A Vida Curta (LLR's Short Challenges)

[Lower Leagues Rule]

A Vida Curta
The Short Half

The Plan

I am going to post a series of short challenges that are no longer than half a season.For example you could find yourself in charge of Shrewsbury Town attempting to go as far as you can in the FA Cup, or you could be Darmstadt trying to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga, or maybe you will be leading Boavista in Promotion back to the Liga Sagres. Then again it could be battling to get through a Euro Cup group stage, or leading Croatia to World Cup Glory.

There are many possible paths, and many possible challenges. Remember these challenges can be attempted in any order, and you can complete as many or as few of them as you wish. Just great for a short afternoon session (Or late night, or whenever else), but most of all Enjoy them all. And new entrants are welcome at any time, join in and do whichever challenges you wish.

The Rules

Well as I will be providing the database, I don't need to worry about database rules, though for simplicity here is what I will be generally using, any changes to this will be advised in the challenge overview.

Leagues Loaded
Large
In a large database there will be 15-20 Leagues from a variety of nations with extra players loaded from the Continent in focus.

Medium
In the Medium Challenges there will be a database of 5-10 Leagues total from a mix of nations and no extra players loaded.

Small
These ones will be loaded as just the leagues of one nation, will be perfect for fast processing speeds and also for computers with less capability.

Other Rules are pretty simple:
NO use of Scouting or Editing Programs
You can only sign players that you can either Scout or from a trial
Anything else will be mentioned in the individual challenge Overviews
Manager Rep should be set as Automatic

Posting Rules
Player naming is allowed. (This is a warning for those of you who do not wish to see this)
Discussion of tactics is allowed. (This is another warning for those of you who do not wish to see this)
Please use screenshots for any aspect of your game you wish to share - this is actively encouraged!
When you join the challenge, could you post a screenshot of your manager's profile as soon as you join your club.

Hopefully that is all clear, now onto the best part, the Challenges themselves

The Challenges

Challenge 1: The Cup or The League? <Large>

Padroense Futebol Clube

Padroense Futebol Clube is a club competing in the Portuguese Second Division Central.
The Challenge involves a choice, avoid relegation or chase the Taca de Portugal.

Scenario: You are the new manager of Padroense, your club has managed only 9pts from 15 games so far this season and sit 8pts from safety, but at the same time they have managed to make the quarterfinals of the Taca de Portugal where they have a massive game against Sporting CP coming up. As the new Manager you need to make a decision, do you go for Glory and chase the Cup victory as unlikely as it seems, or do you try to keep the club away from Relegation?

Leagues Loaded: England: Down to Blue Square North/South, Spain: Down to Second Division B, Portugal: Down to Second Division, Italy: Down to Serie C2, Germany: Down to Third Division. Players are also loaded from Top Division Clubs in Europe.
The Full Challenge
The Save Game


Challenge 2: Are you Stan Cullis? <Small>

Wolverhampton Wanders FC

Wolverhampton Wanders are a club competing in the English Premier League.
The Challenge involves a surprise run for Wolves, they are currently 4th in the League and heading to Europe.

Scenario: You are the new manager of Wolves, they have managed to make it to 4th in the league, a great effort for the club predicted 17th for this season. The date is February 1st, the transfer window has just closed, with 46pts Wolves are 8pts from 1st and 9pts ahead of Villa in 5th. Can you make history and lead them to their first top division league title since 1959? Or will you just aim for Europe?

Leagues Loaded: England: Down to League 2.
The Full Challenge
The Save Game


Challenge 3: The Mainztay? <Medium>

1. FSV Mainz 05

Mainz are a club competing in the German Bundesliga.
The Challenge involves a terrible drop in from for Mainz, they are currently 17th in the League and heading to Relegation.

Scenario: You are the new manager of Mainz, in 2010/11 they managed to win the Bundesliga, since then they have dropped off in form. In 2011/12 they managed to finish 14th and survive, this season though they are struggling against relegation. Can you make sure the former champions can survive in the league? Or is there something greater meant for this season? Or is it all over for the 2011 Champions?

Leagues Loaded: Scotland: Second Division, Germany: Third Division, Spain: Second Division B.
The Full Challenge
The Save Game

Challenge 4: Do you have the Heart? (The Hard Road) <Small>

Melbourne Heart FC

Melbourne Heart FC are a club competing in the Hyundai A-League.
The Challenge involves a playoff qualification, and a coming away trip to take a title chance.

Scenario: You are the new manager of Melbourne Heart FC, the club is in its inaugural season and has miraculously made it to the Hyundai A-League Finals series in the 6th spot in the league. You will be traveling away no matter the result of the final game in the Regular season, The trip will be to either Wellington or Townsville and it is sudden death, so your challenge could be over in the first game, or you could go on through 4 matches and win the title by the hard road. Can you win the title? Or is your Heart made of stone?

Leagues Loaded: Australia: Hyundai A-League only.
The Full Challenge
The Save Game

Challenge 5: Risen from the Ashes (The Easy Road) <Small>

Wellington Phoenix FC

Wellington Phoenix FC are a club competing in the Hyundai A-League.
The Challenge involves a final Regular Season game, with Minor Premiership up for grabs, then the Playoffs.

Scenario: You are the new manager of The Phoenix in the Hyundai A-League, your club are currently sitting 3rd in the league with one game remaining. League Leaders Perth Glory have already played their final game and sit 2pts ahead, your opponent in this match will be North Queensland Fury who are currently 2nd (1pt ahead), the mission is simple, win your final game and win the Minor Premiership. Then go on and win the Finals Trophy from the easy road. Can you complete the Double? Or will you fall out of contention?

Leagues Loaded: Australia: Hyundai A-League only.
The Full Challenge
The Save Game

Challenge 6: Roving to Europe <Large>

Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn Rovers are a club competing in the English Premier League.
The Challenge involves a great chance in Europe for Blackburn.

Scenario: You are the new manager of Blackburn Rovers in the English Premier League. Currently your club sits in 5th in the League with just 11 games remaining. This would see your club qualifying for Europe, this is your main aim in the challenge, but you are also in the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup and could look to go all the way there as the remaining Challengers look weak in comparison. So is Roving to Europe for you? Or will you win the FA Cup for some Glory?

Leagues Loaded: England: Down to Blue Square North/South, Spain: Down to Second Division B, Portugal: Down to Second Division, Italy: Down to Serie C2, Germany: Down to Third Division. Players are also loaded from Top Division Clubs in Europe.
The Full Challenge
The Save Game


Challenge 7: Champion Croats <Medium>

Croatia

Croatia are an European Nation competing in Group B of the European Championships.
The Challenge involves a great team of Croats going for the European Crown.

Scenario: You are the new manager of Croatia competing in Group B of the European Championships against Italy, Belarus and Norway. Currently ranked third in the world Croatia came third in the 2014 World Cup, behind Chile & Brazil, they are up against Italy ranked 13th, Belarus ranked 27th and Norway ranked 31st. The challenge of winning Croatia's first major title is in front of you.

Leagues Loaded: Scotland: Second Division, Germany: Third Division, Spain: Second Division B.
The Full Challenge
The Save Game


Challenge 8: The Group of Death <Small>

Scotland

Scotland are an European Nation competing in Group B of the 2014 World Cup
The Challenge involves a great team of Scots going for the World Cup Trophy.

Scenario: You are the new manager of Scotland and are lining up for the 2014 World Cup in Group B with a World Ranking of 13th, you have been drawn into the Group of Death for the tournament alongside Mexico (8th), Chile (9th), & Nigeria (12th). First you need to advance from this group as the first Scottish team to complete that mission, can you then go on to win a World Cup?

Leagues Loaded: Italy: Down to Serie C2
The Full Challenge
The Save Game


Challenge 9: Time for Caribbean Flair <Small>

Netherlands Antilles

Netherlands Antilles are a Caribbean Nation competing in Group D of the 2010 Caribbean Championship.
The Challenge involves a small nation going for a one of the smallest international trophies.

Scenario: You are the new manager of Netherlands Antilles, they are about to compete in the Caribbean Championships. You have about 4 months to scout your team before leading them in the Island Championships. During this time you have two friendlies, worth challenge points, and hopefully you can use them as building blocks to stage a true title contention in the Championships. Can you show the Caribbean Flair needed or will you play a flat 4-4-2?

Leagues Loaded: USA: MLS Only + All players from Caribbean Loaded.
The Full Challenge
The Save Game


Challenge 10: It's a Sassy Europa <Small>

US Sassuolo Calcio

Sassuolo are an Italian club competing in the Italian Serie B.
The Challenge involves a Europa League challenge for the reigning Coppa Italia Runner-ups.

Scenario: You are the new manager of Sassuolo, while they made it to the Coppa Italia Final last season and qualified for Europe, they also managed to find themselves relegated from the Serie A as they only managed two league victories all season. So now in Serie B, and in the Italian Super Cup as well as heading to the Europa League. In a change on other challenges, this will be a first half of the season challenge, and all rewards will be related to results by Christmas. So your job is to head to Sassuolo and give them the best Christmas presents you can, the ultimate would be leading the League having won the Super Cup over Roma, and also still in the Europa League as well. Can you be successful straight out of the box for 6 months?

Leagues Loaded: Italy: Down to Serie C2
The Full Challenge
The Save Game


Challenge 11: Man You can't always Bridesmaid <Medium>

Manchester United

Manchester United are a club competing in the English Premier League.
The Challenge involves a Champions League Run for the World's best known club.

Scenario: You are the new manager of Manchester United, Alex Ferguson retired in June 2012 after another Runners-up effort in the Champions League, in his last five seasons the club won it once, and were bridesmaids on 3 occasions. Your number one job in taking over in January 2013 is to finally bring the Champions League title back to Old Trafford. At the same time you will need to continue to compete in the league and in the FA Cup or the club is likely to fire you for not giving them the performances they expect. The club is currently comfortably leading the League, while having reasonable match-ups in the FA Cup, vs Walsall and against Porto in the Champions League. The team is still great two years down the road, so the game is in your hands.

Leagues Loaded: Top Leagues Only: England, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Portugal & Russia
The Full Challenge
The Save Game


Challenge 12: One Single Point <Small>

Boler Idrettsforening

Boler IF are a club competing in the Norwegian 2nd Division Group 2.
The Challenge involves a single point through 13 games, and attempting a Great Escape

Scenario: You are the new manager of Boler IF, your club has been promoted in April 2016 to the 2nd Division of Norwegian Football. It has been a complete struggle to get points and the club has managed just a single point through the first half of the season, what remains is thirteen games for the club to attempt to avoid relegation. Your job is simple, do better than former manager, Ole-Kristian Vikan, each game is another chance to do better than him. Any result better than the first half will result in a small haul of points.

Leagues Loaded: Norway (Above 2nd Division)
The Full Challenge
The Save Game

[Lower Leagues Rule]

The Competition Standings

|---------------------|-----------------|--------|-----------|--------------------|
|   The Challengers   | # of Challenges | Points | Pts/Chlng |  Best Performance  |
|---------------------|-----------------|--------|-----------|--------------------|
| Jambo98             |        1        |   30   |  30.00    |      None Yet      |
| danger_mouse        |        7        |  204   |  29.14    |    Heart Champs    |
| jimbowmanuk         |        8        |  214   |  26.75    |   Croatia  Champs  |
| Lower Leagues Rule  |        5        |  110   |  22.00    |   Phoenix  Double  |
| Suggy 33            |        2        |   43   |  21.50    |   Win German Cup   |
| adainoflfc          |        5        |   91   |  18.20    |    Croatia Semis   |
| aaberdeenn          |        5        |   80   |  16.00    |    Rovers to ECL   |
| Elnaith             |        0        |    0   |   0.00    |      None Yet      |
| GlennUK             |        0        |    0   |   0.00    |      None Yet      |
|---------------------|-----------------|--------|-----------|--------------------|

The Challenges

Challenge 1: The Cup or The League?

Padroense Futebol Clube

Padroense Futebol Clube is a club competing in the Portuguese Second Division Central, they were founded in 1922. A club with no real history in football, even in 89 seasons they have only won a few regional titles. Your aim is to lead them out of the hole they have dug. The date is January 1st, so you have a full transfer window infront of you.

The Challenge involves a choice, avoid relegation or chase the Taca de Portugal.

Scenario: You are the new manager of Padroense (Sunday League Rep), your club has managed only 9pts from 15 games so far this season and sit 8pts from safety, but at the same time they have managed to make the quarterfinals of the Taca de Portugal where they have a massive game against Sporting CP coming up. As the new Manager you need to make a decision, do you go for Glory and chase the Cup victory as unlikely as it seems, or do you try to keep the club away from Relegation?
With Adequate training facilities and basic youth recruitment you are going to need to use the transfer window to fill the squad with anyone you need. As you are currently £230 over the very small wage budget, you will need to work on that as well. A good quick removal of any player you see as dead wood could help.

Current League Table: Padroense 16th
Taca de Portugal Draw: vs Sporting CP
Ass Mans Squad Report
The Squad

Points System

Win Taca de Portugal: 50pts
TdP Runner Up: 25pts
Make Semifinals: 15pts

Relegated (14th/15th/16th): 0pts
Relegated in 13th: 2pts
Survival (9th/10th/11th/12th): 5pts
Top Half Finish: 15pts
Winners: 50pts

Bonus Points
Go Unbeaten: 15pts
Win 5 Games: 5pts
Score >51 Goals: 10pts (3 per Game)
Concede <17 Goals: 10pts (1 per Game)

The Save Game


Challenge 2: Are you Stan Culis?

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC are a club competing in the English Premier League, they have a great history, but have never really emulated what was done under the guidance of Stan Culis during the 1950s, he won the 1st Division for the club on three occasions and led them to be labelled, "Champions of the World." This being claimed in English papers led to the creation of the European Cup Competitions, Wolves were the second English team to compete in Europe, but haven't been back there since 1981.

The Challenge involves Wolves in a Champions League qualifying spot, and looking up the table.

Scenario: You are the new manager of Wolves, they have managed to make it to 4th in the league, a great effort for the club predicted 17th for this season. The date is February 1st, the transfer window has just closed, with 46pts Wolves are 8pts from 1st and 9pts ahead of Villa in 5th. Can you make history and lead them to their first top division league title since 1959? Or will you just aim for Europe?
With just the three big guns above you, and a long way back to Villa the season looks like a plod home to fourth for Wolves, but with 14 games left can you pull off a miracle and make moves up the table? Your first major challenge is only 5 days away as you will face Manchester United after just a short turnaround from facing West Ham tomorrow. Knocked out of all the cup competitions means you can just focus on the league, and the chances of a huge European adventure in the new season.

Current League Table: Wolves 4th
Player Stats: Fletcher 1st (16)
Ass Mans Squad Report
The Squad

Points System

Finish below 4th: 0pts
Finish 4th: 5pts
Finish 3rd: 10pts
Runners Up: 30pts
Winners: 40pts

Bonus Points
Go Unbeaten: 10pts
Win 10 Games: 7pts
Score >42 Goals: 10pts (3 per Game)
Concede <14 Goals: 10pts (1 per Game)
Fletcher EPL Top Goalscorer: 5pts

The Save Game


Challenge 2: The Mainstay

1.FSV Mainz 05

1. FSV Mainz 05 are a club competing in the German Bundesliga, They have climbed up the leagues over more than a century of football, and in 2010/11 were in only their 5th Bundesliga season, with a surprise victory they actually took the entire footballing world by surprise, though the two seasons after this appear to be a return to the club being a bottom half team.

The Challenge involves Mainz staring relegation in the face.

Scenario: You are the new manager of Mainz, they are struggling this season, 17th in the league, a very poor effort for the team that won the league just 18 months earlier. The date is January 26th, you have 5 days left in the transfer window, with 17pts Mainz are 2pts from safety, and 11pts behind Wolfsburg sitting in the final Europa League spot. Can you save the former Champions? Or will you push upwards for the European spots?
Tied for last in the league on points, though only one result from safety it looks like an easy run will get you out of the relegation spots, but with 16 games to go the question is how far you can climb up the title ladder. You run into some big challenges immediately after taking over, in three days you will face Dortmund in the German Cup Quarter Finals, then just 4 days after that game you will face the league leading Bayern Munich. A nice challenge to combine the cup challenge with a better placing in the league. (European Qualification through the cup will still give you the European Points)

Current League Table: Mainz 17th
Ass Mans Squad Report
The Squad

Points System

Relegated: 0pts
Avoid Relegation (Playoff): 2pts
Avoid Relegation (Finish 15th): 5pts
Finish 11th - 14th: 8pts
Finish 7th - 10th: 10pts
Europa Qualification: 20pts
Champs League Qual: 35pts
Bundesliga Champions: 50pts

Win German Cup: 25pts
German Cup Runner Up: 10pts
Make Semifinals: 5pts

Bonus Points
Go Unbeaten: 15pts
Win 10 Games: 10pts
Score >48 Goals: 10pts (3 per Game)
Concede <16 Goals: 10pts (1 per Game)
Sebastian Freis Top German Cup Goalscorer: 5pts

The Save Game


Challenge 4: Do you have the Heart? (The Hard Road) <Small>

Melbourne Heart FC

Melbourne Heart FC are a club competing in the Hyundai A-League. The club was formed in 2008, and competed in the Hyundai A-League for the first time in the 2010/11 season. They have already developed a strong rivalry with Melbourne Victory, their local rivals. Being a new club, you will be building their history.

The Challenge involves a playoff qualification, and a coming away trip to take a title chance.

Scenario: You are the new manager of Melbourne Heart FC, the club is in its inaugural season and has miraculously made it to the Hyundai A-League Finals series in the 6th spot in the league. The date is February 13th, and later today you will find out who your first opponent will be in the Play-offs, will you be jumping on a plane for the long trip to Wellington, or will the Phoenix take the title and leave you traveling to Townsville to face the Fury?
For those new to A-League Finals here is a link to the playoffs explanation. In short the top 2 teams play in a two-legged Major Semi Final to host the final, 3rd plays 6th & 4th plays 5th in one off games, the winners then meet and the winner of that round travels away to meet the loser of the Major Semi-Final with the winner going to the Final.
So having finished in 6th you and your Heart team will be away from home throughout the Finals, so your challenge is to take them through the challenge and win the playoffs the hard way, 4 games to make it a victory.

Current League Table: Heart 6th
Ass Mans Squad Report
The Squad

Points System
Pts in this challenge are added together
Lose on Penalties in Minor Semifinal: 1pt
Win Minor Semifinal: 5pts
Lose on Penalties in Minor Final: 2pts
Win Minor Final: 7pts
Lose in Extra Time Preliminary Final: 1pt
Lose on Penalties in Preliminary Final: 3pts
Win on Penalties in Preliminary Final: 7pts
Win Preliminary Final: 10pts
Lose on Penalties in Grand Final: 4pts
Win Grand Final: 20pts (This would be worth a total of 39 & 42pts)

Bonus Points
Never need Extra Time: 15pts (Must win Grand Final)
Score 3 Goals per Game: 10pts
Concede less than 1 goal per game: 5pts
One Player Scores 4 Goals: 10pts

The Save Game

[Lower Leagues Rule]

The Challenges Continue

Challenge 5: Risen from the Ashes (The Easy Road) <Small>

Wellington Phoenix FC

Wellington Phoenix FC are a club competing in the Hyundai A-League. They are based in Wellington, New Zealand and as such are one of the few clubs competing outside their home nation. The club was founded in July 2007 to replace the previous ill-fated NZ clubs competing in Australia.
The Challenge involves a final Regular Season game, with Minor Premiership up for grabs, then the Playoffs.

Scenario: You are the new manager of The Phoenix in the Hyundai A-League, your club are currently sitting 3rd in the league with one game remaining. League Leaders Perth Glory have already played their final game and sit 2pts ahead, your opponent in this match will be North Queensland Fury who are currently 2nd (1pt ahead), the mission is simple, win your final game and win the Minor Premiership. Then you will be in the play-offs, first up will be the Major Semi-final over two legs if you can beat the Fury, or a Minor Semi against Melbourne Heart if you fail. The easier path is possible in this competition and it is all dependant on your own results. Can you complete the Double? Or will you fall out of contention?

Current League Table: Phoenix 3rd
Ass Man's Squad Report
The Squad

Points System
Pts in this challenge are added together
Win Minor Premiership: 15pts
Win 1 Leg of Major Semi: 5pts (And Lose)
Win Major Semifinal: 10pts

Lose on Penalties in Minor Semifinal: 1pt
Win Minor Semifinal: 5pts

Lose on Penalties in Minor Final: 2pts
Win Minor Final: 7pts

Lose in Extra Time Preliminary Final: 1pt
Lose on Penalties in Preliminary Final: 3pts
Win on Penalties in Preliminary Final: 7pts
Win Preliminary Final: 10pts

Lose on Penalties in Grand Final: 4pts
Win Grand Final: 20pts (This would be worth a total of 39 & 42pts)

Bonus Points
Never need Extra Time: 15pts (Must win Grand Final)
Score 3 Goals per Game: 10pts
Concede less than 1 goal per game: 5pts
One Player Scores 4 Goals: 10pts
Complete Double: 10pts

Leagues Loaded: Australia: Hyundai A-League only.
The Save Game


Challenge 6: Roving to Europe <Large>

Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn Rovers are a club competing in the English Premier League, established in 1875, and becoming a founding member of The Football League in 1888. They are one of only three clubs to have been a founding member of the Football League & the Premier League. Until the forming of the Premier League Blackburn had been very successful in the 1930s, but not much since then. In the Premier League though they have won it in 1994-95, and made the European qualification spots 7 times, while only spending 2 seasons outside the top league.
The Challenge involves a great chance in Europe for Blackburn.

Scenario: You are the new manager of Blackburn Rovers in the English Premier League. Currently your club sits in 5th in the League with just 11 games remaining. This would see your club qualifying for Europe, this is your main aim in the challenge, but you are also in the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup and could look to go all the way there as the remaining Challengers look weak in comparison. Just 3 points off 4th and 3 points ahead of 6th, it is a tight race for these places this season, your aim is to take the Rovers and move onwards and upwards. The FA Cup looks like a great chance for you to show off. So is Roving to Europe for you? Or will you win the FA Cup for some Glory?

Current League Table: Blackburn 5th
Ass Man's Squad Report
The Squad

Points System
Win League: 50pts
Win FA Cup: 30pts
Qualify Champs League: 15pts
Qualify Europa League: 5pts

FA Cup Runner-up: 10pts

Bonus Points
League Top Goalscorer: 5pts
Score 33 or More Goals: 10pts
Concede 11 or Less Goals: 10pts
Win 6 Games: 5pts
Go Unbeaten: 10pts

Leagues Loaded: England: Down to Blue Square North/South, Spain: Down to Second Division B, Portugal: Down to Second Division, Italy: Down to Serie C2, Germany: Down to Third Division. Players are also loaded from Top Division Clubs in Europe.
The Save Game



Challenge 7: Champion Croats <Medium>

Croatia

Croatia are an European Nation competing in Group B of the European Championships.
The Challenge involves a great team of Croats going for the European Crown.

Scenario: You are the new manager of Croatia competing in Group B of the European Championships against Italy, Belarus and Norway. Currently ranked third in the world Croatia came third in the 2014 World Cup, behind Chile & Brazil, they are up against Italy ranked 13th, Belarus ranked 27th and Norway ranked 31st. The Croatians have cemented themselves as the best Footballing Nation of the Former Yugoslavia, now the question is whether under your reign they can become the best team in Europe. They head into the European Championships as the 2nd best European team in the World Rankings, but have to face Italy in the Group stages, good play will see them home. The challenge of winning Croatia's first major title is in front of you, can you breeze past Italy in the Group, and then head on to win in the Knockout rounds and make the final in Paris?

World Rankings
Group B Draw
National Squad
Ass Man's Squad Report

Points System

Win the European Champs: 50pts
Finish Runner-ups: 25pts
Losing Semifinalist: 15pts
Losing Quarterfinalist: 10pts
Lose in 2nd Round: 5pts
Fail to Get out of Group: 0pts

Bonus Points
Go Unbeaten: 15pts
Golden Boot Winner: 15pts
Never Need Extra Time: 10pts (Must make Semis)
Score 10 or more Group Stage Goals: 5pts
Concede <4 Group Stage Goals: 5pts

Leagues Loaded: Scotland: Second Division, Germany: Third Division, Spain: Second Division B.
The Save Game


Challenge 8: The Group of Death <Small>

Scotland

Scotland are an European Nation competing in Group B of the 2014 World Cup
The Challenge involves a great team of Scots going for the World Cup Trophy.

Scenario: You are the new manager of Scotland and are lining up for the 2014 World Cup in Group B with a World Ranking of 13th, you have been drawn into the Group of Death for the tournament alongside Mexico (8th), Chile (9th), & Nigeria (12th). Having never made it past the group stage in a World Cup, Scotland's fans will be cheering for that, they know that this group is going to be very tight and intense, but they hope you can make the difference. It is December 6th 2013 and the draw has just been made, so you have six months of analysing players before the World Cup kicks off in June. Hopefully your expertise is enough to push your team over the edge and into the second round, once there anything can happen.

World Rankings
Group B Draw
National Squad
Ass Man's Squad Report

Points System

Win the World Cup: 75pts
Finish Runners-up: 60pts
Losing Semifinalists: 40pts
Losing Quarterfinalists: 20pts
Lose in 2nd Round: 10pts
Finish 3rd in Group: 5pts

Bonus Points
Go Unbeaten: 15pts
Win Golden Boot: 15pts
Score 10 or more Group Stage Goals: 5pts
Concede <4 Group Stage Goals: 5pts
World Ranking: 9pts (If end of World Cup sees you ahead of Mexico, Chile & Nigeria [3pts per team])

Leagues Loaded: Italy: Down to Serie C2
The Save Game

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Challenge 9: Time for Caribbean Flair <Small>

Netherlands Antilles

Netherlands Antilles are a Caribbean Nation competing in Group D of the 2010 Caribbean Championship.
The Challenge involves a small nation going for a one of the smallest international trophies.

Scenario: You are the new manager of Netherlands Antilles, they are about to compete in the Caribbean Championships. You have about 4 months to scout your team before leading them in the Island Championships, you will be dredging the depths of Football looking at these players, not many are likely to be playing in the leagues you would normally follow. You will be facing Peru & Guadeloupe in friendlies as you attempt to warm up towards the Championships, and can gain a few challenge points in these matches as well. Once you hit the Championships, you enter in the first group stage, here you need to win the group or be one of the best two 2nd placed teams, then its onto the 2nd Group stage, must finish in the top 2, and then its onto the Third Group stage, top two teams from each group then advance to the Semis. Netherlands Antilles are not really expected to do very well, though the FA expect you to make the 2nd round, so put up a good effort and see what happens.

Group Draw
National Squad
Ass Man's Squad Report

Points System:
Friendlies

• Tie with Peru: 1pt
• Defeat Peru: 3pts
• Defeat Guadeloupe: 2pts

1st Group Stage

• Win Group: 10pts
• Runner-up (Qual): 8pts
• Runner-up (No Qual): 6pts
• Finish 3rd: 3pts

2nd Group Stage

• Win Group: 15pts
• Runner-up: 9pts
• Finish 3rd: 4pts

3rd Group Stage

• Win Group: 15pts
• Runner-up: 10pts
• Finish 3rd: 5pts

Win Caribbean Champs: 20pts
Finish as Runner-up: 10pts

Bonus Points
Golden Boot: 10pts
Go Unbeaten: 10pts
Goal Difference >+1PG: 10pts (GD/Games > +1)

Leagues Loaded: USA: MLS Only + All players from Caribbean Loaded.
The Save Game


Challenge 10: It's a Sassy Europa <Small>

US Sassuolo Calcio

Sassuolo are an Italian club competing in the Italian Serie B.
The Challenge involves a Europa League challenge for the reigning Coppa Italia Runner-ups.

Scenario: You are the new manager of Sassuolo, while they made it to the Coppa Italia Final last season and qualified for Europe, they also managed to find themselves relegated from the Serie A as they only managed two league victories all season. A club with a very long history in the lower leagues of Italian football they made it up to Serie B for the first time in 2008/09 and managed a 7th place finish, the promotion to Serie A and then relegation come as a high point for the club and it is your job to take them from here. So now in Serie B, and in the Italian Super Cup as well as heading to the Europa League. In a change on other challenges, this will be a first half of the season challenge, and all rewards will be related to results by Christmas. So your job is to head to Sassuolo and give them the best Christmas presents you can, the ultimate would be leading the League having won the Super Cup over Roma, and also still in the Europa League as well. Can you be successful straight out of the box for 6 months?

Serie B
Europa Draw
Sassuolo Squad
Ass Man's Squad Report

Points System
Results as at Christmas
League

• Leading Serie B: 20pts
• 2nd Serie B: 17pts
• 3rd-6th Serie B: 13pts
• 7th-11th Serie B: 7pts
• 12th-16th Serie B: 2pts
• Below 16th: 0pts

Europa League

• Top your Group: 50pts
• 2nd in Group: 30pts
• 3rd in Group: 18pts
• 4th in Group: 9pts
• Win 3rd Qual Round: 5pts

Super Cup

• Winners: 15pts

Bonus Points
Make Transfer Profit: 5pts
Spend £23.5M in Transfers: 5pts
Serie B Top Goalscorer: 5pts
Europa Top Goalscorer: 10pts
Europa Group GD > +6: 10pts

Leagues Loaded: Italy: Down to Serie C2
The Save Game


Challenge 11: Man You can't always Bridesmaid <Medium>

Manchester United

Manchester United are a club competing in the English Premier League.
The Challenge involves a Champions League Run for the World's best known club.

Scenario: You are the new manager of Manchester United, Alex Ferguson retired in June 2012 after another Runners-up effort in the Champions League, in his last five seasons the club won it once, and were bridesmaids on 3 occasions. Your number one job in taking over in January 2013 is to finally bring the Champions League title back to Old Trafford. At the same time you will need to continue to compete in the league and in the FA Cup or the club is likely to fire you for not giving them the performances they expect. The club is currently comfortably leading the League, while having reasonable match-ups in the FA Cup, vs Walsall and against Porto in the Champions League. The question here is whether you can follow on from the greatest manager in Manchester history and continue their run at the top of England and win in Europe as well.

League Table
Champions League Draw
Squad
Ass Man's Squad Report

Points System

Champions League

• Winners: 50pts
• Runners-up: 25pts
• Losing Semis: 10pts
• Losing Quarters: 5pts

Premier League

• Winners: 10pts
• Runners-up: 5pts
• 3rd-4th: 2pts

FA Cup

• Winners: 10pts
• Runners-up: 5pts

Bonus Points
League GD > +13: 10pts
Go Unbeaten: 10pts
Team Most Goals CL: 10pts
Win an ECL Game by 3 or more goals: 5pts
Win an EPL Game by 5 or more goals: 5pts

Leagues Loaded: Top Leagues Only: England, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Portugal & Russia
The Save Game

Challenge 12: One Single Point <Small>

Boler Idrettsforening

Boler IF are a club competing in the Norwegian 2nd Division Group 2.
The Challenge involves a single point through 13 games, and attempting a Great Escape

Scenario: You are the new manager of Boler IF, your club has been promoted in April 2016 to the 2nd Division of Norwegian Football. It has been a complete struggle to get points and the club has managed just a single point through the first half of the season, what remains is thirteen games for the club to attempt to avoid relegation. Your job is simple, do better than former manager, Ole-Kristian Vikan, each game is another chance to do better than him. Any result better than the first half will result in a small haul of points. The previous manager has made a few signings in the window which has just closed, hopefully those players can be enough for you to turn it around. Lots of points up for grabs here, but the great escape is the main aim. There are some terrible first half results that stand out as games you can do better than. Including a 5-0 loss to Hodd, and a 6-1 defeat to Molde 2, as these results are losses by 5 goals, to do better and gain points you must loss by 4 goals or less, Good Luck.

League Table: Boler 14th
The Squad
Ass Man's Squad Report
The 1st Half Results
The New Signings: Albert Engen (ST), Jorgen Wilhelmsen (DL), Robin Tran (DL), Thomas Haaland (DRC).

The Points System

League Finish

• The Great Escape (Avoid Relegation) - 50pts
• The Great Mistake (Finish 12th) - 25pts
• The Great Pretender (Finish 13th) - 10pts
• The Great Defeat (Finish Last) - 0pts

Results

• Better Previous Result - 1pt (eg Lose by 4 instead of 5)
• Turn Loss into Draw - 1pt
• Turn Loss into Win - 3pts
• Turn Draw into Win - 2pts

Bonus Points
Score >13 Goals - 10pts
Concede <25 Goals - 10pts
Win 3 Games - 10pts

Leagues Loaded: Norway (Above 2nd Division)
The Save Game

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Challenges 13-16

[rlipscombe]

interesting idea mate... will keep an eye on this - go beat Sporting!

[Suggy33]

Drew the first game 3-3, Bruninho with 2 and Daniel with a 30 yard rocket.

I'm going full out for the cup now.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Well the first challenge is up, and to get things rolling, here is my First Profile of the Challenges, as Jono Newton takes over at Padroense.

My first step is to evaluate the players in the current team, and dump anyone who is not worthy of a spot and then aim to get some free transfers into the club.

Jan 1st - Jan 8th - The First Week

Within the first week, I have sacked my entire staff of coaches, got new scouts, Physio, Ass Man and Coaches in straight away. I have released 24 players who didn't seem to be up to the standard I set for my players. We then proceeded to the signings efforts, we brought in three signings in the week to prepare for the second half of the season.
Nuno Martins (GK), Ricardo Carmo (DC) & Ricardo Quieros (ST).

The First game was against U.Serra on Jan 8th, they currently sit just outside the relegation zone on 17pts.

2DC: Padroense vs U.Serra 1-0
Bruninho (1)
The only goal was scored in just 14s, and then we just had to hold out to record our first win in 13 games, a good start under the new manager.

Our next match is against Sporting CP in the Cup Quarterfinal.

Drew the first game 3-3, Bruninho with 2 and Daniel with a 30 yard rocket.

I'm going full out for the cup now.

Best of luck Suggy, I have played and lost 3-1 to Sporting, so I guess the focus for me has to be on the league. May the battle commence.

[Suggy33]

Sporting have a mixed team out, some youngsters, some first teamers (Grimi, Matias Fernandez)

Goal!! 27 mins: Sergio scores from the edge of the area after a cleared free kick. Padroense 1-0 Sporting.

Goal!! 43 mins: Salomao scores from 30 yards after some good interplay. Padroense 1-1 Sporting.

HT 1-1.

Goal!! 60 mins: Matheus Coelho scores a header from a corner at the near post. Padroense 1-2 Sporting.

Goal!! 63 mins: Salomao scores at the far post after a low driving cross. Padroense 1-3 Sporting.

Goal!! 87 mins: Salomao scores at the far post after a low driving cross. Padroense 1-4 Sporting.


The wonder goal just before HT was the killer blow. Without that I think we could have won this.

The amount of leagues running on this is killing the performance on my machine, a lot slower than normal.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

That seems similar to my result Suggy, well moving on best of luck with the league, I am currently struggling because the board have decided to completely enforce the wage budget just after I released 2 players from my subs bench...so I can't bring in replacements, I've had 15 players who wanted to join cancelled by the board, so its kinda hard, but hopefully I don't get injuries to ravage my squad.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

February 1st Update

With the transfer window closed I thought I would give a small update on where the club is at.
I made two more signings into the club before the board shut me down with no more allowed in, I signed another Striker and another Central Defender to strengthen these spots, hopefully that means my squad can achieve what I need.
Claudio Oeiras (ST), Ronulo (DC)

Padroense vs Sporting 1:3
Carmo (85)
Our team was pretty competitive, but really Sporting were just the better side, good luck to anyone who can win that match and get through to the Semifinal.

Tondela vs Padroense 2:1
Mariano (88)
Well we were neve in the match until near the end where I went all out attack and then all of a sudden we grabbed a goal and had a few more chances as well, but we never should've got close to Tondela.

Padroense vs Aliados Lordelo 2:0
Mariano (32), Bruininho (45+1)
A good solid first half in this game led to us holding on and grabbing our second win in three league games since I took over. Hopefully we can continue this trend and make it out of the relegation spots.

The Bottom of the Table

|------|---------------------|----------|-----|--------|
| Posi | Clubs               |  Record  | G.D | Points |
|------|---------------------|----------|-----|--------|
| 12th | Electrico           |   6-3-9  |  -5 |   21   |
| 13th | Anadia              |   5-4-9  |  -5 |   19   |
| 14th | U.Serra             |   4-6-8  |  -7 |   18   |
| 15th | Padroense           |   3-6-9  | -13 |   15   |
| 16th | Cesarense           |   3-4-11 |  -8 |   13   |
|------|---------------------|----------|-----|--------|

[Suggy33]

Oh yeah, I gave up as it was taking forever to process, good luck LLR, will be following your progress.

[Elnaith]

I'll take up this challenge once I am on a faster machine, should be fun

[Jambo98]

I am going to give this ago, but like the others i fear the amount of leagues loaded will mean its too much for my laptop

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Ok guys, well I will load some games with just single nations as well just to make it possible to be run on more computers. There are going to be plenty of challenges, and the leaderboard will be based on an average points system so there will be no disadvantage if you are unable to complete the larger database challenges.

[Jambo98]

cant speak for others, but for me a middle ground might work - a lot of people have systems that can run mayb 7 - 10 leagues, rather than 15 or so.

Could still get some real depth that way?

[Lower Leagues Rule]

cant speak for others, but for me a middle ground might work - a lot of people have systems that can run mayb 7 - 10 leagues, rather than 15 or so.

Could still get some real depth that way?

OK that makes sense, I will run a few different save games and load different challenges from each...I have one of the above list, one of the English leagues down to League 2, and I will make a few other options as well.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

I have now split the challenges into LARGE (15-20 Leagues), MEDIUM (7-10 Leagues) & SMALL (1 Nation), this should provide everyone with a chance to compete and also a variety in the challenges. I am in the process of the full write-up for Challenge #2, and will post the save game as soon as I can.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Well I had a terrible ending to my game as Padroense, I ended up relegated terribly in last place. Under my management the team only managed 4 wins, and very few goals. I will give a lot better update at some point next week and also update at the time on my own Wolves game and then hopefully add a third challenge as well.

[AidanofLFC]

gonna have a go at the wolves one, the other would kill my laptop, wish me luck....

[Lower Leagues Rule]

gonna have a go at the wolves one, the other would kill my laptop, wish me luck....

Best of luck, always glad to have people joining in. Watch out for the ManU game 3 days in, its killer.

[AidanofLFC]

yeah i lost 5-0 lol, steven fletcher is out for 6 wks aswell GREAT ehh

[Lower Leagues Rule]

yeah i lost 5-0 lol, steven fletcher is out for 6 wks aswell GREAT ehh

Ouch, losing Fletcher is going to hurt as well, though he took a while before scoring for me.

[Suggy33]

Conceded in the 86th minute to draw 1-1 with West Ham, Fletcher did score our goal.

Argh, 1-0 up against Man Utd, Fletcher then misses a penalty, gets injured for 2 weeks and we lose 2-1

[AidanofLFC]

[/QUOTE]

Ouch, losing Fletcher is going to hurt as well, though he took a while before scoring for me.

Yeah he did with me too but when he did he scored alot, got joint top scorer with rooney at 22 and i got 4th !! YAY, think ill carry on with this save lol

[Suggy33]

DLLLLDDLLWWLWD

Were my results, finished 7th, Fletcher ended with 19 goals, 2nd place to Gyan who got 27.

Scored 16 goals, conceded 27.

[AidanofLFC]

i scored 21 and conceded 27

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Well currently 20 scored, conceded 12 (My 4-5-1 with Anchorman kills the goals), and gone 5-2-5 through the first 12 games got 2 to go... and still in 4th.

Just once you have finished if I can have screenshots of the League Table, and the Player Stats page as well...Then I can credit the points onto your scores.

[Elnaith]

I'm actually doing pretty well on the Portuguese challenge. Won against Sporting, and also performing quite well in the league. Shall post a small update tomorrow I think.

[Suggy33]

Do I really need screenies? If I was going to cheat, I'd have won every game. I've deleted the file now too.

[AidanofLFC]

here is my player stats, and i thought flectcher won top goalscorer but rooney grabbed it on the last day GRRRR

[AidanofLFC]

i also have a completely refurbished my wolves team Here it is......

[aaberdeenn]

Wolves Challenge

I thoroughly enjoyed this despite playing on my computer that struggles with more than one country loaded (haha!). I also got through it in one session of roughly 4 hours which was nicely convenient.

Final League Table

There wasn't any fantastic results besides maybe the point at Anfield but we picked up solid points along the way and managed to maintain that gap to 5th place.

Results

We went into the final day with a 2 point lead over Man City after the goals dried up in the last few games. We battered Blackburn who played for almost an hour with 10 men but we couldn't break them down in the end. Luckily Man City drew 1-1 at Stoke so we remained in 4th and gained Champions League football for next season.

Squad Stats

Fletcher only managed to add 4 goals to his tally scoring in the wins over West Ham, Newcastle and grabbing both in the win over Wigan. Robin van Persie and Didier Drogba shared the golden boot with 22 goals with Fletcher joined in 3rd by Wayne Rooney with 20.

Finally, I'm going to continue this save on for at least next season. The European adventure should be good fun and it'll be interesting to see if we can match this seasons heroics in the league. A big summer of clearing out deadwood and signing a some quality players awaits!

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Nice to see some completions of the Wolves Challenge, I have really enjoyed it myself as well, and I think as well as the next challenge I add, I might continue to play out the Champions League season as well. Wolves has been very enjoyable, and I don't normally enjoy the English Prem League too much.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

I have given aaberdeen the 10 bonus points for having only conceded 14 goals through the 14 games, that is just 1 goal per game against.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

And the third Challenge is now loaded as well, I am also working on a few more challenges to upload asap in both small & Medium formats.

Edit: I have also managed to add 3 challenges that I had sitting around, I have done the short descriptions, will be hoping to get the rest of the full length ones up a little later on, either tonight (NZ Time) or at some point in the next 2 days.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Challenge 1: The Cup or The League? LLR's Attempt

Padroense Futebol Clube

End of Season Update

Quickly by the Numbers
League: 16th (Relegated)
Taca de Portugal: Quarterfinals vs Sporting 1:3
Record in Charge: 4-2-10
Goals For/Against: 13-28
The Squad

The Summary

Well it all started with a huge loss as we went down 3:1 to Sporting, and our single goal was nothing but a consolation as it came in the 85th minute. That showed us what was going to happen as we struggled to get any momentum and as such we lost morale at turbo speed and fell back to the bottom after nearly making it out at one point, we didn't score for 6 straight games (A new Hall of Shame record) and ended up dead last and relegated with only 5 victories all season.

Points System
Taca de Portugal: Quarterfinals: 0pts
Relegated (16th): 0pts
Bonus Points
Go Unbeaten: No 0pts
Win 5 Games: 4 Wins 0pts
Score >51 Goals: 13 Goals 0pts
Concede <17 Goals: 28 Goals 0pts

For a Grand Total of: 0pts

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Challenge 2: Are you Stan Culis? LLR's Attempt

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC

End of Challenge Update

Quickly by the Numbers
League: 4th (Champs League Qualification)
Record in Charge: 6-3-5
Goals For/Against: 24-16
Steven Fletcher: 24 Goals
The Squad

The Summary

Well we started off with straight losses to West Ham & Manchester United, then wins over Bolton & Newcastle got things back on track, but we had dropped away from third and it looked like 4th was going to be our lot. We drew with Arsenal, but losses to Birmingham, Liverpool & Stoke really hurt our chances of getting better. An unbeaten run to the end of the season with 12 goals to 6 conceded was not really a chance of helping us get back ahead, Wigan, Blackpool & Sunderland went down easily, but we battled to draws against Blackburn and Manchester City. A good end to the challenge, but disappointed to concede 2 goals against Blackburn and miss those bonus points. Was great seeing one of our youngsters winning the Young Player of the Month award, a well deserved effort from Bia and taking both 2nd & 3rd in the Goal of the Month: Steven Fletcher - Video Highlights.

Points System

Finish 4th: 5pts

Bonus Points
Go Unbeaten: No 0pts
Win 10 Games: 6 Wins 0pts
Score >42 Goals: 24 Goals 0pts
Concede <14 Goals: 16 Goals 0pts
Fletcher EPL Top Goalscorer: Yes 5pts

For a Grand Total of: 10pts

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Well Full Summaries of the 3rd & 4th Challenges are now posted, I will try to get Summaries of 5th & 6th Challenges along soon, and then I will look for more possible challenges from my various games with different leagues loaded, got a couple of International Challenges that could be of interest as well.

[aaberdeenn]

I thought I'd add a mini-update if anyone is interested that I've played through the summer and started the new season with Wolves this evening.

Champions Cup Best Placed Play-off Leg 1
Champions Cup Best Placed Play-off Leg 2

We've been handed a group of Inter Milan, Benfica and Spartak Moscow although I have a sneaky feeling we could nick 3rd place here. Spartak at home first up which is a must win if we're going to make an impression.

[Suggy33]

I'll give the Mainz one a go soon, looks interesting enough.

[aaberdeenn]

I've gone back to have a go at the Padroense challenge. It might take a bit longer than the Wolves one due to the extra leagues loaded but I'll see how it goes.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Awesome guys, hope you enjoy them. And best of Luck as you attack the challenges.

[aaberdeenn]

Challenge 1: Padroense

Cup
We gave a brave performance but their quality shone through.
Beaten cup quarter-finalists: 0pts

League
We were relegated on matchday 26 after a 2-2 draw with Cesarense. With the pressure lifted from the players we won 3 of the final 4 games including an excellent 4-2 win over champions Gondomar. I'm gutted to have been relegated now as I really enjoyed the challenge of managing a poor team and was very satisfied when the results finally came together. I'll maybe stick around for a while on this save too and see if I can get a job at a newly promoted team.
Results
Relegated (16th): 0pts

Bonus Points
Lost 7 games: 0pts
We only managed 3 wins: 0pts
Scored 16 (11 of which were scored by the impressive Rui): 0pts
Conceded 26: 0pts


On another note: I had a so-so start to the season with Wolves but after losing the opening CL game 4-3 at home to Spartak I decided to call time on that save. I'm not a big fan of managing in the top leagues anyway, and I also seem to lose interest playing in Europe with larger teams (I don't mind if I've taken a tiny team up the leagues into Europe though ). Finally, I'll maybe have a go at the Mainz game over the weekend as I've got a busy period coming up.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Awww hard luck there Aaberdeenn, that is kinda how I felt at the end of that game as well, was very tough ask to win that challenge, be delighted to see what others can do there as well. Good luck continuing with anymore challenges or in any of the continuing games they have.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

I have released the full versions of Roving to Europe & Rising from the Ashes, hopefully people jump into these challenges with gusto. I have completed the Heart challenge and will post a summary of my game there soon, I am looking at doing the Mainstay Challenge next, as well as holidaying some more games looking for other challenges that may be around as well. I have a couple of international challenges that look possible as well.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Later today I will be posting my final results from the Phoenix & Heart Challenges, then I will also be uploading 2 International Challenges, one at the Euros in 2012 & another at the World Cup in 2014. There my be an Italian Challenge as well, but that depends on what I can find on a look through the save I have advanced.

Hope you are all enjoying your saves, and I am looking forward to seeing some more results. Remember new entrants are always welcome, the leaderboard is on a "per Challenge" basis, so whether you complete one challenge or ten challenges you can still be on top of the leaderboard.

[AidanofLFC]

nice.. definetly looking forward to the international challenges, i was thinking of doing the BBurn 1 or maybe Mainz, but i downloaded them a few days ago and i couldnt get into them.

[aaberdeenn]

I've made a start on the Mainz challenge this evening, I'll hopefully be finished either tomorrow night or on Monday.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Well guys, I have added two international Challenges, hope you all enjoy them. The first is Croatia in the European Championships, this is on a Medium Database, and the second is Scotland at the World Cup on a Small Database. Should both be good enjoyable short challenges. Next for me is updating the opening post a little bit and posting my end of Challenge report from the Melbourne Heart Challenge...

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Challenge 4: Do you have the Heart? (The Hard Road) LLR's Attempt

Melbourne Heart FC

The Summary

Well the Phoenix lost to the Fury and gave the North Queenslanders the title on the final day of the league, this meant that the Heart would be travelling to Wellington for their first game. It is never easy to make the trip across the Tasman, but in this case the Heart had a lot of motivation to prove that making the finals at all was not a fluke and that they could go further if they just put the effort in.

Phoenix vs Heart 3:3p (2-4 on Pens) FT - 1:1
Worm (24), Hoffman (111), Babalj (120+1)
Well after we scored first, I thought there was a good chance for us to go through, but just 4 minutes later they scored an equaliser, and this sent it all the way to extra time. We were in serious trouble as they scored 2 goals early on, and it took a goal from Hoffman after 111 mins and then a very late one from Babalj to get us to Penalties, a great set of shots from the spot meant we went through in a great result.

Brisbane Roar vs Heart 4:2
Babalj (54), Sibon (60)
Well the Roar made us have to attack from early on as they scored twice inside the first 5 minutes, a terrible start and we went all out from that moment, but ended up conceding another before halftime. Even some harsh words at halftime were no good as we went down 4 nil, no idea what happened to the form. We came back with two goals at 54 minutes and 60 minutes, but that was never going to be enough and we saw the challenge over.

Points System
Pts in this challenge are added together
Win Minor Semifinal: 5pts
Lose in Minor Final: 0pts

Bonus Points
Never need Extra Time: 0pts (Never made Grand Final)
Score 3 Goals per Game: 5 Goals (2.5/Game) 0pts
Concede less than 1 goal per game: 7 Goals (3.5/Game) 0pts
One Player Scores 4 Goals: No 0pts

Total: 5 Points

[AidanofLFC]

think ill go for the scotland one first maybe do croatia afterwards

[aaberdeenn]

Challenge 3: Mainz

An up and down 16 games in charge finishing with a record of 6-2-8 scoring 24 goals and conceding 31.

We began with a 2-0 defeat at Dortmund in the cup and followed that with a 4-0 defeat at Bayern in the league, not a good start. Back to winning ways though in the Rheinland-Pfalz Derby with a 2-1 win over Kaiserslautern. A win and a loss in the next two matches were followed by a thrilling 4-3 away win at Hannover. 2 more defeats against European chasing sides were followed by two excellent wins; the first a dominant 4-0 home win over Dusseldorf, the second a smash and grab 3-1 away win at Wolfsburg. Finally, 2 more defeats were followed by an average 1-2-1 record in the final four games to finish off the season.

Points System
Avoid Relegation (Finish 15th): 5pts
Beaten Quarter Finalists: 0pts
Results
Squad Stats

Bonus Points
Go Unbeaten: 15pts No
Win 10 Games: 10pts No
Score >48 Goals: 10pts (3 per Game) No
Concede <16 Goals: 10pts (1 per Game) No
Sebastian Freis Top German Cup Goalscorer: 5pts Yes

A total score of 10 pts.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Congrats Aaberdeenn that's a good run there, at least you avoided relegation, sounds like a reasonably tough challenge.

Best of luck in Scotland Aidan.

[Suggy33]

Been really into my normal save recently, will give these a go once bored.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Well had a start at the Mainz challenge this morning, lost 2:0 in the cup to Dortmund, then came up against Bayern and very nearly got a result, the scored in the 89th minute to make it 3:2, both our goals were from penalties, but we still got close.

[glennuk]

Can i start at any challenge or do i have to do it in order?
Or is it too late to start?

[Lower Leagues Rule]

New comers are always welcome Glenn, and you can do the challenges in any order you like.

[glennuk]

New comers are always welcome Glenn, and you can do the challenges in any order you like.

Ok cool, now starting rising from the ashes

[aaberdeenn]

I think I'll have a go at the Blackburn challenge this evening, should manage it in one session I hope. I'll then maybe go back and do the two in Australia one directly after the other during an afternoon maybe this weekend.

[AidanofLFC]

Challenge 8 Aidan's Attempt

To Summarise, i think i done okay in this challenge. Getting Scotland to the quarters of the world cup, John Fleck, Kris Boyd and Danny Wilson particularly impressed me, Fleck scored some absolute screamers, i eventually went out to Argentina, a 2-1 defeat in extra time after a 0-0 90 mins. i have a few images here too.


Points System

Win the World Cup: 75pts No
Finish Runners-up: 60pts No
Losing Semifinalists: 40pts No
Losing Quarterfinalists: 20pts Yes
Lose in 2nd Round: 10pts No
Finish 3rd in Group: 5pts No

Bonus Points
Go Unbeaten: 15pts No
Win Golden Boot: 15pts No
Score 10 or more Group Stage Goals: 5pts No
Concede <4 Group Stage Goals: 5pts Yes
World Ranking: 9pts (If end of World Cup sees you ahead of Mexico, Chile & Nigeria [3pts per team]) 9pts

Overall Total........
34pts

[AidanofLFC]

Challenge 7 Aidan's attempt

I done better with Croatia than i did Scotland anyway, not by much but its an improvement, i got to the semi-final when i was knocked out by the new holders............... ENGLAND ! they actually won something, anyway. I was lucky to get through the groups i drawed 3-3 with Norway 2-2 with Belarus and won 1-0 against Italy. I got screenies again, here they are.


Points System

Win the European Champs: 50pts
Finish Runner-ups: 25pts
Losing Semifinalist: 15pts Yes
Losing Quarterfinalist: 10pts
Lose in 2nd Round: 5pts
Fail to Get out of Group: 0pts

Bonus Points
Go Unbeaten: 15pts No
Golden Boot Winner: 15pts No
Never Need Extra Time: 10pts (Must make Semis) Yes
Score 10 or more Group Stage Goals: 5pts No
Concede <4 Group Stage Goals: 5pts No
A grand total of..... 25pts

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Congrats Aidan, that is an excellent effort, especially in the Scottish game... Can I just ask for a screenshot of the World Rankings after the Scotland game is complete?

Glad you enjoyed those two as well.

[AidanofLFC]

i actually deleted the save game earlier but i know that i was 10th Chile 11th Mexico 12th and Nigeria 13th, i think it was just coincidence that they were all together

[Lower Leagues Rule]

i actually deleted the save game earlier but i know that i was 10th Chile 11th Mexico 12th and Nigeria 13th, i think it was just coincidence that they were all together

Thats cool, I will give you the points for it as I do believe you looking at the final results of each team. Good luck wherever you go next.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Challenge 3: The Mainstay LLR's Attempt

1.FSV Mainz 05

The Summary

Well the game started with the expected 2:0 loss to Dortmund, we then very nearly caused an upset as it took a late goal by Bayern Munich to get past us 3:2. We then went 11 games unbeaten in a streak that basically saved us from relegation and meant we were more in a battle for the top half of the league rather than the bottom half. This run included great 3:1 results over Schalke and Wolfsberg, and draws with Hannover and Werder Bremen. We finished the season with a loss to Cottbus and two draws against Leverkusen & Dortmund. The major good point for us was Sami Allagui who managed to score 15 goals while I was in charge, an insane goalscoring ratio considering he missed early games with injury, and one in the middle due to suspension.

League Table: Finished 10th
Squad Stats
Fixtures
Sam Allagui

Points System
Finish 7th - 10th: 10pts (10th)
Losing Quarterfinalists: 0pts

Bonus Points
Go Unbeaten: No 0pts
Win 10 Games: No 0pts
Score >48 Goals: 26G 0pts
Concede <16 Goals: 13G 10pts
Sebastian Freis Top German Cup Goalscorer: No 0pts

Grand Total: 20pts

[jimbowmanuk]

Challenge 7: Champion Croats(jimbowmanuk)

I have decided to take part in these challenges and thought I'd start with the internation ones as they are quicker challenges

I managed to win the Euro Champs with Croatia mainly due to a series of shock results, a bit disappointed I lost to Italy as it meant I wasn't able to go unbeaten
Euro Champs Group B Final Standings
Knockout Stages
As you'll see the shock results here
Croatia 2-1 Belgium aet
My super Sub Ivo Ilicevic came off the bench to score the winner
Nikola Kalinic was also Golden boot winner Golden Boot
So in summary a very good performance against Holland to make the quarters then favourable draw to win it my points are as follows(please inform me if I've got any wrong)
Win the Euros 50pts
Golden Boot 15pts
Never need Extra Time 10pts
concede <4 in groups 10pts

Total 85pts

I'm now going to download the Scotland one so hopefully more success

[Lower Leagues Rule]

A great effort there jimbowman, amazing the results in the second round that saw basically all the top teams drop out of contention. I am going to only be able to award you 75pts as you did need extra time in the winning of the Final against Belgium. Other than that an awesome first up effort there.

[glennuk]

I am going to try the Croat challenege as well as the new zealand ones to start i think.

Just for jimbowman, you needed extra time so you don't get the extra 10 points. but 75 is sitll very impressive. so well done

[jimbowmanuk]

A great effort there jimbowman, amazing the results in the second round that saw basically all the top teams drop out of contention. I am going to only be able to award you 75pts as you did need extra time in the winning of the Final against Belgium. Other than that an awesome first up effort there.

yeah no probs wasn't sure about that one cause it said semi's on the bonus points, so wasn't sure if the final counted or not

[jimbowmanuk]

Challenge 8: The Group of Death(jimbowmanuk)

Well not an easy group to play in at all after losing the 1st game 2-0 managed to win 3-1 and 2-0 to advance to the 2nd round where i played New Zealand(maybe another easy route to the final I thought) after winning 2-0 Germany were up next and proved to be far superior putting me out in the quarter final stage
World Cup Group B standings
Knockout Stage
World Rankings after World Cup

my points are as follows
concede <4 goals in group 5pts
losing quarter finalist 20pts
World ranking(only higher than mexico) 3pts

total 28pts

Right on with the Wolves challenge now

[Lower Leagues Rule]

That is a pretty solid effort with Scotland Jim, good to see them getting to the Quarterfinals at least. Best of luck with Wolves, that is definitely one I enjoyed.

[jimbowmanuk]

That is a pretty solid effort with Scotland Jim, good to see them getting to the Quarterfinals at least. Best of luck with Wolves, that is definitely one I enjoyed.

yeah just beat west ham 3-1 in the 1st game with fletcher scoring twice so I think i'm gonna like it too

[jimbowmanuk]

Challenge 2: Are you Stan Culis?(jimbowmanuk)

Well this proved to be a good challenge to do after winning the 1st 3-1, i found myself 3-1 up at half time at old trafford to end up only holding out for a 3-3 draw, but managed to go the entire 14 games unbeaten by winning 8 and drawing 6 scoring 22 and conceding 11 with Fletcher scoring 11 of those to finish top scorer

Final Premier League Table
Wolves Results
League Top Scorer

so by my reckoning
finished 3rd 10pts
unbeaten 10pts
concede<14 10pts
Fletcher top scorer 5pts

Total 35pts

I'll have to read over the other challenges before deciding which one to try next

[jimbowmanuk]

Challenge 5: Risen from the Ashes (The Easy Road)(jimbowmanuk)

Thought I'd give this a go having never managed in Australia before i was breaking new ground and when I won 4-2 to win the League I thought it would be fairly easy

Final League Standings

How wrong I was though, my strikers were impotent in every game after that losing 1-0 in the 1st leg of the major semi followed by 1-0 in the 2nd leg so I was left with Preliminary Final to play with no prizes for guessing what the score was, thats right lost 1-0 again

Phoenix results

so looks like the only points are 15 for winning the league

Total 15pts

[Lower Leagues Rule]

That is just an awesome effort there with Wolves, and that is a bit harsh in the Playoffs with the Phoenix, not an easy little challenge though that one.

Good Luck if you decide to complete any more.

[jimbowmanuk]

That is just an awesome effort there with Wolves, and that is a bit harsh in the Playoffs with the Phoenix, not an easy little challenge though that one.

Good Luck if you decide to complete any more.

Cheers LLR I think my success/failure is down to my Wenger style of play by using the same tactic for all of them and being too stubborn to change it, I'm gonna do the Melbourne one now then maybe the Mainz one

Good work on putting all these together, I like the randomness and quickness of the challenges who knows maybe SI will add scenarios to future editions

[jimbowmanuk]

Challenge 4: Do you have the Heart? (The Hard Road)(jimbowmanuk)

A quick one this only managed to play 2 matches but at least I won one of them

Minor Semi-final
fortunate enough to win this on pens after an exciting open game that ended 3-3

Minor Final
This game could've gone either way but Brisbanes superior finishing made the difference


win minor semifinal 5pt

Total 5pts


Next up is the Mainz challenge

[Lower Leagues Rule]

I have about three more challenges ready to go that I will throw up over the weekend, i am trying to spread them around with clubs everyone knows as well as some way into the future if possible. And then also throw out some leagues from other nations and regions.

[aaberdeenn]

I'm glad to see things picking up a bit after a slow start. I've finally got around to downloading the Blackburn save anyway, if I don't finish it tonight it'll be tomorrow night.

[jimbowmanuk]

Challenge 2: The Mainstay(jimbowmanuk)

Started this challenge with a fortunate 1-0 win against Dortmund in the cup, survival was more than possible I thought until 2 league defeats in a row put me bottom of the league. A lucky draw in the cup had me playing against Division 2 Gladbach who I dispatched 3-0 with three of my four cup goals coming from Freis I knew those points were as good as guaranteed, in the league I managed to get the results against the teams in the dogfight including beating Werder Bremen who were 3rd at the time, I sat in 14th going into the last game of the season ahead of Frankfurt on goal difference and Furth 1 point back, my team never looked in contention against Dortmund losing 2-0, Frankfurt managed to win but luckily Furth lost so 15th place was where I finished

Final League Standings
Mainz Results

The cup final had drawn me against Hoffenhiem, a team who beat me 4-3 in a thrilling league encounter. In the match 2 of my players were injured inside the 1st half an hour so I was left with little in the way of tactical substitions, however I decided to bring on my Hungarian scoring machine at half-time with game 0-0, he scored on the hour mark with the game being quite even but then my players condition was dropping fast and with no more subs to make Hoffenhiem scored twice in the last 5 minutes to end the european dream.

Cup Final
Cup Top Scorer

points are as follows
avoid relegation 15th 5pts
cup runner-up 10pts
cup top scorer 5pts

Total 20pts

[jimbowmanuk]

Thats 6 challenges done so far but the other 2 may take longer to complete as my computer is not the quickest on large databases

[AidanofLFC]

Challenge 5 - Risen From the Ashes - Aidan's attempt

Well this challenge was ok for me i guess, but the matches against perth glory were a nightmare. i lost i the major semi finals to them(twice), in the league i lost and in the grand finals, no prizes for guessing right, i lost. Although North Qld Fury were a different story, 3-2 victory in the league and 2-2 win after et and penalties in the Preliminary Final, i officially hate North Qld Fury but at least Robbie Fowler didn't score against me, that's called betrayal lol. Anyway Screenies


Win Minor Premiership: 15pts yes
Win 1 Leg of Major Semi: 5pts (And Lose) no
Win Major Semifinal: 10pts no

Lose on Penalties in Minor Semifinal: 1pt no
Win Minor Semifinal: 5pts no

Lose on Penalties in Minor Final: 2pts
Win Minor Final: 7pts no

Lose in Extra Time Preliminary Final: 1pt no
Lose on Penalties in Preliminary Final: 3pts no
Win on Penalties in Preliminary Final: 7pts yes
Win Preliminary Final: 10pts no

Lose on Penalties in Grand Final: 4pts no
Win Grand Final: 20pts (This would be worth a total of 39 & 42pts) no

Bonus Points
Never need Extra Time: 15pts (Must win Grand Final) no
Score 3 Goals per Game: 10pts no
Concede less than 1 goal per game: 5pts no
One Player Scores 4 Goals: 10pts no
Complete Double: 10pts no
A grand total of..... 22pts not my best performance but it'll have to do

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Thats 6 challenges done so far but the other 2 may take longer to complete as my computer is not the quickest on large databases

Excellent work there Jim, I will be putting up at least three more challenges over the weekend, am hoping to make it another lot of 4, but going through my 10 different holiday games has found nothing that really excites me as a 12th Challenge, so it may be a new idea and then it could be a little later on...

This should include some with smaller databases.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Challenge 5 - Risen From the Ashes - Aidan's attempt

Well this challenge was ok for me i guess, but the matches against perth glory were a nightmare. i lost i the major semi finals to them(twice),
Win 1 Leg of Major Semi: 5pts (And Lose) no
Win Major Semifinal: 10pts no

Congrats Aidan, I get 27pts as you won the second leg of the Minor Semifinal 2:1 in a losing effort. Good work and good luck wherever you go next...

A quick Teaser, in the next three Challenges there will be one based in the Carribean and one as a top English Prem League team...

[aaberdeenn]

Challenge 7: Croatia

Points System
Losing Quarterfinalist: 10pts

Bonus Points
Go Unbeaten: 15pts No
Golden Boot Winner: 15pts No
Never Need Extra Time: 10pts (Must make Semis) No
Score 10 or more Group Stage Goals: 5pts No
Concede <4 Group Stage Goals: 5pts Yes

Results
Group Table
Knockout Tree

Total score of 15 points.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Good Effort there aaberdeenn, nice to see people continuing with all my challenges. Because some have reached the limits of their computers with the smaller/medium challenges, I have added three more challenges to the list, Netherlands Antilles, Sassuolo & Manchester United. I will make sure full rules are added to the 4th post at some point in the next 24 hours including the points system, this is already up for Netherlands Antilles, but its getting late here so the write up for the other two will need to wait til tomorrow. Thanks everyone who hs shown interest so far, and good luck for all people participating going forward.

For the twelfth challenge I am looking for a lower league club somewhere in the world. Should have something by the end of the weekend.

[AidanofLFC]

well its padroense and then US Sassuolo Calcio for me, than unfortunately lead Man utd to Champions League Glory, like the look of the new ones tho, good work LLR

[aaberdeenn]

Challenge 6: Blackburn

Points System
Qualify Champs League: 15pts
FA Cup Runner-up: 10pts

Bonus Points
League Top Goalscorer: 5pts No
Score 33 or More Goals: 10pts No
Concede 11 or Less Goals: 10pts Yes
Win 6 Games: 5pts Yes
Go Unbeaten: 10pts No

League Table
FA Cup Final
Results
Squad Stats
Manager History

Total score of 40 points.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Aidan - Good Luck with Padroense, quite a nice little challenge in lower league Portugal that one. I also am not delighted about leading Man U to a Champions League, but looking over the history on that save it was really the only option.

aaberdeenn - That one is a spectacular effort with Blackburn, great to see them qualifying for the Champions League, and only conceding 10 goals is even more impressive. Good luck wherever you go next.

[Lenzar]

Having a crack at the Blackburn Challenge. Notice I have to play Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City, though. >

[danger_mouse]

I think ill give some of these challenges a go, ill read up and choose were i start.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Welcome aboard Lenzar and Danger_Mouse, can't wait to see how you both go. I should have the screenshots and rules up for the Man Utd Challenge within a few hours or so.

[danger_mouse]

Well i downloaded all the save games, and ive gone with Challenge 7: Champion Croats and about to play my first game

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Good Luck Danger_Mouse, haven't played that one yet myself, but it looks like a lot of fun.

[Lenzar]

So far beaten Newcastle 2-0 and also nicked a 1-0 win at the Emirates. Next game is QPR in the cup.

Question: If I finish fourth but someone does a Liverpool, do I still get CL points as I finished in what SHOULD be a CL slot.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

So far beaten Newcastle 2-0 and also nicked a 1-0 win at the Emirates. Next game is QPR in the cup.

Question: If I finish fourth but someone does a Liverpool, do I still get CL points as I finished in what SHOULD be a CL slot.

No the points are for "Qualifying Champions League", so be hoping for that to not happen, or head off and come third to make yourself safe

[danger_mouse]

Challenge 7: Croatia

Screenshots:
Group Stage
Fixtures
Golden Boot

Points System

Win the European Champs: 50pts - No
Finish Runner-ups: 25pts - No
Losing Semifinalist: 15pts - No
Losing Quarterfinalist: 10pts - Yes
Lose in 2nd Round: 5pts - No
Fail to Get out of Group: 0pts - No

Bonus Points

Go Unbeaten: 15pts - No
Golden Boot Winner: 15pts - Yes
Never Need Extra Time: 10pts (Must make Semis) - No
Score 10 or more Group Stage Goals: 5pts - No
Concede <4 Group Stage Goals: 5pts - Yes

Total Points = 35

[aaberdeenn]

No the points are for "Qualifying Champions League", so be hoping for that to not happen, or head off and come third to make yourself safe

That almost happened to me but thankfully Spurs (who finished 6th) lost in the CL final against Roma.

That said, we only just squeezed into 4th as Arsenal lost 3-1 at home to Man City on the final day whilst we won 3-1 against Sunderland. +1 GD was the difference in the end so if we'd only won 2-1 we would have missed out on goals scored.

[jimbowmanuk]

Challenge 6: Roving to Europe(jimbowmanuk)

Well an interesting challenge this one drawn against Aston Villa in the cup and they soundly beat me 2-0 so not entering europe via the cup but I am via the league by a mammoth achievement of winning 8 games drawing 2 and losing 1, the game I lost was against West Brom with the score tied 1-1 Pedersen missed a penalty only for them to go up the park and score, sitting in 4th spot on the last day of the season only 1pt behind Man Utd and Arsenal, Man Utd lost at home to Spurs and Aresenal were held 1-1 by Man City at the Emirates but fortunately I was able to beat Sunderland 2-1 to secure 2nd place in the League and qualify for the champions league, on a final note after beating Chelsea 2-1 results went their way and they were crowned champions

Final League Standings
Final Day Results
Blackburns Results

now the points
Qualify for champions league 15pts
concede <11 10pts
win 6 games 5pts

Total 30pts

With some new challenges posted I'll have to decide where my management abilities head next