FM2006: East Stirling

[sabotai]

Technically WWSM2006....anyway.

I'll start by saying that after several versions of this game, I've yet to REALLY get into it. I think I had a game a few versions back that went on for a few years. It ended when EHM came out.

So here's one more try. I have read through Marc's guide. Other suggestions, hints, etc. are most welcome. Instead of it just being a journal of my dynasty, I would really like some feedback since I'm still a complete novice at this game and soccer in general.

I'll be starting off with Scottish Third Division team of East Stirling.

[SirFozzie]

Well, good luck, you're starting at the bottom of the barrell. you'll have no money for transfers, very little crowds to start.. but you might be able to find some decent free transfers (especially depending on your database size.

[sabotai]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

Well, good luck, you're starting at the bottom of the barrell. you'll have no money for transfers, very little crowds to start.. but you might be able to find some decent free transfers (especially depending on your database size.

I have the Database size set to Normal.

[SirFozzie]

well, you should be ok, just have your scout out there looking. At the lower level, physical attributes trump skill. Especially pace with Strikers.

[sabotai]

Roster

GK - Aaron Gilespie
Goalie: Rushing Out 14, Eccentricity 12, Ten. To Puch 10
Mental: Flair 12, Teamwork 11
Physical: Jumping 13, Balance 11

GK - Derek Jackson
Goalie: Reflexes 11, Aerial 7
Mental: Determination 14, Aggression 14, Influence 12
Physical: Strength 13, Stamina 13, Balance 11

D RC - Johnny Walker
Technical: Crossing 10, Tackling 6, Heading 6
Mental: Flair 13, Determination 12, Aggression 9
Physical: Strength 13, Acceleration 11, Stamina 8

D RC, M C - Mark Tyrrell
Technical: Long Throws 8, Pen. Taking 7, Tackling 6, Heading 6
Mental: Work Rate 13, Teamwork 12, Determination 12
Physical: Stamina 13, Jumping 12, Balance 11

D C - Paul Gaughan
Technical: Long Throws 8, Pen. Taking 7, Tackling 6
Mental: Aggression 14, Bravery 14, Work Rate 13, Teamwork 12, Determination 12, Influence 11, Concentration 11
Physical: Strength 14, Stamina 13, Jumping 11, Balance 11

D C - Brian Gordon
Technical: Marking 6
Mental: Work Rate 13, Bravery 13, Aggression 12, Influence 11
Physical: Strength 11, Nat. Fitness 10

D C - Graham McWilliam
Technical: Marking 11
Mental: Bravery 15, Determination 12, Influence 11
Physical: Jumping 12, Strength 11

D/WB L - Chris Miller
Technical: Pen. Taking 15, Passing 9, Marking 8
Mental: Aggression 20, Influence 14, Teamwork 13, Work Rate 13, Bravery 12, Determination 11
Physical: Nat. Fitness 11, Stamana 10
Currently has a broken leg, out for 7 months

D/WB L - Mark Gourlay
Technical: 8, Pen. Taking 7
Mental: Bravery 19, Aggression 13, Work Rate 13, Influence 12, Teamwork 11
Physical: Nat. Fitness 13, Pace 11, Acceleration 11

D/WB/M L - Henry Sobolewski
Technical: Long Throws 7, Pen. Taking 7, First Touch 6
Mental: Teamwork 19, Flair 15, Influence 15, Work Rate 14
Physical: Nat. Fitness 14, Acceleration 14, Pace 10

DM - Jamie Mackey
Technical: Marking 6
Mental: Bravery 15, Work Rate 14, Teamwork 13
Physical: Balance 14, Strength 12, Pace 10

M RC - Andy Brand
Technical: Tackling 11, Passing 9, Long Throws 7
Mental: Determination 12, Influence 11
Physical: Acceleration 15, Stamina 14, Nat. Fitness 12

M C - Carl Thywissen
Technical: Tackling 10
Mental: Aggression 18, Work Rate 14, Influence 11
Physical: Jumping 13, Nat. Fitness 13, Acceleration 12, Stamina 10

M C - Steven Blair
Technical: Conrers 7, Marking 6
Mental: Determination 13, Work Rate 13
Physical: Acceleration 11

M C - Paul Ross
Technical: Marking 8
Mental: Teamwork 18, Work Rate 14, Influence 13, Creativity 13
Physical: Nat. Fitness 16, Pace 14, Acceleration 13, Stamina 10
On loan at Cumbernauld Utd

M C - Paul Tyrrell
Technical: Heading 7, Tackling 6
Mental: Influence 15, Work Rate 15, Bravery 13, Determination 13, Teamwork 13, Aggression 12, Concentration 11
Physical: Stamina 14, Strength 11, Balance 11

ST - Ally Graham
Technical: Pen. Taking 10, Heading 9
Mental: Work Rate 13, Teamwork 12, Influence 11
Physical: Strength 15, Jumping 14, Stamina 11

ST - Iain Diack
Technical: Pen. Taking 12, Conrers 12, Finishing 7
Mental: Aggression 18, Bravery 15, Determination 12, Flair 11
Physical: Strength 17, Acceleration 13, Pace 12

ST - Derek Ure
Technical: Pen. Taking 10, Finishing 6
Mental: Determination 15, Work Rate 14
Physical: Pace 15, Acceleration 14, Stamina 11

ST - Grant Findlay
Technical: Dribbling 7
Mental: Teamwork 15, Flair 14, Off The Ball 11, Aggression 11
Physical: Jumping 13, Nat. Fitness 13, Pace 13
On loan at Cumbernauld Ud

ST - Steven Dymock
Technical: Pen Taking 7, First Touch 6
Mental: Determination 15, Flair 14, Teamwork 13, Aggression 13
Physical: Acceleration 13, Nat. Fitness 12, Pace 12

And there is the 2005 East Stirling squad. Anything jump out at anyone, besides my abundance of strikers? Is there anything specifc I should be doing tactics-wise for any of these players? Ally Graham a nice canidate for a Target Man?

[sabotai]

Staff

Asst Coach - Gordon Wylde
Determination 15, Adaptability 13, Discipline 13
Rest of attributes range 7-9

Physio - David Jenkins
Physiotherapy 9

Scout - Billy Gibson
Judge Ability 8, Judge Potential 7



Finances and Expectations

Board Opinion
They are hoping for a long and successful era under my management

They are satisfied with the blub's current financial status

I am expected to invest in new players and start rebuilding the team during the season

Suppoerter Opinion
They are cautiously optimistic about my reign at the club

They expect me to invest in new players and start rebuilding the team during the season

Current Finances
Transfer Budget: $0
Sponsors: 3 years deal at $24.12k per season, ends 2006
Loans Outstanding: -

Total Payroll Budget: $170,000 per year
Current Payroll Budget: $29,806 per year

[SirFozzie]

Total Payroll Budget: $170,000 per year
Current Payroll Budget: $29,806 per year

Eh? You're paying 140,000 a year more then your budget?

[sabotai]

League Cup and Challenge Cup Draws

East Stirling drew Forfar Athletic (2nd Division team) in the Scottish League Cup First Round. The game will be played at Station Park on August 9th

East Strling drew Montrose (3rd Division team) in the Scottish League Challenge Cup First Round. The game will be play on July 30th.

Our regular season starts on August 6th vs. Arbreath

[sabotai]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

Total Payroll Budget: $170,000 per year
Current Payroll Budget: $29,806 per year

Eh? You're paying 140,000 a year more then your budget?

No, I'm allowed to spend $170,00 a year and am only using $29,806 of it.

[sabotai]

Tactics

Formation: Standard 4-4-2

The players were mostly set by the asst. coach, but I changed a few things

GK: Derek Johnson
DR: Johnny Walker
DL: Henry Sobolewski
DC: Mark Tyrrell
DC: Graham McWilliam
MR: Andy Brand
ML: Mark Gourlay
MC: Carl Thywissen
MC: Paul Tyrrell
FC: Derek Ure
FC: Ally Graham

Team Instructions: All set to Normal or Mixed, with Tackling on Easy. Marking - Zonal, Set Pieces Marking - Man.

Captains: Paul Tyrrell, Henry Sobolewski

Playmakers: None

Target Men: Ally Graham

[sabotai]

Friendlies

July 9th - vs. Peterhead (SCO Second Division)
I messed up when creating the game. I think I put in the England start date, and it started me on the 10th I think. Either way, I did not play this game nor does it let me view any game stats on it. LOST 2-1

July 13th - vs. Gretna (SCO Second Division)
All of my players were rated 6 or 7 after the game. Not much happened. They scored in 26th minute for the game's only score. That happened to be one of the only 2 shots they got on goal. We got 3 on, but none went in. LOST 1-0

July 16th - vs. Tayport (SCO no division)
We pretty much got flat out beat in this one. They score in the 27th minute. They had 3 shot on target (12 total), to our 1 (3 total). Possesion was 57-43 them. 35% of their crosses completed to our 16%. LOST 1-0

July 20th - vs. Kilmarnock (SCO Premier League)
Well, we got destroyed. Of course we did, they are a Premier League team. LOST 4-0

[sabotai]

Friendlies

July 23rd - vs. Vale of Leithen (SCO no division)
They get on board first in the 21st minute but Ally Graham answers when he intercepts a bad pass and takes it for the goal. In the 58th minute, one of their forwards splits my defenders and scores. Then, the final stamp in 90th minute, Gordon makes a horrible pass and they grab it and score easily. LOST 3-1

July 28th - vs. Carnoustie (SCO no division)
THis was the first game I had with a few new faces. I was able to get a few players on loan and free transfer. I get the scoring started with a goal from newcomer Roddy Hunter in the 11th minute. They answer 21st minute and it was tied at the half. Graham gave us a 2-1 lead with a shot from 25 feet. Then it all came apart. They tie it in the 77th minute and then in the 81st, Gaughan hits into our own goal. They again score in the 90th minute. LOST 4-2.

Thoughts
My defenders seem to get beat a lot. Usually when they are near midfield and the opposing team's forwards are up a bit. And then they will make a long pass, the forward runs between my two center defenders and goes on a breakway. Is there anything I can do in the tactics to stop them from getting caught flatfooted like that?

[SirFozzie]

Maybe give them arrows back toward goal? (right click and drag).

Or change their attacking mentality. Or try turning on play offsides/counter attack

[sabotai]

New Faces

M R - Steven Masterton
Technical: Free Kicks 14, Long Shots 12, Dribbling 11, Finishing 10
Mental: Flair 14, Teamwork 10, Work Rate 10, Composure 10
Physical: Strength 13, Pace 12, Acceleration 12, Agility 11
On loan from Clyde (SCO First Division)

F C - Roddy Hunter
Technical: Pen. Taking 12, Dribbling 11, Finishing 10, Passing 10
Mental: Work Rate 15, Bravery 13, Off The Ball 12, Creativity 11, Teamwork 11, Determination 10, Decisions 10
Physical: Balance 15, Pace 14, Agility 14, Acceleration 14, Nat. Fitness 11
On loan from Clyde (SCO First Division)

ST - Darren Gribben
Technical: Finishing 12, Free Kicks 10
Mental: Determination 13, Aggression 13, Bravery 12
Physical: Nat. Fitness 16, Pace 14, Acceleration 14
On loan from Forfar (SCO Second Division)

ST - Lee Wilson
Technical: Corners 14, Pen Taking 14, Free Kicks 14, Long Throws 14 (and the rest are 1-3)
Mental: Flair 16, Aggression 16, Bravery 14, Influence 14, Teamwork 14, Work Rate 14 (and the rest are 1-3)
Physical: Nat. Fitness 16, the rest are all 14
Free Transfer. His extremes in attributes has me worried, but we'll see how it goes

D/M L - Sean McInulty
Technical: Corners 11
Mental: Teamwork 12, Work Rate 12, Flair 11, Influence 11, Bravery 11
Physical: Jumping 12, Stamina 12, Pace 11, Agility 11
Free Transfer

[sabotai]

Scottish League Challenge Cup

First Round: July 30th - vs. Montrose (SCO Third Division)
East Stirling 13-8, Draw 2-1, Montrose 6-4

Montrose is on board first with a goal in the 14th minute off a free kick. We get it even off a weird shot by Masterton. I think he was trying to set Hunter or Graham up to head the ball in with a high pass, but he got it too close to the goal and the goalie can't handle it and in it goes. We go scoreless the rest of the game plus the extended time.

We go to penalty kicks. We both miss our first shots. We both hit with our 2nd and 3rd shooters. They miss. Paul Tyyrell hits it. They need to make this shot....and he misses! We win on penalty kicks!

WIN 1-1p

In the Second Round Draw, we drew Partick (SCO Second Division). The game will be played on August 30th.

[SirFozzie]

Good win, nice to see ya win one!

[sabotai]

Promotion Odds

Berwick and Arbroath are 4-5 to gain promotion from the Third Division. Cowdenbeath is Even Odds, Queen's Park 7-4, Montrose is 6-1 and East Fife is 10-1 to gain promotion.

East Stirlingshire is set at 50-1 to gain promotion.

[MrBigglesworth]

Originally Posted by sabotai

Thoughts
My defenders seem to get beat a lot. Usually when they are near midfield and the opposing team's forwards are up a bit. And then they will make a long pass, the forward runs between my two center defenders and goes on a breakway. Is there anything I can do in the tactics to stop them from getting caught flatfooted like that?

I play with my DC's always set to defensive. Also, it might help to put your defensive line deep.

[sabotai]

Originally Posted by MrBigglesworth

I play with my DC's always set to defensive. Also, it might help to put your defensive line deep.

Thanks. I set the DCs to defensive already and I'll try setting the defensive line to deep. Also gave them arrows going back to the goal. Hopefully that will help.

[sabotai]

Matches

Scottish Third Division Match, Aug. 6th - vs. Arbroath
Our first regular season match is against the team that is favored for promotion. We stalemate the first half. The get the first score at the 57th minute. It was a pass from near the corner to the box. Headed in, was blocked by Derek Jackson but it was hite back in and he couldn't stop the rebound shot. Shortly after, in the 61st minute, Graham headed in a corner kick to tie at 1. When we got to the 80th minute, I decided I didn't want to take any chances and would settle for a tie with my division's top team so I set my team to defensive. We're able to keep them from getting a shot off in the last minutes and get the tie. DRAW 1-1


Scottish League Cup First Round, Aug. 9th - vs. Forfar (SCO Second Division)
Forfar are the heavy favorites in this match. Forfar gets a score in the 22nd minute when their forward completely owns Gordon, for the second time, and is able to hit the corner of the net for the goal. I take Gordon out afterwards as he is playing badly. In the 72nd minute, Sobolewski, in the ML position, passes to Graham who gives it to Hunter. Hunter makes a move and freezes their defender and scores! In the 89th minute, they get the go ahead goal after a few shots with my defense unable to get it out of the box. We tie it back up in the 94th minute. Graham had a chance and messed up, but the ball manages to get to Sobolewski and he knocks it in to tie it. In the second half of extended time, I go to a defensive mentality and counter attack. My team is tired and don't want them getting beat. We hold them off and go to penalty kicks. They get 2 of their first 3 and we miss all 3. They set up, and miss. It's up to Mark Tyrrell....who misses and it's over. Very pleased to have taken a 2nd Division team to penalty kicks. LOSE 2-2p

All Third Division teams failed to advance in the League Cup. We got $20k in out losing effort, so that's nice. On another note, Arboath lost to Partick, my opponent in the 2nd round of the Challenge Cup, 3-0. I'm happy to just get to the second round in the one.

[MrBigglesworth]

Originally Posted by sabotai

Thanks. I set the DCs to defensive already and I'll try setting the defensive line to deep. Also gave them arrows going back to the goal. Hopefully that will help.

I'm kind of new to FM, so take this with a grain of salt, but I think the back arrows will tend to make your defenders play deeper when the other team has possession. Your problem that you mentioned seemed to be that the strikers were leaving the defenders behind during a change of possession or when the ball was deep in the other team's territory and a long pass came out (maybe I'm wrong with that though).Why I suggested a deeper line, is that it will result in a longer pass needed to get past your defenders, and also shorten the area that the pass can be put in (between your defenders and goalie). Let me know how it turns out!

Just brainstorming, but you may also need defenders with better pace and acceleration (maybe anticipation too?). At that level though, they can't have everything, so I guess you have to pick what you want to be strong/weak at. Maybe have one quicker DC and one tough guy?

[sabotai]

Matches

Scottish Third Division, Aug. 13th - vs. Elgin
Frustrating game as we dominated the first half and had chance after chance to score and just couldn't get it in the goal. I'm playing without my best forwards (They are tired) so that's leaving me without any goals in the first half. 5 Yellow cards were shown by the 15th minute, 1 for me and 4 for them. In the 61st minute, their goalie comes out and misplays the ball. Derek Ure grabs it and kicks it in for an easy goal. Ure comes through again with another goal in the 68th minute. At this point, I go to a defensive/counter attack tactic. I also bring out one striker to stick in another DC (5-4-1). It works as they don't even get another chance to score. Derek Ure is named Man Of Match. I'm going to put him on a more regular rotation with Hunter and Graham to see if he can keep it up. WIN 2-0

Team of the Week
Mark Tyrrell was named to the Thrid Division's team of the week.

Scottish Third Division, Aug. 20th - vs Queen's Park
Not much action in the first half as they seem to get a few chances but miss. Hunter cores the only goal of the half, Sobolewski on the assist. The tie it in the 59th minute when Paul Tyrrell makes a bad backpass, they shoot, it's blocked but they get the rebound and score. In the 62nd minute, Graham is fouled by their goalie, who gets a yellow card. Graham gets a penalty kick, and hits it wide. DRAW 1-1

Team of the Week
Three players! Derek Jackson (GK), Henry Sobolewski and Roddy Hunter were named to the Third Division Team of the Week.

[sabotai]

Originally Posted by MrBigglesworth

I'm kind of new to FM, so take this with a grain of salt, but I think the back arrows will tend to make your defenders play deeper when the other team has possession. Your problem that you mentioned seemed to be that the strikers were leaving the defenders behind during a change of possession or when the ball was deep in the other team's territory and a long pass came out (maybe I'm wrong with that though).Why I suggested a deeper line, is that it will result in a longer pass needed to get past your defenders, and also shorten the area that the pass can be put in (between your defenders and goalie). Let me know how it turns out!

Not so much a long pass from deep in my opponent's territory, it was closer to mid field. Usually it was one of the midfield wingers that made the pass and their forward would just outrun my defenders. I think putting my DCs on Defensive mentality has made them stay back and bit and make sure to keep the forward in front of them.

Just brainstorming, but you may also need defenders with better pace and acceleration (maybe anticipation too?). At that level though, they can't have everything, so I guess you have to pick what you want to be strong/weak at. Maybe have one quicker DC and one tough guy?

I've been looking, but there's nothing out there. Maybe if I was given even a small transfer budget, but as it is, I can't find any good DCs for loan or on free transfer.

[sabotai]

Matches

Scottish Third Division, Aug. 27th - vs. Stenhousemuir
They get a score when Derek Jackson misplayed a shot. He goes to his left, but he went to far and the ball easily rolls into the goal. Hunter scored a goal soon after but was whistled for offsides, so it's 1-0 them at the half. We couldn't get many chances in the 2nd half and that's how it ends. LOSE 1-0

[Butter]

I've actually wondered how tough it would be to take over a Scottish 3rd division team, so I'm very interested in how this works out.

One thing that's always worked for me on the lower levels in England (but may or may not depending on how speedy your strikers are) is to use long balls on the counter attack to put pressure on the other team. Obviously, this is especially good when you have a pacey striker or two in the game. At that level, 13/14 is very, very good for pace.

Good luck!

[sabotai]

Matches

Challenge Cup 2nd Round, Aug. 30th - vs. Partick (SCO Second Division)
I can only hope to keep it respectable. Through the first half, I do. They score early, in the 20th minute. They have about 14 shots in the first half, but only 3 make it on goal. We only got 1 shot off, not on goal. As time went on, kept going more and more attacking in mentality, but they comepletey shut us down. We did manage to keep them from scoring again, but I have a feeling they weren't trying that hard to (playing defensively). LOSE 1-0

We got $6,250 after the lose.

The Board Update
They are encouraged by my start. We made a profit of $31.81k.

[sabotai]

Originally Posted by Butter_of_69

I've actually wondered how tough it would be to take over a Scottish 3rd division team, so I'm very interested in how this works out.

One thing that's always worked for me on the lower levels in England (but may or may not depending on how speedy your strikers are) is to use long balls on the counter attack to put pressure on the other team. Obviously, this is especially good when you have a pacey striker or two in the game. At that level, 13/14 is very, very good for pace.

Good luck!

Thanks. I'll try the long balls - counter attack tactic and see how it works. I have a few strikers that are quite fast.

[sabotai]

Matches

Scottish Third Division, Sept 10th - vs. Montrose
We get on the board quickly as Paul Tyrrell scores a goal on a free kick from 30 yeards out. Not much happens after that. They get 1 shot on goal and we get none and it's 1-0 us at the half. The second half goes scoreless. Mark Tyrrell wins Man Of Match as he won 4 key headers and was 10/13 on his tackles, far more than anyone else on my team. WIN 1-0

As described by the media, Tyrell was "a rock in the hear of his team's defense". About time I had a standout performance on D.

Scottish Third Division, Sept. 17th - vs. Berwick
Berwick is big favorites in this game. They were recently relegated and have a few players that are far better than anyone on my team. I choose to play a defensive - counter attack tactic. Their one weakness is that their defense is slow. So I'm hoping that I can lure their defense up with keeping my players back and hope that I can get a forward to run passed them. The first half goes fine. We win the battle of possession but can't get many chances on goal. We both get 4 shots off, 1 on goal for us and none for them. It's scoreless until the 87th minute. Their goalie comes out to play a pass to him, but my forward (Lee Wilson) makes a run at it and gets to it. He tries to shoot but the goalie gets in the way. Derek Ure gets the rebound, gets passed the goalie and easily scores. Paul Gaughan is Man of Match winning 13 of 14 headers and had 12 interceptions. WIN 1-0

So....in response to my unexpected win, I do what any coach would do....rub it in their faces.

"Triumphant East Stirlingshire head coach spoke to journalists from a local newspaper after seeing his team beat Berwick Rangers in the Third Division and said he wasn't surprised that his team had beaten a squad supposedly gunning for promotion this year."

Scottish Third Division, Sept 21st - vs. Albion Rovers
The first half goes scoreless. We had one chance, but Hunter missed it wide by a foot when the goalie came out. We shut them out on shots in the first half. Sobolewski was hurt in the first half, so I sent on Livingston to replace him. In the 55th minute, I made my final two substitutions by putting in Lee Wilson in place of Ally Graham, who was not playing well, and Jamie Mackey in for Livingston, who got injured as well. Masterton gets injured in the 75th minute and I can't bring him out. Then, Masterton heads in a free kick for a goal in the 82nd minute. The next 10+ minutes seem to take forever, but we hold them off. Masterton is named Man Of Match. WIN 1-0

Scottish Third Division, Sept 24th - vs. Cowdenbeath
I'm forced to play without a few key players. Masterton was injured in the last game. He's fine now, but his condition is 66%. Roddy Hunter is also sitting this one out. Darren Gribbon quickly scores in the 5th minute. They tie the game in the 18th minute. It's tied after the half. We take the lead again after a goal by Brand after their goalie saved a shot, but the rebound is deflected right to Brand and the goalie was way out of position. We score again in the 89th minute when their goalie again makes the save, but the rebound goes to Derek Ure who easily scores our 3rd goal. WIN 3-1

We are on a very nice winning streak.

[sabotai]

Monthly Awards

Young Player of the Month
Derek Ure came in 2nd for this award, beaten by Gary Greenhill of the Berwick Rangers.

Manager of the Month
ME! I win the Manager Of The Month Award by winning all four of my league games for the month! Sweet!

Here's a few stats.

East Stirling leads the Division in Average Attendance with 476. Berwick is second with 471.

We are tied for 2nd in Goals Allowed with Berwick. Stenhousemuir has let up 3.

We are the 2nd least Yellow Carded team, with 4. Stenhousmuir has been yellow carded 3 times. Elgin leads the Division with 14.

I'm also one of 4 teams in the Division who has not been red carded yet.

Derek Ure is tied for 5th in Goals with 4. Alex Burns of Berwick leads the Division with 6.

Derek Ure is 2nd in Shots On Target at 58%. Stuart Irons of Queen's Park leads with 62%. Roddy Hunter is 10th at 27%

We are tied with Berwick for 2nd in the Division. Our record is 5 Wins, 2 Draws and 1 Lose, the same as Berwick. Stenhousemuir has 5 wins and 3 Draws with 0 Loses.

[SirFozzie]

Hoooah! Great start, Sabs.

[sabotai]

Matches

Scottish Third Division, Oct. 1st - vs. East Fife
They have a player sent off in the 3rd minute. I decide to go on the attack. They score in the 26th minute when one of my DCs makes a play for the ball and leaves a forward wide open. They score again in the 28th minute off a free kick. Playing an attacking style must really not be in my team's ability. I decide to go back to my defensive - counter attack tactic to see if I can get back into it. We stop the scoring but getting nothing of our own. In the 63rd minute, Gaughen is sent off! Someone will hear about this ref! In the 70th minute, Derek Ure brings it within 1 for us as he outruns a defender and gets a clean shot on goal. We can't get anything going and that's the game. Despite losing, Mark Tyrrell is named Man Of Match. LOSE 2-1

[sabotai]

Matches

Scottish Third Division, Oct. 15th - vs Arbroath
Roddy Hunter puts us on the board with a header off the pass from Brand. Arbroath was yellow carded twice in the first half. I put Graham in for Ure, who has a minor injury. They have a player sent off for getting 2 yellow cards. We hold them off for the rest of the game. DC Graham McWilliam was named Man Of Match. WIN 1-0

Scottish Third Division, Oct. 22nd - vs Elgin
It's tied at the half. We had a few chances but failed on all of them In the 53rd minute, Sobolewski crosses it to Brand who easily scores. Their goalie was caught unprepared for the pass and was badly out of position. In the 82nd minute, their defense passes it back to the goalie. Roddy Hunter sprints to the goalie who misplayed the ball and scores from a long way out. Paul Gaughan is named Man Of Match. WIN 2-0

[Butter]

Sounds like your team is doing pretty well here... keep up the good work.

[sabotai]

Originally Posted by Butter_of_69

Sounds like your team is doing pretty well here... keep up the good work.

Yeah, I think that's mostly due to the complete lack of competant DCs in Third Division. My forwards have been able to beat them once or twice a game and score. There are a few good DLs and DRs here and there (and they are mostly players on load), but no team has any good DCs. I play a very Defensive - Counter Attack tactic that seems to be doing the trick (My only recent lose may have come from me deviating from that tactic).

But once I play a team with good DCs...I'm going to get shut down badly.

EDIT: Looking through the teams, I see that Stenhousemuir (1st in the Division) have a few decent DCs. Queen's Park (5th) has 1 good DC as does Albion Rovers (6th). I think I'll have problems against Stenhousemuir. We'll see what happens.

[sabotai]

Matches

Scottish Third Division, Oct. 29th - vs. Queen's Park
Roddy Hunter is hurt and needs to come off in the 19th minute. Paul Gaughan is red carded when he fouls an opposing player. The opposing player gets a penalty kick and score t make it 1-0. I bring in another DC to go to a 4-3-2. In the 46th minute (injury time), they score a 2nd goal off a free kick. I let my team have it at half time and tell them they best start doing better. In the 51st minute, Derek Ure gets us within one. Lee Wilson scores in the 56th minute when he intercepted a horrible pass from one of the defenders and easily scores. Then Wilson scores the go ahead score in the 88th minute as he took a pass from the wing and kicks it in and barely catches the corner of the goal. Lee Wilson gets Man Of Match. WIN 3-2

Media

Wood Lifts East Stirling

Few people expected East Stirling to be flying as high as they are in the league but The Shire have never looked back since opting to bring Jason Wood to the club back in July.

The media-friendly boss is proving to be a shrewd operator, bringing fresh confidence to the team and guiding them to an impressive eight wins in the first fifteen games in charge.

Wood also appears to have developed something of a dislike for fellow head coach David Robertson (manager of Elgin), following a string of derogatory remarks made to the press in recent weeks."

In my defense, I would not have said anything except I saw the guy already had a negative opinion of me. So, naturally, after we beat them, I had to gloat!

I also gave Gaughan a warning after his dismissal and he accepted it.

Scottish Cup First Round Draw

We drew Fraserburgh in the first round of the Scottish Cup, a team that does not belong to any Division.

[sabotai]

Monthly Awards

Manager Of The Month
I came in second this month to Albion Rovers' manager Jimmy Lindsay.

Board Confidence Update
They are very pleased with my performance as manager.

We made a profit of $4.63k.

[sabotai]

Beginning of November Standings

Pos	Inf	Team		Pld	Won	Drn	Lst	For	Ag	G.D.	Pts
1st		East Stirling		12	8	2	2	17	8	+9	26
2nd		Berwick		12	7	3	2	21	9	+12	24
3rd		Stenhousemuir		12	7	3	2	17	8	+9	24
4th		Cowdenbeath		12	7	1	4	21	13	+8	22
5th		Albion Rovers		12	5	2	5	20	15	+5	17
6th		Queen's Park		12	4	3	5	16	23	-7	15
7th		Arbroath		12	2	5	5	11	16	-5	11
8th		East Fife		12	3	2	7	11	23	-12	11
9th		Montrose		12	2	3	7	6	14	-8	9
10th		Elgin		12	3	0	9	12	23	-11	9

We are sitting in first place, 2 points ahead of Berwick and Stenhousemuir (the second seems to have gone on a bit of a non-winning streak). Not sure how promotion works. The top 4 teams are highlighted, but in the Second Division, the bottom 2 are highlighted. So I guess I'll find out when the season ends (or someone tells me...)

[MrBigglesworth]

I think you can find promotion rules for your league when you go into the league tab. There should be a 'Rules' either in a drop down or to the right, I forget where. Sounds like a playoff...

[SirFozzie]

1st Place automatically goes up.

2nd Place, 3rd Place and 4th Place are put in four team playoff with the team that finishes 9th in the 2nd divsion. Winner plays in the 2nd division next year.

[sabotai]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

1st Place automatically goes up.

2nd Place, 3rd Place and 4th Place are put in four team playoff with the team that finishes 9th in the 2nd divsion. Winner plays in the 2nd division next year.

Thanks. Looks like if I am able to finish in the top 4, I'll be in the playoff as I can't seem to beat Stenhousemuir. You'll see my pain in my next post...

[sabotai]

Matches

Scottish Third Division, Nov. 5th, vs. Stenhousemuir
We go into a very important game with FIVE injuries AND Gaughan is suspended. It does not look good for use. They score quickly in the 5th minute. They get another score in the 16th minute when McWilliam hit it into our own goal! They get a thrid goal in the 24th minute when Jackson blocks a shot but the rebound goes right to their forward who makes an easy goal. And a 4th goal in the 28th minute when my guy makes a horrible backpass that is taken by their forward who kicks it passed my goalie.......end this horror, please.....mercy rule? They get a player sent off in the 46th minute (red carded) when he tackled Wilson who was driving in for a score. They score their 5th goal in the 64th minute when a ball that's headed around 2 or 3 times finally makes its way to my net and in. I give my team a very hard talking down to and let them know I am very angry with this performance. LOSE 5-0

At least we get a bit of a break until our Scottish Cup match so that some of our injured players can come back.

[sabotai]

Matches

Scottish Cup First Round, Nov 19th - vs. Fraserburgh
Ure gets us started quickly with a goal in the 2nd minute. Roddy Hunter is hurt in the 48th minute so I bring on Ally Graham to replace him. They tie the game in the 87th minute. My team doesn't seem like it's getting any chances off at all and I've been fighting to keep them away all game. They finally knock one in. The game ends in a tie. DRAW 1-1

Is it me, or does it seem the teams without a Division are better than they should be? I looked through Fraserburgh's team, and even though all players were grayed out, several of them seemed quite good (for a player who might be on a Third Division team). *shrug*

The winner will face the Second Division team Ayr in the Second Round.

Scottish Cup First Round, Nov. 23rd - vs Fraserburgh
Ure misses a chance in the 21st minute and we get lucky as an open shot for them went off the top bar. Ure sinks one in the 39th minute to give us the lead. This was shortly after they had a player sent off for getting his second yellow card of the game. In the 58th minute, our goalie gets injured minorly....and I don't have my backup as a sub in this game. Uh-oh. Ure scores us a 2nd goal in the 62nd minute to give us some breathing room. Paul Tyrrell gets a yellow card, his 2nd one in two games making him suspended for our next Scottish Cup game. Derek Ure is Man Of Match. WIN 2-0

We advance to the 2nd round.

[sabotai]

Matches

Scottish Third Division, Nov 26th - vs Berwick
A couple of my guys are still a bit tired from the Scottish Cup games, so I'm not going in with all of my starters. I have two players yellow carded by the 36th minute, one of the Gaughan. He's probably my best defensive player, but I'm pretty tired of him getting carded. They finally score at the 71st minute off of a free kick after pretty much dominating the match. And that's how it stays. LOSE 1-0

Scottish Third Division, Nov 30th, vs Montrose
At the half it's tied up and I put Graham in to try and use his strength to get something going. I'm thinking that my opponents are starting to adjust to my tactic. I don't seem to be getting as many chances to score as I did before. THey have a player sent off in the 72nd minute. We had a few chances as the game came to a close, but couldn't get anything to go. DRAW 0-0

[sabotai]

Beginning December Standings for Scottish Third Division

Pos	Inf	Team		Pld	Won	Drn	Lst	For	Ag	G.D.	Pts
1st		Stenhousemuir		15	9	4	2	24	9	+15	31
2nd		Berwick		15	8	4	3	22	10	+12	28
3rd		East Stirling		15	8	3	4	17	14	+3	27
4th		Cowdenbeath		15	8	1	6	24	21	+3	25
5th		Queen's Park		15	6	3	6	25	26	-1	21
6th		Albion Rovers		15	5	3	7	22	24	-2	18
7th		Arbroath		15	4	6	5	17	20	-3	18
8th		East Fife		15	5	2	8	17	28	-11	17
9th		Elgin		15	4	2	9	19	24	-5	14
10th		Montrose		15	2	4	9	8	19	-11	10

We slip down to thrid place, going 0 wins, 2 loses and 1 draw for the month. But, it's sort of offset by our advancement to the 2nd round of the Scottish Cup.

Board Confidence Update
They are still pleased with my performance. We pulled in a $14.34k profit last month.

[sabotai]

Matches

Scottish Third Division, Dec. 3rd - vs. East Fife
I'm without Paul Tyrrell due to injury. Ure and Graham start the match as Roddy Hunter is still pretty tired. Ure starts us off fast with a goal in the 5th minute off a pass from Graham. They get it even in the 9th minute when their shot is blocked by one of my defenders and is kicked in on the rebound. Walker gives us a 2-1 lead in the 35th minute when he knocks it on off a crossing pass. Ure scores off of a corner kick in the 87th minute and closes the game. Ure was named Man Of Match. WIN 3-1

Following the game, I praised Ure's performance to the press. Ure also got recognition by the fans.

I've also seem to have gotten myself into a war of words with Montrose's new manager, John Gallagher.

Scottish Cup Second Round, Dec. 10th - vs. Ayr
Ayr from the Second Division. They only have 1 win and 1 draw and have lost 15 games. They will most certainly by relegated, but that doesn't mean this won't be a tough match. We had a few chances that were just inches away, but it remains tied at zero at the half. We get some luck and have one of their shots go off the post. Derek Ure gets a penalty kick in the 76th minute...it's good! And then Ure scores again in the 78th minute! That's how it ends and we are off to the 3rd round! Derek Ure is Man Of Match. WIN 2-0

We draw Motherwell, a Scottish Premier League team. When we get killed, at least we'll be getting $95,000 for making the thrid round.

Scottish Third Division, Dec. 17th - vs Cowdenbeath
A rainy day. Hunter gets us started with a goal in the 11th minute off a pass from Sobolewski. Paul Tyrrell gives us a 2 goal lead just a few minutes later. I have to bring Ure off at the half due to a minor injury. I'm definately not taking any chances with him. Wilson replaces him and earns his pay. In the 58th minute, he gives us a 3 goal lead when he outruns the defense and finishes. Carl Thywissen, with an assist and 10/11 on tackles, win Man Of Match. WIN 3-0

[sabotai]

Matches

Scottish Third Division, Dec. 26th - vs. Albion Rovers
At the half, it's still 0-0. We get lucky in the 50th minute as they had an easy chance and kick it over the top of the goal. They dominated the match but our defense stays steady. We only got 1 shot off, off target, and they got 10, only 3 on target. DRAW 0-0

[sabotai]

Scottish Third Division Standings - Start of January

Pos	Inf	Team		Pld	Won	Drn	Lst	For	Ag	G.D.	Pts
1st		Berwick		18	10	5	3	27	13	+14	35
2nd		East Stirling		18	10	4	4	23	15	+8	34
3rd		Stenhousemuir		18	9	6	3	25	11	+14	33
4th		Cowdenbeath		18	10	1	7	31	26	+5	31
5th		Queen's Park		18	8	4	6	29	28	+1	28
6th		Arbroath		18	5	7	6	20	22	-2	22
7th		East Fife		18	6	2	10	22	36	-14	20
8th		Albion Rovers		18	5	4	9	23	28	-5	19
9th		Elgin		18	4	2	12	24	32	-8	14
10th		Montrose		18	3	5	10	13	26	-13	14

We rebound decently this month, winning two league games and drawing in one. We also win our Scottish Cup Second Round match to advance to the Third Round, where we will be crushed by Motherwell.

Monthly Awards

Player Of The Month
Carl Thywissen wins the Player of the Month Award for December. He's been a solid performer at the MC position for us this season. Right now he's home with the flu for up to 2 weeks. Henry Sobolewski came in 2nd for the award.

Young Player Of The Month
Derek Ure wins his second Young Player Of The Month award. His first was for October. Ure got back to form this month, scoring 2 goals against East Fife and 2 goals again Ayr in the Scottish Cup match.

Manager Of The Month
My second 2nd place finish. Boo. Queen's Park's manager won the award for December.

[sabotai]

Matches

Scottish Third Division, Jen. 4th - vs. Arbroath
We have our Scottish Cup Third Round match in 3 days, and although I know I will get killed, I still want to play my best players, so I'm going into this without some of my regular starters. They get on board first with a goal in the 30th minute. They score again in the 68th minute. Ally Graham gets us within one at the 74th minute. LOSE 2-1

I might be losing Roddy Hunter as a couple of teams have made bid offers for him.

Scottish Cup Third Round, Jan. 7th - vs Motherwell
In the 11th minute they score off of a corner kick. And then they score again in the 15th minute. Oh well. Yada Yada Yada, LOSE 6-0

At least we got that $95,000!

Scottish Third Division, Jan 11th - vs. Elgin
The half goes scoreless, but (in possibly his last showing for me) Roddy Hunter gets a score in the 45th minute (30s seconds after the half started) to give us the lead. They have a player sent off shortly after. In the 77th minute, they tie it up on a long shot. My team is dominating this game and if we don't win, I'm going ot rip into my players. It ends in a tie and I tell my team the result was embarrassing. DRAW 1-1

Roddy Hunter is off to St. Mirren.

Scottish Third Division, Jan. 14th - vs Queen's Park
They start off fast, scoring in the 4th minute when their forward simply takes the ball from Paul Gaughan and scores. They take a 2-0 lead at the 53rd minute off a corner kick. I change to an attacking mentality. Hasn't worked in the past, but I have to change up something. Derek Ure gets us on the board with a score in the 63rd minute. Ure ties it up at the 82nd minute when he grabs a bad pass from their midfield and kicks it in. But then they score on a cross from the corner in the 85th minute. Derek Ure does win another Man Of Match. LOSE 3-2

I'm going to be without Derek Ure for a few weeks as he has caught a virus. And Stenhousmuir are my next opponents.

Scottish Third Division, Jan. 21st - vs Stenhousmuir
They have a player sent off in the 11th minute. An even first half with neither team getting more than 1 or 2 good chances on goal. I switched to an attacking mentality in the 75th minute that seemed to catch them off guard as I had a few chances right away, but my players blew them. DRAW 0-0

Scottish Third Division, Jan 28th - vs Montrose
We start off fast. In the 3rd minute, Lee Wilson shots, it's blocked by the goalie but Gribbon is right there to kick it in. They tie it up in the 38th minute when they had the goalie box filled with their players and we couldn't get the ball out. They get a penalty kick in the 58th minute but Jackson makes the save. Wilson gives us the lead in the 75th minute. They tie it back up in the 85th minute. Lee Wilson is named Man Of Match. DRAW 2-2

[sabotai]

Scottish Third Division Standings - Start of February

Pos	Inf	Team		Pld	Won	Drn	Lst	For	Ag	G.D.	Pts
1st		Berwick		23	15	5	3	39	17	+22	50
2nd		Cowdenbeath		23	13	2	8	40	35	+5	41
3rd		Stenhousemuir		23	10	9	4	31	16	+15	39
4th		East Stirling		23	10	7	6	29	23	+6	37
5th		Queen's Park		23	10	5	8	34	35	-1	35
6th		Arbroath		23	9	7	7	29	26	+3	34
7th		Albion Rovers		23	8	4	11	32	33	-1	28
8th		East Fife		23	6	3	14	24	48	-24	21
9th		Montrose		23	4	6	13	18	32	-14	18
10th		Elgin		23	4	4	15	28	39	-11	16

We are down to fourth and close to slipping out of a chance for promotion. Only 2 points seperate us from 5th and 3 points from 6th. With Roddy Hunter leaving and the rest of my team getting cold, I might be lucky to finish above 7th.

Monthly Awards

Player of the Month
Derek Ure places second for the award, behind Berwick's Mark Cowen

Board Confidence Update
They are delighted with my performance.

We turned a profit of $133k last month.

[sabotai]

Matches

Scottish Third Division, Feb 4th - vs Berwick
They score in the 8th minute. We tie it back up in the 31st minute when Graham socres on a penalty kick. Graham scores again in the 46th minute. He shot, the goalie blocked it and tried to come out to play the rebound, but Graham gets it and scores. Ally Graham was Man Of Match. WIN 2-1

Scottish Third Division, Feb 11th - vs. East Fife
The first half goes scoreless. Lee Wilson was injured early in the game. The game is a stalemate until a minute into injury time (91st minute) when they score off a cross. LOSE 1-0

Lee Wilson is out for 3-5 months.

Derek Ure was about to get back to action, but comes down with another virus.

Scottish Third Division, Feb 18th - vs. Albion Rovers
The first half goes scoreless. And it goes scoreless the second half. DRAW 0-0

Scottish Third Division, Feb 25th - vs Cowdenbeath
They score in the 15th minute when their forward takes it from my defender and scores from 20 yards. They score again in the 23rd minute when Jackson misplays a ball that was back passed to him, their forward takes it and scores easily. Diack gets us a goal in the 87th minute, but it's a bit too late. LOSE 2-1