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Manchester United: The Beginning of the end?
Greetings to everyone reading this. This is the electronic journal of Christopher Engles.
I'm a 41 year old manager who is considered a great manager. I started out my first season of managing professional football at Harrogate Town in the English Conference North back when I was 29. During my first season, I didn't know if I was going to make it through to a second. We had some rocky games in that first season. Fortunately, I showed enough improvement in the 2nd half of the season, that they gave me a chance to come back for another season. You can read about my first season as manager in this thread: http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/...ead.php?t=32963 In my second season as manager, I really developed a system and brought in some good talent. Thanks to their play, I managed to help Harrogate win promotion from the English Conference North. You can read about that season in this thread: http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/...ead.php?t=33340 In my third season, we continued to gather talent and we continued to win. We won the English Conference National Title and were promoted to League Two. You can read about that season in this thread: http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/...ead.php?t=33908 In my fourth season, after some early struggles, the team adapted to League Two play and we went on a tear in the second half of the season. Thanks to our hot play, we won the English League Two Title and were promoted to League One. You can read about that season in this thread: http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/...ead.php?t=34430 In my fifth season, I had to make a very hard decision. The team was struggling in League One as the board had continued to refuse to expand the stadium over the years. We were losing money. We didn't have the money to keep our top players. We were floundering. My status was very high and I was being offered several high profile jobs because of what I had done with Harrogate. I made the hard decision to leave Harrogate in midseason and I moved to Wigan. I suddenly had massive amounts of money. I sent some of it to Harrogate Town for a few of my favorite players. You can read about my fifth season in this thread: http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/...ead.php?t=35300 In my sixth season, I managed to bring in some potent talent to Wigan via Bosman signings. Thanks to that talent, we won the English Championship with a 99 point season in which we had 30 wins, 9 draws, and 7 losses. I was glad to see that my new system worked nicely at this higher talent level. You can read about my sixth season in this thread: http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/...ead.php?t=36645 Then, in my seventh season, I knew that Wigan would have a hard time staying in the EPL and I also knew that Manchester United had a coaching vacancy. It took well over a month, but just before league play started Manchester United approached me and offered me the manager's job. I felt bad leaving Wigan after only a year and a half, but this was the golden ring I had been trying to reach. I quickly took the job. I had moderate to good success in my seventh season as I brought in a few very talented players, including wonderkids Adriano and Craig King. We also brought in the very talented Stewart Downing at left wing. As a result, we improved from the previous finish of 5th place to a 2nd place team. You can read about the seventh season here: http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/...ead.php?t=36968 In my eighth season, we enjoyed great success. We had an early battle with Chelsea for the EPL lead. Eventually, our offense really started popping. Wayne Rooney had his best season ever as a Red Devil. Our defense came together. We won the EPL Title. We also won the English Cup Title. However, we fell short of the quadruple and lost in the final of the Champions League and the English FA Cup. Those were both disappointing losses. A developing story all year long was Wayne Rooney's dissatisfaction that I would not let him go to Milan or another "more prestigious club" that made huge offers for him. You can read about the eighth season here: http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/...ead.php?t=37396 In my ninth season, the big question going in was if I would be able to sign Wayne Rooney or if I would have to sell him. Fortunately, just before I was about to sell him, I managed to sign Rooney to a new deal. Behind the dynamic duo of Wayne Rooney and Adriano at striker, along with a solid defense we finished 1st in the EPL for a second straight year. Perhaps, more importantly, we won the Champions League for my first time as a manager. Read all about the 9th season here: http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/...ead.php?t=37735 In my 10th season, things had settled down. We had Rooney under a long term contract and our offense looked set. However, our defense had questions as Lucio and Rio Ferdinand were aging. Also, Wes Brown was aging and losing his skills. Would these guys be able to hold on for one more season? Would my replacements such as Salva, Marchetti, and Cahais step up? I gradually started the phasing out of Lucio and Ferdinand but they both played in some key games. However, Salva and Marchetti generally did well and proved they can play on this level. Also, we had an explosive offense led by Wayne Rooney who had his best year ever for me with 36 goals and 14 assists in 36 starts. I also saw the surprising developing of Antonio Ortega and Carlos Godoy. We did well and we won the EPL Title for the third straight year. However, we faltered in the quarterfinals of the Champions League and we only pulled off a double. We want.. no we need to build on that success and do better next season. Oh yeah, I helped guide England to one their best World Cup Finishes in a long time. There was a suprising villian that ended our run. You can read about my 10th season here: http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/for...ead.php?t=38819 My 11th season was the season that finally saw me drop Rio Ferdinand from the active playing list. Also, we saw Lucio, Cristian Chivu, Wes Brown, and Zdenek Grygera all get phased out of the playing rotation. Newcomer Mark van den Boogaart had one of the best years I've ever seen out of a right back. However, I knew that he was only a stop gap for 2-3 years and I was actively searching for a young right back all year long. Unfortunately, I never found one worth signing. I relied on Wayne Rooney and Adriano more than ever in part due to injuries to Craig King and James McFadden, and also because James McFadden is slowly starting to lose his abilities. We faltered towards the end of the season and had a disappointing 2nd place finish in the EPL. That loss cost us our first triple. Read about our 11th season here: http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/for...ead.php?t=39668 In my 12th season, we started out with some early losses, but we rebounded and had a strong second half of the season. As a result, we won the EPL Title and also won the Champions League. However, the English League Title continues to evade my grasp. We relied heavily on Wayne Rooney yet again. We also had a great if injury riddled season from Adriano our young striker. Salva played well when he wasn't hurt. Barry Parker who I never expected to be great has become a great midfielder. You can read about the 12th season here: http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/foru...ad.php?t=40184 Now, I head into my 13th season, I find myself wandering about Rooney. He is 30 and is almost 31. Historically, that is the age that most strikers begin to decline. How many years longer can he carry us? How many years can he be productive? Is this the beginning of the end for him as a great player? Will we be able to pull off the treble or the quadruple before he becomes a fringe player and eventually retires? Follow along as I enter into my 13th season as a Football Manager. |
Our transfer budget for the upcoming year is 17.5 million and we are expected to win the EPL again.
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June 22, 2016 -
Deportivo has hired Paco Melo as their new manager. June 24, 2016 - Alberto Flores is developing very nicely and Swansea wants him on loan. I decide to say no, as I might use him as my 4th striker if we don't get one via the transfer marker in the upcoming weeks. Antonio Ortega had a goal and 3 assists for Spain their 6-1 win over Serbia & Mont. in the European Championship Quarter Final Match. June 26, 2016 - Mark van den Boogaart played well for Holland in their 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in the European Championship Semi-Final. Millwall asked to loan Alberto Flores, I said no. |
I would imagine the board will increase the budget for you again as they have in the past. If not, I would think that you will now have enough clout to ask for additional funds. But, heck, the team is solid enough to do the deeds as is! :)
Rooney in a . . . *gasp* . . . SQUAD ROTATION system?!?!!! :D |
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This is already reading like a Jose Mourinho autobiography :D |
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Not yet ;) But it could happen in a year or two at most I suspect. I might go after more funds, however, I'm starting to think Flores might play some this year. I'll probably go after another young player with potential. |
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;) :D |
June 30, 2016 -
Antonio Ortega injured his knee in Spain's 3-0 win over Portugal in the European Championship Semi-Final. Ortega will miss 2 weeks, but should be ready for our 2nd friendly. July 1, 2016 - The board is very pleased with my performance as manager. James McFadden has signed with Chelsea. Fans at Chelsea are questioning this move as they feel at best, James McFadden can only be a short term solution. We have completed the signing of highly skilled 23 year old midfielder Michael Heller on a Bosman transfer. This player is already valued at 20 million dollars and he is only 23. I think this will be a very nice pickup for us. Sheff Wed have signed Eric Djemba from us. Their fans appluad this signing as they feel Djemba's experience can help their young players. Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club as a coach as he just wasn't good enough to re-sign. John O'Shea has been released on a free transfer as his contract has run out. He just isn't good enough to keep around any longer. Wes Brown has been released on a free transfer as his contract has run out. Dalibor Stevanovic has been released on a free transfer. Lucio has lowered his coaching demands to 6,600/week. I offer him a contract. |
July 2, 2016 -
Stoke (EC) has signed Cristian Chivu on a free transfer. Cruzeiro have accepted an offer of 8 million for Helio Dias. Helio is a talented young striker who sometimes lacks determination. I'm hoping we can overcome this and motivate him to reach his potential as a dynamic Brazilian striker like Adriano. Barcelona are rumored to be on the verge of signing Arsenal's Hatem Ben Arfa. I approach Barry Richardson to become our new striker coach to replace the departed Ruud van Nistelrooy. I'll have to compensate Nottm Forest 60,000 dollars. Holland beat Spain 4-3 on penalty shots after a 0-0 tie in regulation to win the European Championship Final. Mark van den Boogaart played well for Holland. The English Football Association has told me that they almost fired me for the poor performance in the English Football Championship and if we don't fare much better in our next international competition I will be let go. |
July 5, 2016 -
Barry Richardson accepted my offer and will be coming to join us. Barry Parker has come into my office and told me that he is unhappy with his current contract. He is currently making 35,500/week. He is asking for 110,000/week plus a 2.6 million dollars signing bonus. I counter with 80,000 plus the 2.6 million. Spain's Sergio Flores has won the European Championship Best Player Award. Ahmed Yahiaoui of France came in 2nd, and Mehmet Erhan of Turkey came in 3rd. Spain's Santi has won the European Championship Golden Boot Award. Jerry Holmes of Holland came in 2nd, and Ignacio of Spain came in 3rd. |
July 8, 2016 -
Barry Richardson has been appointed as our coach. Helios Dias has accepted my contract offer. The move is delayed due to WP issues. We've received 1.2 million as a 30% sell on clause due to Southampton transfering Paul Kelly to Crystal Palace. We also get an addition 1.7 million over the next 6 months. Adriano has picked up a calf strain and will miss the next 2 weeks including our first few friendlies. Real Madrid have signed Victor from Arsenal for 28 million dollars! Victor is a talented 24 year old midfielder who is a very good shooter. However, I think Real Madrid probably slightly overpaid. Barry Parker accepted my counter offer and has signed a new 3 year deal worth 14 million dollars. West Brom has signed Gareth Barry on a free transfer. |
July 10, 2016 -
The Czech Republic has offered me an opportunity to replace Fabio Celestini. I pass. If England fires me, I might take another job, but I'm going to try to salvage England's squad for this World Cup. July 13, 2016 - Today we play a friendly match against Randers FC. They are an amateurish team in Denmark. I'm using most of my starters hoping they'll put up a few goals and work on their fitness. It's sunny with temperatures in the 70's. GK: Adriano DL: Schmidt DC: Cardozo DC: Salva DR: Miller ML: Downing MC: Heller (the new guy is good enough to probably become a regular starter for us) MC: Parker MR: Schreurs (Ortega is still hurt) SC: Rooney SC: King (Adriano is still hurt) S1: Howard S2: Barbosa S3: Alfonso S4: Godoy S5: Cahais S6: Wood S7: Flores (the kid will get some PT during the pre-season to help me determine if he should stick with the big club as a player this season.) S8: Boogaart S9: Oswald S10: Wright S11: Marchetti S12: Cook |
5 minute mark: Heller passes to Rooney.. he shoots from 30 yards out.. good save by the keeper.
33 minute mark: Cardozo with a good defensive play. 35 minute mark: Downing picks up a minor injury. I put Alfonso on for him. 44 minute mark: King gets a yellow card for shoving their defender. Halftime: 0-0 tie. Fairly lazy play from my guys. Cahais on for Schmidt and Flores on for Rooney. Time to see the kid shine. 55 minute mark: Great passing between Flores and Alfonso, but the defense clears a pass from Alfonso to Flores. 60 minute mark: I'm bringing in most of my second team. 69 minute mark: Wright passes to Flores in the box.. he dribbles between 2 defenders.. shoots.. lower left corner.. good save by their keeper. 80 minute mark: Flores gets whistled for being offside. 81 minute mark: Cook passes to Oswald who centers for Godoy.. Godoy with a nice crossover.. dribbles into the box.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0. 84 minute mark: Adriano with a long goal kick to Oswald.. he beats the defenders.. dribbles into the box.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0. Oswald with a goal! Game over. 2-0 win for us. We outshot them 7-2 (4-1 on target) Oswald wins MoM, 8 for form, 3 of 6 passes, 1 key pass, 0 tackles, 1 of 2 headers, 1 interception, 3 runs, 1 assist, and 1 goal. Flores had a 7 for form, and played alright. |
July 16, 2016 -
Antonio Blanco has been called up to Spain's team for the European U19 Championship. Chelsea has sold Rafael van der Vaart to West Ham for a nominal fee. July 17, 2016 - Today we play OB, a decent team from Denmark. It's overcast with temperatures in the 60's. GK: Adriano DL: Schmidt DC: Cardozo DC: Salva DR: Miller ML: Barbosa MC: Godoy MC: Parker MR: Schreurs SC: Rooney SC: King S1: Howard S2: Heller S3: Wood S4: Oswald S5: Cahais S6: Downing S7: Alfonso S8: Boogaart S9: Ortega S10: Flores S11: Marchetti S12: Cook |
9 minute mark: Nice 2 man passing between Rooney and Barbosa.. Barbosa passes it once again to Rooney, this time in the left half of the box.. he blasts a shot.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.
12 minute mark: Cardozo starts our counterattack.. long pass from King to Rooney.. he dribbles into the box.. fakes left.. shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0. 41 minute mark: Godoy passes to Rooney in the left side of the box.. he passes to King who hits it on the half-volley.. wide right. 43 minute mark: Barbosa dribbles past two defenders.. crosses it to Schreurs in the right side of the box.. he shoots the sharply angled shot.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!! 3-0. Halftime: 3-0 lead for us. I put most of the 2nd team on including Flores for Rooney. 47 minute mark: Barbosa passes to Flores in the left half of the box.. he shoots.. the keeper blocks it. 53 minute mark: Flores passes between two defenders.. perfect lead pass for Oswald.. he hits a screamer.. curving.. low.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 4-0. 77 minute mark: Alfonso passes towards Oswald.. Their defender Thomsen heads it.. into his own goal! GOAL!!!! 5-0. 83 minute mark: Adriano stops a breakaway, but their other striker Gilson gets the rebound and shoots.. lower left corner. GOAL. 5-1. Game over. 5-1 win for us. We outshot them 9-8 (6-3 on target) Barbosa wins MoM, 10 for form, 18 of 25 passes, 3 key passes, 1 of 5 tackles, 1 of 3 headers, 2 interceptions, 9 runs, 6 fouls drawn, 2 assists. Flores had a 7. Looks like he is destined for the u18 and reserve team this year. |
July 19, 2016 -
Aston Villa have offered 5.6 million for Michael Wood. wood has been a disappointment for my club, but I'm not willing to let him go for that cheap. He is stil a talented player. I'm also certainly not going to sell him to an EPL team so cheaply. July 20, 2016 - Helio Dias' initial WP application was denied. I appeal the decision. July 22, 2016 - We will play Mallorca in the European Super Cup on August 26th. |
July 22, 2016 -
Today we play Lierse in our second to last friendly of the season. They are a decent Belgian team. It's sunny with temperatures in the 70's. GK: Adriano DL: Schmidt DC: Cardozo DC: Salva DR: Boogaart ML: Downing MC: Godoy MC: Parker MR: Ortega SC: Flores (time to see if he can shine as a starter) SC: Oswald S1: Howard S2: Barbosa S3: Cook S4: King S5: Heller S6: Wood S7: Alfonso S8: Cahais S9: rooney S10: Wright s11: Marchetti S12: Schreurs |
5 minute mark: Downing with a corner kick to the near post... Flores heads it.. wide left.
11 minute mark: Parker passes to Flores.. he passes back to Parker.. he passes to Ortega inside the middle of the box.. quick shot.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0. 32 minute mark: Adriano stops a point blank shot. 35 minute mark: Ortega dribbles past his man.. long cross.. Flores heads it.. upper left corner.. nice save by the keeper. 40 minute mark: Adriano stops a long shot. Halftime: 1-0 lead for us. 52 minute mark: Downing passes to Flores in the box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper tips it over the bar. 59 minute mark: Ortega dribbles past two men.. crosses it long.. Flores heads it.. sharp angle.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0. Nice job by Flores and Ortega. 60 minute mark: I bring in most of the 2nd team, but leave Flores out there a bit more. 65 minute mark: Wood passes to Flores.. he dribbles into the box.. passes back to Wood.. hard shot.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. blocks it. 67 minute mark: Adriano saves a point blank shot. 80 minute mark: Adriano stops a long range shot. Game over. 2-0 win. We outshot them 11-8 (6-4 on target) Ortega wins MoM, 9 for form, 10 of 13 passes, 2 key passes, 4 of 6 tackles, 2 of 4 headers, 2 interceptions, 5 runs, 1 assist. Godoy and Flores also both had 9's! :) |
July 27, 2016 -
17 year old Antonio Blanco played well for Spain's U19 team in their 3-0 win over Holland in the European U19 Championship Group Match. Helio Dias' move to us was ended as his WP was turned down on appeal. |
When it comes to national coaches, are you restricted to the countries that you select foreground leagues in, or can it be any country in the game?
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That used to be the case, but I'm not sure now. In my current game I have been able to apply to be manager of countries whose leagues I am not running. |
I was offerd the job as US manager in my game and dont have MLS as a foreground league.
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July 29, 2016 -
Today we play AA Gent, a Belgian team, in our final friendly (not counting the English Community Shield.) It's sunny with temperatures in the 70's. GK: Adriano DL: Schmidt DC: Cardozo DC: Salva DR: Miller ML: Downing MC: Parker MC: Godoy MR: Ortega SC: Rooney SC: Adriano S1: Howard S2: Barbosa S3: Cook S4: Heller S5: Wood S6: Alfonso S7: Oswald S8: Boogaart S9: Cahais S10: King S11: Marchetti S12: Schreurs |
2 minute mark: Downing dribbles past two defenders.. long cross to the far post.. Adriano heads it.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.
14 minute mark: Downing passes to Rooney left of the box.. he blasts a shot from 30 yards out.. powerful banana shot.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0. 26 minute mark: Godoy steals the ball.. passes to Downing left of the box.. Downing fakes out his man.. centers it to the middle of the box.. Adriano hits it on the half-volley... upper left corner.. GOAL!!! 3-0. Halftime: 3-0 lead for us. 48 minute mark: Adriano stops a pair of shots. 57 minute mark: Rooney shoots from 30 yards out.. keeper blocks it.. Adriano gets the rebound.. passes it to Ortega.. he passes to Godoy in the center of the box.. Godoy shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 4-0. 59 minute mark: I bring on the entire second team. 67 minute mark: Barbosa with a corner to Schreurs in the middle of the box.. he traps it.. shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 5-0. 84 minute mark: Goossens with a breakaway.. he dribbles towards the right post.. passes to van den Booarck.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL. 5-1. Game over. 5-1 win for us. We outshot them 18-9 (10-2 on target) Downing wins MoM, 10 for form, 15 of 18 passes, 2 key passes, 1 of 3 tackles, 0 of 1 headers, 2 interceptions, 11 runs, 1 foul drawn, and 3 assists. Rooney and Adriano both had 9's. |
August 1, 2016 -
The board is very pleased with my performance as manager. HOLY COW! The board is very pleased with my performance as manager... they just raised my transfer budget by an additional 42 million dollars!!!! I now have a transfer budget of 61 million dollars! Inter have signed Liverpool's Philippe Durand for 34.5 million dollars. I now have to decide what I'm going to do with my 61 million dollars. Initially I was thinking about going after a young striker. However, let's take a look at my striker position: 1. Wayne Rooney - He is almost 31, but has one or two more years of starting in him counting this season. 2. Adriano - Is one of the best strikers in the world. He is only 24. Will be a star for years. 3. Craig King - One of the top 3 strikers in England. Isn't happy about being a #3 striker. 4. Michael Oswald - Is only 21 and has the potential to become a very good striker. Can also play midfield. A perfect #4 striker. 5. Alberto Flores - Only 17, I'll probably send him back to the reserve team once they start playing at the end of August. 6. Bob Wright - He is 24. He isn't very happy that he is a 4th or 5th striker, but he is good in that role. No, I really don't need a striker. However, we have many players in the last year of their contract. I neeed to get that squared away before we decide who to pursue. Let's look at the list: Boogaart - He is 30 and tires easily, but he is still talented. He wants 83,000/week and 1.6 million for a 1 year extension. I offer him a 2 year extension at that rate. Carlos Godoy - He is only 25 and he has become the hardest working midfielder we have. He is mentally our best player. He is good technically and physically. My AM thinks he has become an essential member of the squad and I agree. He wants 78,000/week for 3 years plus 2 million signing bonus. I agree. Barbosa - At the age of 29, he has 2 years left at least to be an excellent left wing. He can also slide to striker. Very gifted technically. He wants to keep his salary at 120,000/week. I agree and offer him the 3 year extension that he wants as well as the 2.4 million dollar signing bonus that he wants. Wood - He is only 24 and he is a good midfielder. Surprisingly, he is willing to re-sign for 4 years at 66,000/week. I decide to hold onto him as trade bait if nothing else. Howard - He is 37 and he is starting to decline, but he is still a good keeper. I offer him a 1 year extension at 76,000/week. Wright - He wants 36,000/week and 700k signing bonus for a 4 year extension. I agree. Cook - He is 24 and he is a very talented midfielder, even though I don't use him that much. He is unsure if he wants to sign with us due to our sparse use of him. I offer him 82,000/week and 2 million to sign a 2 year extension. Adriano - He is a superstar. He is currently making 110,000/week. He wants 160,000/week plus a 7.6 million dollars signing bonus for a 2 year extension. I offer the same terms on a 3 year extension. Downing - He is 32 and is starting to decline a bit, but he is still a very good left winger. He currently makes 86,000/week. I offer him a 1 year extension at 86,000/week with a 1 million dollars signing bonus. Craig King - He is 26 and is a very good striker. He wants a 2 year extension with a salary of 170,000/week and 4.8 million signing bonus. I offer him 160,000/week and ask him to take a 3 year extension. Schreurs- He is 28 and he is a superb right winger. Despite being unhappy about his playing time he is willing to take a 1 year extension for a raise to 120,000/week plus 5.2 million dollar signing bonus. I ask him to make it a 2 year extension. Andy Ford - The 24 year old striker in our reserve system never fully developed. We'll let him go after this season. David Harper - The 26 year old keeper never really developed in our reserve system. He doesn't want to re-sign and I can't blame him. Hopefully, he doesn't come back to haunt us. John Gray - The 23 year old defender isn't good enough to play for us. I'll let him go. Stephen Wright - The 22 year old midfielder never developed technical ability. We'll let him go. Kevin Young - The 22 year old striker is developing nicely and has potential. I offer him a 4 year extension at 32,000/week. If he signs, this is another reason not to acquire another striker. James Bailey - This 21 year old striker is still raw, but he might develop. I offer him a 3 year extension at 1,000/week to see if he can develop any more. |
Aug 3, 2016 -
We've been made 6-4 favorites to win the EPL Title. Chelsea are next at 2-1, Liverpool 6-1, Arsenal 25-1, Aston Villa 33-1. Craig King signed his new 4 year deal worth 35.5 million dollars. Jamie Cook rejected his contract offer. I offer Cook one last contract with a 4 million dollar signing bonus, and 100,000 per week salary. Tim Howard signed a new deal and states that he plans to retire after this deal is done. August 5, 2016 - Jame Bailey signed a new contract. Adriano signed a new 4 year deal worth 39 million dollars. Downing signed a 2 year deal worth 9 million dollars. Kevin Young signed a new 4 year deal worth 5.4 million. Schreurs signed a new 3 year deal worth 21.5 million. Godoy signed a 3 year deal worth 12.5 million. Wright signed a 4 year deal worth 7.2 million dollars. Barbosa signed a 3 year deal worth 20 million. Boogaart signed a 3 year deal worth 12.5 million. Cook rejected our latest offer. He has been transfer listed by request, but I'm lowering my asking amount to a reasonable amount. Michael Wood has signed a new 4 year deal worth 12.5 million dollars. Milan have signed Sebastien Mendy from Arsenal for 22 million dollars. |
So, I find myself analyzing where to spend this huge excess of money!
I've already decided not at striker for at least this year. Let's look at the midfield position: No need at left wing with Downing and Barbosa still being a very effective 1-2 punch. Alfonso is a decent 3rd option. At the central midfield spots, we've already lost Cook due to a lack of PT. Godoy and Parker are the clear starters. Fletcher is a good option but is now injury prone. Wood is also a good #3 or #4 midfielder. Oswald can also play in the midfield. I don't see the need for an elite midfielder. At right wing, we are set with Schreurs and Ortega for at least a few years. So, that leaves us at defense. We've had the most guys leave here recently. Our goals allowed are creeping up. I'm not completely sold on Adriano in goal, but he is only 22 and could improve quite a bit. If I solidify the defense in front of him, we'll really make it easier for him. Of course, a top flight keeper could overcome any mistakes that the defense might make... I look at several of the top keepers in the world, but they are all getting old. None of the next generation look clearly better than Adriano. Therefore, I'm going to attempt to acquire one of the best defenders in the world to play alongside Salva. Cardozo has fitness problems, but he is only 25 and can play all defensive line positions. Cahais is a good rotation player as is Marchetti. Miller is the answer at right back and Schmidt is the answer at left back. Boogaart provides good depth. One more superb defender will add to our defensive strength. |
I look at several candidates:
Jorg Walther - This 28 years old. He has been a world class defender for Milan the past two years. He lacks footspeed, but has decent strength, great jumping. He is a superbly tough mental player. He is one of the most technically gifted defenders ever. Roberto - He is only 27. He is reportedly unhappy with how Barcelona is using him. He has decent pace, low strength but is a great jumper. He is a excellent mental player with great technical skills. Frank Wolf - He is only 26. He is definitely unhappy at Real Madrid. He is a great technical plyer with great leaping ability. Very good mentally. He has excellent stamina, but is somewhat weak. Vincent Kompany - He is the most complete defenders of the top 4, but he is 30. Therefore, he is the lowest on my list as a big money acquisition. However, he has excellent pace. He has good strength. His natural fitness is a bit low. If that wasn't low, he would be on top of my list despite his age. The next tier: Adriano Trotta - He is a 21 year old Italian player. He would add depth. He is the fastest player I've ever seen. He is also strong as an ox. However, he is not the best mentally. He is not the best technically, but he could grow. Biggest downside is that he isn't a natural DC. He naturally plays either in the midfield or at either fullback position. His preferred position appears to be right fullback. I could get him cheap enough to add one or two other players of similar quality.. Actually, I don't see any other players that I would view as an asset to the defense. |
I think about this for a few minutes. Vincent Kompany is the cheapest of the elite 4 due to his age, and he is also the best of the 4 except for a bit low on the natural fitness. He came in 2nd for the best defender award last year. His veteran presence could help our young guys improve. Lucio was effective til at least 34 or 35. I could get this guy for 4 or 5 years of quality play if I'm lucky. Plus, he is cheaper and Chelsea is pursuing him. I offer Real Madrid 34 million for him.
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As almost an afterthought, I offer 20 million for Adriano Trotta. Boogaart is getting older and Trotta could play in the midfield as well as at either back. His versatility and great speed could be valuable.
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Aug 6, 2016 -
Salva has been called up to Italy's Team for the Olympics. Michael Heller and Michael Oswald have been called up to Germany's Olympic Team. Vincent Kompany signed a new 3 year deal worth 29 million to stay at Real Madrid. |
Aug 7, 2016 -
Today we play Liverpool in the English Community Shield. Liverpool has a very talented team led striker Nicky Platt who lacks good footspeed, but is a very dangerous finisher. Nuno Ferro is a very good midfielder. Lebohang Mokoena is a dangerous striker who didn't do very well last year. Jose Luis Abad leads their defense. Chris Kirkland is still their top keeper. We are 6-4 favorites. It's sunny with temperatures in the 70's. GK: Adriano DL: Schmidt DC: Cardozo DC: Miller (since Salva is away.) DR: Boogaart ML: Downing MC: Godoy MC: Parker MR: Ortega SC: Rooney SC: Adriano S1: Howard S2: Barbosa S3: Alfonso S4: Wright S5: Marchetti S6: Schreurs S7: King |
4 minute mark: Platt passes to Mokoena in the box.. he fakes out Miller.. dribbles to his left.. shoots.. upper left corner.. Adriano dives.. it's past him. GOAL. Down 1-0.
7 minute mark: Godoy gets a yellow card for tripping Ferro. 20 minute mark: Downing with a corner kick.. Adriano heads it.. Kirkland blocks it.. Adriano shoots the rebound.. the kepeer blocks it... Rooney gets the rebound.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-1. 23 minute mark: Mokoena gets a yellow card for pushing Miller. 26 minute mark: Downing dribbles past his man.. crosses it to the far post.. Adriano heads it.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-1. 32 minute mark: Boogaart with a long pass to Downing left of the box.. he centers to Adriano.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper blocks it. 38 minute mark: Hall passes to Platt in the box.. he fakes out Cardozo.. shoots.. lower right corner.. Adriano dives, can't reach it. GOAL. 2-2. Halftime: 2-2 tie. 47 minute mark: We have a flurry of shots that Kirkland barely stops. 48 minute mark: Ferro gets a yellow card for tripping Parker. 60 minute mark: Rooney steals it from a midfielder.. dribbles down the pitch.. left of the box.. nice cross to Ortega who heads it to Downing in the middle of the box.. he shoots.. over the bar.. wastes a good opportunity. 65 minute mark: Miller gets away with a lecture after tripping Mokoena. 66 minue mark: Cardozo starts our counterattack.. long pass to Parker.. he passes to Rooney.. he crosses for Adriano.. heads it.. go.. offside on Adriano! 70 minute mark: Parker intercepts it at midfield.. passes it to Rooney.. he dribbles past a defender.. dribbles past two more defenders.. Rooney fakes out the keeper.. shoots.. lower left corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-2. 71 minute mark: Alfonso on for Godoy and Schreurs on for Ortega. 86 minute mark: Miller gets a yellow card for a trip on Mokoena. 88 minute mark: Parker passes to Rooney.. he heads it to Alfonso in the middle of the box.. Alfonso shoots.. GOAL!!!! 4-2. Game over. 4-2 win for us :) We outshot them 18-9 (14-4 on target) Rooney wins MoM, 10 for form, 19 of 25 passes, 8 key passes, 2 of 3 tackles, 3 of 10 headers, 1 interception, 16 runs, 2 fouls drawn, 1 assist, and 2 goals. Downing also had a 10 for form. Adriano had a very disappointing game with a 5 for form. |
Aug 7, 2016 -
Middlesbrough have offered 22 million for Jamie Cook. I hate to sell him to a rival, but I'd hate even more to lose him for nothing after the season. I decide to agree to the deal. Real Madrid have rejected my 34 million dollar offer for Vincent Kompany. Torino have rejected my 20 million dollar offer for Adriano Trotta. Aston Villa have signed my former keeper Manu for 3.4 million from Blackburn. I up my offer on Kompany to 38 million and my offer on Trotta to 22 million. |
Aug 10, 2016 -
Michael Heller was man of the match for Germany in their 3-1 win over Mexico in the Olympics Group A Match. Heller had a goal and an assist. He is also the captain of the German Olympic team. Cook accepted a contract offer from Middlesbrough and is set to go to them for 22 million. Thanks to that sale, our transfer budget is now 81 million dollars! That sale was reportedly a record high sale for the club. I wonder how much my idiot predecesor let Cristiano Ronaldo go for. |
Aug 12, 2016 -
Real Madrid have countered my offer for Kompany. They want 21.5 million up front and 25 million over 6 months. I think that is probably overpaying a bit, but he is clearly one of the top 3 defenders in the world. It's a tough decision, but I decide to go ahead and do it. I just hope he doesn't decline earlier than I expect and gives me at least 3 good years. Real Madrid have offered 55 million dollars plus Dario Tamburini for Carlos Godoy. Dario is an 18 year old midfielder who has a tremendous amount of potential, but Godoy is already the real deal. I turn down the offer. Torino have rejected my 22 million dollar offer for Trotta. I counter with 26 million dollars. August 13, 2016 - Germany's Olympic team beat Holland 3-0. Michael Oswald had a goal at forward. Michael Heller played just an ok game. Bristol C has signed Gary Shultis, Jr a left back from the New England Revolution for 3.6 million dollars. It'll be interesting to see how the American does in the EPL. |
Aug 14, 2016 -
today we play our EPL Season opener at home against Leeds which appears to be one of the weaker teams in the EPL. Leeds' biggest star is striker Shane Paul and Right back Billy Jones. Craig Roberts and Stephen Taylor are decent in the midfield. Richard McDonald is ok in goal. We are 1-2 favorites. It's sunny with temperatures in the 60's. GK: Adriano DL: Schmidt DC: Cardozo DC: Boogaart DR: Miller ML: Downing MC: Godoy MC: Parker MR: Ortega SC: Rooney SC: Adriano S1: Howard S2: Barbosa S3: King S4: Schreurs S5: Marchetti Away at Olympics: Salva, Heller, and Oswald. |
1st minute: Downing passes to Rooney left of the box.. he draws two defenders over.. fires a pass between them to the far post.. Adriano heads it.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.
5 minute mark: Adriano stops a hard shot by Cox. 13 minute mark: Downing passes to Rooney in the left half of the box.. Rooney with a quick shot.. upper right corner.. nice shot. GOAL!!!! 2-0. 16 minute mark: Adriano stops a 15 yard shot by Paul. 30 minute mark: Downing with a corner kick to the near post.. Cardozo heads it.. barely over the bar. 40 minute mark: Cardozo with a good defensive play. Halftime: 2-0 lead for us. We have over 91,000 fans here today. 56 minute mark: Turner trips Adriano in the box.. penalty! Downing steps up.. shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0. 64 minute mark: King on for Adriano and Schreurs on for Ortega. 74 minute mark: Godoy passes to Rooney in the box.. he shoots.. the keeper blocks it.. Rooney shoots the rebound... over the bar. 75 minute mark: Marchetti on for Schmidt. 75 minute mark: Schreurs passes to Godoy just outside the box.. he dribbles past a defender.. shoots from 17 yards.. lower left corner.. it hits the post... and bounces in! GOAL!!!! 4-0. 85 minute mark: Godoy gets a yellow card for a trip on their midfielder. Game over. 4-0 win. We outshot them 15-6 (9-3 on target) Downing wins MoM, 9 for form, 16 of 24 passes, 2 key passes, 0 of 1 tackles, 0 of 3 headers, 1 interception, 9 runs, 1 foul drawn, 1 assist, and 1 goal. Godoy also had a 9 for form. |
Post Match Info:
Salva played well for Italy in their 3-0 win over Peru in the Olympic Group Match. Real Madrid has accepted my offer for Kompany. My AM thinks that Kompany will be an essential defender and that we should offer up to 190,000/week! Since Kompany only wants 160,000/week and 2.6 million for a 3 year deal, I decide to offer him this amount. |
Aug 16, 2016 -
Torino have rejected my 26 million dollar offer for Adriano Trotta. I offer them 30 million plus 50% of next sale for this true speedster. Darren Fletcher has fully recovered from his surgery and is healthy again. Germany won their Olympic Group Match 4-0 over South Korea. Michael Heller had an assist and Michael Oswald had a goal while playing in the midfield today. Roberto (one of the 4 defenders I was looking at) has signed a new 3 year deal worth 33 million dollars. Aug 17, 2016 - The Vincent Kompany deal is complete and he should be arriving soon. |
Aug 17, 2016 -
Vincent Kompany has arrived just before the match is scheduled to start tonight. Our marketing director expects shirt sales to be boosted by this big name signing. Lazio have spent 52 million to sign Jose Luis Abad, a 24 year old spanish left back for 52 million dollars. I think they overpaid Liverpool. Salva had a poor game today and Egypt beat Italy 2-1 in their Olympic Group Match. |
Aug 17, 2016 -
Today we travel to play West Brom in an EPL Match. Their best player is 21 year old Lithuanian left winger Giedrius Brichkus. He has a great of potential to become a very good player. Ryan Wallace is a 24 year old striker who has a decent skill set. Michael jakobsen is a 30 year Danish midfielder who is key to their organization. Jamie Adams is their leading defender and at 22, he is still a bit raw. Gary Baker is their leading keeper, and he is average at best. We are 4-7 favorites. It's sunny with temperatures in the 70's. GK: Adriano DL: Schmidt DC: Cardozo DC: Miller DR: Boogaart ML: Downing MC: Parker MC: Godoy MR: Ortega SC: Rooney SC: King S1: Barbosa S2: Cahais S3: Schreurs S4: Flores S5: Marchetti (Howard is on vacation and our number 3 and 4 keepers are hurt! :() |
6 minute mark: Schmidt passes to Downing who quickly passes it to king in the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. nice play by their keeper.
11 minute mark: Adriano with a pair of acrobatic saves. 14 minute mark: Ryan Wallace gets a yellow card for diving.. Brichkus argues the call.. he gets a yellow card too. 20 minute mark: Ortega passes to Rooney in the box.. he fakes right.. shoots.. lower left corner.. wide left. 21 minute mark: Parker steals the ball in their half.. passes to King in the box.. he immediately turns with the ball.. shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!! 1-0. 27 minute mark: Parker passes to Rooney left of the box.. he draws two defenders.. crisp pass to far post.. Ortega heads it.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0. 39 minute mark: Parker passes to king in the box.. their defender trips him... Penalty! Rooney steps up.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!! 3-0. Halftime: 3-0 lead for us. 51 minute mark: Flores on for Rooney. 71 minute mark: Schreurs on for Ortega and Cahais on for Schmidt. Game over. 3-0 win for us. We outshot them 12-7 (6-4 on target) Ortega wins MoM, 10 for form, 14 of 20 passes, 2 key passes, 7 of 7 tackles, 2 of 6 headers, 1 interception, 9 runs, 1 foul drawn, and 1 goal. Downing also had a 10 for form. Flores had a solid 7. |
Post Match Info:
Tim Howard played well for the USA in their 2-0 win over Honduras in the World Cup Qualifying Match. August 19, 2016 - Alberto Flores injured his knee in practice today and will miss 3-4 weeks :( Jose Lopez Rodriguez a VERY talented 18 year old striker has rejected Milan's latest contract offer. If he keeps rejecting offers, I'll make a bid on him once his contract becomes unprotected in January. Torino has rejected my 30 million dollar bid for Adriano Trotta. I offer them 34 million which will likely be my final bid. |
Aug 20, 2016 -
Today we host Chelsea in our most important early EPL Match. Chelsea's best player, Freddy Adu is injured with a ruptured disc in his back that will keep him our for about 2 months. Adriano is finally showing significant decline at the age of 34, but he will start alongside James McFadden up front reportedly. It will be interesting to see how my former player does against us. Sylvain Bon is a skilled young French right winger. Diego and Julien Ribeiro are very good midfielders. John Woodward is a 21 year old defender who is becoming quite good. Naldo is also a good centreback. Petr Cech remains a skilled keeper at 34 years old. We are 5-4 favorites. It's overcast with temperatures in the 50's. GK: Adriano DL: Schmidt DC: Cardozo DC: Kompany (Big time debut) DR: Miller ML: Downing MC: Parker MC: Godoy MR: Schreurs SC: Rooney SC: Adriano S1: Howard S2: Barbosa S3: Ortega S4: King S5: Boogaart The TV announcers believe Rooney will be my key player and Julien Ribeiro will be their key player. They pick us to win it 1-0. |
1st minute: Miller stops McFadden's first offensive attack.
12 minute mark: Diego gets a yellow card for tripping Parker. 14 minute mark: Schreurs dribbles past two defenders.. crosses it to the near post.. Adriano heads it.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0. 16 minute mark: Adriano stops a long range shot from McFadden. 40 minute mark: Terry tackles Adriano.. Terry's tackle sends the ball past Cech.. into the goal! Own goal by Terry! GOAL!!!! 2-0. 43 minute mark: Kompany with a good defensive play. 45 minute mark: Bon with a point blank shot.. Adriano tips it over the bar. Halftime: 2-0 lead for us. We have over 91,000 fans here today. 49 minute mark: Downing passes to Parker.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. Cech dives.. tips it over the bar. 50 minute mark: Cardozo with a good defensive play. 63 minute mark: Their Adriano shoots from 18 yards out.. Adriano saves it. 71 minute mark: Barbosa on for Parker who is very tired. 88 minute mark: Kompany starts the counterattack.. long pass to Adriano.. he dribbles into the box.. shoots.. inches wide left. Game over. 2-0 win for us :) We outshot them 15-10 (6-4 on target) Adriano (my striker) wins MoM, 8 for form, 18 of 23 passes, 1 key pass, 0 of 1 tackles, 14 of 20 headers, 2 interceptions, 2 runs, 2 fouls drawn, and 1 goal. |
Two questions: What was Kompany's rating in his first Man U game, and can you make an offer on that Tamburini guy that Real offered you for Godoy? He's obviously available....
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He only had a 7. Hopefully, he'll blend in and do better in future games. He had a 9 in every one of his last 5 games for his old team. Good question about that Tamburini guy! :) |
Aug 20, 2016 -
Salva played just ok, but italy still beat South Korea in the Quarter Final of the Olympics. Germany beat Egypt 3-1 in one of the other Quarter Finals. Michael Oswald played striker and had a goal. Michael Heller was MoM and he had 2 assists. I checked and Dario isn't actually transfer listed. He is valued at 11 million at 18 years old. I offer them 11 million to see if they might bite. |
Aug 22, 2016 -
Boogaart, Ortega, and Adriano (the striker) were all named to the EPL Team of the Week. Torino have finally accepted my offer for Adriano Trotta. This 21 year old defender/midfielder is fascinating for his incredible speed. I've never seen anyone that was so fast and accelerated so quickly He is also a top notch tackler, a determined worker on the pitch, and he has good positioning. He is a decent passer and a great crosser. He is very good at heading the ball. He has great natural fitness, stamina, and he is VERY strong. I might be overpaying, but it he continues to develop for a few years, he could be great. My AM thinks he has considerable talent for his age and thinks we should pay him 60,000/week. He wants 61,000/week and 1.2 million signing bonus. He also wants to be a first team player. Hopefully, I can keep him and all of my defenders happy. I anticipate Trotta will play in the midfield some as well as along the defense. I offer him a 4 year deal. Aug. 23, 2016 - Italy played Germany in the Semi-Final of the Olympics. Despite having two guys sent off (including Salva at the 84 minute mark) Italy won 1-0. Oswald and Heller played ok, but the Italian defense was superb. Swansea and Bristol C have asked to borrow Alberto Flores. I tell them both no. |
Aug 23, 2016 -
Today we play at Liverpool in what is the end of a very difficult 3 day stretch. Liverpool is led by Nicky Platt and Lebohang Mokoena who have started working well together as their strikers. Nuno Ferro and Stephane Dalmat are dangerous midfielders. John Hall is also a very good left winger. Chris Kirkland remains a very good keeper. Mourad Benhamida is a good defender and Jeroen Beekmans is a high flying defender who can really leap. We are 5-4 favorites. It's overcast with temperatures in the 40's. GK: Adriano DL: Schmidt DC: Cardozo DC: Kompany DR: Boogaart ML: Downing MC: Godoy MC: Parker MR: Ortega SC: Rooney SC: King S1: Howard S2: Marchetti S3: Barbosa S4: Adriano S5: Miller |
3 minue mark: Ferro gets a yellow card for tripping King.
5 minute mark: Beekman stops our offensive advance. 14 minute mark: Kompany clears their corner kick. 26 minute mark: Downing dribbles past two defenders but then loses it across teh endline. 28 minute mark: Parker intercepts a keeper kick.. heads it to King just outside the box.. he puts a spin move on their defender.. great crossover on the keeper.. goes by him.. fires it into the open net! GOAL!!!! 1-0. Magical goal by King. 33 minute mark: Parker gets a yellow card for pushing Beekmans. 38 minute mark: Ortega gets a yellow card for obstructing Hall. 39 minute mark: Kompany starts our counterattack.. long pass to Downing.. a defender trips him before he can shoot or pass and clears the ball. Halftime: 1-0 lead for us. They have almost 61,000 fans here today. 52 minute mark: Beekmans intercepts an Ortega cross. 58 minute mark: Adriano stops a close range shot from Hall. 59 minute mark: Burns starts the counterattack.. long pass to Platt.. he heads it to Hall in the box.. hall shoots.. upper left corner.. Adriano dives.. it's by him. GOAL. 1-1. 63 minute mark: Kompany clears a corner kick. 67 minute mark: Hall gets a yellow card for tripping Ortega. 68 minute mark: Barbosa on for Parker and Marchetti on for Schmidt. 77 minute mark: Downing argues an offside call.. he gets a yellow card for dissent. 81 minute mark: Cardozo with a good defensive play. Game over. 1-1 tie. We were outshot 10-3 (6-3 on target) King won MoM, 8 for form, 24 of 26 passes, 4 key passes, 0 of 1 tackles, 2 of 11 headers, 2 interceptions, 5 runs, 1 foul drawn, and 1 goal. Kompany had a 7 again. Actually everyone had 7's except King, Rooney, and Ortega who all had 8's. |
Aug 24, 2016 -
Real Madrid rejected my offer for Dario Tamburini which is good as Trotta's signing will finish off our transfer budget. WOW! Milan have sent 100 million dollars to sign Mario from Arsenal. Mario is a 25 year old Spanish Midfielder who is impressive in some areas, but not THAT impressive. I think they VASTLY overpaid. He is "valued" at 31.5 million by the way and doesn't excel physically except for strength. He is a very good passer, but he doesn't have great flair or creativity. He also is low on determination and bravery. WOW. Furthermore, his average form for Arsenal last year was 7.33 with a 5 goals and 8 assists in 48 starts. Jose Antonio Reyes and Nigel de Jong were both upset with the sale as they feel the team doesn't have enough depth to compete. |
Aug 25, 2016 -
Adriano Trotta is thrilled to have agreed to terms with us! He is very keen to rise to the challenge of playing for such an illustrious club he told the media. Arsenal have signed very fast striker Chrisophe Sanchez from Middlesbrough for 42 million dollars! Lukas Podolski said he is happy to have to fight for his job. Reyes and Nigel de Jong said they are happy that their depth is being strengthened. Sergio said that is determined to fight off the challenge of Chrisophe Sanchez. Young strikers, Edward Wong and Marek Prochazka expressed concern about their role on the team with this signing. |
Aug 26, 2016 -
Today we play Mallorca in the European Super Cup. Mallorca is a talented Spanish team. They are led by a pair of excellent strikers, Pietro Romeo and Ariel Ledesma. Pietro is a 27 year old Italian striker who is a true burner. His speed can't be matched by any of our guys except for Trotta, but he is still off at the Olympics. Pietro is also a lethal shooter. Ariel is a 25 year old forward who is more well rounded, but he also has excellent speed. Danilo Scott is a 25 year old right winger who is a creative passer who can create some space for himself. Jesus is a 26 year old centreback who is strong, fast, and is a terrific leaper. However, he lacks some fundamentals and has poor positioning and marking at times. Bruno is a 29 year old Brazilian keeper who is very good. We are 4-6 favorites. It's overcast with temperatures in the 40's. GK: Adriano DL: Schmidt DC: Kompany (I want to see if he does better at the other DC spot.) DC: Cardozo DR: Miller ML: Barbosa MC: Parker MC: Godoy MR: Schreurs SC: Rooney SC: Adriano S1: Howard S2: Cahais S3: Alfonso S4: Wright S5: Boogaart S6: Ortega S7: King Olympics: Salva, Trotta, Heller, and Oswald. |
8 minute mark: Corner kick back to Kompany.. he shoots.. powerful banana shot.. it hits the crossbar and the defense clears the rebound.
13 minute mark: Barbosa passes to Rooney.. he dribbles along the endline.. shoots that parallel shot.. it curves too late and is wide right of the net. 25 minute mark: Barbosa with a long range shot.. barely over the bar. 29 minute mark: Adriano steals the ball at midpitch.. passes to Parker.. he passes to Rooney.. he passes to Schreurs just outside the box.. Banana shot.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0. 36 minute mark: Adriano with a pair of athletic saves. 37 minute mark: Parker passes to Godoy.. Godoy with a strong curving shot from 25 yards out.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. blocks it.. very nice save. 40 minute mark: Barbosa dribbles past his man.. passes it into the box.. Adriano fakes to his left.. dribbles right.. shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. it's out of his reach. GOAL!!!! 2-0. Halftime: 2-0 lead for us. 55 minute mark: Parker steals it from their centreback.. shoots.. strong curving shot.. upper right corner.. the keeper blocks it. 64 minute mark: Wright on for Rooney and Alfonso on for Barbosa. 75 minute mark: Ortega on for Schreurs. 76 minute mark: Gabri pushed down Adriano in the box.. Penalty. Godoy steps up.. shoots.. left of the keeper.. he dives.. blocks it. Game over. 2-0 win for us. We outshot them 18-9 (10-3 on target) Adriano wins MoM, 8 for form, 25 of 29 passes, 3 key passes, 0 tackles, 8 of 15 headers, 1 interception, 2 runs, 2 fouls drawn, and 1 goal. Kompany had a 7 again. |
Aug. 26, 2016 -
Germany beat Nigeria 2-1 to win the Bronze Medal in the Olympics. Michael Heller had both assists. Michael Oswald played ok in the midfield. Aug 27, 2016 - Fulham have signed 22 year old Japanese Forward Satoshi Sato from Lazio for 2 million dollars. Sato has some potential. Aug 28, 2016 - Portugal and Italy played to a 2-2 in the Olympics Gold Medal Match. Portugal won 4-3 on penalties to win the Gold Medal. Adriano Trotta played well in the match. Salva had a poor match and was eventually substituted. Aug 29, 2016 - Wayne Rooney was selected to the EPL Team of the Week. Middlesbrough have signed Steve Wilson from Zaragoza for 11 million dollars. Steve is a 25 year old English striker with a good deal of speed and decent skills. We've been put in Group G of the Champions League along with Juventus, PAOK, and Shakhtar. Matches will start Sep 14. We've been given 4.8 million for playing the Champions League. Aug 30, 2016 - Chievo spent 22 million dollars to sign 28 year DC Jeroen Beekmans from Liverpool. Middlesbrough have signed Gregory Le Gall from Deportivo for 18 million dollars. The 26 year old French central defender is solid with good speed and strength. However, some have called him lazy. Aug 31, 2016 - Arsenal have signed 28 year old Czech defender Roman Hendrych from Reggina for 13 million dollars. Roman is a decent defender whose biggest weakness is poor positioning. Arsenal also signed Xerez's Czech central defender Marek Mach for 9 million dollars. Marech is a very strong, fast defender who has some issues with mental lapses, but is otherwise a good central defender. Aston Villa have sgisned 27 year old Italian central defender Andrea Gallo from Roma for 12 million dollars. Andrea is slow, but is otherwise a very good defender. |
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Yes, he has all of the potential to be a very explosive fullback/winger. I don't usually give specific numbers, but I will. Trotta has a 20 pace, 20 acceleration and 19 strength along with an 18 tackling, and 20 crossing! :) Edit: This is assuming my memory is correct, since I don't have FM open, but I'm fairly sure that my memory is correct about these attributes. :) |
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Alright, alright. Low blow. :D Impressive, though. If he can get the stamina and positioning up, that dude'll be a monster. |
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ROFL :) Yeah, if he can improve the next three years, he could be my best back yet. Edit: Just looking now, his stamina is a 15 and positioning is 14, so they aren't exactly terrible :) |
Aug 31, 2016 -
Today we play Sunderland at home in an EPL Match. Sunderland are led by star midfielder Thomas Hassing Skjaerbaek who at 30 is on top of his game. Alessandro Guidetti is their new leading striker. Steven Taylor leads their defense. Harmen Boven is a good defensive midfielder. Martin Nunez is their keeper. Martin has good aerial and acrobatic moves, but lacks some fundamental abilities. We are 4-7 favorites. It's overcast with temperatures in the 40's. FK: Adriano DL: Trotta (The speedster has his debut!) DC: Kompany DC: Salva DR: Miller ML: Downing MC: Parker MC: Heller MR: Ortega SC: Oswald SC: King S1: Howard S2: Boogaart S3: Schreurs S4: Rooney S5: Cardozo |
8 minute mark: We get a flurry of shots on goal, their keeper and defenders block them all.
12 minute mark: Adriano stops a long shot by Guidetti. 14 minute mark: Salva gets a yellow card for a trip on Guidetti. Salva argues the call.. he gets away with a warning rather than a second yellow. 18 minute mark: Trotta with a good tackle in the box. 21 minute mark: Oswald gets a yellow card for diving. 32 minute mark: Trotta dribbles to midpitch.. he passes to Downing left of the box.. quick pass to Oswald who took the shot off the bounce.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0. 37 minue mark: Guidetti gets in the box.. shoots from 15 yards out.. upper left corner.. Adriano catches it cleanly. 43 minute mark: Tricky series of passes gets Heller a good shot from 15 yards out.. Their keeper blocks it. 45 minute mark: Piet with a very hard slide on Trotta.. Trotta is hurt! :( I put Cardozo on for Trotta. Halftime: 1-0 lead. We have over 68,000 fans here today. 54 minute mark: Downing dribbles past two men, quick long cross to the far post.. Ortega with a diving header.. GOAL!!!! 2-0. 60 minute mark: Boogaart on for Salva who keeps coming close to getting his second yellow card. 80 minute mark: Kimpany is playing some dominant defense even if he isn't racking up the stats. Game over. 2-0 win. Very strong defense from our club. We outshot them 14-12 (7-7 on target) Downing wins MoM, 10 for form, 16 of 21 passes, 2 key passes, 3 of 4 tackles, 2 of 2 headers, 21 runs, 2 assists. Adriano and Ortega both had 9's. Kompany had a 7 despite playing well. |
Post Match Info:
Adriano Trotta suffered a twisted ankle and will miss about a week. Craig King strained his calf and will miss about 2 weeks. Sep 1, 2016 - The board is very pleased with my performance as manager. Stewart Downing won EPL Player of the Month. Antonio Ortega came in 2nd. Michael Vickers of Sheffield Wednesday came in 3rd. Sunderland's martin Gibbons won the EPL Young Player of the Month. Chris Miller came in 2nd, and Villa of Arsenal came in 3rd. I won manager of the month. Ray Wilkins of Sheff Wed came in 2nd, and Tony Colbert of Newcastle came in 3rd. I ask my staff to prepare a report on who has improved and who has declined the most in the last year. |
Biggest Improvers: (Alberto Flores arrived too late to be in this comparision)
1. Laurent Rodrigues - The 17 year old French Left winger has grown more in my U18 system than any other player in the past year. He is still raw and isn't a good enough passer or dribbler, but if he continues to improve at this rate over the next few years he could be a star player. His great determination make me optimistic that he will continue to grow. 2. Rob Carr - This 18 year old left back has significantly improved in the past year, but he is still far away from becoming an EPL starter. 3. Mark Hall - This 17 year old striker has a tremendout amount of speed. He is well rounded physically, and he is developing nicely both mentally and technically. Could be a starter in a few years if he continues to develop. 4. David Butler - This 18 year old homegrown striker has continued to develop in the past year and has taken some huge steps forward. Still has to grow a lot before he can play regularly. 5. Antonio Ortega- Continues to show astounding growth at the age of 22. He has become one of the best right wingers in the world. His passing has improved to world class levels. His creativity and flair are improving and he is becoming one of the best passers in the world. Only weakness is low jumping ability, but runs past most defenders. He has also become one of the best dribblers in the world. 6. Alan Watkins - This 18 year old midfielder/defender continues to improve. If he continues this growth curve, he might become a servicable rotation player in a few years. 7. Carlos Godoy - Even though he is 25, he continues to show significant improvement. His tackling has improved significantly. He is improving his creativity and flair on the pitch. He is showing better composure. He is showing improved dribbling, first touch, and passing. 8. Chris Miller - The 19 year old right back has improved his tackling, long shooting, and positioning significantly. He has also improved almost all mental aspects of the game. 9. Adriano, GK - This 22 year old keeper is showing improved command of the box, aerial ability, one-on-one ability, and reflexes. His handling is also improving some as are most of his mental attributes. 10. Adriano - Despite being 24 and already extremely good, this striker improved most facets of his game. He is now valued at over 80 million dollars. Most managers agree that he is one of the most mentally tough players in the world. He also has incredible first touch (which really improved this last year), unbelievable finishing, dribbling, passing, technique. He has simply become one of the top 3 strikers in the world. Wayne Rooney has stayed at a very consistent talent level the last year. Biggest Loses: We've gotten rid of most of our old players, and we have very few players who have lost any ability: 1. Darren Fletcher - He has lost a fair amount. He isn't as fast anymore. He isn't as good at shooting or dribbling. However, he is still a very good passer. 2. Barry Parker - lost a touch of his great passing ability, not too much. 3. Gabriele Marchetti - Despite being only 24, has lost some footspeed. Also, losing a bit of positioning ability. 4. Tim Howard - Surprisingly hasn't lost that much, but Adriano has surprassed him as our top keeper. However, his reflexes and one-on-ones are lower. Also, his aerial ability is lower. No other players who are judged to have overall lost talent. |
Sep 5, 2016 -
I've given complete control of the England U19 and u21 squads to my AM Steve McClaren so I can focus on the main squad. Chris Miller has been called up to the U21 team. Michael Oswald has been called up Germany's U21 team. Tim Howard helped the USA tie Costa Rica 0-0 in a World Cup Qualifying Match. Barry Parker injured his wrist in practice and will miss about a week. This prevents me from calling him up to the national squad. Downing was selected to the EPL Team of the Week. |
Sep 6, 2016 -
Chris Miller had a 9 for form and played wonderfully for England's U21 Team in their 3-0 win over Malta. Germany tied Georgia's U21 1-1, but Michael Oswald played well. Sep 7, 2016 - Today we play Malta in a World Cup Qualifying Match. Malta is a weak team with no real stars. We should dominate them. We are 1-10 favorites. It's sunny with temperatures in the 60's. GK: Chris Taylor DL: Steve Turner DC: Robert Morris DC: David Evans DR: Glen Johnson ML: Downing MC: Owen Gargreaves MC: Michael Wood MR: Christopher Eagles SC: Wayne Rooney SC: Luke Moore S1: Paul Lancaster S2: Wayne Dunn S3: Jamie Cook s4: Mark Tucker S5: Lee Roberts S6: John Hall S7: Nicky Platt |
2 minute mark: Evans goes down with an injury. We are weak along the defensive line and this is the worst injury. I put Wayne Dunn on.
12 minute mark: Their keeper stops a pair of shots by Wood and Rooney. 18 minute mark: Eagles passes to moore who passes back to Hargreaves.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0. 22 minute mark: Downing dribbles between three defenders into the left side of the box.. quick pass to Moore.. he heads it.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0. 42 minute mark: Hargreaves with a dangerous two footed tackle on their midfielder.. he gets a red card! Halftime: 2-0 lead for us. 46 minute mark: Wood passes to Rooney in the box.. he shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0. 49 minute mark: Downing passes to Eagles just outside the box.. he fakes out a defender.. dribbles into the right side of the box.. shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!! 4-0. That is Eagle's 10th goal for England. 52 minute mark: Downing passes to Rooney in the box.. he shoots.. their keeper blocks it.. Moore gets the rebound.. shoots upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 5-0. 60 minute mark: Downing with a corner to the far post.. Eagles heads it.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 6-0. Platt on for Rooney. 92 minute mark: Wood passes to Moore who heads it to Platt in the box.. he blasts a shot.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 7-0. Game over. 7-0 win for us. We outshot them 30-3 (22-0 on target) Wayne Rooney wins MoM, 10 for form, 9 of 9 passes, 1 key pass, 3 of 8 headers, 4 runs, 2 fouls drawn, 1 assist, and 1 goal. Eagles, Downing, and Moore also had 10's for form. Michael Wood had a 9 for form. |
In other World Class Qualifying match:
Adriano was brilliant for Brazil and had both of their goals in a 2-0 win over Peru. Darren Fletcher had a goal for Scotland in their 4-0 win over Luxembourg. Vincent Kompany played well for Belgium, but they lost to Serbia & Mont. 1-0. Antonio Ortega had an assist for Spain in their 1-0 win over Slovenia. Salva played very well for Italy in their 1-0 win over Slovakia. Michael Heller had the loan goal for Germany, but they lost to Georgia 3-1. Matias Cahais played well for Argentina but they lost 2-1 to Ecuador. Diego Cardozo played brilliantly for Uruguay in their 2-0 win over Chile. Tim Howard played ok in the USA's 3-0 win over Panama. The World Cup is only 18 months away! |
Sep 9, 2016 -
Nicky Platt thanked me for helping him score his first goal ever for England. We've been made 3-1 favorites to win the Champions League this year. Milan is second at 5-1. Real Madrid have 6-1 odds. Juventus have 10-1 odds. Chelsea and Zaragoza have 11-1 odds. |
Sep 10, 2016 -
Today we travel to play Tottenham in an EPL Match. They are in 6th while we are in 1st. They are led by left winger Davide Chiumiento who remains quite skilled at 31. They have acquired Mark Tucker who is a talented striker. Michal Kowalik is their new keeper and he is doing well. He has 3 clean sheets in 5 starts. Gary Cox is 22, but he is their star defender. He is playing quite well so far this year. We are 4-6 favorites. It's sunny with temperatures in the 70's. GK: Adriano DL: Trotta DC: Kompany DC: Salva DR: Boogaart ML: Downing MC: Godoy MC: Heller MR: Ortega SC: Rooney SC: Adriano S1: Howard S2: Miller S3: Schreurs S4: Wright S5: Cardozo |
25 minute mark: Salva with a good defensive play.
33 minute mark: Kompany gets whistled for tripping Tucker.. Heller argues the call.. gets away with a warning. Adriano with a pair of acrobatic saves on the free kick and the rebound. 36 minute mark: Kompany starts the counter.. long pass to Downing who heads it to Rooney.. Rooney shoots from 30 yards out.. powerful curving shot.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0. That is Rooney's 5th of the year. 44 minute mark: Adriano starts the counterattack.. long pass to Adriano.. he heads it to Rooney.. he dribbles past two defenders.. into the box.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0. Rooney's 2nd! Halftime: 2-0 lead for us. They have over 36,000 fans here today. 47 minute mark: Chiumiento passes to Tucker in the box.. he shoots.. lower left corner.. Adriano dives.. it's just out of his reach. GOAL. 2-1. 55 minute mark: Trotta intercepts a pass.. starts the counterattack.. long pass to Rooney.. he fires a pass to Adriano in the box.. he heads it.. over the bar. 67 minute mark: Kompany with a critical defensive play. 70 minute mark: Godoy and Tucker collide in the box.. the announcer thinks Tucker dived.. the ref awards a penalty! Corbett steps up.. shoots.. lower left corner.. GOAL. 2-2. 73 minute mark: Trotta is called for obstructing Tucker. Kompany argues the call and gets a yellow. 74 minute mark: Schreurs on for Ortega. I move Trotta to left wing and put Cardozo on for Downing. 85 minute mark: Schreurs passes it to Rooney in the box.. Parnaby pushes him down.. Penalty awarded! Rooney takes the penalty shot.. the keeper blocks it.. Schreurs gets to the rebound.. centers it for Adriano.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-2! Adriano with his 5th goal of the year! Game over. 3-2 win for us :) We each had 14 shots. We each had 7 shots on goal. Rooney wins MoM, 10 for form, 25 of 31 passes, 3 key passes, 2 of 5 tackles, 8 of 9 headers, 7 runs, 4 fouls drawn, and 2 goals. I decide to praise Rooney after this match to the media. |
Sep 12, 2016 -
The fans wrote thousands of letters praising Rooney's performance. Rooney was named to the EPL Team of the Week. Sep 14, 2016 - Today we play Shakhtar a very good Ukrainian team in a Champions League Group Match at our stadium. Their only real star player is left winger Victor Yermak. We are 4-7 favorites. It's overcast with temperatures in the 40's. GK: Adriano DL: Schmidt DC: Cardozo DC: Marchetti DR: Miller ML: Barbosa MC: Wood MC: Heller MR: Schreurs SC: Oswald SC: Adriano S1: Howard S2: Boogaart S3: Cahais S4: Rooney S5: Trotta S6: Ortega S7: Fletcher |
14 minute mark: Heller with a powerful curving shot.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. blocks it.
21 minute mark: Barbosa dribbles past two defenders.. cuts it inside.. short pass to Oswald.. he heads it.. upper right corner.. past the keeper.. GOAL!!!! 1-0. 30 minute mark: Their keeper blocks a pair of shots by us. 35 minute mark: Schreurs passes to Heller.. he shoots.. wide left. Halftime: 1-0 lead. We have about 70,000 fans here today. 46 minute mark: Heller makes an excellent pass into the left side of the 6 yard box.. Barbosa gets to it.. shoots.. sharp angle.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0. That is Barbosa's first of the year. 62 minute mark: Fletcher on for Wood. 75 minute mark: Cahais on for Schmidt. Game over. 2-0 win for us. We outshot them 15-1 (7-0 on target) Barbosa wins MoM, 9 for form, 11 of 15 passes, 3 key passes, 2 of 3 tackles, 2 of 3 headers, 12 runs, 5 fouls drawn, 1 assist, and 1 goal. |
Sep 17, 2016 -
Today we host Coventry in an EPL Match. We are in 1st and they are in 14th. They are led by Star Striker Wayne Worthington. Wayne is 25 and he has been injured all season. He still has 2 more weeks to recover. Without him they have very few dangerous players. They only have one playe, Matthew Harvey who has scored one goal. No one else has scored. Their defense is led by Andrew Whing and Dalibor Glavina. Marco Tedeschi is doing very well at keeper for them. We are 4-7 favorites. It's sunny with temperatures in the 50's. GK: Adriano DL: Trotta DC: Kompany DC: Salva DR: Boogaart ML: Downing MC: Godoy MC: Parker MR: Ortega SC: Rooney SC: Adriano S1: Howard S2: Miller S3: Schreurs S4: Wright S5: Cahais |
4 minute mark: Trotta crosses it to Adriano.. he heads it.. over the bar.
10 minute mark: We get off a trio of shots by their keeper or defenders block them all. 14 minute mark: Whing is hurt in a collision with Downing. Whing has to be substituted. 21 minute mark Downing crosses for Adriano.. diving header.. offside call as it sails into the goal. 27 minute mark: Parker intercepts it.. heads it to Rooney.. he shoots from 25 yards out.. banana shot.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0. The keeper didn't even have time to react much. Halftime: 1-0 lead for us. We have about 70,000 fans here today. 70 minute mark: Their defenders and keeper stop a flurry of shots from my guys. 73 minute mark: Downing passes to Godoy in the left side of the box.. he shoots.. over the bar. 78 minute mark: Paker passes to Adriano.. he shoots.. the keeper blocks it.. Rooney gets the rebound.. shoots.. GOAL!!! 2-0. 83 minute mark: Cahais on for Trotta and Wright on for Adriano. Game over. 2-0 win for us. He outshot us 24-3 (14-2 on target) Downing wins MoM, 10 for form, 14 of 20 passes, 3 key passes, 2 of 3 tackles, 3 of 9 headers, 3 interceptions, 17 runs, 1 foul drawn. Adriano (GK), Boogaart, and Rooney all had 9's for form. |
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Tinkering with him in the demo (he is awesome partnered up with Sol but I could be just a smidge biased), he continually comes up big performance-wise without ever putting up terribly gaudy ratings numbers. Quote:
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Yeah, that does make sense. I think that with 4 good defenders, they all seem to "share" the stats and therefore none of them really shine statistically. The bottom line is that so far we are giving up very few goals :) Yeah the improvement report was very nice. Even nicer, is that I only put the top 10 "improvers" In reality, they were about 16 players who had improved (most of them in the U18 and reserve system) :) However, there were only 4 players with declining attributes. I'm going to make sure that I do that report on Sep 1 of each year to make the comparisions as valid as possible. |
Post Match Info:
Downing suffered a sprained wrist and will miss a week. Sep 20, 2016 - Boogaart, Downing, and Rooney were all selected to the EPL Team of the Week. Sep 21, 2016 - Alberto Flores is back from his injury in a big way. He helped our reserves beat Millwall's 4-0. Flores had a 10 for form with 2 goals and an assist in the 4-0 win. Sep 23, 2016 - Michael Oswald has picked up a strained hamstring and will miss about a week. Not the most favorable draw for the English League Cup 3rd round. We will be traveling to play West Ham. |
Sep 24, 2016 -
Today we travel to play Aston villa in an EPL Match. They are currently 13th in the EPL and they are floundering some. Their main strength is the skill of strikers Luke Moore and Jhon Jairo Mosquera who each have 5 goals. Gael Clichy is playing well at left back as well. Mouran Meghni is playing well on the right wing and Ville-pekka Luukkonen is doing very well in the midfield. Chris Cohen is a good centreback. Chris Taylor is not doing very well in goal this year. He has 3 cleansheets, but he has given 10 goals in his other 4 starts. We are 4-5 favorites. It's sunny with temperatures in the 50's. GK: Adriano DL: Schmidt DC: Kompany DC: Cardozo DR: Miller ML: Barbosa MC: Parker MC: Godoy MR: Ortega SC: Rooney SC: Adriano S1: Howard S2: Wright S3: Cahais S4: King S5: Alfonso |
6 minute mark: Barbosa passes to Rooney in the left half of the box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper dives.. blocks it.
12 minute mark: Kompany starts the counterattack.. passes to Ortega.. long pass to Rooney.. he is breaking away.. he dribbles into the box.. Taylor rushes out.. blocks the angle.. saves the shot. 17 minute mark: Miller starts our counterattack.. passes it to Rooney at midpitch.. he plays a perfect lead pass to the box.. Barbosa gets to it.. big left footed shot.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0. 29 minute mark: Parker intercepts the ball.. heads it to Rooney just outside the box.. he spins away from a defender.. shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper saves it. 30 minute mark: Godoy gets a yellow card for pushing Moore. 43 minute mark: Parker passes it to Rooney in the left side of the box along the endline.. Rooney with one of his patented shots.. along the endline.. it curves into the upper right corner! GOAL!!!! 2-0. Halftime: 2-0 lead for us. They have about 42,000 fans here today. 49 minute mark: Godoy steals the ball at midpitch.. passes it to Rooney in the left side of the box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. nice save by the keeper. 64 minute mark: Cardozo with a great defensive play. 73 minute mark: Alfonso on for Barbosa and Cahais on for Schmidt. 79 minute mark: Luukkonen passes to Cohen just outside the box.. Cohen blasts a shot into the upper right corner.. the announcer feels that no keeper could have stopped that. I agree. GOAL. 2-1. 81 minute mark: Meghni dribbles past Cahais.. he centers it to Gordon.. James Gordon is their young rising star.. he shoots.. Adriano blocks it... Gordon gets the rebound.. shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL. 2-2. 92 minute mark: Miller passes to Godoy.. he shoots from 25 yards out.. the keeper barely tips it over the bar. Game over. Disappointing collapse at the end. 2-2 tie. We outshot them 13-11 (9-7 on target) Rooney won MoM, 10 for form, 16 of 20 passes, 2 key passes, 2 of 3 tackles, 4 of 11 headers, 8 runs, 1 foul drawn, 1 assist, and 1 goal. Kompany had a 6 for form due to a bad play or two at the end! |
Sep 26, 2016 -
Rooney was selected to the EPL Team of the Week. Sep 27, 2016 - Today we play PAOK on the road in a Champions League Group Match. PAOK is a strong team that isn't very technically skilled. Ariel Pereyra is their main star at striker. He is quick and powerful with a good shot. We are 4-7 favorites. It's overcast with temperatures in the 40's. GK: Adriano DL: Trotta DC: Kompany DC: Salva DR: Boogaart ML: Barbosa MC: Godoy MC: Heller MR: schreurs SC: Rooney SC: King S1: Howard S2: Miller S3: Parker S4: Fletcher S5: Cardozo S6: Ortega S7: Alfonso |
15 minute mark: Barbosa dribbles past two defenders.. passes it to Rooney.. he shoots a weak shot that the keeper easily saves.
21 minute mark: Barbosa with a corner kick to the near post.. Salva heads it.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!! 1-0. 25 minute mark: Their keeper saves a long shot by Heller. Halftime: 1-0 lead. 50 minute mark: Our midfielders pass back and forth, searching out a hole in their defense.. Godoy shoots.. upper left corner.. inches over the bar. 59 minute mark: Trotta gets a yellow card for a hard tackle on their striker, fortunately just outside the box. 60 minute mark: Alfonso on for Barbosa and Ortega on for Schreurs. 71 minute mark: Godoy passes to Heller just outside the box.. he passes to Ortega just inside the right half of the box.. Ortega with some fancy footwork past two defenders.. fakes to his left.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0. very nice footwork by Ortega. 76 minute mark: Kompany with a goal saving tackle. 84 minute mark: King is grabbing his leg in pain. I put Fletcher on for him. Game over. 2-0 win for us. We outshot them 16-8 (9-2 on target) Barbosa wins MoM, 9 for form, 18 of 24 passes, 2 key passes, 1 of 1 tackles, 0 of 3 headers, 1 interception, 10 runs, 2 fouls drawn, 1 assist. Adriano, Salva, Trotta, Kompany and Boogaart all had 8's for form. |
Post Match Info:
Craig King suffered a back strain and will miss 2-3 weeks :( "The Manchester United Board are absolutely thrilled with the level of commitment [i] continue to show the club" I've never heard them speak so positively to me! Wayne Rooney has won the EPL Player of the Month. Benjamin Weigelt of Middlesbrough came in 2nd, and Aaron Lennon of West Ham came in 3rd. West Brom's Mark Walsh has won the EPL Young Player of the Month. Massimo Mancuso of West Ham came in 2nd and Michael corbertt of Tottenham came in 3rd. Chelsea's Jose Luis Mendilibar has won the EPL Manager of the Month. Tony Mowbray of Middelsbrough came in 2nd, and I came in 3rd. Wayne Rooney swept the goal of the month awards with all 3 slots. |
Oct 1, 2016 -
Today we host Middelsbrough in an EPL Match. We are in 1st and they are in 6th. They are led by the superb keeper play of Jan Lastuvka. Bejamin Weigelt is the leader of their defensive line. Johny Alejandro Acosta continues to play well in the midfield. Jamie Cook is playing well in the midfield for them and is their leading scorer with 2 goals in 8 starts. Dexter Blackstock is their leading striker with 2 goals. We are 4-5 favorites. It's overcast with tempeatures in the 50's. GK: Adriano DL: Schmidt DC: Kompany DC: Salva DR: Miller ML: Downing MC: Parker MC: Godoy MR: Ortega SC: Rooney SC: Adriano S1: Howard S2: Trotta S3: Schreurs S4: Wright S5: Cardozo |
1st minute: Godoy intercepts the ball.. passes to Parker.. he shoots from 20 yards out.. upper right corner.. Lastuvka dives.. catches it.
4 minute mark: Ortega is hurt. He has to be carried off the pitch :( I put Schreurs on for him. 11 minute mark: Pablo pushes Adriano down.. penalty.. Rooney takes it.. blasts a shot.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0. Rooney's 10th of the year. 19 minute mark: Schreurs passes to Adriano.. he shoots from 30 yards out.. powerful banana shot.. upper right corner.. Lastuvka dives.. tips it wide. Halftime: 1-0 lead. We have over 70,000 fans here today. 61 minute mark: Downing passes to Adriano right of the box.. he dribbles into the box.. passes over the keeper's head.. unfortunately over Rooney's head as well.. out of bounds. 67 minute mark: Cook with a long range shot.. wide right of the net. Adriano lets it pass on by. 72 minute mark: Downing with a corner kick to the far post.. Rooney heads it.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0. 74 minute mark: Trotta on for Schreurs who is tired. Cardozo on for Schmidt. 77 minute mark: Trotta uses his explosive speed to run past three defenders.. nice cross to the left side of the box.. Downing immediately shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0. 82 minute mark: downing dribbles past a man.. crosses it to the far post.. Lastuvka punches it away.. Godoy gets it.. shoots it into the upper left corner before the keeper can recover! GOAL!!!! 4-0. 90 minute mark: Miller with a pair of great defensive plays. Game over. 4-0 win for us :) We dominated them all day. We outshot them 23-5 (16-1 on target) Downing wins MoM, 10 for form, 21 of 26 passes, 4 key passes, 1 of 2 tackles, 0 of 3 headers, 12 runs, 1 assist, and 1 goal. Adriano (striker), Rooney, and Schreurs all had 9's for form. Salva, Kompany, Miller, and Godoy all had 8's for form. |
Oct 4, 2016 -
Downing, Rooney, and Adriano (striker) all were selected to the EPL Team of the Week. Adriano Trotta, Michael Oswald, Chris Miller, and Alberto Flores have each been called up to their country's U21 team for matches on October 7. October 5, 2016 - Today we travel to play Manchester City in an EPL Match. We are in 1st and they are in 5th. They are devoid of any stars, but are winning with great team chemistry and play right now. Keeper Libis Andreas Arenas is playing extremely well and is among the best keeper's in the EPL right now. Andrew Davies and Michael Dawson work well together as their centrebacks. Stephen Whelan and Damien Delaney work well in the midfield. David Miller and Benjamin Lauth are the leading strikers with 3 and 2 goals respectively. We are 4-7 favorites. It's sunny with temperatures in the 40's. Boogaart suffered a training injury yesterday, so I have to scrap my plan to start him today. GK: Adriano DL: Trotta DC: Kompany DC: Salva DR: Miller ML: Downing MC: Godoy MC: Heller MR: Schreurs SC: Rooney SC: Adriano S1: Howard S2: Oswald S3: Barbosa S4: Wright S5: Cardozo |
15 minute mark: Their keeper stops a flurry of shots.
18 minute mark: Kompany with a big defensive play on Lauth who had a breakaway. 20 minute mark: Downing gets a yellow card for tripping their right winger. 33 minute mark: Heller turns it over to Delaney who passes to Lauth.. he shoots from 20 yards out.. over the bar. 39 minute mark: Godoy gets a yellow card for a trip on Delaney. 41 minute mark: Miller passes from midpitch to Adriano just outside the box.. he creates room with a stutter step.. shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper dives.. tips it over the bar. 44 minute mark: Their defenders and their keeper stop a flurry of shots. Halftime: 0-0 tie. 48 minute mark: Rooney with a powerful banana shot.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. catches it. 51 minute mark: Salva passes to Schrerus who passes to adriano.. he shoots from 30 yards out.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. tips it.. still a GOAL!!!! 1-0. 55 minute mark: Their keeper stops a pair of our close range shots. 56 minute mark: They start the counterattack.. long pass to David Miller.. he centers for Delaney.. Delaney heads it.. Adriano blocks it.. no he somehow knocks it into his own goal! OWn goal on Adriano. 1-1. 73 minute mark: Rossini and Kompany collide... Rossini is called for diving.. yellow card. 75 minute mark: Barbosa on for Godoy and Oswald on for Rooney. 85 minute mark: Barbosa starts our counterattack.. 30 yard pass up to Schreurs.. he dribbles past two defenders... into the box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. past the keeper.. GOAL!!!! 2-1! 88 minute mark: Kompany with a key defensive play in our box... he starts out counterattack.. long pass to Schreurs.. he dribbles right of the box.. short cross.. Adriano heads it.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-1. Game over. 3-1 win for us :) We outshot them 26-5 (18-1 on target) Adriano wins MoM, 10 for form, 19 of 22 passes, 1 key pass, 0 tackles, 3 of 9 headers, 1 interceptions, 2 runs, 3 fouls drawn, and 2 goals. Schreurs had a 9 for form. Salva, Trotta, Kompany, Miller, Godoy, and Downing all had 8's for form. |
Oct 5, 2016 -
Alberto Flores had a goal and an assist for our reserve team in their 2-0 win over Middelsbrough. Stewart Downing suffered a groin strain and he will miss about 2 weeks. Oct 8, 2016 - Carlos Godoy suffered a groin strain and will miss about 2 weeks. Adriano Trotta was dominant with a 9 for form 30 of 34 passes, and 1 assist for Italy in their 2-1 win over Ireland. Michael Oswald had a goal for Germany in their 3-0 win over Andorra. Chris Miller had an 8 for form and was MoM in England's 1-0 win over Norway. All of our players are doing well for their U21 teams. |
Oct 8, 2016 -
Today we play at Norway in a World Cup Qualifying Match. Norway is led by Nantes' Forward Daniel Fredheim Holm who is a talented striker. Espn Johnsen is a good keeper. Johan Laedre Bjordal is a good centreback. We are 4-5 favorites. It's sunny with temperatures in the 40's. GK: Chris Taylor DL: Chris Cohen DC: Robert Morris DC: Ben Bennett DR: Lee Roberts ML: John Hall MC: Michael Wood MC: Barry Parker MR: Christopher Eagles SC: Wayne Rooney SC: Gary Moore (talented young striker from Manchester City.) S1: Paul Lancaster S2: Steve Turner S3: John Collins S4: Nicky Platt S5: David Evans S6: Jamie Cook S7: Bob Wright |
1st minute: Braaten passes to Fredhelm Holm in the right side of the box.. he dribbles past Cohen.. shoots.. lower left corner.. GOAL. Down 1-0.
28 minute mark: Their defense shuts down a Rooney breakaway. 33 minute mark: Braaten passes to Holm in the left half of the box.. he fakes to his left.. shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL. Down 2-0 :( Halftime: Down 2-0. 50 minute mark: Braaten steals the ball at midpitch.. dribbles past three of our defenders.. shoots.. lower left corner.. GOAL. Down 3-0. 56 minute mark: Evans on for Bennett who is playing very bad. Platt on for Moore who is doing nothing. 65 minute mark: Hall crosses it long for Platt.. he heads it.. go.. Platt is whistled for pushing the defender.. the goal is waved off. Game over. We were demolished 3-0. We outshot them 9-8 (5-1 on target in their favor) Christian Skollevoid, their centreback, won MoM, 9 for form, 28 of 32 passes, 1 key pass, 3 of 9 tackles, 13 of 13 headers, 4 interceptions, 1 foul drawn, and 1 assist. |
Post Match Info:
Christopher Eagles is hurt and will miss our next international game. I call up James Milner to replace him. Mickael Schmidt played well for France in their 3-0 win over Serbia & Mont. Salva played very well for Italy, scoring their only goal, in a 1-0 win over Ireland. Darren Fletcher played ok, but Belarus beat Scotland 1-0. Vincent Kompany played very well for Belgium in their 3-0 win over Northern Ireland. Antonio Ortega had a goal and an assist for Spain in their 5-1 win over Estonia. Tim Howard played well for the USA in their 2-0 win over Costa Rica. |
Oct 11, 2016 -
Adriano (striker) was selected to the EPL Team of the Week. Antonio Blanco has been called up to Spain's U19 team for their match against Bosnia. Oct. 12, 2016 - In u21 action (Euro U21 Championship Qualifyers) - Michael Oswald played well with a goal and an assist for Germany in their 4-0 win over Russia. Adriano Trotta played ok for Italy in their 1-0 win over San Marino. Chris Miller was MoM and had a 10 for form in England's 2-0 win over Albania. Dean Watkins from my reserve squad also played well in the match. |
Oct 12, 2016 -
Today we play at Albania in a World Cup Qualifying Match. Albania doesn't have any recognizable stars and they should be easily defeated. We are 2-5 favorites. It's overcast with temperatures in the 60's. GK: Taylor DL: Cohen DC: Morris DC: Bennett DR: Roberts ML: Hall MC: John Collins MC: Barry Parker MR: James Milner SC: Rooney SC: Luke Moore S1: Paul Lancaster S2: Evans S3: Wood S4: Platt S5: Glen Johnson S6: Cook s7: Wayne Worthington |
6 minute mark: Bennett starts our counterattack.. long pass to Rooney.. he feeds the ball between three defenders to Moore in the box.. he shoots from 7 yards out.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.
14 minute mark: Long pass from Cohen to Rooney in the left half of the box.. he tries to fake out the keeper.. shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper blocks it... the defense clears before he can shoot the rebound. 24 minute mark: Long pass from Lamaj to Xhani in the box.. he shoots.. Taylor blocks it. Tafaj gets the rebound.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL. 1-1. 34 minute mark: Roonet dribbles left of the box.. passes it to Hall.. he passes it to Parker just inside the box.. shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-1. That is Parker's 1st goal for England! Halftime: 2-1 lead for us. 48 minute mark: Collins was pushed down by Xanli in the box.. Milner steps up.. shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!! 3-1. 67 minute mark: Glen Johnson on for Roberts. Jamie Cook on for Collins. 77 minute mark: Simani with a long range shot.. Taylor misplays the ball.. grabs it.. bobbles it.. Own goal for Taylor! 3-2. Game over. 3-2 win for us. We each had 12 shots. (6-4 on target in our favor) Rooney wins MoM, 10 for form, 18 of 23 passes, 3 key passes, 0 tackles, 3 of 6 headers, 2 interceptions, 10 runs, 2 fouls drawn, and 1 assist. |
Other WC Qualifying Results:
Salva played well for Italy in their 3-0 win over San Marino. Darren Fletcher had 2 assists for Scotland in their 3-0 win over Croatia. Mickael Schmidt and Vincent Kompany both played well, but France beat Belgium 3-1. Michael Heller played very well for Germany and had an assist in their 2-0 win over Russia. Antonio Ortega had an assist for Spain in their 3-1 win over Romania. Tim Howard had an average performance but the USA beat Panama 4-1. Mighel Jackson had a hattrick for the USA and DaMarcus Beasley had the other goal and an assist. |
Oct 13, 2016 -
Barry Parker thanked me for having faith in him and helping him get his first goal for England. He admitted that he can't wait to play for England again. Alberto Flores had a goal and an assist in Spain's 2-0 win over Bosnia in the Euro U19 Championship Qualifying Match. Oct 15, 2016 - Diego Cardozo played well for uruguay, but they lost 2-0 to Paraguay. Adriano had a 10 for form and 3 assists in Brazil's 3-0 win over Ecuador. Oct 17, 2016 - Mickael Schmidt injured his ankle in practice today and will miss our Champions League Match tomorrow. He will be out for approximately a week. |
Sucks to give away two points against Villa. Really nice form the team has going at the moment (otherwise), though. Keep up the good start to the season!!! :)
Perhaps Rooney heard you doubt him at the start of the season. :D |
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Yeah, I've generally been very happy with our early form but that Aston Villa game was very annoying. Rooney has been amazing this year so far. Perhaps, he did hear that I was doubting him. This game is so amazing that it makes you actually wander about those sorts of things for a minute ;) Or perhaps Flores and the other young guns in the system are motivating him to stay on top of his game. |
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