AI Experiment - The Bandits are back for FM09

[kipfizh]

Hey if I get outvoted, then I get outvoted!

It doesn't take long to add more details to the top flight reports, so what I've done (for now) is to add the relegated teams to the world view part, so you can see who gets relegated from the top division of every country, as well as who wins competitions.

In future, it might become a good idea to add lower league winners, but at this early stage, I'm not sure it'll be that interesting, as not too much has changed. But in the future, it might be good to see a once great Premiership side drop from League Two, so I'll consider it.

But as of the next report (which will arrive later today), you have promotion and relegation details for every top flight league in the game. The only other leagues on full detail are the rest of the English leagues, so maybe next time I'll add them too.

[kipfizh]

No need to bump, and no need to press for an update. It will come when its done, these things take time and as Kip, like a lot of people here, has a job and a family as well, he can't just ratchet out the updates at will.

The main thing that's stopped me this week is illness - been off all week and looking at screens when I'm ill make my eyes go all fuzzy....

Not fighting fit yet, but getting there!

[Martin_]

Hope you are feeling better soon (for purely unselfish reasons obviously )

[iacovone]

Update later today \o/

[Denther]

The main thing that's stopped me this week is illness - been off all week and looking at screens when I'm ill make my eyes go all fuzzy....

Not fighting fit yet, but getting there!

Hope you feel better soon, Kip isn't dead, long live Kip

[OrientMartin]

Get well soon kip, I admire your dedication to this, on your sickbed desperatly typing out a report.

[kipfizh]

Season 2009-10

Club reports – Summer Transfers

After one season, the Bandits and the Sheriffs were already a league apart, with the Bandits moving up to the Blue Square Premier, and the Sheriffs failing in the playoffs, remaining in the Blue Square South.

Bandits

After 18 of the 22 starlets left in the first January window, it was no surprise to see the other four join them in the summer, waving goodbye to the Bandits and moving their careers on, higher up in the league structure, Striker 1 moving furthest afield by joining Sevilla. They also cleared out some of the worst players they had signed last season in an attempt to raise the numbers.

This all left a rebuilding job for the manager, and a short space of time to do it in. In addition, with such a low reputation for the division, attracting players wasn't going to be easy.

But those that thought he couldn't do it underestimated the man. At Blue Square Premier level, anyone with a CA of 100 or more is outstanding (relegated Luton have one such player, and that is it), while 85 or above is very good for the league.

Dream Manager made sixteen signings during the summer, and some of them immediately looked the business, notably 19 year old attacking midfielder Tom Kilbey, whose CA is 115, making the teenager the best player in the division already, and with a PA of 157 could improve yet further. He cost a record 750k from Portsmouth, but is a superb signing, good enough for league football, let alone the Blue Square Premier.

And he made another signing of a player with a 100+ CA – left wing back Ben Parker, a 22 year old with 104 CA and 125 PA, who arrived on a free. The Bandits now had two of the three 100 CA players in the league, and were quickly transforming themselves from relegation favourites to a real danger.

And he was far from done. Liam Dickinson, a 24 year old striker with 95 CA and 97 PA, is the seventh best player in the league, while goalkeeper Chris Howarth (24, 86/110) and the retention of centre back or central midfielder Nathan Mulligan (23, 82/135) add real strength to the spine of the team.

Eight more players with a CA of 70 or more were also signed, adding depth to the squad (bear in mind their best player last season had 62 CA), and to cap it all off he catered for the future, bringing in centre back Paul Bryant, a 16 year old already capable of playing for the first team with a CA of 72, but with the ability to become a true star of the game, with a PA of 176.

He still had one surprise up his sleeve. Having bought largely young players, the manager decided that he could do with a bit of experience, so brought in the one and only Trevor Sinclair, now 37 and unattached. His CA may have dropped to 58, but his know how could be a real bonus in the Bandits' dressing room.

Optimism was sky high, and the rest of the division were looking anxiously at the newcomers, wondering just how strong they would be. It looked good, could they challenge for back to back promotions?

Sheriffs

The Sheriffs, meanwhile, had to get over the disappointment of staying in the Blue Square South, where a player of 80 CA was a rarity (no one has one), and anyone with a CA of 70 is a star of the division. And they had to rebuild, with their one remaining idiot, the goalkeeper, getting his wish and moving to Falkirk.

Idiot Manager was in no mood to spend any more time in the Blue Square South, so immediately set about making his side the best in the division. And he did just that, spectacularly.

In came forward Johnny Godsmark (20, 88/127), midfielder Daniel Philliskirk (19, 88/146), right wing back Phil Ifil (23, 83/115), defender Atif Afzal (19, 83/122), striker Anthony Elding (28, 82/105) and centre back Spencer Harris (19, 82/132). The 'big six' instantly became the only six players in the division with a CA of 80 of more, and all have potential to improve, with one notable exception.

And that exception is Anthony Elding, who at 28 is probably going to fade. If the name rings a bell, it should – in the FM07 edition of this experiment, Elding was at one point a crucial part of the Bandits' front line, and with this signing they've seen one of their former favourites (from another world, admittedly), turn his back on them.

Hot on the heels of those six was versatile defender or midfielder Craig Pead (28, 79/107), who was also better than anything else the division had to offer. Remarkably, the Sheriffs now had the best seven players in the league.

The manager also looked to the future, promoting 17 year old keeper Tom Underwood from the youth academy, whose CA of 65, already decent for the division, could rise to 156 in the future. Combined with the stunning prospect of John Miller, who remained and saw his CA rise from 66 to 71, his PA of 177 still a long way away.

There were more signings to bolster the squad, but with undoubtedly the best side in the division, and with the Bandits not taking their promotion spot, Sheriffs everywhere were convinced that surely this season they'd go up as champions, even without any idiots.

[kipfizh]

Club reports – August-December

Bandits

Any doubts that the Bandits would be a force to be reckoned with in the Blue Square Premier were dispelled within a couple of matches. A 4-0 win over Kidderminster on the opening day of the season was followed by 4-1 victories over Rushden and Burton, and the whole league stood up to take notice.

Having put themselves in a strong position, the Bandits then consolidated it, winning their first nine games, ending in a 5-2 win over Southport and a 6-0 triumph against Cambridge. Salisbury and Darlington managed a draw against them, but they remained relentless, not losing a league match until a 1-0 defeat at Weymouth towards the end of November, their 20th game of the league campaign.

By that time, they had sent Woking and Torquay packing in the Setanta Shield, put six past Kingstonian in the final FA Cup qualifying round, and knocked Team Bath out in the first round proper.

The Weymouth defeat knocked the confidence a little ahead of their biggest game of the season so far, a televised FA Cup second round tie at home to Sheff Wed, still in League One and not as all conquering as in past experiments. But they were still a force to be reckoned with, but it was a challenge the Bandits rose to, winning 3-1 to reach a third round tie at Norwich.

The cup celebrations saw them take their eye off the ball, however, and a 1-0 defeat at AFC Wimbledon in the Setanta Shield was followed by a 1-0 loss to Woking in the league. But those were to be the last slip ups of the calendar year, with four more league wins and a 5-0 hammering of Braintree in the FA Trophy seeing out December.

At the turn of the year, they had a healthy lead in the Blue Square Premier, and were still interested in the FA Cup and FA Trophy. Of course, this time last year they were in every cup, only to fall away after Christmas, so fans everywhere were hoping they had learned their lesson.

Sheriffs

Meanwhile, down in the Blue Square South, the Sheriffs had made some fantastic signings, making them the best team in the league by a country mile. And they started as if they needed to prove a point – five wins without conceding a goal to open the season.

The Setanta Shield dream ended quickly, however, a 2-1 defeat at Maidenhead putting them out in the first round, but they continued their sequence of victories in the league to open up a gap at the top, while hammering Burgess Hill and Dorchester in FA Cup qualifying rounds.

Merthyr eventually ended the perfect league run with a 2-2 draw, but the Sheriffs soon put that disappointment behind them, reaching the FA Cup with a 4-1 victory over Worthing in the final qualifying round. At it turned out, their campaign was short lived – a 4-0 beating at the hands of Leyton Orient showing them that they aren't yet ready for league football.

But they bounced back, following that trouncing by inflicting their own annihilation on poor Aylesbury, who were dispatched 7-0 in an FA Trophy qualifying round. The league form was scintillating, but they just failed to reach the turn of the year unbeaten in the Blue Square South, losing 1-0 to Forest Green on Boxing Day.

Nonetheless, they entered 2010 with a very good lead at the top of the Blue Square South, still in the FA Trophy, and flying towards the promotion the fans and board demand.

[kipfizh]

Club reports – January Transfers

Bandits

With the Bandits absolutely flying, and most of their squad only having been there for six months, no-one left. With promotion looking a real prospect, the manager decided not to boost his squad, hoping to trust his current players and look again in the summer.

Bandits Transfers

Sheriffs

Like the Bandits, the Sheriffs had no departures in January, and their promotion challenge was also extremely strong, so they left their squad alone, hoping to sign players once Blue Square Premier status had been achieved.

Sheriffs Transfers

[kipfizh]

Bandits report - squad

Top 20 in Squad (sorted by CA)

Name, Pos, Age, CA-PA

Kilbey, 19, AMC, 115-157 – new signing
Parker, 22, D/AM L, 104-125 – new signing
Dickinson, 24, ST, 95-97 – new signing
Howarth, 24, GK, 86-110 – new signing
Mulligan, 23, D/MC, 82-135 (+26)
Hinton, 32, D RC, 76-88 – new signing
Bignot, 24, DR, 75-109 – new signing
Moxey, 26, D/WB/AM L, 75-91 – new signing
Garry, 26, D LC, 75-89 – new signing
O'Leary, 32, D RC/DM, 74-90 – new signing
Bryant, 16, DC, 72-176 – new signing
Brown, 25, M LC, 72-100 – new signing
Bavidge, 30, ST, 71-95 – new signing
Riley, 17, MC, 67-137 – new signing
Crook, 19, AMC, 66-84 – new signing
Spender, 23, D/WB R, 65-92 (+3)
Coughlan, 35, DC, 64-125 – new signing
Klein-Davis, 20, ST, 60-69 (+2)
Sinclair, 37, AMR, 58-157 – new signing
Inglis, 18, GK, 58-127 (+3)

Players in last season’s top 20 who have left the club:
Walker, 21, D RC, 36-65
Robinson, 18, ST, 34-87
McFadden, 22, AML/ST, 31-47
Morrison, 28, MC, 25-50
Farid, 26, MC, 21-88

Players in last season’s top 20 who have dropped out of the top 20:
Hatton, 22, D/MC, 50-70 (+2)
Matthews, 27, WB RL/AM RLC, 44-51 (-)
Johnston, 27, AM RLC/FC, 43-52 (+3)
Walton, 19, DC, 41-95 (+12)

It is always a good thing when players such as Walton are gaining a great deal of CA but still dropping of the list. With two of the only three 100 CA players in the league, it is no wonder the Bandits are flying, and they have a bigger squad than this time last year. Bryant looks like a stunning talent.

Notable others:
None

CA of X or above:

190 : 00, 00
180 : 00, 00
170 : 00, 00
160 : 00, 00
150 : 00, 00
140 : 00, 00
130 : 00, 00
120 : 00, 00
110 : 00, 01
100 : 00, 02
090 : 00, 03
080 : 00, 05
070 : 00, 13
060 : 01, 18
050 : 03, 23

The squad is infinitely deeper and more talented than this time last season, from top to bottom.

[kipfizh]

Sheriffs report - squad

Top 20 in Squad (sorted by CA)

Name, Pos, Age, CA-PA

Philliskirk, 19, MC, 88-146 – new signing
Godsmark, 20, AM RLC, FC, 88-127 – new signing
Afzal, 19, D RC, 83-122 – new signing
Ifil, 23, D/WB R, 83-115 – new signing
Harris, 19, D/M C, 82-132 – new signing
Elding, 28, ST, 82-105 – new signing
Pead, 28, D/WB R, M RC, 79-107 – new signing
Newey, 27, DL, 76-85 – new signing
Miller, 17, MR, 71-177 (+5)
Taylor, 18, ST, 67-89 – new signing
Underwood, 17, GK, 65-156 – promoted from youth academy
Rigley, 21, D/M L, 65-100 (+26)
Smith, 17, ST, 64-132 – promoted from youth academy
Brown, 31, AM/F C, 61-95 – new signing
Griffin, 30, ST, 54-71 (-)
Binns, 28, AM L, 52-85 – new signing
Clifford, 18, DC, 51-105 (+4)
Thom, 20, DC, 49-107 (+16)
Skelton, 17, D/M C, 49-104 – promoted from youth academy
Creaney, 21, D LC, 49-89 – new signing

Players in last season’s top 20 who have left the club:
Hands, 24, MC, 36-50
Swaney, 21, D RC, 35-60
Bull, 20, ST, 26-65
Bennett, 33, AML, 24-50

Players in last season’s top 20 who have dropped out of the top 20:
Lees, 17, MC, 49-73 (+4)
Jones, 18, MC, 48-115 (+1)
Fairclough, 18, ST, 47-110 (+6)
Martin, 18, GK, 46-111 (+5)
Rigby, 21, GK, 46-51 (-)
Garvey, 17, DC, 40-40 (-)
Whittingham, 17, MC, 39-53 (+1)
Hook, 17, DC, 38-112 (+5)
Ormand, 20, GK, 30-89 (+5)
Tully, 34, D RC/MC, 24-73 (-11)

Whatever Rigley and Thom are eating for breakfast, I want some – they both make massive improvements, and across the board, the squad is spectacularly better than last season. For the Bandits, such an improvement was expected with the rise in division, but the Sheriffs have gone nowhere but completely revamped their squad.

Notable others:
None

CA of X or above:

190 : 00, 00
180 : 00, 00
170 : 00, 00
160 : 00, 00
150 : 00, 00
140 : 00, 00
130 : 00, 00
120 : 00, 00
110 : 00, 00
100 : 00, 00
090 : 00, 00
080 : 00, 06
070 : 00, 09
060 : 01, 14
050 : 02, 17

They haven't gone up yet, but with this squad it is no wonder they are doing well in the Blue Square South – they've already got the squad for the division above.

[kipfizh]

Club reports – January-May

Both the Bandits and the Sheriffs started the year in such a strong position that neither felt the need to change their squads in any way. Would it backfire?

The year opened with the FA Cup, and a trip to Norwich for the Bandits. It would be a disappointing day, ending in a 2-0 defeat, but the run had again been good for the club's reputation. Back to league matters, and 2010 started badly there too with defeat to Kidderminster, before Lewes were dispatched in the FA Trophy.

The Bandits then defeated Torquay 5-4 in a remarkable league game that did neither defence any good, but it sparked a great run on form as they took 28 points from 30 to all but cement their promotion, while progressing to the semi finals of the FA Trophy with comfortable victories over Solihull Moors and Weston-super-Mare.

Meanwhile, down in the Blue Square South, the Sheriffs were also making strides towards promotion, winning the vast majority of their games comfortably, and losing only to AFC Wimbledon in the early stages of 2010. Ebbsfleet and Tamworth were also defeated in the FA Trophy, but any hopes of a showdown with the Bandits were ended when York hammered them 3-0 in round four.

That defeat seemed to dent their confidence, a couple of poor 0-0 draws reducing their lead in the league slightly, but they bounced back, winning the last ten games of the season to take the title by a massive 23 points, sealing their rise to the Blue Square Premier.

The only question was whether the Bandits would still be there next season, or whether they'd have moved up to league football. But first the Bandits had the small matter of an FA Trophy semi final against holders Crawley.

The tie started badly with a 1-0 defeat in the home leg, and that defeat seemed to dent their confidence in the same way the Sheriffs had suffered from their cup defeat. The Bandits then drew 0-0 at home to Darlington, and lost 1-0 at home to Luton. Those would be the only three home games of the season they failed to score in.

Fortunately, they woke from their slumber for the second leg, winning 2-0 at Crawley to move into the final, where they would play York, conquerors of the Sheriffs. Before that, however, they had eight league games to play, and they won the lot, finishing the season with 116 points, 26 ahead of their nearest rivals.

So they went into their first cup final with a great deal of confidence, and Wembley was packed. York were out to spoil the party, however, and took the lead in the first half, before young Crook equalised for the Bandits. With the match heading for extra time, there was to be one final twist, and it was fully deserved – Liam Dickinson, signed from Derby in the summer, scored his 46th (yes, 46th) goal of an incredible campaign to win the FA Trophy for the Bandits, in the third minute of stoppage time.

It capped a remarkable season by a remarkable group of players, plenty of which will be able to cope with League Two. Will the manager trust them, or sign even better players?

Bandit Honours:
Blue Square Premier (2010)
Blue Square South (2009)
FA Trophy (2010)

Sheriff Honours:
Blue Square South (2010)

[kipfizh]

Bandits report - Season summary

2008-09
Blue Square South: (Pos 1), P 42, W 37, D 4, L 1, F 112, A 15, GD +97, Pts 115
(Media Prediction: 8th)
FA Cup: Third Round
FA Trophy: Fourth Round
Setanta Shield: Semi Final
2009-10
Blue Square Premier: (Pos 1), P 46, W 37, D 5, L 4, F 122, A 29, GD +93, Pts 116
(Media Prediction: 20th)
League
FA Cup: Third Round
FA Trophy: Winners
Setanta Shield: South Fourth Round

[kipfizh]

Sheriffs report - Season summary

2008-09
Blue Square South: (Pos 2), P 42, W 26, D 4, L 12, F 72, A 37, GD +35, Pts 82
(Media Prediction: 22nd)
FA Cup: Fourth Qualifying Round
FA Trophy: Second Round
Setanta Shield: South Second Round
2009-10
Blue Square South: (Pos 1), P 42, W 35, D 5, L 2, F 105, A 22, GD +83, Pts 110
(Media Prediction: 10th)
League
FA Cup: First Round
FA Trophy: Fourth Round
Setanta Shield: South First Round

[kipfizh]

Bandits report - Best and Worst

General
Stats

New records:
Too many to mention

This season:

Best player – Dickinson, 7.59
Top scorer – Dickinson, 46
Worst player – Coughlan, 6.95

Liam Dickinson had an amazing season – 46 goals, 24 assists, 16 man of the match awards – what a player.

Finance:

The Bandits and the Sheriffs continue to dominate the rich list.
Rich Clubs

Bandits Balance – £80.5m (+£17.2m), with a transfer budget of around £39m.
Sheriffs Balance - £32.3m (+£1.8m), with a transfer budget of around £20m.

[kipfizh]

Player reports - Superstars

Goalkeeper 1 (Argentina)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 30, Conc 11, Cln 22, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.31
Transfers to Sunderland for £1.9m
2008-09, Sunderland, CA 158: Apps 12, Conc 14, Cln 5, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 6.78
2009-10, Sunderland, CA 170: Apps 46, Conc 53, Cln 16, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.03

Notes: Is Sunderland's best player in a successful fight against relegation from the Premiership, and makes his international choice, playing twice for Argentina.

Goalkeeper 2 (England/Brazil)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 153: Apps 22 (1), Conc 14, Cln 12, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.01
Transfers to Rangers for £525k
2009-10, Rangers, CA 166: Apps 54, Conc 33, Cln 30, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.95

Notes: Moves to Rangers, becomes first choice, has a decent season, and picks up the Scottish league title and Co-op cup in his first season. Seems to be leaning towards playing for Brazil after making six youth appearances.

Left Back 1 (England/Croatia)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 22, Gls 1, Asts 7, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.21
Transfers to Everton for £625k
2008-09, Everton, CA 161: Apps 11, Gls 1, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.81
Transfers to Arsenal for £7.5m
2009-10, Arsenal, CA 181: Apps 42 (2), Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.11

Notes: After just one season at Everton, he makes another step up with a big money move to Arsenal, where he ousts Clichy from the team and becomes a regular, lifting the FA Cup. Still plays for England at Under 21 level.

Left Back 2 (England/Denmark)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 156: Apps 41 (1), Gls 1, Asts 16, MoM 8, YC 7, RC 1, Avg 7.35
Transfers to West Ham for £650k
2009-10, West Ham, CA 181: Apps 40, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.05

Notes: Makes his move to the Premiership and plays well for West Ham, as they successfully avoid relegation. Still an England Under 21 international.

Right Back 1 (England)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 36, Gls 1, Asts 16, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.48
Transfers to Fulham for £1.2m
2008-09, Fulham, CA 165: Apps 10, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.52
2009-10, Fulham, CA 182: Apps 42, Gls 4, Asts 6, MoM 3, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.03

Notes: Remains at Fulham and greatly improves both his ability and performance, as Fulham finish eleventh in the Premiership. Becomes a full England international, winning his first two caps.

Right Back 2 (England/France)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 6, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.72
Transfers to Rennes for £220k
2008-09, Rennes, CA 155: Apps 9, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.84
2009-10, Rennes, CA 155: Apps 1, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.00
Transfers to Man City for £11m
2009-10, Man City, CA 175: Apps 35 (1), Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.87

Notes: Doesn't stay in France very long before Man City come in with a big money offer, taking him to Eastlands, where he makes a reasonable start without being spectacular. Is a regular in the French Under 21 side.

Centre Back 1 (England/Germany)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 35, Gls 1, Asts 6, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.08
Transfers to Fulham for £1.4m
2008-09, Fulham, CA 165: Apps 15, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.83
2009-10, Fulham, CA 179: Apps 42, Gls 5, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 6.84

Notes: Remains at Fulham for another season but again fails to greatly impress, playing adequately but not starring. Is improving in ability, however, but has still be completely ignored by both English and German international setups.

Centre Back 2 (Holland)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 25, Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.36
Transfers to Lyon for £775k
2008-09, Lyon, CA 157: Apps 2, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.35
2009-10, Lyon, CA 169: Apps 34 (4), Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.84

Notes: Settles into his Lyon role, winning the French league and League Cup in his first full season in the side. Has now made his international debut for Holland.

Centre Back 3 (Italy)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 9, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.28
Transfers to Chievo for £75k
2008-09, Chievo, CA 157: Apps 16, Gls 1, Asts 0, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.67
Transfers to Sampdoria for £3.5m
2009-10, Sampdoria, CA 174: Apps 50, Gls 3, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.93

Notes: After Chievo were relegated to Serie B, he moved back to the top flight, joining Sampdoria, and had a decent season, with his club finishing seventh in Serie A. Has already made his international choice and played three times for Italy.

Centre Back 4 (England/Jamaica)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 9 (1), Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.09
Transfers to Hibernian for £30k
2008-09, Hibernian, CA 154: Apps 14, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 6.68
2009-10, Hibernian, CA 154: Apps 2, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.90
Transfers to West Brom for £2.5m
2009-10, West Brom, CA 173: Apps 40, Gls 2, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 6.86

Notes: After starting well for Hibernian, he moves back into English football, joining West Brom and playing to a decent standard in a side that finishes tenth. Still a regular in the England Under 21s.

Left Mid 1 (England)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 23 (2), Gls 10, Asts 10, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.03
Transfers to Man City for £1.1m
2008-09, Man City, CA 165: Apps 6, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.45
Transfers to West Brom for £10.5m
2009-10, West Brom, CA 179: Apps 39, Gls 8, Asts 8, MoM 5, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.12

Notes: Joins Centre Back 4 in moving to West Brom, who are assembling a decent side. Plays very well, and consistently, as West Brom reached tenth. Has been recognised by winning two full England caps.

Left Mid 2 (England)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 16 (1), Gls 6, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.06
Transfers to Everton for £1m
2008-09, Everton, CA 167: Apps 17, Gls 2, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 6.60
Transfers to Chelsea for £8.75m
2009-10, Chelsea, CA 184: Apps 50 (2), Gls 11, Asts 19, MoM 6, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.19

Notes: Makes a huge move, joining Chelsea and playing exceptionally well in his first season there, directly involved in thirty goals. His outstanding form catches the eye of Fabio Capello, who gives him four England caps, and he responds with three goals. Looks special.

Right Mid 1 (England/Mexico)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 30, Gls 11, Asts 11, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.11
Transfers to Blackburn for £1.3m
2008-09, Blackburn, CA 165: Apps 14, Gls 6, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.91
2009-10, Blackburn, CA 165: Apps 7, Gls 2, Asts 4, MoM 2, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.44
Transfers to AC Milan for £14.5m
2009-10, AC Milan, CA 177: Apps 2 (5), Gls 1, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.80

Notes: Makes a decent start to the season with Blackburn, and attracts the attention of AC Milan, who pay a massive fee to bring him in. So far, he has been a bit part player, but has the opportunity at a massive club now. Is a regular in the England Under 21 setup.

Right Mid 2 (England/New Zealand)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 11 (1), Gls 4, Asts 8, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.26
Transfers to Rangers for £220k
2008-09, Rangers, CA 160: Apps 19, Gls 4, Asts 4, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.58
Transfers to Liverpool for £7.5m
2009-10, Liverpool, CA 178: Apps 34 (5), Gls 4, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.03

Notes: Makes his big move in the summer, joining Liverpool, but while he has a good season from a personal point of view, it proves a frustrating one for his club, as they finish outside the top four, ousted by Everton, their great rivals. Plays regularly for England Under 21s.

Centre Mid 1 (England/Oman)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 155: Apps 52 (1), Gls 17, Asts 13, MoM 2, YC 9, RC 1, Avg 6.93
Transfers to Middlesbrough for £1.1m
2009-10, Middlebrough, CA 176: Apps 40, Gls 10, Asts 3, MoM 7, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.16

Notes: Leaves the Bandits after one season, joining Middlesbrough and taking no time to settle in. He plays better than any other Boro player as they finish a healthy thirteenth, and plays regularly for England Under 21s.

Centre Mid 2 (Portugal)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 31 (1), Gls 10, Asts 11, MoM 2, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.04
Transfers to Sporting for £1.1m
2008-09, Sporting, CA 163: Apps 17, Gls 3, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 6.86
2009-10, Sporting, CA 179: Apps 40 (3), Gls 12, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.22

Notes: Remains at Sporting Lisbon for another season, plays extremely well throughout the campaign, but the club founds itself ousted by Benfica and Porto, who knock them into third in the league, before beating Sporting once each in the two domestic cup finals. But he plays five times for Portugal, scoring twice.

Centre Mid 3 (England)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 15 (4), Gls 9, Asts 4, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.21
Transfers to Bolton for £675k
2008-09, Bolton, CA 164: Apps 12, Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 6.77
Transfers to Liverpool for £16.5m
2009-10, Liverpool, CA 188: Apps 38 (1), Gls 14, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.15

Notes: Makes a massive money move to Liverpool, and begins to justify the price tag by improving his CA to a higher level than any other starlet, and performing extremely well for a teenager in the Premiership. But Liverpool fail to qualify for the Champions League in a frustrating season, although they did win the Carling Cup. Makes three appearances for England, scoring once.

Centre Mid 4 (England/Rwanda)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 4 (3), Gls 2, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.93
Transfers to Reading for £75k
2008-09, Reading, CA 154: Apps 22, Gls 3, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.71
Transfers to Hull for £2.1m
2009-10, Hull, CA 165: Apps 29, Gls 6, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.14

Notes: After helping Reading to promotion, moves on to Hull, who had had a successful first season in the Premiership. But second season syndrome kicked in, and despite playing better than every other player at the club, and Striker 4 being the second best player there, they got relegated in 18th, behind the club he left behind. All this strife leaves him with the lowest CA of any starlet, and only a couple of England Under 21 caps, and he will surely move again this summer.

Striker 1 (England/Spain)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 165: Apps 46 (4), Gls 34, Asts 12, MoM 14, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.87
Transfers to Sevilla for £1.3m
2009-10, Sevilla, CA 178: Apps 51 (1), Gls 30, Asts 14, MoM 8, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.26

Notes: After a stunning season for the Bandits, moved to Spain and shone there too, helping Sevilla to seventh with thirty goals, an incredible haul for an eighteen year old. With seven goals in six Spain Under 21 games, it looks unlikely England will retain this one.

Striker 2 (England)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 32 (3), Gls 22, Asts 5, MoM 8, YC 9, RC 1, Avg 7.96
Transfers to Newcastle for £1.5m
2008-09, Newcastle, CA 160: Apps 12, Gls 4, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.06
2009-10, Newcastle, CA 180: Apps 34, Gls 18, Asts 9, MoM 5, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.14

Notes: Stays at Newcastle, and improves his ability by twenty points, and his performances too, scoring eighteen goals and helping his club to seventh. Has made two full England appearances, but is awaiting his first goal.

Striker 3 (England/USA)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 5 (5), Gls 6, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 8.04
Transfers to Sheff Utd for £55k
2008-09, Sheff Utd, CA 161: Apps 23, Gls 10, Asts 5, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.14
Transfers to Rangers for £2.6m
2009-10, Rangers, CA 170: Apps 52 (1), Gls 51, Asts 18, MoM 22, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.66

Notes: Wow. Well, I know the Scottish Premier League isn't exactly the strongest division in the world, but to score 51 goals in a season is still remarkable. Not only that, but he won man of the match in nearly half the games he played. Unsurprisingly, Rangers won the league (only by two points, mind), and the Co-op cup, but Capello doesn't seem to respect the SPL either, not thinking 51 goals in a season is worthy of an England cap.

Striker 4 (England/Vanuatu)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 15 (4), Gls 14, Asts 4, MoM 3, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.85
Transfers to Dundee Utd for £85k
2008-09, Dundee Utd, CA 156: Apps 18, Gls 11, Asts 1, MoM 4, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.13
Transfers to Hull for £10m
2009-10, Hull, CA 175: Apps 49, Gls 24, Asts 9, MoM 8, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.09

Notes: Hull's success last season gave them the money to spend on players such as Striker 4, but despite his goals they found themselves 18th and relegated from the Premiership at the end of the season. Not his fault – he had a great year, but has decided he needs to leave now, and hasn't yet got beyond the England Under 21 side.

[kipfizh]

Player reports - Idiots

Idiot Goalkeeper (England/Wales)
2008-09, Sheriffs, CA 150: Apps 51, Conc 46, Cln 22, MoM 5, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 6.99
Transfers to Falkirk for £80k
2009-10, Falkirk, CA 150: Apps 25, Conc 26, Cln 11, MoM 1, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.84
Transfers to West Brom for £2.7m
2009-10, West Brom, CA 150: Apps 16, Conc 15, Cln 6, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.94

Notes: The new Lassana Diarra, he moves twice in one season, first to Falkirk in the summer, where he plays okay, and then to West Brom when Falkirk begin to struggle. Shortly before his move to West Brom, he was furious at his manager for rejecting a bid from Man City. He is still around the England Under 21 side, but hasn't made the full team, and his CA is going nowhere.

Idiot Defender (England/Northern Mariana)
2008-09, Sheriffs, CA 150: Apps 5, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.46
Transfers to Blackburn for £700k
2008-09, Blackburn, CA 145: Apps 18, Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 3, Avg 6.64
Transfers to Hull for £5.25m
2009-10, Hull, CA 145: Apps 37, Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 0, YC 9, RC 0, Avg 6.48

Notes: And now Hull's relegation becomes clear. Despite having Centre Mid 4 and Striker 4 performing really well, Hull were relegated this season, and that is in no small part down to Idiot Defender's abysmal attitude and performance levels. Having made a move each summer, another is now inevitable, as he is nowhere near the full England side.

Idiot Midfielder (England/Yemen)
2008-09, Sheriffs, CA 150: Apps 23, Gls 9, Asts 9, MoM 0, YC 12, RC 3, Avg 6.80
Transfers to Celtic for £1m
2008-09, Celtic, CA 150: Apps 15 (3), Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 6.46
2009-10, Celtic, CA 150: Apps 1, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.20
Transfers to Aston Villa for £8.25m
2009-10, Aston Villa, CA 149: Apps 31 (3), Gls 1, Asts 4, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.94

Notes: After a single game for Celtic in the early season, makes a big money move to Villa, which sees his play okay, but his CA drop by a point. Doesn't get involved in enough goals, but isn't the troublemaker than some of his former Sheriff colleagues have already been. Has played twice for England Under 21s.

Idiot Striker (England/Zambia)
2008-09, Sheriffs, CA 150: Apps 5, Gls 5, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.46
Transfers to Blackburn for £775k
2008-09, Blackburn, CA 149: Apps 2 (2), Gls 1, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.67
Transfers to Hull for £4m
2009-10, Hull, CA 149: Apps 39 (4), Gls 7, Asts 8, MoM 0, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 6.71

Notes: Hull need to be an example for everyone. You're a successful club, you buy two starlets, everything is great. You buy two idiots, and suddenly you're relegated. Coincidence? I think not. Isn't playing well, and hasn't made a full international appearance yet, restricted to the England Under 21 side.

[kipfizh]

Competitions - England

Premiership

Chelsea win the Premiership, breaking Man Utd's strangehold on it, and sending the holders down to fourth. Arsenal finish second, but the most impressive performance comes from Everton, who rise to third. Liverpool finish fifth, nine points away from the top four.

Hull's capture of two idiots sends them in a downward spiral, despite two starlets trying to save them, and they are relegated along with Birmingham and Preston.

Arsenal hammered Man City 3-0 in the FA Cup final, in a year where no side from outside the Premiership reached the quarter final. That was also true of the League Cup, but it did have a remarkable final between Spurs and Liverpool.

Liverpool looked in total control, 3-0 inside half an hour, but by half time it was 3-2 and a late O'Hara goal sent the game to extra time. Torres restored Liverpool's advantage in the extra period, before Pavlyuchenko levelled again, and the final went to penalties. Liverpool finally prevailed 5-4 when Huddlestone missed. Centre Mid 3 scored the opening penalty for Liverpool.

Chelsea were denied in their attempt to retain the Champions League, Valencia beating them 3-1 in the final, while Atletico Madrid easily won the UEFA Cup, hammering Fiorentina 4-0. Spurs were the last English casualty, reaching the semis.

[kipfizh]

Premiership Analysis - Reputation

(league position in bold)
1 (2). Chelsea (1) – 9401 (+18)
2 (1). Man Utd (4) – 9307 (-91)
3 (3). Liverpool (5) – 8977 (-229)
4 (4). Arsenal (2) – 8893 (+13)
5 (5). Tottenham (9) – 7615 (+132)
6 (7). Everton (3) – 7475 (+310)
7 (6). Man City (8) – 7288 (+53)
8 (8). Aston Villa (6) – 7209 (+176)
9 (9). Newcastle (7) – 7072 (+102)
10 (10). Blackburn (17) – 7005 (+154)
11 (12). Middlesbrough (13) – 6858 (+100)
12 (11). West Ham (15) – 6826 (-12)
13 (13). Bolton (12) – 6612 (+40)
14 (15). West Brom (10) – 6542 (+367)
15 (14). Sunderland (16) – 6435 (+45)
16 (16). Fulham (11) – 6335 (+200)
17 (-). Reading (14) – 6214 (+107)
18 (20). Hull (18) – 5808 (+113)
19 (-). Birmingham (19) – 5802 (-524)
20 (-). Preston (20) – 5798 (+17)

Promoted sides
Portsmouth – 6383 (+581)
Stoke – 6276 (+507)
Wolves - 5940

Elsewhere

Bandits – 2015 (+560)
Sheriffs – 1477 (+454)

Not a huge amount of positional changes in the Premiership, but Chelsea's title win takes them to the top, pushing United down to second place. Elsewhere, Everton's impressive third placed finish sees them rise well, as to West Brom.

Of the promoted sides, Portsmouth and Stoke immediately bounce back to the top flight, and are much better positioned to stay up this time, but Wolves look in danger.

The Bandits and the Sheriffs both make big strides with their promotions, although both are likely to be tipped for the drop in their new divisions.

Overachievers : Everton, West Brom
Underachievers : Liverpool
Title Prediction : Arsenal to rise to the top
Relegation Prediction : Reading, Stoke and Wolves to go down

[kipfizh]

Competitions – Blue Square Premier

Best players in the Blue Square Premier:

1 (-). Kilbey (Bandits, 19, AMC, 115-157)
2 (-). Parker (Bandits, 22, D/AM L, 104-125)
3 (-). Pilkington (Luton, 28, D RC, 104-125)
4 (-). Parkin (Luton, 29, ST, 98-127)
5 (-). Craddock (Luton, 18, ST, 98-110)
6 (-). Osano (Rushden, 23, D RC/MR, 96-120)
7 (-). Dickinson (Bandits, 24, ST, 95-97)
8 (-). Gilbert (York, 26, DL, 94-123)
9 (-). Mazel (Oxford, 27, D RC, 94-120)
10 (-). Laird (Stevenage, 24, MC, 94-119)

The Bandits have the best two players in the league, plus the remarkable striker Dickinson, who destroyed the Blue Square Premier this season. It is also a surprise to see Luton fail to get promoted, with players in positions three, four and five.

[kipfizh]

Competitions – Blue Square South

Best players in the Blue Square South:

1 (-). Philliskirk (Sheriffs, 19, MC, 88-146)
2 (-). Godsmark (Sheriffs, 20, AM RLC, FC, 88-127)
3 (-). Afzal (Sheriffs, 19, D RC, 83-122)
4 (-). Ifil (Sheriffs, 23, D/WB R, 83-115)
5 (-). Harris (Sheriffs, 19, D/M C, 82-132)
6 (-). Elding (Sheriffs, 28, ST, 82-105)
7 (-). Atkinson (Bath, 21, M RL, 79-110)
8 (-). Pead (Sheriffs, 28, D/WB R, M RC, 79-107)
9 (-). Charnock (Forest Green, 25, DC, 79-85)
10 (-). Young (Welling, 24, GK, 78-110)

The Sheriffs utterly dominate the list, so their promotion is no surprise whatsoever.

[kipfizh]

Competitions – Around the world

Your annual guide to the major competition winners from across the globe:

[number in brackets after a win indicates how many consecutive wins that club has now had]

World

World Club Cup – Chelsea

Europe

Champions League – Valencia
UEFA Cup – Atletico Madrid

Belgium
Jupiler Pro League – AA Gent (Relegated – Roeselare, Lierse)
Confidis Cup – Standard Liege

England
Premiership – Chelsea (Relegated – Hull, Birmingham, Preston)
FA Cup – Arsenal
League Cup - Liverpool

France
Ligue 1 – Lyon (2) (Relegated – Nantes, Ajaccio, Bastia)
Coupe de France – Marseille
Coupe de la Ligue – Lyon (2)

Germany
Bundesliga – Bayern Munich (2) (Relegated – Nurnberg, Bochum)
DFB-Pokal – Bayern Munich (2)

Italy
Serie A – Fiorentina (Relegated – Bologna, Empoli, Livorno)
Italian Cup – Juventus

Netherlands
Eredivisie – Ajax (Relegated – De Graafschap, Den Bosch, Heracles)
Dutch Cup – Ajax

Portugal
Liga Sagres – Benfica (2) (Relegated – Estrela da Amadora, Leiria)
Taca de Portugal – Porto (2)
Carlsberg Cup – Benfica (2)

Scotland
SPL – Rangers (2) (Relegated – St Mirren)
Scottish Cup – Celtic (2)
Co-operative Cup – Rangers (2)

Spain
La Liga – Real Madrid (2) (Relegated – Recreativo, Sporting, Espanyol)
Copa del Rey – Real Madrid

South America

Copa Libertadores – Palmeiras
Copa Sudamericana – Cruz Azul

Argentina
Primera A – River Plate (2) (Relegated – Belgrano, Union)

Brazil
Brasileiro – Santos (Relegated – Sport Recife, Sao Caetano, Avai, Santo Andre)
Copa do Brasil – Coritiba

International
World Cup – n/a
African Cup of Nations – Senegal
Asian Cup – n/a
European Championships – n/a
Gold Cup – n/a
Oceania Nations Cup – New Zealand
Copa America – n/a
Confederations Cup – n/a
Olympics – n/a

[kipfizh]

Summary

The Bandits have another fine season, winning the Blue Square Premier at the first attempt to become a league club after only two seasons, and confirming their dominance of non league football by lifting the FA Trophy.

There were stars all over the players, but none more than strike Liam Dickinson, who scored an incredible 46 goals in the season, striking fear into the heart of every opponent. He even added 24 assists. Beyond that, Bavidge and Kilbey scored 32 and 20 respectively, while left winger Dean Moxey managed 23 assists.

The Sheriffs are hot on their heels, however, after winning the Blue Square South at the second attempt, making a mockery of their initially poor reputation to let the money do the talking – they bought well in the summer and started the season with comfortably the best set of players in the division. And it showed.

The starlets continue to move around, and a couple have now made international debuts – with a World Cup this summer, will any of them go?

Chelsea rose to the summit of English football, but all the big clubs will be looking over their shoulders at the juggernauts coming up from the lower leagues.

Hull, meanwhile, are the perfect example of what idiots can do to you. They finished sixth in the Premiership last season, then bought two starlets, who turned out to be their best two performers in the season. All seemed good for another excellent season, but unfortunately they also signed two idiots, which appeared to bring down the performance level of the whole team. They ended up getting relegated.

Bandit’s former manager watch

No former managers

[kipfizh]

World View – Club Reputation

The top twenty clubs in the world, based on their reputation:

1 (4). Chelsea – 9401 (+18)
2 (1). Real Madrid – 9378 (-115)
3 (3). Man Utd – 9307 (-91)
4 (2). Barcelona – 9264 (-226)
5 (12). Valencia – 9073 (+428)
6 (6). Inter Milan – 8992 (+158)
7 (5). Liverpool – 8977 (-229)
8 (8). Arsenal – 8893 (+13)
9 (9). Bayern Munich – 8730 (-55)
10 (7). AC Milan – 8639 (-261)
11 (10). Juventus – 8626 (-110)
12 (11). Sevilla – 8499 (-168)
13 (13). Roma – 8480 (+31)
14 (17). Fiorentina – 8433 (+333)
15 (14). Lyon – 8386 (-61)
16 (16). Porto – 8072 (-107)
17 (-). Galatasaray – 8005
18 (-). Atletico Madrid – 7973
19 (18). Benfica – 7962 (-109)
20 (20). River Plate – 7903 (-50)

Dropping out:
28 (19). Boca Juniors – 7712 (-255)
29 (15). Real Zaragoza – 7700 (-617)

[kipfizh]

World View - Ones to watch

Your annual guide to the stars of tomorrow:

Steve Tucker (Motherwell/England, 17, D RC, 100/197) is a versatile centre back who has already moved clubs twice in his first season. Starting at Dundee Utd, he moved to Celtic, only to move on to Motherwell just six months later. He already plays first team football for Motherwell, and is doing okay.

Previous tips

Loic Pelletier (Troyes/France, 17, MC, 94/197) gains eight points of CA, remaining at Troyes, where he is still to make his first team debut.

[kipfizh]

World View - World beaters

Kaka (AC Milan/Brazil, 28, AM C, 194/195) remains one short of his massive potential, and has another good season for Milan, not outstanding, but decent.
Kaka

Lionel Messi (Barcelona/Argentina, 22, AM RLC, 194/195) also stays one point from his potential, and has another excellent season for Barcelona, although ultimately a trophyless one.
Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo (Man United/Portugal, 25, AM RL, 194/195) gains another two CA points to draw level with Kaka and Messi, and despite missing a fair chunk of the season through injury, performs well whenever around.
Cristiano Ronaldo

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid/Spain, 29, GK, 191/192) arrives on the list, having had another good season for Real Madrid, winning the Spanish double.
Iker Casillas

Number of 190+ CA players : 4 (+1) (excluding starlets and idiots)
Number of 180+ CA players : 28 (+10) (excluding starlets and idiots)
Number of 170+ CA players : 114 (+29) (excluding starlets and idiots)

Number of 190+ PA players : 24 (-) (excluding starlets and idiots)
Number of 180+ PA players : 156 (+10) (excluding starlets and idiots)
Number of 170+ PA players : 599 (+68) (excluding starlets and idiots)

It seems that the initial database contains few stars, but many more than will become stars. At the start of the game, there were only 60 players with a CA of 170, and just two years later, that has nearly doubled to 114.

[kipfizh]

World View - Distribution of 180+ CA players

(excluding starlets and idiots)

The clubs

Man Utd – 4 (+2) (194, 183, 181, 180)
Real Madrid – 4 (+1) (191, 184, 183, 181)
AC Milan – 3 (+2) (194, 181, 180)
Liverpool – 3 (+1) (187, 183, 180)
Chelsea – 3 (-) (187, 182, 180)
Barcelona – 2 (-) (194, 180)
Arsenal – 2 (+1) (188, 184)
Juventus – 1 (-) (188)
Atletico Madrid – 1 (-) (186)
Lyon – 1 (-) (186)
Roma – 1 (-) (184)
Valencia – 1 (+1) (180)
Bayer Leverkusen – 1 (+1) (180)
Fiorentina – 1 (+1) (180)
Total – 28 (+10)

Man Utd and Real Madrid now lead the way, while Valencia, Leverkusen and Fiorentina appear on the list for the first time.

The leagues

England – 12 (+4)
Spain – 8 (+2)
Italy – 6 (+3)
France – 1 (-)
Germany – 1 (+1)
Total – 28 (+10)

The Premiership extends its lead, and Germany appear on the list.

The nationalities

Spain – 6 (+1)
Argentina – 4 (+2)
Italy – 4 (+2)
England – 4 (+1)
France – 3 (+1)
Brazil – 1 (-)
Portugal – 1 (-)
Ghana – 1 (-)
Mexico – 1 (+1)
Czech Rep – 1 (-)
Macedonia – 1 (+1)
Germany – 1 (+1)
Total – 28 (+6)

Spain are looking pretty strong going into the World Cup, while Mexico, Macedonia and Germany now have representation on the list.

[crafty bison]

What a great surprise to see an update. And TOM KILBEY! - what a signing!

[Whoopy D]

I don't care what league you're playing in, 51 goals is impressive and clearly Striker 3 needs to be in the England squad.

Great work as usual kip

[roberto922]

Fantastic update kip \o/

[BenArsenal]

Awesome.

I noticed one thing. Those with second nationalities of so-called smaller nations, tend to be end up playing for England, while those whose second nationalities are of bigger nations (Spain, Italy, Portugal) play for them instead.

I would have thought it would be the other way around, but turns out that they are perhaps too good that the major nations snap them up before the smaller nations could.

[Martin_]

Both teams flying, I think the Premiership may beckon in the next ten years for both!

[Denther]

Fantastic update kip

Bandits and Sheriffs to go up again next season I reckon

[deltablue]

wow. what a season on so many levels.

[el sid]

Striker 3 and 1 need to be in the England squad tbh.
Nice to see Chelsea on top too
KUTGW mate

[John Problem]

Awesome work Kip, glad you're feeling better

[Tomaldinho]

The managers of the Bandits and Sheriffs are clearly making the most of their clubs resources, hopefully both will go mental in the transfer window again and bring in another batch of players who should be playing higher up the league structure. I'm hoping for both of them to go up at the first attempt.

Fantastic updates Kip, makes for a great read. Cheers for doing it at lunchtime again too!

[ubik]

Great update Kip and thanks to Hull for conducting their own "2 Starlets and 2 Idiots" experiment - a cautionary tale for any premiership club I think!

[wisescummer]

With regard to the smaller nations debate, if you were a wonderkid and had the choice between playing for England or Vanuatu, which would you choose? I am curious as to why none of the players with a big nation second nationality choose England though. Also One of the most interesting things for me is going to be seeing if the OldFirm ever go into decline. I mean, they've dominated Scotland for a hundred years, will this just continue?

[BenArsenal]

With regard to the smaller nations debate, if you were a wonderkid and had the choice between playing for England or Vanuatu, which would you choose? I am curious as to why none of the players with a big nation second nationality choose England though. Also One of the most interesting things for me is going to be seeing if the OldFirm ever go into decline. I mean, they've dominated Scotland for a hundred years, will this just continue?

It should be much the same as the 'big club reserve' vs 'small club first-teamer' dilemma. Whether to choose a big nation but potentially play a handful of matches as backup to other quality players, or choose a small nation but become an influential force.

I cna see why some will choose one over the other. It's not always that straightforward though I feel.

[kipfizh]

It should be much the same as the 'big club reserve' vs 'small club first-teamer' dilemma. Whether to choose a big nation but potentially play a handful of matches as backup to other quality players, or choose a small nation but become an influential force.

I cna see why some will choose one over the other. It's not always that straightforward though I feel.

What might be more interesting is - if the idiots continue to be ignored by the national team, will they switch?

[BenArsenal]

What might be more interesting is - if the idiots continue to be ignored by the national team, will they switch?

There could be the possibility, save for the Northern Mariana one. They don't play many matches.

Would be fun to have an idiot Welsh goalkeeper though.

[Adamw]

Haha, Bandits worse player has average rating of 6.95

League Two trophy and JP Trophy winners next year for the Bandits me thinks. Sheriffs will also go up, but only through the play-offs.

[Wegason]

The managers of the Bandits and Sheriffs are clearly making the most of their clubs resources, hopefully both will go mental in the transfer window again and bring in another batch of players who should be playing higher up the league structure. I'm hoping for both of them to go up at the first attempt.

Fantastic updates Kip, makes for a great read. Cheers for doing it at lunchtime again too!

Indeed.

I can't honestly say I expected the Sheriffs to go up, especially as I didn't think they're manager had been coded to be any good, but he made astute signings and it looks like they might following the Bandits up the league one year behind.

As for the Bandits, if they retain the services of their manager, they could soon be playing Premiership football by 2015, much earlier than I expected.

[Spleen!]

Great read as always Kip

[AB-forever]

Great update as always Kip

[mr8kc]

Player reports - Superstars
Centre Mid 3 (England)
2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 15 (4), Gls 9, Asts 4, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.21
Transfers to Bolton for £675k
2008-09, Bolton, CA 164: Apps 12, Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 6.77
Transfers to Liverpool for £16.5m
2009-10, Liverpool, CA 188: Apps 38 (1), Gls 14, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.15

Wow. Looks like my prediction of a former Bandit World Player of the Year in 2012 may even look a little conservative with this guy on the park!

Good job as always Kip.

[FlownCanary]

Fantastic update Kip!

With all the signings made by both managers it's no surprise both teams got promoted! Bandits will probably win the JP Trophy next year though...

I had a hard time when Norwich took on the Bandits in the FA Cup! I didn't know what to do! But a time will come when The Bandits are better than Norwich, I know.

Awesome update as usual Kip, hope you're back to full health again and thanks for taking my comments on board!

KUTGW!

[hasdgfas]

Up the Sheriffs
promotion to BSP and some good signings as well looks good for the near future. I expect them to stay up but only get promoted if they make some huge signings.

[Mravac Kid]

Striker 1 *will* score a goal for Spain, giving them the win in an important match against England at some point in the future.
Probably not in the upcoming cup, but soon enough.

[civilservant]

I think it's interesting to still continue to see the idiouts CA remaining constant, these guys are going to be just like Gazza one suspects, unfulilled genuises.

[markymarky]

remarkable season! If the Bandits manager can do that with almost all free transfers and no reputation how will he do once they're cemented as a Premier League team with buckets of money?? Amazed by the rises in CA too; that in past games no one would ever be a truly world class player until into their 20s always annoyed me, good to see that it now accounts for the Messis of the world. And HOW: 188! I can imagine some of these guys (those who aren't competing with each other for places) reaching 200 caps.

Idiots, oh dear. I do hope they do something with their careers, but it doesn't look too good. I'm going to predict that Idiot Midfielder, under the watchful eye of tough guy Martin O'Neill, will develop, uh, relatively decently. Until he gets a big money move to a team with a softie manager and it all goes to hell.

[SnakeXe]

Awesome! I love these experiments, makes my day when an update comes out cheers Kip!

[VonBlade]

West Brom hoovering up the talent. Unfortunately they are hoovering up the same kind of talent that caused Hulls downfall. Idiots and Stars alike.

Great to see that the Bandits and Sheriffs have managed to keep their momentum up despite losing their gifted players (or idiots).

Although I'm slightly concerned at the relegations in the Premiership. I'm certain that reputation has too much influence and I'd be amazed if the promoted teams don't drop back straight away and that Birmingham, Hull and possibly Preston will get instant promotion.

Nice to see also that whilst some of the Bandits are making big money moves, not all of them are. The longer they can be dispersed around the leagues the better.

Amazing the difference a good manager can make to a teams progress. Hopefully the platform he builds before he gets head-hunted will stand the Bandits in good stead in the long-term.
VB

[betterspud]

Just created a PDF of the latest update, so I can take it with me to work to read through at my leisure.

If anyone wants a copy...

Rapidshare Clicky

Can't wait to get into the latest update.

[babyburns]

I think if the bandits run continues there manager might be headhunted by a bigger club, a Norwich or such like and then they might start to struggle.

[Sir_Liam]

Great update.

Not surprised by the Bandits, or the Sheriffs progress, even without their wonderkids. I always expected the rise to be a lot faster than in 07. Whether that's because of full detail being on, or improved AI, or both I don't know.

[Vintage]

yay back off my hols and theres an update! wooooo!

[Wegason]

Great update.

Not surprised by the Bandits, or the Sheriffs progress, even without their wonderkids. I always expected the rise to be a lot faster than in 07. Whether that's because of full detail being on, or improved AI, or both I don't know.

I think its a combination of full detail and the top class manager that is the reason.

[Maviarab.]

I had a hard time when Norwich took on the Bandits in the FA Cup! I didn't know what to do! But a time will come when The Bandits are better than Norwich, I know.

Was thinking exactly the same thing....torn between loyalties there...

Excellent report as usual Kip, really coming together nicely now, looking forward to the next

[StewartJRobertson]

I cant help but think if the bandits had a manager like this in the original experiment they would have tasted Premiership success.

Great update Kip. Fantastic read. I am not at all surprised about the promotions for both teams. Great signings. Im thinking they may both get promoted again this season. I have faith in these managers.

Could it be possible that the Bandits will rise fast enough to tempt some of their old starlets back to the club once they hit the big leagues? I really hope so.

On another note, hope you're feeling better Kipfizh. Get well soon and keep up the good work.

[iacovone]

The Sheriffs are promoted \o/

Be scared all you Bandit fans....

Kip - is there any chance of a "Sheriffs - best and worst" post so that us Sheriffs can get a look at the squad screenshots? If its too much trouble don't worry, and if I've missed it - shoot me

[DougyMarshall]

Great read Kip.

What a season! The manager has made more class singings in two seasons than the entire list of Bandit managers from the 1st experiment.
Not that im turning into a Sherriff fan but it was also "good" to see them getting a promotion, after all whats the point in rivarly if your rivals never play you?

And also as a real life Rangers die hard, its fantastic to see Walter Smith (presumably) sign Keeper 2 and Striker 3... helping them to 2 domestic doubles in a row.

Fantastic stuff Kip.

Hrmm... i dont see Rangers keeping those two this summer, but ill predict that they will go for a total of £20m+ and hopefully have a cheeky little percentage of their next sale tacked on as well.

We love you Bandits.

[yugo23]

Italy
Serie A – Fiorentina

How on Earth did they manage to do this? IRL it's been 40 years for them without Seria A trophy. What happened to mighty Inter?

[5ergio]

Well well. An expected outcome from a fantastic season overall but these won't be forgotten for sure:

o 51 goals for Rangers! Ohh come on! Striker 3 needs to slow down a bit or else we will be critisizing world beater strikers for scoring less than 30 a year

o Liam Dickinson. An absolute beast, tearing down any defence whatsoever.

o Anthony Elding. I recognized the name as soon as I see. Guess it's this years behavior to turn their backs to Bandits!

We'd surely see some of the wonderkids up there in World Cup stage. It'd exciting for sure. But I realized that I'm more interested in seeing the Bandits in EPL and rocking the charts there. It's the club that matters Expecting a few first teamers to join over summer for each team. Surely both will try their best to get promoted. [TEASE]But I can't see the Sheriffs making it.[/TEASE]

[MaccaB]

Cheers Kip, great update as always, thought the 2007 thread was good, but this is even better.

Was a massive bandits fan on 07, but find myself leaning towards the Sheriffs on this version.

It must be the underdog thing, Bandits had 22 great players at the start, Sheriffs had to cope with 4 idiots, everything is set-up for both clubs to do well, but the bandits do have a few more advantages.

So, with a heavy heart, I think I'll get behind the underdog and support the Sheriffs on this version.

[wisescummer]

Come on, is anybody surprised about striker 3? I mean he was the best in the 07 version. How cool would it be if he moved to Liverpool again? Plus, would it be possible to see screenshots of the superstars stats? I know you said that their stats were all dropped to 15 by the game, so it would be interesting to see if they got built up again in different ways.

[Muzgrob]

Wow, good going from both Bandits and Sheriffs, I look forward to when they both do make the same league again.

[Wegason]

If the Bandits continue their march up the leagues, could we see the wonderkids rejoin the Bandits in the future?

[Vintage]

I hope we see some wonderkids rejoining the Bandits again. or some even going to the Sheriff's. I think its going to be straight through the leagues for the Bandits the way there going. Maybe an extra season in the championship depending on the competition they'll have.

Also do you think Kip it will be an idea to include on the wonderkids section, a history of there winnings.. What they've won. Like have a roll of honour for the players, as some won cups this time. and also a list of caps etc?

[Meitheisman]

Very good read as usual Kip and I can't wait for the WC to start to see how many starlets can make it and how many are overlooked, maybe an ex Bandit could lift the trophy as early as 2010 *fingers crossed*

Regarding the clubs I'm not surprised the sheriffs got promoted and destroyed the league but the Bandits were taking years to climb up the ladder in the original experiment so I'm wondering what is making them make all the right choices this time. Is it the better chairman, the great manager, the fact that the game is on full detail, SI improving the AI... It's probably a combination of all those factors which hopefully we'll be able to weight over the years.

And at this speed if we can keep the board and manager I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bandits get their 5 promotions in 6 or 7 seasons and then getting some of the original starlets back right when they hit their prime

[Carrotdude]

Excellent update as always kip! Nice to see Wolves getting promoted for a change, never seems to happen in my FM games!

[civilservant]

The Sheriffs are going up, and will again next year... Be afraid Bandits, be very afraid.... The law is coming to get you!

[Grec]

After the second update, I think that the nations call-ups are solely based on world rankings of the countries.

And I am still confused that CB1 hasn't got a call up; license problem?

[deltablue]

The world cup will be most interesting. See who's already made it, and what difference those at lesser countries make. also a good tournament makes a world player of the year, Vonblade might turn out to be a visionary after all.

[VonBlade]

^ Thank you thank you. I've played waaaaay too much FM throughout my whole life to not know how it works.

@ Grec. It can't be licensing because England is in the game and I'm sure Kip would have applied the .. ahem .. fix to the other issue.

[Phil Macklam]

^ Thank you thank you. I've played waaaaay too much FM throughout my whole life to not know how it works.

@ Grec. It can't be licensing because England is in the game and I'm sure Kip would have applied the .. ahem .. fix to the other issue.

The ahem.....fix was supplied by myself....cough....lol

At least he now has all the correct league names etc and the other national team problems resolved as well.

Great second update Kip. Both the Bandits and Sherrifs look as if they may be on for another promotion for the 3rd season.

I personally think that 5 of the former Bandits starlets will make it to the World Cup 2010 but we will see..............?

[yugo23]

Ex-Sherrif punching ex-Bandit in the WC final.

[ljdzsgffk]

Great update Kip, I just can't wait until both the Bandits and Sheriffs are in the premiership. A rivalry to match United-Liverpool could be made

[Ihsaan]

Great update, looks like both clubs have the managers to rise through the leagues. Have I missed their reputations? I don't recall seeing them, though I've probably just missed it.

As a West Brom fan, I was delighted to see their progress until I saw they'd signed an idiot...hopefully he'll carry on performing decently until he can be ousted without controversy.

[MaccaB]

Great update, looks like both clubs have the managers to rise through the leagues. Have I missed their reputations? I don't recall seeing them, though I've probably just missed it.

As a West Brom fan, I was delighted to see their progress until I saw they'd signed an idiot...hopefully he'll carry on performing decently until he can be ousted without controversy.

Bandits and Sheriffs reputations are at the bottom of Premiership Analysis - Reputation

Elsewhere

Bandits – 2015 (+560)
Sheriffs – 1477 (+454)

[ZJ]

Great update. Really enjoying the wide spread of the players and difference in success. Good to see that managers are making a difference too and that their skills matter.

[Vintage]

Bandits and Sheriffs reputations are at the bottom of Premiership Analysis - Reputation

Elsewhere

Bandits – 2015 (+560)
Sheriffs – 1477 (+454)

I think he meant the reputation of the managers themselves, not the clubs..

[zyzzy]

Bandits – 2015 (+560)
Sheriffs – 1477 (+454)

Would it be possible to include the high/low water reputations for the leagues that the Bandits are currently playing in/advancing to? In the 2007 experiment we saw that reputation was tremendously important, and it would be interesting to see how the Bandits reputation compares to their current/former competition as they rise up the ladder.

[zyzzy]

World View - Distribution of 180+ CA players

(excluding starlets and idiots)

The clubs

Man Utd – 4 (+2) (194, 183, 181, 180)
Real Madrid – 4 (+1) (191, 184, 183, 181)
AC Milan – 3 (+2) (194, 181, 180)
Liverpool – 3 (+1) (187, 183, 180)
Chelsea – 3 (-) (187, 182, 180)
Barcelona – 2 (-) (194, 180)
Arsenal – 2 (+1) (188, 184)
Juventus – 1 (-) (188)
Atletico Madrid – 1 (-) (186)
Lyon – 1 (-) (186)
Roma – 1 (-) (184)
Valencia – 1 (+1) (180)
Bayer Leverkusen – 1 (+1) (180)
Fiorentina – 1 (+1) (180)
Total – 28 (+10)

I realize we can find the information in other parts of the report, but since the number of starlets may impact the number of "legitimate" players at the clubs, would it be possible to include the starlet count in this portion of the report as well? Leaving the stars (and idiots if they ever develop) out of the club summary list may be misleading as long as they are still playing.


example:
Real Players Starlets Idiots
Liverpool – 3 (+1) (187, 183, 180) // 2 (+2) (178, 188) // 0
Chelsea – 3 (-) (187, 182, 180) // 1 (+1) (184) // 0
Hull - 0 // 2 (+2) (165, 175) // 2 (+2) (145, 149)

Note: I'm not sure about the best way to format this and it may just be a case of too much information to present well.

[VonBlade]

Team         Number of stars       No. of Bandits           No. of idiots

Liverpool  – 3 (187, 183, 180) // 2 (+2) (178, 188)    // 0
Chelsea    – 3 (187, 182, 180) // 1 (+1) (184)         // 0
Hull       - 0                 // 2 (+2) (165, 175)    // 2 (+2) (145, 149)

Easier to fix in a code box.

[Meitheisman]

I like zyzzy's suggestion if it isn't too much extra effort for Kipfizh I'd like this addition to the reports

[zyzzy]

Oh yeah. Keep up the good work Kip. I visit this forum for the sole purpose of checking in on this experiment -- even at times like now when I havent touched the game itself for 4 months. Your presentation of the experiment is stellar and is something that I thoroughly enjoy and look forward to.

[kipfizh]

Kip - is there any chance of a "Sheriffs - best and worst" post so that us Sheriffs can get a look at the squad screenshots? If its too much trouble don't worry, and if I've missed it - shoot me

Sure - I'll include that from next season onwards.

[kipfizh]

How on Earth did they manage to do this? IRL it's been 40 years for them without Seria A trophy. What happened to mighty Inter?

Inter fell away to fifth, but it was a very close league.

[kipfizh]

Come on, is anybody surprised about striker 3? I mean he was the best in the 07 version. How cool would it be if he moved to Liverpool again? Plus, would it be possible to see screenshots of the superstars stats? I know you said that their stats were all dropped to 15 by the game, so it would be interesting to see if they got built up again in different ways.

I was cutting down the number of screenshots because it was a right pain for me - I run Windows inside a VM on linux, and my VM software doesn't support the print screen button. So I was using a linux graphics editor to scrape the screen, the resize it, and the whole thing was taking ages.

However, I've just spotted in another thread that Alt-F9 takes a screenshot inside FM09. So all is good again - each player will come with a link to a screenshot from next season.

[kipfizh]

Also do you think Kip it will be an idea to include on the wonderkids section, a history of there winnings.. What they've won. Like have a roll of honour for the players, as some won cups this time. and also a list of caps etc?

Yes, good idea - it was quite difficult to compile this at the end of their careers, would be better to track as I go along.

[kipfizh]

Regarding the clubs I'm not surprised the sheriffs got promoted and destroyed the league but the Bandits were taking years to climb up the ladder in the original experiment so I'm wondering what is making them make all the right choices this time. Is it the better chairman, the great manager, the fact that the game is on full detail, SI improving the AI... It's probably a combination of all those factors which hopefully we'll be able to weight over the years.

My suspicion is that it is heavily the manager, I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens when he leaves to see if that's right.

[kipfizh]

Great update, looks like both clubs have the managers to rise through the leagues. Have I missed their reputations? I don't recall seeing them, though I've probably just missed it.

Managers

Dream Manager – 4692 (+1325)
Idiot Manager – 3135 (+1541)

[kipfizh]

Team         Number of stars       No. of Bandits           No. of idiots

Liverpool  – 3 (187, 183, 180) // 2 (+2) (178, 188)    // 0
Chelsea    – 3 (187, 182, 180) // 1 (+1) (184)         // 0
Hull       - 0                 // 2 (+2) (165, 175)    // 2 (+2) (145, 149)

Easier to fix in a code box.

Cool, I like it like this - I'll see if I can do it this way.

[kipfizh]

World Cup 2010 - Preview

Hosts: South Africa
Holders: Italy

Group A: Chile, Italy, New Zealand, Switzerland
Group B: Australia, Brazil, Greece, Ivory Coast
Group C: Morocco, Netherlands, Turkey, USA
Group D: Japan, Mali, Spain, Sweden
Group E: Cameroon, Canada, France, Portugal
Group F: Colombia, Czech Rep, Germany, South Korea
Group G: England, Iran, Paraguay, South Africa
Group H: Argentina, Ghana, Mexico, Russia

Group H looks to be a bit nasty, with all four countries looking strong, while Groups B and F aren't particularly friendly either. England and Italy have the best draws in Groups G and A respectively.

Notable absentees: Nigeria, Denmark, Norway
Highest ranked absentee: Ireland (16th)

Starlets:
Goalkeeper 1 (Argentina)
Centre Back 2 (Netherlands)
Left Mid 2 (England)

Idiots
None

World stars
Kaka (Brazil)
Messi (Argentina)
Ronaldo (Portugal)
Casillas (Spain)

[Grec]

Who is the coach of the Netherlands? Van Marwijk?

[BenArsenal]

Quick World Cup predictions.

Group A: Italy, Switzerland
Group B: Brazil, Australia
Group C: Netherlands, Turkey
Group D: Spain, Sweden
Group E: France, Portugal
Group F: Germany, Czech Republic
Group G: England, South Africa
Group H: Argentina, Mexico

The second round should therefore lineup like this (if I'm right):
Italy vs Australia (Italy to win)
Brazil vs Switzerland (Brazil)
Netherlands vs Sweden (Netherlands)
Spain vs Turkey (Spain)
France vs Czech Republic (France)
Germany vs Portugal (Germany)
England vs Mexico (England)
Argentina vs South Africa (Argentina)

[VonBlade]

World Cup :


Group A: Italy, Switzerland
Group B: Brazil, Ivory Coast
Group C: Netherlands, Turkey
Group D: Spain, Sweden
Group E: France, Portugal
Group F: Czech Rep, Germany
Group G: England, Paraguay
Group H: Argentina, Russia

With Spain and France meeting in the Final. Spain winning 1-0 AET.

What? Too precise?

[Carrotdude]

Na, you didn't say what minute they would score