WSM06: Redemption

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov 13, 2005 -

Today I'm watching the MLS Final of Kansas City vs Salt Lake. The game is being played at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford and rain is expected. Kansas City has depended on the talented Bo Oshoniyi who has played superbly in goal most of the year. They have been missing star striker Brian McBride most of the year due to a torn groin muscle, but Scott Sealy has played very well. Scott is a 24 year old striker from Trinidad & Tobago who has excellent speed and strength. Fulham could use him well I think. He has 17 goals and 14 assists in 31 starts. Petr Vicek is on loan from Achna and the 32 year old Czech defender has helped solidify the defense in front of Bo.

Jermaine Hue is a talented 27 year old Jamaican left winger who has been playing particularly well the last few weeks.



Salt Lake has the talented Eddie Pope at centreback. Pope has played extraordinarily well the last 3 weeks. Rusty Pierce is also providing solid play at centreback. Keeper Dan Popik has been efficient in goal. Jason Kreis has had a good year as the number 1 striker. He has 13 goals and 3 assists on the year. Byron Carmichael has been their 2nd striker since arriving at the club this year. Carmichael has 8 goals and 3 assists on the year.


Salt Lake's Lineup:

GK Dan Popik
DR Nelson Akwari
DL Franz Torre
DC Eddie Pope
DC Rusty Pierce
ML Patricio Camps
MC Edison Vicente Méndez
MC Clint Mathis
FC Byron Carmichael
FC Jason Kreis
S1 D.J. Countess
S2 Seth Trembly
S3 Andy Williams
S4 Jordan Cila
S5 Yth Nik Besagno

KC's Lineup:

GK: Bo Oshoniyi
DL: Brian Carroll
DC: Dustin Branan
DC: Petr Vicek
DR: Alex Zotinca
ML: Jermaine Hue
MC: KErry Zavagnin
MC: Diego Gutierrez
FC: Josh Wolff
FC: Scott Sealy

S1: Will Hesmer
S2: Chris Klein
S3: Daniel Dobson
S4: Davy Arnaud

(everyone else is too injured to have an S5!)

[Eaglesfan27]

4 minute mark: Sealy created an excellent opportunity for Gros to score as he with plenty of space 15 yards from goal, but Gros shot it wide right.

25 minute mark: Gros took a throw-in deep in Salt Lake turf and crossed it towards the far post but Hue headed it over the bar.


Halftime: KC dominated time of possession, but goes into halftime tied 0-0.

Clint Mathis had picked up an injury and Salt Lake brings Nik Besagno on for him in the midfield.



At the 47 minute mark, KC had a skiled goal. Carroll headed a keeper kick back towards Kerry Zacagnin who quickly passes it towards the box. Scott Sealy cut between two defenders and reached the ball first. He immediately shot it into the lower right corner for a pretty goal. That gave KC a 1-0 lead.


At the 62 minute mark, Besagnio made a nice pass into the box for Carmichael who shot from 10 yards but Bo blocked it over the bar.


Kansas City holds onto their lead and wins the MLS Championship 1-0!

Kansas City outshot Salt Lake 4-3 (1-1 on target)


Jermaine Hue won the MVP, 8 for form, 31 of 45 passes, 4 key passes, 1 of 2 tackles, 4 of 7 headers, 7 runs, 3 fouls drawn.

[Eaglesfan27]

November 16, 2005 -

Lens has hired Paul Le Guen as their new manager today.


I'm wondering if any MLS managers are going to be fired now that the season is over.


Nov 22, 2005 -

Standard (A Belgian team) has fired Dominique D'Onofrio. No MLS offers seem to be forthcoming, and I wonder if I should apply for the job.

I decide not to apply as I doubt I would get the job anyway.



Nov. 30, 2005 -

Levante has fired Jose Luis Oltra. I've always wanted to go to Spain, so I decide to apply for the job, but I'm doubtful of my chances to get the job.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec 6, 2005 -

Levante called and told me they would not bring me in for an interview.

Wrexham and Stockport have fired their head coaches.

Stockport's star player is young American midfielder Jemal Johnson (who is on loan from Blackburn.) I decide to approach them about working with their talented youngster.


Dec 11, 2005 -

Deportivo has fired Caparros. I don't think I have any shot at the job, so I don't apply.

Sochaux has fired Dominique Bijotat. Again, I don't think I have any chance of getting that job.


Dec 14, 2005 -

Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy has won the World Player of the Year Award. John Terry of Chelsea came in 2nd and Thierry Henry of Arsenal came in 3rd.


Stockport is bringing me in for an interview! I wonder if they are going to ask about my past and the scandal...

[Barkeep49]

Is this game different in that you have things to do when unemployed or is that creative embellishment?

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec 15, 2005 -

Deportivo have hired Irureta as their new Head Coach.

Dec 19, 2005 -

Luis Fernandez has been hired by Sochaux as their new head coach today.

I've returned from the interview (OOC: the whole interview process is artistic license, there is no interviewing process in the game) and I think it went well. Of course, they had done their homework and they asked me questions about the scandal. They reminded me that football was life in England. I'll be asked questions by the media if I'm hired. They will dig into my past. They asked me how I would handle such questions. I think they were impressed. Now, I sit and wait to hear word....


Dec 21, 2005 -

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney has won the World Footballer of the Year Award. Ron Makaay of FC Bayern Munchen came in 2nd, and Philipp Lahm of FC Bayern Munchen came in 3rd.



Dec 22, 2005 -

Stockport Chairman Mike Baker has offered me the job!!!! They will pay me 55,000 dollars per year on a 1 year rolling contract. There will be no transfer funds available due to the club's perilous financial situation. Also, the current payroll is currently 1.5 million dollars per year. I will be expected to reduce that payroll significantly. It will be a challenge. I might fail, but I think it is my only chance at redemption and hopefully coaching in the USA one day.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Barkeep49

Is this game different in that you have things to do when unemployed or is that creative embellishment?

Creative embellishment. There is no scouting or anything else.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec 22, 2005 -

I awoke to find a detailed article faxed to me from a local newspaper. It appears that I'm considered a huge gamble (no surprise) and that Stockport's local reporters are going to be skeptical of my abilities.

Mike Baker sent me an email, saying that he was happy I accepted the deal and that I will have the full backing of the club's board. He also informed me that my E-tickets would be at the airport for my afternoon flight. I need to get to know my team quickly as we have our first game with me as Head Coach.. uhhm I mean Manager of Stockport on the 26th. I need to get used to the Queen's English.

Mr. Baker also emailed me confidential files on each of the team's players and staff. I plan on reviewing them during the flight.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec 22, 2005 -

Overview of the Club:

Stockport County was founded in 1883.

The team won the League Two Title in 1967. They were the runner-up in League One in 1997.

They are currently in 14th place in League Two.
They have insecure finances and the club is expecting me to bring the wage budget under control.

They have a 10,799 all-seater stadium

They have good training facilities.

Overview of the Staff:

Coaches:

Grant Brown - The 36 year old assistant manager has been with the club since the beginning of this year. Grant's file states that he he is good at working defenders. I wonder how he feels about being passed over for the Manager's job. He is making 28,000 dollars per year.

Colin West - The 43 year old coach has been with the club for several years now. He is good at coaching keepers and is regarded as a keen judge of talent. However, he is making 28,000/year and I'm not sure if I can afford to keep him on the club. However, his deal is good for 18 more months so I might not have a choice.

Craig Madden - My only other coach is 47. He is good at working with strikers. He is not as good at judging talent as my other players. He is making 28,000/year for the next 2 and a half years. I guess I'm stuck with these guys for now.

Physios

Rodger Wylde - He is a 47 year old physio who is regarded as mediocre at best. He is also making 28,000/year and his deal expires in June of 06. I'm almost certain I will not renew his deal.

Darren Vaughan - This 51 year old physio is regarded as a below average physio. He is also making 28,000/year but his deal is good for 2 and a half years.

Scouts

Steve Marshall - This 53 year old scout is considered decent at his job. He is currently making 22,000/year.

Gary Jackson - This 53 year old scout is below average, but must have some dirt on someone. He is signed for 4 more years at 22,000/year.

[Barkeep49]

Yeah! We get to see some football!

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec 22, 2005 -

Now, time to review the files of the players on the main squad currently:

Keepers:

James Spencer - 6'3 200 pounds, 20 year old keeper who is the undisputed #1 in the system. James is acrobatic, has excellent reflexes, and is generally a very good keeper for this level of play. His biggest weakness is that he occasionally loses his composure. He has 6 clean sheets in 25 appearances. He has 4 yellow cards on the year. He has conceded 36 goals in 25 starts. He is currently making 55,000 dollars/year and has some transfer value, but I'd rather not move him. His contract expires at the end of the year, and I want to try to extend his deal very soon after arriving.

Craig Duncan - 5'10 167 pounds, 17 year old keeper that is currently the top backup, but I'll have to re-evaluate that. He doesn't have much athletic ability, he isn't good in the air. However, he does have good reflexes. He is currently making 4,000 dollars/year. He is signed for 4 more years. He doesn't have much trade value. In 1 start and 2 relief appearances, he has conceded 2 goals and has 2 clean sheets credited to him.

Defenders:

Rob Clare - 6'1 187 pounds, 22 year old centreback/right back who is very skilled. The previous manager didn't use him much, but from Grant Brown's notes I feel he is clearly a nice addition to the defense now. He is quick, has good leaping ability, is a tough competitor in the air, is determined, and is a skilled tackler and marker. I plan on using him extensively. He is paid 75,000 dollars/year and is signed for 18 more months.

Tony Kane - 5'10 165 pounds, the 18 year old right back is on loan from Blackburn. He has had 5 starts and hasn't impressed. I'll reserve judgement until I see him in person, but from Brown's notes he appears to be too slow, and too sloppy with his tackling to get regular PT.

Keith Briggs is listed as a defender, but Craig Madden thinks he is more of a natural in the midfield. I'll discuss him there.

Michael Raynes - 6'2 182 pounds, this 18 year old centreback has good strength and uses his size well. He can win balls in the air and is good at marking his man. The major knock against him is that he dogs it at times.

Ashley Williams - 6'0 178 pounds, this 21 year old centreback has actually been the glue of the defense so far. He has decent speed, good strength, works hard, and is good at winning balls in the air. He is making 80,000/year and is signed for 2 and a half years.

Danny Griffin - 5'11 174 pounds, this 28 year old centreback can also play defensive midfielder well. His biggest plus is that he is very strong. He is also very hard working and determined. He is also one of my most expensive players at 110,000/year! He has a bit of trade value, and I might consider moving him to help alleviate the club's financial burden..

Ben Parker - 5'11 167 pounds, this 18 player returns to Leeds soon as his loan is about to expire. I might see if I can renew it as he is our only natural left back, but can also play left wing. He is strong, is a tough tackler, and has decent marking.

Stuart Ainsley - 5'10 167 pounds, this 17 year old left back/left winger is also on loan. In this case, we have him from Ipswich. He is faster than Parker and is a better tackler. However, he often finds himself poorly positioned which concerns me.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Barkeep49

Yeah! We get to see some football!

I'm glad too I was starting to think I was never going to get hired

[Eaglesfan27]

Midfielders:

Harpal Singh - 5'7 154 pounds, this 24 year old AML is a natural for left wing in my system. He is fast, reasonably strong, has great determination, and is a skilled passer! The downside is that he is timid in collisions, makes poor decisions, and occasionally doesn't play hard. He is currently injured but is due back soon. He currently makes 110,000/year and his deal expires in 6 months or so. I have to decide quickly if I should try to sign him a new deal.. He has 3 assists and 0 goals in 18 starts.


Keith Briggs - 6'0 174 pounds, this 24 year old can also play right back, but his best position is in the midfield. He is a good defender in the midfield, he has good strength and speed. He works hard, but occasionally has lapses in his concentration. He is a dangerous long range shooter and can also make some nice passes. He currently makes 90k/year and is signed for 3 more years after this one. He has 1 assist in 23 starts.


Danny Boshell - 5'11 176 pounds, this 24 year old midfielder is a bit slow, but usually has good positioning. He is a skilled passer, but doesn't excel in much else. He is currently making 45k/year and his deal expires at the end of the season. I'm thinking he might be a candidate to be let go, but he does have 4 assists on the year...


Scott Mitchell - 5'11 169 pounds, this 20 year old midfielder has tons of potential. He is strong, quick, makes great decisions, works hard, and anticipates players well. He is a skilled passer and can beat guys with his dribble. He is making 50,000/year and is signed for 2 1/2 years. I think he should be a key part of our offense. Interestingly, he has 0 goals and 0 assists in 23 starts...


Jermaine Easter - 5'10 171 pounds, this 23 year old attacking midfielder/forward is fast. He accelerates well. He works hard. However, he doesn't do much else well. He hasn't seen any regular season action, and I don't anticipate using him either, unless we have more injuries. He makes 60,000/year and has a bit of trade value. However, his contract expires in June, so I'm sure that I'll just lose him for free. However, with the need to cut payroll, I will probably let him go. Unless, I decide to employ an old 4-1-2-1-2 formation that I used to use in which case he might thrive as a scoring attacking midfielder if he can use his speed to good effect...



Jemal Johnson - 6'0 167 pounds, I think the 20 year old American Midfielder/forward may have helped me get this job to some small extent. The bad news is that his loan expires in about a month, and his injury is expected to last about a month. He only played 2 games here before being injured. I hope I can convince Blackburn to renew his loan..

Matthew Hamshaw - 5'9 167 pounds, 23 year old right winger is my only natural right winger. He has good speed and strength. He works hard and is a very determined player. He is excellent at corners. He is also good at taking free kicks. He has 3 goals and 2 assists in 22 starts and should be a big part of our team. He makes 85k/year and his deal expires at the end of this season.

Strikers:

Paul Keenan - 6'3 191 pounds, 21 year old Striker who doesn't have good speed or strength. He does jump reasonably well and is decent at heading the ball. However, he doesn't have many other skills and I'm surprised he has 6 goals on the year. He is currently injured for the next few weeks with a twisted knee. He only makes 10k/year and his deal expires at the end of this season. If he is willing to re-sign that cheaply, I might bring him back for depth..


Tesfaye Bramble - 6'0 185 pounds, 25 year old striker who was just recently acquired by the club on a free transfer. He is fast and strong. He has a decent header and is a good shot. The downside is that he is lazy, has terrible off the ball skills, and doesn't play nicely with his teammates. The fact that Stockport took a gamble on him, shows how desperate we are for help at the striker position... He has a goal in his only start before he was injured. He should recover from the bruised ribs soon. He is making 65k/year and is signed for 18 more months.


Michael Malcolm - 5'9 165 pounds, 20 year old striker who is one of 2 uninjured natural strikers at this time. He has 7 goals in 10 starts, and he has very good speed. He also has an excellent shot and shows surprising strength in the box. He has terrific acceleration as well. He is probably going to be a mainstay in my offense. He makes 50k/year and is signed for 18 months.


Adam Le Fondre - 5'9 160 pounds, 19 year old striker who has 3 goals in 3 starts and 7 relief appearances. Good speed, decent strength, good off the ball skills, very good shot. His lack of determination on the pitch is his biggest flaw. He makes 40k/year and his deal expires in 6 months.

[Eaglesfan27]

The Reserve System:

Ludovic Dje - 6'2 187 pounds, 28 year old French centreback. He is very strong and is a good leaper. He also has good positioning. He could play centreback for us without any significant drop off. However, we have quite a bit of talent there. I'll watch Dje closely, and might bring him up. He makes 40k/year and his deal expires at the end of the season. Unless he impresses, he will be a salary reduction loss.


Mark Robinson - 5'9 160 pounds, 24 year old left back. Average speeed, average strength, average tackling. Does ok in practice, but plays poorly in games that matter. I might give him a shot at redemption if I can't keep either of our loan left backs. He makes 55k/year and his deal expires at the end of the season.


Ross Greenwood - 5'10 165 pounds, 20 year old right back/midfielder - Has good leaping ability, good strength, slow speed. Is a great competitor. Has a decent shot and is an ok passer. Not good at tackling or marking men. Currently makes 45k/year. His deal expires at the end of the season.


Damien Allen - 5'11 174 pounds, 19 year old right winger. He lacks good speed, but is a skilled passer. Also has a good shot and is skilled at heading the ball. I think I might give him another shot on the big club soon. He makes 40k/year and is signed for 18 months.


James Callery - 5'8 160 pounds, 19 year old right winger. He is fast. That is about all that the coaches can say good about him. He makes 18k/year and his deal expires at the end of the season.


Ezekiel Tomlinson - 5'9 163 poinds, 20 year old midfielder, good strength, below average speed, works very hard. Is a decent passer. Makes 35k/year and is signed til the end of the year.


Michael Wolski - 6'1 182 pounds, 26 year old french midfielder, excellent strength, slow, aggressive on the pitch, good man marker, has a good header. Doesn't do much else well. Makes 60k/year and has a bit of trade value. Under contract for 12 more months. I might try to move him.


John Toner - 6'1 178 pounds, 29 year old striker, was on the main squad until recently. Has 6 goals in 13 starts in league play. He has very good speed, excellent leaping ability, but seems to miss a lot of headers. Has a decent shot. Makes poor decisions and lacks concentration. Makes 90k/year and is signed for 18 more months.


Paul Douglas - 5'10 160 pounds, 19 year old striker. Has 7 goals in 15 starts for the reserve squad. Is strong, has good speed, very good acceleration. Needs refinement in his skills. Doesn't play any defense. Very poor as a passer. Makes 16k/year and is signed til the end of the year.


Chris Williams - 5'9 160, 20 year old striker, Has 3 goals for the reserves in 2 starts and 9 relief apperances. Good speed, but gets pushed around too much. Has a good shot, but doesn't get himself into good position well. Makes 50k/year and is signed until the end of the season.

I decide I'm going to pull Toner up to the main squad once my plane lands.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec 22, 2005 -

The youth system doesn't have any thing that catches my eye. I'll watch them play before commenting.

It's clear that I'll need to dump some of the high priced reserve players if they can't become contributors to the main squad.

My plane is about to land, and I'll be meeting the team tomorrow and watching them practice and trying to decide which tactic to employ with this squad.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec 23, 2005 -

I met Grant Brown today. He is a gruff but likable guy. I've decided to let him keep his plans for the training regimen for now..

However, after watching our practice today, I feel a need to work on changing the Vanilla 4-4-2 they have been using. I'm sitting in my office devising plans now. I think Jermaine Easter might be a key guy on this team after all...

As far as my other staff, I'm not sure that I really like Colin West, but I'll reserve judgement on his work.



Toner had 2 goals in his most recent match with the Stockport Reserves before I could move him to the main squad.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec 24, 2005 -

Here is a look at the formation I've come up with (although I hope to change personel as some people recover from injuries):

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec 25, 2005 -

The day before my game, I find myself thwarted by the common cold! Jermaine Easter became sick. I thought he might be faking at first, but watching him sneeze across the room, I realized I had to send him home so he didn't infect the team. Hopefully, he'll be back soon, but now I need to put someone else at my attacking midfielder spot (which I hope to eventually use Jemal Johnson at if I can get his loan extended..)

Bolton fired Sam Allardyce today. Merry Christmas!

Mark Wright has been fired by Peterborough. Ditto!


Stuart Ainsley's loan is about to be up. I ask Ipswich to extend it for 3 more months.

Ben Parker has returned to Leeds, as his loan was up. Crap, that snuck up on me. I was planning on him playing tomorrow. I ask them to send him back to us for 3 months, but now I'm hurting at left wing!

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec 26, 2005 -

Today we host Northampton in a League Two Match. We are currently 14th in the league while Northampton is in 12th. Northampton currently is enjoying a 7 match unbeaten streak! Their biggest threat, striker Andy Kirk, is doubtful due to his recovering from a broken jaw. Midfielder Scott Donnelly (on loan from QPR) is a talented player who we will have to constantly watch. Centreback Sean Dyche is playing extremely well and is going to be tough to score against. Keeper Lee Harper is a 34 year old veteran who has excellent reflexes, but has weaknesses in his game.

They are 6-4 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the 30's.

I'm being forced to use an injured Harpal Singh at left wing, hopefully it works out ok..


GK: James Spencer
DL: Stuart Ainsley
DC: Ashley Williams
DC: Danny Griffin
DR: Rob Clare
ML: Harpal Singh
DMC: Keith Briggs
MR: Matthew Hamshaw
AMC: Michael Malcolm
SC: Adam Le Fondre
SC: John Toner

S1: Craig Dungan
S2: Scott Mitchell
S3: Tony Kane
S4: Danny Boshell
S5: Michael Raynes

[FrogMan]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Dec 24, 2005 -

Here is a look at the formation I've come up with (although I hope to change personel as some people recover from injuries):

fwiw, it's the same formation I've been using for a long while, although the up arrow on the AMC, I only use every once in a while when I want Bonaventure Kalou to stick in nose in the keeper's business...

Good luck with it!

FM

[Eaglesfan27]

I silently cheer as Scott Donnelly gets a yellow card at the 2 minute mark.


I let out my breath when Clare makes a key clearance at the 8 minute mark.

At the 11 minute mark, Gilligan trips Hamshaw whop was breaking away and gets a yellow card.

At the 22 minute mark, my heart starts pounding as Scott Donnelly rips apart our midfield, dribbling past 3 midfielders and then playing a perfect pass to Enoch Showunmi deep in our box. Fortunately, James Spencer punched the header over the bar.

At the 27 minute mark, Eoin Jess takes a corner kick all the way to the far post where Chris Doig outjumps Ashley Williams and heads it into the upper left corner for a goal! Down 1-0.

At the 30 minute mark, Hamshaw took a free kick from 25 yards out and hit it through a crack in the wall towards the upper left corner. Their keeper barely tipped it over the bar.


At halftime, I realize we've been dominated. Malcolm is playing poorly at the AMC spot.

I let Malcolm know that I'm disappointed with his, but I encourage the rest of the team.


At the 54 minute mark, after a lot of ball movement Malcolm shoots from 20 yards out. He shoots wide left.

At the 55 minute mark, Clare passes it across the pitch to Stuart Ainsley who has joined the attack. Ainsley dribbles up the left sideline and crosses it towards the far post. Toner heads it into the left goal post and in!! We even it up!

At the 60 minute mark, Ainsley joins the attack again, draws a defender, passes it to Singh. Singh crosses it towards Toner, the centreback rises and knocks it back over the endline to keep it away from Toner.

A minute later, they catch us on a counter with a long outlet pass to Jess who dribbles up the right sideline. He crosses it to Showunmi in the box who connects with a powerful header. But, James Spencer saves it!!

At the 66 minute mark, Singh dribbles up the left sideline, crosses it to Malcolm who heads it wide left of the net.

At the 70 minute mark, I see that Briggs is struggling due to an injury. Singh is also struggling, but I don't have anyone who can play the position well. I put Scott Mitchell on for Briggs and switch to a 4-3-1-2 pressing the attack (which I wouldn't do if we weren't at home.)

At the 79 minute mark, Josh Low who came on for Jess steals the ball from Singh, He quickly plays a diagonal cross into the 6 yard box to Sowunmi who heads it into the upper left corner for a goal.

At the 86 minute mark, Ashley Williams earned a yellow card with a hard tackle.


We lose the game 2-1. I find myself wondering if I should have gone to a defensive posture once we tied it up since they dominated us much of the 1st half.


We were outshot 18-7 (6-3 on target)

Enoch Showunmi wins MoM, 9 for form, 35 of 40 passes, 6 key pases, 1 of 1 tackles, 6 of 14 headers, 2 interceptions, 10 runs, 2 fouls drawn, and 1 goal.


I sympathize with my team afterwards and tell Ashley Williams I'm pleased with his effort.

Ashley had an 8 for form and stood out. Michael Malcolm showed that he can't play AMC well and had a 5 for form.

The rest of the guys had 6's or 7's.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by FrogMan

fwiw, it's the same formation I've been using for a long while, although the up arrow on the AMC, I only use every once in a while when I want Bonaventure Kalou to stick in nose in the keeper's business...

Good luck with it!

FM

I've used it in CM 03/04 to great effect, and toyed with it in FM 05. Hopefully, it works well with this team

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Great, I ended a 5 game unbeaten streak and the media thinks this is the end of our resurgence..


Dec 27, 2005 -

Michael Raynes broke his cheekbone in practice today. He will miss about a month.

I move Damian Allen up to the regular squad.


Dec 28, 2005 -

Harpal Singh has been cleared to resume full training and play now.

Ipswich have agreed to let me keep Ainsley for 3 more months which is a huge relief.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec 28, 2005 -

We're tired from our last game, but there is no rest for the weary. Today we host Lincoln. Lincoln has won 4 straight and are in 1st place. We are now in 15th place. However, some experts are favoring us to win!?! Lincoln City is getting great play from their centrebacks Paul Mayo, Paul Morgan, and Gareth McAuley who are all seeing significant action. Derek Asamoah has been excellent at striker for them this year and leads the team with 11 goals. Derek may be one of the fastest guys in the game today, and we will have to make sure that we keep our defenders back on him. Marc Walton is on loan from Newcastle and he is a dangerous stirker as well. Gavin Ward is just an average keeper, and if we can get past the tough defense, I feel our chances of scoring are decent.

We are 6-4 favorites.

It's cold and clear tonight with temperatures in the 30's.

GK: Spencer
DL: Ainsley
DC: Griffin
DC: Williams
DR: Clare
ML: Singh
DMC: Briggs
MR: Mitchell
AMC: Hamshaw
SC: Le Fondre
SC: Toner

S1: Duncan
S2: Damien Allen
S3: Jermaine Easter (just back from his injury)
S4: Michael Malcolm
S5: Tony Kane

[Eaglesfan27]

I smile as Ainsley comes up with a key clearance in the 1st minute,

At the 9 minute mark, Hamshaw made a nice pass to Toner in the box, but he shot it over the bar.

At the 16 minute mark, Briggs steals the ball deep in our zone, passes to Le Fondre at midpitch, LeFondre with a nice through ball towards the box. Toner beats Gareth McAuley to it, dribbles past Paul Mayo into the box, he fakes left then shoots towards the lower right corner and scores! GOAL!!!!! 1-0.

That was Toner's 10th goal of the year.


At the 20 minute mark, Asamoah made a nice pass into the box but Clare made a key clearance.

In the next 2 minutes, Ainsley makes 4 big defensive plays!

At the 30 minute mark, Asamoah uses his explosive speed to dribble past two of our defenders, but he shoots it way over the bar.

A minute later, Williams passes it to Hamshaw. Hamshaw passes it to Mitchell right of the box.. Mitchell tries to cross it towards the far post. It sails over the keeper's outstretched arm, and hits the post and bounces in! Mitchell with a fluky goal! GOAL!!!! 2-0.

That is Mitchell's first goal for us this season.


Williams has a pair of key defensive plays in the next 2 minutes,


At the 35 minute mark, Clare takes a free kick from 35 yards out.. Hamshaw breaks through the defense to get to it just as it drops, Hamshaw shoots from 6 yards out. GOAL!!!! 3-0.


A minute later, Paul Mayo gets a yellow card for tripping Hamshaw.

At the 44 minute mark, Hamshaw gets the ball from Mitchell inside the box. He shoots and it barely sails over the bar.



At halftime, we have a 3-0 lead!

I let the entire team know that I'm pleased with their first half performance.



At the 58 minute mark, Singh is exhausted. I slide Mitchell over to the left wing. I bring on Damien Allen at right wing. Hamshaw is also very tired. I put Jermaine Easter on at AMC for Hamshaw.

Hamshaw gets a standing ovation as he leaves the pitch. I don't know what happened, but suddenly Marc Walton is being shown a red card! Our fans cheer even louder!


At the 75 minute mark, Nat Brown tripped Easter who was breaking towards goal.

At the 78 minute mark, Allen hit a corner to Williams in the middle of the box who headed it to Toner who headed it at the upper right corner, but the keeper saved it.

At the 83 minute mark, Mayo hit it to Ciaran Robinson on the wing, he passes it to Oliver Ryan who scored his first senior goal on the play. 3-1 lead for us.



The game is over! 3-1 win for us! I have my first win as a professional soc.. err Football Manager!

We outshot them 12-9 (5-3 on target)

Scott Mitchell wins MoM, 9 for form, 16 of 23 passes, 2 key passes, 2 of 2 tackles, 2 of 3 headers, 5 interceptions, 5 runs, 4 fouls drawn, and a goal!

Ashley Williams and Rob Clare also had 9's for form. I can't believe my predecesor didn't use Clare much.

Spencer had a 7 in goal and Singh had a 7 at left wing. Everyone else had 8's.

I tell my team that it was a fantastic result, and I'm very pleased with them after the match.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

James Tunnicliffe, a 16 year old (6'4 200 pound) centreback in my youth system, scored a goal and played great defense in our U18's team 3-1 win over Bradford City.

Leeds have rejected my loan request for Ben Parker. They aren't sending him back here again.



Dec 29, 2005 -

I think I just realized why John Toner was on the reserve squad! He failed to show up for training today.

I give Toner a formal warning for his unprofessional behavior.


Stuart Ainsley has agreed to stay here on loan for 3 more months



Dec 30, 2005 -

John Toner accepted his warning without comment.


So, it's time to decide whose contracts to renew!


Danny Boshell - He is currently making 50k/year and I just don't see him being worth it at this point with a need to cut salary.

Matthew Hamshaw - He is currently making 90k/year. He is playing very well for us lately, and I see him thriving in my system. He wants 95k/year. I counter by offering him 90k for 3 more years.

Harpal Singh - The left winger has the potential to thrive in my system. He currently makes 120k/year. He wants 120k/year to extend. I offer 120k/year.

Paul Keenan - The reserve striker currently makes 10k/year. He wants a raise to 30k/year. I pass on this and tell him that he can leave after his deal is up.

Danny Griffin - This centreback currently makes 110,000/year. He is requesting 110k/year for a 1 year extension, and my AM thinks this is a very reasonable offer. Griffin has already impressed me so I agree to the offer.

Jermaine Easter - This attacking midfielder makes 60k/year. He wants 75k/year on a 2 year extension. I offer him 70k/year as I think his speed is going to enable him to thrive in this system.

Paul Douglas - The 19 year old striker is promising still. He only wants to continue to play for 16k/year, his current salary. I decide to keep him around a bit longer.

James Spencer - My 20 year old star keeper currently makes 55k/year. He wants a deal worth 70k/year plus a 350k release clause. I try to get him to move it up to 500k, but keep the wage at 70k/year as he wants.

Chris Williams - The 20 year old striker is in my reserve system and has some talent, but we need to cut wage. Therefore, I won't offer him a new deal.

Ross Greenwood - The 20 year old right back in my reserve system has talent, but I can't afford his demand of 60k/year. I'll let him go.

Ezekiel Tomlinson - The midfielder has some talent, but he wants a raise from 35k/year to 45k/year. I can't afford it, and I'll let him go.

Adam Le Fondre - The young striker has impressed me. He currently makes 40k/year and wants a raise to 50k/year. I offer him 45k/year.

James Callery - The young right winger has some talent, but I don't believe he is worth a raise to 25k/year. I'll decline to offer him a deal at this time.


Southport want to borrow Jamie Kay from my youth system for 3 months. I agree to their request.

[AlexB]

I've picked up one of your players in my FM career for Leicester City. Won't tell you who/how he's doing unless you want me to, so as you can discover who's good/bad/indifferent for yourself.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 31, 2005 -

Chester (22nd in League Two) has offered 26k plus 25% of next sale for James Spencer.

I tell them to bugger off.


Jan 1, 2006 -

Harpal Singh signed his new deal which will last until June of 08.

Le Fondre said he loves Stockport and that is why he signed a new 3 year deal.

Paul Douglas signed a 2 year extension.



The club is hopeful for a long run with me as their manager. They note that the club lost over 190,000 dollars last month.


Theirry Henry of Arsenal has won the Footballer of the Year Award. Xavi of F.C. Barcelona came in 2nd, and Ivan Klasnic of Werder Bremen came in 3rd.

Sao Paulo's Diego Lugano has won the South American Footballer of the Year Award. Dagoberto of C Aletico Paranaense came in 2nd, and Sebastian Battaglia of Boca Juniors came in 3rd.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Jari Rantanen's Shorts

I've picked up one of your players in my FM career for Leicester City. Won't tell you who/how he's doing unless you want me to, so as you can discover who's good/bad/indifferent for yourself.

I'd prefer to wait until I'm further in my career, but look forward to finding this info out in the future.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 2, 2006 -

Scott Mitchell was named to the English League Two Team of the Week.

[daedalus]

With few natural wingers on the squad, have you considered going with the narrower diamond for games where the wingers are not available?

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by daedalus

With few natural wingers on the squad, have you considered going with the narrower diamond for games where the wingers are not available?

Sure I have..

Now.

Thanks for a good idea

[daedalus]

Hee.

I couldn't conceive of doing the narrow diamond in '05 due to the wingers' dominance but in '06, I think it's doable. I've got to try it soon.

[Desnudo]

I've been thinking of fiddling with a narrow formation as well. Possession is so important in 06 if you want your players to stay fit for the whole game. Sometimes the wide formation will drain your players quickly.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 2, 2006 -

Today we host Barnet in a League Two Match. Barnet is currently at the bottom of League Two. They have a skilled pair of strikers in Giuliano Grazioli and Jason Norville.

Guiuliano is a 30 year old English Striker who is slow, not very strong, but uses great instincts to score a bunch. He has a good shot and is a skilled passer and he has 13 goals and 4 assists on the year.

Jason Norville is a 22 year old striker from Trinidad & Tobago who has decent quickness, a good shot, and has really benefitted from some excellent scoring opportunities. He has 8 goals and 1 assist on the year.


Ross Flitney is a decent keeper who has above average skills, and is particularly good at high saves. However, he has been bombarded with shots and is giving up about 2 goals/game.

The midfield and defense are relatively weak.



We are even odd favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 40's.

Paul Keenan, Jemal Johnson, and Michael Raynes are all out injured.

GK: Spencer
DL: Ainsley
DC: Griffin
DC: Williams
DR: Clare
ML: Singh
DMC: Briggs
MR: Mitchell (not his natural position, but he played it well last time)
AMC: Hamshaw
SC: Le Fondre
SC: Toner

S1: Duncan
S2: Allen
S3: Easter
S4: Malcolm
S5: Kane

[Eaglesfan27]

At the 11 minute mark, I let out a held breath as Norville blows a great opportunity by shooting from 10 yards over the bar.


Halftime: We are playing evenly with them, which is not a good thing. We should be dominating, but we aren't. We've had no good scoring opportunities.

There are only 2200 fans here today.

I tell the team that I know they can win this if they come out strong in the 2nd half.


At the 48 minute mark, Giuliano gets off a good shot on goal, but Spencer saves it.

At the 61 minute mark, I put on Allen for Singh who is tired. I also bring in both wingers and start playing out of a narrow diamond.


At the 66 minute mark, Le Fondre collided with Hendon and Le Fondre had to be helped off the pitch. I put Malcolm on for him, and I also put Easter on for Hamshaw at AMC.

We try to press the attack, but they keep 9 men back and foil all of our attacks.


Game over. 0-0 tie.

They outshot us 5-2 (1-1 on target)

Ismail Yakubu, their centreback, won MoM, 8 for form, 19 of 23 passes, 7 of 7 tackles, 9 of 9 headers, 5 interceptions, 1 foul drawn.

Spencer, Clare, Griffin, and Briggs had 7's for form. Everyone else had a 6.


In the post game talk, I sympathise with the team and try to keep morale up..

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 3, 2006 -

James Tunnicliffe played well for our reserves in 2-0 win over Luton. He played dominating defense at times.


Jan 4, 2006 -

Today we travel to play Bury who are currently 22nd in League Two. We are currently in 13th place. Bury only has one player who has scored with any authority, and that is striker Matthew Tipton. However, Tipton is hurt for this match as is their number 2 striker.

The main players I will need to watch out for are centreback John Fitzgerald and right back Simon Whaley who have both played well this year. Keeper Scott Flinders is a 19 year old on loan from Barnsley and he has been inconsistent in his first tour of starting duty.


We are 5-4 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the 30's.

Raynes, Johnson, and Keenan are all injured.

Several of our players are exhausted because we played only 2 days ago. Therefore, I'm playing a tight diamond today.


GK: Spencer
DL: Ainsley
DC: Griffin
DC: Williams
DR: Kane (Clare is tired)
DMC: Briggs
MC: Allen
MC: Boshell
AMC: Easter
SC: Bramble (Toner is exhausted)
SC: Malcolm

S1: Duncan
S2: Hamshaw (tired - will only play if necessary)
S3: Mitchell
S4: Le Fondre
S5: Clare

[Eaglesfan27]

In the 1st minute, Kane dribbles up the right sideline and crosses it into the box to Malcolm who heads it, but the keeper tips it over the bar.

At the 11 minute mark, Bramble stole the ball from Fitzgerald, dribbled deeper into the box. He shoots from 10 yards out towards the lower right corner for a GOAL!!!! 1-0.

At the 23 minute mark, Kane made a long pass to Bramble left of the box. Bramble centered it for Easter who used his speed to burst behind the defense, he hit it on the half-volley just wide right of the net.

At the 26 minute mark, Bramble got a yellow card for a hard tackle on Fitzgerald.

At the 31 minute mark, Fitzgerald passed it long to Newby who centers it to Allen Smart in the middle of the box. Smart shot it into the lower left corner for a goal.


At halftime, it is 1-1. We've been playing better, but the score doesn't reflect it.


I encourage the team during halftime.



At the 47 minute mark, Young passes to Jon Newby in the box, he spins away from Briggs and Williams. He shot it towards the lower left corner. Spencer dove, but couldn't save it. GOAL. Down 2-1.

At the 63 minute mark, I put Mitchell on for Briggs and Hamshaw on for Easter.

At the 67 minute mark, Nicky Adams gets a yellow card for tripping Bramble. Adams argues the call and gets a second yellow card!

At the 77 minute mark, Boshell trips Newby earning a yellow card.


Game over. We lost 2-1.

We outshot them 9-7 (3-3 on target)

Jon Newby won MoM, 8 for form, 24 of 34 passes, 3 key passes, 2 of 2 tackles, 2 of 8 headers, 2 interceptions, 2 fouls drawn, 1 assist, and 1 goal.


Spencer, Ainsley, Easter, and Briggs had 6's for form.

The rest of the team had 7's.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 4, 2006 -

Manchester City has fired Stuart Pearce.


Jan 7, 2006 -

Real Madrid's Iker Casillas has won the European Goalkeeper of the Year Award. Jens Mustermann of FC Bayern came in 2nd, and Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus came in 3rd.

Chelsea's John Terry has won the European Defender of the Year Award. Philipp Lahm of FC Bayern came in 2nd, and Lucio of FC Bayern came in 3rd.


Ruud van Nistelrooy of Manchester United won the European Striker of the Year Award. Wayne Rooney of Manchester United came in 2nd, and Roy MAkaay of FC Bayern came in 3rd.


Manchester City have appointed 54 year old Italian Manager Claudio Ranieri as their new manager.