisco has a £750k buy-out clause in his contract) but it will be hard to continue to refuse any larger bids. The need of the club is too great.

[mrtourette]

http://i60.tinypic.com/2z9ip3b.png


France win the European Championships, denying Spain a third consecutive win with a 2-1 victory in the final.

The losing semi-finalists are Germany and Holland.

Spain's Andres Inesta is player of the tournament.

France's Loic Remy and Oliver Giroud share the Golden Boot award with five goals each, while Spain's Juan Mata, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Russia's Artem Dzyuba all scored four.


http://i59.tinypic.com/23mrcdh.png

[mrtourette]

First-team squad at the start of the 2016/17 season:

http://i61.tinypic.com/30rtsth.png

[mrtourette]

Pre-season is uneventful with four comfortable victories:

http://i57.tinypic.com/2h3br7a.png


As expected the bookies give us little hope of any success this season:

http://i61.tinypic.com/jv26iv.png


http://i60.tinypic.com/144398x.png

[mrtourette]

236 season tickets are sold for the season, roughly double our usual figure.


I decide it's time to cash in on U19 star Francisco when Valencia come back with an offer of £850k (plus a 25% sell on fee clause).

Elche make a bid of £675k (plus a 25% sell on fee clause) for my other promising youngster Oliver Bayiha, which the board decide is too good to refuse and accept without my knowledge. Fortunately I agree.

These two sales rejuvenate our financial situation, with the club's debts all cleared not only do I now have £300k available to spend on transfers (transfer funds! I feel all giddy) but the board raise our wage budget to a whopping £34k a week.


14/08/16 v Xerex (H) 1-4
A crazy start to the season as all four goals are scored in the first half an hour. Sergio Garcia conceded a penalty after two minutes that Xerex went ahead from and they then doubled their lead after seven minutes. Xerex were three up after 15 minutes as our shell-shocked defense didn't know what had hit them. Victor Bertomeu pulled one back after 20 minutes but ten minutes later Xerex had restored their three goal lead. Mercifully the game petered out after that but still a worrying sign of things that may be to come.

21/08/16 v Hercules (A) 0-3
Another convincing defeat as yet again we fall behind to early goals and are two down after 20 minutes. We create chances but are unable to take them and Hercules score a third on the hour mark. A harsh scoreline but the reality given the quality of opposition we are now facing.

28/08/16 v UD Almeria (H) 0-1
A much better performance and a tightly-contested game with few chances, although ultimately we still come away with nothing. A mistake by young centre-back Mikel Fernandez gifts Almeria their goal after half an hour, and the teams played out a scrappy game with little flowing football allowed due to constant fouling from both sides.


The media raise the issue of Carlos de la Nava's current form, with him now having gone 14 matches without scoring.


I decide our defense needs upgrading if we are going to survive in this division so I pick up 27 year-old centre-back Alberto Prada, who is available having recently been released by L'Hospitalet in Segunda Division B. He signs a 2yr/£1200pw deal and I intend to slot him in at left-back where he is also comfortable playing.

21 year old centre-back David Costas becomes our first ever signing from another club for actual money, signing for £44k from Celta Viga on 2yr/£1200pw deal. Costas had been at Celta since coming through their youth system, although had spent the last four years playing in their B team in the lower leagues.

[mrtourette]

04/09/16 v Gimnastic (A) 3-4
Our defensive woes continue although at least we show some fighting spirit as both teams served up a feast of attacking football. Gimnastic raced into an early 3-0 lead as again we started horribly but Sergio Garcia's long-range effort pulled one back after half an hour. We fell three goals behind again after 70 minutes although Elvis Onyema scored his first of the season 10 minutes later. Garcia gabbed a second with three minutes left but it was too little too late.


Sergio Garcia is named in the league team of the week, and signs a new 2yr/£725pw contract.


07/09/16 v Rayo Vallecano (A) 0-2 (Copa del Rey 2nd round)
A swift cup exit as Rayo dominate the match, peppering our goal with 20 attempts while we can only muster one on target. We held out for over an hour but errors from centre-backs David Costas and Miguel Angel gave Rayo the two goals that they deserved.


Carlos de la Nava twisted a knee against Rayo Vallecano and will miss a month.


We sign free-agent right-back Victor Diaz to a 2yr/£1200pw deal. The 28 year-old spent last year with Alcorcon in Segunda B, having previously played three seasons at our current level with Lugo. Diaz completes my defensive overhaul, if we still struggle with the guys I've signed them we really are screwed.


11/09/16 v Oviedo (A) 0-0
Our first point of the season gained thanks to a laboured draw against fellow-strugglers. Oviedo had the better of the possession, both teams created several chances although suffered from poor finishing.

18/09/16 v Las Palmas (H) 1-3
A game to forget for Alex Escobar as the centre-back gifted Las Palmas with all three goals in a match where we could only muster one serious attempt on goal. Las Palmas were 2-0 up at half time before Elvis Onyema pulled one back with 25 minutes left, but Escobar's third defensive lapse gave Las Palmas a comfortable lead shortly after. Asier Rivero marked a rare appearance with a straight red card for a vicious foul in the closing minutes.

25/09/16 v Deportivo La Coruna (H) 2-0
Our first win of the season and against illustrious opponents. Goals from Johan Lugo and Elvis Onyema put us two up after 23 minutes and despite conceding more possesstion to Deportivo were comfortably see out the match under little threat. Lugo was named MOM.


We finish September in 20th place:

http://i60.tinypic.com/vsmk4x.png

[mrtourette]

02/10/16 v Cadiz (A) 0-1
A back-and-forth game ended with just one goal due to poor finishing from both sides. Caidz had the best of the first half but we had two excellent chances to score in the second before Cadiz finally broke the deadlock with nine minutes remaining and despite being reduced to ten men in injury time managed to hold on for the win.

09/10/16 v Alaves (H) 0-2
A comfortable win for Alaves as they were able to provide a cutting edge in an otherwise even match. Alaves went ahead on the hour with a fluke goal after an intended cross sailed in and then added a second in the final minute. We were generally able to hold our own but created few chances.

16/10/16 v Sevilla Atletico (A) 0-0
Two teams with poor defensive records surprisingly failed to score in a tense affair. Although had the better of the game neither team were able to stamp their authority on the match or suggest they deserved victory. Alex Escobar put his recent troubles behind him to put in a MOM-winning performance.

23/10/16 v Racing (A) 0-1
Four games without a goal as we were comfortably beaten. Racing took the lead after 18 minutes and although we kept them at bay for the the rest of the match they controlled enough possession to mean that their lead was never in any real danger.

30/10/16 v Numancia (H) 1-2
Another close game ends in defeat as both teams created enough chances to win. We went behind early on but Victor Bertomeu ended our goal drought with an equaliser after 19 minutes. A mistake from Alberto Prada gifted Numancia the winner mid-way through the second half.


A frustrating month as we end up with just one point from five games and are now rooted to the bottom of the table. We can take something from the fact that all the games were close affairs but pretty soon we're going to have to start putting points on the board.

http://i57.tinypic.com/2el8swl.png

[bbgunn]

Ugh, tough start. That's OK... change is a'comin...

[mrtourette]

Ugh, tough start. That's OK... change is a'comin...

Damn right, I decide to abandon my defensive formation and change to the currently popular 4-2-3-1. Sergio Biox moves up to partner Sergio Garcia in central midfield, with Johan Lugo moving out to the left wing and Carlos de la Nava dropping back to play attacking central midfield. Victor Bertomeu stays on the right wing and Lugo and de la Nava's new positions mean that Elvis Onyema is again the main (and sole) presence up front.


06/10/16 v Real Zaragoza (H) 3-2
An overdue win thanks to a scorching start as Victor Bertomeu and Dani Duran capitalised on defensive errors to put us two-up after only seven minutes. Zaragoza pulled one back shortly after and then equalised early in the second half, only for our pressure to tell and force an own goal with twenty minutes left to win the game.


We sign free agent AMC Gonzalo Melero on a 2yr/£1100pw contract. The former Real Madrid youth player had spent the previous two years putting in excellent performances for UD Logrones in Segunda B, including 14 goals as they won our division last season.


13/10/16 v Barakaldo (A) 2-1
An open game between to promoted teams struggling for points. Barakaldo took the lead early on but Elvis Onyema equalised after 27 minutes. The game looked to be heading for a draw until substitute Jorge Pulido scored the winner in the 92nd minute.

20/10/16 v Real Madrid Castilla (A) 1-2
A narrow defeat but we were second best all game. After a goalless first half a David Costas own goal put us behind but Johan Lugo equalised in the 52nd minute. Castilla deservedly went back ahead with quarter of an hour left and held on for the victory.

27/10/16 v Tenerife (H) 3-3
An end-to-end game as two struggling teams abandoned defense and went for the points ina game littered with defensive errors. Tenerife were two-up after quarter of an hour but David Costas pulled one back shortly after, with Tenerife restoring the two goal advantage just before the break. Elvis Onyema pulled one back with his 50th goal for the club and Johan Lugo completed the comeback with a late penalty.


Two wins this month see us climb off the bottom of the table:

http://i61.tinypic.com/34xl6cz.png

[mrtourette]

04/12/16 v Sporting Gijon (A) 2-1
An excellent victory helped by a fast start as we were 2-0 after only ten minutes thanks to goals from defenders Alex Escobar and Alberto Prada. We rode our luck for the rest of the game and despite only having 36% of possession manged to hold Sporting to a single consolation goal mid-way through the second half. Alberto Prada is named in the team-of-the-week.

11/12/16 v Murcia (H) 1-0
Despite dominating the game we make hard work of defeating fellow strugglers Murcia, with Victor Bertomeu's 16th minute goal fortunately enough to earn all three points.

18/12/16 v Celta (A) 1-6
Despite both teams having 15 attempts on goal we are taken apart by Celta who prove to be far more efficient in front of goal. We actually took the lead through a Sergio Garcia header after only three minutes but it all went downhill from there, with Celta 4-1 up at half-time and then cruising in the second half until two late goals gave Carlos Calvo his hat-trick.


Despite that heavy defeat to Celta two other victories see us within touching distance of the teams above the relegation zone:

http://i60.tinypic.com/158au7n.png

[mrtourette]

04/01/17 v Rayo Vallecano (A) 4-1
A shock win against high-flying Rayo despite going behind after half an hour. Goals from Victor Bertomeu and Sergio Biox put us ahead at the half and then Gonzalo Melero's first for the club and a late long-range strike from Sergio Garcia wrapped up the emphatic scoreline. Melero was named MOM.

08/01/17 v Huesca (H) 0-2
Back down to earth with a bump as despite controlling the game two goals on five minutes in the first half put Huesca in charge and we were unable to break them down after the break.

15/01/17 v Xerez (A) 0-0
Once again we dominate the game but cannot find a breakthrough as both sides were guilty of wasting multiple opportunities to score.

22/01/17 v Hercules (H) 2-2
A disappointing draw as we threw away a two-goal lead. Goals late in the first half from Gonzalo Merelo and Johan Lugo put us in charge at the break but Hercules bossed their way back into the game an deservedly equalised late on. Melero was given the MOM award.


Right-back Victor Diaz suffered a thigh strain againsy Hercules and will miss a month.


29/01/17 v Gimnastic (H) 1-0
An excellent rearguard action secured us an undeserved victory. A fluke goal form Carlos de la Nava, his first since late last season, put us ahead in the first half and despite a red card for Alberto Prada after 55 minutes we held on as Gimnastic wasted a number of opportunities to score.

Another steady month sees us climb out of the relegation zone for the first time this season:

http://i58.tinypic.com/167s7x1.png

[mrtourette]

We sign young French centre-midfielder Noa Samson from amateur side USCCA on a 2yr/£350pw deal.


04/02/17 v Almeria (A) 2-3
A deserved defeat as we were outclassed and found ourselves 3-0 down at half-time. Almeria took their foot off the gas in the second half and Carlos de la Nava pulled a goal back after an hour, and Elvis Onyema scored another in injury time to give the score an air of respectability. Despite the loss Gonzalo Melero was named MOM.


Gonzalo Melero broke his toe during the game against Almerio and will be out for up to three months. Davis Costas pulled a hamstring and will miss a month.


Due to Melero's injury we sign 27 year-old striker Lander Yurrebaso to a 2yr/£1200pw deal. Yurrebaso spent the last two years with Guijelo in the Segunda B, scoring 53 goals in 71 games.


11/02/17 v Las Palmas (A) 4-1
Another shock 4-1 away win, this time against top-of-the-table Las Palmas. First-half goals form Alex Escobar and Carlos de la Nava gave us a comfortable lead at the half which Escobar extended with his second goal just after the break. Las Palmas pulled one back shortly after but de la Nava's second after 66 minutes killed off any hope of a comeback. Escobar was named MOM, and made the team-of-the-week along with de la Nava.


I allow centre-back Alberto Gil to join Reus on a free transfer as his contract was up at the end of the season and unlikely to be renewed.


19/02/17 v Oviedo (H) 1-1
We were frustratingly unable to beat fellow-strugglers Oviedo despite having the better of the game. Oviedo took the lead just after the break but centre-back Mikel Fernandez headed us level on the hour, and was named MOM as well as in the team-of-the-week.

26/02/17 v Deportivo la Coruna (A) 0-2
We were outclassed and outplayed by our high-profile opposition. An error by Sergio GArcia gifter Deportivo the lead after eight minutes and they doubled their advantage after half an hour. Although they didn't score again the result never looked in doubt for Deportivo.


Two defeats in February see us slip back a place into the relegation zone.

[mrtourette]

05/03/17 v Cadiz (H) 0-2
We were comfortably beaten in this relatively even game as Cadiz raced into a two-goal lead inside 20 minutes. Despite having an equal share of the possession we were unable to seriously threaten their lead and they comfortably ran the game out.

12/03/17 v Alaves (A) 1-3
We controlled most of the possession in this game but failed to to make it count as Alaves were more ruthless in front of goal. Goals either side of the break saw us 2-0 down after 55 minutes and despite Sergio Garcia pulling one back with five minutes remaining an instant response form Alaves stamped out any chance of a comeback.

19/03/17 v Sevilla Atletico (H) 2-1
We jumped back out of the relegation zone with this win over doomed Sevilla Atletico. Elvis Onyema put us ahead in the first half and then his replacement Lander Yurresco increased our lead on 66 minutes. An late own goal from keeper Urtzi Iturrioz made the scoreline seem closer than it actually was. Victor Bertomeu was named MOM.


I am invited to an interview with Real Jaen regarding their vacant manager position, although given that they are in the league below us and in administration I decide I'm better off where I am.


26/03/17 v Numancia (A) 1-4
Another defeat as we found ourselves down after 24 minutes. Carlos de la Nava equalised soon after but another from Numancia just before the break gave them the half-time lead. They extended their lead soon after the re-start and then a fourth six minutes from time sealed an easy win for them.


As with last month we sit in 19th position and fighting with Oviedo and Castilla to avoid the drop.

http://i61.tinypic.com/2hpnaeu.png

[mrtourette]

With the end of the season approaching I renew the contracts of full-back Alberto (3yr/£500pw), left-back Marcos Flexas (1yr/£475pw) and centre-midfielder Sergio Biox (1yr/£1000pw).


From this year's group of teenage trialists we sign the following to youth contracts:

Esteban Cembranos, DC, 0 current rating/4 potential rating

Jorge Palacios, DR, 2.5 current rating/5 potential rating

Chema Sanchis, AMC, 2 current rating/5 potential rating

Celso Aparicio, ST, 0 current rating/4.5 potential rating


02/04/17 v Racing Santander (H) 1-1
Despite having the better of posession and creating more chances it was an equaliser by Lander Yurrebaso after 76 minutes that rescued a point for us after Racing had gone ahead in the first half.

09/04/17 v Barakaldo (H) 1-0
For the second game in a row we struggled to make superior possession count and make hard work of Barakaldo, with Victor Bertomeu's strike after 70 minutes the only goal of the game and enough to earn him the MOM award.

15/04/17 v Real Zaragoza (A) 2-0
Our good run continues after we control the game well against Zaragoza. Lander Yurrebaso put us ahead after 18 minutes and despite some scares Victor Bertomeu settled the result with a second half-way through the second half. Carlos de la Nava is named MOM and is named in the team-of-the-week with Alex Escobar.

23/04/17 v Tenerife (A) 1-3
We missed the opportunity to leapfrog Tenerife and move further out of the relegation zone after losing this tight match. Tenerife were one-up at the break but within a minute of the restart Lander Yurrebaso had headed us level, however two goals later in the half against the run of play gave them all three points.

30/04/17 v Real Madrid Castilla (H) 1-0
Our second consecutive six-pointer and this time we were able to come out on top thanks to a late Johan Lugo goal which setlled a tense and bad-tempered match. Lugo was named MOM.


Carlos de la Nava pulled a hamstring against Castilla and will miss a month.


Three wins this month mean that with five games left we are three points clear of the drop:

http://i60.tinypic.com/121d91k.png

[mrtourette]

07/05/17 v Sporting Gijon (H) 1-2
Sporting dominate this game and we can only muster five attempts on goal compared to their 22. After holding out for nearly the whole first half we succumb to the pressure and concede two goals in quick succession just before the break. Victor Bertomeu pulls one back just after the break but Sporting easily see out the remainder of the game.

14/05/17 v Murcia (A) 1-2
Murcia deservedly take all three points after dominating the game. They went ahead after 14 minutes and although Victor Bertomeu continued his good form by equalising soon after Murcia went ahead again at the start of the second half and never looked like losing the lead again. Right-back Jose Manuel saw a second yellow card and received his marching order with quarter of an hour left.

21/05/17 v Celta Vigo (H) 0-3
A third straight defeat puts us in real trouble as Celta again take us to the cleaners. Celta were ahead after only two minutes and then goals either side of the break game them a comfortable and fully-deserved win.

28/05/17 v Huesca (A) 0-0
A vital point earned in a close fought match. Both teams created a number of chances but poor finishing from both saw the game end in a stalemate. Alex Escobar was named MOM.


After the game I am offered another one year contract, again at £1200pw, with a transfer budget of £250k and a wage budget of £40k. I am touched that the board want me to stay despite relegation still being a real possibility, and gladly accept.


04/6/17 v Rayo Vallecano (H) 1-0
An excellent win that keeps us up as Oviedo can only draw their last game. Rayo had slightly the better of the match but a first-half strike from Gonzalo Melero was enough to secure the points, our safety and the MOM award. Davis Costas was named in the team-of-the-week.


Final league table:

http://i62.tinypic.com/15qtg1w.png


http://i61.tinypic.com/rap6kj.png


http://i57.tinypic.com/5d845c.png

[mrtourette]

Player stats for the 2016/2017 season:

http://i60.tinypic.com/2r3c85i.png
http://i58.tinypic.com/hu3uy1.png


Some financial housekeeping taken care of in June:

- after finally making a profit we are hit with a tax bill of £325k.

- we sign a new five-year shirt sponsorship deal for £250k per year (the old one was £64k).

- our wage budget has been set at £39.5k per week, with £255k available to spend on transfers.

- we pay out £38k in squad bonuses, plus an additional £105k for avoiding relegation bonuses.

- we receive £150k for our final league position.

[mrtourette]

After lengthy negotiations with his agent we re-sign right-winger Victor Bertomeu to a 2yr/£1100pw deal. I'd considered releasing him but his form towards the end of the season was excellent.


We sign youngsters Jorge Palacios (right-back), attacking central midifelder Chema Sanchis and striker Celso Aparicio to professional contracts


A number of player's contracts are not renewed and they are allowed to leave:

- the club's top scorer Elvis Onyema (155 apps/52 goals). Onyema's departure displeases the fans and the board and was a tough call, but he's 31, I want to move Johan Lugo into the sole striker position and already have Carlos De la Nava and Lander Yurrebaso as back-up.

- my first ever signing at Salamanca, right-back Jose Manual (111 apps/0 goals). Has not developed into a player good enough for this level and I want to give youngster Alberto some first-team opportunities backing-up Victor Diaz.

- captain and centre-back Miguel Angel, who has suffered from a number of injuries over his two poor seasons with us.

- centre-midfielder Dani Duran, another early signing but he just insn't good enough for this level.

- wide midfielders Jorge Pulido and Andrea Raffa, valuable early in the season but just don't fit into the 4-2-3-1 formation we now use.

- young keeper Nacho Ortiz, only signed as we were desperate for cover, has no future in professional football.


We receive £625k as a result of the 25% sell-on clause after Francisco joins Newcastle Utd from Valencia.


Victor Bertomeu is named our player of the year.


Again I accept the 'avoid relegation' expectation for the upcoming season.


We are given £1.81m for TV rights for the upcoming season.


Athletic Bilbao make an offer of £450k with a 25% resale fee clause for young right-back Jorge Palacios. I tell them to come back when they want to offer a million.

[mrtourette]

I decided to boost our midfield options by making a couple of signings, firstly 23 year-old attacking midfielder Jose Artiles on a 2yr/£1200pw deal. Artiles had been at Las Palmas since he was a teenager and can play all three attacking midfielder positions (I plan to play him on the left and move Johan Lugo back into the striker position).

Next was 23 year-old winger Ivan Salas, who can play on either flank, on a 2yr/£925pw deal. Salas had spent three years in Segunda B with Espanyol B.


First-team squad at the start of the 2017/18 season:

http://i58.tinypic.com/2822war.png

[mrtourette]

A promising pre-season:

http://i57.tinypic.com/1z6rxia.png


The bookies give us better odds than last season but we are still expected to be battling against relegation:

http://i61.tinypic.com/238xhw.png

[mrtourette]

We sell 233 season tickets for the upcoming campaign, down by three on last season.


With a number of contracts expiring at the end of this season I tie up my two brightest stars, signing Johan Lugo (3yr/£1700pw) and Gonzalo Melero (3yr/£2100pw) to new deals.


Following Bilbao's earlier offer a number of top teams come in for 16 year-old right-back Jorge Palacios with offers from Bilbao (£975k), Valencia (£1mil) and Sevilla (£1.1mil), all with a 25% sell-on clause. I accept Sevilla's offer and Palacios becomes the second youth team right-back to leave for big money in consecutive seasons.


20/08/17 v Hercules (H) 3-1
A great start to the season as we unexpectedly beat Hercules, thanks to 20 attempts on goal compared to their five. Sergio Garcia put us ahead after only seven minutes although Hercules equalised after half an hour. Johan Lugo restored the advantage with a long range strike after 68 minutes and then wrapped up the points with a header in the closing minutes. Lugo's brace earned him the MOM award, and Gonzalo Melero was named in the team-of-the-week.

23/08/17 v Almeria (A) 5-3
A cracking match as both teams managed more that twenty shots on goal and we nearly threw away a three-goal lead. Victor Bertomeu put us ahead early on and then Johan Lugo doubled the lead after 18 minutes, and then put us three-up only a minute later. Almeria pulled one back before the break but Bertomeu grabbed his second on the hour. Two goals in four minutes pulled Almeria right back into the game but their fightback was halted when Bertomeu completed his hat-trick in the 90th minute, for which he was named MOM.

27/08/17 v Xerez (H) 0-0
We control the game but are unable to find a breakthrough as Xerez stand firm. We had enough chances to win the game but unlike our last two matches struggled to find a killer edge in front of goal. Victor Bertomeu is named in the team-of-the-week.


An excellent start to the season as seven points from three games sees us sitting in second place.

[mrtourette]

03/09/17 v Real Zaragoza (A) 3-1
An excellent away win as we continued our good start. A first-half goal from Gonzalo Melero put us ahead at the break but Zaragoza equalised on the hour. An excellent goal from Jose Artiles, his first for the club, put us back ahead and a fluke goal form Carlos De la Nava sealed the points. Artiles was named MOM, and he and Melero were named in the league team-of-the-week.

10/09/17 v Huesca (H) 3-3
A back-and-forth game finished with the points deservedly shared. We went 2-0 up from goals from Jose Artiles and a Johan Lugo penalty but a mistake from Mikel Fernandez allowed Huesca to pull a goal back before the break. Two more goals mid-way through the second period put Huesca ahead but substitute Ivan Sales scored his first for the club with 10 minutes left to earn a point. Gonzalo Melero was named MOM and was in the team-of-the-week.

13/09/17 v Tenerife (H) 1-2 (Spanish Cup)
We fell out of the cup at the first hurdle yet again as Tenerife deservedly progress. Lander Yurrebaso gave us an early lead after five minutes but after that it was all Tenerife, with them equalising after half an hour and then taking the lead late on after another Mikel Fernandez error.

17/9/17 v Ponferradina (A) 1-1
A frustrating draw as we dominate possession as have 19 attempts on goal but suffer due to poor finishing. Ponferradina took the lead just before the break but substitute Lander Yurrebaso equalised with a header, and was named MOM.


Back-up left-back Marcos Flexas tore his hamstring against Ponferradina and will be our for up to three months.


23/09/17 v Guadalajara (H) 2-0
An efficient performance gave us a comfortable victory thanks to a Johan Lugo penalty just before the break and a Victor Bertomeu strike just after. Bertomeu was given the MOM award and named in the league team-of-the-week.


To cover the injury to Marcos Flexas we sign 23 year-old left back Alex Munoz to a 2yr/£850pw. Munoz had been a regular for Jove Espanol in the third division for the last four years before his contract expired in the Summer.


A disappointing cup exit but we're still unbeaten in the league and remain second:

http://i60.tinypic.com/ax01ur.png

[mrtourette]

01/10/17 v Albacete (H) 0-3
A terrible result against lowly Albacete as we control possession but are continually hit by the counter-attack. Albacete went ahead late in the first half and doubled their lead early in the second thanks to an Alex Escobar own goal, before adding a third and we pushed forward late on.

08/10/17 v Tenerife (A) 1-2
A second straight defeat as yet again Tenerife have the measure of us and deserve the win. After a goalless first half Tenerife took the lead with two goals early in the second half, and although David Costas pulled one back with ten minutes left they comfortably saw the game out.

15/10/17 v Racing Santander (A) 5-0
Back to winning ways thanks to clinical finishing in an otherwise close game. A rare Sergio Biox goal put us ahead after ten minutes and Victor Bertomeu doubled the lead before the break. Johan Lugo scored a third on the hour and two late goals from Gonzalo Melero wrapped up the scoring and earned him the MOM award. We have seven players - Victor Diaz, David Costas, Alex Escobar, Alberto Prada, Victor Bertomeu, Gonzalo Melero and Sergio Biox - named in the team-of-the-week.

22/10/17 v Alaves (H) 3-1
A deserved win that started badly when Alaves took the lead early on and Gonzalo Melero left injured after 27 minutes. His replacement Carlos De la Nava equalised ten minutes into the second half and Johan Lugo put us ahead shortly after. A third from Jose Antiles in injury time sealed the result and earned him the MOM award.

29/10/17 v Rayo Vallecano (H) 2-1
Rayo dominated possession with 61% of the ball but we claim victory with two breakaway goals. Jose Antiles put us ahead early on before Rayo equalised 21 minutes in. Substitute Lander Yurrebaso scored the winner winner with 11 minutes left and Antiles was again named MOM.


We suffered our first defeats of the season this month but three good wins see us hold our position in second:

http://i61.tinypic.com/znjtxd.png

[mrtourette]

05/11/17 v Osasuna (A) 0-3
We had our poor finishing to blame for this defeat as both teams created plenty of chances but only Osasuna made theirs count. Despite the free-flowing football the game was goalless at the break, however two goals early in the second half put Osasuna in control and a late third thanks to a terrible error by keeper Urtzi Iturrioz sealed the match.

12/11/17 v Mallorca (A) 1-1
A better result against promotion-chasing Mallorca, we went ahead early on through Jose Antiles but were pegged back by an equaliser just after the break. We created more chances than our opponents but were unable to break them down and score a winner. Antiles was named MOM.


After pulling up in training Carlos De la Nava is found to be suffering from a lower back stress fracture and could miss up to two months.


19/11/17 v Sporting Gijon (H) 1-0
A good winagainst one of rivals at the top of table as a tightly-contested game was settled by a Noa Samson header in the 71st minute. Both teams had plenty of chances but struggled to find the target.

26/11/17 v Cadiz (A) 2-4
Another open game with plenty of chances, Cadiz took an early lead following an error by Sergio Biox but Johan Lugo struck to send the teams in level at the half. Cadiz re-took the lead on the hour and scored again with five minutes remaining, and although a lobbed second form Lugo gave us some hope Cadiz's fourth in injury time killed off any hope of a fightback.


Alex Escobar tore a hamstring against Cadiz and is set for three months on the sidelines, while Ivan Sales also came off with fractured ribs and could miss up to two months.


A tough month with only one win and three injuries that will affect our first team squad depth, although we still manage to cling onto second place.

[mrtourette]

The board catch me off guard and decide to negotiate a new deal six months earlier than usual, offering me a 18-month contract including a pay rise to £2000pw. I insist that I need job security and request an extra year, and the board accept. For the first time I have a contract longer than 12 months.


02/12/17 v Murcia (A) 2-1
A fortunate win as we were outplayed by Murcia for most of the game. Jose Artiles pounced on a defensive error to give us a first-half lead and then an own goal put us two-up in the 57th minute. Murcia pulled one back minutes later but despite having greater possession were unable to draw level. David Costas was selected in the team-of-the-week.

16/12/17 v Las Palmas (A) 3-3
Once again we are outplayed and are lucky to come away with a point despite a strong start. Two goals from Johan Lugo had us comfortably ahead after half an hour but Las Palmas drew level just before the break to send the teams in all square. Las Plamas took the lead after 62 minutes and should have seen the game out but an own goal with ten minutes left gave us a point. Johan Lugo was named in the team-of-the-week.

19/12/17 v Gimnastic (H) 1-3
Our luck finally ran out as we were given a counter-attacking masterclass by Gimnastic. Davis Costas put into his own net to put us behind after only eight minutes and two more goals saw Gimnastic go in at the half with a comfortable 3-0 lead. Jose Antiles pulled one back for us on the hour but we could not break Gimnastic down and they claim the points.


Not a great month but we mange to, yes you've guessed it, stay in second place:

http://i62.tinypic.com/30m1f7k.png

[mrtourette]

07/01/18 v Lleidu Esportiu (H) 2-1
We made hard work of this victory over struggling Esportiu as neither side really impressed. Victor Bertomeu put us ahead in the eighth minute and a second from Jose Antiles on the stroke of half-time gave us a comfortable lead at the break. However Esportiu came back strong in the second half but despite pulling one back after 54 minutes couldn't find another breakthrough. Gonzalo Melero was named MOM and in the team-of-the-week.


After breaking down training an examination shows that David Costas is struggling with a double hernia and will need two months on the sidelines. With Alex Escobar also currently out we are left very short at centre-back.


14/01/18 v Girona (A) 4-4
A sensational game as both teams threw caution to the wind, with a draw a fair result. Lander Yurrebaso made the most of a rare start with two goals in the opening 15 minutes, however an error by Alex Munoz and a penalty given away by Victor Diaz allowed Girona to draw level at the break. A Mikel Fernandez strike and a penalty from Victor Bertomeu restored our two-goal advantage but Girona was again wiped it out, with the equaliser coming in injury time.


We sign 20 year-old Dutch midfielder Vilyson Farrell to a 2yr/£3400pw deal. Farrell came through the Ajax youth system before being released last Summer. It's by far the highest contract at the club, although a 'highest earner' clause in midfielder Gonzalo Melero's contract (not sure how that slipped by me) means he is given a pay rise to match.


21/01/18 v Hercules (A) 3-2
A really good result against tough opposition that has the fans in jubilant mood. We got off to a great start with goals form Gonzalo Melero and Sergio Biox inside seven minutes, although Hercules were level after 22 minutes thanks to their own quickfire double. Noa Samson put us back ahead with powerful drive shortly before the break, and the second half failed to live up to the first with no further goals meaning we took all three points. Gonzalo Melero was named in the league team-of-the-week.

28/01/18 v Almeria (H) 4-2
A comfortable win after we were set on our way by another early goal from Lander Yurrebaso. Alex Munoz conceded a penalty that allowed Almeria to draw level late in first half but after they were redcued to ten men on 52 minutes were moved up a gear with an own goal and two from Victor Bertomeu putting us out of reach. A late second for Almeria was no more than a consolation. Bertomeu was named as MOM.


An unbeaten month sees us occupying the top spot at the end of January:

http://i59.tinypic.com/wbopsp.png

[mrtourette]

03/02/18 v Xerez (A) 1-2
A lacklustre display sees us deservedly beaten even after Lander Yurrebaso continued to make the most of Johan Lugo's absence through injury and yet again put us ahead early on. Xerez equalised after half an hour and scored their winner with nine minutes remaining.

10/02/18 v Huesca (A) 3-2
A fighting performance and a hat-trick from Gonzalo Melero earned all three points against Huesca, who took the lead after only four minutes. Melero equalised later in the half but Huesca went ahead again in 50th minute. Melero once again equalised soon after and completed his hat-trick with the winner after 70 minutes, and unsurprisingly was named MOM and in the league team-of-the-week.

17/02/18 v Real Zaragoza (H) 2-2
We can consider this as two points lost after twice allowing Zaragoza to equalise. John Lugo marked his return to the starting line-up by putting us ahead in the sixth minute, although Zaragoza equalised almost immediately. A second form Lugo at the start of the second half put us back in front but Alberto Prada's second yellow card after an hour put us on the back foot and Zaragoza equalised again shortly after. Lugo was given the MOM award and named in the league team-of-the-week.

24/02/18 v Ponferradina (H) 2-2
A distinct sense of deja-vu as once again we throw away two points. Victor Bertomeu put us in front after four minutes but a penalty given away by Alex Escobar allowed Ponferradina to draw level. A late header from substitute Lander Yurrebaso looked to have given us the win but Escobar capped a poor game by committing an error that allowed Ponferradina to equalise a second time. Bertomeu was named in the team-of-the-week.


Our failure to hold on to leads costs us this month and we slip down to fourth place in the league:

http://i62.tinypic.com/112h84j.png

[mrtourette]

04/03/18 v Guadalajara (A) 4-3
We really shouldn't be involved in these types of games against teams in the relegation zone, but it must be great for the fans. Guadalajara took the lead in the fourth minute and held onto the lead at half time, but early second-half goals from Johan Lugo and a brace from Gonzalo Melero put us in comfortably in front. An error from Alex Munoz allowed Guadalajara to pull one back but Jose Antiles restored the lead in the 76th minute. Guadalajara again clawed a goal back but it was too little too late.

11/03/18 v Albacete (A) 1-0
We go back to the top of the table and gain revenge over rock-bottom Albacete for our defeat earlier in the season thanks to an early strike from Johan Lugo, who is named MOM. Both teams waste chances to add to the scoring in a poor game. but we'll happily take the points.

18/03/18 v Tenerife (H) 1-1
Tenerife are fast becoming my bogey team after we dominate this match but only come away with a point. Jose Antiles open the scoring after just two minutes but we fail to capitalise and Tenerife's equaliser after an hour has an air of inevitability about it.


http://i58.tinypic.com/2s0iwwh.png


24/03/18 v Racing Santander (H) 0-1
A very poor performance and result again the team we thrashed 5-0 away earlier in the season, as we can muster only five attempts on goal during this bad-tempered match. A mistake from Alberto Prada gave away the only goal of the game.


The poor result against Racing sees us slip back down to fourth, but only a point off automatic promotion

[mrtourette]

From this year's group of teenage trialists we sign the following to youth contracts:

Sisinio, DL, 0 current rating/3.5 potential rating

Alvaro Calzado, DC, 0 current rating/3.5 potential rating

Eduardo, DR, 1.5 current rating/5 potential rating

Jose Angel Palomares, MC, 0 current rating/4 potential rating


01/04/18 v Osasuna (H) 0-0
Although far from a bore-draw neither team really excelled themselves or could feel hard done by the result, as we had the better chances but Osasuna controlled more of the possession. Alberto Prada was named MOM.

08/04/18 v Alaves (A) 3-1
A hat-trick from Johan Lugo gave us all three points against strugglers Alaves despite them having the better of the game. Two early goals from Lugo allowed us to cruise for most the game, and following an Alaves goal with 20 minutes remaining we perked up and Lugo grabbed his third shortly after. Lugo was named MOM and in the team-of-the-week, and has now broken Elvis Onyema's single season club goalscoring record.

15/04/18 v Rayo Vallecano (A) 2-2
We can consider ourselves very lucky to come away with a point after Rayo controlled 66% of possession and managed 23 attempts on goal compared to our five. David Costas headed us in front after seven minutes but Alberto Prada was sent off after 25 minutes and from then we had our backs to the wall. Rayo finally drew level in the 53rd minute but against the run of play Johan Lugo soon put us back ahead. Rayo drew level again shortly after but couldn't find another goal, and were also reduced to ten men in injury time.

22/04/18 v Mallorca (H) 4-1
Our clinical finishing was the difference in this game as otherwise it was difficult to tell the two teams apart. A quickfire double shortly before half-time from Sergio Biox and Carlos De la Nava put us in control, with further goals from Jose Antiles and Victor Beromeu in the second half. Mallorca managed a late consolation goal but the result was harsh on them.

29/04/18 v Murcia (H) 4-1
A similar game to the last as we punish Murcia despite the game being close in terms of possession and chances. Goals from Jose Artiles and Carlos De la Nava put us 2-0 up at the half, and although Murcia pulled one back just after the break a red card set back their hopes of drawing level. Johan Lugo converted the resulting penalty and netted a fourth a few minutes later to seal the result. Lugo was given the MOM award and De la Nava was named to the team-of-the-week.


Three wins and two draws in April sees us back at the top of the table, with six games remaining. Salamanca in La Liga? Surely not...

http://i59.tinypic.com/epgpk8.png

[mrtourette]

Sobering news as after failing to find a new team this season former striker Elvis Onyema decides to retire from the game. Arguably the first Salamanca AC legend, he should be the first entrant into the club Hall of Fame, should one ever be created. Let's take a look at his career:

http://i58.tinypic.com/2rmo8yr.png


06/05/18 v Sporting Gijon (A) 1-5
The top-of-the-table clash that was supposed to separate the men form the boys and decide the championship ended in embarrassment for us. Sergio Biox put us ahead after 24 minutes but the good feeling soon vanished as four goals from Nick Proschwitz, two either side of half time, put Sporting well in control. David Costas was sent off late on for receiving two yellow cards and Sporting netted a fifth in injury time.


Once again I request that the board stump up to get our awful pitch relaid and they finally agree to do it during the Summer, concerned that it makes us look unprofessional.


12/05/18 v Cadiz (H) 2-1
We bounce back well after last week's heavy defeat although should have had more goals to show for our dominance. We went behind after 21 minutes but a Johan Lugo penalty drew us level before a goal from substitute Sergio Garcia secured the points. Garcia is named the MOM.

19/05/18 v Gimnastic (A) 4-6
A horrendous defensive display makes a mockery of our league position and jeopardises our push for automatic promotion. After going behind after 20 minutes goals from Gonzalo Melero and Vilyson Farrell put us ahead before Gimnastic equalised on the stroke of half-time. Gimnastic went ahead straight after the break but were pegged back by a Jose Artiles strike, but three goals in ten shambolic minutes put us 6-3 behind. Artiles got a second late on and was named in the team-of-the-week.

26/05/18 v Lleida Esportiu (A) 1-1
We dominated this game and should have left with all three points but only have ourselves and our poor finishing to blame. Esportiu went ahead early and looked to be heading for an upset win before MOM Carlos De la Nava equalised with nine minutes left.


Sergio Biox suffered a fractured arm against Lleida Espoeriu and will miss the rest of the season.


A poor month but teams below us failed to take advantage and we're still in second place and on course for automatic promotion:

http://i61.tinypic.com/2rwui6a.png

[mrtourette]

03/06/18 v Las Palmas (H) 1-3
Our apparent desire to avoid promotion rears it's ugly head again in this lame defeat. We went behind after half an hour but Noa Samson equalised straight after half time. Our optimism was quashed just two minutes later when Las Palmas went in front again and an error by Victor Diaz with quarter of an hour left gifted them a third. Fortunately the teams below us seem just as hell-bent on missing out on promotion and can only draw their games, and we go into the final game with our destiny in our own hands.

10/06/18 v Girona (H) 3-1
Unbelievable scenes as promotion to La Liga is secured with this comfortable win. We went behind after just seven minutes but Jose Artiles headed us level later in the first half and then second half goals from Johan Lugo and Alex Escobar gave us the three points we needed to secure promotion.


Just five years after the club is formed we are promoted to La Liga!


Final league table:

http://i59.tinypic.com/2rp8ifl.png

http://i59.tinypic.com/2qxow1w.png

http://i58.tinypic.com/10qjpd5.png

http://i62.tinypic.com/10pc9vm.png

http://i61.tinypic.com/3ud5k.png

Not sure on what level Alex Munoz can be considered one of the signings of the season, but praise is praise I guess.

[mrtourette]

Player stats for the 2017/2018 season:

http://i59.tinypic.com/25qx2mh.png


Some financial housekeeping taken care of in June:

- after making a profit we are hit with a tax bill of £200k.

- following promotion our wage budget has been set at £135k per week, with £5.25m available to spend on transfers. Finally some real money to play with!

- we pay out £575k in squad bonuses.

- we receive £597k for our final league position.

[mrtourette]

Looking at contracts expiring at the end of next season I decide to tie up some important players, signing midfielders Victor Bertomeu (4yr/£2500pw), Noa Samson (4yr/£2000pw) and Jose Artiles (4yr/£3800pw) to long-term deals.


We sign youngsters Sisinio (left-back), centre-back Alvaro Calzado, right-back Eduardo and Jose Angel Palomares (central midfielder) to professional contracts.


A number of player's contracts are not renewed and they are allowed to leave:

- first-choice goalkeeper for the last five years and last seasons captain Urtzi Iturrioz (203 apps/0 goals). Urtzi won't cut it at the next level and while I'm happy to pay his wage demands (£3500pw) to be a squad player his arsehole of an agent won't accept a backup role and breaks off negotiations. Hard to swallow as he'd always had my back in team meetings.

- fan-favourite and home-town hero Carlos De la Nava (172 apps/46 goals). A move likely to upset a lot of people, but he was demanding first-team wages (£8500pw) when he's just a backup striker/attacking midfielder. Not worth what he was demanding considering the deals that Bertomeu and Artiles signed.

- central midfielder and hero of our 2015/16 promotion campaign Sergio Garcia (173 apps/28 goals). A tough decision as he is one of my personal favourites, but he just isn't good enough to play at La Liga level, even as a backup. Already feeling guilty about this so I can see myself re-signing him should we suffer some injuries.

- one of my very early signings, left-back Marco Flexas (119 apps/0 goals). He's surplus to requirements after the signing of Alex Munoz during the season, and not good enough for the level we're now playing at.

- right-back Victor Diaz, after two distinctly average seasons as first-choice right-back he's clearly not good enough for La Liga and at his age is a waste of a backup spot (I prefer to have youngsters filling those roles).

- versatile defender Mikel Fernandez, came through our youth system with some promise but hasn't progressed. Struggled to break into the team over the last two years so won't get a sniff in La Liga as I'm looking at upgrading our defense.

- right midfielder Goya De la Puente, youth product who was only signed to a professional deal to ofer some depth. Never been anywhere near the first team and we've struggled to loan him out over the last couple of years.


Director of Football Davis Matias, physio Ibon Zolio and goalkeeper coach Samuel also leave the club.


Victor Bertomeu is named our player of the year for the second time in a row.


I sensibly accept the 'avoid relegation' expectation for the upcoming season.


We are given £18.85m for TV rights for the upcoming season.


An interesting story hits the news pages:

http://i58.tinypic.com/2uz5f5u.png

[mrtourette]

http://i58.tinypic.com/29ojpc3.png


Wales win the World Cup, beating European Champions France 3-1 in the final. Wales. Win the World Cup. That's Wales.

Spain beat Algeria 6-5 on penalties in the third-place playoff after drawing 2-2 aet.

The losing quarter-finalists are England, Cameroon, Uruguay and Ivory Coast.

Wales' Gareth Bale is player of the tournament, while teammate Rhys Purdue is the young player of the tournament.

France's Olivier Giroud is the Golden Boot winner with seven goals, with Uruguay's Edison Cavani second with six and Fernando Llorente and Isco of Spain joint third with five each.

Hugo Lloris of France is goalkeeper of the tournament.

Australia's Carl Valeri is awarded goal of the tournament for his effort against Zambia, with teammate Robbie Kruse second for his goal in the same game and Eliaquim Mangala (for France against Colombia) third.


http://i61.tinypic.com/2ql4iti.png

[mrtourette]

In preparation for life in the top division and due to our horrific goals conceded record over the last two years I decide that we need to overhaul our defense, and we make the following signings:

- Daniel Sotres, GK, 25 (4yr/£8250pw), free agent - had come through the youth set-up at Racing and been in the starting line-up for the last four years. Will replace Urtzi Iturrioz as our new first-choice keeper.

- Jose Francisco Garcia, GK, 19 (2yr/£2000pw), free agent - spent four years as a reserve at Oviedo before being released. Will back up new keeper Daniel Sotres, is a significant upgrade over our current backup Angel Cobo.

- Diego Llorente, DR, 25 (4yr/£7000pw), £350k from Hercules - former Real Madrid youngster who joined Hercules three years ago, and helped them to promotion alongside us last season. Will replace Victor Diaz in the starting line-up.

- Gael Perea, DR, 20 (3yr/£1900pw), £200k from Real Zaragoza - young full-back who has played against us for Zaragoza in the Segunda for the last two seasons. Will provide cover for Diego Llorente.

- Israel Puerto, DC, 25 (4yr/£10000pw), £1m from Ponferradina - former Spanish U21 international who came through the ranks at Sevilla before spending last season with Ponferradina. Will start at centre-back.

- Robin Lafarge, DC, 26 (4yr/£10000pw), £2m from Bastia - French defender who has spent the last few seasons with Metz and Bastia in Ligue 2 . Will partner Puerto in our new look defense.

- Marco Rosa, AMC, 22 (4yr/£4100pw), £40k from Real Betis - former Betis youth player who had been with the B team in the second and third divisions for the last four years. Will provide backup for Gonzalo Melero now that Carlos De la Nava has left.


Due to the 'top earner' clause in his contract Gonzalo Melero again gets a pay rise to match Puerto and Lafarge. He must be loving this, from £2100pw to £10000pw in six months without even asking.


I allow two of our younger first-team members to go out on season-long loans in order to gain experience, with 18 year-old attacking midfielder Eliecer Barriocanal going to Cultural Leonesa and 19 year-old full-back Alberto joining Lugo.


http://i62.tinypic.com/2e2jmu0.png

Merchandise! 236 people want to wear our replica shirts!

I'm perversely glad that people are upset about Carlos De la Nava, they need to be reminded who the boss is around here.

[mrtourette]

First-team squad at the start of the 2018/19 season:

http://i59.tinypic.com/vh3wbm.png


I name Johan Lugo as our new captain and Alberto Prada as vice-captain. Both are risky appointments as Lugo is only 20 and Prada is a walking penalty/red card/both waiting to happen, but they have the best skills for the roles.

According to my coaches current areas of weakness by La Liga standards are left-back (current first choice Alberto Prada) and right-wing (Victor Bertomeu). My central midfield trio of Sergio Biox, Noa Samson and Vilyson Farrell appear likely to struggle at the top level, although the latter two are still young and I'm hoping will continue to develop.


I fill all my staff vacancies, a notable appointment being former Danish international Thomas Sorenson as goalkeeping coach. I also decide it's time to run a more professional outfit so add a second physio and a fitness coach to the team:

http://i61.tinypic.com/29zyikl.png

[mrtourette]

An indifferent pre-season results-wise:

http://i58.tinypic.com/15ocilt.png

New goalkeeper Daniel Sotres missed the whole pre-season with a chest injury but is back in time for the new season.

Gonzalo Melero sustained broken ribs in the final friendly and will miss the first month of the season.


Unsurprisingly the bookies have us down for a swift and painful relegation:

http://i58.tinypic.com/e9j0av.png


http://i58.tinypic.com/v6q2z9.png

I can only assume that "they promise to excite and entertain on a regular basis" means "they're going to ship a shedload of goals every game".

[mrtourette]

We sell 3645 season tickets for the upcoming campaign, a massive increase on last season obviously down to now playing in La Liga. Given that season tickets have made up about a third of our average attendance over the last two seasons I'm hoping that this means we'll be getting about 10000 fans for every home game.


I decide to ship 18 year-old third-choice keeper Angel Cobo out on loan for the season, to Cacereno, for some first-team experience.


http://i60.tinypic.com/wqpjbn.png

Not sure how I feel about that, I guess it's a case of better the devil you know. We're doing OK as we are, and I'm not sure if having a Chairman whose name reminds me of Avril Lavigne would be a good thing.

[mrtourette]

19/08/18 v Real Sociedad (A) 3-2
A remarkable start to our life in La Liga as Johan Lugo put us ahead after only four minutes. Sociedad came back strongly and equalised in the 20th minute, and continued to dominate the game until Lugo put us ahead again just before the hour mark. A few minutes later Sociedad were level again and continued to push but against the run of play we won a penalty with five minutes left and Lugo converted for his hat-trick and three points, and was named MOM and in the team-of-the-week.


With his third goal against Sociedad Johan Lugo broke Elvis Onyema's club goalscoring record of 52 goals. He's only 20 so should be able to rack up a damn high total if he remains with us.


Right-back Diego Llorente suffered a groin strain against Sociedad and will be out for a month.


25/08/18 v Atletico Madrid (H) 1-2
Although the score was close Atletico dominated this game with 60% possession and 27 attempts on goal compared to our five. They went ahead after only nine minutes but were instantly pegged back by a powerful long-range strike from Johan Lugo. We managed to keep Atletico at bay until the 53rd minute but with that kind of dominance I can't complain about the score.


Johan Lugo's goal against Atletico is named La Liga goal of the month.

[bbgunn]

http://i60.tinypic.com/wqpjbn.png

Not sure how I feel about that, I guess it's a case of better the devil you know. We're doing OK as we are, and I'm not sure if having a Chairman whose name reminds me of Avril Lavigne would be a good thing.
Wouldn't be a good thing at all. It would go and make things so complicated, especially if he's a sk8tr boi.

[mrtourette]

I'm With You on that one.

[bbgunn]

I'm With You on that one.
Nice one!

[mrtourette]

01/09/18 v Deportivo La Coruna (A) 2-3
Another close defeat after a scintilating start, with Deportivo going ahead in the second minute but goals from Jose Artiles and Marco Rosa putting us ahead after only ten minutes. Deportivo controlled the majority of possession and it eventually told on the hour mark when they equalised and then scored the winner ten minutes later.

16/09/18 v Celta Vigo (H) 0-3
An ugly defeat as we were completely outplayed by Celta, who took an early lead and never looked back. We were still technically in contention at the half but two minutes after the re-start Alberto Prada was sent off and Celta went two-up from the resulting free-kick, and late error from Vilyson Farrell allowed Celta a third to round off a comfortable win.

23/09/18 v Elche (H) 2-4
A complete collapse as we throw away an early two-goal lead, given to us by goals from Johan Lugo and Marco Rosa. Elche came back strong and although we still led 2-0 at the break a second-half defensive capitulation saw them grab four goals in nine minutes and turn the game on it's head.

26/09/18 v Spoting Gijon (A) 1-5
The same result as the match at the end of last season as our defensive frailties are ruthlessly exposed in an otherwise even game, with the media calling us 'desperately unlucky'. I call us desperately shit. Alberto Prada gave away an early penalty to hand Sporting the lead, which was doubled after quarter of an hour. We regained comppsure but a third goal on the stroke of half time broke our spirits, and although we forced an own goal in the 67th minute another penalty (given away by Robin Lafarge) and a late strike following an Israel Puerto error allowed Sporting to run out comfortable winners.

29/09/18 v Valencia (A) 1-4
We were no match for the far superior Valencia and were run ragged by their dominant display, despite taking the lead form an early Lander Yurrebaso header. Valencia equalised after 20 minutes and the half-time score remained a respectable 1-1, but an own goal form Noa Samson but us behind early in the second period. Valencia's dominance showed as they netted two more later in the half to pile on the misery.


The media are seriously questioning the signing of Israel Puerto due his poor performances so far this season. Lord knows he isn't the only one. I've been using him as my man-marker but since that clearly isn't doing much good I'm going to release him from that responsibility and see if his performances improve.


After a positive start six straight defeats see us bottom of the table. I think we'd better get used to it.

http://i60.tinypic.com/25p1p4l.png

[mrtourette]

07/10/18 v Athletic Bilbao (A) 3-0
A major upset thanks to a classic example of riding our luck at one end and taking our chances at the other. Bilbao had a number of chances early on but Johan Lugo gave us the lead on the half-hour mark, with a second from Jose Artiles sending us in at the break in a commading position. Bilbao continued to press in the second half but a third goal from Robin Lafarge after an hour gave us a very lop-sided win. Lafarge was named MOM, while Lafarge, Diego Llorente and Marco Rosa were in the team-of-the-week.

19/10/18 v Barcelona (H) 1-2
Unsurprisingly Barca absolutely dominated this game but an excellent defensive display kept the score close. The game was still goalless at the half but a minute after the break Barca took the lead, but surprisingly rather than the floodgates opening Joahn Lugo brought us level again almost immediately. Barca took the lead again after an hour but were unable to add any more goals that their dominance deserved. Israel Puerto was named MOM.


After his impressive start to the season I sign striker and captian Johan Lugo to a new 4yr/£6000pw deal.


28/10/18 v Valladolid (H) 0-2
After the high of holding Barca close comes this stinker of a result, as we actually manage to be the better side but second-half mistakes from keeper Daniel Sotres and centre-back Robin Lafarge gift Valladolid easy goals and all three points.

31/10/18 v Malaga (H) 1-3
Another poor home display in a match we could have won as Malaga go two up after only seven minutes. Johan Lugo pulled one back from the spot after the break but another error form Robin Lafarge gifts Malaga their two-goal cushion back.


The win against Bilbao actually lifts us off the bottom of the table but there's little else to be pleased about from the games against Valladolid and Malaga. If we continue to throw away points in our home games we'll be back there soon enough.

http://i61.tinypic.com/2aiqxc7.png

[mrtourette]

04/11/18 v Real Betis (H) 0-3
A fairly dull game with neither team generating many chances although Betis still manage to score three times. A calamitous own-goal by keeper Daniel Sotres put us behind in the 22nd minute, after which both teams struggled to take control of the game until Betis grabbed a second mid-way through the second half. Robin Lafarge continued his run of giving away cheap goals when another error handed Betis a late third.


Winger Victor Bertomeu sprained his ankle against Betis and will miss five to six weeks.


10/11/18 v Real Madrid (A) 0-7
Utterly destroyed by Real, who managed to put up 36 attempts on goal. 4-0 up after 17 minutes and 6-0 at the break, Real mercifully took their foot off the pedal after their seventh in the 48th minute just as it looked like they'd comfortably reach double figures. Goalkeeper Daniel Sotres put in possibly one of the worst displays I've ever seen (finishing with a rating of 3.3).

24/11/18 v Sevilla (A) 1-3
Another game where the opposition pepper our goal from all angles, with Robin Lafarge continuing his excellent run of performances by getting sent off in the 25th minute. Sevilla went ahead ten minutes later although we were back level almost immediately when their keeper scored an own goal. Just as we'd thought we'd done enough to go in level at the break they went ahead again and scored a third mid-way through a comfortable (for them) second half. Sergio Biox put in a good performance and was named MOM.

30/11/18 v Hercules (H) 0-2
More points dropped at home against relegation rivals, although Hercules probably deserved more than us from the game. The score was still level heading into the final 15 minutes until centre-back David Costas contrived to get himself sent off, with Hercules going ahead from the resulting penalty and then getting a second three minutes later.


Captain Johan Lugo twisted his ankle against Hercules and will miss a month.


A pointless month (in more ways than one) sees us back at the foot of the table by a rapidly increasing margin.


Talk about a kiss of death, both teams that we have beaten this season sack their mangers. Sociedad appoint former Romania international Dan Petrescu and Bilbao appoint ex-Germany manager Joachim Low.

[mrtourette]

Due to the injury to Joahn Lugo I pick up 20 year-old Finnish striker Jarkko Leppanen on a 3yr/£5000pw contract. No history of note but looks promising. I think I overpaid due to his agent's 'you make an offer before we tell you what we'll accept' stance as they instantly accepted.


08/12/18 v Gimnastic (A) 1-1 (Spanish Cup 4th round 1st leg)
The furthest we've ever been in the cup without lifting a finger. We had the better of the game against Segunda side Gimnastic but went behind after half an hour and had to rely on an injury time equaliser from winger Ivan Sales to send us into the second leg on level terms.

15/12/18 v Espanyol (H) 2-2
Finally a point after seven straight league defeats, and Ivan Sales continued to take advantage of the injury to Victor Bertomeu with a MOM-winning performance. Sales gave us the lead after half an hour but a mistake form Vilyson Farrell allowed Espanyol back into the game before the break, and they went 2-1 up shortly after the restart. However Sales popped up with his second to equalise in the 75th minute and salvage something from the game for us.

19/12/18 v Gimnastic (H) 4-1 (Spanish Cup 4th round 2nd leg)
An excellent display sees us progress in the cup by actually winning a game, although after a goalless first half we had to rely on Gimnastic being reduced to ten men just after the break before the goals started flowing. Three goals in ten minutes from Jarkko Leppanen, Vilyson Farrell and Ivan Sales swiftly put us in control and although a mistake by Jose Artiles allowed Gimnastic to pull one back an injury-time fourth from Israel Puerto sealed the win. Vilyson Farrell was given the MOM award.


This old chestnut again. No idea if it's the same guy.

http://i57.tinypic.com/63tx5g.png


23/12/18 v Levante (A) 0-1
A close game thanks to a good performance, although at the moment anything that results in zero points is of little use. We held Levante until half-time but an early second half goal gave them the lead and ultimately the points they deserved.


A relatively pleasing month, although with only two league games we are still at the bottom of the table and ten points from safety.

http://i57.tinypic.com/2ignbs2.png


During the week off for Christmas I do some soul-searching in repsonse to our dreadful first-half of the season and what can be done about it, and in particular our defensive woes. I toy with the idea of going back to a defensive formation, playing narrower and packing the midfield, but I don't really have the players for it anymore (plus it would waste my two good wingers), so I make some subtle tactical changes:

- my midfield aren't offering enough help to my defense as I have both centre-midfielders chasing the ball down and presumably being pulled out of position. Vilyson Farrell will now operate as a defensive deep lying playmaker in a holding position while either Noa Samson or Sergio Biox act as the sole ball-winner and support the attack.

- I had been asking both centre-backs to play the ball out of defense and look for killer passes but this may be risking possession too much. Robin Lafarge will continue to do this while Israel Puerto will operate as a standard centre-back.

- I ask my full backs to support the wingers in order to provide a better outlet for moving the ball forward, hopefully to relieve the pressure caused by losing the ball too much when trying to find passess to limited outlets.

- the team's instructions are potentially too compliacted so I refine them so that we are playing with a high defensive line to hassle the opposition and utilise the offside trap, breaking and counterring quickly with a direct passing style via the flanks.

[mrtourette]

I send promising 17 year-old striker Celso Aparicio out on loan to Prat for the rest of the season. He has 18 months left on his contract so if this goes well I may move him into the first team next season and see what he can do.


04/01/19 v Granada (A) 0-0
A good point earned as Granada controlled the game and have four times as many attempts on goal. All looked lost in the closing minutes but Daniel Sotres saved a late penalty to give us a pleasing start to the year.

09/01/19 v Almeria (A) 4-0 (Spanish Cup 5th round 1st leg)
A deserved win to put us in control of the tie, with Johan Lugo marking his return from injury with goals either side of the half to put us 2-0 up. Victor Bertomeu added a third from the penalty spot and Noa Samson a late fourth, with Lugo named MOM.

13/01/19 v Getafe (H) 2-2
A close game with a draw probably the fairest result. Johan Lugo pounced on a defensive error to put us ahead but Getafe equlaised before the break and then went ahead after an hour. Substiute Jose Artiles rescued a point for us with an equaliser in the 77th minute.

16/01/19 v Almeria (H) 0-1 (Spanish Cup 5th round 1st leg)
I field a weakened team for this pretty irrelevant match, with our lead from the first leg never really in danger. Almeria scored the only goal of the game at the start of the second half to at least give them something to cheer about.


Following the game striker Lander Yurrebaso comes out in the press and publicly slams my half-time team talk, saying I'd misjudged the situation and taken the wrong approach (he thinks I was too harsh). I'll take this up with him at a later date. He's our third-choice striker, out of contract at the end of the season and won't be re-signed anyway.


20/01/19 v Real Sociedad (H) 0-0
A very frustrating result as we should have won and overtaken Sociedad to climb off the bottom of the table. We had more chances and with better finishing would have taken all three points.


http://i61.tinypic.com/dngeol.png

Oh really?


23/01/19 v Real Sociedad (H) 3-1 (Spanish Cup QF 1st leg)
I'd rather have swapped the league and cup results but I can take solace form that fact that once again we out-play Sociedad. After a goalless first half strikes from Victor Bertomeu and Jarkko Leppanen put us two up in the second half, and despite pulling one back with five minutes left Sociedad are unable to complete their comeback and Gonzalo Melero heads a late second to give us a two-goal buffer for the second leg. Bertomeu is named MOM.


http://i60.tinypic.com/1o0ns7.png

That's right, get out, and take Roberto Donadoni with you.


I sign 18 year-old centre-midfielder Abraham Organdona (I hope he carries his card with him) from Murcia for £18k, on a 3yr/£1600pw contract. He looks very promising and according to my assistant manager has the potential to be one of the best players at the club.


27/01/19 v Athletico Madrid (A) 1-1
We were minutes away from a shock upset as despite dominating the game Athletico had to relay on a late equaliser to save a point. Johan Lugo put us ahead from the spot on the half-hour mark and we held off Athletico admirably until they finally broke through in the 86th minute.

30/01/19 v Real Sociedad (A) 1-2 (Spanish Cup QF 2nd leg)
We win the tie and advance to the semi-final after this back-and-forth battle that could have gone either way. Finnish striker Jarkko Leppanen put us ahead after 32 minutes but Sociedad equalised almost immediately after the break. Both teams attacked during the second half but it was Sociedad who scored in the 81st minute to win the match.


A pleasing month as we are through to the semi-final of the Spanish Cup (although unfortunately have been drawn against Real Madrid) and improved league perfomances led us to four draws out of four games, which is four more points than we'd usually expect.

http://i61.tinypic.com/2qwot8j.png

[mrtourette]

03/02/19 v Deportivo La Coruna (H) 1-1
An impressive yet frustrating performance as yet again we fail to take advantage of bossing the game and claim three points. Johan Lugo set us on our way with the opener after 12 minutes but Deportivo equalised on the half-hour mark and neither team could find any further breakthrough. Sergio Biox was named MOM.


Victor Bertomeu is out injued again, this time for a month after twisting his ankle against Deportivo.


To cover Bertomeu's injury I pick up former Valladolid and Oviedo winger Sergio Garcia on a 3yr/£6500pw deal. The 29 year-old can cover both flanks, should provide some valuable experience and could challenge for a starting place even when Bertomeu returns.


06/02/19 v Real Madrid (H) 0-4 (Spanish Cup SF 1st leg)
We muster a grand total of exactly zero attempts on goal during this routine dismantling by Real. We fared better than our last game against them, conceding only two goals by half time, although they seemed to be without some major stars though injury.

10/02/19 v Celta Vigo (A) 1-1
A solid performance and result as we secure our sixth consecutive league draw. Once again Johan Lugo puts us ahead early in the game but Celta force an equaliser just before the break. We have the better of the second half but can't find a breakthrough and have to settle for a point.

13/02/19 v Real Madrid (A) 0-3 (Spanish Cup SF 2nd leg)
We werere predictably knocked out of the cup but it's a better performance than the first leg, by virtue of actually managing some attempts on goal. Real still dominated the game and one first and two second-half goals saw them to a comfortable victory.

17/02/19 v Sporting Gijon (H) 1-0
Our first league win for 15 games! It was by no means a classic match and we benefitted greatly from Sporting being reduced to ten men after only 15 minutes. Sergio Garcia scored his first for the club after half an hour and it was enough to give us the points. Sporting were reduced to nine men in injury time, and right-back Diego Llorente was named MOM.


After pulling up in training it is discovered that winger Ivan Sales is suffering from a double hernia. He'll be out for a couple of months.


24/02/19 v Valencia (H) 1-1
We came so close to a massive upset as once more we switched off towards the end of a game and it cost us. Jarkko Leppanen headed us into the lead after quarter of an hour and we held off Valencia, who had 68% of the possession, until injury time when they snuck an equaliser with one of the last kicks of the game.


The board seem happy at the moment, no doubt the fact that we're making money every month is keeping them sweet:

http://i62.tinypic.com/35cjvd5.png


Despite the cup defeat another good month as we are now eight games unbeaten and only six points away from safety:

http://i61.tinypic.com/i6meja.png

[bbgunn]

Not a terrible position to be in... with the right breaks you could get out of the zone before the season is up.

[mrtourette]

Not a terrible position to be in... with the right breaks you could get out of the zone before the season is up.

Sure, certainly a lot more optimistic than a couple of months previous. Without that unbeaten run I'd probably be dead and buried by now. I just have to hope that none of the three teams above me put together their own relegation-avoiding run.

[mrtourette]

03/03/19 v Elche (A) 1-1
Elche controlled the vast majority of possession but both sides had an equal number of chances to win this match. After a goalless first half Elche took the lead just after the hour mark but Noa Samson capitalised on a defensive error to equalise after 78 minutes, and was named MOM.

10/03/19 v Barcelona (A) 1-6
A predictable end to our unbeaten run as Barca rack up a whopping 40 shots on goal and 69% possession. What is odd is that we were holding them until the 23rd minute after which they scored six goals in the next 20 minutes, including an own goal by keeper Daniel Sotres, and then nothing in the second half. Diego Llorente got on the scoresheet thanks a long-range strike on the hour.

17/3/19 v Athletic Bilbao (H) 3-2
A crucial win as Bilbao get dragged further into the relegation scrap. Thanks to goals from Johan Lugo and Robin Lafarge we went in 2-0 up at the break but that was threatened when Alberto Prada was sent off in the 56th minute and Bilbao netted the resulting penalty. Johan Lugo scored a second shortly after and although a mistake by Noa Samson allowed Bilbao to score again they couldn't find a thrid to draw level. Johan Lugo was given the MOM award and Lafarge named in the team-of-the-week.

24/03/19 v Valladolid (A) 2-2
A real six-pointer ended with a draw that didn't really help either team. Israel Puerto put us ahead with an early goal only for Valladolid to equalise after 20 minutes. Valladolid then dominated the second half and took the lead from a penalty conceded by Alex Munoz, but their failure to capitalise on their dominance cost them when substitute Victor Bertomeu drew us level in the 93rd minute.


Diego Llorente's goal against Barcelona comes second in the La Liga goal of the month competiton for March.


Another tidy month and we are off the bottom of the table and chipping away at the teams above us:

http://i59.tinypic.com/2lc2oaf.png


From this year's group of teenage trialists we sign the following to youth contracts:

Jose Joaquin Moreno, DC, 0 current rating/4.5 potential rating

Angel Ibanez, AML, 0 current rating/4 potential rating

Antonio Israel, ST, 0 current rating/4.5 potential rating

Francisco Jiminez, ST, 0 current rating/4.5 potential rating

[mrtourette]

A disappointing exchange as I ask my experienced (and previosuly trustworthy) central midfielder Sergio Biox to take our newest signing Abraham Organdona under his wing, and he refuses:

http://i61.tinypic.com/1zfo182.png

He may have just signed his release papers as he isn't a first-team regular any more, and if he isn't going to put his experience to use helping the squad I may not have any need for him.


07/04/19 v Malaga (A) 2-1<O:p</O:p
A good win to keep our survival run going thanks to Jose Artiles’ MOM-winning performance. Artiles pounced on a defensive error to put us ahead late in the first half and Gonzalo Melero doubled the lead in the 53rd minute with his first league goal of a disappointing campaign. Malaga pulled a goal back with ten minutes remaining but were unable to draw level. Artiles was named in the league team-of-the-week.

14/04/19 v Real Madrid (H) 0-1
<O:p</O:pDespite being predictably outplayed and outclassed conceding just one goal and allowing ‘only’ 22 attempts to a rampaging Real is a sign of improvement I’m happy to take away from the game. Gareth Bale netted the only goal of the game in the second half after an error by Gonzalo Melero, and while we offered little up front making Real work for their victory was encouraging.

<O:p21/04/19 v Real Betis (A) 3-2
<O:pAn incredibly satisfying win as we defied the odds to take all three points. Jose Artiles was again in fine form and put us ahead after only eight minutes, but Betis equalised soon after thanks to a penalty conceded by Alex Munoz. Things looked bleak after Diego Llorente was given a straight red card in the 26th minute, but despite being able to cling on to a draw until half time we were soon behind early in the second. However we soaked up intense pressure with ten men and hit Betis on the break, with a fluke cross-come-shot from Israel Puerto drawing us level and then Artiles’ second and the match-winner with quarter of an hour left. Artiles was named MOM

24/04/19 v Sevilla (H) 0-2
<O:pA turgid game that neither team deserved to win, with Sevilla edging possession and attempts on goal. Seven second-half minutes in which Sevilla scored both goals provided the only real excitement in the game as both teams struggled to find any form or creativity in the final third. A very frustrating performance given how well we’ve done recently.

<O:p28/04/19 v Hercules (A) 2-1
<O:pAnother sluggish display in a game that could really have gone either way, with a result that keeps our survival hopes alive but that officially relegated Hercules. Hercules went ahead from the spot after Sergio Biox conceded an early penalty, with Johan Lugo volleying home from 25 yards out to equalise in the 19th minute. Both teams had chances but were wasteful in front of goal and it was Jarkko Leppanen, signed as a striker but who has been performing well on the right wing in recent weeks, who scored what turned out to be the winner in the 62nd minute. Johan Lugo was given the MOM award.


<O:p</O:pYoung midfielder Noa Samson comes to see me with concerns that I’m not showing enough discipline. There are no specifics to go on but I can only assume he’s referring to the number of red cards and that lack of resulting fines. I tell him not to worry about it and trust my judgement, and he seems happy. Something to think about though, maybe I should be punishing these ill-disciplined shits.


<O:pJohan Lugo’s long-range volley against Hercules comes second in the La Liga goal of the month competiton for April.<O:p</O:p


Nine points is an excellent return from April and with four games left we are now only two points from safety. Real Sociedad have also put together an excellent run to see them out of the relegation zone, while Deportivo and Valladolid have both been sucked into the relegation scrap. Bilbao are just above all of us but are on a wretched run of form.

http://i57.tinypic.com/168ie0i.png<O:p</O:p

[law90026]

Going to be a nailbiting finish!

[mrtourette]

http://i59.tinypic.com/9qzp6b.png

Bored of this now, but it's nice to be referred to as 'cup semi-finalists'.


After failing to find a club after we released him last Summer former goalkeeper and captain Urtzi Iturrioz has retired from the game. Yes I feel a little pang of guilt, so lets take a look at his career:

http://i58.tinypic.com/11tlwe1.png


05/05/19 v Levante (H) 2-2
We managed to secure an undeserved point despite Levante bossing the game. Johan Lugo headed us in front after ten minutes but Alvaro Negredo scored a penalty conceded by Robin Lafarge and then capitalised on an Israel Puerto error to put Levante 2-1 up. We were staring defeat in the face until Sergio Garcia pounced on a defensive error in injury time to equalise, but the news that Deportivo, Valladolid and Sociedad all won meant we had lost ground on them.


Sergio Garcia's equaliser against Levante was named La Liga goal of the week.


12/05/19 v Granada (H) 2-1
A full house for our final home game of the season saw us get off to a fantastic start as goals from Johan Lugo and Jarkko Leppanen put us two up after eight minutes. After a comfortable first half Granada pulled a goal back straight after the break to ensure a nervous end to the game but we held on and defeats for the teams above us brought us back into the race for survival. Noa Samson was named MOM.

24/05/19 v Espanyol (A) 3-3
Not a game for the faint-hearted as we battled for a draw despite only having 37% possession. Espanyol went ahead in the ninth minute but we were level mid-way through the first half courtesy of an own goal. The score remained level until the 77th minute when Espanyol went ahead again, only for Noa Samson to equalise again with five minutes remaining. We were still celebrating saving the draw when Johan Lugo fired us ahead from long range in the 93rd minute, but ecstasy turned to despair when Espanyol equalised in the 96th minute and even missed a great chance to win the game afterwards. Noa Samson was once again named MOM. Heading into the final game we are level on points with Deportivo and Valladolid, and a point behind Bilbao.


http://i62.tinypic.com/wjceno.png


01/06/19 v Getafe (A) 4-0
Well what can be said about that? We saved our best performance of the season until last to escape relegation thanks to a true captain's performance. Johan Lugo put us ahead with a diving header after eight minutes and scored again in the 37th minute, and disbelief turned to sheer joy when Jose Artiles scored on the stroke of half time to send us in at the break 3-0 up. Lugo completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute with a thumping long range strike and was named MOM and also in the team-of-the-week alongside Robin Lafarge, Gonzalo Melero and Jose Artiles. Worth mentioning that Johan Lugo scored seven goals in our final five games (three wins and two draws) to cap an excellent campaign, he has kept us up this season.

Johan Lugo's third goal against Getafe was named La Liga goal of the week.


http://i58.tinypic.com/2im2rgn.png

Way to put a dampner on things.


Final league table:

http://i61.tinypic.com/2wgvj8x.png

All three relegated teams sack their managers, with Deportivo appointing Miroslav Djukic, who was supposedly earmarked to replace me post-takeover. Which is nice.


http://i62.tinypic.com/ir4xg9.png

[britrock88]

Wonder why Deportivo's ahead of Valladolid in the final standings... wouldn't be ahead on any of the usual tiebreakers.

[mrtourette]

Wonder why Deportivo's ahead of Valladolid in the final standings... wouldn't be ahead on any of the usual tiebreakers.

Head-to-head record comes first, the usual total goal difference and total goals scored is only used if the head-to-head record doesn't break the tie, or of the teams haven't played each other twice yet.

As I had a draw and a loss against both Valladolid and Deportivo I was below both of them when we were all tied on points.

[mrtourette]

Player stats for the 2018/2019 season:

http://i61.tinypic.com/vfkyfn.png
http://i58.tinypic.com/ih40mf.png


Some financial housekeeping taken care of in June:

- after making an impressive £10.76mil profit we are hit with a tax bill of £3.2mil.

- our wage budget has been set at £165k per week (an increase of £30k), with £9.5m available to spend on transfers.

- we pay out £145k in squad bonuses for finishing 17th, plus an additional £443k due to individual contractual avoid relegation clauses.

- we receive £773k for our final league position.

- we sign a three-year general sponsorship deal for £160k per year.


Finally this happens:

http://i61.tinypic.com/k1ukw7.png


But then:

http://i62.tinypic.com/2nscmxh.png

We will remain under a transfer embargo until the board decide whether they want me to continue as manager.

[mrtourette]

Looking at contracts expiring at the end of next season centre-midfielder Vilyson Farrell is the only pressing concern, so I sign him to a 4yr/£8500pw deal.


With his contract due to expire in a few days I decide that I'm short on centre-back cover and re-sign David Costas to a 3yr/£5000pw deal.


A number of other contracts are not renewed and the following are allowed to leave:

- experienced centre-midfielder Sergio Biox (147 apps/6 goals). Has been a valuable asset over the last four years but is now 31 and not good enough for La Liga. His experience and support had been valuable until he refused to mentor a young signing earlier in the season, otherwise I probably would have kept him.

- centre-back Alex Escobar (108 apps/6 goals), who was a first choice at the back for three seasons until we brought in new players after the promotion to La Liga. Never really done much wrong but I have an abundance of cover at centre-back. Very nearly re-signed him instead of David Costas, could regret that decision.

- young backup left-back Alex Munoz, who has been distinctly average when given the opportunity to play during his two years at the club. I intend to upgrade this position in the off-season so he's surplus to requirements.

- winger Ivan Salas, who has occasionally shown glimpses of good form but generally is no better than than a weak backup at this level. We have a plenty of attacking midfielders able to play out wide so he is not required.

- striker Lander Yurrebaso, who again offers not much more than cover at this level. He has chipped in with some important goals in his two-and-a-half years at the club but at 29 isn't going to develop any further. Our relationship was soured earlier in the season when he publicly criticised one of my half-time team talks.

- young goalkeeper Angel Cobo, who is not adequate cover at this level and doesn't show the potential to be so. Has made one appearance in four years since coming through the youth set-up, and wasn't deemed good enough to play more than twice when on loan at Segunda B side Cacereno last season.


Johan Lugo is unsurprisingly named our player of the year.


I sensibly accept the 'avoid relegation' expectation for the upcoming season.


We are given £18.22m for TV rights for the upcoming season.

[mrtourette]

http://i60.tinypic.com/2db86yh.png

Splendid news. The new board have also decided to spend £4.9mil on upgrading our youth and training facilities, as well as re-laying the pitch at El Helmantico.


We make the following signings during the off-season:

- Javier Garcia-Noblejas, DL, 26 (4yr/£12250pw), £1.7m from Rayo Vallecano - performed at a high level for Rayo in the Segunda division over the last two seasons, prior to which he was at Ponferradina. Will replace Alberto Prada at left-back.

- Alex Barrera, MC, 28 (4yr/£11750pw), £3.5m from Deportivo La Coruna - was relegated after his only season with Deportivo, was at Ponferradina for three seasons beforehand. Planned to form a central midfield partnership with Vilyson Farrell.

- Alex Serrano, AMRLC, 24 (3yr/£5000pw), free agent - signed a pre-contract agreement back in March to move when his contract as Sporting Gijon was up. Will challenge Victor Bertomeu to start on the right wing.


I decide to loan out some youngsters for the season; right-back Alberto goes to Lugo (Segunda) for a second season, striker Celso Aparicio to Mirandes (Segunda B), left-back Sisinio to Bembibre and centre-back Alvaro Calzado to Tordesillas (both Tercera division).


First-team squad at the start of the 2019/20 season:

http://i57.tinypic.com/257i1bb.png

[mrtourette]

A poor pre-season, especially defensively:

http://i61.tinypic.com/2rn7o88.png


We have better odds for survival than last season, and it looks like we aren't favourites for the drop:

http://i58.tinypic.com/2hocv4n.png


http://i58.tinypic.com/2mbgix.png


Bolster the striker position you say? We sign 20 year-old Senegalese striker Bocar Mbaya on a 3yr/£1500pw contract. Definitely one for the future but he has potential, having scored 60 goals in 95 games for AS Douanes in Senegal.

[mrtourette]

We sell 3625 season tickets for the new season, marginally down on last year. Our average attendance last season was in the region of 8000, so I'm expecting roughly the same this time around.


17/08/19 v Real Betis (H) 1-0
A near full-house aware at El Helmantico to see a solid if unspectacular start to the season, as the two teams combined to manage just five shots on target throughout the game. The only goal of the game was scored by Johan Lugo in the 78th minute, and he was named MOM and in the team-of-the-week with Robin Lafarge.

24/08/19 v Villarreal (A) 1-2
A tight defeat in an even game. Newly-promoted Villarreal took the lead early on after a mistake by Diego Llorente and doubled their lead a minute after half-time. Johan Lugo pulled one back a few minutes later but despite having a host of chances we were unable to draw level.

30/08/19 v Getafe (H) 1-3
This is the sort of game that killed us last season, a home defeat against average opposition as they took their chances and we didn't. Getafe went ahead mid-way through the first half and went into the break two-up thanks to a defensive error from winger Sergio Garcia. Israel Puerto headed home from a corner to pull us back into the game but then made a mistake at the other end to allow Getafe another goal and a comfortable finish to the match.

[mrtourette]

Jarkko Leppanen makes his international debut for Finland, becoming the first Salamanca AC player to earn a full international cap (while at the club).

Johan Lugo is a late call up to the Spain U21 team, and scores twice on his debut against Israel U21.


15/09/19 v Sporting Gijon (H) 0-2
See opening comment for the Getafe game. Another close match but Sporting took their chances and went ahead after six minutes, and then after comfortably fending off our attacks made the points safe with a second goal in the 81st minute.

20/09/19 v Cordoba (A) 0-2
Another defeat against a newly-promoted team, Cordoba completely outplayed us and we were restricted to just two attempts on goal (neither of them on target) compared to their 17. After a goalless first half they deservedly took the lead after 56 minutes and doubled their advantage with eight minutes remaining.

25/09/19 v Real Sociedad (A) 1-0
A good reponse to three poor performances, thanks to a first-half goal from Johan Lugo after he took advantage of a defensive error to score. The game was tight in terms of posession and chances and both teams could and should have scored more. Goalkeeper Daniel Sotres was given the MOM award.

30/09/19 v Malaga (H) 3-0
A comfortable win over bottom-of-the-table Malaga as we finally show some killer instinct in front of goal. Victor Bertomeu opened his account for the season in the 29th minute and two second half goals from Johan Lugo sealed the points, although in reality they were always safe. Bertomeu was named MOM and in the team-of-the-week alongside keeper Daniel Sotres and centre-back Israel Puerto.


We finish September in mid-table, good to get some wins in the bag early-on but some questionable performances:

http://i57.tinypic.com/2jeqwpl.png

[mrtourette]

05/10/19 v Valencia (A) 1-2
A frustrating defeat as we came close to getting a point against tough opposition. After a tight first half Johan Lugo gave us the lead two minutes into the second period, and we appeared to be holding Valencia and growing in confidence until they equalised in the 70th minute. A point would have been a decent outcome but an injury-time winner from Valencia snatched that away from us.

18/10/19 v Athletic Bilbao (A) 1-3
Another match in which we appeared to be holding our own until the second half, when Bilbao scored three goals in ten minutes just after the hour to completely blow us out of the water. With ten minutes left Vilyson Farrell pulled one back with a powerful long-range thunderbastard but we could not recover from the shock of Bilbao's goal flurry. Farrell was named MOM and also in the team-of-the-week.

27/10/19 v Barcelona (H) 0-2
Same old story, massive difference in attempts on goal (we managed three compared to their 32) and possession, although 42% for us is better than usual against Barca. We managed to hold them goalless in the first half, which I suppose is something, but eventually they broke through and in he end 2-0 isn't bad given their level of dominance.

30/10/19 v Atletico Madrid (H) 0-2
Another hard defeat to swallow as we held on until the 81st minute before a tough <O:p</O:pAtletico side took the lead, with them scoring a second in injury-time to give the result an unfairly comfortable slant. The game was tight but we couldn't make a breakthrough and eventually buckled under late pressure.


Vilyson Farrell's long-range strike against Bilbao is named second in the La Liga goal of the month competition for October.


A rough month with four defeats on the spin, although given the opposition it was always going to be tough. Spirited displays against Valencia and Atletico Madrid were encouraging, but not enough to stop us sliding down the table:

http://i57.tinypic.com/2lc7k8x.png<O:p</O:p

[mrtourette]

02/11/19 v Elche (H) 3-0
Back to winning ways in superb fashion thanks to a hat-trick from Johan Lugo. We in no way dominated the game but pleasingly took our chances when they came, with Lugo scoring an early penalty and then netted a second on the stroke of half time. Elche has opportunities in the second half but it was Lugo again who found the net with a late goal to earn the match ball and the MOM award.


Depite still having two years remaining on his contract I decide we need to tie-up Johan Lugo for longer and offer to double his wages, and he signs a new 4yr/£13000pw deal.


10/11/19 v Celta Vigo (A) 0-0
A frustrating draw as the points were there for the taking. We restricted Celta to just five attempts on goal but at the other end were unable to make a breakthrough and in the end had to settle for a point. Robin Lafage was given the MOM award.

23/11/19 v Numancia (A) 2-1
We made hard work of inferior opposition but were able to claim all three points thanks to first-half goals form Johan Lugo and Alex Serrano, his first for the club. Numancia pulled one back on the hour but offered little else in the second half. Lugo was anmed MOM.


20 year-old Senegalese striker Bocar Mbaya asks if he can go out on loan to try and get some first-team football. He's currently my third choice striker so I'd need him if Johan Lugo or Jarkko Leppanen suffered an injury, but tell him I'll try and find somewhere for him to get a game.


Johan Lugo's goal against Numancia is named third in the La Liga goal of the month competition for November.


A better month as seven points from three games sees us back up into 13th position.


The board are happy, with no particular gripes or complaints:

http://i62.tinypic.com/30kzklz.png

[mrtourette]

02/12/19 v Granada (H) 1-1
A record crowd of 13921 (against Granada? In the rain?) turned up to see a tense draw, with Granada slightly more aggrieved at sharing the points than us. Alex Serrano put us ahead after 25 minutes when his intended cross luckily went in, with an own goal from Israel Puerto early in the second half levelling the score. Granda were reduced to ten men in the 79th minute but still pushed and were unlucky not to find a late winner. Left-back Javier Garcia-Noblejas was named MOM.


With my contract up at the end of the season the board approach me about signing a two-year extension with a pay rise to £2900pw (from £2300pw). I use all of my negotiating skills to get that up to £3000pw, while reducing the 35% relegation wage drop they insist upon to 30%. I won't be tolerating any of this shit in two years, it'll be my terms or nothing.


07/12/19 v Ponferradina (A) 4-2 (Spanish Cup 4th round 1st leg)
The cup comes round again and it's time to give some of my stiffs a game. It didn't look like a wise idea when Ponferradina went into an early lead but Gonzalo Melero equalised after 13 minutes and Jarkko Leppanen got his first of the season a few minutes later. Victor Bertomeu then scored two second-half penalties but had been substituted when a third was awarded and Melero's spot-kick was saved. Ponferradina sored a second in injury time to give them a glimmer of hope for the second leg. Bertomeu was named MOM.

14/12/19 v Sevilla (A) 2-1
An incredibly satisfying result as we came from behind against third-place Sevilla, who controlled the majority of the match and went ahead early thanks to a mistake by full-back Gael Perea. Jose Artiles equalised just before the break and a late second-half strike from Johan Lugo proved to be the winner. Lugo was named MOM and Israel Puerto named in the league team-of-the-week.

18/12/14 v Ponferradina (H) 0-0 (Spanish Cup 4th round 2nd leg)
A dull game but credit to Ponferradina who at least attempted to create something going forward to get back into the tie. Our second-stringers managed only three attempts on goal during the whole match and were happy to sit back knowing the tie was all but safe. Javier Garcia-Noblejas was named MOM.

22/12/19 v Real Madrid (A) 0-3
Yawn, far more attemps on goal, considerably more possesion, early goal/s, took foot off pedal, chasing shadows, additional late goal/s no more than they deserved. These Real/Barca matches are getting very predictable.


At the end of the year we sit in 13th place, 11 points better off than at the same point last year:

http://i60.tinypic.com/2i6ovuv.png

[mrtourette]

Remember Jorge Palacios? You know, the 16 year-old full-back we sold to Sevilla 18 months ago for £1.1m? Turns out he just signed for PSG and we get £850k due to the 25% sell-on fee clause.


Time to make sure we keep hold of our promising youngsters (so that we can sell them at greatly inflated prices and later claim 25% of the sell-on fee), so I sign 18 year-olds right-back Eduardo (2yr/£725pw) and attacking midfielder Chema Sanchis (2yr/£1100pw) to new deals.


05/01/20 v Levante (H) 2-1
A cracking result against a team we usually struggle against, thanks to Jose Artiles' MOM performace. Artlies put us ahead after only eight minutes but Levante equalised shortly after. Despite plenty of attempts on goal we held them off off until half time, and then Artiles put us ahead again after 48 minutes. Once again we had to see off considerable pressure to cling onto the three points and Levante were certainly unfortunate to go away empty-handed havign controlled large parts of the game.

08/01/20 v Valencia (H) 2-5 (Spanish Cup 5th round 1st leg)
Our fans certainlty pick odd games to come and watch as a near full-house saw a team of mostly back-ups taken apart by Valencia. The game was certainly closer than the score suggested, with possession and attempts on goal roughly equal, but Valencia were more ruthless and were two-up after only 14 minutes. A Victor Bertomeu penalty pulled one back soon after, with the rest of the half close until two quickfire goals just before half time sent us in 4-1 down. Young striker Bocar Mbaye scored his first goal for the club after an hour but Valencia restored their three-goal lead with quarter of an hour left. At least all those fans got to see plenty of goals.

12/01/20 v Espanyol (A) 1-0
A satisfying smash-and-grab win as we soaked up a lot of Espanyol pressure and hit them on the break, with Johan Lugo's strike late in the first half proving to be the decisive goal. Goalkeeper Daniel Sotres was named MOM, which should tell you where most of the action was in this game.

15/01/20 v Valencia (A) 1-2 (Spanish Cup 5th round 2nd leg)
A better result than the first leg but the tie was never in doubt as both teams took the opportunity to rest first-teamers. As with the first match Valencia opened up an early two-goal lead, before Jarkko Leppanen pulled one back after 34 minutes. Both teams had chances to score in an open second half but couldn't find the net, and we finished the game with nine men after frustrations boiled over and David Costas and Noa Samson both received late red cards.

19/01/20 v Real Betis (A) 2-3
A close result but in reality Betis fully deserved to avenge their opening day defeat, controlling 62% of possession and limiting us to just six attempts on goal. They took the lead after only five minutes, although we were soon level an equaliser form Vilyson Farrell. Two goals early in the second half allowed Betis to open up a comfortable lead and despite an Alex Serrano goal in the 72nd minute gave us a glimmer of hope Betis were never really in danger of giving up any points.

26/01/20 v Getafe (A) 3-1
A really good win as despite having more possession we bullied Getafe and allowed them just three shots on goal in the whole match. Winger Alex Serrano headed us into the lead after 18 minutes, and although Getafe equalised straight after half time Johan Lugo put us back into the lead with quarter of an hour left and Vilyson Farrell gave the scoreline a little shine with a long-range screamer in the 93rd minute. Farrell was named MOM.


We may be out of the cup but three league wins in January mean that we are consolidating our mid-table position:

http://i59.tinypic.com/34fijhf.png

[Greyfriars Bobby]

I'm stopping by to say two things. First of all, I've been enjoying your dynasty. Your experiences playing Barca and Real Madrid sound a lot like what happens to my Scottish side when we play Rangers, Celtic, etc.

Secondly, thank you for posting the links to the tactical guides in Izulde's thread. I had seen something similar, but the sites you shared were a huge help. The club I'm managing has limited resources, and it helps to have a better sense of the kinds of players I want to target and sign.

Good luck with Salamanca AC, and I'll be following along!

[mrtourette]

Thanks!

Those guides and fmscout in general certainly have been helpful, mostly as a reminder of how realistic FM is and how much common sense needs to be applied. For example I was playing my two CMs in their best/favoured roles as ball winning midfielders, which you'd never do in real life as they'd both be dragged all over the pitch chasing the ball and offer no central support, yet for some reason it didn't occur to me that it would be a problem in FM. I just wanted to play my players how/where their best rating was and didn't consider that certain styles or individual tactics would clash and be counter-productive.

Anyway I think I have the individual and team tactics sorted now, still clueless about training and development so will read up on that at the end of this season.

[Greyfriars Bobby]

I smiled and nodded when I read your post, because I've done exactly the same thing. I had two center backs both playing the stopper role, who would have been rushing up to break up attacks and leaving the keeper exposed. Even worse, I had two trequartistas, which seems a little like a band with two lead singers and no bass player.

The training and development piece is the one I'm still trying to implement, too. I have a long, long way to go there.

Sorry to "hijack" your story...but thanks again for the tips.

[mrtourette]

Striker Bocar Mbaya asks to be placed on the transfer list, presumably as I have been unable to find a club to loan him out to. I agree to do so.


02/02/20 v Villarreal (H) 1-1
Two points thrown away as we dominated struggling Villarreal, and went ahead in the first half thanks to Johan Lugo. Despite comfortably controlling the second half we allowed Villarreal to equalise against the run of play with twenty minutes remaining and were unable to raise our game to force a winner.

10/02/20 v Cordoba (H) 2-1
A better home result as we soaked up a lot of pressure yet always looked the most dangerous going forward. We forced and own goal to go ahead after 18 minutes and Gonzalo Melero doubled the lead shortly after half time. Cordoba pulled one back with ten minutes left but never seriously threatened to steal a draw.

15/02/20 v Sporting Gijon (A) 3-1
A very good win as we came back from being 1-0 down at half time, due to an early penalty given away by Diego Llorente. Two goals in the first five minutes of the second half from Victor Bertomeu and Johan Lugo turned the game on it's head and Lugo sealed the points with his second with three minutes remaining. Lugo was named MOM and in the league team-of-the-week.

22/02/20 v Real Sociedad (H) 3-4
A poor result as we wasted a good start and allowed Socidead to get back into a game that we should have won. Israel Puerto put us ahead after 14 minutes and despite Sociedad drawing level immediately goals from Alex Serrano and Johan Lugo mid-way through the first half put us in the driving seat. An error from Robin Lafarge allowed Sociedad to pull one back before the break and then sloppy defending late on when we were looking to lock the game down allowed them two goals on the last ten minutes.

28/02/20 v Malaga (A) 1-1
A very tight game against bottom-of-the-table Malaga started well when Alex Serrano put us ahead after quarter of an hour. Neither side really distinguished themselves or took control of the game and it was no surprise when Malaga equalised then minutes into the second half. The game pertered out after that and a draw was the fairest result.


On the face of it two wins and two draws would indicate a good month but given the quality of the opposition we should really have been looking to kick on and stake a claim to belong at the next level. Two draws against teams in the relegation zone isn't particularly impressive.

http://i60.tinypic.com/23uzsw9.png

[mrtourette]

04/03/20 v Valencia (H) 1-4
Once again Valencia are ruthless and give us a lesson in finishing in front of a full house at El Helmantico. They took the lead after just nine minutes and controlled the game until three goals in ten minutes with a quarter of an hour left blew us out of the water. Johan Lugo managed a consolation goal in injury time.

09/03/20 v Athletic Bilbao (H) 4-2
An excellent game as both teams went for the jugular and we came back from being down with only ten men. Johan Lugo put us ahead early on but we were reduced to ten men when Diego Llorente was sent off after just 25 minutes. Bilbao equalised a minute later and then took the lead after an error from Gael Perea, but Lugo scored his second to send the teams in level at the break. Jose Artiles put us ahead early in the second half and with a quarter of an hour left Bilbao were reduced to ten men, with Lugo completing his hat-trick from the resulting penalty. Lugo was named MOM and in the team-of-the-week.


His red card against Bilbao is the final straw and I fine and transfer-list right-back Diego Llorente. His performances over the last season-and-a-half have been average at best and his disciplinary record shocking.

He responds by saying that he wants to stay, so I tell him if his performances improve I'll consider it.


15/03/20 v Barcelona (A) 1-1
Take that Barca. The game followed the usual pattern of Barca dominance and despite holding them goalless at the half they took the lead after 55 minutes. However instead of the floodgates opening they were reduced to ten men after an hour and Alex Serrano popped up to equalise from close range with ten minutes left.


The game against Barcelona was Johan Lugo's 204th appearance for Salamanca, breaking Urtzi Iturrioz's club record.


21/03/20 v Atletico Madrid (A) 0-4
Back down to earth with a bump as we were comprehensively beaten by Atletico. Early defensive errors from Victor Bertomeu and Gael Perea handed Atletico an early two goal lead, with them three-up at the break. Gabriel Barbosa then completed his hat-trick after 52 minutes, after which the game petered out.


Johan Lugo's second goal against Athletic Bilbao is named La Liga goal of the month competition for March.


A tough month of opponents so two good results and two bad can't be sniffed at, but the amount of goals conceded can. We still sit comfortably in mid-table:

http://i59.tinypic.com/16byozm.png


From this year's group of teenage trialists we sign the following to youth contracts:

Agustin Lainez, GK, 0 current rating/4 potential rating

Guillermo Acerete, DM, 0 current rating/4 potential rating

Julian Palones, AMR, 0 current rating/4 potential rating

Daniel Milan, ST, 0 current rating/4 potential rating

[mrtourette]

05/04/20 v Celta Vigo (H) 2-1
We had a late Jarkko Leppanen goal to thank for three points in a game that we dominated but nearly threw away. Johan Lugo put us ahead after 18 minutes but we were punished for our inability to kill the game off when Celta equalised with ten minutes left. However Leppanen's close-range finish in the 93rd minute gave us the victory, with Lugo named MOM and in the league team-of-the-week.

12/04/20 v Elche (A) 1-2
A close game but overall a deserved win for Elche, whi went ahead just before the half-hour mark. Victor Bertomeu equalised just before the break but after a tight second half Elche went back ahead with 20 minutes remaining and comfortably saw the game out.

15/04/20 v Granada (A) 0-2
A poor performance form us as we were easily turned over by Granada. Defensive errors by Noa Samson and Robin Lafarge allowed Granada to ease into an early lead and we were lucky to escape with just a two-goal defeat as Granada racked up 27 shots on goal and missed a second-half penalty.

27/04/20 v Numancia (A) 0-1
Another poor performance in a game we should've won at home to struggling Numancia. An error from Johan Lugo allowed Numancia to take the lead and although both teams had chances neither had the quality to add to the score. Despite the poor team performance left-back Javier Garcia-Noblejas is given the MOM award.


Three poor results against teams around us in the table sees us drop down to 12th place, but fortunately we're essentially already safe from relegation.

[mrtourette]

02/05/20 v Sevilla (H) 1-3
Our poor run continues as we were outclassed at home. Sevilla deservedly took the lead just before the break but were pegged back against the run of play by a Johan Lugo equaliser in the 71st minute. However we were unable to hold out for the last twenty minutes and a mistake by Vilyson Farrell allowed Sevilla to take the lead again and a third late on settled the game.

07/05/20 v Levante (A) 1-1
A point after four straight losses is an improvement but it was another sketchy performance. We went ahead thanks to an own goal after quarter of an hour but Levante soon equalised, and despite dominating the second half were unable to prevent us holding on for the draw.

10/05/20 v Real Madrid (H) 2-8
Same old story, although 15 attempts on goal and two goals is a marked improvement against Real. We were 6-0 down at the break but Victor Bertomeu scored at the start of the second half before another two form Real. A late header form Jarkko Leppanen capped the scoring.

17/05/20 v Espanyol (H) 2-0
After just one point from six games a good result to finish the season, although we barely deserved it. Goals either side of half-time from Johan Lugo and Victor Bertomeu were enough to give us the three points. Bertomeu was named MOM and goalkeeper Daniel Sotres was named in the team-of-the-week.


Striker Bocar Mbaya decides that he wants to stay and asks to be removed from the transfer list.


Final league table:

http://i62.tinypic.com/335fh51.png


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[mrtourette]

Player stats for the 2019/2020 season:

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Some financial housekeeping taken care of in June:

- after making £9.9mil profit we are hit with a tax bill of £3mil.

- our wage budget has been set at £195k per week (an increase of £30k), with £11m available to spend on transfers.

- we pay out £185k in squad bonuses for finishing 12th, plus an additional £627k due to individual contractual avoid relegation clauses.

- we receive £1.68mil for our final league position.

- we sign a two-year general sponsorship deal for £160k per year.

[mrtourette]

Looking at contracts expiring at the end of next season I sign back-up full-back Gael Perea to a 3yr/£4000pw deal and striker Jarkko Leppanen to a 4yr/£9500pw deal


With his contract due to expire in a few days I finally manage to re-sign stubborn back-up goalkeeper Jose Francisco Garcia to a new 2yr/£3500pw contract.


A number of other contracts are not renewed (mainly U19 players) and the following first-team members are allowed to leave:

- attacking midfielder Gonzalo Melero (113 apps/17 goals). Was brilliant for us in his first two seasons, especially our promotion campaign, but in La Liga has struggled to impress and claim a regular starting spot. We also have an abundance of attacking midfielders.

- defender Alberto Prada (113 apps/1 goal), who was a first choice at left-back for three seasons until the most recent campaign, as well as serving as vie-captain. A solid performer but no longer a first-team regular and has a dreadful disciplinary record.


Johan Lugo is named our player of the year again.


I tell the board that we can achieve a mid-table finish this season, and they increase our wage budget to £222k and our transfer budget to £12.5mil in order to help hit that target.


We are given £18.22m for TV rights for the upcoming season.

[mrtourette]

http://i62.tinypic.com/esn2w0.png


England win the European Championships, beating Italy 4-2 on penalties after the final finished 0-0.

The losing semi-finalists are Spain (beaten on penalties by England) and Scotland (beaten 2-0 by Italy).

England's Jack Wilshire is player of the tournament.

Wilshire and Serbia's Aleksander Mitrovic share the Golden Boot award with four goals each, while Spain's Juan Mata, Cristian Eriksen of Denmark and Belgium's Romelu Lukaku all scored three.


http://i61.tinypic.com/ka1slx.png

[mrtourette]

We make the following signings during the off-season:

- Daniel Rueda, AML, 21 (4yr/£7500pw), £80k from Millionarios - three good seasons in his home country for the Colombian winger put him on my radar and he looks like a cracking prospect. Will challenge and potentially replace Jose Artiles on our left wing.

- Eduardo Farias, DR, 21 (2yr/£13500pw), £1.4m from San Lorenzo - young Argentinian right-back with good attacking skills, should fit straight into the first team. Will replace the disappointing Diego Llorente. Speaking of which...


Mallorca make a £300k bid for Llorente, which is good enough for me, but the swine refuses to move as Mallorca's wage offer wasn't enough for him. Although he's always played right-back at the moment he's a serviceable back-up centre-back, so is still of some use.


Sporing Gijon have us all in stitches with a pathetic £2.3mil bid for striker and captain Johan Lugo. They are politely told to shove it.


Cordoba make a £625k offer for centre-back Israel Puerto, which is swiftly rejected.


Right-back Eduardo and attacking midfielder Chema Sanchis step up to the senior squad from the U19s, although both will have to be pretty lucky to get a look in.


First-team squad at the start of the 2020/21 season:

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Following the departure of Alberto Prada I appoint left-back Javier Garcia-Noblejas as vice-captain.

[mrtourette]

A very comfortable pre-season schedule, although against weak opposition:

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Noa Samson (twisted ankle), Robin Lafarge (fractured ribs) and Vilyson Farrell (back strain) all pick up knocks in the pre-season and will miss the first few weeks of the season.


Our odds improve again and we are now considered a possibility for a mid-table position by the bookies:

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[bbgunn]

There's a team called Jai Alai? They play in Miami?

[mrtourette]

I had no idea what you are on about until I did some research! Turns out there's no link, although the game of Jai Alai has it's roots in Spain it's in a different region to where this team are from. I can't find anything regarding the history of this team that suggest any connection with any version of the sport, but as it's an amateur Spanish team information in English is pretty limited.

[bbgunn]

Ah, sorry about that. To be fair, I don't know much about jai alai, either, except for the fact that it's played in Miami and they have these strange-looking things strapped to their arms. It's probably just a coincidence.

[mrtourette]

We sell 3729 season tickets for the new season, about 100 more than last year. Our average attendance last season increased to 9642.


http://i58.tinypic.com/ih0ch3.png


15/08/20 v Oviedo (H) 3-1
We opened the season with a win but made hard work of newly-promoted Oviedo. Alex Serrano put us ahead with a free-kick just before half time and Victor Bertomeu doubled our lead on the hour mark. Oviedo pulled one back shortly after but we finally managed to kill the game off in injury when Bertomeu grabbed his second in injury time, as was named MOM. Bertomeu and Serrano were named in the league team-of-the-week.

21/08/20 v Celta Vigo (A) 1-4
We were comfortably beaten after a catastrophic start that saw Celta 3-0 up after just 14 minutes. They took the lead in the opening minutes through a penalty conceded by Diego Llorente and quickly followed that with two more goals, and went 4-0 on the half hour mark thanks to another penalty, this time conceded by Javier Garcia-Noblejas. Jose Artiles pulled on eback just before the break and the second half was a non-event in comparison to the first.

29/08/20 v Cordoba (H) 1-2
A frustrating result as we dominated Cordoba but were unable to turn that into goals. Cordoba were two-up at the break but were reduced to ten men just after the break, and when Jose Artliles scored a few minutes later it looked the tide was turning. However we couldn't make our pressure tell and were down to ten men ourselves late on when Alex Barrera received a second yellow card, ending our hopes of a comeback.


Experienced winger Sergio Garcia isn't part of my plans so I let him go on loan to Segunda B side Xerez for the season. I also send a couple of youngsters to Segunda B for the season to gain experience, centre-back Jose Joaquin Moreno to UD Logrones and midfielder Jose Angel Palomares to Llagostera.

[mrtourette]

12/09/20 v Mallorca (H) 1-4
A shockingly lop-sided result after an open game in which we controlled possession. Mallorca went ahead following a mistake by Israel Puerto but Johan Lugo equalised with his first of the season later in the half. Mallorca went back in front just after the break and after a second half in which both sides had chances two late goals gave the Mallorcans the points.

19/09/20 v Numancia (A) 1-1
Another frustrating game as we dominated the match but just couldn't put the ball in the net. Numancia went ahead after eight minutes but despite an equaliser form Jose Artiles a minute into the second half and plenty of opportunities we could not score a second to claim all three points. Artiles was named MOM.

23/09/20 v Real Betis (A) 2-2
A point away from home against Betis is a good result but it should have been better after we were 2-0 up at the break. Two goals form Johan Lugo put us into the commanding position, but a Robin Lafarge own goal just after the break let Betis back into the game and they equalised on the hour. Lugo was named MOM.

26/09/20 v Valencia (H) 0-3
We were totally outclassed in this game and struggled to create any chances of note. We held our own in the first half and the game was goalless at the break but an error from Noa Samson allowed Valencia to take the lead soon after and two more goals gave them the comfortable win.


A poor start to the season with heavy defeats and games in which we've failed to take advantage of our dominance:

http://i58.tinypic.com/igkrp4.png

[mrtourette]

03/10/20 v Barcelona (A) 1-12
Johan Lugo put us ahead after three minutes. It didn't quite go to plan after that.


Striker Jarkko Lepannen scored his first goal for Finland in the World Cup qualifying victory over Kazahhstan.


17/10/20 v Sporting Gijon (A) 0-2
A familiar story of the season so far as we had more that twice as many attempts on goal than Sporting but were incredibly wasteful. After goalless first-half a penalty conceded by Vilyson Farrell gifted Sporting the opener and an error by Eduardo Farias soon after allowed then to grab a second.

24/10/20 v Rayo Vallecano (A) 2-2
A La Liga record low attendance of 4317 saw a back-and-forth game in which a draw was probably the fairest result, even though we controlled more possession. Rayo went ahead after eight minutes but Vilyson Farrell's first goal of the season brought us level after half an hour. Rayo went ahead again just before the break but we equalised a second time thanks to Johan Lugo's goal at the start of the second half, and Lugo was named MOM and in the team-of-the-week.

29/10/20 v Real Sociedad (H) 2-0
Our first win since the opening day of the season and one which we deserved, with Victor Bertomeu and Johan Lugo taking advantage of defensive errors to send us in at the break two-up and we comfortably saw the game out for the three points. Bertomeu was named MOM.


The win against Sociedad sees us still sitting just above the relegation zone. The board are tolerating it:

http://i58.tinypic.com/70c51c.jpg

[mrtourette]

02/11/20 v Elche (H) 4-3
An excellent win for us in a remarkable game full of attacking football. Johan Lugo put us in front after just four minutes and added a second ten minutes later. Elche pulled one back just after the half-hour mark and equalised just before the break. Two goals from Daniel Rueda, his first goals for the club, erased the disappointment at throwing the two-goal lead away and even though an error form Victor Bertomeu gifted Elche a third despite having the chances they were unable to equalise again. Rueda was named MOM and Lugo in the league team-of-the-week.

09/11/20 v Athletic Bilbao (A) 1-1
We were denied our first away win of the season by a late Bilbao equaliser. After a close opening hour Daniel Rueda put us ahead after 64 minutes, but an error by Alex Barrera gifted Bilbao an injury-time goal to deny us the victory.


Jarkko Leppanen came off the bench to score the only goal for Finland in their 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Montenegro.


Due to a lack of first-team opportunities Senegalese striker Bocar Mbaye requests a transfer, which I accept.


22/11/20 v Atletico Madrid (A) 1-3
A predictable defeat as we were completely outplayed by Atletico. We went behind after 13 minutes and an error by Alex Serrano allowed Atletico to go two-up soon after, with a third on the stroke of half-time giving them a commanding lead at the break. Winger Daniel Rueda pulled one back in the second half but we were never good enough to threaten Atletico's lead.

26/11/20 v Sevilla (A) 2-2
A good point away to high-flying Sevilla. Johan Lugo headed us in front after just six minutes but Sevilla equalised after half an hour and took a lead shortly after the break. Alex Serrano equalised for us on the hour and despite Sevilla being reduced to ten men soon after we were unable to find a winner. Serrano's equaliser gave him the MOM award.


An average month sees us maintain our place just above the relegation zone:

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