Journey to the EPL - Frank Luther's Story (FIFA 15)

[Zac]

IMPORTANT NOTE PLEASE READ: This is for the custom OS team from the main forum voting. Players created for the team may not always be on the team! I may not always be the head coach of this team. I may be fired. Therefore I did not put custom OS team in the topic title. I will attempt to do everything in my power to remain the skipper of the team. And do everything in my power to retain all created players. However, in the event I am fired, I will do what I can to purchase created players. And if a player demands release or is sold by the board without my consent, I will still continue to post updates about the team and or players. Again, as best I can. Because we all know the game is terrible at showing you any stats for teams not in your league.

Game Settings
Difficulty: World Class
Sliders: Custom - modified Orion sliders
Speed: Slow
Half Length: 10 minutes
Handballs: On
Controls: Full manual (auto switch on air balls only, everything else manual)
Board Financials: Strict

Created players replaced existing players on the roster. Players on the real roster were released to FA in a 1:1 swap. There are no other created players on the roster. Only 15 total created. 11 starters and 4 subs. The rest of the roster are real life subs and reserves.

Current starting spots are not guaranteed. Players could lose their spot based on performance.

No transfers first year, in that is. Youth program will be started however.

Anything I missed, or have a question, ask.

[Zac]

Re: Journey to the EPL - Frank Luther's Story (FIFA 15)

Team history, records and stats.

[Zac]

Re: Journey to the EPL - Frank Luther's Story (FIFA 15)

Player bio, stats and records. #1 Keepers and Defenders

Dontae' Brown
Goalkeeper

Table for stats



Rohan Groves
Centerback

Table for stats



Marcus Ortiz
Centerback

Table for stats



Merlin Botha
Leftback

Table for stats



Adrian Pelayo
Rightback

Table for stats



Vincenzo Amato
Rightback

Table for stats



Maurizio Savona
Center Defensive Middle

Table for stats



[Zac]

Re: Journey to the EPL - Frank Luther's Story (FIFA 15)

Player bio, stats and records. #2 Midfield and Forwards

Salvador Alonso
Right Middle

Table for stats



Jonas Kristensen
Left Middle

Table for stats



Adam "Ham" Hamilton
Center Attacking Middle

Table for stats



Morgan "Blue" Harvey
Center Attacking Middle

Table for stats



Lenny Muller
Left Middle

Table for stats



Josh Hedges
Center Striker

Table for stats



Leonard Prince
Center Striker

Table for stats



Kyle "Big Web" Webber
Center Striker

Table for stats

[Zac]

Re: Journey to the EPL - Frank Luther's Story (FIFA 15)

Highlight Video Archive.

[Zac]

Re: Journey to the EPL - Frank Luther's Story (FIFA 15)

Maybe for later.

[Zac]

Re: Journey to the EPL - Frank Luther's Story (FIFA 15)

Cambridge News

Where did all the Money go?
by Zach Willson posted: June 15th 2014

It seems Richard Money is being replaced at Cambridge United. Just months after earning promotion back into League 2 for the first time in nine years for the U, Money has been let go as the skipper of Cambridge United. The entire origination is keeping the whole thing pretty tight lipped at the moment. Only releasing a statement saying that Money and the club have parted ways. And to expect more news in the coming days. Fans and supports are a little concerned about this decision. And some fans are curious as to who the replacement will be. And to why he was let go.

I asked one local man on the way into the office today what he thought. He didn't seem all that upset. He, like most was shocked. And mostly just wanted an explanation. "I mean, if you let a man like Money go... you surely have someone lined up right? Someone who can keep us in League 2." And that was a good point. Who is replacing him? There are some rumors swirling about today. But the club officials an spokespersons are not letting anything slip yet.

Money who had been with the club since 2012 posted a 49-28-33 record over the two year span. Finishing second in the Football Conference this past season with a 23-13-10 record. Also winning the playoff promotion againstGateshead 2-1. And to top that, winning the FA Trophy championship. So its puzzling as to why this move was made.

In the mean time all we can do is speculate about who the new skipper will be. I guess all the U fans will just have to keep an eye on social media and the news sites over the next couple days to see how this plays out. Its looking like the year is starting off rocky for the excited U fan base. I for one will be glued to this all year and keep you informed of everything Cambridge United.

[Zac]

Re: Journey to the EPL - Frank Luther's Story (FIFA 15)

Cambridge News

Who is Frank Luther?
by Zach Willson | posted on June 17th 2014

That is the question that is everyone is asking at the moment. Just who is Frank Luther? Well, from what we know as of right now he is the new Cambridge United manager. What was his previous job you ask. What other teams has he managed. He hasn't. Not the anwser you were looking for, is it. Yes folks, Money was replaced with a no name up and comer. And before you go and start writing that over the top angry comment on the internet ab out how you wont got to any home games not (because we all know you still are), let me tell you what I do know about Frank Luther. I've spent most of the day looking into the man.

He hails from Ramsgate, Kent. For those not failure its about 78 miles from London. A nice little seaside town. Well worth a vacation trip. He never played the game as a child due to having asthma. Apparently this was tough on him. He loved the game, but was never able to play organized ball. He did however become an assistant for his local university team, while attending himself as a student. And he has been helping the team ever since.

He was in charge of going over oppent scouting, watching tape and helping prepare game plans. He was also a player scout. When not helping the managers with game planing and training. He was out scouting lower schooling players. In hopes of bringing their attention to the program and attending to play on the team. He was mildly succesful at this. Not that you can do much in those situations. As it is not like being a scout for a professional club. Much more red tape and academic standards to follow.

And you might be saying, well what else? Well, that is all we have for the moement. That is, other than he is the nephew of a new member of the board. Ah, yes. There is the catch. I don't want to get into that bit now. I would much prefer to see how the man does at the job first. Before joining in with the rest of the media about how this is "the worst nepotism the sport has ever seen". Because clearly its not. People just need to take a step back for the moment. And hope the club has its own best interest at heart.

I am hoping to get an interview with the man myself very soon. If I do you can expect a transcript to be posted.

[Zac]

Re: Journey to the EPL - Frank Luther's Story (FIFA 15)

Cambridge News

Luther cleans house
by Zach Willson | posted June 18th 2014

It seems the board has given Luther free reign to do what he pleases. In his first official act as the U manager, Luther lets go half the team. Fans are outraged. No one seems sure what to make of this. Half of the team that just earned itself promotion, has been let go. Contracts terminated. And that is not cheap either. The club has to buy out their contracts. At a fraction of the total cost, but its still pricey. But I digress. Half the team? Did we all wake up in a Doctor Who episode? Did the time lord change something when saving us all while we slept?

Here is the list of players released this morning. You will probably want to sit down while reading this.

• Will Norris
• Mitch Hancock
• Matteo Lanzoni
• Harry Lennon
• Tom Nayler
• Luke Allen
• Mitchell Austin
• Sam Whittall
• Bobby-Joe Taylor
• Robbie Simpson
• Kwesi Appiah
• Jayden Stockley
• Liam Hurst
• Ryan Bird
• Ayrton Bevins
• Tom Bonner
• Nathan Arnold
• Luke Berry
• Sam Smith

Are you still reading this? Have you called everyone you know and discussed this yet? 19 players released. Nineteen. Unfathomable. Who signed off on this? How was this allowed to happen. I have to keep thinking that, I know it sounds hold hat so early, but they must have some plan in place. Something that will blow us all away. Right? Right?


No one in the sport, or this country for that matter, is talking about anything else. All other news stories have been put on hold. Heck, the world is talking about the crazy circus that is Cambridge United right now. Even my online video game buddy in the United States sent me an email today asking if I had any info on this crazy story. I'm not sure what to expect next.



As of now, I have been put on the U full time. So I will keep you all up to date as best I can.

[Zac]

Re: Journey to the EPL - Frank Luther's Story (FIFA 15)

Cambridge News

We've got the biggest balls of 'em all
by Zach Willson | posted June 20th 2014

Well, that didn't take long. Only two days ago, like you don't remember, half the Cambridge United players were released. And just today, about an hour ago, a press conference was held to introduce some new players. Fifteen new players to be exact. As I was telling another journalist at the conference, this has to have been in the works far longer than the last couple weeks. This all now feels very calculated and planned for a long time coming. So its a this time I would advise everyone to push the doubt aside, and just sit back and watch the show. You may just end up being surprised.

For those that were not able to catch the one hour live broadcast of the conference today. Here is a quick recap, and a break down introduction of the fifteen new players introduced.

The conference started with chairman Dave Doggett introducing Luther to the media. But not before making fully known that he and the board back him 100% in all this. And if they didn't he would not have been brought on.

Next Luther explained how excited he was, yada yada yada. The usual manager press stuff. He did however mention he will be bringing many changes to the club. To which someone yelled out "you think". He gave a good hearty laugh. Then he explained why the moves made so far where made. He said he had nothing against the lads let go. They were fine players, and under different circumstances things might have been different. He then went on to say the players they are bringing on are for a long term rebuilding of the club.

It was at this point the room started to get pretty quite as Luther started explaining his goals and ambitions for the United. He explained he has set a 6 year goal of reaching the Premier league. Many scoffed at this. He explained it probably wont be 6 years. It could be less. It could be more. But the plan they have set themselves upon is for two years in each step up the ladder. He had some strong conviction in his voice while telling us this. And I for one have bought in. I don't know if its possible. But I sure want to watch them try.

At the end, Doggett said he expects a title and promotion this season into League 1. Luther gave a half smile, while the room bust out in laughter.

And without further ado, here are the players that were introduced today.

Salvador Alonso	Vincenzo Amato	Merlin Botha	Dontae' Brown	Rohan Groves
Adam Hamilton	Morgan Harvey	Josh Hedges	Jonas Kristensen	Lenny Müller
Marcus Ortiz	Adrian Pelayo	Leonard Prince	Maurizio Savona	Kyle Webber

There they are folks. Your new United players. It was interesting to see them walking around and doing a little practice on the pitch in uniform for everyone. They all seemed very excited for the upcoming season. We will have more on each of these players as the season goes on. Doing a one on one with each player and giving you a closer look at them.

No starting eleven was announced. Nor what formation(s) will be used. There is another press conferenced scheduled for tomorrow. We expect more techincal info from the club at that time.

[Zac]

Re: Journey to the EPL - Frank Luther's Story (FIFA 15)

Cambridge News

United starting eleven revealed
by Zach Willson | posted June 21st 2014

As promised yesterday, Luther and company had another hour long press conference today to give us more technical details about the upcoming year. And they announced the preliminary starting eleven as Luther put it. The starting eleven is never set in stone he reminded us. And anyone of these lads could lose or gain a spot in that coveted starting role. Its all about heart and performance he said. The players that want it more will always be the best ones out on the pitch.

The first bit of info we received was that the team will run a modified 4-4-2 Diamond wide formation as its main formation. Luther was showing us how he keeps the left and right midfielders much wider than normal, while using the defensive midfielder more in attacking than is normally seen in this formation. Below is a quick graphic of the announced starting eleven in his formation. And as most might have guessed, the entire starting eleven are from the players he brought in. This probably wont make much of the old club players happy. So that is something to keep an eye on.

As you can see, Prince, Hedges and Hamilton should be scoring a heavy dose of the teams goals. All three are target men from the wings, and all three play the box, from what we've been told, "like its going out of style". However many questions are being raised about the middle of the pitch. This style of play leaves the middle pretty open, and with not much supporting help. So there will be much pressure on Groves, Ortiz and Savona to hold their own and be the heart of the defence. Otherwise Brown could end up being under heavy attack. Luther also made it clear, he will have other looks, and adustments will be made as needed. This is what the three friendlies prior to the season are for.

Luther also informed us that while he was given a fair sum of funds to use this seaon, he has no imediate plans to bring anyone else in this season. Maybe in the winter window if injuries or other issues call for it. He said he will be using most all funds until otherwise for bolstering the struggeling youth program. Which Luther has a fine background himself in dealing with.

[Zac]

Re: Journey to the EPL - Frank Luther's Story (FIFA 15)

Cambridge News

United friendlies announced; Transfer news
by Zach Willson | posted July 1st 2014


The first set of friendlies in Luther's professional career have been revealed today. Which appear to be some tough match ups. It could be a rough go of things to start his career as the skipper. But these are just friendlies after all and don't count for anything but helping to get the squad in order.

Sunday July 27th - vs Uni. Catolica
Thursday July 31st - @ KAA Gent
Monday August 4th - vs Chiapas

Most local fans are expecting loses in the first two games. As both opponents are fairly bigger programs and have had great success recently. So those should be some tough games. Which will help Luther get his team in shape and ready for the season.

It was also announced today that following players have been placed on the transfer list. A couple of the players come as a surprise as they were the teams only veterans left over from the recent turn over. They were expected to play strong supporting roles by most. But Luther sees it another way.

• Tom Champion (CDM)
• Ryan Donaldson (CAM)
• Delano Sam-Yorke (ST)
• Richard Tait (RB)

While the players should fetch a decent sum for the club, Luther has made it known hes not looking to bring anyone else in. Its this writers impression that Luther will be using these funds for hiring new youth scouts. But he will do with the funds is anyones guess at this time.


And as a quick side note, Luke Chadwick (CAM) has just informed the club he will be retiring at the end of the season. The 33 year old player is not expected to play a large role in the rotation this year. He may have seen this as time to just hang it up rather than trying for a new club at his age.

[Zac]

Re: Journey to the EPL - Frank Luther's Story (FIFA 15)

Cambridge News

Champion/others sold; Promotion?
by Zach Willson | posted July 15th 2014

It didn't take long for Champion to get snapped up on the market. Shrewsbury Town had apparently sent an agent to speak with the club the following day he was listed. And in the end they were happy to take the 28 year old CDM off Uniteds hands. He brought in a decent fee of $190,000. While also freeing up $2,500 in weekly wages.

This was not the only player Shrewsbury Town took from Cambridge either. Details are not known fully at this time. But it appears this was a combo deal. Since Champion went under value, it appears the terms were to also arranged to have them take the 23 year old CAM Ryan Donaldson. His price fetched was $190,000 also. Two players to Shrewsbury Town for $380,000. Not bad. But some feel United got the worse of the deal. Many thought both players should have gone for more.

The other two listed players are currently in negotiation with other clubs. The 25 year old ST Sam-Yorke is in talks with AFC Wimbledon. If they reach terms for a contract, he will be sold for $275,000. Wimbledon is in dire need of a good rotating player at that position. So they are expected to close the deal with Sam-Yorke by weeks end.

And the final transfer news to report is RB Tait was sold to Exeter City this morning fro $100,000. The 24 year old was in line to take over the starting job before Pelayo was signed. It had been known that Tait was not very happy about this and was causing issues in the locker room. So it was no surprise to see him go for such a small fee.

And if you remember the comment made last month chairman Doggett about winning a title this season. Well, it turns out he wasn't joking when he made that comment. Or maybe he was, but now feels that is a real goal for this team. Luther doesn't seem to think so, not so soon. But Doggett and the board have issued an official letter to Luther and his staff saying they expect a first place finish and the league title for promotion this season. This also came with a side that they do not care what happens in cup play this season.

Only twelve days away from the first action by this new look United team. Make sure you get your tickets now, as word is they are starting sell out. Everyone is excited (and nervous) to see how the first outing turns out.

[Zac]

Re: Journey to the EPL - Frank Luther's Story (FIFA 15)

Cambridge News

Heart breaking first loss for Luther and club
by Zach Willson | posted July 27th 2014

The first outing for the club went pretty much as expected. A loss to Uni. Catolico (friendly). However the game was much closer than most expected. The final score was 1-2 Catolico. At the half United was down 2-0. Some glaring issues on defense left a hole for an easy pass to the open man who put one past Brown with ease. Brown was caught out of possession due to yelling at the back line to shift over. He was caught off guard by the pass, and by then it was too late. The other goal was just a miss judge block on Browns part. The ball deflected off his body and into the goal. But aside from those Brown did a fantastic job on goal, having 9 saves.

United made some pushes towards the end. Almost scoring on three consecutive possesions. Two missed headers from corners. Both off the crossbar and then cleared by the defenders. And a miss wide by Prince in the closing minutes of stoppage time. He recieved a great ball played long from Harvey, and was able to get one on one with the keeper. But he missed just wide of the post. The keeper would not have been able to get to it, and it would have surely been the goal to end the game in a tie with such little left on the clock. His teammates let him have it after the game.

The only goal scored by United was from Hamilton in the 79th minute. He was able to faint and fake a defender to get space at the top of the box and then drilled one in past three defenders and the keeper. He was pretty excited about the goal after the game. Hedges missed a great free kick early in the first half by inches over the top of the cross bar. He put it just over the wall and it dipped, but not enough.

Luther told the press after the match that he will make some adjustments for the next match. He reminded us this is what these games are for. To experiment and see what works with the players you have. He admitted that playing Savona so far forward so often is what caused issues with back line. So we expect to see him play more of a true defensive middle next game.

You can check out the game highlights below. And remember this Thursdays game will not be broadcast. So make sure to check out my update after the game. I'll try and get some highlights from the local channel in Ghent. KAA Gent is also favored to win the second friendly of the season.

[Zac]

Re: Journey to the EPL - Frank Luther's Story (FIFA 15)

Cambridge News

Amazing 4-4 draw in Ghent
by Zach Willson | posted July 31st 2014

This game had everything. It all started with United going up early 1-0 of a sliding toe poke goal from Hedges. A sloppy through pass was played into the box by Prince. Hedges barely gets there in time to beat a defender and the keeper. Poking just under the keepers left arm and into the goal. First lead this squad has experienced together. And it didn't last long.KAA Gent would score just minutes later off great move one on one to beat Brown. Who just slightly miss judge the shot.

KAA Gent would then go on to score two more goals to take the lead 3-1. Their second goal would come from a miss placed back pass from Savona to Groves. The pass is picked a split second before Groves can get his foot to the ball. And the interception was actually a very nice one touch lobbed finesse shot that finds the top middle of the net. Just over the outstretched reach of Brown. The third goal would come just before the break in the 43rd minuted from a distance shot through traffic. Brown never saw the ball until it was past him.

Then, just seconds after conceding a goal, United shocked everyone by scoring one of their own to bring the score to 3-2. Only 30 seconds after the kick off Hamilton drills in a swerving knuckle shot from outside the box. Kicking it from the far left side of the box, and landing it in the top right corner of the net. Just past the outstretched hand of the diving keeper, who had no shot at saving it. He would then however be subbed out shortly after due to having received a yellow for a pretty bad sliding tackle in the first half. Luther explained after the game he was still playing pretty reckless on defense and didn't want to end up a man down. Hamilton was not happy with the decision as you can imagine. The two were seen exchanging a few words on the sideline before Hamilton was sent to the locker room.

Then in the 63rd minute Pelayo would play a beautiful long ball to Prince, who would handle the ball between two defenders, and then showed his speed by breaking out in front of then. Then shot the ball, defected it off the keepers under arm and into the goal to tie the game up 3-3. The KAA Gent fans were booing so loud at this point no one could hear the whistle to kick off. Then in 74th minute Hedges would score his second goal of the game. He would get in behind on the right side and sneak it past the keeper. Between the keeper and the post. Gent keeper miss judged it and went low while the shot was wide. United now led again 3-4.

But that lead would again only last a few minutes. Moments later Gent scored off a mind boggling defensive play. All four backs were caught out of position on a long played pass. The Gent player would control the pass, make a nice cut around Ortiz and then place the ball in the top right corner. Brown was not happy about this and had some choice words for this full backs. As Luther would mention in the post game interview Brown played wonderfully all game. There are still just some issues that need to be shored up on the back line. More adjustments need to be made to give Brown more support. Groves would also take responsibility after the game for the final goal given up. Saying "As the captain of this squad and the leader of the back line its responsibility to make sure we communicate better and rotate to cover sooner."

Then in stoppage time, United had a wonder opportunity to win the game. Late substitute Muller was in the left side of the box trying to make a low cross to wide open Hedges in the middle of the box when he was pulled to the ground by his jersey. A yellow was produced and a penalty was given. However for the second time in two games Hedges would put the penalty shot just nanometers wide right of the post. Luther would said after the match he has no intention of removing him as the taker. He feels its just early season jitters. That coupled with being on a new squad.

And that is how the game would end, in a 4-4 draw. Quite the show put on by both teams. The KAA Gent manager said after the game he can personally see why the changes made to this club were made. Luther and the players brought in are of great caliber and show amazing potential. He then remarked he was glad he didn't have to play them again, as that was an exhausting match to be a part of.

In the firs video below I was able to isolate the first three United goals, but was not able to get a good video of the fourth. However you can see it in the full game highlights in the second video. Next up is the final friendly of the year. United is expected to win this. And if they play like this game, they should dominate Chiapas handily.