[FM08] Knockbreda F.C - 1 Man. 3,000 Dreams

[NepentheZ]

Link to game [as of 29th September 2046]

Intro :

Many, many months ago, I was scouring the CSE Forum for a new challenge. Back in the day, there were little challenges to choose from, and dafuge's Challenge held court as being the best around. There was also another challenge, very similar to that of dafuge's, but with the main aim being, taking a previously non-playable team from a small nation to League and Champions League glory. Gundo's Challenge fast became a very popular challenge, even winning an award in the CSE end of year (for FM08) awards. With Gundo's Challenge, I found Knockbreda FC. (Now commonly known as Knockbreda Parish F.C) They're an amateur club, playing in the depths of Northern Ireland, and until very recently, had never won a single honor with their Real Life status. So, I took control of Knockbreda F.C - and tried hard to lead them on a road to glory.

I'm now in the 2042/2043 season, but here is that road........

Background :

Season 1 (2008/2009) - 2nd Place in the NI2 [Promoted]
Season 2 (2009/2010) - 2nd Place in the NI1 [Promoted]
Season 3 (2010/2011) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 4 (2011/2012) - 9th Place in the NIP
Season 5 (2012/2013) - 7th Place in the NIP
Season 6 (2013/2014) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 7 (2014/2015) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 8 (2015/2016) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 9 (2016/2017) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 10 (2017/2018) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 11 (2018/2019) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 12 (2019/2020) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 13 (2020/2021) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 14 (2021/2022) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 15 (2022/2023) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 16 (2023/2024) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 17 (2024/2025) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 18 (2025/2026) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 19 (2026/2027) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 20 (2027/2028) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 21 (2028/2029) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 22 (2029/2030) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 23 (2030/2031) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 24 (2031/2032) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 25 (2032/2033) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 26 (2033/2034) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 27 (2034/2035) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 28 (2035/2036) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 29 (2036/2037) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 30 (2037/2038) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 31 (2038/2039) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 32 (2039/2040) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 33 (2040/2041) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 34 (2041/2042) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 35 (2042/2043) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 36 (2043/2044) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 37 (2044/2045) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 38 (2045/2046) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 39 (2046/2047) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 40 (2047/2048) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 41 (2048/2049) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 42 (2049/2050) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 43 (2050/2051) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 44 (2051/2052) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 45 (2052/2053) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 46 (2053/2054) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 47 (2054/2055) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 48 (2055/2056) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]
Season 49 (2056/2057) - 1st Place in the NIP [Champions]

Club Honors :

Northern Irish Premier League : 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032, 2033, 2034, 2035, 2036, 2037, 2038, 2039, 2040, 2041, 2042, 2043, 2044, 2045, 2046, 2047, 2048, 2049, 2050, 2051, 2052, 2053, 2054, 2055, 2056, 2057

Northern Irish Cup : 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032, 2033, 2034, 2035, 2036, 2038, 2039, 2040, 2041, 2042, 2043, 2044, 2045, 2046, 2047, 2048, 2049, 2050, 2051, 2052, 2053, 2054, 2055, 2057

Northern Irish League Cup : 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032, 2033, 2034, 2035, 2036, 2037, 2038, 2039, 2040, 2041, 2042, 2043, 2044, 2045, 2046, 2047, 2048, 2049, 2050, 2051, 2052, 2054, 2056, 2057

Northern Irish Intermediate League Cup : 2009

Northern Irish Antrim Cup : 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032, 2033, 2034, 2035, 2036, 2037, 2039, 2040, 2041, 2042, 2043, 2044, 2045, 2046, 2047, 2048, 2049, 2050, 2051, 2052, 2055, 2056, 2057

All Ireland Cup : 2021, 2026, 2032, 2033, 2034, 2036, 2037, 2038, 2039, 2040, 2041, 2042, 2043, 2044, 2045, 2046, 2047, 2048, 2049, 2050, 2051, 2052, 2056

UEFA Cup : 2042

Super Cup : 2043, 2048

Champions League : 2037, 2044, 2047

World Club Championship : 2037, 2045, 2048

Manager Stats :
According to the end of the latest season

Games Played : 3039
Games Won    : 2497
Games Drawn  :  259
Games Lost   :  283

Goals Scored   : 12,019
Goals Conceded : 2,461

League Wins : 48
Cup Wins    : 151

[Footer]

Threads heavily involved while playing this career :

• Gundo's FM09 Challenge
• Neppo's Youth Player Project
• The Danny Roberts Challenge
• My Big Fat Goalie can score more than yours
• FM08 Records Thread
• NepentheZ Tactical Revloution

Disclaimer :

FM08 v 8.0.2 is being used, with NO Edits.

[NepentheZ]

The 1,000 Goal Club

Intro :

Throughout my time at Knockbreda FC, I've found goals easy to come by. I have a winning tactic, and great players. Also, I play in a very poor league. I signed an unknown striker as a 16 year old by the name of Paul Wallace. Paul has gone on to attain legendary status across the CSE Forum, being the focal point of new challenges, and spoken about regularly due to his amazing feat. What was it? He scored over 1,000 goals for his club, and a few more for his country. He did it over a 21 year career, and then went on to be a Coach for Knockbreda FC. The season Paul Wallace retired, a new Regen arrived into the game. Andrew Smylie. Smylie had all the characteristics of a legend. And whats more is, that he was born into the Knockbreda Squad via our very own youth academy. It was evident from very early on that Smylie would match that of Paul Wallace, and even go on to break it.

The Players :

Paul Wallace [Retired] :

Total Games - 985
Total Goals - 1073

Andrew Smylie [Retired] :

Total Games - 1,404
Total Goals - 3,145

Frank Dunlop [Age 34] :

Total Games - 996
Total Goals - 1,071

*Any other player during my Knockbreda Career that hits 1,000 goals, will also be included into this post. This post will be updated at the end of every season with Andrew Smylie's progress.

[NepentheZ]

The man that is. The man that was. The Legend. The Career. The Lot.

Smylie's Year by Year Career.

Club Totals :
Games, 1,286 | Goals, 3,081 | Assists, 604 | MoM, 725 | GPG 2.40 | Av. R 8.60

N. Ireland :
Games, 118 | Goals, 64
*Smylie is now N. Irelands All Time Record Goal Scorer

Career Totals :

Games - 1,404
Goals - 3,145
Assists - 604
MoM - 725

Honors :

N. Irish Premier Division x23
N. Irish League Cup       x22
N. Irish Cup              x22
N. Irish Antrim Cup       x20
All Ireland Cup           x20
UEFA Cup                  x 1
Super Cup                 x 2
Champions League          x 3
World Club Championship   x 3

Total Honors              116

Major Awards :

Supporters (Fans) Player of the Year            x19
N. Irish Player of the Year                     x18
N. Irish Premier Division, Player of the Year   x18
N. Irish Premier Division, Top Goal Scorer      x19

European Golden Boot               x17
Champions League Best Goal         x 3
Champions League Best Player       x 6
Champions League Golden Boot       x 9
Champions League Dream Team        x 9

Club World Championship Best Player      x 2

Total Major Awards : 120

Minor Awards :

N. Irish Premier Division Team of the Week   x250
N. Irish Premier Division Goal of the Month  x33

Knockbreda Season Best Eleven    x23
Knockbreda Overall Best Eleven   x 1

Total Minor Awards : 307

N. Ireland Awards

Seasonal Best Eleven    x16
Overall Best Eleven     x 1

Total N. Ireland Awards : 17

Total Awards : 444

Other Information :

16.8.2032 - Appointed as Knockbreda Captain.
01.7.2040 - Appointed as N. Ireland Vice Captain.
07.5.2041 - Appointed as N. Ireland Captain.
30.6.2052 - Stripped of N. Ireland Captaincy.

All Time Club Records :

Top Goal Scorer               (127)*
Top League Scorer             (122)*
Most Goals in a Match         (15)
Highest Average Rating - 9.23 (61 Apps)
Most Man of the Match         (50)
Most League Apps for Club     (549)
Most League Goals for Club    (1,485)

All Time International Records :

Most Goals in a Match         (4)
All Time Top Goal Scorer      (64)

[NepentheZ]

Post Reserved Pt. 3

[Romanista1994]

8,000 goals of which nearly three thousand were scored by the thousand goal club.

Great to see your career thread.

[NepentheZ]

Cheers Romanista

I'll be doing all the talking in this thread from now on, and just updating the threads in the CSE Forum at the end of every season.

Looking forward to this forum massively, I think it will be a big hit.

[AcidBurn]

Strange to see this as I was reading about it last night then looked in here and found it again. Although I wish you all the look in the world I am slightly jealous of you having such a goal scoring maniac.

[Raware]

An absolutley astounding career so far and possibly the most successful i've ever seen

Excellent work and a great addition to this forum which, like you say, i think will be a big hit.

As for Paul Wallace and Andrew Smylie

Keep up the great work

[NepentheZ]

Acid Burn - Its not been easy - I had to really fight through some seasons, because not being able to win in Europe was really getting me down. I'm sure you'll find your great player eventually.

Raware - Thanks very much. If you create a career thread, I'll be sure to follow it, as I will try to with all the career threads created.

[Raware]

Raware - Thanks very much. If you create a career thread, I'll be sure to follow it, as I will try to with all the career threads created.

I have done. It's entitled 'From Hong Kong With Love'. Hope you visit it some time

[fatski]

Nep, as you know i've been a big follower of this recently, and so this is the perfect thread for me so that I dont have to look at 5 different CSE threads to see how Smylie and Dunlop are doing!
One question - How come you won the league in your first season in the NIP and then did poorly in the next two seasons? Did everyone ask to leave after the success, or what?

[NepentheZ]

Ok, after the initial posts have now been introduced (The reserved post is for something I may have missed, or may want to add in the future) - I guess I should let you guys know how the season is going for me right now.

Well, after winning the UEFA Cup last season, I was drawn against Real Madrid in the Super Cup, which I won 4-2. (I had lost the Super Cup in 2038 after winning the Champions League to Juventus, with the final score being 3-2).

I've been having a tough season this season, with Glentoran and Linfield finally giving me a real run for my money in the NIP. They're both as dominant as me, and the head to heads between the three of us will ultimately decide the outcome of the League. I beat Glentoran early on in the season, but Glentoran have Won 17 of their 18 games so far this season, with Linfield effectively ruling themselves out of the title race already, with 16 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. I know it seems odd, but 4-6 Dropped points in the season, is enough to see you out of the title race.

I'm mid-way through the season now, and have A.C Milan soon in the First Knock Out Phase of the Champions League. I also have the All Ireland Cup coming up very shortly.

[NepentheZ]

Nep, as you know i've been a big follower of this recently, and so this is the perfect thread for me so that I dont have to look at 5 different CSE threads to see how Smylie and Dunlop are doing!
One question - How come you won the league in your first season in the NIP and then did poorly in the next two seasons? Did everyone ask to leave after the success, or what?

I don't really remember, to be honest. I'll have a look at the season updates (Which are linked each season fro Gundo's Challenge) - to see if I can refresh my memory.

[AcidBurn]

Whats the best you have done in the champions league?

[NepentheZ]

It seems, fatski - That among a few of my players leaving, I also had big injuries to my 2 star strikers at the time. Paul Wallace and Neil McFarland both missed pretty much the entire season due to long injuries. In the second season I didn't win it, I had a lot of players coming in and out of the club, so team gelling, and tactics, weren't exactly at their best.

I think the best way to put it, is just the fact I was having a transitional period over the 2 years, to turn a Good Title Winning side, into a Great Title Winning side, and had to sacrifice a few seasons for the sake of it. On top of everything, I had Champions League football and the All Ireland Cup for the first time. I took a battering in these competitions, because my players were very poor in comparison. This as well, took its tool on the fitness, and morale of my team.

[fatski]

Whats the best you have done in the champions league?

He won it, in '38(I think)...Check the history that he so kindly wrote up for us!

[NepentheZ]

Whats the best you have done in the champions league?

I won it in 2037. Aside from that, I have never got past the First Knockout Round. Which I've also only reached 4 times (Including the current season).

As a breakdown :

First Qualifying Phase : 7 Times (2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021)
Second Qualifying Phase : 2 Times (2018, 2029)
Third Qualifying Phase : 8 Times (2023, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2030, 2035, 2040)
Group Stages : 8 Times (2022, 2024, 2031, 2032, 2033, 2034, 2039, 2042)
First Knockout round : (2036, 2038, 2041)
Winners : (2037)

They are the rounds I exited / (won) in, and the years in which they happened. As you can see, I still struggle sometimes, and got embarrassed in 2040, not making it to at least the group stages for the first time in 5 years.

[fatski]

It seems, fatski - That among a few of my players leaving, I also had big injuries to my 2 star strikers at the time. Paul Wallace and Neil McFarland both missed pretty much the entire season due to long injuries. In the second season I didn't win it, I had a lot of players coming in and out of the club, so team gelling, and tactics, weren't exactly at their best.

I think the best way to put it, is just the fact I was having a transitional period over the 2 years, to turn a Good Title Winning side, into a Great Title Winning side, and had to sacrifice a few seasons for the sake of it. On top of everything, I had Champions League football and the All Ireland Cup for the first time. I took a battering in these competitions, because my players were very poor in comparison. This as well, took its tool on the fitness, and morale of my team.

That's what I thought might be the case... It might be a weird thing to ask, but is there any way you could put your formation up for grabs (by which, I mean download)? I'm playing in N.I with a very good team, have won the league for ten years (I edited a team to have a good rep and perfect youth facilities, to see if I could win everything with an enitrely youth-team squad. Which I did.) And some of them are insane, but I dont score enough goals!

[NepentheZ]

Some of the season links are faulty. (Linking to the wrong seasons) - let me quickly find the right seasons..!!

[NepentheZ]

That's what I thought might be the case... It might be a weird thing to ask, but is there any way you could put your formation up for grabs (by which, I mean download)? I'm playing in N.I with a very good team, have won the league for ten years (I edited a team to have a good rep and perfect youth facilities, to see if I could win everything with an enitrely youth-team squad. Which I did.) And some of them are insane, but I dont score enough goals!

NepentheZ' Tactical Revolution (From the T&TT Forums "Bible")

You must know, that its an FM08 tactic. However, the principles behind the tactic are still true to FM09. I'm not sure if the actual tactic will be usable in FM09, but I don't see why not, because I'm sure I've read that others in FM09 have used FM08 tactics. If the download link is no longer live (Which is possible, as the thread is very old) - let me know, and I'll upload it for you again.

[crouchaldinho]

Excellent stuff Nep.

C.

[NepentheZ]

Cheers Crouchy. Nice to see you made it over here

Always nice to see you around the threads I post in.

(Make sure you read the rules though. 1 Liners such as KUTGW etc are not allowed in this forum)

[crouchaldinho]

Oh dear. I've managed to break the rules already then.

To be honest, I have only just opened the sticky 'rules' thread to have a look. I quickly posted here and in Raware's thread for the purpose of subscribing so that future updates come up on my User CP.

Anyway, I always enjoy reading about your famous Knockbreda career.

Looking forward to reading your updates.

C.

[weeeman27bob]

Surely this must be the most epic game ever?

You don't know how jealous I am

[NepentheZ]

Its getting there, weeman. If I can just win the CL a few more times, I'll be very happy.

[weeeman27bob]

So with probably the two best goal scorers ever, complete and utter dominance of your league, and some brilliant youth players, your only "happy" at the moment

Success has gone to your head!

[NepentheZ]

Haha. There are a few goal scorers out there that Eclipse Wallace. (Danny Roberts, Gareth Black are two that come to my head) - But yeah, Smylie is something else completely.

I also think, Youth Player 1 could be the first person in the history of any Football Manager ever, to reach 1,000 Career assists. He sets up so many of Smylies goals its just not funny. Already 60+ assists this season..!!

[NepentheZ]

My First leg v AC Milan in the Champs League Knock Out Phase is upon me. I'm not looking forward to this too much, as Andrew Smylie just got injured for a week in the match v Raceview. (Which I won 9-0, and he Scored 4.)

I say I'm worried, but 3 minutes in and Gianni Manco, my back up striker, knocks in a goal, to give Knockbreda an early 1-0 lead, however 10 minutes later, Milan square the game up, and 10 minutes further on, now in minute 23, AC Milan take a 2-1 lead, and have 2 very important away goals. Its not long before they drill home a third, putting the game pretty much out of reach by half time.

Half Time : Knockbreda 1 - 3 A.C Milan.

Nothing to note in the second half aside from a declined penalty shout for Knockbreda until the 86th minute, when AC Milans big center half comes up for a corner and heads home a 4th. The tie is all but over now, with Knockbreda needing 4 unanswered goals at the San Siro in a fortnight.

Full Time : Knockbreda 1 - 4 A.C Milan

[roberto922]

The best game I've ever seen on FM tbf, Smylie continues to amaze, it's crazy to think that Smylie still has anything up to 10 years left in him.

[NepentheZ]

Yeah

Hopefully, Youth Player 1 can reach 1,000 goals too. He will be around the 600-700 mark when Smylie retires, with a further 8-10 seasons himself. So I don't see why he can't be the 3rd player to do it in this 1 career.

I've really found my love for wanting to write again with this forum, and indeed this thread. I've got something lined up for that third reserved post, which you'll have to wait 'till the end of season for. And my updates are going to become momentus, which you'll have to wait 2 seasons for, because I've already missed screenshots for the first half of the season.

Edit : Thanks for the nice comments too, Rob.

[roberto922]

that's a point, what happened with the Real London challenge? I got through 2 seasons loving it and then everyone just suddenly stopped posting and I forgot about it

[NepentheZ]

Secnd leg of the A.C Milan game, and I need to score 4 goals. I can afford to let in 1 to take it to Extra Time, but I'd prefer not to.

Much like the first leg, I've taken an early 1-0 lead. Although, almost instantly A.C Milan bring it back to 1-1, and score again 3 minutes later for 2-1. Youth Player 1 gets a 2nd for Knockbreda after 28 minutes, and the score remains to the half.

Half Time
AC Milan 2-2 Knockbreda.

The good news now is, I only need 3 more goals to go through on away goals. I make it 3-2 after 51 minutes with my AMR taking a well placed shot. And now it gets tense. 65 minutes in, Youth Player 1 bags his second of the game, and its 4-2. 7 minutes later, there is another goal. Its Youth Player 1 again, completing his hat-trick, putting us 5-2 up, and ahead on away goals in the tie. With 15 minute left, the game is very tense, and a goal from either side will take the tie.

There is 1 final goal.

89 minute and 44 seconds into the game, AC Milan turn things back in their favor, Making it 3-5 on the night.

Full Time :
AC Milan 3-5 Knockbreda (7-6 On AGG)

Gutted. At 5-2 I really thought I'd do it. Especially when the 89th minute came up, 3 minutes of injury time to hold out on. Just, really gutted

[NepentheZ]

that's a point, what happened with the Real London challenge? I got through 2 seasons loving it and then everyone just suddenly stopped posting and I forgot about it

It just fell by the wayside, unfortunately. I think the problem was, starting with players you may not be able to hold onto, and are not yet near their prime, while trying to fight up the divisions. I thnk for next seasons edition, I'll either start them in a top division, or start them with high C.A.

[fatski]

Mr Nep, what do you think of re-introducing Youth Player One as Frank Dunlop, which I think is his real name iirc? I think it would make it more personal! Loving your work though, bloody unlucky about Milan, looks like you had sparked a great comeback to be honest...

[Spleen!]

Andrew Smylie is such a goal machine. He should make it to 3000 goals fairly easily, wish I could find a striker who would get 500, never mind 3000

[NepentheZ]

Mr Nep, what do you think of re-introducing Youth Player One as Frank Dunlop, which I think is his real name iirc? I think it would make it more personal! Loving your work though, bloody unlucky about Milan, looks like you had sparked a great comeback to be honest...

Perhaps when Smylie retires. Not before. I like to keep things in my game very stringent, so I keep my head screwed on and keep winning these titles

[peter-evo]

This is an absoloutely fantastic read Nep. It's fantastic to see that the user can become so attached to certain players at your club.

[NepentheZ]

FM08 - Gundo's Challenge

Club : Knockbreda FC
Season : 35 (2042/2043)
Final League Position : First
Season Honors : N. I. Premiership | Irish Cup | League Cup | Antrim Cup | All Ireland Cup
Player of the Season : Andrew Smylie
Overall Best Eleven | Season Best Eleven
Manager Screenshots : Overview
Team Sheet

Summary -

Not a bad season. Had a real tough time in the league, with Glentoran and Linfield in the league. Champions League was tough too, losing 7-6 on AGG to AC Milan

Just to let you guys know, now we have the "Career" forum, I will be doing very long updates for the end of season after this one. The reason why this season is still short, is because the careers forum was created mid-season for me, so I'd missed a lot of early season screenies.

[NepentheZ]

Oh yeah, won the Super Cup that year too.

[NepentheZ]

all opening posts have been updated with the relevant info regarding Youth Players and the 1,000 Goal Club

[AdamFitz]

Man, makes me wanna do just one game on FM10

Great work Nep.

[NepentheZ]

Cheers dude. I don't know if I'll play FM10 'till the first patch, so I might have a good 10-15 seasons left in this yet, if not more

[Saxonaitor]

Damn thought I found Smylie but I found Daryl Smylie!!

[NepentheZ]

haha. You'll never find him. He was born in 2014. So is well and truly a regen

[NepentheZ]

I've got the spare post up there lads, and would like some input on what aspect of my game you'd like to see there. I don't mind if its long, quick, massive or very small. I just want to put in there something that you guys would enjoy reading at the end of every season for me.

[AcidBurn]

I would like to see which players you think are playing wicked along with a couple of results you think were the best of the season to you personally.

[SCIAG]

Manager Stats :
According to the end of the latest season

Games Played : 2088
Games Won    : 169
Games Drawn  :  176
Games Lost   :  218

[Footer]

Surely there's something wrong there?

I've long been a fan of Smylie, so hopefully he reaches, dare I say it, 4000...

[NepentheZ]

yeah, lol. I'll edit it later

[NepentheZ]

Surely there's something wrong there?

I've long been a fan of Smylie, so hopefully he reaches, dare I say it, 4000...

fixed. (thanks)

[NepentheZ]

First game of the new season, and I started with 4 of my youth products [Being YP1, YP2, YP5 and YP6] - and beat Chimney Corner 9-1. YP1 Scored 3 goals, but the star of the show was Smylie, who scored 6 goals.

This now puts him 2 goals away from 2,000 career goals, which, quite obviously is sensational. However, I won't be promoting the fact he's scored 2,000, until they're all club goals. Which is another 35 goals away. Hopefully no more than 12 games to reach such a target

[Welsh Wizard]

How do you do it Nep

player after player you get them to perform at very high and out of this world standards.

loving the read and can't wait for more.
The career section is great and will be very popular.

[Thistles * player]

Newbie poster here.

I looked at all your exploits on Gundo's challenge and it's nice to see everything over here now...nice and manageable. Compelling stuff.

I have an idea for a challenge that could really strain you: try and get a full best overall eleven with 500 or more goals (long, long term target 1000 each!)

Go on...Dare ya!

[hamilton162]

What, 500 for every player? That would require the GK to score at a phenominal rate as well!!!

[NepentheZ]

What, 500 for every player? That would require the GK to score at a phenominal rate as well!!!

You're clearly not familiar with this thread, and more in-particular, this post.

Its certainly a challenge, T*P - however, my defenders just don't score enough for me to get close to that. Who knows, though

[hamilton162]

Nope, but that is some achievement

[NepentheZ]

Yeah, its something special. dafuge and Jimbo had the most success with it. I dabbled in it, but was more focused on getting my Strikers to 1,000 than my keeper to 100

[Thistles * player]

My bad...Stupid challenge

Question though: Are the teams that you are challenged by - linfield etc - getting anywhere near 1000 goals with anyone themselves, seeing as they must win almost as much as you do.

[NepentheZ]

Funny you should mention that, there is this one guy, that I've been tracking for the last 2 or 3 seasons that has the following stats for Glentoran :

Games | Goals

 39      20
 59      54
 45      32
 39      38
 55      59
 17      19 [Injured for 6 months this season]
 38      37
 45      51
 43      46
 46      44
 50      52
 46      46

Total Games : 522
Total Goals : 498

I know its no where near my players, but he's the only player that I've seen play consistently for any of the teams, and the only player to score so many goals. Linfield tend to buy a lot of players, keep them for a few seasons then either move them on, or put them into their reserves.

They themselves have 1 guy thats scored 109 goals in the last 2 seasons, but he's already 26 and didn't score many for his club before Linfield.

The guy above, has just turned 30. So assuming he plays for another 4-6 seasons, he could potentially get to around 600-700 goals which is still pretty exceptional.

[dafuge]

You're clearly not familiar with this thread, and more in-particular, this post.

Its certainly a challenge, T*P - however, my defenders just don't score enough for me to get close to that. Who knows, though

I think 500 from a goalie would be a bit too much. I think I held the record for goals in a season with 21, so you'd need to do a lot better than that consistently for a very long time to get near 500.

[Thistles * player]

How about:

10 from GK

50 from all DF

200 from all MF

And of course 1000 from FW!

[NepentheZ]

I think 500 from a goalie would be a bit too much. I think I held the record for goals in a season with 21, so you'd need to do a lot better than that consistently for a very long time to get near 500.

In a game like mine, where goals are easy to come by, 25 goals from FK and Pens + Corners (If I'm well up, which I usually am) isn't too much to ask. If I started a keeper from 16 years old, and he played 'till he was 38, taking injuries into account, I think 500 would just be feasible. I'll try to get though as much of my Knockbreda game I can. Once YP1 hits 1,000 goals + 1,000 assists and Smylie hits 3,000 goals (If he gets there) - then I'll start something with a keeper trying to get 500 goals

[bermybhoy]

Cracking stuff Nep, great to see you're still at this. Shame that i doesn't look possible in FM09.

Surprised at the other NI teams being so strong in comparison to your side. You not tempted to buy the guy from Glentoran, for example, just to weaken them?

[NepentheZ]

I did that with Linfield for a few years [Which I'm not proud of, ] - but all that was happening, is the players I signed were on £5,000 - £10,000 per week, sitting in my reserves, they wouldn't sign new deals, so left and more than often went right back to Linfield. So it was a huge waste of money. I did by 1 guy from Linfield a few years ago, but he's been a regular in my team. I initially bought him as back up AML - but he's proving to be a really good player, and is fighting for a first team place at just 19.

[NepentheZ]

Just a quick update :



He's 66% of the way there..!!

[MeLikeFM]

Great achievement.

How did that match finish up

[NepentheZ]

I won 5-3

[MeLikeFM]

i won 5-3 :d

2001 ? :d

[NepentheZ]

Actually, 2002

[NepentheZ]

Oh, + 37 N. Ireland goals = 2039 so far. So 961 away from the 3,000 target.

[peter-evo]

Well done Nep for posting such a fantastic journey. pleasure to read.

[MeLikeFM]

Actually, 2002

amazed you could keep hold of him for this long.

Any tips ? Im wrestling my star players over them trying to engineer a move

[NepentheZ]

I have him on a 5 Year Contract. At the end of Every year [When it goes down to 4 years] - I renew it back to 5 years. Sometimes he doesn't sign for a couple years, [Maybe unhappy about me rejecting a move] - But eventually he does. I keep hold of most of my players, because I'm quite a big club now. I can't yet buy players that are £15,000,000+ Rated, but players like playing for me because I'm in Europe every year.

The best thing I found to do, was to set the Asking price to £0, but reject all offers. For some reason, they don't get unhappy when the bids are rejected.

[MeLikeFM]

OK my star striker Rigg's contract is up soon so ill try the 0 trick, Thanks alot

Do you offer him out or just set the asking price

[NepentheZ]

Just set the asking price. That way, EVERY club that bids, bids £0 [And why would they bid more when he's valued at £0] - Which also means, the board will never sell him over your head

[MeLikeFM]

Thanks sorry for being a pest

Loving your career, keep it up

[NepentheZ]

You're not a pest. Any help I can give anyone is good, because hopefully when I ask for it back, I'll get it

[Raware]

2039 goals in his career Astounding achievement Nep

Great work so far and i'm really enjoying following your career

[SJ234]

I have always loved following Smylie, maybe you should have a vote regarding who is better Roberts or Smylie, you may do better than in the last one.

[roberto922]

Each update for Knockbreda starts a domino effect of threads around the forums...

[NepentheZ]

SJ234 - Roberts was a different class of player. He did it in the Premier League. Thats just an amazing achievement.

roberto922 - How do you mean?

[roberto922]

Once you finish a season a load of threads get posted in, you take up half of my user CP

[NepentheZ]

haha. You mean I personally post in them, or others do, just because I posted?

[NepentheZ]

That is all.

[peter-evo]

Would have been a different story if there was no red-card imo.

[AcidBurn]

I still cant get my head round how many goals he scores his stats are not better than some other players. I agree with Peter the red card was the major decision that changed the game.

[NepentheZ]

Yeah. I was gutted it was only 21-0 really. 15-0 at HT.

The red card had some baring, I guess.

Also, as for him being exceptional, I don't get it either. However, it seems to be the person in the RS position that scores. If Smylie is injured, who ever takes his place, scores goals like that too. Its bizarre.

[peter-evo]

Could well be your tactic doing wonders. Considering I am on 08. I wouldn't mind trying it out. (cheap attempt to get some wins)

[NepentheZ]

I'll get the link...

[NepentheZ]

Here you go

[peter-evo]

Didn't expect a link. Will try it out and will let you know if I find any familiarities with goals and who they come from. Cheers mate.

[NepentheZ]

No problem. There is a link there to download the tactic, but its more effective if you actually read why the tactic works

[AcidBurn]

Any chance of a screenshot of the club records highest transfer recieved and spent etc?

[NepentheZ]

Yeah sure. Coming up

[NepentheZ]

Thats what you wanted, right?

[AcidBurn]

Yeah thats the one, nice one.

Its quite strange to see club record league appearances at 494 but then see goals by a different person at 1020. How big is your ground?

[NepentheZ]

80,000 exactly. [Its new stadium from about 2020 IIRC]

Smylie currently has 312 League Apps. More than likely, he wont reach 494. He gets a fair few injuries. Where as Paul Wallace played throughout his entire career, baring a couple of LONG term injuries early on.

[kroblues]

Nep, I've been using that tactic and for me it's the LS that scores most, but it's actually fairly even despite the RS being by far the stronger (record goalscorer for East Belfast, around 120 goals in 140 appearances)

Edit: I probably should add, well done! It must have taken a lot of work to get to that position.

[fatski]

Nep-ster, missed the last days (and the big 2000), but belated congratulations. I guess its not that amazing for you as you know its going to happen by now, but still, its a magical achievement! Please keep going, though I dont tihnk you need my encouragement...

[NepentheZ]

Here it is - My [Newish] Layout.!

Knockbreda FC, Season 36 [2043/2044]

First Team

N. Irish Premier Division - Winners | Graph
N. Irish League Cup - Winners
N. Irish Antrim Cup - Winners
Champions League - Winners | Match Stats
All Ireland Cup - Winners
N. Irish Cup - Winners

Reserve Team

N. Irish Reserve Group - Winners
Intermediate Cup - Winners
Antrim Trophy - Winners

U-18's Team

N. Irish U-18's Group - Winners
U-18's Cup - Winners

The Manager

Manager Info
Manager Profile
Manager Personal
Manager Overview

The Club

Affiliates
Club Info
Best Eleven Season
Best Eleven Overall
Coefficients
Finances
Player Records
Team Records
Richest Clubs
Staff
Transfers

Team Sheet

The Awards

Champions League Best Player - Youth Player 1
Champions League Dream Team - 9 Players
Champions League Golden Boot - Andrew Smylie
European Golden Boot - Andrew Smylie
Fans Player of the Year - Andrew Smylie
Manager of the Year - Craig Douglas [NepentheZ]
N. Irish Player of the Year - Andrew Smylie
N. Irish Young Player of the Year - Gary Lappin
Player of the Year [NIP] - Andrew Smylie
Top Goal Scorer [NIP] - Andrew Smylie

The Transfers

Pauli Joensen [Trial, Free] - Pauli looks like he will become a solid Center Back. He's the first young defender in a very long time that my scouts have rated as 4* at such a ripe age, which leads me to believe, he will be an excellent player.

The Player

Andrew Smylie - A fantastic season, again. 185 goals, awards, records and most importantly, 2,000 goals.

The Games

Well, someone asked for some of the key games in the season, here they are, and why.

Champions League Semi Final 1st Leg - Knockbreda 2-1 Barcelona
Champions League Semi Final 2nd Leg - Barcelona 3-3 Knockbreda

These were 2 massive games this season. I met Barce last season in the 1st KO Stage, as you may remember, and was unlucky to go out 7-6 on Aggregate. I only had a slender 2-1 lead to take away with me this season, in the Semi-Final, and was worried that I could blow a chance of only my Second Champions League Final. The second leg was especially tense. I had a number of key players injured, and the fixture pile up was really taking its toll on my regular starters. Barce lead the game 3-2 with injury time left, which was announced at a staggering 9 minutes. Fortunately, they had a corner, and the Keeper came forward. Knockbreda broke clear, and slotted home into an empty net.

Irish Cup Quarter Final - Knockbeda 21-0 Donegal Celtic

The only reason this game was such a key game this season, was because it broke FM08 Records. The previous record for the biggest win [According to dafuges FM08 Records thread] was 19-0. And I smashed that to pieces. 15-0 at half time, and Smylie was on form.

Premier Divsion - Knockbreda 10-0 Raceview

Raceview were the whipping boys of the division, so 10-0 not really anything amazing, however, I picked this game ahead of others, because Smylie scored all 10 goals in a sensational performance.

Summary

The season was sensational. I think I only lost 1 game the entire season [To Sporting in the Champions League] - and finally got another perfect season [30 Wins] for the first time in 10 years. Linfield dropped off the pace massively this season, and were lucky to get 3rd in league, after a poor campaign, but Glentoran were just as dogged as recent years. Smylie and Youth Project 1 have struck an unreal partnership up front, and 300 goals per season between the pair of them should really not be ruled out. YP1 also contributes with crazy amounts of assists. I'm really happy I won every competition I entered, and I'll look to do that same next season, and even add the Super Cup and World Club Championship.

[NepentheZ]

Nep, I've been using that tactic and for me it's the LS that scores most, but it's actually fairly even despite the RS being by far the stronger (record goalscorer for East Belfast, around 120 goals in 140 appearances)

Edit: I probably should add, well done! It must have taken a lot of work to get to that position.

Cheers dude. Odd that you find the LS scores more. I've never had that in any incarnation of FM

Nep-ster, missed the last days (and the big 2000), but belated congratulations. I guess its not that amazing for you as you know its going to happen by now, but still, its a magical achievement! Please keep going, though I dont tihnk you need my encouragement...

Cheers dude. I will be sure to keep this save going until AT LEAST FM10. [And most probably until the first patch is released]

I've updated all the OP's, by the way.