How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

**vrabbit** · 07-18-2016, 12:18 PM

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

I agree with my peers the pick is Coman but Cornet would be nice consolation

**indiblue** · 07-18-2016, 12:18 PM

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

TRANSFER SPECIAL
SUMMER 2016

ACQUISITIONS

Vladimir Gabulov
Age: 32
Nationality: Russia
Position: Goalkeeper
Joins from: Dynamo Moscow
Type of deal: Free transfer
Fee: N/A

Dorus de Vries performed very well last season, but had he got injured or suspended, I had nobody of equal or similar quality to call on. Add to this my belief that we needed a superior goalkeeper for the Premier League, and you can see why Gabulov's signing was a no-brainer. We've got a keeper with extensive experience for no fee and a reasonable £50,000 per week.

André Martins
Age: 26
Nationality: Portugal
Position: Midfielder
Joins from: Sporting CP
Type of deal: Free transfer
Fee: N/A

Chris Cohen works his socks off for this team, and Ben Osborn looks like he will be a massive player in three or four seasons, but neither of them has the creativity or incisiveness of Martins. So when we found out that he was there to be signed for no transfer fee and wages of £50,000 per week, the recruitment machine set into motion and got the deal done very early on.

Jack Hunt
Age: 25
Nationality: England
Position: Right back
Joins from: Crystal Palace
Type of deal: Full ownership
Fee: £2,000,000

Eric Lichaj's acrimonious departure leaves a huge gap at right back that Callum Paterson is not quite ready to fill at Premier League level. That's why we've signed Hunt, who brings in a wealth of experience from his many loan spells. After failing to lock down a spot at Palace, he must be keen to get started with a new team where he will be one of the important players.

Lee Cattermole
Age: 28
Nationality: England
Position: Defensive midfielder
Joins from: Sunderland
Type of deal: Full ownership
Fee: £6,000,000

Where do you go when you need a tough-tackling midfielder who plays with heart and passion? Sunderland, of course. Despite popular opinion, I think Cattermole is just too good to be in the Championship. Despite looking into some highly promising talents like Nampalys Mendy and Saúl Ñíguez, I felt that Cattermole would be a better fit for the role of a deep-lying midfielder.

Elvis Manu
Age: 23
Nationality: Ghana
Position: Forward
Joins from: Feyenoord
Type of deal: Full ownership
Fee: £3,000,000

With a couple of our wingers departing, I wanted to bring in someone who could play across the forward line in many formations. Manu's contract was up next summer, so we were able to sign him for a huge bargain considering his age and quality. With pace and physicality complemented by technique that can only improve, he'll prove to be a very useful and impactful player.

Héctor Hernández
Age: 25
Nationality: Spain
Position: Left back
Joins from: Real Sociedad
Type of deal: Full ownership
Fee: £2,000,000

Being in need of a left back as backup for Matt Targett, I was shocked to see Hernández listed for transfer by La Real. Now the plan was always to bring in someone as cover to let Targett play and grow, but when you see a player of this quality up for grabs, you don't let the opportunity go. And what a signing he'll be with free kicks, curve and crossing ability galore!

Luciano Narsingh
Age: 25
Nationality: Netherlands
Position: Forward
Joins from: PSV
Type of deal: Full ownership
Fee: £4,000,000

The first of five deadline day signings, Narsingh is a physical and technical beast. Though the deal with PSV and personal terms were agreed early on in the window, it was only after selling our top scorer from last season that we had the funds freed up to push the deal through. I have high hopes for this player and think he will be a fantastic signing in the years to come.

Josh Meekings
Age: 23
Nationality: England
Position: Defender
Joins from: Inverness CT
Type of deal: Full ownership
Fee: £1,500,000

The second signing of deadline day was on the last year of his contract in Scotland, making him a relatively inexpensive buy. Exceptionally quick and athletic for a centre back, Meekings can play anywhere in defence or deep in midfield. His signing makes us tactically flexible, a major advantage in the big games. He's a leader in the making and possible future Forest captain.

Robert Kenedy Nunes
Age: 20
Nationality: Brazil
Position: Forward
Joins from: Chelsea
Type of deal: One-year loan
Fee: £4,000,000 (option)

If all goes as I hope, our third deadline day signing might turn out to be the best piece of business this window. Kenedy is already quite talented, and if he grows as expected and performs at the level I think he's capable of, we may be pulling off a stellar deal at the end of the season by exercising our option to buy. His arrival gives us attacking depth like few other teams!

Alexander Trinks
Age: 19
Nationality: Germany
Position: Midfielder
Joins from: FC Bayern
Type of deal: One-year loan
Fee: N/A

Possibly the next Philipp Lahm, Trinks is an incredibly athletic midfielder who has just been promoted to Bayern's senior side. With all his physical stats in the 80s and key technical traits in the 70s, he is a phenomenon waiting to erupt. I don't think we will be able to afford him next season, which will be made all the worse when he performs like a stud and displaces someone big.

André Moreira
Age: 20
Nationality: Portugal
Position: Goalkeeper
Joins from: Atlético Madrid
Type of deal: One-year loan
Fee: N/A

The last of our deadline day signings, Moreira was brought in simply to make sure we have zero chance of needing to forfeit a match due to a shortage of available goalkeepers. He's not too bad for a goalkeeper just breaking 20, but he certainly won't be getting near the first team anytime soon, so it's just as well that we got him on loan rather than as a permanent addition.

DEPARTURES

Eric Lichaj
Age: 27
Nationality: United States
Position: Right back
Leaves to: Queens Park Rangers
Type of deal: Full ownership
Fee: £800,000

Despite making over 40 appearances last season, my decision to rest Lichaj for long periods did not go down well with the player. He demanded that I make him a permanent name on the team sheet. Naturally, that ultimatum sealed his fate. I could have got a higher fee had I waited for offers from other clubs, but I was keen to offload this joker as quickly as possible.

Daniel Pinillos
Age: 23
Nationality: Spain
Position: Left back
Leaves to: Middlesbrough
Type of deal: Full ownership
Fee: £800,000

A somewhat promising player who could have been loaned out instead of sold, Dani was aching to get some regular action. He was never going to be a major player for me, so at least he can now fight for a spot at a club more suited to the level of his talent. It's not a bad fee for a player who was quite unhappy with how his situation unfolded over the last few weeks.

Danny Fox
Age: 30
Nationality: Scotland
Position: Left back
Leaves to: Leeds
Type of deal: Full ownership
Fee: £400,000

A solid and reliable player, Danny was a crucial part of my team in the first half of last season. He provided width and security on the left of the 3-5-2, but he failed to cope with the increased intensity of our switch to 4-3-3. I definitely don't see him as Premier League quality, but I think he will do well as a senior player and trusted leader with Leeds back in the Championship.

Jamie Ward
Age: 30
Nationality: Northern Ireland
Position: Forward
Leaves to: Birmingham City
Type of deal: Full ownership
Fee: £2,800,000

Jamie wasn't a player I planned on selling. His 12 goals and 11 assists were vital in helping us win promotion to the Premier League and reach the final of the FA Cup. A native of Birmingham, the former Aston Villa youth player asked to be closer to his family, and we had to oblige. The very least we can say is that we picked up a transfer fee that's double his paper value, so it's a great piece of business for a player whose mind was elsewhere.

Chris Burke
Age: 32
Nationality: Scotland
Position: Winger
Leaves to: Middlesbrough
Type of deal: Full ownership
Fee: £1,200,000

Chris is everything that's great about the archetypal British winger. He has pace and stamina, he can cross and dribble, and he's got a mean shot from distance. But at the age of 32 and his physicals dropping, I felt it wise to get a fee while we could. Do I think he could have stayed and done well for us? Yes. Will he shine at Middlesbrough? It's very likely. But that's football.

Jamie Paterson
Age: 24
Nationality: England
Position: Winger
Leaves to: Middlesbrough
Type of deal: Full ownership
Fee: £1,500,000

Always thought of as the 'other Jamie' after Ward and the 'other Paterson' after Callum, he rejected fair terms towards the end of last season. But for his return of seven goals in 37 appearances, the offer of £20,000 per week was quite generous. It's going to be interesting to see how Middlesbrough do with two of our former wingers, both of whom are very capable players.

Dimitar Evtimov
Age: 22
Nationality: Bulgaria
Position: Goalkeeper
Leaves to: Barnet
Type of deal: Full ownership
Fee: £100,000

Dimitar was never going to be anything more than a reserve goalkeeper for this team. Quite simply, this was a player choosing an actual playing career over a big salary, which is highly respectable. There's not much else to say.

Lars Veldwijk
Age: 25
Nationality: Netherlands
Position: Striker
Leaves to: Hamburg
Type of deal: Full ownership
Fee: £2,800,000

Last season's top scorer in the league with 27 goals, Lars was always going to be in demand. But what started with a muted performance at Newcastle turned into a shambles against Watford, Middlesbrough and Swansea. It was difficult to watch a striker who spent last season tormenting defences struggle with the very quality of the game. But it also made it clear that he is not Premier League material. We could have cashed in earlier in the transfer window for as much as £4 million, but the fee we did receive is still double his paper value, and at least we can say we gave him a chance.

IN OTHER NEWS

Nottingham Forest have qualified for the group stage of the 2016/17 UEFA Europa League after losing 2-1 to Chelsea in last season's FA Cup final. The two-time European champions have been drawn in Group E alongside Genk, Brøndby and Wolfsburg. It now makes sense why the manager has been stocking his squad with depth, as the club would have known weeks ago.

Additionally, the club's first-choice striker Britt Assombalonga has signed a one-year contract extension that will double his salary from £15,000 to £30,000 per week. The departure of Lars Veldwijk must have been on the cards for a few weeks considering Assombalonga's huge increase in pay, which is still considerably less than top earner Michail Antonio's £60,000.

**indiblue** · 07-18-2016, 12:20 PM

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Originally posted by Keano16

Any particular reason? Also Saint-Maximin is on loan at Hannover on my squads (28 August) from Monaco so he's out. I'll keep him on the shortlist for the future though.

I think I'm gonna go with Coman provided the price is right.

Coman has insane pace, dribbling and ball control. With stamina training for a couple of months, you will eventually be playing him as a starter. And he can be had for a VERY good price from day one.

**vrabbit** · 07-18-2016, 12:22 PM

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

and I lied the next update will be Newport's

**Keano16** · 07-18-2016, 12:42 PM

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Originally posted by indiblue

Coman has insane pace, dribbling and ball control. With stamina training for a couple of months, you will eventually be playing him as a starter. And he can be had for a VERY good price from day one.

Him and Wilson up front will run defences ragged for days alright and £1.7m is his asking price while Cornet's is £2.4m.

Originally posted by vrabbit

and I lied the next update will be Newport's

AGAIN.

**10cabee** · 07-18-2016, 01:06 PM

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

When you really want to keep your star striker...

**Keano16** · 07-18-2016, 01:07 PM

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Originally posted by 10cabee

When you really want to keep your star striker...

Pennies.

Lol what rating is he now?

**vrabbit** · 07-18-2016, 01:12 PM

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Originally posted by 10cabee

When you really want to keep your star striker...

**10cabee** · 07-18-2016, 01:15 PM

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Haha, he's rated at 84. He's 23 and already on a £130k a week salary with PSG too!

It's funny how they said "We want one hundred and eighty three million.....and a half." XD I guess he's not £184m material then!

**indiblue** · 07-18-2016, 01:22 PM

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

AUGUST 2016

Newcastle 0-0 Forest

 Vladimir Gabulov made several fine saves to keep a clean sheet and help Nottingham Forest to a draw at Newcastle United in their first Premier League match since 1999. Newcastle dominated large portions of the match as Indi Blue gave full debuts to Russian Gabulov, Portuguese midfielder André Martins, former Sunderland man Lee Cattermole, and Ghanaian forward Elvis Manu. Lars Veldwijk had the visitors’ best chance of the match but scuffed his shot wide under pressure from Fabricio Coloccini.
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w

oNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w

ontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w

ontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->

Forest 1-0 Watford
89' Assombalonga

 Britt Assombalonga made a late substitute appearance against Watford to help Nottingham Forest to their first win of the Premier League season. The Congolese striker who was raised in London nodded in from Michail Antonio’s cross shortly after replacing Lars Veldwijk, who struggled with the intensity of the top flight for the second straight game. Watford created several chances through £20 million signing Davy Klaassen from Ajax, but Tory Deeney was expertly marshalled by a resilient Forest defence.
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w

oNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w

ontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w

ontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->

Middlesbrough 1-3 Forest
15' Assombalonga
44' Antonio
51' Assombalonga
90'+2 Nugent

 Britt Assombalonga scored twice as Nottingham Forest romped to a 3-1 home win against Middlesbrough and former Forest winger Chris Burke. Michail Antonio, who assisted Assombalonga’s brace, added a third by heading in André Martins’ cross shortly before halftime. Forest came out after the break in a 3-4-3 formation, with Lee Cattermole moving to central defence. And in the dying seconds of stoppage time, David Nugent poked in a late consolation to deny Forest a third straight clean sheet.

Sheffield Utd. 1-2 Forest
21' Sharp
45'+2 Veldwijk
84' Walker

 Tyler Walker’s late winner from Callum Paterson’s cross helped Nottingham Forest to victory against Sheffield United in the second round of the Capital One Cup. Billy Sharp opened the scoring with a clever feint as United dominated the opening stages. Indi Blue shifted shape to a 4-4-2 diamond, and the struggling Lars Veldwijk managed to poke in an equaliser just before halftime. Ben Osborn was at the heart of all things good for Forest in a complete midfield performance.
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w

oNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w

ontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w

ontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->

Forest 2-3 Swansea
27' Osborn
45'+2 Antonio
51' Ayew
67' Ayew
72' Shelvey

 A flurry of goals capped off by Jonjo Shelvey’s winner allowed Swansea City to hand Nottingham Forest their first defeat of the season. Ben Osborn scored on his Premier League debut, and Michail Antonio doubled the advantage before halftime. Swansea responded after the break with a quick-fire brace by André Ayew, before the Ghana international set up Shelvey to head from a corner kick. Despite a late surge on Łukasz Fabiański’s goal, the visitors held on for the win.
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w

oNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w

ontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w

ontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->
PREMIER LEAGUE

1. Arsenal – 12 points
2. Spurs – 10 points
3. Southampton – 9 points
4. Chelsea – 8 points
• • •
7. Nott'm Forest – 7 points
• • •
18. Stoke City – 3 points
19. QPR – 2 points
20. Middlesbrough – 0 points

MANAGER'S THOUGHTS

Two wins, one draw, one loss, six goals scored, and seven points from four games – not a bad start to the Premier League! The draw at Newcastle was a great way to get going, and I always love a late winner like Assombalonga scored against Watford. We battered Middlesbrough as expected, and while it was disappointing to concede thrice and lose to Swansea, they are a side with plenty of quality, so there's no shame in the result. We've made plenty of new signings, and it's going to take time for them to gel and start playing as a unit. For now, I can say that I'm thrilled with these results and with what we achieved in the transfer window. It will be a very exciting season! I've been using the 4-3-3, 4-4-2 diamond, and a custom 3-4-3 formation that I hope to make my go-to system. Let's see how things pan out there.

**indiblue** · 07-18-2016, 01:25 PM

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Originally posted by vrabbit

I'm totally feeling the Donald love. Best Disney character ever. Pumbaa is a close second.

**Keano16** · 07-19-2016, 06:58 AM

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Originally posted by moose141

Thanks to everyone who commented recently, I did see them all and I'm planning on either addressing the comments in an episode or I'll reply on here, and I'm also gonna make sure to comment on you guy's careers as well! I'm stuck in Dallas for 3 weeks and for some reason the TV will recognize my HDMI cable but it won't recognize it once it comes out of my Elgato, so I'm not sure how I'm going to record any new career videos :/

Anyways, Episode #75: OH MICHAIL ANTONIO!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DHAKZVbblV8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

First time in a while that I've watched one of your videos so sorry about that. What an episode I picked to come back to though! Lacazette and Payet were on fire and of course Antonio!! (Nice singing btw

) What happened to Dybala? Very instense against Arsenal but you managed to come away with something at least. Great job on getting through to the knockout stages of the Champions League as well man!

I'll try to comment on everyone else's updates later on!

**10cabee** · 07-19-2016, 09:00 AM

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

But can they really do it??

P.S. I've finished the season (posts will be up soon!) and I've never seen such a busy transfer market in FIFA!

**10cabee** · 07-19-2016, 04:09 PM

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

I've never been so torn in a transfer window before! (Newcastle cm spoiler ahead) I can't choose between a Ibrahimovic regen (plays exactly like him) or a 6'8 Mario Gomez sort of striker. They both have the same overall, are same age and around abouts the same price.

Despite being 6'8, 'Gomez' hasnt got very much strength but what he lacks in strength he makes up for in pace and has questionable skill when the ball's at his feet.

'Ibra' on the other hand isn't bullied as easily due to his strength, is 6'3 (same as Sanogo) and looks more impressive with the ball to feet but lacks a lot when compared to 'Gomez's' aerial prowess. It's also questionable as to whether 'Ibra' can get past a man with the ball due to him being a little slow.

I really can't choose between them!

**vrabbit** · 07-19-2016, 07:55 PM

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Originally posted by vrabbit

Newport County A.F.C.

'18-'19 February Update

Spoiler

^^^ Previous update

Newport County A.F.C.

'18-'19 March Update

The Roster

Spoiler

Starting XI (4-4-2 Diamond Wide)

Martinez (C, 72)

Odubajo (72)/Luan (75)/Vegas (73)/B-Williams (75)

Ince (76)

Giles (71) ------------------ B. Moore (73)

Gordon (76)

Ambrose (77) ------- Ringdal Støvland (69)
___________________________________

League Match 33
Newport County - Reading (0-1)
Tshibola 45+'

Ince 25'

In Beom 78'

Score between Newport County and Reading this season with Marcus Thuram in the lineup: 8-2 in favor of The Exiles. Without Thuram: 0-1 in favor of Reading. The Royals took advantage of a goal in stoppage time of the first half to pair it with a fine defensive performance and hold Marccelino's squad to just 4 shots (2 on target). The loss for Newport signifies that they're not out of their funk yet, and said funk is really not coming at a good time.

In a comical moment, Marccelino seemed surprised after the game when told that Rohan Ince's suspension for accumulation of yellow cards would actually take place in the team's very next game which just happened to be the F.A. Cup quarter final against Manchester City ...

F.A. Cup - Quarter Final
Newport County - Manchester City

Spoiler

(2-0)

Spoiler

League Match 34
Newport County - Huddersfield (1-1)
Çelik 13' (Gondo)
Wells 73'

Playing just three days after a thrilling victory The Exiles turned to their B-team which was unable to get more than a draw against the worst team in the league. Both teams took 7 shots but Huddersfield was on target twice (6) twice as much as the host team. A former Exile, Seth Nana Twumasi, was the best played on the pitch, constantly pushing the ball forward on the right side for the visitors.

League Match 35
Blackburn Rovers - Newport County (1-5)
Mahoney 7'
Ambrose 8' (Giles)
Ambrose 30' (pen)
Ince 34' (Gordon)
Ambrose 83' (Giles)
B. Moore 89' (Potter)

The Exiles once again showed flashes of being back to their old selves by trouncing a playoff contender on the road. Mahoney's goal early on made many Exiles' fans feel like a bad result would be coming again but that feeling was short-felt thanks to Ambrose, who seeming willed this squad to a blowout victory.

League Match 36
Sheffield Wed - Newport County (2-0)
Müller 45+'
Matias 76'

The best defense in the Championship shut down the best offense while scoring a couple of goals of their own and Sheffield Wed netted a big win to move ahead of Newport County in the standings. Nicolai Müller was a force to be reckoned with all game long on the right wing for the The Owls, dribbling past whoever was put in front of him in seemingly effortless motion. The defeat and subsequent fall in the standings for The Exiles is the culmination of a series of struggles they've been experiencing over the last few months. They were only able to take two shots in this game, both on target.

********************
Emiliano Martinez was named Player of the Month for the month of March.

********************

Top Scorers
1. Ambrose (Newport County) - 27
2. Gray (Burnley) - 16
T3. Falatah (Reading) - 15
T3. Makienok (Brentford) - 15

Assists
1. Gordon (Newport County) - 12
2. Giles (Newport County) - 8
3. Grimes (Burnley) - 7
T4. Ambrose (Newport County) - 6
(12 others with 6 also)

Clean Sheets
T1. Federici (Leeds United) - 11
T1. Hahn (Reading) - 11
T2. Martin (Bolton) - 9
T2. Heaton (Burnley) - 9
T2. Hrádecký (QPR) - 9
...
T3. Martinez (Newport County) - 8

Analysis: Last time we talked about how March could make or break Newport County, and it seems like it did both. While The Exiles netted a historic victory in quarter finals of the F.A. Cup against Manchester City, getting just 4 of 12 points in league play is an average effort at best and when coupled with runs such as the one Sheffield Wed is making (adding 22 of the last 27 points disputed) it was just a matter of time before The Exiles dropped at least one place in the standings. Unless Marccelino's squad is able to put together a very impressive month of April, Newport County may need to focus more on clinching a playoff spot than trying to catch Burnley and QPR (and now Sheffield Wed), especially considering that a team like Reading (currently in 7th place) is only 3 points behind The Exiles.

It probably didn't help matters that Kjetil Ringdal Støvland went the whole month without a goal or assist. The youngster isn't turning in bad performances but he also hasn't been able to break out in any way or form and pundits question whether the team's performance vs MCFC (wherein RS was benched due to a change in formation) signifies a new direction the club should head in. It seems a bit excessive to make conclusions off of one game, but the fact remains there has been a significant change in the club's performance ever since Marcus Thuram was sold. Newport County isn't getting any favors by lady luck either as their next opponent in the F.A. semis will be none other than Chelsea, a club coming off a local treble last season and already winners of the Capital One Cup this season.

In academy news the club recently promoted its top prospect, Daniele Martella, at his request and scouts confirm he has potential to be special. He's likely to be brought along slowly next season but could become a significant piece for the club in a couple of seasons. Other than the the club's scouts in England, Spain, and Brazil have turned in new reports and the club has made one addition to its youth squad:

CDM - Doke Boëtius (64 OVR, 81-87): This 17-year old from Netherlands standing at 6'3" and 169lbs is our next top prospect at the position, joining a crowded group of youngsters at CDM (Dall'Oglio, Ichigawa, Kagome). He'll need to be patient and continue to work hard in the academy for his opportunity. He's likely to be promoted anytime between now and before the end of the next transfer window in hopes he'll land a loan opportunity.

CB - Tom Maguire (49 OVR, 74-94): 17-year old from England following on the footsteps of Tafari Hunt and Bondz Laslie but hoping to break the mold and become someone of consideration on the roster. He has a long way to go right now but he shows promise.

LB - Jeff Cohen (53 OVR, 71-94)*: 16-year old from England who is the newest addition to the academy. He doesn't seem to have the pace for this position so he may be worked out elsewhere depending on his growth.

CDM - Daniel Amaral (50 OVR), 70-90): 15-year old from Brazil whose signing has received some criticism since the club seems to be loaded at his position. However, Newport County is still very far from being the kind of team that can pass on talent so we'll just have to follow how Amaral develops.

RB - Willem Van Hout (55 OVR, 79-85): This 16-year old from Belgium is still very raw but exhibits good potential and coaches in the academy are trying to make sure he remains focused on working on developing his game. Doesn't possess the pace the team would like at the position but Marccelino is keeping more of an open mind when it comes to that after watching Nicolai Fernandes play.
* Recent addition

April Schedule

4/2: vs Brentford
4/6: at West Brom
4/13: vs Ipswich
4/20: vs Chelsea (F.A. Cup)
4/27: vs QPR

Obviously playing against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium stands out but The Exiles will need to get as many points as possible in the first three games of the month to be within striking distance of QPR when they host them to close out April.

Stay tuned!

How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Recommended Videos

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment