Viva Espana! A FM14 Dynasty

[mrtourette]

Originally Posted by bbgunn

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

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


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


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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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

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

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

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


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


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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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


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


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


Final league table:

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Player stats for the 2016/2017 season:





Some financial housekeeping taken care of in June:

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


Victor Bertomeu is named our player of the year.


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


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


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

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

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


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

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A promising pre-season:




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

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


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


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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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


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

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


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


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

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


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

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

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


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

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


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


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


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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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





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


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

[mrtourette]

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

Sisinio, DL, 0 current rating/3.5 potential rating

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

Eduardo, DR, 1.5 current rating/5 potential rating

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

[mrtourette]

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




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


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


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

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

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


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


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

[mrtourette]

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

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


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


Final league table:











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

[mrtourette]

Player stats for the 2017/2018 season:




Some financial housekeeping taken care of in June:

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

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

- we pay out £575k in squad bonuses.

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

[mrtourette]

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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


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


An interesting story hits the news pages:

[mrtourette]

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

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

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

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

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

Hugo Lloris of France is goalkeeper of the tournament.

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

[mrtourette]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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




Merchandise! 236 people want to wear our replica shirts!

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

[mrtourette]

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




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

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


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

[mrtourette]

An indifferent pre-season results-wise:



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

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


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






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

[mrtourette]

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


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




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

[mrtourette]

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


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


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


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


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

[bbgunn]

Originally Posted by mrtourette

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

Wouldn't be a good thing at all. It would go and make things so complicated, especially if he's a sk8tr boi.

[mrtourette]

I'm With You on that one.

[bbgunn]

Originally Posted by mrtourette

I'm With You on that one.

Nice one!

[mrtourette]

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

[mrtourette]

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

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


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


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

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


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

[mrtourette]

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


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


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

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

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


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


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


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

[mrtourette]

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


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

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

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


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




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


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




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

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

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

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

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

[mrtourette]

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


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

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

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

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


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


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




Oh really?


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




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


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


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

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


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

[mrtourette]

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


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


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


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

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

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

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


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


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


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




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

[bbgunn]

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

[mrtourette]

Originally Posted by bbgunn

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

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

[mrtourette]

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

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

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

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


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


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




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

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

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

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

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

[mrtourette]

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



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


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

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

21/04/19 v Real Betis (A) 3-2
An incredibly satisfying win as we defied the odds to take all three points. Jose Artiles was again in fine form and put us ahead after only eight minutes, but Betis equalised soon after thanks to a penalty conceded by Alex Munoz. Things looked bleak after Diego Llorente was given a straight red card in the 26th minute, but despite being able to cling on to a draw until half time we were soon behind early in the second. However we soaked up intense pressure with ten men and hit Betis on the break, with a fluke cross-come-shot from Israel Puerto drawing us level and then Artiles’ second and the match-winner with quarter of an hour left. Artiles was named MOM

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

28/04/19 v Hercules (A) 2-1
Another sluggish display in a game that could really have gone either way, with a result that keeps our survival hopes alive but that officially relegated Hercules. Hercules went ahead from the spot after Sergio Biox conceded an early penalty, with Johan Lugo volleying home from 25 yards out to equalise in the 19th minute. Both teams had chances but were wasteful in front of goal and it was Jarkko Leppanen, signed as a striker but who has been performing well on the right wing in recent weeks, who scored what turned out to be the winner in the 62nd minute. Johan Lugo was given the MOM award.


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


Johan Lugo’s long-range volley against Hercules comes second in the La Liga goal of the month competiton for April.


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

[law90026]

Going to be a nailbiting finish!

[mrtourette]

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


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




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


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


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

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





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

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




Way to put a dampner on things.


Final league table:



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

[britrock88]

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

[mrtourette]

Originally Posted by britrock88

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

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

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

[mrtourette]

Player stats for the 2018/2019 season:





Some financial housekeeping taken care of in June:

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

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

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

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

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


Finally this happens:




But then:



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

[mrtourette]

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Johan Lugo is unsurprisingly named our player of the year.


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


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

[mrtourette]

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


We make the following signings during the off-season:

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

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

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


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


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