FM12 Big Euro Nation: Small Club to Big Club Challenge

**Lower Leagues Rule** · 29-12-2011 17:04

Very nice Twellman, I wish I had some of those youth players to help me out, but mine all just seem a little bit average. I have a pretty strong younger squad mind you and will be looking to the playoffs this season, interested to see how high I can make it.

Edit: And that takes the thread to 2000 replies, awesome work everyone. Absolutely loving the thread this year, 2 completions and a bunch of guys trundling along enjoying each others support.

**PRDH** · 29-12-2011 17:15

el sid - Surely you've got to hang in there until January and the Club World Championship.
dj clark boy - Good luck in Lanzarote. Nice to see another manager out in the islands.
LLR - It's a great thread this year. I put it down to your OP getting everyone involved!

In Lusitania news I've drawn AC Milan in the next round of the Champions League. I don't give myself much hope, but at least it shows progression.

**Welsh Wizard** · 29-12-2011 19:49

End Of Season Update 2016/2017

League Table
Graph
Player Stats
Cup Fixtures
Russian Cup Final
Champions League Group
Euro Cup Fixtures

A great season regaining the league title and the Russian Cup. Quite easy to win the league with most losses/draws coming after or before the Champions league games mainly resting players. After the early scare to win after extra time in the first cup game was quite easy and was a suprise to be hard in the final but we took our chances and won.

In the Champions League we had a very tough group but saying that they all looked equally hard. Only win vs Sevilla. 2 Draws vs Ajax and a home draw vs United helped get 3rd and make Euro Cup. Tight 2 legs vs Everton but managed to edge it. Heerenveen proved a easier task and allowed me to use young players in the 2nd leg. Juventus were just to good and the squad they have looks very good so no suprise they went on to win the final and beat Man City on the way.

Transfers
Squad
Finances
Facilities
Club Info

Big money spent on experience Russians and a Russian youth prospect also loads spent on Brazilians which is a tip I would give when you can scout the world as seems the most talented players and they are interested to join more than others.

Key Players

Itamar
Valeriy Babenko
Jordan

Code:

 
                                     Career Overview

Season      Team        League                          League Finish    Achievements                            
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2012/13     FC Chita    Russian First Division           1st             League Champions
2013/14     FC Chita    Russian Premier Division         5th             Euro Cup Qualifiers and Russian Cup Runner-Ups
2014/15     FC Chita    Russian Premier Division         7th             
2015/16     FC Chita    Russian Premier Division         1st             League and Cup Champions
2016/17     FC Chita    Russian Premier Division         1st             League and Cup Champions

**iacovone** · 29-12-2011 20:37

End of Season Report - Novese - 2019/20 (Season 8) - Serie C1A

Serie C1A - 2nd

The finances were restructured last season and so with great care and diligence, I attempted to stay within the wage budget. I did so by acquiring a few loan signings for the season. Bari helped out with two more in January.

The league campaign was one of pride but ultimately tainted with regret. We lost just three games in the opening 14 matches and by the turn of the year were leading the league. We'd found our goalscorer in Saponaro and were nicking games by the odd goal.

The second half of the campaign was tougher and we lost a further 5 games as we approached the business end of the season. Our run in the Serie C Cup may have cost us the odd point but overall I felt happy that our focus was on the league.

Progress had been great. We were 2 points clear at the top with 2 to play. Maybe it was the pressure, I don't know but we lost 4-3 at home to struggling Pro Vercelli. The result came out of nowhere really as we'd been tight at the back all year. In our final game, a win would guarantee promotion. Away at mid-table Pisa.

Bad start. 1-0 down after 9 minutes. We rallied to be fair and Saponaro scored to bring us level before half time. But no matter how much we pushed on we couldn't get a winner. Varese meanwhile, won their final game meaning they pipped us to promotion on account of the bloody results against teams rule!

So 2nd. Into the playoffs for the 3rd time in this division. We had the advantage of finishing 2nd, which meant should we draw either the semi-final or final, we'd win on that basis.

The semi-final was a drab affair. Nonetheless we drew 0-0 away at Cuneo, before sneaking a 1-0 win at home. To the final.

Cittadella awaited as we traveled to their neck of the woods first. Every now and again I come up against a side I just cannot figure out. Cittadella ironically were that side. We were dominated away, and at home. Barely had a chance and were lucky to finish as 2-0 aggregate losers. Another year, another near-miss.

Results 1 | Results 2

The Cups:

TIM Cup - pointless again. Out in the first round. Surprisingly, despite setting the bonus scheme to 'low' for the cup competitions we marched all the way to the final of the Serie C Cup! Reggiana had struggled all year and were roundly beaten in the final. Our second trophy

Results

Key Men:
Cemil Ayaz (SW/DC) - rock at the back and won Fans Player of the Year. Bagged a useful 10 goals too.

Davide Ricci (DM/MLC) - loaned in from Parma and became an integral part of the team. Although operating in a defensive role he created a good number of goals.

Marcello Rosati (MC/AMLC/ST) - stepped up to the plate superbly following the sale of Cesena. Played in behind the strikers and contributed 14 goals and 9 assists. Vital.

Pietro Saponaro (AMC/ST) - the man tasked with being our main goalscorer. Came in, scored 21. Job done.

Squad Stats
Finances

Objectives Complete?

Target playoffs

Success. Should have claimed auto promotion, fell into the playoffs, condemned to another year in C1A...
Find a goalscorer

Success. Welcome Saponaro.

Continue financial prudence

Success. So far so good. Kept us within budget and that should mean we keep our head's above water.

Objectives:

Promotion
Continue financial prudence

Not the most exciting objectives but we really need to get promotion now. We're so close but another failed season and I could see me having to rebuild. New contracts are becoming more and more expensive.

Overall Best Eleven

**PRDH** · 29-12-2011 20:45

Welsh Wizard - Another nice season there. And third in the CL group is very respectable, nice foundation to build on.
iacovone - That must have been a gutting season. I'm expecting promotion of some sort at the end of next season, probably as champions!

**iacovone** · 29-12-2011 20:50

PRDH - hope so! Can't take much more of this

**PRDH** · 29-12-2011 20:56

Originally Posted by iacovone

PRDH - hope so! Can't take much more of this

I have faith!

In other news I decided I wanted to pester my board for something. They refused to talk about increasing my youth recruitment network or improving my senior or youth facilities so I, out of more hope than expectation, asked them to build me a new stadium. They agreed! My new ground is due to be completed on 1/7/2026. It is currently 1/2/2024.

It's quite some wait, but hopefully it'll be worth it for a nice new shiny stadium. I don't want to get my hopes up, but I'd like to think they might name it after a club legend. Oh, I don't know, me!

**rlipscombe** · 29-12-2011 21:25

i feel your pain iacovone after my two recent near misses... keep going mate...

**Almondo** · 29-12-2011 21:55

Unlucky on missing out on promotion iacovone hopefully next year is your year, good season there Welsh Wizard that Champions League group was difficult for you.

**Almondo** · 29-12-2011 22:28

Peña Sport FC season review 2022/23

League, Past Positions, Finances, transfers

Transfers

I know I don't usually say a lot about the transfers I make but this season is a bit different. After considering it for a while and realising that he wouldn't actually be getting much game time I took the tough decision ad sold Carl Allen. Allen was well liked by the fans and the decision didn't go down very well but I thought it was the right thing to do. I also sold Koke and Kverkvelia, Koke went as he was going to be left rotting doing nothing while Kverkvelia went due to the fact he was eating up one of my three foreign player slots. neither player going was taken well but I think the replacement players in Jones and Renato as well as the strikers I brought in have done a better job than all three of the players mentioned could have done for us.

League

The league went very well for us what with managing to take the league title for the second time in our history and beating Real twice and getting two draws against Barcelona. Hopefully next season we can repeat the season but be able to beat Barcelona.

Finances

The finances don't look too good but that's due to the fact that the board has just decided to spend £17 million on adding just under 13,000 seats to the stadium.

Champions League

Group Stage

@ Young Boys, vs PSG, @ Man Utd
vs Young Boys, @ PSG, vs Man Utd.

Finally got into the 3rd seed pot for the draw which meant we were supposed to finish 3rd in th egroup. However a good win over Man Utd and a draw which saw us qualify with 2 games left in the group plus a win over PSG plus and beatig Young Boys twice meant we wrapped up first place in the group.

1st Knockout round vs Man City - 4-1 aggregate win Scorers: (A) Morán, Renato, Alvarez (H) Dumont

Quarter Final vs Chelsea - 4-3 aggregate win Scorers: (H) Moran, Lopez, Millán, Jones

Semi Final vs Real Madrid - 2-0 aggregate win Scorers: (H) Millán (A) Fusaro

Final vs A.C. Milan - 2-1 loss Scorer: Lopez

The run through to the final really made it seem as though UEFA had something against this small Spanish club what with ties against Man City, Chelsea and Real Madrid after the group stage. We were lucky to even get to the final and it was only the final wistle in the away tie against Chelsea that gave us a chance to be in the final as I knew we could beat Real. The Final saw Cesc Fabregas play in his last ever game before retiring, unfortunately this fact couldn't inspire us to a victory. I was hopeful after we took the lead but A.C's class showed through as they score two goals after half time to beat us. I have to say getting to the fina is a big boost and shows that we can hang with the big boys but there are some improvements that need to be made.

Cup

4th Round vs Castellón - 9-2 aggregate win Scorers: (A) Curbelo, Lopez, Dumont(2), MIllán (H) Morán, Uran, Lopez, Dumont

5th Round vs Barcelona - 3-1 aggregate loss Scorers: (A) Curbelo

Spanish super cup

vs Barcelona
5-2 aggregate loss Scorers: (H) Lopez, (A) Lopez

After a good first game the 2nd leg was basically hell in a foxhole, especially with the back 5 playing badly.

European Super Cup
vs Man City
Lost 2-1 Scorers: Alvarez

We were unlucky to lose this game really as we matched City throughout the game.

Squad

GK's

Legros - Didn't have the best season but he was still good for us between the sticks.
Salz - Only played in a few games but was okay.

Defenders

Manangu - The Frenchman had another good year for us and it showed as Pascal Cyan gave him his first France cap.
Renato - A good signing for us and we got him quite cheap as well. he has proved to be a good defender whoever he has partnered with.
Jones - A great signing on a free even if he did spend some time injured. Has split his time between Defence and Midfield.
Drachmann - Another good season from the Dane.
Del Sol - The youngster is being touted as a future star by my coaching staff and from what I've seen he could really be that.
Fusaro - Plyed well especially when he partnered Renato
Miguel - Didn't play badly when he was called upon.
Mustafaraj - A good season spelling Drachmann at left back.

Midfielders

Dumont - A great year for the right winger, all that's missing now is a call up for France
Amara - Was solid in the centre of the park, he bossed a lot of opposition midfielders.
Del Rio - Struggled to get too many games what with injuries and also the way Millán played.
Millán - Although not expecting it he has switched to being a left winger really easily. he also took Del Rio's starting spot.
Fabregas - Didn't play a lot due to his advancing years. Has just retired from the game.
Etxebarria - Played okay but to be honest wasn't up to scratch and may find himself without a club shortly.
Lasa - The young Midfielder played quite well and when needed showed he could do it down the left as well
Alvarez - Had a pretty good year but there was no way he could move Dumont out of the right wing role.
Bird - Didn't play in too many games but looked okay when he did play.

Strikers

Cruz - Not played in many games but he did play fairly well when he did.
López - Another good year for Lopez as he once again leads our scoring charts.
Moran - Has played fairly well for us and can lead the line despite his young age.
Uran - The young German works well with Morán and I can see the pair of them leading the line for a long time
Curbelo - May not have scored a lot of goals but has played well and created a fair few goals as well.

Code:

Season     |  Division           | League Position  |   Copa Del Rey  |       Europe       |    Achievements
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2012/13    | 2nd Division B2     |      12th        |      N/A        |        N/A         |      Stayed up
2013/14    | 2nd Division B2     |      1st         |      N/A        |        N/A         |Champions and Promotion
2014/15    | Liga Adelante       |      12th        |     2nd RD      |        N/A         |      Stayed up
2015/16    | Liga Adelante       |      4th         |     4th RD      |        N/A         |      Playoffs
2016/17    | Liga Adelante       |      1st         |     5th RD      |        N/A         |Champions and Promotion
2017/18    |   Liga BBVA         |      11th        |  Quarter Final  |        N/A         |      Stayed up
2018/19    |   Liga BBVA         |      5th         |    Winners      |        N/A         |Cup winners and European qualification
2019/20    |   Liga BBVA         |      3rd         |     5th RD      |Europa league 1st KO|Champions League Qualification
2020/21    |   Liga BBVA         |      1st         |  Quarter Final  |     CL 1st KO      |      Champions 
2021/22    |   Liga BBVA         |      2nd         |    Winners      |     EL Winners     |Cup and Europa League winners
2022/23    |   Liga BBVA         |      1st         |     5th RD      |   CL Runners Up    |      Champions

The 100 Club

This section will be for those player who gain over 100 appearances and/or goals for the club while under my management. this is League and cup competitions.

Code:

Player               |   Apps   |     Goals     | Seasons between |     Note
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Javi Jimenez         |   101    |       3       |   2012-2015     |    Retired
Dolly Menga          |   135    |      60       |   2012-2016     |  sold by board
Igotz Garde          |   143    |      13       |  2012-Present   |    Retired
Kurt Weuts           |   270    |     101       |   2013-2021     |    Retired
Txitxo               |   108    |       2       |   2012-2016     |    Retired
Bidari               |   206    |      24       |  2013-Present   | Released on a free
Yeray Soto           |   108    |       0       |   2012-2016     |    Retired
Juanma               |   165    |       7       |   2012-2018     | Retired now a scout
Carlos Garde         |   152    |      10       |   2012-2017     |Wouldn't sign new contract
Jorgito              |   119    |      12       |   2014-2017     |Wouldn't sign new contract
Felipe               |   212    |       1       |   2014-2022     | Released on a free
Nacho Gómez          |   119    |      13       |   2013-2017     |Wouldn't sign new contract      
Alejo Diego Puente   |   167    |      15       |  2013-Present   |
Nenê                 |   137    |      17       |   2014-2018     |Sold to Zenit for £6.25 million
Carl Allen           |   296    |      47       |  2015-2022      |Sold to Osasuna for £500k
Sten Drachmann       |   334    |       0       |  2015-Present   |
Óscar Kortina        |   115    |      12       |   2012-2019     | Released on a free
Jérémy Roland        |   236    |      22       |  2015-Present   |
Mathias Legros       |   348    |       0       |  2016-Present   | 
Jean-Jacques Dumont  |   255    |      48       |  2016-Present   |
Ignacio Etxebarria   |   161    |       3       |  2012-Present   |
Antonio Pérez Postigo|   119    |      26       |   2016-2021     | Released on a free
Solomon Kverkvelia   |   161    |       9       |   2018-2022     | Went to Espanyol for £0
Francisco Manuel Cruz|   196    |      65       |  2018-Present   |
Nicolás López        |   206    |      113      |  2018-Present   |
Koke                 |   107    |       0       |  2018-Present   |Went to Recreativo for £0
Tiago Duque          |   114    |       5       |   2017-2022     |Accepted mutual termination
Pablo Alvarez        |   112    |      22       |  2018-Present   |
Miguel               |   163    |      12       |  2019-Present   |
Diego Fusaro         |   175    |      11       |  2018-Present   |
Vivaldy Manangu      |   182    |       2       |  2019-Present   |
Pablo Alvarez        |   196    |      37       |  2018-Present   |
Aitor Del Rio        |   137    |      10       |  2016-Present   |
Fernando Millán      |   115    |      35       |  2020-Present   |
Hichem Amara         |   104    |       6       |  2021-Present   |

Previous Years

2012/13
2013/14
2014/15
2015/16
2016/17
2017/18
2018/19
2019/20
2020/21
2021/22

**Lower Leagues Rule** · 29-12-2011 23:56

Iacovone: Soooo close, hard luck on missing promotion again, hopefully it comes off better next season.
Almondo: Oooooh that was damned close, you nearly made our third completion of the thread. Good Luck in the new season and hopefully you can bring it home.

**el sid** · 30-12-2011 05:24

Unlucky Almondo

As far as I'm concerned, might just play it until the CWC

**el sid** · 30-12-2011 06:09

Board have announced construction of Koblenz Stadium (

), at the cost of 38m, with no external funding. Capacity of only 24,597

**el sid** · 30-12-2011 08:16

Right, for our CWC assault, I decided the squad doesn't need much strengthening, so limited myself to a few signings

Darren Prickett - free
Leandro - 7.5m
and lastly,
Olivier Roussel - 5.75m -

- Remember him, anyone?

**vikeologist** · 30-12-2011 08:39

I couldn't figure out why there had been so many updates recently, and then I realised, ah it's Christmas over there. Anyway....

El Sid - That's seems a lot of money for a little (of) stadium. Perhaps each seat reclines and has its own computer terminal with the lyrics to whichever song is currently being sung.

Sie sind Scheiße und Sie wissen, dass Sie

Have you considered where you might manage next?

Almondo - Unlucky. hopefully you'll be back in the final next year

iacovone - commiserations. Hope it all comes together next season. I'm glad you think things are heading in the right direction. One more push.

Welsh wizard - In a previous post I predicted that you would be the first to achieve the challenge this year, a prophesy you somewhat undermined when you seemed to stop playing the game, but good luck in being the first to ever crack Russia.

**Lower Leagues Rule** · 30-12-2011 08:53

Update moved down Page

**el sid** · 30-12-2011 09:36

Originally Posted by vikeologist

El Sid - That's seems a lot of money for a little (of) stadium. Perhaps each seat reclines and has its own computer terminal with the lyrics to whichever song is currently being sung.

Sie sind Scheiße und Sie wissen, dass Sie

Have you considered where you might manage next?

Haha

Looking at Atletico Madrid atm, although nothing is decided yet

**el sid** · 30-12-2011 09:38

Pretty much rushed through this season to get to December quickly, and our form in other competitions did not suffer. Sitting top of the table after 16 games (14W 1D 1L), 4 points ahead of Bayern Munich (who who beat 4-0 in the league). Qualified 1st from our CL group, and been drawn against Roma in the first knockout round. Then came the Club World Championship..

CWC Semi-Final
CWC Final - Bit one sided, yeah?

**vikeologist** · 30-12-2011 10:14

Vikeologist’s 2020/2021 End of Season Report

Code:

Season             League            Pos           Cups                      Europe     Achievements
2012/13            Sc Div 3          1st           No comment                n/a        Manager of the Year
2013/14            Sc Div 2          1st           Challenge Cup Finalists   n/a        Manager of the Year
2014/15            Sc Div 1          3rd           CC Winners & SC Final     qual       None
2015/16            Sc Div 1          2nd           CC & SC Winners, LC R/U   EC 3Q      Manager of the Year
2016/17            Sc Div 1          1st           Challenge Cup Winners     EC 4Q      Manager of the Year
2017/18            Sc Prem           5th           LC Final                  qual       None
2018/19            Sc Prem           7th           LC Winners                EC R2      Manager of the Year 
2019/20            Sc Prem           1st           SC Winners, LC R/U        n/a        Manager of the Year
2020/21            Sc Prem           1st           SC & LC Winners           EC Winners Manager of the Year

League
Squad
Transfers We signed Kristian Rowberry on a free transfer. He'd scored quite few goals for Hearts. I wonder what happened this season when he played for the best team in Scotland and then also signed Claudio Bargas for a huge fee midway through the season, just to choke those last few gasps of hope from the domestic competition.

We won everything.

Not the Champions League, but finishing third in our group steered us towards the Euro Cup.
League – We won with 9 games to go; including a 20 game winning streak which only came to an end when we had a league tie 2 days before a Euro Cup fixture, so I sent out the players who weren’t in our European selection; youngsters, veterans, vetenarians – anybody I could find wandering near the training ground who wasn’t too fat to squeeze themselves into a team jersey. It didn’t matter. By that point my first team (who were constantly in danger of being jaded because of fixture overload) mostly just turned up for the Cups. We were miles ahead at New Year when I splashed out £7.5 mill on a world class goalie. Of course he has spent most of his games with us leaning against his goalposts doing crosswords, but on those rare occasions when, for instance, one of those Glasgow upstart sides had the temerity to actually try a shot on goal, he was usually up to the job.

League Cup – I mostly play my reserves in this, but this was the first time they had actually won it. (The previous time we’d won it I’d used my first team).

Champions League – We were seeded fourth, so were inevitably in quite a strong group; AC Milan, Lyon and Stuttgart. We were unlucky in our first 3 games, and picked up a single point. We won our next 2 games (this time with a bit of luck on our side) but that meant that we needed to win our final game away to Lyon. With 8 minutes to go it was 1-1, so I decided to send on an extra striker (for a defender). We scored before he could even get on the pitch, but there was no way of cancelling the substitution. I immediately tried to send on an extra defender, but they equalised before I could do that, and then of course I couldn’t cancel that substitution either. Anyway, I wasn’t too disappointed as we stood no chance of winning the Champions league; whereas the Euro Cup? Stranger things have happened!

Euro Cup – We had quite a tough couple of matches in the first knock out round against Shakhtar, but after that Liverpool, Saint-Etienne and Aston Villa didn’t pose us a lot of problems. Villa were the only one we didn’t beat in both matches, (a 2-2 away draw at their gaff).

In the Final against Feyenoord was a bit tougher, chiefly because 6 of our top 7 strikers either were injured or hadn’t been chosen for the European squad. The one remaining striker scored the only goal of the match, after which we shut up shop. Job done! Quite nice, because I really doubt we’ll ever have another Euro Cup fixture.

Scottish Cup- The final match of the season. I collected the first team from the pub where they had been celebrating the Euro Cup win for the last few days to deal with the formality of beating Dundee Utd ion the final. In the first half it looked as though I should have taken a more disciplined approach and we went in at half time 1-0 down. I sent on my start striker, Kristin Rowberry, who had the day before started training after a fairly long-term injury, and he scored straight away. Good job too because by the time he’d finished celebrating his goal he was the most knackered player on the pitch. The rest of the lads finished Utd off though 2-1.

So look guys – we win a lot of cups. 14 cup finals in the last 7 seasons. I promise you, I don’t cheat or reload. The thing is that I save the really inspirational team talks for the big matches – like cups. I don’t know if that’s manipulating the game code. I think that’s what a real manager would do. The fact is that my teams in this save have just been really good at cups, and if I see in a scouting report that a player doesn’t like big matches I might shy away. Also I like my players to have very high determination. After all, I have to buy them when all they have is potential which I need them to realise.

Things seem to have moved on quickly in just a couple of seasons. 2 years ago we managed to end up in 7^th. Next season I will be surprised if any Scottish team beats us in any competition. We’d only lost 1 domestic game all season before I started rotating the squad in the final couple of games.

The question is, how will we do in the Champions League next season? Are we good enough already, or will we get our butts kicked. In reality our Champions League group was comparatively easy this year. It just wasn’t easy enough for us.

Anyway, we’re having a new stadium built. It’s not going to be named after me. The key question is where will it be; Stenhousemuir or Falkirk? It doesn’t matter. Either way those gullible South Americans will believe me when I show them pictures of sun-drenched beaches packed with beautiful women, and tell them that’s where we’re from.

**Randy Palmer** · 30-12-2011 11:57

AS Cannes End of Season Report 2013/2014

League Table
Transfers
Squad

Had a great season that went far beyond my expectations. We started off with 5 straight wins in the league and were top of the table. We stayed top for the rest of the season with 5 or 6, 5 game unbeaten runs. We had a good cup run and eventually went out losing 1-0 at home to Marseille (no disgrace in that).

We started to scout acoss Europe and have found some very good youngsters. Hopefully we will have enough funds available to acquire some of this talent. I have decided that I am going to try and only spend transfer fees on players below 21 and gain experienced players through the free transfer market.

Target for next season is to survive but I believe we could win a cup or make a run for Europe through the league.

Code:

Year   Div           Pos        Cups                     Achieved                  
2013  National     1st                             Promotion to Ligue 2                                
2014  Ligue 2      1st        Qtr of French Cup    Promotion to Ligue 1

Really enjoying the challenge and reading all the posts.

Just had my stadium expanded to comply with league regulations, great! It just put me £7.5 million in debt !!!

**iacovone** · 30-12-2011 15:16

Quick update. We're a point off top with 5 games to go. Verona are top. We play them at home in two game's time...talk about big games!!

**iacovone** · 30-12-2011 15:43

Oh what a shock! We lost.

0-1 thanks to a header after 2 minutes

**Britrock** · 30-12-2011 16:05

Good luck iacovone. I know how much of a drag c1 can be, but I feel slightly bad having made it out at my first attempt at the playoffs.

How are your finances coping? Mine were rubbish in c1, it took nearly £1m a year from my board to keep me afloat. Luckily they're quite a giving bunch of directors...

**iacovone** · 30-12-2011 17:41

End of Season Report - Novese - 2020/21 (Season 9) - Serie C1A

Serie C1A - 2nd

Guess where we finished? 2nd! That's right, once again we missed out on winning the league by the smallest margin. I blame the start of the season. We lost 3 league games in a row and were slow to get going largely because of injuries to our first choice centre-back and right-back. Once we did get going though we looked a million Euros! Unless Rosati or Saponaro got sent off (twice each this year).

Still, we did get going eventually and bar the odd slip up, looked dead certs for the top 5.

Saponaro's goals were essential to our progress but they could not have dried up at a worse time. We faced league-leaders Verona at home 4 games from the end of the season. We were a point behind them. We lost 1-0. Failing to score at home is criminal and it really let us down. From here it was a rocky end to the season and although we smashed Spezia 5-0 in the final game, promotion was out of our hands and Pisa gained automatic promotion.

Soooo...off to the playoffs for the fourth time! We had Venezia at home, a side we'd beaten 3-0 at home and drawn 0-0 away. In other words, we were big favourites and had yet to concede a goal.

The first leg was at their place and despite dominating the first half (they didn't have a shot, we had 13), we simply decided we weren't that bothered about promotion. We somehow contrived to lose 4-0 !!! Honestly, I've never been left so deflated by a match on FM. This was the season I'd earmarked as the one we had to gain promotion in. We had flopped in the playoffs again. The second leg was a waste of time anyway as Saponaro took out the entire frustrations of anyone associated with Novese by two-footing someone ten minutes into the game. Our ten men lost 2-0 to complete a 6-0 drubbing.

Results 1 | Results 2

The Cups:

TIM Cup - pointless. Serie C Cup - just as pointless now. We've won it twice, it just disrupts the league campaign.

Results

Key Men:

Robert Stroh (D/WBL) - signed in the summer on a free transfer to replace Dupont who was sold to Grosseto. He looks every bit as good and the assman has been raving about his progress all year.

Davide Ricci (DM/MLC) - somehow managed to get him back on loan for the year from Parma. He's far too good for this level so I don't expect we'll see him at Novese again. Still, he put a shift in this season.
Pietro Saponaro (AMC/ST) - set a new goalscoring record for Novese and won the top goalscorer award in the league. Also managed to take home the coveted Fans Player of the Year trophy. Very good striker.

Squad Stats
Finances

Objectives Complete?

Promotion

Failed. 2nd again. Playoff defeat again. Really not sure how much more I can take of C1A!!

Continue financial prudence

Success. We end the season in the black! Some turnaround. Now to keep us here.

Objectives:

Promotion
Continue financial prudence
Rebuild the squad

As stated last year, I've no choice but to rebuild this squad now. There were too many fringe players hanging around on massive money. So we wave goodbye to good servants such as Cianci, Caputo, Monetta, Wagner and Scalia. The plan is obviously promotion but firstly it will be sensible spending. We have about 10k p/w to spend on the budget which is phenomenal news, I just need to be wise with it. I've also been given a transfer budget of £50k! We have a new chairman too - an internal takeover, nothing dramatic.

Overall Best Eleven

**iacovone** · 30-12-2011 17:42

Originally Posted by Britrock

Good luck iacovone. I know how much of a drag c1 can be, but I feel slightly bad having made it out at my first attempt at the playoffs.

How are your finances coping? Mine were rubbish in c1, it took nearly £1m a year from my board to keep me afloat. Luckily they're quite a giving bunch of directors...

No offence but I hate you.

**PRDH** · 30-12-2011 17:51

iacovone - This is torture! Good luck next season!

**Lower Leagues Rule** · 30-12-2011 20:22

Des Tiny's AD Parla

Pre-Season 2016/17
Liga Adelante
September 1st Update v2.0

The Transfers

In Brief
In: 5 Players (€14k)
Out: 10 Players (€74k)
Loans: 3 Players (€4k)
Wages Total: €23,630 (p/w)
Wage Budget: €24,153 (p/w)
Remaining Transfers: €29

New Signings
First Team

Robert Milano (DRC) - I needed some cover, and that is the job he will provide. Our second best right back will be able to help Varela a lot.
Ignjac Ivanic (DL) - The new recruit will be jumping in at left back from the start of the season in a battle against Rebocho.
Erwan Briand (AMC/ST) - It was going to be a battle to be alongside Herlein in the squad, but he looks to have defeated Paulinho.
Federico Gigli (ML) - Kuru wants to leave, but the hunt for a replacement left wing is hard, so I bought in Gigli as a possible cover.

Youth

Patxi Bengoetxea (AMC/MC) - The youngster is a good looking prospect.

Transfers Out
First Team
Anthony Marin (Free)
JF Aranda (22k)
Ricardo Martinelli (12k)
Nicolas Morel (10k)
Nuno Malheiro (30k)

The Friendlies

Results

Well we went out there and just showcased ourselves during the preseason, scored some goals, and the best result being the one against Vicenza.

Liga Adelante

21.08 vs Celta 4:0
Briand (10), Ozlu (33,48), Herlein (35)

We were expected to lose heavily here, but I sent the boys out with some encouragement and lo & behold it worked. A three nil halftime lead was great, but when Ozlu knocked home his second and Delgado got his third assist we were away and then it was just about holding on.

26.08 at Tenerife 3:4
Kuru (17), Paulinho (64), Briand (71)

I was in serious trouble at 3:0, we got another back and then they scored. At 4:1 I figured it was game over, but I decided to go all out and brought on a third striker in Paulinho. It resulted in us scoring a couple more goals and having numerous attempts, but we were never going to make it back and suffered defeat against the newly promoted team.

The Team

So without Further ado, here is the team I expect to lead Parla in the Liga Adelante this season:
GK: Cappellari
DR: Varela, DC: Lopez & Ozlu, DL: Ivanic
DM: Guillou
MR: Lopez, MC: Delgado, ML: Kuru
ST: Herlein, Briand

I have made a few changes this season, Varela, Lopez & Ivanic join the back line, Lopez & Delgado step up in the middle and Briand replaces Paulinho upfront. Delgado is getting a shot first because Gomes looks to be wanting to leave and his contract is up at the end of the season. If I can manage to keep him Gomes may stick around, but the chance to see one of my Youth Players in the team is too much to turn down.

Season tickets have dropped to 2916 this season, but that was to be expected when we currently only have a 3600 seat stadium (6000 by end of season) as opposed to the 15000 seater we spent most of last season in. Hoping for a few more upgrades because really its just not big enough for a club growing as fast as we are.

**Lower Leagues Rule** · 30-12-2011 20:34

A coup for New Zealand? As Dani Sanchez (of Wellington Phoenix) gains NZ Nationality and then with his first cap runs the game for a goal and 2 assists for the Man of the Match award in a 4:1 drubbing of New Caledonia.

**Almondo** · 30-12-2011 21:22

Cheers guys it was a bit disheartening to come so close to completion and miss out but I'm hoping I'll be seeded in a higher group pot and hopefully I'll get us there again.

**jimbowmanuk** · 30-12-2011 22:14

Elgin City - 2020/21 – Season 9(Jimbowmanuk)

Media Prediction: 2nd
Actual finish: 1st
Season Tickets: 2514(+370)

Transfers
Signed a good DC from Hibs, but my big signing came in January when I splashed the cash to bring Zannoni from Fiorentina to help with the European push

League
The board wanted me to win the league, and I only achieved it on the last day with a 3-1 win against Hibs, the league played second fiddle to Europe and as the season neared the end I was in danger of throwing it away but the team held their nerve in the end to give me my 3rd title in a row.
Fixtures 1
Fixtures 2

Scottish Cup
The board were expecting us to reach the semi-final

The 4th round drew us against lower opposition in the form of Ayr Utd and we won easily, 2-0 to set up a match against East Fife, also of lower division. We struggled to a 1-0 win. The quarter-finals pitted us against a rejuvenated Rangers side and we narrowly won this 2-1. Hibernian stood between us and our 3rd final in as many years, and I'm pleased to say it wasn't really a contest a 4-1 victory sending us to Hampden. Hoping for 3rd time lucky we played League Runners-up Aberdeen, and for the 3rd season in a row we lost the final, after a 2-2 draw the game went to penalties and the Dons were lethal winning 5-3.

League Cup
Board wanted us to reach the semi-final

Having dominated this competition for the last few years, we continued to look for glory and a 2-0 3rd round victory against East Fife showed that the team still reguarded this Cup as Important, unfortunatley in the quarter-final Celtic seemed to want it more and put us out with 3-2 win.

Champions Cup
Board expected us to reach the Third Qualifying stage, and with Scotland's co-efficient dropping we had to qualify for the groups the hard way. HJK of Finland were 1st up and a 5-1 home win followed up by a 4-0 away put us through to the play-off round. Ekranas of Lithuania stood between us and the groups, but they didn't stand for long a 6-2 aggregate victory put us in the group draw. The draw threw up a tough group, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Copenhagen. A 4-1 defeat at Home by Real had me thinking the Euro Cup was to aim for after xmas, but then we travelled to the San Siro finding ourselves 3-1 down the team suddenly started playing great and the finishing was spot on to give us a 5-3 victory, the 2 matches against Copenhagen went to plan winning 3-1 and 2-0. Then off to Madrid where we were once again beaten 4-1. Inter came to Scotland and went home disappointed a magnificent 4-0 win to put us through to the knockout stages, Borough Briggs proving to be a place where we could score goals. The 1st round draw pitted us against Liverpool and we stunned then at home 3-1, the trip to Anfield was more of a nervous affair as we found ourselves 6-2 up on aggregate after 35 mins but with 20 minutes to go we only led 6-5 luckily the defence kept Liverpool at bay and we went through to the quarter-finals and a meeting with Real Madrid. The 1st leg in Spain had us under heavy pressure and we went down 2-1, giving me hope that we could maybe sneak a result at home. For some reason at home the team plays really well, maybe the 9040 fans intimidate the big teams of Europe as we couldn't miss the net winning 5-2 going through to the semi-finals 6-4 on aggregate. Roma came to Borough Briggs for the 1st leg and suffered the same fate as Madrid as we won 5-2, the return leg was another story however but the strikers found the net even though the defence was posted missing, losing 5-3 but going through 8-7 on aggregate. Arsenal stood between Elgin and European glory. Arsenal scored twice in the 1st half so I had my work cut out but some inspiring words at half-time made the difference, Zannoni pulled 1 back before Guinchard chipped the keeper to force extra-time. A poor clearance from the Gunners Keepers went straight to Kostic who only had an empty to goal to aim for. Guinchard was put through to round off the scoring and make Elgin City

Champions Cup Champions

Squad
A good solid season from the squad, no real faults so I'll be trying to keep them on

Code:

Season	League			Finish	Cups						Europe					Achievements	
2012/13	Third Division		1st	SC 4th round, LC 2nd Round, LCC 1st round	N/A					Promoted!!
2013/14	Second Division      	1st     SC 4th round, LC 2nd Round, LCC 2nd round      	N/A        				Promoted!!
2014/15	First Division          4th     SC 4th round, LC 3rd Round, LCC Semi-final      N/A         				Nothing of note
2015/16	First Division          1st     SC 5th round, LC 3rd round, LCC 1st round       N/A         				Promoted!!
2016/17	Premier Division     	8th     SC Winner, LC runner-up                         N/A        				Won the Scottish Cup and qualified foe Europe
2017/18	Premier Division     	2nd     SC 4th round, LC Winner                         EC 4th qual round         		Won the league cup and qualified for champions cup
2018/19	Premier Division     	1st     SC R/U, LC Winner                               CC Group stage, EC 2nd K/O round     	Domestic Double
2019/20	Premier Division	1st	SC R/U, LC Winner				CC Group stage, EC 1st K/O round	Domestic Double
2020/21 Premier Division	1st	SC R/U, LC Quarter-finals			CC Winners				Champions Cup Winners, Challenge complete.

**vikeologist** · 30-12-2011 22:29

JimBowmanUk - Congrats. Are you planning on continuing in Scotland, or off for another challenge?

Iacovone - I bet this squad rebuilding goes well, and you rock the next season. Good luck

**iacovone** · 30-12-2011 22:34

JimbowmanUK - congrats. Season 9 and you've had 3 promotions, won 4 domestic cups, 2 SPL titles and the Champions League.

My season 9 paled in comparison!

vikeologist & others - thanks for the sympathy. This squad is actually looking better than any before. But I say that tentatively...please no curse...please.

**jimbowmanuk** · 30-12-2011 22:39

Cheers, I've decided to add the Italian, Spanish and English top divisions, going to ask for a new stadium and give the ultimatum that i'll walk if i dont get it, then maybe try and win the Champions Cup with another team from another nation. Also I'm looking towards the possibility of international Management now.

**Lower Leagues Rule** · 30-12-2011 23:17

Congrats Jimbowman, an awesome effort there with Elgin, delighted to see a Scottish team make it through and win the Champions League.

**jimbowmanuk** · 30-12-2011 23:26

Originally Posted by Lower Leagues Rule

Congrats Jimbowman, an awesome effort there with Elgin, delighted to see a Scottish team make it through and win the Champions League.

Thanks, decided to take the USA job and resigned from Elgin, but i'll be tracking them to see if the new manager can do as good a job as me

**Lower Leagues Rule** · 30-12-2011 23:53

Originally Posted by jimbowmanuk

Thanks, decided to take the USA job and resigned from Elgin, but i'll be tracking them to see if the new manager can do as good a job as me

Excellent, good luck with USA, please continue to post in here, will be delighted to follow the epic story with the American National team as well.

**el sid** · 31-12-2011 04:50

Originally Posted by jimbowmanuk

Thanks, decided to take the USA job and resigned from Elgin, but i'll be tracking them to see if the new manager can do as good a job as me

You can be sure he won't

**Almondo** · 31-12-2011 05:33

Congrats jimbowmanuk great to see a Scottish team take the Champions League.

**jimbowmanuk** · 31-12-2011 15:47

Originally Posted by Lower Leagues Rule

Excellent, good luck with USA, please continue to post in here, will be delighted to follow the epic story with the American National team as well.

I'll post short summaries at the end of seasons, possibly give a wee run down of how Elgins doing too. I will say though that I was thrown straight into the Gold Cup when I took over and managed to win it, so I am very confident of qualifying for the World Cup

**rlipscombe** · 31-12-2011 18:11

iacovone - seriously unlucky again mate... SURELY next year will be the year....
jimbowmanuk - congratulations on completion and good luck with the USA job. looking forward to hearing how you get on.
Randy Palmer - crikey, you're flying mate... good luck in Ligue 1 next season.

let me take this opportunity to wish all you players a happy new year and all the best for 2012. hope it gives you everything you want - and a challenge completion!!

**jimbowmanuk** · 31-12-2011 22:05

Best give you an update Athletic Bilbao approached me in January, they are sitting 19th in the league so I'll jointly manage them and the US, will be interesting to see how I do with the Basque only rule

**el sid** · 01-01-2012 06:29

Happy new year lads

**Almondo** · 01-01-2012 07:26

Happy New year all

**Lower Leagues Rule** · 01-01-2012 07:26

Happy New Year to you to El Sid & Rlips.

I am loving my Parla game at the moment, Herlein has made it to 113 goals in 132 matches (110 in 130 League) and just seems able to keep scoring at will. Hoping it can continue as I would love to see him become a club legend as we move up. Also Delgado has moved into the first XI with 1 Goal & 5 assists in 5 matches so far in the new season, he looks likely to become my best ever youth product.

**Lower Leagues Rule** · 01-01-2012 07:46

And the curse strikes again...Herlein is injured during Sprints, he pulls his hamstring and will miss 4-5 weeks...He may have 113 goals in 132 matches, but he has also missed 25 weeks (6 months) with injuries since joining the club in January 2013.

**PRDH** · 01-01-2012 18:19

Happy New Year everyone! May 2012 bring us all countless promotions and Champion's league victories.

**rlipscombe** · 01-01-2012 21:04

jimbowmanuk - good luck with Bilbao. will be interesting to see how you get on...

**danger_mouse** · 01-01-2012 21:44

End of Season Update - 2014/2015 - Alicante Club de Fútbol

Media Prediction - 8th
Actual Position - 1st - Graph
Finances - Overall

League:- Fixtures 1 - Fixtures 2

I fully expected thus to gain promotion after just missing out last season but with the loss of our 40+ goal a season striker being sold by the board i was abit optimistic, i replaced him with to new forwards and signed players where i could.

Didnt do anything special in the cup as i was focused on the league.

Abit of a poor short update but i finished this season along time ago and i cant remember much, sorry!

Players: Players 1

Transfer's

Next Season Aims:

Avoid relegation.
Avoid relegation.
Avoid relegation.

Code:

   Season   |    Division    |  Position  |   Comments
--------------------------------------------------------
 2012/2013  |   Segunda B3   |    3rd     |
 2013/2014  |  Liga Adelante |    4th     |  Lost in Play-Off Final
 2014/2015  |  Liga Adelante |    1st     |

**iacovone** · 01-01-2012 22:26

In a moment of poetic beauty, I've been offered the job at the Erasmo Iacovone with Taranto. Obviously said no, but it's nice to be reminded of my username on here and how it all began

**Flashman\'s School Days** · 02-01-2012 00:15

So after a bit of time away I've decided to come back and participate again. I have holidayed again in Russia because I feel I had unfinished business there, and this time I went for a bit more colour than the black and white of Torpedo Armavir and taken over Astrakhan FC.

Manager Profile
Manager Info
Club Overview
Club Info
Squad

Hopefully I can rekindle the fun I was having in this challenge before the save was corrupted.

**Lower Leagues Rule** · 02-01-2012 01:39

Congrats on Promotion Danger Mouse
Welcome aboard Flashman and good luck...

**Randy Palmer** · 02-01-2012 12:08

AS Cannes End of Season Report 2014/2015

League
Squad
Transfers

We survived which was the main aim. Our form was patchy and we never put together more than two wins in a row. We were really poor at the back, which has prompted a change of tactics for next season. I am going to focus on improving our defence in the off-season. I am also going to bring in good quality young back ups to increase the depth of the squad. I don't want to change the starting line-up too much. So I will look to bring in a high quality centre back and then concentrate on developing the players signed this season.

Aim for next season concede less and a top half finish (hoping for European qualification).

Code:

Year   Div           Pos        Cups                     Achieved                  
2013  National     1st                             Promotion to Ligue 2                                
2014  Ligue 2      1st        Qtr of French Cup    Promotion to Ligue 1
2015  Ligue 1      12th       Semi of league cup   Survived

**iacovone** · 02-01-2012 13:07

End of Season Report - Novese - 2021/22 (Season 10) - Serie C1A

Serie C1A - 1st

This was my tenth year in charge, over 400 games stewarded and our 8th in this godforesaken division. The closest we'd come was back to back runner-up finishes and a couple of playoff final defeats. It's any wonder we still managed to cram fans through the gates. Speaking of the gates, the board opted to add an extra 2,500 seats to the Pastorino Stadium in anticipation of the new campaign.

As predicted, wholesale changes were required. I let go of my entire midfield in the summer, confident that I could snap up a similar quality for lower wages. I was right. By the time the season began, I'd assembled a squad that I felt was stronger than at any other time at Novese. Sometimes, change is good.

We began the campaign strongly, going unbeaten in our first 5 before suffering two defeats in three games to remind us of the difficulties the division posed. However following that loss to Treviso we embarked on a stunning 14 game unbeaten league run which included 11 consecutive league clean sheets. I'd always vaunted our defence and it finally appeared to be coming together in this crucial season.

With that run behind us, it seemed certain automatic promotion would be ours but Pro Vercelli had just about kept pace, sitting 7 points behind us with about 9 games to go. A defeat at Pro Vercelli threatened to derail our promotion bid and although we won our next three league games, we came unstuck losing three consecutive league fixtures (two in the last minute) to Venezia, Perugia and Pro Patria. The league tightened up but a stern team meeting and a win in all our final three games meant the league was ours. To ENORMOUS relief. Progress showed we deserved it.

We also won the Serie C1 Super Cup defeating Foggia over two legs.

Results 1 | Results 2

The Cups:

TIM Cup - still pointless. Serie C Cup - even though it's pointless we progressed all the way to the final. Somehow though, we managed to lose to Gubbio from the division below us! Oh well. We've won it twice before and that will hopefully be the last we ever see of the competition!

Results

Key Men

Riccardo Tantardini (DC/MC) - completed his tenth season with us by leading the line superbly. Amazing to think he's been with me since it all began. I hadn't realised. At 29 though, and with the step up to Serie B to come, I'm unsure if he can cut it. Willing to give him the chance though, he's the record appearance holder for Novese with 344 games.

Luca Funari (SW/DLC) - has been with us for 6 years now but really came into his own this year, displacing Cemil Ayaz at the heart of defence.

Robert Stroh (D/WBL) - continued where he left off last year. Our German left back was solid and dependable all year; a vital cog in a steadfast defence.

Lorenzo Bianchi (DM/MC) - signed on loan from Parma and swiftly became a fan favourite. He was our best CM all year, scored a few goals and provided plenty of assists through his expert set-pieces.

Simone Pellegrini (AMLC) - the former loanee was snapped up on a free after being released by Atalanta. He played in the hole to great effect. 10 goals and 14 assists. Marvellous.

Dennis Fischer (AMRL/ST) - new young German prospect. He partnered Saponaro and provided a good haul of 18 goals in 34 games. His pace offered a good balance to the forward line. Was surprisingly named Fans Player of the Year.

Pietro Saponaro (AMC/ST) - as ever, led the line superbly. 20 goals in all competitions made him the go-to man for goals.

Squad Stats
Finances
Club Information

Objectives Complete?

Promotion

Success! FINALLY we've done it! We're out of C1A and I'm pleased to say we won the title too, adding another trophy to the cabinet

Continue financial prudence

Success. Just about. With prize money and new sponsorship deals we'll be in the black going into Serie B.

Rebuild the squad

Success. It took 7 players to leave and 10 to come in but it worked out just fine.

New Objectives:

Avoid relegation
Continue financial prudence
Take advantage of new scouting areas

Obviously the target is to ensure we never wind up in C1A again! But aside from that we have a much healthier wage budget - £10k p/w to play with - and a decent transfer budget. The lift in reputation seems to have given us a larger base of players to chose from and there are a couple of 5 star players recommended by scouts that now know who Novese are. If I juggle the budgets and potential signings well, we could end up with a very strong squad. Only two players left the club in the summer as their contract's expired. Both weren't good enough for Serie B. Let the new adventure commence!

Overall Best Eleven

**Randy Palmer** · 02-01-2012 13:41

Well done Iacovone great persistence

**jimbowmanuk** · 02-01-2012 14:38

The Journey Continues - 2021/22 - Season 10(jimbowmanuk)

Although I have completed the challenge I have decided to stick with the save and take advantage of the Add leagues feature. I left Elgin and took the USA job(update will follow on them later) where qualification for the World Cup has given me a tough group against England, Portugal and Peru.
In January I was offered the Athletic Bilbao job, which I accepted. Their rule of Basque only players limits my movement in the transfer market but some really promising youngsters are coming through the youth system. I took over aftrer 20 league games had already been played and Athletic were sitting 19th. The 1st couple of games were learning curves to work out what kind of squad I had and once I'd settled on 1 striker things seemed to click into place. Winning the games were expected to win and some draws and losses against better opposition meant we survived in 15th place. Next season looks like European qualification will be a realistic goal for me to attain.
Athletic League Graph

Elgin City Watch
Elgin City under their new manager, Gary Speed, had a bad start to the season and resulted in them only finishing 5th in the league. My legacy of losing Scottish Cup finals continued also. This time First Division Hamilton the winners. So Elgin City will not be playing in Europe next season. This season they did finish 3rd in their Champions Cup group, meaning the Euro Cup to contend with but they went out in the 2nd knock-out round to Man City 4-3 on aggregate.
Scottish Premier League
Scottish Cup Final

Everyone still going with their challenges keep up the good work, and don't give up. If Elgin City can do it, then so can every other small team in Europe's big leagues.

**el sid** · 02-01-2012 17:06

Well done iacavone

Been a long time coming

**Lower Leagues Rule** · 02-01-2012 18:43

Congrats Randy on avoiding relegation
WOOOHOOOO GOOOO Iacovone, finally escaped the hell of Serie C1A, now to take Serie B by storm.

**jimbowmanuk** · 02-01-2012 18:56

The Journey continues - USA - World Cup 2022(jimbowmanuk)

Taking over the USA days before the Gold Cup, I felt there might be pressure as I was attempting to retain the Cup for the US. Our Group pitted us against El Salvador, Trinidad & Tobago and Panama. We struggled to a 1-0 win in the 1st game before comfortable 4-1 and 5-0 victories to put us through. The quarter-finals had us matched against Curacao, and my former Elgin player Burrows was still leading the line for them. They were no match as we posted a 5-0 win to set up a semi-final against Costa Rica. A 4-0 victory put us through to the final, where we would meet our first real challenging opponents, Mexico. A close game with both sides matching each other in the first half, but some inspiring words at half-time and the USA won the Gold Cup with a 4-2 victory.

Next up was the qualifying for the World Cup, and the previous coach had put the team in a good position by winning the first 5 matches, leaving me only needing 2 victories to qualify. We won all the matches 3-0(Costa Rica), 5-1(Curacao), 5-1(Panama), 5-0(El Salvador) and 4-3(Mexico). We played 5 friendlies before the World Cup, scoring 23 goals without reply the biggest being a 3-0 win against Denmark.

The World Cup
Group B vs. England 0-5
England were really clinical in finishing even though we were evenly balanced on attempts, The 13 game winning streak coming to an end.

Group B vs. Portugal 2-1
We were going to need a lot of luck to try and qualify, and we got it. Almeida bringing down Joseph in the box on 8 minutes resulted in a penalty for the US and a red card for Portugal. The spot kick was dispatched, followed by another 7 minutes later and despite an own goal we were never really troubled.

Group B vs. Peru 4-0
I was expecting this game to be a victory when the draw was made and it was, putting the US through to a second round encounter against Algeria

Second Round vs. Algeria 3-0
Dan Joseph scored a hat-trick enroute to a routine victory in a match we dominated

Quarter-final vs. Argentina 4-1
Argentina were by far the better team but set pieces made the difference, with them being 1-0 up Javier Pastore put the ball into his own net. the scores remained this way until the 72nd minute when Garcia scored a curling freekick to give us the advantage, before Pastore went off injured and with it the heart of Argentina as they crumbled defensively to ship two more goals.

Semi-final vs. Denmark 4-2
Confidence was high in the camp going into this match as we had just recorded a famous victory aswell as having the upperhand as we had beaten our opponents 3-0 in a pre-world cup friendly. We dominated the match but the defence was suspect on a couple of occasions, but the 4 we scored were enough to put us in the final.

Final vs. England 1-6
I didn't have high hopes for the final as we had already lost 5-0 in the groups to England. This was a very one-sided match in which I was happy to score a consolation goal. Tom Gardner finished the World cup as top scorer with 15 goals, 8 of which were scored against us.

2021 Fixtures
2022 Fixtures

I am still undecided whether to stay with the USA or to apply for a European nation to manage, as there are sure to be a few casualties following the World Cup.

**Lower Leagues Rule** · 02-01-2012 19:13

Jimbowmanuk - What an awesome effort with USA, making it to the final, disappointing to lose by 5 goals to England, especially as it seems they are the only team that seems capable of beating you. Good Luck wherever you decide to ply your wares after that game.

**jimbowmanuk** · 02-01-2012 19:17

Originally Posted by Lower Leagues Rule

Jimbowmanuk - What an awesome effort with USA, making it to the final, disappointing to lose by 5 goals to England, especially as it seems they are the only team that seems capable of beating you. Good Luck wherever you decide to ply your wares after that game.

Cheers LLR, I've taken the Turkish job, as it reunites me with some of my old Elgin Players, Roberto Mancini stepped down as England manager after winning the World Cup

**Amethyst21** · 02-01-2012 19:44

SV Wilhelmshaven Season Report 2021-2022

After a really poor season last time out that saw the club take a step backwards, this was a season for the talented youngsters of Wilhelmshaven to show if they were capable of breaking into the elite of the Bundesliga

League|Graph: This was the season that finally saw Wilhelmshaven establish itself as one of the top clubs in Germany, even managing to lead the Bundesliga into the Winter break. However Bayern's amazing form and our slight drop in form due to competing in Europe saw Bayern claim their 5th! consecutive Domestic crown. Bayern lost only once and conceeded only 14 goals, and look to be just as dominant in the years to come.

Europe: Made it to the Euro Cup group stage and then walked through the group stage winning all 6 games. We dispatched Lorient, Feyenoord and Zenit in the knockout phase and met Udinese in the semi final. However we left our goal scoring boots at home and they squeaked out a 1-0 aggregate win. Udinese went on to win the Euro Cup

German Cup: Went out in the 3nd round to 1860 Munchen, who are in the 2nd division. I played a strong squad but they actually outplayed us and claimed the victory in extra time

Squad
Keepers:
Farkas- The undisputed top keeper at the club, now being recognized for his exploits as he won German Goalkeeper of the year.
Covelli- The Canadian-Italian backup was brought in January as I let the previous backup leave. He's unhappy but whatever. Farkas is the clear number one.

Defenders:
Andersen- Our Danish attacking left back did not have a great season as a backup and may not be of a class needed to compete in the Champions League
Balan- Has emerged as a tower of power in the back line. Form fell off near the end of the season which is worrying
Dembele- 3rd choice defender is reliable when called upon
Ivanildo- The club captain has really regressed at an early age. I'm loathe to part with a player that has been with us for so long, but he's not up to the standard anymore
Jansen- There is probably a way to get more out of the Norwegian though I don't know how, decent enough as is.
Martinovic- Our 'German' right back appears to have reached the end of his line here, as I have a talented youth player that I think can be equally as good
Musil- The long time left back is the epitome of solid and reliable
Oldani- Touted as the next Philippe Senderos, Oldani was our best defender this season and looks to have the world at his feet
Perrone- Star right back struggled a bit with injuries this season

Midfielders:
Falah- The Swede is integral when fit, which has been his problem the last few seasons
Fofana- Malian right winger alternates between brilliant and invisible
Huertas- The hero of our Euro Cup triumph of a few years ago has been really average since that moment, may be time to move him on
Loose- A summer purchase to get the team some more Germans, Loose has been a nice little addition, though he is injury prone
Schussler- A nice player to have, a nice combination of a combative midfielder and a deep lying playmaker
Urbanek- Brilliant Czech winger
Uzun- A pure backup that will be moved on when one of our homegrown players develops to a point that he can play regularly, still Uzun can do a job when called upon
Vieira- Our Brazilian/German international continues to struggle with injuries and a crowded midfield
Worn- The Austrian star only gets better as he matures

Forwards:
Zoidze- Much better at setting people up than scoring himself, his partnership with Kyung-Ho will be key to our fortunes.
Kyung-Ho- Showed why I had stuck with him by lighting the league up in the first half of the season, though his season was eventually derailed by injuries, and thats when the season fell apart for us. Integral to the team.
Daniel- Way off his form that saw 13 league goals last year, though scored at a decent rate in other competitions
Oumaya- I'm not sold on the Tunisian though my assistant manager thinks he's the next big thing, good scoring record in Europe to be fair.

Finances: Never been a problem while I've been at the club
Facilities: The stadium is being expanded by 5k, as well as the youth facilities improved, which is a step in the right direction.
Transfers: Only a few signings and the only major player to leave was Wagner who was never going to displace Farkas from the keeper jersey

First season in the Champions league is coming up, however domestically Bayern look to be a hard team to topple as they are loaded with talent.

**Oktober** · 02-01-2012 20:35

Every single year...

Well, its tradition. I gave in. I bought the new FM. "Even if I dont play it as much, SI deserve my £30". And as usual, I'll be looking to rock up here way after everyone else is done. Woo!

Well, about me... its an interesting story. Since the switch from CM to FM, every year I've given far, FAR too many of my hours to each iteration, and not entirely for the best of reasons. For most of my teenage and adult life my health has left me housebound with hundreds of empty blank hours to fill, an ideal scenario for devoting time to getting Badajoz, San Marino, SVM Mannheim, Merthyr Tydfil or Torpedo Moscow up the leagues. This time though, after a massive year of recovery and progress, I'm playing along from my own flat, in between part time jobs working with disabled youngsters and heading to the pub. I don't expect anyone will particularly remember me sporadically being around from that long to appreciate how big a change it is, but it still felt worth mentioning as I start things off - for 8 years, FM was occasionally quite literally the sole thing worth getting out of bed for. I look forward to it actually functioning as an addition to instead of the sole pillar of my life!

Onto the pitch then... and I have unfinished business in France. I've run the gauntlet in England, Spain, Italy and Germany, but I've never quite cracked the very top of the French leagues - my personal favourite for their loose restrictions. And AS Cannes are available? I think I know where I'll be heading in a couple of hours once Steam has finished the download!

Until then, I'll be combing through this thread and some of the tactics forum to see whats changed - hopefully I'm not too out of touch with all these newfangled controls and concepts! A rigid 4-5-1 and youth development/foreign market profile expansion awaits...

**Lower Leagues Rule** · 02-01-2012 20:57

Welcome Oktober, good luck in France, looking forward to it. AS Cannes are most definitely usable for this challenge in 2012. Youth Develop + 4-1-3-2 for me, but I get the plan, not too many new concepts, just a bit of a better layout and somethings now seem to work better. Save game below includes Cannes if you like

France - 18th June - Save (Veendee, Raon-I'Etape, Cannes & Romorantin)

**rlipscombe** · 02-01-2012 21:22

iacovone - WOOHOO!!!!!!! About time mate...

let's hope you don't get relegated next season.
jimbowmanuk - great job with the US there - good luck with Turkey and a first full season with Bilbao. not surprised Elgin are beginning to sink now.
Oktober - welcome to FM12!! good luck in France mate...

**Oktober** · 02-01-2012 23:37

http://steamcommunity.com/id/arkange...06251616400199

Taken over as AS Cannes manager. Now to really get to grips with a new game!

**Lower Leagues Rule** · 03-01-2012 07:39

Well Parla are battling for Promotion this season, but its been a weird one, unbeaten through 10, then 4 straight losses and now 4 straight draws...who knows.

**PRDH** · 03-01-2012 12:53

iacovone - Congratulations! Finally! Hopefully now you're in Serie B your progress will speed up. I'm not sure we can take the tension otherwise!

**Almondo** · 03-01-2012 13:45

iacovone - Congrats on finally getting that promotion, I know I couldn't take any more tension of you just missing out again.

**Randy Palmer** · 03-01-2012 13:52

AS Cannes mid season update

League Table

Dead chuffed hope we can maintain it and qualify for Europe.

**iacovone** · 03-01-2012 14:01

Thanks all! Mightily relieved as you'd expect!

**toonbalmy87** · 03-01-2012 16:45

Bugger deleted my old season update

**jimbowmanuk** · 03-01-2012 22:18

I managed to get Athletic Bilbao to finish 5th in La Liga and qualify for the Euro Cup, but then the big teams came calling. I was offered the Chelsea job but turned it down as they hadn't qualified for Europe, instead taking charge at Aston Villa who finished 4th in the Prem. Elgin City improved this season to finish 2nd and qualify for the Champions Cup, but again they lost the Scottish Cup final, this time to Aberdeen. by my reckoning thats 5 finals lost in a row. I have Turkey on course for qualifying for the 2024 Euro Champs

**toonbalmy87** · 04-01-2012 17:14

i dont know if there is already one of these threads but i was thinking and after seeing barca wipe the floor with santos if we all would do a FM12 Big SAM Nation Small Club to Big Club Challenge and only time you say you have a completion is if you beat the Reigning Champions league winners what do you all think

**Lower Leagues Rule** · 04-01-2012 17:52

I think you are looking for Razers's Thread - There used to be a few competitors, but it seems to be quite unfollowed this year, though that is similar to the state this thread was in FM08.

**toonbalmy87** · 04-01-2012 18:25

i was just wondering thats all becaue i really hate barca shock shock gasp haha so would just love to batter them in the World Club Championship with some little Chile team

**rlipscombe** · 04-01-2012 19:49

as LLR says there is a thread for it - check the CSE front page...

**Almondo** · 04-01-2012 23:05

Peña Sport FC season review 2023/24

League, Past Positions, Finances, transfers

League

We took the League at a canter really as once we hit the top we stayed there and not even losses to teams we should have beat let the other teams in. The biggest shock is the fact that Real finished eighth.

Champions League

Group Stage

@ Zenit, vs F.C. Bayern, @ PSV
vs Zenit, @ F.C. Bayern, vs PSV

Got a favourable draw in the group due to us being seeded second meaning that the hardest team in the group was Bayern.

1st KO Round vs Basel - 3-1 aggregate win Scorers: (H) Own Goal, Lopez, Renato

Quarter Final vs AS Saint Etienne - 3-2 aggregate win Scorers: (A) Lopez (H) Millán, Jones

Semi Final vs Man Utd - 4-2 aggregate win Scorers: (A) Uran, Alvarez (H) Uran, Lopez

Final vs Inter - 3-2 win after extra time Dumont, Uran, Curbelo

We did it, after the disappointment of last season losing in the final to win it this season is the opposite end of the spectrum. The fact that the game was also my 600th in management made the game even more special.

Cup

4th Round vs Orihuela - 3-0 aggregate win Scorers: (A) Curbelo(2), Cruz

5th Round vs Cartagena - 7-3 aggregate win Scorers: (A) Fusaro, Del Rio, Cruz (H) Uran, Aizpura (youth player), Cruz(2)

Quarter Final vs Almeria - 5-3 aggregate win Scorers: (A) Uran(2) (H) Morán, Millán, Jones

Semi Final vs Sevilla - 4-3 aggregate win Scorers: Fusaro, Alvarez(2), Olsen

Final vs Málaga - 5-2 Win Scorers: Uran, Lopez(3), Dumont

Spanish super cup

vs Barcelona

5-2 aggregate win Scorers: (A) Morán (H) Amara, Curbelo, Renato, Alvarez

Well after last seasons loss in the super cup against the same opposition we managed to get the win and by the same scoreline as last season.

Squad

GK's

Legros - A return to form for the Frenchman after last season.
Salz - Showed some glimpses of being a good keeper but won't dislodge Legros.

Defenders

Manangu - Another decent year from the right back although he did spend some time injured.
Renato - Another good year for the young Brazillian especially when paired with Jones
Jones - A good year from the England captain.
Drachmann - Played well but Mustafaraj is catching him.
Del Sol - Was okay when he played but unfortunately he spent a fair amount of time injured.
Fusaro - Played well when he got into games.
Miguel - Played okay but wasn't the best.
Mustafaraj - Is getting to be as good as Drachmann and played better in a few games.

Midfielders

Dumont - Has split time with Alvarez but showed he was better than him towards the end.
Amara - Played extremely well in the centre of the park.
Del Rio - Was okay ddown the left vut to be honest he won't be able to dislodge Millán.
Millán - Was great down the left hand side. Caused so many problems for the opposition.
Olsen - Wanted him last season and he showed why I bought him with some great performances in the middle.
Lasa - The third Central midfielder has played fairly well when he got into games through injuries or suspensions.
Alvarez - Played as well as Dumont but wasn't as good towards the end of the season.
Bird - Not lot of playing time but was still good when he played.

Strikers

Cruz - Not too many games but he was okay when he played.
López - Once again the team's top scorer, played really well.
Moran - Not as good as last season but he still managed to play well and get some assists.
Uran - Has been called a wonderkid and his performances have shown why. Has partnered well with both Lopez and Morán.
Curbelo - Played fairly well when he was on the pitch.

Code:

Season     |  Division           | League Position  |   Copa Del Rey  |       Europe       |    Achievements
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2012/13    | 2nd Division B2     |      12th        |      N/A        |        N/A         |      Stayed up
2013/14    | 2nd Division B2     |      1st         |      N/A        |        N/A         |Champions and Promotion
2014/15    | Liga Adelante       |      12th        |     2nd RD      |        N/A         |      Stayed up
2015/16    | Liga Adelante       |      4th         |     4th RD      |        N/A         |      Playoffs
2016/17    | Liga Adelante       |      1st         |     5th RD      |        N/A         |Champions and Promotion
2017/18    |   Liga BBVA         |      11th        |  Quarter Final  |        N/A         |      Stayed up
2018/19    |   Liga BBVA         |      5th         |    Winners      |        N/A         |Cup winners and European qualification
2019/20    |   Liga BBVA         |      3rd         |     5th RD      |Europa league 1st KO|Champions League Qualification
2020/21    |   Liga BBVA         |      1st         |  Quarter Final  |     CL 1st KO      |      Champions 
2021/22    |   Liga BBVA         |      2nd         |    Winners      |     EL Winners     |Cup and Europa League winners
2022/23    |   Liga BBVA         |      1st         |     5th RD      |   CL Runners Up    |      Champions
2023/24    |   Liga BBVA         |      1st         |    Winners      |     CL Winners     |  *Challenge Complete*, treble

The 100 Club

This section will be for those player who gain over 100 appearances and/or goals for the club while under my management. this is League and cup competitions.

Code:

Player               |   Apps   |     Goals     | Seasons between |     Note
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Javi Jimenez         |   101    |       3       |   2012-2015     |    Retired
Dolly Menga          |   135    |      60       |   2012-2016     |  sold by board
Igotz Garde          |   143    |      13       |  2012-Present   |    Retired
Kurt Weuts           |   270    |     101       |   2013-2021     |    Retired
Txitxo               |   108    |       2       |   2012-2016     |    Retired
Bidari               |   206    |      24       |  2013-Present   | Released on a free
Yeray Soto           |   108    |       0       |   2012-2016     |    Retired
Juanma               |   165    |       7       |   2012-2018     | Retired now a scout
Carlos Garde         |   152    |      10       |   2012-2017     |Wouldn't sign new contract
Jorgito              |   119    |      12       |   2014-2017     |Wouldn't sign new contract
Felipe               |   212    |       1       |   2014-2022     | Released on a free
Nacho Gómez          |   119    |      13       |   2013-2017     |Wouldn't sign new contract      
Alejo Diego Puente   |   167    |      15       |   2013-2024     |Left at end of Contract
Nenê                 |   137    |      17       |   2014-2018     |Sold to Zenit for £6.25 million
Carl Allen           |   296    |      47       |  2015-2022      |Sold to Osasuna for £500k
Sten Drachmann       |   370    |       1       |  2015-Present   |
Óscar Kortina        |   115    |      12       |   2012-2019     | Released on a free
Jérémy Roland        |   236    |      22       |   2015-2024     |Left at end of contract
Mathias Legros       |   405    |       0       |  2016-Present   | 
Jean-Jacques Dumont  |   296    |      56       |  2016-Present   |
Ignacio Etxebarria   |   170    |       3       |   2012-2024     |Sold to Athletic for £675k
Antonio Pérez Postigo|   119    |      26       |   2016-2021     | Released on a free
Solomon Kverkvelia   |   161    |       9       |   2018-2022     | Went to Espanyol for £0
Francisco Manuel Cruz|   229    |      74       |  2018-Present   |
Nicolás López        |   253    |     138       |  2018-Present   |
Koke                 |   107    |       0       |  2018-Present   |Went to Recreativo for £0
Tiago Duque          |   114    |       5       |   2017-2022     |Accepted mutual termination
Pablo Alvarez        |   147    |      33       |  2018-Present   |
Miguel               |   187    |      13       |  2019-Present   |
Diego Fusaro         |   213    |      15       |  2018-Present   |
Vivaldy Manangu      |   224    |       2       |  2019-Present   |
Pablo Alvarez        |   196    |      37       |  2018-Present   |
Aitor Del Rio        |   156    |      11       |  2016-Present   |
Fernando Millán      |   167    |      50       |  2020-Present   |
Hichem Amara         |   154    |       9       |  2021-Present   |
Marco Uran           |   108    |      39       |  2021-Present   |
Renato               |   103    |       9       |  2022-Present   |
Rigels Mustafaraj    |   108    |       0       |  2020-Present   |

Previous Years

2012/13
2013/14
2014/15
2015/16
2016/17
2017/18
2018/19
2019/20
2020/21
2021/22
2022/23

**bjoggi33** · 04-01-2012 23:17

Congratulations on the completion Almondo

Just finished my season. Update coming tomorrow or the day after that.

**vikeologist** · 05-01-2012 00:48

Well done Almondo; great news. Extra time must have been a bit nerve wracking after your guy was sent off. Usual question; what next?

**Almondo** · 05-01-2012 01:08

The extra time was nerve wracking with only 10 men and I really didn't want penalties so when Curbelo scored to make it 3-2 it was a sweet moment. What next? well I'll be sticking with La Peña for the next season as I want to win the CWC and then maybe go for some international management.

**Lower Leagues Rule** · 05-01-2012 05:18

Congrats Almondo, awesome to see the completions rolling through again, going to be a few more years for me yet.

Good Luck in the Club World Champs and then internationally.

**el sid** · 05-01-2012 12:13

Well done Almondo

**PRDH** · 05-01-2012 12:17

Congratulations Almondo. Glad to see you didn't have to wait too long after last season's near miss.

In Lusitania Acores news, I am still plodding along. I've not been playing much recently as I've had other commitments but I'm steadily improving (I think/hope).

**toonbalmy87** · 05-01-2012 14:37

should have an update soon

**Britrock** · 05-01-2012 15:05

Congratulations almondo, well done on completing!

I've had a torrid start to Serie B, 4 games in and 4 losses. Scored 4, conceded 13. In my latest loss I went 2-0 down, switched to 4411 and went overload and attack mental and got it back to 2-2 with 5 mins left. Thought I was on for my first point, only for my left back to hack their striker down in the box and lose to a penalty in the 90th minute. Heartbroken doesn't describe it.

EDIT: Finally got my first win in Serie B. And what a win.

**rlipscombe** · 05-01-2012 18:58

Almondo - congratulations mate - great stuff. i can imaging how good it must feel after the previous season. good luck with the CWC next season and then landing a good international job.

**toonbalmy87** · 05-01-2012 19:12

Маршевый наш путь в Европу

Finances £-5Million

Squad
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/..._Players-6.png
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/..._Players-7.png

Transfers
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/..._History-4.png
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/..._History-5.png

Media Prediction 14th
Finished 6th
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/...iew_Stages.png

To be honest i am really surprised in what happened at the second part of the season i went 13 games unbeaten but the first part of the season was really well dreadful i just win a game so in january i went about my buisness buying player i brought in two Argentine DMs and changed my team formation to this http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/...s_Overview.png and i brought in Argentine striker and he is awesome he couldn't stop scoring

Fixtures
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/...Fixtures-5.png
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/...Fixtures-6.png

Champions hammering Rubin & CSKA Moscow in the Final

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/...wPostMatch.png

Key players
Sidibie - Pure class this i hope noone comes in for him of dodgy chairman will sell him
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/...tributes-2.png

Villordo -paid 1.9million for him still on youth contract and he has gone up to 8Million this guy will be the best DM Midfielder on the game i think
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/...Attributes.png

Lavallen - got him on the cheap he going to be out of contract so he was getting sold for 950k or sumet like that
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/...Attributes.png

Cocco this guy just cant stop scoring he is immense with Sidibie he was meant to be back up for Matavz but he got injured for 5 weeks and never got his spot back
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/...Attributes.png

i am not sure how the youth think work but here is my player
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/...Attributes.png
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/...Attributes.png
Next Season Expectations Push for champions league Qualification and win Europa League

**bjoggi33** · 05-01-2012 22:28

RasenBallsport Leipzig

Season 2013/2014 - Second Division

We started pretty solid in the league but the form fell down. Highest position we got was 2nd for one game after that we pretty much rocked from 10th and 5th, eventually finishing 7th which was our media prediction. We could have had a real change of promotion if we didn't draw SO many of our games. The German Cup was pretty much over when it started but we won Neumunster 4-0 in the 1st round and lost 0-3 to Freiburg in the 2nd round.

Table - Graph - Club Information

Players:

GK: David Yelldell - Was bad, he's the main reason I'm conceding so much goals. Too bad I don't have any money to replace him.

DR: Christian Muller - He did alright nothing magnificent but he's getting older and needs to be replaced.
DC: Soren Gönther - Played well. Avarage rating above 7.
DC: Jagos Vukovic - Brought him in on free transfer in the Pre-Season. He's been a rock in the defense this season with an avg. rating of 7.12.
DL: Nico Hamman - He replaced our maine LB Pierré Womé in the latter stages of the season and he did better so he's here.

MR: Marco Padalino - Brought him in on free transfer from Sampdoria. 18 assists this season. Our very own speed demon.
MC: Bastian Schulz - Solid season from a solid player. Nice return of 10 goals and 7 assists.
MC: Timo Rost - At 35 years old he's declining but he was alright this season. Retiring after next season.
ML: Marek Strestik - The Czech winger was solid this season. Avg. rating of 7.06

ST: Wellington - Ahh this guy blows my mind. Signed him on free transfer in the Pre-Season. He scores some beautiful goals and was the Second Division top scorer with 27 goals.
ST: Carsten Kammlot - Didn't play much due to injuries but was the second best striker.

Youth Watch

Sven Noguera - Didn't play very well in the chances I gave him but I think he might become a good First Division forward in the future so I will keep playing him.

Promotion might well be on the cards if we strengthen some positions. Planning to get some youngsters on loan from the big clubs but the wage budget isn't exactly in a good stand so that might be hard. The finances are not good, sitting at -5 million pounds.

**toonbalmy87** · 06-01-2012 01:02

how do you get your links just to come up in one single word ??

**bjoggi33** · 06-01-2012 01:10

Originally Posted by toonbalmy87

how do you get your links just to come up in one single word ??

You do it like this: [url=blablawhatever]The Word[ /url] Just take out the space

**Randy Palmer** · 06-01-2012 09:43

AS Cannes End of Season Report 2015/2016

League Table
Squad
Tranfers

Given how limited our budgets are in comparison to the big clubs we have massively over-achieved this season. We qualified for teh Champions League on the last day at the expense of PSG. We improved our defence in the off-season and it has paid dividends. We did well in both the cups but lost out in the quarter finals, probably due to lack of squad depth.

I have only been given a transfer budget of £2.5mil and wage budget of £300k. It is going to be tough to consolidate. We need a better keeper, two wingers and bettrer depth at many positions. I would be chuffed with consolidation in the league and Uefa Cup qualification through the Champions League. I do think that too many changes has a negative impact so I am hoping consistency of selection is the way forward.

Code:

Year   Div           Pos        Cups                     Achieved                  
2013  National     1st                             Promotion to Ligue 2                                
2014  Ligue 2      1st        Qtr of French Cup    Promotion to Ligue 1
2015  Ligue 1      12th       Semi of league cup   Survived
2016  Ligue 1      3rd        Qtrs both cups       Qualified for Champions League

**Britrock** · 06-01-2012 11:31

Originally Posted by toonbalmy87

how do you get your links just to come up in one single word ??

I write the report, then highlight the words I want to be links, click on the hyperlink icon and paste in the image URL. I find it the quickest and most painless way.

**iacovone** · 06-01-2012 12:04

Originally Posted by Britrock

I write the report, then highlight the words I want to be links, click on the hyperlink icon and paste in the image URL. I find it the quickest and most painless way.

Definitely this. I did it the other way and typed everything out for a good three or four years until I realised there was an easier way

**toonbalmy87** · 06-01-2012 12:34

Thank you very much because i have been looking at it for ages and racking my brain how to do it but never figured it out haha!!

**Gypsum** · 06-01-2012 17:30

I've lost interest in my Dafuge's challenge game and fancy giving this a go. Just wondering if it would be ok to continue from my Dafuge's challenge save which is currently in 2027. I'd follow all the rules otherwise, just seems a shame to start over back in 2011!

**rlipscombe** · 06-01-2012 19:23

bjoggi33 - congrats on a 7th place finish. i'd definately persevere with Noguera. developing into a decent striker on my game. not quite sure how you are £5 million in the red though... your wage budget must be huge??
Randy Palmer - well done on the 3rd place finish - you are making some good progress there. what are your aims for next season? the title?
Gypsum - from my point of view, i think you would be fine starting the challenge in 2027 keeping in with the rules of the challenge. i am sure LLR will confirm one way or another but i don't have any problems. i am assuming you can cancel the english league once you start a new league? not tried myself...

And as for me, my Mannheim season is complete. will try and get the review up this weekend.

**PRDH** · 06-01-2012 20:18

Right, another season finished. Is it a first completion in Portugal, well, you'll just have to wait and see...

**Britrock** · 06-01-2012 20:42

I am having a wail of a time in Serie B. I've beaten Empoli and Reggina so far (amongst oters, obviously) and sit mid table around halfway through the season. The forum curse seemed to work in reverse for me, after my five straight defeats to start the year I've been on fire, going on multiple 4 game unbeaten runs. Sold a load of chaff and getting in a new batch of players to replace them.

I am loving my new stadium too, I've more than doubled my average attendance and I'm on course to make a profit without the boards help.

**Lower Leagues Rule** · 06-01-2012 21:17

Hey Gypsum, I think that is fine, given that you follow the rules by removing the English league and then holiday a season in your nation of choice.

**PRDH** · 06-01-2012 23:00

Lusitânia Açores - Season Summary - 2023/24

Finances

Key figure - £19,680,331 | Summary

A nice profit this season as a result of a few sales and Champions League money.

Transfers | 15 in (£3.9m), 9 out (£10.5m)

The majority of the transfers coming in this season were youngsters or back-up and there were no significant exits either. The majority were players who'd not quite made it with me who left for nice profits.

League | Predicted - 3rd

Table | Graph

A far calmer season this time round than we've had for a long time. No great crises. We were always challenging at the right end of the table and hit the top spot halfway through the season and didn't look back.

Cups

Supertaça | Winners

In the first cup of the season we came up against the shock winners of last year's Taça de Portugal, Uniao Madeira of the Second Division - South. We came out 3-0 winners.

Taça de Portugal | Winners

The only Portuguese cup that had eluded us so far. We came up against Porto in the final and in our third final appearance we came out on top with a very comfortable 3-0 victory.

League Cup | Beaten Finallists

The only cup to escape us domestically this season. In the final against Braga we were 2-1 up until the 93rd minute when Descazals conceded a penalty. They scored and went on to win on penalties.

Europe | 1st Knockout Round

Group Stage - Drawn in a tricky looking group alongside Real Madrid, Juventus and Zenit I wasn't hopeful of qualification. Fortunately however I played generally pretty well, only losing one game in the group stage (admittedly it was a 7-0 trouncing at the hands of Real Madrid at the Bernabeu) to qualify second behind Real Madrid and make it out of the group.

Knockout Stages - Another tricky draw saw me put up against AC Milan in the 1st Knockout Round. First they visited the Azores beating us 2-0. We went to Italy needing a surprising result, unfortunately we didn't pull it off only managing a 1-1 draw to go out 3-1 on aggregate.

Squad | Overview

'Keepers

Salvador Soto - Starting to get a bit edgy this season, has mentioned wanting to move on, I've placated him so far but I may have to let him go soon. It'll be a pity because he is rapidly turning into one of the best keepers in the world.

Jean-Philippe Moreau - A fairly awful player if I'm honest. Brought in because there was nothing better out there. Fortunately he wasn't required very often. He's not a good enough back up for a team of this calibre.

Defenders

Matej Suchy - His career is stuttering. I will be looking to get rid this summer, he just doesn't look like developing into a good enough player.

Karel Dragoun - Brought in as back up for Favreau, performed adequately when called upon.

Julián García - A very good start to the season, stalled somewhat, then got injured and then for the final third of the season he was always with the Honduras Under-23s, even when they didn't have a fixture. A pity, if the bug (I'm assuming that's what it is) doesn't sort itself out I'll have to sell him.

John Hvilsom - Brought in on a free and performed well when García was away from the squad.

Stijn Hermans - Very excited for this young Belgian's future. He could well be the guy who replaces Descazals should he ever leave.

Meranah Descazals - I'm shocked I considered not signing this guy. He has developed into one of the world's finest centre-halves. Even by his own high standards he had a great season this year.

Mathieu Favreau - A solid performer for us. He is someone I feel could be replaced if the right player becomes available.

Ange Diaby - A very decent back up for Osses. I have a feeling I'm holding him back and if he were given a run in the first team he'd develop into a very good player.

Christian Osses - Has the position pretty well sewn up here. Unless he leaves I can't see anyone replacing him for a long time. Not until I've established myself as a continental power anyway.

Midfielders

John Agu - Looks like he should be first choice, but for some reason doesn't perform as he looks like he ought. For that reason he is leaving the team over the summer.

Philippe Derrien - He performs adequately but this is a position I am looking to strengthen if possible. I have pinpointed by desired replacement (a Bolivian) but it's going to be tough to convince him he wants to join.

Vadym Gai - Starting to play as well as he looks he should. Cemented his place in the first team before an injury ended his season early.

Joffrey Fontaine - Starting to fulfil his undoubted potential. This is one player I may face a struggle to keep hold of.

Andreas Jensen - The gamble of entrusting him with the first team position last season is really starting to pay off. He really seems to have taken to his training schedule and is improving quickly and significantly.

Emmanuel Dumas - Unfortunate not to play more after arriving from Clairefontaine. His stay will be brief as he is off to Kobenhavn at the end of the season.

Walter Zangger - Very decent back up for Jensen. Scored a blistering goal in the game that secured us the title.

Michael Mouritzen - A player who has stalled significantly. Someone I may look to move on this summer depending on how the team-building works over the summer.

Diego Fernández - Progress has stalled this season but he is still a decent back up to Gai.

Erik Jakus - Never reached the standards I hoped he would when I signed him as a 17-year-old. I'd have liked to have kept him around but he has decided he wants to move on at the end of the season in search of first team football.

Florent Marti - Another exciting Belgian at the club. If he can build up his pace and progress at a decent rate, then I can see him being a great winger.

Forwards

Jorge Muñoz - Never going to be a world class player, but he is a very good back up for the moderately injury prone Poljak.

Ivan Poljak - A fairly poor season for the big man this time out, but still found himself as first choice until an injury took out a chunk of his mid-season.

Ararat Vardazaryan - A very handy impact sub to have around. He is strong quick and good in the air - chipped in with an uncanny number of late goals.

Labros Pavlou - A second Cypriot striker at the club. He has a very decent future at the club.

Torben Larsen - Another interesting young striker. Danish this time. Got his first goal for the club on the final day of the season.

Venizelos Chrysanthou - Broke Henrique's (a memory test for you here) record for most league goals this season as he reached 90 for the club. Continues to be the first name on the team sheet.

Allan Tranberg - Very, VERY excited about this guy. He needs to pick up his pace, but he has spectacular technical abilities for a 16-year-old.

Blaise Coubadja - Needs a breakthrough season soon, otherwise he may have to head elsewhere to fulfil his potential.

Aims for this season were...

1/ Get first win in Champions League. - Yes
2/ Strengthen midfield. - Yes
3/ Maintain place in Portugal's top two. - Yes

Aims for next season are...

1/ Progress further in the Champions League.
2/ Retain a place in the top two.

Story So Far...

Code:

Season		League			Position		Achievements
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2012/13		Second Division - South	12th			Avoided Relegation (just)
2013/14		Second Division - South 1st			Promoted!
2014/15		Second League		14th			Avoided Relegation
2015/16		Second League		2nd			Promoted!
2016/17		Premier League		13th			Avoided Relegation
2017/18		Premier League		3rd			Qualified for Europa League
2018/19		Premier League		4th			Europa League again
2019/20		Premier League		5th			Europa League again
2020/21		Premier League		1st			Champions!
2021/22		Premier League		2nd			CL Qualification again
2022/23		Premier League		1st			Champions!
2023/24		Premier League		1st			CL 1st Knockout Round

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