[FM10] Crazy Canuck on Global Managerial Tour: Life Outside the Lower Leagues

I'm BACKKKK!

Thanks to my failures in my previous saves, I just realized that I was getting way too tired of the lower leagues, starting basically all the SC2BC challenges in CSE and struggling (except the Asian one of course). I've even asked Mr. Frank before realizing he's got no knowledge of Saudi Arabia! So, to get me out of lower league depression (that's what I'll call it ), I have decided to start my career with a big club. And of course, hopefully, not head back to struggling lower league club.

FM2010 with 1st patch

League Setup (large DB):

• Argentina (all)
  
• Australia A-League
  
• Belgium (all)
  
• Brazil (to Serie B)
  
• China (to Second Division - xml)
  
• England (to BSN/BSS)
  
• Germany (to Third Division)
  
• Hong Kong (top tier only)
  
• Indonesia (to First Division)
  
• Italy (to Serie C2)
  
• Mexico (to First Division A)
  
• Netherlands (to Eerste Divisie/Jupiler League)
  
• Northern Ireland (to Ladbrokes.com Championship Two)
  
• Russia (to Pervji Division)
  
• Scotland (to Third Division)
  
• Spain (to Segunda B)
  
• USA (MLS only)
  

To make it easier to start with a big club, I've started with Professional Footballer rep. The only big club job available was Beijing in the Chinese Super League, and considering I had over 40 years () of experience managing in China, I know all the rules and should be a smooth transition starting there. I started in July 2009, so seasons in China, MLS, and Russia are already underway.

Career Summary

Club Management

[font=Courier New]Season     Team        League        Country  Position  Other
2009       Beijing     Super League  China         2nd  N/A
2010       Beijing     Super League  China         N/A  Sacked!
2010       New York    MLS           USA           4th  East Conf. Finalists
2011       New York    MLS           USA           5th  East Conf. Semi-Finalists
2012       New York    MLS           USA           1st  East Conf. Finalists
2013       New York    MLS           USA           1st  MLS Cup Finalists, Superliga Finalists
2014       New York    MLS           USA           1st  MLS Cup Champions, Superliga Champions, US Open Cup Champions
2015       Zenit       Prem'er Liga  Russia        1st  Prem'er Liga Champions
2016       Zenit       Prem'er Liga  Russia        1st  Prem'er Liga Champions, Superkubok Champions, Kubok Rossii Champions
2017       Zenit       Prem'er Liga  Russia        1st  Resigned on 18 May 2017
2016-2017  Real Madrid Liga BBVA     Spain         1st  Copa del Rey Champions
2017-2018  Real Madrid Liga BBVA     Spain
[/font] 

International Management

[font=Courier New]Year          Country           Accomplishments[/font]
[font=Courier New]2013-2014     Australia U19's               N/A
2014-Present  Indonesia
[/font]

International Record vs Senior National Teams

[font=Courier New]Country           [/font][font=Courier New][size=2]GP[/size][/font][font=Courier New][size=2]    W    [/size][/font][font=Courier New][size=2]D    [/size][/font][font=Courier New][size=2]L    [/size][/font][font=Courier New][size=2]GF    [/size][/font][font=Courier New][size=2]GA    [/size][/font][font=Courier New][size=2]DIF
North Korea        2    1    1    0     5     2    + 3   
Mongolia           2    1    1    0     3     1    + 2
[/size][/font][font=Courier New][size=2]Hong Kong          1    1    0    0     7     3    + 4
Iraq               1    1    0    0     3     1    + 2[/size][/font][font=Courier New][size=2]
Kyrgyzstan         1    1    0    0     2     1    + 1
Iraq               1    1    0    0     1     0    + 1
Northern Mariana   1    1    0    0     1     0    + 1
Saudi Arabia       1    1    0    0     1     0    + 1
India              1    1    0    0     1     0    + 1 
Laos               1    1    0    0     1     0    + 1 
Syria              2    1    0    1     4     1    + 3[/size][/font][font=Courier New][size=2]
Australia          4    1    1    2     3     6    - 3[/size][/font]
[font=Courier New][size=2]Japan              3    1    0    2     2     6    - 4
Afghanistan        1    0    1    0     0     0      0
South Korea        1    0    1    0     1     1      0
[/size][/font][font=Courier New][size=2]China              1    0    1    0     0     0      0
Guam               1    0    1    0     0     0      0
Oman               1    0    1    0     0     0      0
------------------------------------------------------
Totals            [/size][/font][font=Courier New][size=2]26   13    8    5    35    22   + 13[/size][/font]

Career Record

[font=Courier New][size=2]Season         Team              GP[/size][/font][font=Courier New][size=2]    W    [/size][/font][font=Courier New][size=2]D    [/size][/font][font=Courier New][size=2]L    [/size][/font][font=Courier New][size=2]GF    [/size][/font][font=Courier New][size=2]GA    [/size][/font][font=Courier New][size=2]DIF  Career Earnings
2009           Beijing           14    9    4    1    20     8   + 12           ------
2010           Beijing           27   16    7    4    46    22   + 24         $180,000
2010           New York          10    3    3    4     9    10   -  1           ------
2011           New York          42   22   10   10    70    51   + 19           ------
2012           New York          45   22   11   12    67    50   + 17           ------
2013           New York          44   26    9    9    86    32   + 54           ------
2013           Australia U19's    1    0    1    0     0     0      0           ------
2014           New York          51   32   11    8   104    53   + 51       $1,420,000   
2014           Australia U19's    2    1    0    1     5     1   +  4           ------
2014           Indonesia          3    2    1    0     2     0   +  2           ------
2015           Zenit             45   30    8    7   102    42   + 60           ------
2015           Indonesia         12    5    5    2    15    11   +  4           ------
2016           Zenit             46   31   12    3    89    28   + 61           ------
2016           Indonesia         11    6    2    3    18    11   +  7           ------
2017           Zenit             14   12    1    1    29     5   + 24       $1,400,000
2017           Indonesia         
2016-2017      Real Madrid        2    0    1    1     4     5   -  1         $400,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2009-2010      Beijing           41[/size][/font][font=Courier New][size=2]   25   11    5    66    30   + 36         $180,000
2010-2014      New York         192  105   44   43   336   196   +140       $1,420,000
2013-2014      Australia U19's    3    1    1    1     5     1   +  4           ------
2014-Present   Indonesia         26   13    8    5    35    22   + 13           ------
2015-2017      Zenit             91   61   20   10   191    70   +121       $1,400,000
2017-Present   Real Madrid        2    0    1    1     4     5   -  1         $400,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/size][/font][font=Courier New][size=2]
Career Record                   353  205   84   64   633   319   +314       $3,400,000
[/size][/font]

Time at Club

Beijing - 359 days - July 8th, 2009 to July 2nd, 2010

New York - 1560 days - September 6th, 2010 to December 14, 2014

Australia U19's - 406 days - July 7th, 2013 to August 17, 2014

Indonesia - - August 17, 2014 to Present

Zenit St. Petersburg - 866 days - December 14, 2014 to May 18, 2017

Rea Madrid - - May 18, 2017 to Present

Trophy Cabinet

[font=Courier New]Year          Club             Trophy(-ies)
2014          New York         MLS Cup, Superliga, US Open Cup
2015          Zenit            Russkij Prem'er Liga Title
2016          Zenit            Russkij Prem'er Liga Title, Superkubok Winners, Kubok Rossii Winners
2017          Zenit            Superkubok Winners
2016-2017     Real Madrid      Copa del Rey Winners

[/font] 

The Flight around the world

[font=Courier New]Location        Destination             Distance (km)      Total Distance (km)
Toronto         Beijing                       10,598                   10,598
Beijing         New York                      10,996                   21,594
New York        St. Petersburg, Russia         6,881                   28,475
St. Petersburg  Madrid                         3,183                   31,658
[/font]

Global Youth Player Project

2011 - Youth Player Projects

2012 - Youth Player Projects

2013 - Youth Player Projects

2014 - Youth Player Projects

2015 - Youth Player Projects

2016 - Youth Player Projects

2017 January - Youth Player Projects

Not to dampen your enthusiasm rancer890, but Bejing arnt what i'd call a big club.

Good luck anyway

Not to dampen your enthusiasm rancer890, but Bejing arnt what i'd call a big club.

Good luck anyway

It's a big club in Asia...

To an Asian guy like me who's used to managing some obscure club in the continent, Beijing's the biggest club I managed in FM for a while.

Already finished season 1 so will post that up soon.

2009

Beijing Guo'an

Chinese Super League

Media Prediction: 3rd

Finishing Position: 2nd

Asian Champions League: already eliminated in Group Stage

We were in 5th when I became manager.

Squad

Squad

Didn't really know the squad, but just went with the flow, and implemented my own tactics and the squad responded well.

Transfers

Transfers

None in, fringe players out.

I have a future transfer, bringing Joel Griffiths permanently for $725k.

Finances

Finances

Meh, will be better next year.

Club Information

Affiliations - Rizhiquan!

Overview

Facilities

Key Player

I would say Joel Griffiths. He was very consistent. I will admit I probably did overpay a bit for the 30 year old, but I have no decent striker for next year, and I'll rather pay to get one and hopefully make some money in the Champions League.

Goals for next year

• challenge for the title
  
• make the Quarter-final of the Champions League
  
• offseason: find a good striker, preferably Chinese, and also improve the back line
  

[font=Courier New]Season     Team       League        Country      Position       Other
2009       Beijing    Super League  China             2nd         N/A     [/font]

Rizhiquan as an affiliate

This career is destined for glory \o/

Rizhiquan as an affiliate

This career is destined for glory \o/

Time to personally finance Rizhiquan to glory. Well Beijing's finances at least.

Here's a little update of the rest of the world:

Argentina Premier Division - Velez (1st), Boca (4th), River (20th)

Australia A-League - Adelaide Utd (1st), Central Coast Mariners (2nd), North Queensland (8th), Wellington (9th)

Brazil Serie A - Cruzeiro (1st), Sao Paulo (2nd), Palmeiras (3rd), Santos (4th), Corinthians (8th), Internacional (9th)

Chinese Jia League - Rizhiquan (5th)

England - Premier League - Chelsea (1st), Man Utd (2nd), Liverpool (3rd), Man City (4th), Everton (7th), Arsenal (8th)

England - Championship - Boro (1st), Sheffield Utd (2nd), Newcastle (3rd)

England - League 1 - Leeds (1st), Norwich (6th), Southampton (8th), Gillingham (24th)

England - League 2 - Notts County (3rd)

England - BS Premier - Luton (4th), AFC Wimbledon (9th)

England - BS South - St. Albans (22nd)

Germany - Bundesliga - Werder Bremen (1st), Bayern (2nd), HSV (3rd), Leverkusen (4th), Hoffenheim (18th)

HK - First Division - South China (3rd), Tai Po (11th/last)

Italy - Serie A - Palermo (1st), Fiorentina (2nd), Inter (3rd), Juve (4th), Roma (7th), AC Milan (13th)

Italy - Serie C2/B - San Marino (5th)

Netherlands - Eredivisie - Ajax (1st), AZ (2nd), Feyenoord (3rd), PSV (4th)

N. Ireland - Ladbrokes.com Championship Two - Knockbreda (4th), no Smylie reincarnation yet!

Russia - CSKA Moscow (1st), Rubin (2nd), Zenit (5th)

SPL - Rangers (1st), Celtic (2nd), Hearts (3rd), Aberdeen (11th)

Spanish La Liga - Getafe (1st), R. Madrid (2nd), Sevilla (3rd), Valencia (4th), Barca (5th), Villarreal (18th)

Spanish Segunda B2 - Real Oviedo (1st)

USA MLS - Toronto FC (knocked out of Playoff semis)

I hope I covered the big clubs and the clubs most of you would be interested in...

Tai Po last... At least I must be doing somethig right with them!

Looks good rancer. It will be interesting to see if success at Beijing can lead you to top jobs in Europe.

Tai Po last... At least I must be doing somethig right with them!

Looks good rancer. It will be interesting to see if success at Beijing can lead you to top jobs in Europe.

Thanks. I only lost 1 game in the 14 games I've managed in the first season, so hoping I can win the league this season.

And I had a youth intake this year, so I'll have to hope for a better one next season.

February 2010

2010 Transfers

Transfers

Released a lot of the fringe players and youths, and brought in the following:

ST - Joel Griffiths - solid Australian striker who played at Beijing all season. I would be pleased if he matched last year's performance.

DM/MR/MC - Jaime Castrillon - a good player signed on a free. Last played for Nanchang in the Jia League, scoring 5 times and adding 3 assists in 16 games with a 7.02 rating.

ST - Leiner Gomez - he will be playing alongside Griffiths. Some say he's even better than him, so I hope he can compliment well and score a bunch of goals for the club.

ML/MR - Zhang Yan - a little risky signing here, but we have no good midfield prospects. He's still 16 so he has a lot of room to grow. I think he's pretty good player for a 16 year old, so I'll nurture him slowly.

ML - Li Xuepeng - I loaned him from Dalian because we were a little short in depth on the left side of the midfield. There is an agreement to sign him permanently for $120k, so if he performs well, I'll activate the clause.

Now, hope the season goes well.

Good to see you back rancer. It'll certainly be different reading about your journey not with a small club A good first season with Beijing and some good signings in the transfer window, in particularly Griffiths and Xuepeng. I had Xuepeng on a previous save on 08 and he turned out to be a good player for me.

Good luck with this and i'm sure with all those leagues loaded, you'll have a very varied career...all with success I hope.

Good to see you back rancer. It'll certainly be different reading about your journey not with a small club A good first season with Beijing and some good signings in the transfer window, in particularly Griffiths and Xuepeng. I had Xuepeng on a previous save on 08 and he turned out to be a good player for me.

Good luck with this and i'm sure with all those leagues loaded, you'll have a very varied career...all with success I hope.

Thanks. The bigger club, the better in this save.

I'll be giving monthly updates in this save, and the first month of the new season should be coming soon.

Nice start, rancer, 2nd is something to build on for next year Hope Jaime Castrillón does well for you, he did for me back on FM07 when I had him for FC Moscow.

Thanks Terk. It's nice to know others have had success with my signings. Can't be a bad thing.

Beijing Guo'an

March 2010

10th: at Melbourne Victory - Champions League - D 1-1 - Joel Griffiths (69 min)

Melbourne scored early from a goal by Archie Thompson, but Griffiths gave us one valuable point, and US$20k.

17th: vs Montedio - Champions League - W 2-1 - Joel Griffiths (8 min), Huang Bowen (48 min)

Griffiths scored his 2nd of the young season, and Bowen doubled our lead after halftime. Montedio scored one late, but we hung on for a valuable 3 points, and another US$40k.

20th: at Chongqing - Super League - W 2-1 - Zhang Yonghai (57 min), Wang Ke (71 min)

The first game of the season is against a solid club in Chongqing, and despite losing Castrillon to a red card in the 43rd minute, we scored 2 goals, and Wang Ke netted the game winner only 6 minutes after Quinzinho equalized.

24th: vs Henan - CFA Cup 1st Round - W 2-0 - Joel Griffiths (23 min), Leinar Gomez (86 min)

A solid win in the 1st round of the cup competition, as we dominated in shots (26 to 2), and held 60% possession. Griffiths scores his 3rd goal in 4 games, and Gomez scores his first goal for the club.

27th: at Shenhua - Super League - L 0-2

Bad game against our rivals. No one performed well, and our strikers both got a sub 6 rating.

31st: vs Guangzhou - CFA Cup 2nd Round - W 2-0 - Huang Bowen (29th), Jaime Castrillon (52nd)

Solid result against Guangzhou. It was a similar game to Henan. And further good news is that we play home games until the final, so we should be able to take advantage of this.

League Standings

Champions League Standings

Overall:

A good month, with the exception of the bad result against Shenhua. We're only 2 games into the season, so nothing to worry about yet, and as long as we beat teams we should beat, we're fine. Looking ahead at next month, we have the following in April:

3rd: vs Liaoning (Super League)

7th: vs Pohang (Champions League)

11th: vs Jiangsu (Super League)

14th: at Tianjin (Super League)

17th: vs Qingdao (Super League)

21st: vs Melbourne Victory (Champions League)

24th: at Changchun (Super League)

A lot of these games are winnable. We have 3 home games, so my expectation is to get win at least 2 of the matches. The Koreans are always a tough opponent in the Champions League, and I already know how lethal Melbourne can be. I would like to pick up points in both matches at a minimum.

Beijing Guo'an

April 2010

3rd: vs Liaoning - Super League - D 1-1 - Yan Xiangchuang (71st min)

A bit annoyed that I lost two points because of a goal in the 92nd minute...

7th: vs Pohang - Champions League - W 7-3

Joel Griffiths!!!

11th: vs Jiangsu - Super League - W 2-0 - Joel Griffiths (49th min, 70th min)

Two more goals by Griffiths gives us another win. Jiangsu had only 1 shot all game, and we held a two-thirds possession advantage.

14th: at Tianjin - Super League - W 1-0 - Leiner Gomez (22nd min)

Another dominant game, this time against Tianjin, and we deserved our win.

17th: vs Qingdao - Super League - D 2-2 - Leiner Gomez (42nd min), Huang Bowen (60th min)

Considering we were down 2-0 after 32 minutes, fighting back for a draw was the best we could ask for this game.

21st: vs Melbourne Victory - Champions League - W 2-1 - Surat Sukha OG (11th min), Antonio LaVerbe OG (91st min)

No, we did not bribe a couple Melbourne players (). Sometimes it's just good to be lucky.

24th: at Changchun - Super League - D 1-1 - Huang Bowen

It was tough to lose the win from an OG, but with luckiness (like last game), sometimes the football gods just want to ruin you every now and then.

Standings

Champions League Standings

The permanent transfer of Griffiths is working out so far.

Month ahead (May 2010):

1st - vs Shandong (Super League)

5th - at Montedio (Champions League)

8th - vs Changsha (Super League)

15th - at Henan (Super League)

19th - at Pohang (Champions League)

22nd - at Chanba (Super League)

29th - vs Chengdu (Super League)

Shandong are our rivals so they will be tough. The other league games are definitely winnable, and I want to get some wins in those matches. The trip to Japan and Korea will test us, and I'm up to the challenge.

Beijing Guo'an

May 2010

1st: vs Shandong - Super League - W 4-2 - Joel Griffiths (10th min, 33rd min), Darko Matic (51st min), Wang Ke (84th min)

I was a bit concerned after Brazilian Alceu scored in the 2nd minute for Shandong, but Griffiths, Matic, and Ke all reassured me that we would win this game.

5th: at Montedio - Champions League - W 3-1 - Jaime Castrillon (7th min), Xu Yunlong (50th min), Huang Bowen (83rd min)

A fantastic win against Montedio in Japan. The stats were mostly split between the teams, but we just converted our chances into goals. And with this result, we clinch first place in the group, setting up a Second Round game at home.

8th: vs Changsha - Super League - L 0-1

A disappointing result, as we lost because our GK went out to play the ball when clearly that was a bad decision...

15th: at Henan - Super League - W 3-0 - Zhou Ting (pen 8th min), Huang Bowen (64th min), Joel Griffiths (76th min)

An expected win against Henan, and pleased to take all the points.

19th: at Pohang - Champions League - L 0-1

The teams were evenly matched, but a goal by former Feyenoord and PSG player Denilson was the difference. We will play Japanese club Albirex in the Second Round at home.

22nd: at Chanba - Super League - W 2-0 - Joel Griffths (28th min), Jaime Castrillon (45th min + 1)

A nice solid game by my players as we move up the standings in the Super League.

26th: vs Albirex - Champions League - W 2-1

Wang Ke's fabulous strike in Extra time sends us to the Quarter-Finals of the Asian Champions League! (although the next round won't start until September)

29th: vs Chengdu - Super League - W 1-0 - Joel Griffiths (48th min)

Another goal by Griffiths is just enough for the win.

Super League Standings

Champions League Group Stage Champions League 2nd Round

Looking ahead, June 2010:

No break for the World Cup for the Chinese Super League...

2nd: at Dalian (Super League)

12th: vs Shenzhen (Super League)

19th: at Liaoning (Super League)

24th: vs Changsha (CFA Cup Quarter Final Leg 1)

27th: vs Shenhua (Super League)

30th: at Dongjin (Super League)

Next up: Rest-of-the-world update + World Cup 2010 Preview.

June 2010 Rest-of-the-World Update

Argentina: Premier Division

Australia: A-League, Grand Final winner: Central Coast Mariners

Belgium: Jupiler Pro League Championship Group, European Places Playoff winner: Westerlo

Brazil: 2009 Serie A

England: Premier LeagueChampionship League 1 League 2

Note: Boro went into administration and docked 10 points

Germany: Bundesliga

Hong Kong: First Division

Indonesia: Super League

Italy: Serie A

Netherlands: Eredivisie

Northern Ireland: Carling Premiership Ladbrokes.com Championship Two

Russia: 2009 Premier League

Scotland: Premier League

Spain: Liga BBVA

USA: 2009 Regular Season MLS Cup Final

Group A

[font=Courier New]Pos  Team        Pld  W  D  L  F  A  PTS   DIF
1st  Italy (Q)     3  2  1  0  6  2    6   + 4
2nd  Slovakia (Q)  3  1  2  0  6  3    3   + 3
3rd  Japan         3  1  0  2  2  6    3   - 4
4th  Algeria       3  0  1  2  2  5    1   - 3
[/font]

Group B

[font=Courier New]Pos  Team           Pld  W  D  L  F  A  PTS   DIF
1st  Brazil (Q)       3  3  0  0  6  0    9   + 6
2nd  Switzerland (Q)  3  1  1  1  2  3    4   - 1
3rd  Nigeria          3  0  2  1  2  3    2   - 1
4th  Australia        3  0  1  2  1  5    1   - 4
[/font]

Group C

[font=Courier New]Pos  Team               Pld  W  D  L  F  A  PTS   DIF
1st  Czech Republic (Q)   3  3  0  0  7  3    9   + 4
2nd  Paraguay (Q)         3  2  0  1  5  2    6   + 3
3rd  South Africa         3  1  0  2  4  6    3   - 2
4th  North Korea          3  0  0  3  2  7    0   - 5
[/font]

Group D

[font=Courier New]Pos  Team            Pld  W  D  L  F  A  PTS   DIF
1st  Ivory Coast (Q)   3  2  1  0  6  4    7   + 2
2nd  Netherlands (Q)   3  2  0  1  7  2    6   + 5
3rd  Denmark           3  1  1  1  4  4    4     0
4th  Costa Rica        3  0  0  3  1  8    0   - 7
[/font]

Group E

[font=Courier New]Pos  Team           Pld  W  D  L  F  A  PTS   DIF
1st  Germany (Q)      3  3  0  0  6  3    9   + 3
2nd  France (Q)       3  2  0  1  6  2    6   + 4
3rd  United States    3  1  0  2  2  5    3   - 3
4th  South Korea      3  0  0  3  1  5    0   - 4
[/font]

Group F

[font=Courier New]Pos  Team         Pld  W  D  L  F  A  PTS   DIF
1st  Spain (Q)      3  3  0  0  5  2    9   + 3
2nd  Ukraine (Q)    3  2  0  1  3  2    6   + 1
3rd  Honduras       3  0  1  2  2  4    1   - 2
4th  Ghana          3  0  1  2  1  3    1   - 2
[/font]

Group G

[font=Courier New]Pos  Team         Pld  W  D  L  F  A  PTS   DIF
1st  Russia (Q)     3  3  0  0  6  1    9   + 5
2nd  Chile (Q)      3  2  0  1  6  4    6   + 2
3rd  Saudi Arabia   3  1  0  2  2  5    3   - 3
4th  Greece         3  0  0  3  1  5    0   - 4
[/font]

Group H

[font=Courier New]Pos  Team         Pld  W  D  L  F  A  PTS   DIF
1st  Mexico (Q)     3  2  1  0  5  2    7   + 3
2nd  Cameroon (Q)   3  1  1  1  2  3    4   - 1
3rd  England        3  1  1  1  4  4    4     0
4th  Argentina      3  0  1  2  2  4    1   - 2
[/font]

I was pretty bad in my predictions...

Second Round

Switzerland vs Italy

Slovakia vs Brazil

Netherlands vs Czech Republic

Ivory Coast vs Paraguay

Ukraine vs Germany

France vs Spain

Cameroon vs Russia

Chile vs Mexico

My predicted winners in italics

Yeah clubs really hate it if you do that, but if you see an interesting club come forward then it's really hard not to want it. But at least you've managed to find a good side to go to.

Yeah clubs really hate it if you do that, but if you see an interesting club come forward then it's really hard not to want it. But at least you've managed to find a good side to go to.

PSV was one club that I really wanted to go to because I've had success with them in FM08. Belgium was also one of the countries I was itching to go to, and seeing the Anderlecht job opening, I applied. And then before I knew it, I got sacked.

The New York squad isn't all that strong though, and with 6 games to go, I'm only 3 points ahead of 9th place. I have 2 designated player slots available though so will be looking to use them next season.

Aren't you afraid your PC will slow after 20 seasons with all of those leagues?

Aren't you afraid your PC will slow after 20 seasons with all of those leagues?

I'm not sure if this career can last 20 seasons...although the plan is to get around 30 seasons.

I just got my laptop this year, and have Windows 7, so I don't think there be any slowdown issues. FM says it will perform at 0.5 stars or 1 star (don't remember), but I don't trust it...

I have dual-core with 4 GB ram so I think it'll be fine loading around 50 leagues.

Am running 11 leagues in 8 countries on a quad-core to be safe. My career game last year was fun but had to stop after around 15 seasons as speed was getting bad, although that was on my previous PC.

New York Red Bulls

September 2010

11th: at Colorado - MLS - L 0-1

First MLS match on September 11th...and we also lose. The Rapids just converted on their chances and we didn't.

18th: at San Jose - MLS - L 1-2 - Seth Stammler (75th min)

The Earthquakes had a man sent off, but Cornell Glen scored twice, including one on a penalty to win. Stammler scored on a set piece from a corner, but it was not enough.

25th: vs Real Salt Lake - MLS - W 2-0 - Chino Alegria (7th min), Jorge Rojas (69th min)

The squad did well, pressing the Real Salt Lake goal, and we were rewarded with 2 goals.

29th: vs LA Galaxy - MLS - D 0-0

A relatively dull game. I thought it was game of American football for a while with the amount of shots that went over the net. The only chance in this game was by Becks, who was still with the club. Thankfully, he shot the penalty right at my goalkeeper.

Playoff Standings

We're in a playoff spot. I would prefer to finish above TFC to get an easier opponent for the playoffs. Of course, the main goal is just getting to the playoffs. The final 3 games are against FC Dallas (at Dallas), Columbus (at home), and Houston (at Houston).

Am running 11 leagues in 8 countries on a quad-core to be safe. My career game last year was fun but had to stop after around 15 seasons as speed was getting bad, although that was on my previous PC.

I always load a lot because I end up regretting not loading up a league during my career game. This year, I regret not loading South Korea...but I'm pleased to have the MLS loaded. I lost a lot of motivation in my last career game because I decided not to load it. MLS is a must load league for me.

I ended up with America, Argentina, Australia, England, South Africa, South Korea, Spain and Wales to give a good mix and let me have a chance at every continental title.

Sad to see you get the sack from Beijing; it's still one of my pet hates in FM that the board automatically know about every job you apply for (which they wouldn't necessarily do in real life). I could understand if it sometimes got leaked, so it was a risk you were taking by applying, and if you had the option of telling your board as well, but for them to know every time just irritates me.

I haven't played in the MLS for a long time so it'll be interesting to see how you get along.

Sad to see you get the sack from Beijing; it's still one of my pet hates in FM that the board automatically know about every job you apply for (which they wouldn't necessarily do in real life). I could understand if it sometimes got leaked, so it was a risk you were taking by applying, and if you had the option of telling your board as well, but for them to know every time just irritates me.

I haven't played in the MLS for a long time so it'll be interesting to see how you get along.

I was prepared for the board to get mad at me, but didn't expect to get sacked. I was really looking forward to managing a player like Li Zhenbo, who looks like he can be a starter within a year. It really caught me off guard, that getting them to 2nd place in the Super League, and making the quarter finals of the Champions League, wasn't enough.

Some of you might not know, but I spent 2 years playing my own challenge with Guangdong Rizhiquan, and Beijing always beat us. I was pretty excited managing them and even getting Rizhiquan as a feeder club, but now I hate Beijing more than ever now, and pity I didn't get the Shandong job to show that Beijing should have never sacked me.

I had a lot of interest in managing MLS in this save but didn't expect to come back this early...

It's a good setup Azeryk-, good luck in your career, and hope you win some trophies on every continent.

That'll teach you for looking else where! Seriously though, it's a shame you got the boot as it looked as if you were on to a good thing at Beijing. Li Zhenbo looks amazing for a 16 year old and will surely feature heavily for China in years to come.

Congrats on the new job though. I've never actually managed in the MLS and i'm not totally knowledgeable about the rules there. I did have a brief player career there (my thread - I, Raware) but my computer crashed and I lost the save. I learnt a few things but it'll be interesting to learn the rules now from your time with NY Red Bulls.

Any plans to go back to China in the future?

Good luck anyway

That'll teach you for looking else where! Seriously though, it's a shame you got the boot as it looked as if you were on to a good thing at Beijing. Li Zhenbo looks amazing for a 16 year old and will surely feature heavily for China in years to come.

Congrats on the new job though. I've never actually managed in the MLS and i'm not totally knowledgeable about the rules there. I did have a brief player career there (my thread - I, Raware) but my computer crashed and I lost the save. I learnt a few things but it'll be interesting to learn the rules now from your time with NY Red Bulls.

Any plans to go back to China in the future?

Good luck anyway

I will tell you (and everyone else) one thing, I will get Li Zhenbo on my team at some point in my career, when I get to Europe.

It's not that much different. MLS isn't that hard to understand. Drafts, trades, roster rules, salary cap. It's easy to understand when you actually try hard to understand instead of just bashing it.

Yes, I do plan to go back to China, with either Guangzhou or Rizhiquan. And destroy Beijing at every opportunity!!!

New York Red Bulls

October/November 2010

6th: at FC Dallas - MLS - D 0-0

Another draw, despite creating chances this time around.

16th: vs Columbus - MLS - W 1-0 - John Wolyniec (93rd min)

Still scoreless going into extra-time, Wolyniec's header gives us a vital 3 points, and closer to finishing 2nd in the conference and getting a home game in the 2nd leg of the playoffs.

23rd: at Houston - MLS - D 2-2 - Matthew Mbuta (86th min), Jorge Rojas (91st min)

With TFC having drawn their last match, we need a draw to get a top 4 playoff spot. Mbuta found a good time to score his first goal of the season, and Rojas' marker in the 91st minute gave us the draw we needed.

Final Standings

In the Eastern Conference Semi-Final, we are against Toronto FC.

30th: at Toronto FC - MLS East Conf. Semi-Final Leg 1 - L 0-2

A very, very bad performance. We gave TFC a penalty in the 3rd minute, and Amado Guevara converted the penalty. I was hoping for the scoreline to stay this way until Gambian Amadou Sanyong scored another goal to put us in a 2-0 hole for the second leg.

November 2010

6th: vs Toronto FC - MLS East Conf. Semi-Final Leg 2 - W 3-0 - JP Angel (pen 30th min, 49th min), Ernst Obster (78th min)

Just 'wow'. I pushed the guys to greatly improve their performance, and they did not disappoint. The final will be tough though, against the New England Revolution.

13th: at New England - MLS East Conf. Final - L 0-3

Couldn't have had a worse game. Scoreless at half-time, Walter Garcia gave up a penalty, got sent off and Steve Ralston converted. The Revs doubled their lead 3 minutes later, and we lost another player to a red card, and Ralston scored his 2nd goal of the game, and that was it. Very disappointed that we were down to 9 men and gave up another penalty. But overall, it was a good season, and hoping for some of the same, if not better, next season.

New York Red Bulls

Media Prediction: 2nd

Final Standings: 4th

MLS Playoffs: lost in Eastern Conf. Final to New England

US Open Cup: lost in 3rd Round to Portland

SuperLiga: 3rd in Group Stage

Squad

Squad 1

Squad 2

Transfers

Transfers

Only signing done by me is Facundo Erpen. Losing Walter Garcia to Sporting which is unfortunate...

Future Transfer: Chris Leitch

Finances

Finances

Pretty bad for now...

Key Player

ST - Juan Pablo Angel - leading scorer, and by far my most consistent player. He's 35 though, and won't last forever...

Club Information

Overview

Facilities

Affliations

Goals for 2011

• make some money if possible
  
• find a new striker
  
• find a centre back
  
• get a Designated Player
  

[font=Courier New]Season     Team       League        Country  Position                Other
2009       Beijing    Super League  China         2nd                  N/A
2010       Beijing    Super League  China         N/A               Sacked!
2010       New York   MLS           USA           4th  East Conf. Finalists[/font]

A shame about the sacking... How long was left on your contract? I found the Tai Po board got angry when I applied for a job (it was Estudiantes Santander so I had to ) with 18 months on my contract but they didn't say anything when I did the same at the end of the following season with just a few weeks left on my deal (signed a new deal anyway though).

Good luck with New York. Hopefully you can get a good trophy collection before moving on.

Shame about Beijing really but you know what they say, The Light is Darkest before the Dawn

Are you going to follow the American tradition by bringing in any old veterans?

I don't remember my contract at Beijing, but I think it was a 3 year contract, as is my contract with New York (well it's 2.5 year contract technically...), which runs through 2012. And I'm just be confirmed that I will be in the CONCACAF Champions League, so I hope for a good run there. Would be happy to at least get out of the Group Stages but we'll see.

It's not really an American tradition Sax. Not yet anyways.

2011 Off-season

Right after my season ended at the hands of the New England Revolution, I went to work trying to find the missing pieces to win the title. I had already pre-arranged the transfer of Chris Leitch, who will provide decent and cheap backup, and is very durable, as he can play all midfield positions as well, although he is 'unconvincing' and 'awkward' in those areas. The MLS Superdraft came and went without much fanfare, and there's not anything to say about them because, frankly, they're all horrible. However, at the beginning of the New Year, my English scout recommended me Watford youth Lee Hodson, who was without a contract at the club. He's a youngster who I hope will stay with the club for many years. My next signing was found through the transfer rumours, and I signed him before my rivals. Carlo Rossell was next signing. At only $650k from Sport Boys in Peru, I just had to secure his services (although I would say the Chicago Fire got an absolute bargain at $425k with Diego Brizuela!)

Next, I was looking for a backup goalkeeper, and signed a couple former Liverpool youths: Dean Bouzanis and Martin Hansen. I also made my first trade as New York Red Bulls manager, acquiring New Zealander Campbell Laing for Danleigh Borman, who I had no interest in playing and would have waived anyways. Laing will provide decent backup cover at the back. My final signing for now before the start of the season is veteran Dave van den Bergh, who I acquired in the waiver draft.

January/February Transfers

I also have a couple future transfers: Finn Mikael Fossell from Hannover will be my Designated Player. I could have signed Valeri Bojinov from Man City but his wage demands were $3 million plus per year for 2 years. Fossell's contract only wanted $1.6 million for 2 years. My other signing is Wolves defender Mark Little. Both players will join the club July 1st.

I'm pleased with my transfers and I hope we can meet the board's expectations (make the MLS Cup Final).

Im sure your devastated at the news that small clubs cannot now cash in on freindlies with super clubs.

Patch 10.2

Im sure your devastated at the news that small clubs cannot now cash in on freindlies with super clubs.

Patch 10.2

At least there will actually be good regens for the MLS Superdraft!

I just wished I downloaded the patch before the Superdraft...

And who said the likes of Beijing and NYRB are small clubs?

Some nice deals rancer in particularly your South Americans. Are there any foreigner restrictions in the MLS?

New York Red Bulls

March 2011

19th: vs Toronto FC - MLS - W 2-1 - Luke Sassano (19th min), Macoumba Kandji (28th min)

Two early goals were enough to hold off a late charge from TFC in the 2nd half.

27th: vs Chicago - MLS - W 2-0 - Macoumba Kandji (41st min), Chino Alegria (78th min)

Another solid win as we pick another 3 points.

MLS Standings

Next month:

April 2011

3rd: at LA Galaxy

9th: at Chivas USA

17th: vs Chivas USA

23rd: at Chicago

30th: at New England

There are 4 away games to 1 home game. It will be a tough month...

Some nice deals rancer in particularly your South Americans. Are there any foreigner restrictions in the MLS?

American clubs have maximum of 9 foreigners. I think TFC have a max of 11 or 12 because they claim there's a lack of Canadian talent. Which is true.

Currently debating whether to acquire a talented striker Peri Marosevic from FC Dallas for a couple players a DP slot...

It's official:

New York Red Bulls acquire Marosevic for 2 players and a Draft Pick

The New York Red Bulls acquire striker Peri Marosevic from FC Dallas for Austrian left midfielder Ernst Obster, Georgian international Giorgi Chirgardze, and a 2012 MLS Superdraft 1st Round Pick. New York Red Bulls manager Ricky Nakano is claimed to be 'chuffed to bits' about the trade, stating that Marosevic is a rare young American talent and will be a key player in the future of the New York Red Bulls. With the addition of Fossell on July 1, the Red Bulls will have a quality group of strikers as the club aims to fulfill its ambition of reaching the MLS Cup Final.

FC Dallas have also announced the release of Obster and Marosevic has signed a contract extension with the Red Bulls until December 2014 after the trade.

It looks like a good pairing up front in Forssell and Marosevic . So can we be expecting a 50+ goal partnership next year .

It looks like a good pairing up front in Forssell and Marosevic . So can we be expecting a 50+ goal partnership next year .

Probably not...not with my tactics which demand that we must always be responsible defensively. I would already be pleased with 30 goals. But it's MLS so you never know.

I would like to upgrade at CM, and get another American, since I'm at the foreigner limit after the July signings, but probably not sign another DP. Hope my scouts find another gem somewhere.

American clubs have maximum of 9 foreigners. I think TFC have a max of 11 or 12 because they claim there's a lack of Canadian talent. Which is true.

Currently debating whether to acquire a talented striker Peri Marosevic from FC Dallas for a couple players a DP slot...

I think TFC are allowed a certain number of Yanks to not count as foreigners, not sure though.

Im sure you'll find out when you manage them right

Terrible news rancer! The list of fixes for the new patch mentioned something about 'stopped small clubs earning large amounts of money from setting up friendlies against much bigger opposition' We may have to find another way to make our money....

New York Red Bulls

April 2011

3rd: at LA Galaxy - MLS - D 0-0

A relatively dull game with few chances for either team at the Home Depot Center.

9th: at Chivas USA - MLS - W 1-0 - Sinisa Ubiparipovic (37th min)

We're still at the Home Depot Center (since the Galaxy and Chivas USA ground share), and this time, we win.

17th: vs Chivas USA - MLS - L 0-2

It went downhill after we gave up yet another penalty...

23rd: at Chicago - MLS - D 1-1 - Peri Marosevic (48th min)

First goal by Marosevic! But we lose a man due to a red card and they equalize in the 77th minute...

30th: at New England - MLS - D 1-1 - Nick Zimmerman (12th min)

We got an early lead, but the Revs level in the match in extra time before the end of the first half, for yet another draw.

MLS Standings

Looking ahead - May 2011:

7th: at Kansas City (MLS)

14th: vs Houston (MLS)

21st: vs Colorado (MLS)

29th: at Toronto FC (MLS)

They're all winnable...like every game in MLS.

Hoping to keep up my form and stay near the top of the league.

New York Red Bulls

May 2011

7th: at Kansas City - MLS - W 2-1 - Jeremy Hall (4th min), Macoumba Kandji (11th min)

Two early goals were enough for the win.

14th: vs Houston - MLS - D 1-1 - JP Angel (85th min)

I was very relieved that JP Angel levelled the match to get a point, as Houston controlled the game.

21st: vs Colorado - MLS - W 2-0 - JP Angel (71st min, 92nd min)

Kandji was struggling this game, so I subbed in Angel, and he scored 3 minutes later, and added another in extra time.

29th: at Toronto FC - MLS - D 1-1 - JP Angel (44th min)

We were on our way to another win, but Lee Hodson fouled DeRo in the box, and he converted the penalty.

Standings

Next month, June 2011:

11th: vs Kansas City (MLS)

18th: vs DC United (MLS)

22nd: at Columbus (MLS)

29th: vs FC Dallas (MLS)

There are 3 games at home and 1 away from home. I would be pleased to get 9 points next month.