FM10 Top2Bottom - Game Thread

[Greasy Chip Butty]

If you are enjoying this thread, please rate it: Click here to find out how!

Welcome to Top2Bottom FM10!

Top2Bottom is an FM10 sign-up where 33 users have created their own teams from the top to the bottom; they have designed the kits, chosen their stadium and facilities, created their chairman and their manager and specified the funds to be used to determine their initial squad and backroom team. The sign up thread shows just how much work went into the creation of the 33 squads and includes the Top2Bottom Trade Window, a week of mayhem where the creators got to trade players and cash to fine tune their squads ready for the start of the sign-up.

And now the teams are all created and the squads and staff are all in place. It’s time to start to sign-up. The FM09 Top2Bottom shows much of what will happen here; however, it is my intention to make some changes and produce a better quality of sign-up this time around. On FM09, we had 24 teams created; this time around, we are up to 33 with many of the first version teams returning for the second attempt. We also have a number of new faces involved from CSE veterans to CSE newbies and hopefully, they will all enjoy the Top2Bottom experience.

Top2Bottom is based in the English leagues although there is a continental flavour to many of our 33 teams. The top 33 Premier League and Championship teams have disappeared completely to make space in the Premier League and Championship for our teams. The teams moving over from the FM09 version start in the same situation as they finished the first version. For example, the FM09 champions Coedpoeth United start as champions of England with a Champions League place whereas Melbourne – losers of the Championship Play Off Final in FM09 – remain a Championship side for the FM10 start. The newcomers fill the spaces in the Premier League – and indeed Europe – left open by FM09 users who have not returned for this version.

There was a draft to determine 21 players that each team would start with. Each team received – depending on the amount of money they spent – a 4-4-2 based eleven made up of the best 33 players in England in the eleven positions. This occurred after the FM09 users had selected two players to keep from the FM09 version and the newcomers had selected two from the remaining players. Another four players – GK, DF, MF and ST – were drafted from Europe and a further four players – again GK, DF, MF and ST – under the age of 22 were drafted as the hottest prospects from around the world. Each squad started with 21 players ahead of the trade window.

The trade window meant that a lot of deals took place which reduced or increased the sizes of squads. However, all teams start with at least 19 players – one has 27 – and their created managers will be charged with putting the final touches to the squad in the July and August transfer window at the start of the game. Several players from the 33 teams who disappeared were not drafted and as a result appear as free agents. There could be some interesting free transfers in the early stages of the game.

Top2Bottom intends to make use of several other websites to make the updates as enjoyable as possible. Top2Bottom has its own channel on YouTube will be used for video hosting; many of these videos will feature the unmistakeable tones of XtraNormal – a text based video creation site; PhotoBucket will allow me to host images and embed them into the updates; and Twitter has a Top2BottomFM10 profile that may be used at times although I’m not sure yet.

The updates are brought to you by the greatest fictional TV company of all time.



If you think SKY SPORTS and Jeff Stelling are good, just wait until you see what SPORTS.tv and their two hosts, Hazel Harrison – a girl who will do anything to get the scoops – and Sid Smash – the smooth talking silver fox, bring to you. The SPORTS.tv advert for the 2009/2010 season should whet your appetite.

I hope you enjoy the sign-up. Good luck to all the competitors!

Chip Butty
(Chairman of the Top2Bottom Football League)

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Welcome to Top2Bottom FM10!

The 33 created teams have replaced the top 33 teams in the Premier League and Championship – this means goodbye to Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool thank goodness and hello to Coedpoeth United, Bananas FC, Alcester Angels and FC Libourne Saint-Seurin amongst others – with seven of the sides in European competition. The list below shows the leagues and the new teams:

T2B Premiership:

Alcester Angels (cookie15)
Bananas FC (Fausto)
Boreham Badgers (joetheref)
Capite Ad Calcem (Kenco)
Coedpoeth United (roberto922)
Discworld (magvest)
Essendon (MarkyMark!)
Essex Eagles (jack.browne)
Fafeful United (LowerLeaguesRule)
Fanghunters (TheFanghunter)
Flackwell Falcons (hamilton162)
Gnome’ania United (5ergio)
Hunters FC (matt2403)
London Titans (SJ234)
New Bloc (bergtaur)
Northern Extreme (NorthermLights)
Queensland Origin (PluckaDuck)
Steel Panthers (SnakeXe)
Tibbolini (19992008)
Welsh Wizards (I\’mTheRulerOfAllTheWorld)

T2B Championship:

BC Lions (BenCraig7)
CSKA Oddworld (Charlesbeams)
FC Libourne Saint-Seurin (PaulHartman71)
Hallendren Awakeners (spartans5)
Hangover FC (BigShane)
Helsinki Hurricanes (Loojay)
Horden All Stars (fergysafc)
Melbourne (striker475)
Nordic Thunder (Dumax)
Oldham North Stars (Almondo)
Phoenix FC (Paulo1985)
Rampant Ravishers (weeeman27bob)
Sporting Stronburg (HarryS)

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFIERS:
Coedpoeth United – T2B Premiership Champions
Discworld – Defending Champions League Champions
New Bloc – T2B Premiership 2nd Place
Northern Extreme – T2B Premiership 3rd Place

EUROPA LEAGUE QUALIFIERS:
London Titans – League Cup Winners
Capite Ad Calcem – Newcomer taking the place of Inland Valley Hawks (4th)
Steel Panthers – T2B Premiership 5th Place
Essex Eagles – T2B Premiership 6th Place

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...

ALCESTER ANGELS
Created By: cookie15

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



BANANAS FC
Created By: Fausto

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



BOREHAM BADGERS
Created By: joetheref

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



CAPITE AD CALCEM
Created By: Kenco

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



COEDPOETH UNITED
Created By: roberto922

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



DISCWORLD
Created By: magvest

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



ESSENDON
Created By: MarkyMark!

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



ESSEX EAGLES
Created By: jack.browne

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



FAFEFUL UNITED
Created By: LowerLeaguesRule

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



FANGHUNTERS
Created By: TheFanghunter

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



FLACKWELL FALCONS
Created By: hamilton162

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



GNOME’ANIA UNITED
Created By: 5ergio

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



HUNTERS FC
Created By: matt2403

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



LONDON TITANS
Created By: SJ234

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



NEW BLOC
Created By: bergtaur

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



NORTHERN EXTREME
Created By: NorthermLights

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



QUEENSLAND ORIGIN
Created By: PluckaDuck

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



STEEL PANTHERS
Created By: SnakeXe

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



TIBBOLINI
Created By: 19992008

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



WELSH WIZARDS
Created By: I\’mTheRulerOfAllTheWorld

[Greasy Chip Butty]

And now the T2B Championship teams ...

Introducing ...



BC LIONS
Created By: BenCraig7

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



CSKA ODDWORLD
Created By: Charlesbeams

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



FC LIBOURNE SAINT-SEURIN
Created By: PaulHartman71

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



HALLENDREN AWAKENERS
Created By: spartans5

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



HANGOVER FC
Created By: BigShane

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



HELSINKI HURRICANES
Created By: Loojay

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



HORDEN ALL STARS
Created By: fergysafc

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



MELBOURNE
Created By: striker475

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



NORDIC THUNDER
Created By: Dumax

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



OLDHAM NORTH STARS
Created By: Almondo

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



PHOENIX FC
Created By: Paulo1985

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



RAMPANT RAVISHERS
Created By: weeeman27bob

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing ...



SPORTING STRONBURG
Created By: HarryS

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Thread is now open! Go mad!

[SnakeXe]

Whey!! Awesome start to the thread, everything looks great

[PluckaDuck]

Looks amazing, Queensland Origin for champions!!!!!

[BigShane]

Very cool. Going to hold off on a full intro until transfer window shuts though if that's ok?

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Very cool. Going to hold off on a full intro until transfer window shuts though if that's ok?

That's quite a while off. Got pre-season and the first days of the season before then. It'd be better now.

If anyone thinks their squad is slightly small, some players are in the reserves. And if there are names you don't know, they would be your youngsters that are coming through from your U18 teams (regens).

[fergysafc]

Good to see it starting is toni kroos in my reserves squad?

[5ergio]

Nice to see the new season under way The Gnomes will speak to the media in a day or two.

[Northerm Lights]

Ok just wrote my interview with Kodaly McMaster - takes a little bit to get back into the character but as i wrote i remembered all the fun we had last season!

[Northerm Lights]

The World Football News

Candid pre-season interview with Northern Extreme Manager Kodaly McMaster

Interviewer: At the start of last season you said

“Some people have great dreams others make their dreams reality! We are really looking forward to this - the challenge, the opportunity- the prospect of going head to head week in week out with the best. ”

Do you feel you achieved anything last season?

Kodaly McMaster: Last season was a great experience and we did achieve a great deal – a top 4 finish with the opportunity to get into the group stages of the Champions League and we had some memorable matches not least the Pimus Certantibus at the end of the season.

Interviewer: Ah yes the Primus Certantibus – the name of the rivalry between Northern Extreme and New Bloc . Notable achievements indeed, and yet you dismantle the squad and, some people argue, put together a weaker squad, what do you say to this?

K M: We’ve got a great spine to the team – Vidic, Gattuso, and Torres and their back up looks pretty impressive too Agger, Ferguson and The Vezzi. This year we have a better mix of youth and experience – last year the squad was too old. But its early days yet, we might still add to the squad.

Interviewer: Do you think you have a chance of winning the league?

K M: It’s going to be tough – tougher than last year but we’ll have a go – you know what we are like. Where I can I’ll stick nose in and get in the faces of the opposition managers if I think it’ll give us an advantage
We’ve also increased the size of our stadium so if we can fill it every match then it will do the bank balance no harm at all!

Interviewer: If you don’t win the league then who will?

K M: Well, looking at the squads I’d have to say Fanghunters - they’ve got A LOT of attacking options (but a dodgy defense – bit like Extreme last season) or Capite Ad Calcem – one awesome midfield (shame about the goalie )

Interviewer: And the teams that beat you last season?

KM: Coedpoeth will need to add to a small squad and New Bloc look like a 1 player team

Interviewer: I cant print that!! Will you finish above New Bloc this season?

K M: Finish above New Bloc? Finish above New Bloc? Laddie we’ll finish above everybody. Thank you and goodbye!!!


Stand by for interviews with the stars of Northern Extreme

[Dumax]

NTFK Announce Starting XI

Nordic Thunder FK manager Vilhjálmur Baldursson has today announced the starting XI at a press conference at Eldinghöllin Stadium.

Arguably the most important signing of the transfer period was the controversial Italian international - Antonio Cassano, who today was presented with the captain's armband by club chairman Björgólfur Thor Björgólfsson. When asked about Cassano's infamy for clashing with management, team manager Vilhjálmur Baldursson interrupted and replied: "Antonio has assured me of his commitment to the club, both on - and off the field". Cassano continued, saying that he was delighted when he was approached to lead Nordic Thunder, and that he was confident in being able to lead the side to victory in its inaugural season.

Newly selected team vice-captain Javier Mascherano was also present in welcoming fellow Argentine International Walter Samuel to the club. Mascherano said that he was ecstatic when he heard that the club had signed Walter, and that he was looking forward to helping him settle into life at The Thunder.

Team manager Vilhjálmur Baldursson was also thrilled to of been able to secure the signature of Mexico superstar Guillermo Ochoa. Baldursson could hardly keep the smile from his face as he spoke of his admiration for Ochoa, saying that "Guillermo proves that a keeper doesn't have to be one of the biggest men on the field and I am delighted to have the opportunity to work closely with him".

Baldursson was also quizzed about his experiences during the transfer period, laughing then joking that he was "glad that the hard part was out of the way", continuing by saying that "there were many sleepless nights, it was a high stress situation for everyone involved". Baldursson also refused to rule out the possibility of making new signings before the start of the Championship season declaring that: "I won't rule anything out, if the right opportunity comes along I will have no reservations about seizing it".

Other key signings so far included strong English centre-back Joleon Lescott, talented Peruvian winger Jefferson Farfán, and clinical Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The Nordic Thunder FK Starting XI was announced as: Ochoa - Lescott, Brown, Samuel, Ferreiera - Mascherano (vc) - Zé Roberto, Cassano (c), Ribéry - Dzeko, van Nistelrooy

[JB]

Its starting

Like the look, of my squad there, although, a few injuries and we could have to rely on the younger players.

Great start Andy

[HarryS]

Stronburg's Announce New Signings

Halo Von Stronburg has announced this afternoon his full signings and why he has signed the players.

The First signing of the window was that of Sproting Stronburg in where Keeper Chris Kirkland was
swapper for another keeper Ben Foster from FCLSS. Stronburg also took the second signing of the
window by trading Sambou Yatabare along with £2.5M for central defender Juan from AA.

There was also the deal with Fabriconni Coloccini who went away from Sporting Stronburg in order
for right back Julian Faubert to join the club as the Strongburgians needed a right back. Jermaine
Jenas also went this time to HAS for a fee in the region of £6M. It was a shame to see Ben
Foster go even though he was only traded in this transfer window but Stronburg needed another
central defender to bolster the backline this is why Ben-Haim was brought in from HAS.

It was also sad to see central defender Ryan Shawcross leave but Halo Von Stronbug had realised
that he had too many of them but we were short of a left back so Joe Mattock was traded LT. But
with this acquisition, Halo realised we were short of a decent rightside winger so Saloman Kalou was
brought in to the club from WW for a fee of £5M.

Halo Von Stronburg has also admitted that rivals Phoenix FC have made some flops and some
good signings in the current transfer window. The first laughable transfer was trading Anelka
for Berbatov, as HVS considers Anelka to be much better than Berbatov and if given the
chance would have Anelka over Berbatov everytime. I feel sorry for LT in transferring Nani
and £1M! for the signing of Flamini (not all to do with the fact i wanted nani) but the
fact that Flamini comes nowhere near Nani in class. There is also the signing of Fulop,
even though on a Free Transfer it is still funny as Handanovic (Stronburg's 1st string Goal
Keeper) is better outfield than Fulop. The 2 good pieces of deal that Von Stornburg has
admitted to is that of Jermaine Defoe and David Wheater. As HVS believes Defoe was a
steal at £8M and the fact that he bought Wheater at £2.5M then sold at a profit of £9.5M
to ONS.

[Charlesbeams]

Great stuff so far, will have to conjure up some sort of intro/announcement thing later

[Loojay]

Looking forward to seeing how this pans out, will do an intro later when I have the time.

[Fausto]

Great andy... Later ill post my Bananas Interview

[roberto922]

Coedpoeth United season preview

The season is fast approaching, and today we focus on the league champions, Coedpoeth United. We will be interviewing manager Robert Jones as he builds up to a title defence with a whole new side.

Interviewer: Hello Robert, how did it feel to lift the first T2B trophy?

Robert Jones: It was an amazing feeling, we went in to the season expecting European football, but never in my wildest dreams did I think we'd win the title, but we showed great ambition and form, and here we are.

Int.: Do you think you can repeat last seasons success?

RJ: Yes I do, obviously the side has undergone major changes but I really like our squad, we've gone for quality over quantity so far but I'm looking at bringing in one or two players to fill the squad a little, but I really rate the side we have, there's one or two positions that could be stronger but we've got time to improve those positions.

Int.: Your midfield seems very strong and your attack also, but would you say you need to improve your defence?

RJ: Ermm, not particularly, Ivanovic is a good RB, Luiz and Silva are fantastic CBs, and Leighton Baines is a left back that I rate very highly, he knows how to defend and is great going forward. We could certainly do with more depth in defence though.

Int.: Who do you think will be your star player this season?

RJ: Well the obvious choices would be Rooney or Kaka but I think Defour has the potential to be fantastic for us, and Cesar is the best goalkeeper in the world so he will obviously play a big part. But yeah I think Kaka will be huge for us, when he's in form he is unstoppable.

Int.: Where do you think you'll finish?

RJ: We need to be looking at the top 4 minimum.

Int.: And what would you say is your best XI?

RJ: I'm not completely sure yet but it'll probably be a diamond formation with Cesar, Ivanovic, Luiz, Silva, Baines, Vieira, Defour, Palacios, Kaka, Rooney, Bojan.

Int: Thank you for your time, good luck this season

RJ: Thank you.

[joetheref]

Boreham Badgers Season Preview with manager Joe Tompkins

You only just survived relegation in T2B09, do you think you will face a similar struggle this time round?
Well looking at some of the other squads they all have very strong lineups whereas we are maybe slightly weaker than the majority. But I think we should have an easier ride this season. I am confident we can finish in a comfortable mid-table position.

Are you happy with your squad or are you going to make some more signings?
I think a couple more signings may be needed. We look weakest in defence so we definitely need 1 or 2 there and maybe an extra one in midfield but apart from that I am happy

Are we going to see any silverware this season for the Badgers?
I think that might be getting ahead of ourselves a bit, maybe in 3-4 seasons but not this one

Who is your star player?
I don't like to single out players but I think the signing of Thierry Henry was a massive one. He will be an integral part of the team for the coming season and hopefully future seasons to come.

Good luck!

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Wow this is looking brilliant already Andy, I will need to put the finishing touches to my intro before I post it. Looking forward to the beginnings

[BenCraig7]

The Lions Sport:

BC Lions have confirmed there squad for the forthcoming season, after a tedious draft and then ruthless trading system:
Goalkeepers: Paul Robinson, Doni, David Ospina
Defenders: Justin Hoyte, Anthony Danny Fox, John O’Shea, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Roger Johnson, Michael Dawson, Thiago Heleno
Midfielders: Kieran Richardson, Sandro, Jack Wilshere, Junior Stanislas, Torsten Frings, Tinga,
Strikers: Marcus Bent, Keirrison, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Adriano, Yakubu

Although BC Lions have added to their squad, the media and rival managers alike all seem pessimistic of BC Lions chances. But Lions Chairman Blake had this to say “Okay, so we haven’t got the best team, but we have potential, with young starlets like Keirrison, Sandro and Wilshere, we have a great future. I fully believe we have a great coach in Ben Craig and I believe he could lead us to great things- mainly beating the scum that is Alcester Angels at every chance we get – if we do that I will be happy”

Ahead of the start of the new season, Lions boss Craig gave the Sport an exclusive insight into the life at the Lions- “This season is exciting, we have been preparing for months, everything at the club has been upgraded- even the dinner trays are a bigger- we are looking for the best start to the season that is possible and we are just aiming to prove our doubters wrong”

[magvest]

Looks really good as usual Andy. Will try to get a pre-season report tomorrow!!

[Almondo]

Northstars announce squad

In a press conference given yesterday Oldham northstars manager Arnold J Rimmer announced his squad for the start of the new Top2Bottom season. The squad list is as follows:

Goalkeepers

Iker Casillas - Vice Captain
Fabio
Piet Viethuizen

Defenders

Marcelo
Jan Vertongen
David Wheater
Leo
Phillipe Senderos
Stephen Carr

Midfielders

Mauro Camoranesi - Captain
Juan Manuel Vargas
Fabrice Pancrate
Rodrigo Possebon
Karl Henry
Ramires

Strikers

Christian Benitez
Kenwyne Jones
Giampaolo Pazzini
Jason Roberts


Once the squad was announced Rimmer admitted that his squad does need a little strengthening in a couple of positions but went on to say "I am excited about the squad that is here at the moment The chairman has done a good job working out trades for players and also in signing the best goalkeeper in the world in Iker Casillas."

A full interview with Rimmer will follow in the next day.

[SnakeXe]

Feel The Steel! Steel Panthers Are Back For 2009/10

            Neuer                  Sub 1: Guzan
                                   Sub 2: Luke Young
       Puyol     Nelsen            Sub 3: John Mensah
Maicon                  A-Ekotto   Sub 4: Simon Davies
                                   Sub 5: Carlton Cole
                                   Sub 6: James Vaughan
       Veron     Bullard           Sub 7: Nicolas Lodeiro
                                   
            Osman                  Chairman: Michael Starr
                                   Manager: Stix Zadinia
Robinho                   Petrov
                                   Owner: SnakeXe
            Totti                  Stadium: Catnip Park

T2B's "Entertainers", The Steel Panthers, are back for the new season with a new-look side - and ready for their first foray into Europe, having secured a spot in the Europa League's inaugural season with a solid 5th place finish last year.

Having produced such great football last year, the onus must surely be on bringing home a trophy for their loyal supporters. To do this, it looks like they'll need to delve into the transfer market to bring some grit into a talented but slight midfield. Manager Stix Zadinia was so overwhelmed by the activity of the trade period that he didn't end up making any transfers - reportedly a large offer was made for Frenchman Jeremie Toulalan, but a deal could not be reached.

[19992008]

TIBBOLINI FC- The Mad Hatters

Tibbolini FC were formed in 2009 by current chairman Mustapha Mbeywi. Having arrived from Nigeria, it was his ambitious intention to form a football club and take them to the top. He hired the services of Mike Bassett as manager, who some may remember from his fabled England days. Together they plan to make Tibbolini FC one of the main forces of english football. It has been Mike Bassett's claim that they shall look to entertain and win in style which has been backed up by having players such as Diego Milito and Samuel Eto'o.
Tibbolini FC are a club on the up, BEWARE.

[fergysafc]

TIBBOLINI FC- The Mad Hatters

Tibbolini FC were formed in 2009 by current chairman Mustapha Mbeywi. Having arrived from Nigeria, it was his ambitious intention to form a football club and take them to the top. He hired the services of Mike Bassett as manager, who some may remember from his fabled England days. Together they plan to make Tibbolini FC one of the main forces of english football. It has been Mike Bassett's claim that they shall look to entertain and win in style which has been backed up by having players such as Diego Milito and Samuel Eto'o.
Tibbolini FC are a club on the up, BEWARE.

you havent signed up

[JB]

you havent signed up

Yeah, he has

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Confirmed - he has!

[fergysafc]

im blind and didnt see him in the team overview

[Paulo1985]

Phoenix FC

Today the daily Phoenix has the first exclusive interview with both the Chairman and the new manager of Phoenix Football club. Phoenix are a newly made team that have entered this years T2B championship.

Interviewer: So what made you create a club knowing the perils that face football club chairman these days? and what motivated the descision to appoint a rookie manager in Paul Davids that has many fans questioning the ambition and quality of the team from the very start?

John Smith: The reason i have gone ahead with the creation of this club is a simple one. I followed the T2B premiership last year and like all armchair fans i knew that i could do better. We have been placed in the champonship this year with a team that i know can push for the title and automatic promotion from day one. As for the appointment of Paul here i can only ask that fans wait until the end of the season before judging as i know that he will bring many qualities to a job i know personnally that he is over qualified for. He is an excellent business man and know about this business from top to bottom.

Interviewer:
Paul following on form the chairmans opening words about the playing staff that have been assembled here can you elaborate on them at all?

Paul Davids: Well we have had the benifit of a very wealthy chairman letting me get on with the playing side of things freely after the initial signings of Klose and Flamini. The squad we have put together is a competitve one but that is not to say that we will not be adding to it again before the start of the season. There are a lot of players out there who could do a decent if not outstanding job for this club. Of coarse at the moment i cannot discuss the future transfers as i do not want to alert our rivals to our transfer policy.

Interviewer: so to the transfer window that has just shut. Of coarse it will reopen before the start of the season but what motivated the moves that you made?

Paul: Well we needed to strengthen the squad as we were not handed the most favorable draws in the draft. The players that we moved on we wish the best of luck to but i cannot see anyone arguing with the quality that has been added to this squad. The likes of Berbatov, Nani and defoe cannot be questioned on there credentials and will offer the club something different on the pitch.

Interviewer: Some people are praising the deals that were done for David wheater and also for Nani and Defoe. Do you think that they were good business for the club?

Paul Davids: I dont think that i will have many people disagree with me when i say that Nani represent one of the brightest prospects in the game today, already vastly experienced at the highest level he can only get better with age and the deal to bring him here was one of the best pieces of business done during the transfer window. It was also good for the clubs fans to find out that we snatched a player that was highly sort after. As for Defoe that piece of business was a late one that we just scraped in at the last minute but for the price that we paid i cannot complain at all as an international level striker is worth £8 million of anyones money.
David Wheater joined the c;ub for a small fee of £2.5 million and we had high hopes for the lad here but to finance other deals that the club wanted to make we could not turn down an instant profit for a young player of £9.5 Million. I wouldlike to take this opportunity to wish David the best of luck with his career.

It has been stated in the press by the chairman of FC Stromberg that he feels that your club have made a huge error in allowing Nicolas Anelka to leave and bringing in Berbatov in his place. What do you have to say to those allogations?

John Smith: I will take this one if i may. Listen the reason that Anelka was allowed to leave was a simple one. With the Defoe deal in mind we needed something different in our attack other than raw pace and Berbatov is perfect for that. He brings so much to a team and we hope that we can progress with him leading our line. With Simeo and Nani providing the ball to him and Defoe i cannot see many teams in our league being able to deal with that sort of quality.

Interviewer: SO what do you think of the deals done by your rivals FC Stromberg?

John Smith: we had to laugh at the pityful talent on display down there. some of the deals they have done are questionable and the rest are just utter rubbish!!
We dont really see them as rivals as such just a team that we have to stuff every year. We love it, The players will love it but most of all this is all for the fans and it will make there season if we stick five or six past them both home and away on our way to the title and promotion to The premiership. I know for one that a certain Dimitar Berbatov is looking forward to those games and i know that he is going to make them pay for questioning his ability.

Interviewer: thanks for your time today and we look forward to seeing how your team perform this year and wish you the best of luck for the future.



You can follow all the latest news on Pheonix including player interviews and inside views of the club that we all love right here.

Next Week: Interview with Nani and Bebatov don't miss it.

[Almondo]

Oldham Gazette gets first interview with Northstars Chairman

Today the Oldham Gazette has been granted the first interview with the Chairman of Oldham Northstars Football Club. We sent chief reporter and childhood friend Ashley Pluck to conduct the interview.

Ashley Pluck: So James you come back to the town where we both grew up to set up a sports empire. Why has it taken so long for you to get the football team set up?

James Almond: Well Ash I decided that we needed to get a base set up for the football team. So to that end I decided to go with the baseball team first. It was a low cost opportuinty to see if I had the patience that is needed to run a sports club. Once I knew that I did have I passed off the running of the baseball club to my assistant and great friend Denzel Schrader who may help me out with the football team side of things if needed.

A.P: So how did you get involved with the Top2Bottom league and why did you opt to join in with it?

J.A: I was reading one of the trade papers as I wanted to get a football team up and running quickly and there it was. An advertisment that was asking for more teams to join the T2B league. I decided to join it as I had followed the original season of the T2B league with great interest and it seemed like a good opportunity to get a league team going. The team was accepted and we have been building a good squad before pre season kicks off.

A.P: What was behind you decision to appoint an unknown manager in Arnold J Rimmer as the team manager?

J.A: Well I was looking for a manager for the team but I didn't want to appoint a known manager as there would then be so much pressure from the football fans in this town. As you know very well Oldham has a great footballing history which I want to carry on as much as possible. To that end I had to come up with a name no one knew. I mean look at the reception for Oldham Athletic's manager Dave Penny. He was known quite well throughout lower league football yet now the Latics fans want him out.

A.P: Yes I know all about that one. Anyway one last question. What can we expect from the team in the championship during your first season in the league?

J.A: Ah the big question. Well you can expect a fair amount of good looking football and also for the manager to have a healthy transfer budget to bring in any players he thinks are needed. Obviously I have managed to bring in some great signings with players like Iker Casillas, Mauro Camoranesi, Marcelo to name but three players in the team. However if you want to know any more about team affairs I'll point you in the direction of Mr Rimmer and his assistant Carlos Queiroz. I'm just the money man my old friend.

With that the interview was over. Ashley Pluck reports thath his old friend has lost none of his old self after making the money that has helped him to bankroll this football team and that he's still an Oldham boy through and through. There was also the fact that the Oldham Gazette has been confirmed as the only paper to get the inside scoop on any goings on with the team apart from Sports.tv.

[Marky Mark!]

GCB - Looks great so far, although Essendon FC seems to be missing a little player called Messi, who I payed a lot of money for.

Any chance of getting him into the squad in time for the pre-season games?

Other than that fantastic so far (of course)!

[Thefanghunter]

Awesome, man. Turns out Messi doesn't want to play AFL.

[PaulHartman71]

FC Libourne Saint Seurin Chairman Sergio Marbus meets the British press

Andy from The Sun: Sergio as the chairman of Wayne Bridge's new team, what are your views on the Wayne Bridge/John Terry scandal?

SM: To be honest, I do not really wish to talk about the individual players, let alone their private lives. I think that what newspapers in this country do to footballers is a disgrace, I think that the treatment of even the English players is bad, and generally do not like it. I want my club and my players to show some kind of class and respect to each other and the other teams in the leagues, so for me I cannot comment and I will not comment on any over private life issues.

Andy from The Sun: No more questions from us then mate.

Harry from The Daily Mail: Is Nick Clegg burgling the Conservative party?

SM: I do not wish to discuss the political situation here in the United Kingdom.

Harry from The Daily Mail: Have easier exams given your pets cancer?

SM: I do not have any pets.

Harry from The Daily Mail: Are asylum seekers giving your house prices swine flu?

SM: I do not understand what you are saying.

Terry Tibbs: Ivan Cordoba, talk to me!

SM: I'm afraid that the press conference is now over, thank you for the wonderful questions.

[Fausto]

Bananas FC

My starting XI

Joe hart
Habib Beye Otamendi Radoslav Kovac Emilio Insua

Alex Hleb Stankovic Fabregas Robben

Drogba Santa Cruz


Subs: Friedrich, Altidore, Piquionner, Kacartoo, Chris Eagles, Mongongu, Hughes, Hildebrand, Pantilimon.

Rookie Manager: Faustino Perozo
Well we have a very good balance team, we need only one or two new tranfers, I think that with a lot of effort we can finish in the top 10.

So, what do you think of Santa Cruz Injury at the begining of the season.

Of course is important, but we have another players that can play in that position that i can do a good job.

Do you think Altidore can do the job, he is one of you last Tranfers.

Well that why i bought Altidore, because i know with his speed and Drogba they can do a good parnership, and when Santa Cruz recover we will see what happen.

Of course that Fabregas, Drogba and Robben are you key players but who else do you think can do a great season in your team

Every team have key players but is how the play together, but to answer you question i think Joe Hart can do a great job along with Otamendi in the back.

Is Bob Maley a good o a bad Owner we dont know about him very much

Bob is a great person he likes to talk to everyplayer and he is always in the trainin, and he give me a lot of money so i can make the best team...

Last Question you Rivals CAPITE AD CALCEM are in Europa League, and they have a great Midfield do you think Bananas FC can beat them

That our game of the season they can be in Champions League and we in the Coca cola Championship and still is another game, we will still try our best to beat our rivals ....

Faustino Perozo
Bananas FC Manager

[hamilton162]

Wow, i have no idea how i missed this thread!

I'll try and get an intro up within the next few days Andy, but i've got a really heavy workload at school atm so it might be a few days before i've got time to make one!

[Greasy Chip Butty]

GCB - Looks great so far, although Essendon FC seems to be missing a little player called Messi, who I payed a lot of money for.

Any chance of getting him into the squad in time for the pre-season games?

Other than that fantastic so far (of course)!

I'll have a look now. He probably didn't end up on my list!

p.s. Come on yoooouuuuuuuuuuu Eaaaaaggggglllllleeeeeeesssssss!

[Kenco]

Introducing - Capite Ad Calcem

Interview with chairman, Non Compos Mentos.

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/6473901


Interview with manager, Cygnis Insignis, coming soon....

[cookie15]

An Exclusive interview with Alcester Angels Chairman (Derek Trotter) and Manager (Marcus Van Der Cook) by Adrian Chiles on the Sofa of The One Show

Adrian Chiles - Well Derek, very few people were expecting you to enter a new franchise team in the T2B Premier League. What made you form the Alcester Angels?

Derek Trotter - To be honest Adrian, i've always wanted to own my own footie club, and the Angels just captured my imagination. It seemed the right thing thing to do. Uncle Albert, God rest his soul, always said that the Angels saved him during the war, i couldn't let him down, could I!

AC - I suppose you have point Delboy, you don't mind me calling you Delboy do you?

DT - Adrian, you remind me of my brother Rodney, so it's fine by me.

AC - Delboy is it true you've recruited a few of your friends to help round the club?

DT - Yes, that's true Adrian. We've employed Marlene to run the catering, Boycee to oversee the players Cars and Trigger is to be Groundsman! It's a dream team to support the fellas.

AC - Well that's very good Delboy. Here you are sat next to your relatively inexperienced manager Van Der Cook. Marcus how do you feel Delboy has managed to do in the Transfer Market?

MVDC - Derek is a legend! He's known for his wheeler dealing and he has done the Angels proud wit his recruitment policy. I'm sure the fans will be delighted to see the players in the pre-season games.

AC - Who do you consider to be the best deals?

MVDC - There are so many, to pick one will be hard. Ronaldinho, Modric, Given, Toure, Mutu, Bosingwa, the list could go on and on. They're a fabulous bunch of players and i can't wait to mould them into a team.

AC - Where do you see the strength of the team?

MVDC - The Midfield will be the most creative in the League and the rest of the teams will struggle to compete in the middle of the park. And with Clichy and Bosingwa bombing down the wings, who could ask for more? It'll be exciting that's for sure!

AC - Well obviously we wish you well with your debut season, no doubt people will be intrigued to see how Delboy's Angels take shape on the field.
This is the first in a series of interviews with the Alcester Angels and next to join me on the sofa will be the Brazilian legend Ronaldinho!
Now over to Christine who has a very interesting interview with a mobile hairdresser for Racing Pigeons!!

[hamilton162]

Brennan United are back for Top2Bottom FM10 in the new disguise of Flackwell Falcons. But the question begs, can Liedson lead them to glory?

Flackwell Falcons, the rebranded Brennan United, are back bigger and better with a new bunch of players determined to win trophies in the FM10 Version.

The FM09 version saw the Falcons, then Brennan United, finish 10th in the Premier League after a storming 2nd half of the season, finishing just 6 points short of a European spot after a remarkable upturn in form from January onwards, which has been put down to the fans and the outgoing manager John Puckett, to the arrival of Brazilian striker Liedson on a free transfer in January.

With Liedson set to lead the Falcons up front in his first whole season with the club, the question begs, can he lead them to glory?

With Goran Pandev also making the move down south with the change of ownership, and the addition of stars such as David Bently and Paul Scholes to the Falcon’s squad, and a new sponsor in B&Q, the coming season looks set to have a good outcome for the club, despite all of the turmoil that the club has had to endure off the pitch in the close season.

Owner: Sam Carr
Manager: Michael Venter
Stadium: The Bird's Nest

GK: Asmir Begovic
RB: Steve Finnan
CB: Lucio
CB: Fabricio Coliccini
LB: Matty Taylor
RM: David Bently
CM: Riccardo Montolivo
CM: Paul Scholes
LM: Damien Duff
ST: Goran Pandev
ST: Liedson

S1: Lukasz Fabianski
S2: Scott Dann 
S3: Radja Nainggolan
S4: Andy Dawson
S5: Marcos
S6: Brett Emerton
S7: Guilgerme

[Fausto]

Kenco Great video but im going to win the classic

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Introducing - Capite Ad Calcem

Interview with chairman, Non Compos Mentos.

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/6473901


Interview with manager, Cygnis Insignis, coming soon....

Loving it! Absolutely first class entertainment!

[weeeman27bob]

Some wonderful stuff in here already

I'll try and make something to join it soon.

[SnakeXe]

Introducing - Capite Ad Calcem

Interview with chairman, Non Compos Mentos.

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/6473901


Interview with manager, Cygnis Insignis, coming soon....

That's utterly hilarious!! I love the random burp and fart, reminds me of Peter Griffin

[Kenco]

Loving it! Absolutely first class entertainment!

Glad you think so, because the manager interview I am working on is more likely to be economy class!

[fergysafc]

i still dont have a clue want to write lol been thinking for it for ages ¬_¬

[Lower Leagues Rule]

H M M M...rofl drunken poker...

[magvest]

Discworld announce their squad

Goalkeepers:
Gomes
Kameni
Consigli

Defenders:
Carvalho
Kaboul
Delpierre
Figueroa
Eboue
Felipe

Midfielders:
Ben Arfa
Toulalan
Sahin
Mikel
Gera
Diaby
Surman

Strikers:
Johnson
Villa
Fred
Owen

A pretty good squad that can use an addition or two in some areas.

Possible Lineup
Gomes

Eboue - Carvalho - Delpierre - Figueroa

Mikel
Toulalan - Diaby
Ben Arfa

Villa - Fred

Stay tuned for an interview with chairman Dahlin and manager Vestergaard tomorrow!!

[Kenco]

H M M M...rofl drunken poker...

The H M M M bit was obviously meant to be hmmm, but it sounded funny so I left it in.

[Loojay]

Helsinki Hurricanes Squad & First XI Announced



Heksinki Hurricanes President Chris Lewis was today proud to announce the official starting eleven of the controversial Helsinki Hurricanes team. Dubbed "Chelsinki", the team use an aggressive 4 3 3 formation, utilising strong wingers in Van Persie and the like.

GK: Edwin Van De Sar
RB: Glen Johnson
LB: Gael Clichy
CB: Sebastian Bassong
CB: Zat Knight
CM: Frank Lampard
CM: Michael Essien
CM: Raul Garcia
RW: Yohann Gourcuff
LW: Robin Van Persie
ST: Luis Fabiano

SUB: Federico Marchetti
SUB: Yury Zhirkov
SUB: Michael Ballack
SUB: Nigel De Jong
SUB: Joe Cole
SUB: Nicola Legrottaglie
SUB: Neven Subotic
SUB: Ricky van Wolfswinkle

[Kenco]

Introducing Capite Ad Calcem - Part 2

Interview with manager, Cygnis Insignis.

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/6480273

[PaulHartman71]

what software does xtra normal use for you to view the videos?

edit: dw

[bergtaur]

Hey guys, I don't have any editing software for photos and I know that probably the only guy who doesn't have a kit yet. Any chance I can get one of you guys to provide your services to make me one? I can give you the info for it. Any help is appreciated.

[roberto922]

Nah you're not the only one I'm absolute cack at drawing anything above a stick drawing on a computer, anyone that has played me on isketch will testify to that

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Fafeful United News
Tiny brings back the Fafe

Article translated from Portuguese using Google Translate

Fafe Moments Now Sports have sent me here today to discuss the newest Professional club based in our sleepy, little northern town. I am delighted to be here with the leaders of this football revolution, Desmond Tiny, Aleksander Radakovic and their newly signed Assistant manager, Graeme Jones. Well Fafeful United have been built from the top down, an idea in the mind of former AD Fafe Manager, Des Tiny saw the forming of a new club when the announcement of a new T2B League. He was delighted when his former strike leader signed up to be the clubs manager and together they have put together a strong side and hope to take the T2B Premiership by storm. So first up I would like to have Des tell us about the club, and the staff he has signed.

Well João I am so pleased to be here today, now looking at the line-up we have made you may be surprised to know, but our team is all about the future. We have brought in some superstars, but mainly I built the club looking forward. We have built a brand new stadium for the team, a 66,000 seater in the centre of Fafe to be called Estadio Municipal. At the new ground we have managed to build a great youth academy for the young stars to train in, this academy is state of the art and has the best youth training facilities that money could buy. The gym that I have put in is about average, but hopefully over the years we can build on this and improve the training pitch for our boys as well. To start with on the staff front my first focus was to get in a good Ass Man & a few good coaches, our Physio was not a position I was so worried about, but we managed to sign Graeme Jones the former Scottish Premier League Player to our side, he will be assisting Aleks from the beginning. Our coaching staff saw us signing Steve Foley to coach all our players, Nigel Spink to focus on our Goalkeepers and Richard Hawkins who will hopefully be running the stars into the ground with some fitness training. Then at the last minute we managed to bring in Jon Cooke to cover injuries for the side, hopefully we don't have too many of them.

Watch this next interview section LIVE

Well we have had some questions in from our fans in regards to the players you have brought in, so Aleks if you can answer them for me please.

Anything at all João, lets here what the fans want to know.

The first question is who you believe will be starting goal for the club this season, and what your thoughts are about having traded away one of your goalkeeping stars.

Well João, I think we will run with a rotation policy to begin with. Lets give Rene and Morgan a chance to prove themselves first. One of them is going to become the starter, realistically either of them could lead the line.As for the trade involving Almunia, my thoughts on that, well really we had a very strong goalkeeping core and could afford to give one away, in the end it was a very good trade. We received Benni who will join our Striking Core at the perfect time.

You only made a few trades in the window Aleks, but I must say they were good ones for sure. The next question comes from Dylan in Fafe, Portugal. He asks, You signed Hulk and Luca Toni as your leading strikers. Which one do you expect to score more?

Well this really is a strange question. I am not worried about who scores the most goals, but if I had to put it out there I would say Toni will score more often. Though so long as we win either scoring is fine with me.

Well we have one more question here, its from Sam in Wellington, New Zealand. He asks, you have a bit of experience through your team, but someone is going to provide that creative spark. Who do you think that will be?

I personally believe the spark will be provided by Valdivia, Jorge is a big man for our club and he is likely to be able to play the ball through beautifully to our front line. In combo with Pienaar and Sidwell the middle looks very solid to me.

Now Des, I want to hear your thoughts on sponsorship, your kits and what your aims are for this first season.

I was delighted to sign a deal with Orange for the branding rights for the new season. They have agreed to a two year deal and as such the design for our jerseys followed. I was pretty happy with the striped design of our home jersey, though I have to say our Away Strip is without a doubt the favourite of mine. I can see the club having many great trips in that one. And then just incase there was a clash problem as was suggested by a few other Chairmen we brought out a third jersey, we may not wear it much, but the purple is a great colour and shows the royal lineage of our club. Hopefully now that all the organising is behind us we can get on and get some results, this first season is going to be interesting. None of the teams really know where they are at, so we will look to get some early season upsets and then get up the table early.

Thanks Des, well thats all from me here. I hope that has covered all of the questions you had about Fafeful United, this is me saying Goodnight

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Hey guys, I don't have any editing software for photos and I know that probably the only guy who doesn't have a kit yet. Any chance I can get one of you guys to provide your services to make me one? I can give you the info for it. Any help is appreciated.

Nah you're not the only one I'm absolute cack at drawing anything above a stick drawing on a computer, anyone that has played me on isketch will testify to that

Well guys, I believe you can download a trial version of Photoshop which lasts for 30 days, but if you like and don't mind waiting til the weekend I could throw together a couple of kits for each of you.

[roberto922]

That would be much appreciated, I've tried photoshop a few times and can't get used to it

[Lower Leagues Rule]

That would be much appreciated, I've tried photoshop a few times and can't get used to it

Ok, well just pop me an idea of what your home and away jerseys should look like, a link to your team logo and who your sponsor is and I will do my best for you. Might be best in a PM.

[magvest]

LLR, do you fancy making a kit for Discworld as well? I'm totally incompetent when it comes to graphics...

[Lower Leagues Rule]

LLR, do you fancy making a kit for Discworld as well? I'm totally incompetent when it comes to graphics...

I'm willing to make kits for anyone who would like them, just throw me a PM with the following details

Colour Scheme & Design
A link to your Logo
Your Sponsor
Which brand kit your would like

Then I will do my best to throw something together...I do ask for a little license in this because I am having to use what I have

[roberto922]

The new Coedpoeth United kit, courtesy of LLR

[SnakeXe]

Introducing Capite Ad Calcem - Part 2

Interview with manager, Cygnis Insignis.

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/6480273

Gary Knee-ville

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Apologies for a lack of activity this week chaps. Am under a heavy workload and am a bit worse for wear too. Hoping to get going at the weekend still though.

[Almondo]

North Stars Home and Away shirts Courtesy of Lower League Rules




Home on the Left away on the right

[Lower Leagues Rule]

The new Coedpoeth United kit, courtesy of LLR

Hmmm it appears I may have done the wrong sponsor on these ones Roberto, I believe its my fault, your sponsor is Carling, can edit these up in about 24 hours if you would like and PM you the new versions.

[Fausto]

Great work in the Shirts, im thinking about doing mines this weekend but thoose ones look amazing, GCB dont worry well wait for the weekend .....

[bergtaur]

Finally some kits, the work of LLR, who did some great work on these.

The Home Kit:



The Away Kit