Can the 'lesser' nations of Europe compete in a league situation? - AI Experiment

Seeing WW'S thing with the extreme league, where he has put Andorra in League Two made me think - what would happen if I put 8 of the weaker nations of Europe and put them in the BSN/BSS.

Excluding Montenegro, I chose the worst 8 teams according to the current FIFA Rankings, created these teams, transferred all of their current playing squad to the teams (If I could find the players of course, that proved very difficult). I've given them the reputation that the national team has in game, and given them a chairman from that nation, with their current real life manager, who is also managing the national team. No other staff have been assigned. As in real life they'd probably recieve some 'help' from their governments, I've given them 5 million pounds bank balance to start off with. I've based them at the biggest stadium in that country, with the reserves at the second largest stadium. The training/youth facilities have been set to 10.

I'll holiday it and give updates after the summer transfer market, after the January transfer market, and after the season ends.

(I know the transfer market doesn't apply to clubs below BSP level, it just makes my job easier )

Clubs

BSN

Estonia

Faroe Islands

Liechtenstein

Luxembourg

BSS

Andorra

Azerbaijan

Malta

San Marino

Just so you know, I haven't altered anybody's stats at all, the only thing changed are the clubs at where the players are and the leagues they are in.

Here are some questions that can be asked, feel free to make predictions if you wish to do so

Will the players be any good at this level, and will they just fall out of the playable leagues, or will they completely annihilate this league?

Will the manager bring in players just from their country that they know well about, or will they sign players from other countries that their knowledge is not as good?

Will the nation's fortunes improve or will they continue to be scapegoats for the rest of Europe?

Will the clubs produce any good youngsters from their countries and if so, will the national teams' fortunes improve?

How long will it take for a club to get to the Premier League, if they get there?

And finally, will the club's win any silverware this year? If so, which clubs will win what?

I think that's everything covered, first update on September 1st.

Interesting

September 1st Update

Andorra

Two players joined the club, Michael Coulson for 600k from Barnsley, and Jack Compton from West Brom for 160k. After 2 wins, 1 draw and a defeat, they're 10th in the BSS.

Azerbaijan

Bringing in 5 players, Scott Jamieson from Bolton for 16k, Gary Liddle from Hartlepool for 95k, Michael Jordan from Chesterfield for 2k, Marcin Kuzba on a freebie, and Darcy Blake from Cardiff for 925k. In the league they've had 3 wins and 2 draws, which puts them 5th in the BSS table.

Estonia

Not a busy transfer window, their only business in the market was the signing of Johnnie Jackson from Colchester for 650K. Estonia have started the season well, winning all 5 of their league games. They currently lie 2nd in the BSN

Faroe Islands

No players went out, but 5 came in. Lee Hildreth and Darren Kenton were brought in on frees, while Alan Maybury joined from Leicester for 85k, Stephen Brogan signed from Rotherham for 18k, and James Sinclair was brought in from Bolton for 800k. After winning all five league games, they are 1st in the BSN.

Liechtenstein

3 players were signed. Carlo Valentini, who was released from San Marino, joined, and Ray Parlour came out of retirement to join the club. Also signing was Craig Curran from Tranmere for 40k. After 4 wins and 1 defeat, they are 3rd in the BSN table.

Luxembourg

2 players joined the club - Matt Young for 18k from Huddersfield, and Andrew Sambrook for 26k from Grays. In the league, they have won 3, drawn 1, lost 1, and also lost a friendly match, 2-0 against Juventus. They're 5th in the BSN.

Malta

Only 2 signings made - Ismel Demontagnac for 65k from Walsall, and Warren Cummings for 100k from Bournemouth. 8th in the BSS after 2 wins and 3 draws.

San Marino

Certainly the busiest in the market, they wasted no time at all in getting rid of players. After releasing 6 players, only 1 - Carlo Valentini, has found a club - Liechtenstein. Three signings were made into the club. Bryan Scott came on a free transfer from Arbroath, Matt Nolan for 7k from King's Lynn, and Phil Cave from Gateshead for 26k. With 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat, they are 6th in the BSS.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Certainly quite interesting to see that every club signed players, but no players brought in from their own country. Also interesting is the fact that San Marino decided to release 6 players. Their squad isn't the biggest and if the get too many injuries, they might be forced to play some of their youth players. Although it's early days yet, it looks as though the teams should do pretty well in this league - Faroe Islands and Estonia have won all of their games. I think we will probably see at least one team from each league go up, I think another one will go through the play-offs as well.

Very interesting experiment, kutgw!

Interesting well done

Nice idea

Should be an interesting thread. It looks like a few teams should get promoted this season, but how far up the leagues they can get with these initial squads will be the main challenge. My guess is that they'll stagnate around League 2, possibly League 1.

And for the sake of picking a favourite, I'm going to jump on the Estonia bandwagon now. Assuming they have Mart Poom in goal of course.

Any chance of seeing screenshots of the squads?

February 1st Update

Andorra

Blue Square South - 2nd

FA Cup - 2nd qual. round (beaten 3-0 by San Marino)

FA Trophy - 3rd qual. round (beat 1-0 by Farsley in replay, first game 1-1)

Transfers: Matt Duke from Hull for 12k and Phil Smith from Swindon for 2k

Azerbaijan

Blue Square South - 3rd

FA Cup - 1st round (beaten 2-0 by Scunthorpe)

FA Trophy - 3rd qual round (beaten 2-0 by Hendon)

Transfers: Ian Ashbee from Hull for 5k ; Aqil Nabiyev was released.

Estonia

Blue Square North - 3rd

FA Cup - 4th Round (beaten 3-0 by Coventry)

FA Trophy - 3rd Round - To play Lewes

Transfers: Jason Jarrett from Preston for 10k, and Mark Wilson from Doncaster for 16k. Martin Vunk was sold to Rochdale for 6k

Faroe Islands

Blue Square North - 1st

FA Cup - 4th qual. round (beaten 3-1 by Boston)

FA Trophy - 1st round (beaten 2-1 by Rushden in replay, first match 2-2)

Transfers: Lloyd Saxton from Plymouth for 7k, Brian Saah for Leyton Orient for 40k, Joshua Lillis from Scunthorpe for 18k, Johnny Allan from Northwich for 12k, Calum Willock from Stevenage for 14k, Jeff Smith from Carlisle for 7k, and finally Darren Carter from Preston for 675k.

Liechtenstein

Blue Square North - 4th

FA Cup - 4th qual. round (Beaten 3-2 by Azerbaijan)

FA Trophy - 3rd qual. round (Beaten 2-0 by AFC Wimbledon)

Transfers: Mark Halstead from Blackpool for 3k, Milenko Stevanovic on a free transfer, Alan Navarro from MK Dons for 3k, Eddie Hutchinson from Oxford for 1k

Luxembourg

Blue Square North - 2nd

FA Cup - 2nd qual. round (beaten 2-0 by Azerbaijan in replay, first match 1-1)

FA Trophy - 1st round (beaten 3-1 by Forest Green in replay, first match 1-1)

Transfers: Guy Branston from Notts. County for 1k

Malta

Blue Square South - 1st

FA Cup - 2nd round (beaten 2-1 by Crewe)

FA Trophy - 1st round (beaten 3-2 by Oxford)

Transfers: Michael Aspin from Preston for 3k.

San Marino

Blue Square South - 4th

FA Cup - 3rd qual. round (beaten 3-1 by Tiverton)

FA Trophy - 1st round (beaten 2-1 by Tamworth)

Transfers: None

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Very interesting. The teams are dominating the leagues atm, and Estonia are on a very good cup run, getting to the 4th round of the FA Cup and the only team still left in the FA Trophy. The Faroe Islands have definately strengthened their team a lot, most of the players who are playing regularly are from another country, so this manager seems to be going abroad for players. The San Marino boss isn't buying anyone though! They've had to rely on a couple of youngsters at times when they've had suspensions/injuries, so it'll be interesting to see how they fare for the rest of the season.

In the other leagues

Premier League - Arsenal leading it, with Blackburn, Stoke and Hull in the relegation zone

Championship - Reading lead the way, but Bristol City are not far behind. Plymouth, Wolves, and Doncaster are in the relegation zone.

League One - Southend and Yeovil at the top, with Hereford, Peterborough, MK Dons and Stockport in the drop zone

League Two - Luton top, Rochdale and Chester in drop zone

Blue Square Premier - Altrincham top, Lewes, Northwich, Barrow and Eastbourne in the bottom 4

-----------------

Mart Poom wasn't in the last Estonia squad, so no he isn't. I'll post some screenies in a minute

Blue Square North league table - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/9900/09262008194851po9.png

Blue Square South league table - http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/8189/09262008194947hi5.png

Andorra Squad - http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/2848/09262008195238en3.png

Azerbaijan Squad - http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/6137/09262008195322yd5.png

Estonia Squad - http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/1484/09262008195459vn2.png

Faroe Islands Squad - http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/1426/09262008195540aj6.png

Liechtenstein Squad - http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/6938/09262008195620fs2.png

Luxembourg Squad - http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/1807/09262008195700cz5.png

Malta Squad - http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/5069/09262008195742jm9.png

San Marino Squad - http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/2853/09262008195821le0.png

Good update

With no Mart Poom I'm taking back my support of Estonia, and instead going for Malta since Gary Neville is their national ambassador.

Good to see Reading leading the Championship too.

KUTGW

End of season report

BSN Final Table - http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/3830/09262008221332yi2.png

BSN - Play off final - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/6905/09262008221425sf8.png

BSS Final Table - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/2802/09262008221509pf5.png

BSS - Play off final - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1398/09262008221711wr1.png

Also, here's the FA Trophy Final because one of the teams was involved in that http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/5493/09262008221751qj4.png

So overall, a very successful season for the teams. Not only did 4 teams get promoted, but also one team won the FA Trophy! So well done to Estonia.

There is one more trophy though. There is a trophy for who was the best team in games played against only the other countries. Some countries played more against the others than the other countries, so the winner is the team with the best percentage of points.

So the first ever 'Lesser' nations Cup goes to Azerbaijan.

http://img216.imageshack.us/my.php?image=00uj8.png

Despite Liechtenstein's shocking record against other teams, they still won the BSN

The other leagues

Premier League - http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/4123/09262008222935jr2.png

Championship - http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/4739/09262008223016jx5.png

League One - http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/3197/09262008223102sz1.png

League Two - http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/7261/09262008223201ov0.png

Blue Square Premier - http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/2387/09262008223238gl9.png

FA Cup - Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal

League Cup - Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool

Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Swindon 1-6 Scunthorpe

Setanta Shield - Cambridge 3-2 Mansfield

Champions League - PSV Eindhoven 0-2 Man Utd

UEFA Cup - Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona (Arsenal won 7-6 on pens)

Next update will be tomorrow at some point in the afternoon hopefully

Are all the regens comig through of english or whatever country it is? If that makes sense

Im supporting the Faroe Islands. This looks really interesting. KUTGW.

interesting experiment. will follow. kutgw.

September 1st Update

Andorra

Transfers - http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/6486/09272008173118gb4.png

Azerbaijan

Transers - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/3114/09272008173612nz7.png

Estonia

Transfers - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1392/09272008173747eu6.png

Faroe Islands

Transfers - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/407/09272008173905ve4.png

Liechtenstein

Transfers - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/9051/09272008174014ru3.png

Luxembourg

Transfers - http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/671/09272008174214sj3.png

Malta

Transfers - http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/499/09272008174324ny8.png

San Marino

Transfers - http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/157/09272008174413fy0.png

Blue Square Premier - http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/9235/09272008174719xz5.png

Blue Square North - http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/2139/09272008174828cr5.png

Blue Square South - http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/7953/09272008175028ot5.png

All 8 clubs have got their new batch of youngsters, and here are the best 20 youngsters

Kamal Suleymanov Azerbaijan 170

Ramil Ibramgimov Azerbaijan 166

Federico Bacciocchi San Marino 150

Ruslan Asadov Azerbaijan 145

Tõnu Kägo Estonia 137

Tom Leweck Luxembourg 136

Artur Andrejev Estonia 133

Eduard Karlson Estonia 131

Norberto Casado Andorra 127

Joaquin González Martín Andorra 122

Genaro Giannone San Marino/Italy 116

Bjarni Nielsen Faroe Islands 112

Sebastian Schünemann Liechtenstein 103

David Sheila Georgia/England 99 (plays for Azerbaijan)

Javier Martín Andorra 98

Raymond Dalli Malta 98

Raffaele Venerucci San Marino/Italy 98

David Cabeza Andorra 97

Ryan Muscat Malta 97

Marcos Ballesteros Andorra 96

Interesting to see that despite the youth facilities at 10, the clubs have turned up some fine talent, especially the two Azerbaijan players, both of whom I expect to be playing in the Premier League eventually.

In case any of you were wondering, 'what about the national sides, how are they doing', well, I haven't forgot, I'll do an update on their results in the next update, I just thought it was a bit pointless saying how they were doing when the qualifying for the Euros was already 3/4 of the way through, and so it's easier to judge them from the 2010 W.C. Qualifying period.

Bit of a blow for Malta, lost some decent players, especially Mifsud, and the regens don't look as if they'll set the world alight. Azerbaijan have lucked out with their regens though.

KUTGW

February 1st Update

Andorra

FA Cup - 1st Round (beaten 2-1 by Northampton)

FA Trophy - 1st Round (beaten 2-1 by Thurrock in replay, first match 1-1)

Setanta Shield - 2nd Round South (beaten 2-1 by San Marino)

Transfers - http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/815/09272008213543oo3.png

Squad - http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/5570/09282008085259bj2.png

International Team - In 2008, they played 6 games. They conceded 13 goals (unlucky for some) and scored a grand total of... 0. I think we can say that so far, a club team has done nothing to improve their fortunes and they sit rock bottom of their qualifying group for the world cup - http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/3803/09272008214020yf2.png

Azerbaijan

FA Cup - 4th Round Qual. (Beaten 3-1 by Liechtenstein, first game 2-2)

FA Trophy - 3rd Round (beaten 3-1 by Wrexham)

Setanta Shield - 5th Round (to play Cambridge United)

Transfers - http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/9136/09272008214220yt7.png

Squad - http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/5593/09282008085358vq9.png

International Team - You could definitely say progress has been made. They began their qualifying group with a tricky tie in Switzerland and then a home tie with Israel, and earned two draws, 0-0 and 1-1 respectively. A 6-0 defeat to Czech Republic followed the successes in Geneva and Baku. http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1115/09272008214501ak5.png

Estonia

FA Cup - 2nd Round (beaten 1-0 by Millwall)

FA Trophy - In 4th Round, draw yet to be made

Setanta Shield - 5th Round, to play Kettering

Transfers - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1733/09272008214838pn8.png

Squad - http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/995/09282008085447hu5.png

International Team - With Estonia in the same group as Andorra, it's likely at least one of these teams will get a victory, and they did that at home. The rematch is in October. The Estonians began 2008 with two consecutive friendly 4-0 victories - over the Faroe Islands and Hong Kong. They lost every other game apart from one, a friendly against Singapore, which they won 3-0. Some progress is definately being made, but it's a while before they can compete with the big boys. The Group is in the Andorran section

Faroe Islands

FA Cup - 1st Round (beaten 1-0 by Peterborough)

FA Trophy - 1st Round (beaten 3-0 by Mansfield)

Setanta Shield - 4th Round (beaten 2-0 by Kettering)

Transfers - http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/2042/09272008215503ax8.png

Squad - http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/4268/09282008085547ph9.png

International Team - Their club might be doing well, but the nation isn't. Friendly defeats to Estonia and Luxembourg show that work definately needs doing. They've lost every single game, and are bottom of the qualifying group - http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/5893/09272008215624nw8.png

Liechtenstein

FA Cup - 2nd Round (beaten 2-1 by Wycombe)

FA Trophy - 1st Round (beaten 1-0 by Stalybridge)

Setanta Shield - 5th Round, to play Stevenage

Transfers - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/5360/09272008215747lx2.png

Squad - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/8715/09282008085701ro8.png

International Team - It's not looking good for Liechtenstein. Bottom of the qualifying group, work needs to be desperately done. One positive is that they rounded off the calendar year with a 3-0 victory in San Marino. http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/235/09272008215934ib8.png

Luxembourg

FA Cup - 2nd Qual. Round (Beaten 2-0 by Faroe Islands in replay, first game 1-1)

FA Trophy - 1st Round (beaten 2-1 by Grays)

Setanta Shield - 3rd Round North (beaten 2-1 by Faroe Islands)

Transfers - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/6637/09272008220102mt1.png

Squad - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1619/09282008085757ve6.png

International Team - Starting brightly with a victory over San Marino, they lost five consecutive games. Faroe Islands CLUB might be knocking them out of cup competitions, but the nation couldn't stop them beating them in a friendly match, and then Luxembourg ended their year with a defeat to the Northern Irish. http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/9053/09272008220417ux4.png

Malta

FA Cup - 1st Round (beaten 3-0 by Oldham)

FA Trophy - 2nd Round (beaten 2-1 by Stevenage)

Setanta Shield - 4th Round (beaten 2-1 by Barnet)

Transfers - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1320/09272008220547tq9.png

Squad - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7476/09282008085910bc1.png

International Team - I think we can safely say that everything can be summed up by just three words - 'Every game lost'. Not good for the Maltese - http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/6797/09282008083731qi2.png

San Marino

FA Cup - 4th Qual. Round (lost 2-1 to Tooting and Mitcham)

FA Trophy - 2nd Round (lost 2-0 to Chester)

Setanta Shield - 4th Round (lost 2-1 to Barrow)

Transfers - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/4403/09282008084057gy6.png

Squad - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7690/09282008090014zn5.png

International Team - Despite losing three friendly matches and two of the qualifying group fixtures, there is one positive, and they actually won a game! A 2-0 win against Latvia currently leaves them 4th in the table. They even made it into the top 100 of the world. http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/6115/09282008084246gv0.png

Blue Square Premier - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/3358/09282008084446vi8.png

Blue Square North - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/4664/09282008084703gy8.png

Blue Square South - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/64/09282008084742el6.png

---------------

Looks likely that Estonia will be playing league football next season, but the play-offs are very tight. I think Malta and Liechtenstein should be in it, whether Azerbaijan will be or not is a different matter. Below the BSP, Faroe Islands look unstoppable in the bid for promotion, and I fully expect Luxembourg to be following them into the BSP. In the BSS, things aren't so rosy. Andorra's lead at the top may be 13 points, but San Marino are only in the play-off places on Goal difference. Their manager's tactics of selling players and not really buying many isn't paying off, but will they gain promotion come May?

I definitely think that Estonia will be the best of the teams, although it will have hurt their chances that they sold Oper and Piiroja.

Liechtenstein sold Peter Jehle

It wasn't very wise of Malta to sell Mifsud...

Great experiment, KUTGW

End of season report

Estonia won the Blue Square Premier and will be playing their football in League Two next season. Malta were the only one of the teams to make the play-offs, narrowly beating Liechtenstein to the spot, on goal difference. After an aggregate score of 2-2 in the semi-finals, Malta had to rely on penalties to beat Barnet and set up a final against Chester. Despite being equal for much of the match, captain Luke Dimech scored an 85th minute own goal to give Chester a 1-0 win and allow them to bounce back to the Football League at the first time of asking. The other team in the BSP, Azerbaijan, finished a disappointing 11th after some very inconsistent form.

Faroe Islands won the Blue Square North and Luxembourg followed them, both these two miles apart from the others. Luxembourg comfortably beat Barrow 5-0 on aggregate to book their place in the final. Hinckley were not to underestimated and despite falling behind, Joachim equalised for Luxembourg just before half time. The game though remained 1-1 and it went to penalties. Everyone scored except for Luxembourg's Kim Kintziger, and that meant Hinckley were promoted.

Andorra gained 101 points, 23 points more than was necessary to gain promotion. San Marino's inconsistent form cost them of a play-off place, and Billericay were promoted for the second time in two seasons to the Blue Square Premier

Blue Square Premier - http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/539/09282008105121ga9.png

Play-off final - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/2284/09282008104706wf1.png

Blue Square North - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/5457/09282008105558rs9.png

Play-off final - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/2513/09282008105810po1.png

Blue Square South - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/4395/09282008105848jl9.png

Play-off final - http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/1847/09282008110849wf1.png

Azerbaijan made up for their bad league position by reaching the Setanta Shield final. But 2-0 down against York after 51 minutes, a Wayne Andrews goal 25 minutes from time wasn't enough to stop York winning the trophy for the first time in their history.

In th FA Trophy, there was a chance for Estonia to clinch the double, if they could beat Oxford. And they duly obliged, Vassilijev scoring the only goal to take the trophy back to Tallinn.

Setanta Shield - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1250/09282008111131ww6.png

FA Trophy - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7906/09282008111222tb2.png

And the other competitions...

Premier League - http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/7130/09282008111457qx2.png

Championship - http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/6269/09282008111531nx6.png

League One - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/3979/09282008111705yd7.png

League Two - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1687/09282008111745ju3.png

FA Cup - West Ham 0-3 Arsenal

League Cup - Aston Villa 1-0 Man Utd

Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Bristol Rovers 0-0 Nottm Forest (Rovers win on pens)

Champions League - Inter Milan 0-1 Barcelona

UEFA Cup - Valencia 1-0 Lazio

There is one other thing of course. Azerbaijan won the head to head battles last year, but how has a disappointing league performance affected their performance against the other nations?

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/6025/09282008115840ef9.png

Faroe Islands are now top overall as well, with Azerbaijan slipping to third

And one very final thing

REPUTATIONS

Estonia 3634

Azerbaijan 2680

Faroe Islands 2661

Liechtenstein 2641

Malta 2624

Andorra 2366

Luxembourg 2259

San Marino 1865

September 1st update

Andorra

Transfers - http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/768/09282008190926in2.png

The fans will be disappointed by the Summer's dealings. After establishing a link between Southend, two goalkeepers joined on loan. One of them got released from Southend and so his loan was terminated. Clark Masters does look a decent player and should do well in goal - with a CA of 96, he has already exceeded the other GK Stuart Nelson's PA of 95. The other player bought in was left back Neil Taylor. With a CA of 81 and a PA of 90, there are better players in the position he plays and he certainly isn't exactly going to set the world alight when he reaches his potential. Defence looks to be a real problem for Andorra and the sale of Iriekpen to Darlington means that, apart from one, their central defenders are just youngsters and I expect they'll ship a few goals this season. However, despite their problems at the back, they've only conceded two and are top of the league after a very good start.

Azerbaijan

Transfers - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/8943/09282008191757dg0.png

The only player bought in was Craig Nelthorpe, a left back. Left back is an issue for Azerbaijan, but I don't think Nelthorpe has solved it, with a PA at 95, the player won't be any good above BSP level and so the manager may have a long-term issue there. Rasad Sadiqov was sold to Millwall, which again highlights another issue of defence. There are two central defenders with decent CAs, the others have CAs of about 50, and they have already conceded 10 goals, and they're 10th in the BSP.

Estonia

Transfers - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/8288/09282008192615wk6.png

When I say that 160k signing John Partridge only has a CA of 88, you might think it's a bit of a bad buy. But with a PA of 177, this player looks like he'll be one for the future, and also with the signing of goalkeeper David Martin from Liverpool, the manager's trying to assure the club's long term future. He's also got to think about the short term, and with the signings of Garry Monk and Darren Mackie, he has done this. Not too sure about the signing of Danny Hall though, he's not good enough now and he never will be to play for Estonia. Sometimes when clubs go up, they sell their best players when they recieve a very good offer. The fans might be disappointed about the sale of Garner, but they at least get a hefty sum of money. Artur Kotenko's PA of 160 means his sale is slightly disappointing, and the release of promising youngster Karlson. Overall though, the squad looks good and it shows, they're top of the league after a 100% start to the league.

Faroe Islands

Transfers - http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/7821/09282008193810lp2.png

The signing of Paul Morgan looks like one of the worse signings I've ever seen. Well past his prime, I can't see him doing much. In terms of sales, Brian Saah wasn't going to do much and is a good price for him. Darren Carter was the best player at the club and his sale has put a massive gap in the midfield. I really can't see them doing to well, and why I think they might just stay up, they might be looking over their shoulders a bit. They're 22nd in the league.

Liechtenstein

Transfers - http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/2789/09282008194603dw2.png

Goalkeeping was a real issue, and Chris Howarth looks to be a decent signing, with a CA of 98 and a PA of 130. The other Howarth they signed, Russell, is also a goalkeeper, but he's nowhere near as good as Chris and never will be. Although with a CA of 88, his PA is 155 and Harner's sale, another goalkeeper, may affect the club in the long term, considering they recieved nothing for him. Thierno Bah's sale means that only 1 player has a CA over 100. A club in trouble me thinks, but they are currently 3rd in the table after a promising start.

Luxembourg

Transfers - http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/9312/09282008195627cb8.png

After securing a link with Estonia, they recieved two players on loan. Sander Puri looks a good player in midfield, and with a PA of 160, may not be at Estonia after too long. Kem Menkeldom though, on the other hand, is a shocking player and if the manager plays him once I'll be surprised. Chris Blackburn should be good in defence for Luxembourg. Matty Young is never going to be good enough to play at the level Luxembourg want to be at, but if they continue at this rate, they won't get past the BSN, and they're 13th.

Malta

Transfers - http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/9580/09282008200414uv5.png

Callum Wales for just 3k is a real bargain. Although not good enough yet, his PA of 155 should hopefully mean for the Maltese that a few years and he'll be a top class player for them. Dale Roberts also looks like a decent signing, a PA of 120 is bigger than that of the current number one atm. With a PA of 111, Aaron Morgan should make the first team in a few years, so long as the club don't go above League Two. Etienne Barbara's sale is probably just as well, with a CA in the 50s. They're 15th in the BSP

San Marino

Transfers - http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/4416/09282008200957wj8.png

Ben Muirhead's CA of 98 confirms him as the best player at the club, and with a PA of 117, can still improve. David Stockdale is also the best keeper at the club, and the 23 year can also improve, 33 points off his peak. Charley Hearn wasn't exactly brilliant, so San Marino have a decent squad which I think will get them promotion. They're 5th in the BSS.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Youngsters

I'm only including players with a PA of 100 or above this time round

Francisco Manuel Piñero Andorra 101

Agshin Zeynalov Azerbaijan 112

John Partridge England 177 (plays for Estonia)

Sebastian Trehkopf Liechtenstein 154

Joé Schumacher Luxembourg 112

Callum Wales England 155 (plays for Malta)

Kurt Briffa Malta 109

Of last year's list, no one's changed clubs apart from Leweck and Karlson, who were released and have yet to find new clubs.

Come on Faroe Islands get a few new players in and stay up.

February 1st Update

Andorra

FA Cup - 1st Round (lost on pens after 1-1 draw in replay, first leg 2-2)

FA Trophy - 1st Round (lost 2-1 to Liechtenstein)

Setanta Shield - 4th Round (lost 2-0 to Altrincham)

Transfers - http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/2108/09292008141855va4.png

Squad - http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/8899/09292008141940us5.png

International Team - They lost every single competitive game, including 8-0 to Greece, but they did beat San Marino 3-1 in a friendly match!

Azerbaijan

FA Cup - 2nd Round (lost 3-0 to Millwall in replay, first leg 2-2)

FA Trophy - 3rd Round (lost 1-0 to Cambridge)

Setanta Shield - 5th Round, to play Boston

Transfers - http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/6034/09292008142829nx0.png

Squad - http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/1807/09292008143953yy9.png

International Team - They did begin with a 2-2 against Macedonia, and ended with a 2-2 against Montenegro. The rest of their games - defeats.

Estonia

FA Cup - 4th Round (lost 3-1 to Birmingham)

League Cup - 1st Round (lost 2-1 to Hartlepool)

Johnstone's Paint Trophy - 1st Round North (lost 4-1 to Oldham)

Transfers - http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/8199/09292008144523rs0.png

Squad - http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/9371/09292008144616nu3.png

International Team - They won twice, 2-1 against Andorra and in a friendly match 1-0 against the Faroe Islands. They also got a 1-1 draw against Iceland. They lost the rest.

Faroe Islands

FA Cup - 1st Round (lost 3-1 to Grays)

FA Trophy - 2nd Round (lost 2-1 to AFC Wimbledon)

Setanta Shield - 4th Round (lost to Kidderminster)

Transfers - http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/1669/09292008145335ka7.png

Squad - http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/9844/09292008145419dr8.png

International Team - They lost every game.

Liechtenstein

FA Cup - 4th Qual. Round (lost 3-1 to Luxembourg)

FA Trophy - 2nd Round (lost 2-1 to Nuneaton in replay, 1-1 first game)

Setanta Shield - 4th Round (lost 3-0 to Havant and Waterlooville)

Transfers - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/5845/09292008150352db7.png

Squad - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/6308/09292008150441gs3.png

International Team - They began with a 2-1 friendly win over Malta. They lost every other game apart from a match against Slovenia, which they won 2-1.

Luxembourg

FA Cup - 1st Round (lost 2-0 to Chester)

FA Trophy - 3rd Round (2-2 draw with Torquay, replay to be played)

Setanta Shield - 3rd Round North (lost on pens to Burscough after 1-1 draw)

Transfers - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/3046/09292008152234ev7.png

Squad - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/9943/09292008152308vr2.png

International Team - After beating Singapore 1-0 in a friendly, the lost the next 4 before earning a 0-0 draw against Poland. After losing the next four, they drew again, in a friendly against Kazakhstan which finished 2-2.

Malta

FA Cup - 4th Qual Round (lost 2-1 to Andorra)

FA Trophy - 4th Round - draw to be made

Setanta Shield - 5th Round - to play Havant and Waterlooville

Transfers - http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/2070/09292008153511hm6.png

Squad - http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/990/09292008153557ft5.png

International Team - They lost every game.

San Marino

FA Cup - 2nd Qual. Round (lost 3-1 to Luxembourg)

FA Trophy - 3rd Round (lost 3-0 to Dagenham and Redbridge

Setanta Shield - 2nd Round South (lost 2-1 to Newport)

Transfers - http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/7284/09292008153919mo9.png

Squad - http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/2231/09292008154004cj7.png

International Team - They lost every single game apart from an away trip to Finland, where they got a 1-1 draw.

League Two - http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/6697/09292008154345fz3.png

Blue Square Premier - http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/6688/09292008154624ix8.png

Blue Square North - http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/3369/09292008154932ug6.png

Blue Square South - http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/5301/09292008155008zi4.png

World Cup Qualifying Groups

Group 1 - http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/9573/09292008153818vy8.png

Group 3 - http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/1497/09292008150217ag6.png

Group 4 - http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/3869/09292008142241cm9.png

Group 5 - http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/3166/09292008152813kz1.png

Group 6 - http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/3446/09292008154201sp7.png

Group 7 - http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/395/09292008144150gl0.png

Group 8 - http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/4457/09292008151208mt9.png

World Rankings

Estonia 107th

Azerbaijan 109th

Liechtenstein 114th

San Marino 117th

Luxembourg 130th

Andorra 148th

Malta 154th

Faroe Islands 184th

I don't have time to do the end of season review, but here's what to look forward

Have Estonia made it into League One? If not, has someone else joined them in the Football League?

Have San Marino and Luxembourg finally made it into the Blue Square Premier?

And find out which manager will be signing on, and who's replaced him.

End of season report

After a promising start in League Two, Estonia found themselves in a battle for the last couple of spots. On the last day, a point would've been enough, but a home defeat to Shrewsbury left them 9th.

In the Blue Square Premier, Barnet were crowned champions, but Andorra, Malta and Azerbaijan were all in the play offs. After Malta beat Grays, Andorra beat Azerbaijan. Malta though won the final 2-1, despite Andorra missing TWO penalties before being awarded a third, and that was scored.

Down below, despite qualifying for the play-offs, Luxembourg and San Marino failed to gain promotion to the BSP, and face another season in non-league obscurity.

At the end of season, Andorra decided that, after their manager had failed to get them two successive promotions, they would not renew his contract and let him go. Their new manager is current Ireland U19 manager and former Stockport manager, until their relegation in 2008. With judging CA at 11 and judging PA at 8, he does seem a bit average ish, but has a 19 for buying players, so hopefully he can get the right players in to mount a promotion challenge

League Two - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/4206/09302008153812sk9.png

Blue Square Premier - http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/2819/09302008153958fl4.png

Play-off final - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/4721/09302008154051hc6.png

Blue Square North - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/5937/09302008154129za3.png

Blue Square South - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7538/09302008154211fk5.png

As well as gaining promotion, Malta also won the Setanta Shield against Kidderminster, on penalties, however, they did lose the FA Trophy final.

Setanta Shield - http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/5493/09302008154426xv9.png

Good season for Malta there, hopefully they'll make some smart signings to strengthen the side for League Two. Poor showings by Luxembourg and San Marino, looks like they'll just flounder in the BSN and BSS and not make it up the leagues at all.

KUTGW

Come on Liechtenstein!!!

Awesome idea, I hope you can KUTGW.

Just so you all know, I'm gonna take a short break from this, only for a week, otherwise I'll get bored of it.

I'll let you lot speculate about the coming season

Mon San Marino!

This is ace. Fantastic work. Keep it up

Interesting read this, I'll be following.

KUTGW

who would have thought that Estonia would take the lower leagues by storm?