Raise Your Hand If You're An International Manager *raises hand*

**HotChocolate** · 24-10-2011 11:42

For the past year I’ve been reading loads of the threads in here and decided that I was going to give writing my own thread a shot. So here we go! I’ll give you a quick insight into my FM2011 game, it was my only save on FM2011 and the only time I’ve ever got past the 4^th season in any version! I got the 22^nd season.

Manager History (from my FM2011 game)
Also my reputation got to World Class after starting from Sunday League.

In this game I am simply going to enjoy international management. I am interested to see what sort of game it pans out to be. I will be starting with Northern Ireland and once I get sacked, I simply don't think there is anything more I can do or there just aren't enough good players coming through to keep the game enjoyable I will simply leave and take on a new international side. I am hoping to stay with Northern Ireland as long as possible but we shall see how that works out. If you want to have a read of my club career thread then its here: Conquering the world? It's like taking candy from a baby... Both threads will be active and have updates!

I have edited the league names and some teams names like FCP, so that they’re named correctly. If you would like the database then I will gladly upload it, would just need some help on how to do that. So, here is my initial game setup:

Game Setup
Starting in England July 2011 with a large database (7200 players)

Manager Profile

Northern Ireland – Season 2011/2012

World Rankings

Group Table

Remaining Fixtures

Squad (before any changes)

Expectations: - Give the Qualifiers as good a shot as possible. I’m not expecting to get near the Play-Offs, mainly due to the fact I will try and bed my own tactics into the team and that may cost us a few results.

Whilst managing Northern Ireland I will do an update every match.

**HotChocolate** · 24-10-2011 11:59

World Cup 2014 Qualification Group

I noticed this in the Demo, they have programmed it to be the same as the proper groups in real life, got a decent chance if I get the right results.

All Groups.

**HotChocolate** · 24-10-2011 21:58

Northern Ireland 8-1 Faore Island
We played brilliantly when attacking. They were poor yes, but our attackers took them apart. However I am dissapointed with the goal we conceded, they just played it round and through us and got 1 on 1 way to easily but apart from that the performance was great. It was to be expected against a team like Faore Island but never the less, we took our chances well and made sure of the victory within the first half an hour. I play a 4-5-1 formation with 1 DM, 2 wingers and a lone striker, I used many formations in FM11 but this seemed to get me the best results and seems to be the best fit for Northern Ireland. It means defensively I am strong and attacking wise I am strong. Jamie Ward made his debut and got 2, Kyle Lafferty was injured and David Healy seems to be getting on a bit, I was worried about Wards height but with us playing football on the ground it was no concern when the full time whistle blew.

Group Table

World Rankings - August

**HotChocolate** · 24-10-2011 23:13

Northern Ireland 1-1 Serbia
To get into the play-offs we should have won this, but with the play-offs being a little bit too far away for us this year I was pleased with the performance. It was a poor goal to concede, from a corner within the first 3 minutes but after that we dominated and their only real chances came when they had two goals disallowed. In the second half we came out and created some decent chances but couldn't take any of them when we should have really, so with a change in tactics throwing everyone up possible we brought it back to 1-1 when Chris Brunt smashed home a free-kick. I'm impressed with the attacking quality we have but we need to tighten up the defense and stop giving the ball away so easily. Apart from that we are playing well in my opening two games.

Group Table

Estonia 1-4 Northern Ireland
Brilliant result, we went 1-0 down almost straight away but came straight back with a penalty. After that we took our chances, they didn't. Our 2nd, 3rd and 4th goal were all very similar, run down the right from McCourt (Ward for the 4th), cross into the box where Brunt was lurking on the far post to slot it home. We still look poor in defense as they did have chances and we gifted them. I can see us being hammered by Italy in our last game. Its going to be tight for the play-offs and I don't think we have enough in us to make it, but we shall see.

Group Table

World Rankings - September

Any comments, negative or positive are welcome. If you have any tips or ideas on how to improve my layout then just let us know!

**HotChocolate** · 25-10-2011 15:56

Northern Ireland 4-2 Estonia
Our midfield and attack are very good, especially my two wingers, Paddy McCourt and Chris Brunt but we lack something defensively. The goals we have conceded have come by poor defending and I worry that will cost us against Italy. Do I go defensive against them and try and keep a clean sheet which I have failed to do so far or do I play my normal game and look to score goals, hoping that if my defence have conceded then my attack will have scored more. I can't see us beating Italy and a point would be brilliant. Slovenia play Serbia who lost to Italy, ending any chance of gaining the Play-Off spot.

Group Table

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland
Probably the best performance we've had since I took over and that sounds odd saying we lost and didn't score. I have no complaints about the goals, they were both just quality and that is understandable and we made a lot of great chances, just a shame we couldn't score any of them. On another day we would have taken a point or more. The performance pleased me and the end to the group stage has pleased me. Bring on the World Cup Qualifiers but first...

Group Table - We did it! Serbia beat Slovenia away 1-0 and that secured our play-off spot! Great news. I didn't think I'd be able to make it but winning 3, drawing 1 and losing 1 got me there! With the help of Italy and Serbia.

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Euro 2012 Play-Off Draw - Delighted with this! Couldn't have got a better team. With 4 of the 5 home nations in the draw, 2 of them had to be drawn together surely? And yes, Northern Ireland got England! Bring it on!

World Rankings - October 2011

Aaron Hughes, who I played a lot in the Qualifiers has decided to retire and I couldn't change his mind. It's a bit stupid because why would a player retire thats 31 and in the team when they have 2 massive games against England coming up? It wouldn't happen. Not best pleased, but I'm sure I can find someone else.

**HotChocolate** · 25-10-2011 17:48

I could definitely do with a result like this!

**HotChocolate** · 25-10-2011 22:39

Northern Ireland vs England (Euro 2012 Play-Off 1st Leg)
Well that didn't go well, we started okay and hit the post but after the first goal went in we gave up. They just walked around us and it almost became a training session for them. I wasn't expecting anything but the size of the defeat was hard to take. In between the two fixtures I got linked with the Dundalk job but denied interest. My focus is purely on Northern Ireland.

England vs Northern Ireland (Euro 2012 Play-Off 2^nd Leg)
Great result, just a shame we couldn’t have done that in the first leg and kept ourselves in the tie. I always knew that over a two legged play-off we wouldn’t be able to beat a team the size of England but maybe over one game we could snatch something. Bring on the World Cup Qualifiers!

**HotChocolate** · 25-10-2011 23:42

World Rankings - January

I have two friendlies before I start the qualification for the World Cup, against Turkey and England (it was arranged before the play-offs had been drawn). But one of my problems is that my manager rep has already become National and I'm getting linked with jobs like Port Vale, so once I have finished with Northern Ireland I shall be retiring and bringing in a new manager.

Any comments are welcome

**HotChocolate** · 26-10-2011 12:13

Northern Ireland vs Turkey (Friendly)
We were the better side but there were no clear cut chances for anyone. The game was mainly used just as a bit of a run out for players who don't get that many games. England next, then the qualifiers.

England vs Northern Ireland (Friendly)
Lee Camp saved us from an embarrassment but the one thing that I find amusing is, one of our players scored but yet we didn't have a single shot on target? The goal came from a corner and I can only assume its deflected in off him.

European Championships 2012- Surprise winners Croatia beat Spain in the final and England got knocked out of the group stages losing to Denmark, Scotland and Ukraine so they finished the group bottom with 0 points.

World Rankings - After Euro 2012

**Paolo Willenté** · 26-10-2011 13:20

Some good results in there. Especially the Estonia one! Keep it up.

**HotChocolate** · 26-10-2011 13:33

Israel vs Northern Ireland (World Cup Qualifier)
A great result and a great performance. 3 points away from home to Israel will go a long way into getting us into the play-offs. Russia will probably be my main challenge as they lost to Portugal, who I play next.

Northern Ireland vs Portugal (World Cup Qualifier)
A storming performance! We defended so well, apart from their goal, which we gifted with a poor pass back to the keeper. But they came at us all the time and we held them off and took our chances when we got them!

Group Table - Couldn't have asked for more, we had some first team players out injured and our defence was shaken but we played brilliantly in both games.

**HotChocolate** · 26-10-2011 13:34

Originally Posted by Paolo Willenté

Some good results in there. Especially the Estonia one! Keep it up.

Cheers mate, much appreciated!

**HotChocolate** · 26-10-2011 15:37

Northern Ireland vs Azerbaijan (World Cup Qualifier)
Very convincing win. The only downside was the fact that Chris Brunt got injured and will now miss the game against Russia. Johnny Evans hat-trick was great, all 3 goals came from set-pieces but two of them he scored with his feet.

Russia vs Northern Ireland (World Cup Qualifier)
A great win, amazing 3 points. I don't know how we do it. We have chances and score them and then hold out the onslaught that teams throw at us. Russia battered us the minute we went 1 up and then Jamie Ward scored with a diving header. Johnny Evans cleared the ball off the line in the last minute which sealed our 3 points.

World Rankings - November

Great News

**HotChocolate** · 26-10-2011 16:16

France vs Northern Ireland (Friendly)
They just had too much quality for us to deal with.

Malta vs Northern Ireland (Friendly)
Didn't expect anything less. Would have been nice to score more of my chances, but it was a friendly so no complaints.

I'm starting to miss club management and have decided that I'm going to have 2 saves, this one and a journeyman career thread. Both threads will be active and I will keep updates on both. Hope you enjoy! Any comments welcome, seriously, any comments!

**HotChocolate** · 26-10-2011 18:06

Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg (World Cup Qualifiers)
A good win, shame we couldn't have got more shots on target and gone for a bigger scoreline but, how can we complain when Portugal were held by Israel? 5 points clear at the top of the table, hopefully we wont give in to nerves over the second round of matches.

Group Table

**HotChocolate** · 26-10-2011 19:35

Northern Ireland vs Israel (World Cup Qualifier)
The new team talk system cost me big time, I demotivated all my players before the game and then we went and conceded 3 goals in the first half that just killed us off. Portugal beat Russia but its going to be a close run thing for the play-off spot.

Group Table

S lovakia vs Northern Ireland (Friendly)
Jonny Evans was the goalscorer again and that does not please me. I haven't managed to find a striker that can get a goal when we need one, Jamie Ward scores against the small teams but him, Lafferty and Paterson just can't step up against the bigger teams and that could cost us.

**Toon** · 26-10-2011 20:07

Nice to see someone playing as N.I, you're doing well so far, keep it up

**HotChocolate** · 26-10-2011 20:22

Originally Posted by Toon

Nice to see someone playing as N.I, you're doing well so far, keep it up

Thanks a lot mate! Like I said in the OP I never really got chance to manage an international team last year so I fancied giving these a go and I'm really enjoying it!

**HotChocolate** · 26-10-2011 20:24

Finland vs Northern Ireland (Friendly)
We played better and in a dull game still managed to score 3 which pleases me but what pleases me more is the fact a winger and a striker got us the goals

Paddy McCourt will be playing upfront against Portugal, I've tried every striker, they don't have the quality against big teams so its McCourts time!

World Rankings - August
(before the game against Finland)

**Nobby_McDonald** · 26-10-2011 20:57

Doing very well with Northern Ireland, though surprising you lost at home to Israel after beating them away.

**HotChocolate** · 26-10-2011 21:03

Portugal vs Northern Ireland (World Cup Qualifier)
So dissapointed to have lost the game in the last 10 minutes. McCourt couldn't start upfront as he just wasn't fit enough and we did well all game but then luck and quality took over from Portugal and they got the deserved 3 points.

Azerbaijan vs Northern Ireland (World Cup Qualifier)
Played well, got the goals in no problem and weren't troubled. The best thing about the night was that Russia drew with Israel meaning 3 points against either Russia or Luxembourg will guarantee me play-offs.

Group Table

**HotChocolate** · 26-10-2011 21:05

Originally Posted by Nobby_McDonald

Doing very well with Northern Ireland, though surprising you lost at home to Israel after beating them away.

I'm really starting to rue that result, it may cost me top spot. The thing that annoyed me most was the game was over by half time, them being 3-0 up and we didn't give ourselves any chances in the second half either. I'd have taken play-offs at the start of qualifying though so no complaints if I can beat Luxembourg.

**HotChocolate** · 26-10-2011 21:46

Luxembourg vs Northern Ireland (World Cup Qualifier)
We have made it into the play-offs but that's the least I expected and we didn't do it convincingly. Conceding 2 and looking like we could actually concede more without threatening was really disappointing. We have to be better in the play-offs. Portugal have Azerbaijan and that's an almost guaranteed 3 points, we have Russia which isn't.

Northern Ireland vs Russia (World Cup Qualifier)
Brilliant performance, we kept them out with ease and created some decent chances but as I have said before we have no one to finish, at the moment that lets us down but Russia are a great team and a point was a good result so no complaints.

Final Group Table

Play-Off Draw - with none of the home nations (bar me) in the draw, it's much more interesting. It could have been better, could have been worse. Will take Turkey, fancy my chances if we can get a good result at home.

**HotChocolate** · 26-10-2011 22:25

Northern Ireland vs Turkey (World Cup Qualifier Play-Off 1st Leg)
A very even game, a very entertaining game and a very good result. I was dissapointed to see them go in front but we cam back brilliantly and picked up a quality result. Although they were angered by both of my goals, but who cares?

Turkey vs Northern Ireland (World Cup Qualifier Play-Off 2nd Leg)
An absolutely storming performance. They didn't have a chance. From the minute we stepped onto the field we blew them away. The red card helped, but even with 11 men we were at our very best. Took our chances and didn't trouble us. Brilliant.

Great news

I am well chuffed about qualification, only us and England from the home nations. Bring on the World Cup!

**HotChocolate** · 26-10-2011 22:34

World Cup Group Stage - Draw

I have a sneaky feeling about this, if we can perform on the day then 2nd place with 6 points is achievable for me. Playing Brazil, in Brazil is almost certain to end in a defeat but both Senegal and Saudi Arabia are winnable games. Really looking forward to this, delighted with my group. Should be a great tournament. I have arranged 5 friendlies before the tournament, 4 of them in month approaching it. I took my assistants advice and got Ecuador away, he suggested that because I have Senegal in my group and playing in Brazil is high altitude, an interesting addition to the international management. Plus, I got to chose when to play my friendlies and how many I played, which was also another good addition. Australia, Mexico, Andorra and Ecuador are my opponents before the World Cup.

**HotChocolate** · 26-10-2011 23:23

Euro 2016 Qualifying Group Stage - Draw
Pleased with that, good group. Shame that we have Italy again, but I'm sure they will give us an interesting contest.

World Rankings - February

**Mikal** · 26-10-2011 23:40

Good luck with this, will be keeping an eye out. Forza Italia!

**HotChocolate** · 26-10-2011 23:57

Iceland vs Northern Ireland (Friendly)
On our day, we can be good, on our day we can also be quite bad. We can't rely on Jonny Evans and luck to get through games. We have to be better than what we were today, just hope that when we play competitive games they 'step up to the plate' more, as the old cliche goes.

**HotChocolate** · 27-10-2011 01:56

Northern Ireland vs Australia (World Cup Warm-Up Friendly)
A great performance, simply faultless. They created nothing and we took our chances well, I'm starting to find the best players and got my defence sorted to a tee, just a real shame Chris Baird picked up an injury, he will miss the remaining three friendlies and will be fit for the start of the World Cup but it will be a push. Fingers crossed, need him.

Andorra vs Northern Ireland (World Cup Warm-Up Friendly)
A good result with a good performance. I rested all my attacking players to try out some other people just to see who can challenge for the XI, just had to chose my final 23 man squad, and the message came up 'seven unlucky players have to be cut' that's a bit of a lighthearted way to put it

Final 23-Man Squad

Mexico vs Northern Ireland (World Cup Warm-Up Friendly)
Not too many complaints, more about fitness than anything else. Annoyed that Paddy McCourt got injured, I was going to bring him off and decided to bring Jonny Evans off instead luckily its not too bad and he is only out for a week with a dead leg.

Ecuador vs Northern Ireland (World Cup Warm-Up Friendly)
This was a disappointing result and a bit of a poor performance, we created chances but didn't take them and then didn't defend well. The friendlies haven't given any indication how good we are, if we play well on the day we can beat anyone, if not anyone can beat us.

BRING ON THE WORLD CUP!

**HotChocolate** · 27-10-2011 14:02

Northern Ireland vs Senegal (World Cup Group Game)
A very tense game, we deserved the win but they did have chances and so did we and I'm surprised there was only 3 goals in it. We needed the 3 points from this game as we have Brazil up next. Solid performance, got the 3 points, job done.

Brazil vs Northern Ireland (World Cup Group Game)
A-Mazing! We were by far the better team in the first half and then continued to play well into the second half. Great result seen as I was expecting to lose this game. We played brilliantly and only didn't win because they have quality.

Northern Ireland vs Saudi Arabia (World Cup Group Game)
It was simple, we get a point, we qualify. Saudi Arabia didn't want to go through, how did we know that? They let us through on goal all game. If you want to see how NOT to defend and how NOT to attack, watch this game. We were awful, attack after attack and didn't even trouble the keeper. They scored but fortunately it was ruled offside. If we won, we would have come top, Senegal held Brazil to a draw.

Group B finished like this, meaning I luckily avoided getting Spain but then again. Chile are a good team and I have 3 players out injured.

**duffy89** · 27-10-2011 15:17

Good luck against Chile! Very nice read btw!

**Nobby_McDonald** · 27-10-2011 17:16

Excellent progress Choccy.

**HotChocolate** · 27-10-2011 19:27

Cheers guys, much appreciated!

Chile vs Northern Ireland (World Cup 2nd Round)
It was going to be hard against Chile but with 10 men for most of the game? Near enough impossible. So dissapointed in Ward, it was a pointless two footed challenge and after that they just played it round for fun. They easily beat us and even though we had a glimmer of hope and equalized for it to be ruled offside we were never going to put them under enough pressure with 10 men.

**HotChocolate** · 27-10-2011 20:09

..................................World Cup 2014..................................

Group A - Group B - Group C - Group D - Group E - Group F - Group G - Group H

.........................Second Round - Quarter Finals - Semi Finals.........................

........................................Third Place Play-Off........................................

.................................................Final..................................................

Overall Comment: A great World Cup with only one real surprise, that Northern Ireland didn't win it! I'm really enjoying my time here but at the same time I am missing club football and building up reputation journeyman style so like I said earlier on I will open up another thread for another save and keep both updated at the same time. Being at college I have enough spare time for this and this thread is pretty simple to keep updated.

Code:

Competition				Round Achieved				Defeat				Country
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
European Championships 2012		N/A					N/A				Northern Ireland
World Cup 2014				2nd Round				3-1 Chile			Northern Ireland

**Nobby_McDonald** · 28-10-2011 19:54

Well done on reaching the Second Round.

Oh to be back at college again... relatively little worries... loads of FM time...

**deltablue** · 28-10-2011 21:49

Great progress in a few years.

**HotChocolate** · 29-10-2011 12:49

Togo vs Northern Ireland (Friendly)
It was a very average game and their goal was a lucky deflection that ended up sending Camp the wrong way. Although I'm still trying to find my best striker, will have to have a good look within the next games.

Argentina vs Northern Ireland (Friendly)
A really solid performance, okay Argentina weren't at their best but when they got shots on goal we made sure they didn't go in and we did have chances to win the game but we don't have an outright goalscorer which we really do need.

Northern Ireland vs Poland (Friendly)
We should be winning these games. If it was a Euro/World Cup qualifier I wouldn't be happy at all. I'm fed up of repeating that we need a striker to step up to the plate and start scoring goals for us. Apart from that our defence is quite solid and still young.

World Rankings - September (2014)

World Rankings - Graph

**HotChocolate** · 29-10-2011 13:56

Just about to start the Qualifiers for the European Championships 2016, if you are interested here is my National Pool (I've just gone through and added/removed players to suit me).

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

-----------

And here is my Squad and Tactics for the two games against Faore Islands and Italy, both of who I had in the Qualifications for the 2012 tournament, bit odd.

**Liverbird93** · 29-10-2011 14:03

Paterson seems to have an awful goal scoring record at this level. With some good strikers you'd have an awesome team. Keep up the good work

**HotChocolate** · 29-10-2011 19:11

Originally Posted by Liverbird93

Paterson seems to have an awful goal scoring record at this level. With some good strikers you'd have an awesome team. Keep up the good work

Cheers mate, yeah 1 in 25 is awful. Jamie Ward is my best so far but he only scores against the 'lesser' teams.

**HotChocolate** · 29-10-2011 21:29

Faore Islands vs Northern Ireland (European Championship Qualifier)
Nothing less than expected. Dissapointed however in the fact that we only had 6 shots on target from 16 shots, which again goes to prove that we lack quality upfront and in a bid to gain some more goals I changed my wingers into Inside Forwards, hopefully this will mean more shots towards goal and more goals going in... I hope.

Northern Ireland vs Italy (European Championship Qualifier)
Well something worked! A bit of luck for the first goal, as you can see (hopefully) followed by a pure bit of quality from Corry Evans and Josh McQuoid! Another great result for us and that puts us top of the table with a game in hand. Although the dirt Italians used all my subs with 3 of my players getting injured and them not getting a single yellow

One plus is that we will qualify for the tournament with a second place finish, seen as the number of teams have been extended in the Euro's

This is Jamie Wards equalizer, I promise our winner was pure quality and not pure luck like this one. I've had 1 or 2 lucky goals but this is by far the luckiest or was it amazing play by Jamie?

**HotChocolate** · 30-10-2011 00:41

Japan vs Northern Ireland (Friendly)
Worst performance I have seen from us, we never showed up. Even before the red card Japan had the win sealed. 12 shots on goal, 2 on target. It truly was a disgraceful performance. Bad news, just before the game, Lee Hodson got injured for 7-9months. He was a solid RB and now it goes to anyone. Such a blow.

Northern Ireland vs Albania (Friendly)
Why do I bother with friendlies? We fail to score in near enough everyone, I then say how we played poorly and didn't turn up and things aren't looking great. Then we go and beat Italy in a qualifier to go straight back to the friendlies and lose to Albania. I might go 2015 without any friendlies to save me the hassle. Shocking.

**Nobby_McDonald** · 30-10-2011 23:27

They all count as one whether lucky or amazing.

**HotChocolate** · 01-11-2011 13:22

Northern Ireland vs Scotland (Four Associations Tournament)
Disappointing defeat as we never really threatened, we didn't have the quality that Scotland had and even though they had the advantage of playing at Hampden Park we were never really in the game. My striker problems are getting worse, injuries are coming up everywhere, to be expected in February and even McCourt is retiring at the end of the season.

World Rankings - February (2015)

I'm starting to worry about the future of the Northern Ireland national squad because there is no-one that could replace my main 23 squad. In the search engine there is no one that is good enough from the age of 18-22. My players are getting older as the only real addition has been Shane Ferguson and the only young players are AI's from Northern Ireland teams. So I may have a look at moving to another international team in the next few years, already rejected offers from Egypt and Ivory Coast, its just a shame there aren't players coming through like Kevin Doyle (yes I know he is Irish) or Jamie Ward, Lee Camp etc.

**HotChocolate** · 01-11-2011 14:06

Wales vs Northern Ireland (European Championship Qualifier)
The stats do NOT lie. I do NOT lie. My players do NOT score. I have never seen such a one sided game that has at least 15 half chances end 0-0. Need I say anymore?

**HotChocolate** · 01-11-2011 15:36

Wales vs Northern Ireland (Four Associations Tournament)
Yeah, I am sure that Four Associations Tournament is NOT a friendly. That seems odd because my players played exactly how they do in friendlies, dis-interested and very poor. We showed just 2 months ago we could hammer Wales and throw everything at them but we didn't 'want' to today and if it wasn't for Lee Camp saving shot after shot we would have been humiliated. It annoys me that our players really didn't seem interested, they would run up the pitch, stop and wait to be tackled. On the bright side I have found a very good young striker who I hope is the answer to my problems upfront (in the under-21 squad for this and the next match).

Northern Ireland vs Ireland (Four Associations Tournament)
Ugh, I have had enough now. That's it. I will remove all the strikers in the current squad and give some new kids a run out for the two qualifiers against Macedonia and Faore Islands. Yes we scored but who scored? Jonny Evans. I'm fed up of relying on set-pieces for us to score. It wont be the end for some strikers no but Martin Paterson isn't playing for us again, his goal record is horrible 1 goal in 29 appearances. Will have a total re-haul of the forwards to hopefully help us score some more goals.

Four Associations Tournament - very disspointed, I was hoping we could win it after some brilliant results but we took the games as frienlies and never showed up during the whole tournament. Will expect much better next time, if I am still manager then.

Right, just hit a little bugger. My game against Macedonia is a week after the game against Ireland and I cannot change my squad. Okay I kind of accept that but 3 players have picked up injuries and when it says I can replace them I can't because it has automatically replaced them with grayed out players meaning my squad is full and no-one else can be added. I can't remove the grayed out players either. The most annoying thing is all the other squads got to change their teams.

Northern Ireland vs FYR Macedonia (European Championship Qualifier)
We scored 4 so how many did our strikers score? 1. Jonny Evans got a hat-trick. I will say no-more.

Group Table - Maybe instead of Northern Ireland it should say 'Jonny Evans'?

**iHeadHunta x** · 01-11-2011 15:43

Not doing to bad KIU

**Nobby_McDonald** · 01-11-2011 15:58

Well done Jonny Evans.

**HotChocolate** · 01-11-2011 16:18

Originally Posted by iHeadHunta x

Not doing to bad KIU

Cheers pal!

Originally Posted by Nobby_McDonald

Well done Jonny Evans.

Exactly Nobby!

World Cup 2018 Qualification Group - Draw
Well I never... Italy got drawn in my group again. I have had 4 qualifications, 3 times I've had Italy. We will soon just have a kick about during the games, having a good ol' catch up we know each other that well! Apart from loving the fact we've got our good friends Italy, I am really happy about the group. Maybe even nick top spot?

**arinceo** · 01-11-2011 16:49

Excellent career with Northern Ireland so far, hopefully you can take them to back-to-back World Cups

**HotChocolate** · 01-11-2011 17:01

Originally Posted by arinceo

Excellent career with Northern Ireland so far, hopefully you can take them to back-to-back World Cups

Thanks mate, I'd be dissapointed if I didn't but it depends how good our players are in two years time!

**T_o_M** · 01-11-2011 17:38

Nice thread, I enjoy playing International games (except the loading times as the games on holiday), let's hope you have a bright young star come through to give you renewed optimism. Or clone Jonny Evans.

**HotChocolate** · 01-11-2011 17:51

Originally Posted by T_o_M

Nice thread, I enjoy playing International games (except the loading times as the games on holiday), let's hope you have a bright young star come through to give you renewed optimism. Or clone Jonny Evans.

Well, funny you should mention the cloning because look who I found in the Under-21 team. Hopefully a late developer

Recognize his name? Of course!

**HotChocolate** · 01-11-2011 18:57

Northern Ireland vs Faore Island (European Championship Qualifying)
Expected more after winning 5-0 away but how can I complain when Jonny Evans scored only 1 goal and Ryan Scott got a goal on his debut! He has equaled Patersons goal scoring record already! Amazing achievement.

Northern Ireland vs Wales (European Championship Qualifying)
I am starting to get very annoyed now. The penalty we won came from a corner, Jonny Evans got pushed over but apart from that we didn't take any chances and the second goal we conceded was horrible, an attacking free-kick for us, short pass to a nearby player who gets tackled straight away, they run the full length of the pitch put it in the box free shot on goal, open net 2-1, they win the game.

World Rankings - September (2015)
We are slowly moving down the rankings but with being 2nd ranked in the World Cup draw I am still confident we can push back up and make ourselves a top nation, we just need a bit of 'umph' upfront!

**T_o_M** · 01-11-2011 19:16

Originally Posted by HotChocolate

Well, funny you should mention the cloning because look who I found in the Under-21 team. Hopefully a late developer

Recognize his name? Of course!

Hahaha, that's pretty cool. Hopefully he can beat the other Healy's European Qualifying goal-scoring record.

**HotChocolate** · 01-11-2011 20:39

Italy vs Northern Ireland (European Championships Qualifier)
We are used to scoring headers but conceding them is a bit rare, apart from today. All their goals came from headers, I tried out a new formation of 4-1-2-1-2 and I think 4-4-2 diamond may be better suited because Italy just ran down the wings all game. Apart from that and the obvious fact we've gone past our peak years there isn't much else to say.

FYR Macedonia vs Northern Ireland (European Championships Qualifier)
We never looked like winning, the finishing was as usual and the defending seemed worse. Wales took the lead against Faore Island and that then shot them up into 2nd place due to them having a better head to head record with me. So after the red card and a few chances wasted I used all 3 subs, reverted back to my 4-5-1 formation and hoped for the best. We got a lucky break and Brunt had an open net to put us into the Finals.

Group Table - I was talking about winning the group after the Italy result but since then we've fallen without any style whatsoever, we are down to 44th in the World Rankings and somehow squeezing wins against the small nations, usually with Jonny Evans grabbing the goals. I wont be surprised if we go and get battered in every game of the group stages because I cannot see where we will score goals. Lafferty, Ward, McQuoid, Paterson, Scott are all useless at finding the net. Maybe I should give some youngsters a run out?

**HotChocolate** · 01-11-2011 21:38

Euro 2016 Group Stage - Draw

Bulgaria - A tough test who knocked out Wales in the Play-Offs to get this far, although that did mean them finishing 3rd from Israel, Portugal, Czech Republic and Latvia. Would like 3 points against them if I want to get into the knockout rounds.
Ukraine - Another test but it could have been worse, they topped their group consisting of Greece, Poland, Iceland and Finland. Fortunately I missed out on top teams like England and Portugal. Really could do with 3 points to make sure my team get the winning feeling and secure the place in the next round.
Switzerland - Could have been worse, but don't underestimate them, they did beat Spain in the 2010 World Cup. Scotland, Turkey, Hungary and San Marino all fell at the feet of Switzerland who won every game of the Qualifications.

**HotChocolate** · 01-11-2011 22:28

Well, while sorting out my backroom staff and making sure they all have the required attributes (one of them being they have to be Northern Irish) I never realized how much affect it could have. Glentoran had Iain Dowie as their manager (even I was quite surprised) but after letting my Under-21 manager leave I offered him the job, he took it and resigned as the manager of Glentoran.

Here is my new-look backroom staff.

**AK22** · 02-11-2011 19:04

Well done on qualifying for the Euros. With that group draw, I'd say you've got an excellent chance of making the knockout rounds

**HotChocolate** · 02-11-2011 19:12

Originally Posted by AK22

Well done on qualifying for the Euros. With that group draw, I'd say you've got an excellent chance of making the knockout rounds

I'd usually agree but the performances have been dipping of late and we have bounced up and down the world rankings, mainly due to the fact I decided to scrap all friendlies once I'd qualified to re-scout all my players and get properly prepared for the Euro's which has built up my confidence in the team, got France in friendly at the start of March then 4 pre-tournament friendlies. Should be an interesting tournament

**deltablue** · 02-11-2011 19:22

Not a bad draw there, should be a competitive group.

**Nobby_McDonald** · 03-11-2011 18:58

I echo what Deltablue said.

**HotChocolate** · 03-11-2011 20:28

Originally Posted by deltablue

Not a bad draw there, should be a competitive group.

Originally Posted by Nobby_McDonald

I echo what Deltablue said.

We shall have to wait and see! I think it will be competitive and in all honesty I think that we will finish bottom, its these sort of teams we seem to struggle against but we seem to step up against the big teams.

I'm doing a season on my other save at the moment, I find doing a season on one then the other the best way of keeping tracks of both games but it shouldn't be too long now, like I said, college timetable leaves me free all day monday and tuesday

**Nobby_McDonald** · 04-11-2011 20:47

Jammy git. My work rotas leave me free two days a week but I spend them doing real life stuff. Like playing golf.

**HotChocolate** · 05-11-2011 21:32

Originally Posted by Nobby_McDonald

Jammy git. My work rotas leave me free two days a week but I spend them doing real life stuff. Like playing golf.

Doing real life stuff sounds more interesting than football manager to be honest, but then again when you go all the way down to Stevenage to watch your team lose 2-1 a day on football manager sounds more interesting than football manager!

**HotChocolate** · 07-11-2011 12:04

Northern Ireland vs France (Friendly)
We were very poor in the first half and even they couldn't capitalize on the fact they were walking all over us but they came out in the second half and buried us, so I thought. At 3-0 down we seemed to rally and got at them well, yes Jonny Evans scored again but we did create some better chances and could have easily pulled it back to 3-3. I can't have any complaints about the scoreline or the second half performance.

**HotChocolate** · 07-11-2011 17:06

Cyprus vs Northern Ireland (European Championship Warm-Up Friendly)
Looking at the positives, we won and Jonny Evans didn't score meaning others scored. Looking at the negatives we only won 1-0 and did create enough chances to score more and really should have against a team like Cyprus. So yes I am happy with the win but not too pleased with the scoreline but as said before that could be because it is a friendly, we never seem to play our best in friendlies.

Slovenia vs Northern Ireland (European Championship Warm-Up Friendly)
I'm not sure what to say. We really seem to have lost all quality from the team but I'm not sure why, you can see it is there but they do it once a game. The defending was horrible and not what I am used to seeing from us but the attack was the same only breaking through once. I really don't know why we are becoming the '6 pointer' team but something isn't working and I still haven't found what it is.

Northern Ireland vs Norway (European Championship Warm-Up Friendly)
Well, it's becoming crystal clear that we are not the team we were in the World Cup. We are getting beaten in every department by most teams, at home you'd expect the opposition to have to take their chances when they go them. Norway came and had 20 shots. It's not good enough although it was a little bit unfair as before the game I went to my back up tactic but for some reason it switched it back to my starting tactic and then changed all my players and their positions and I hadn't realized till half time.

Finland vs Northern Ireland (European Championship Warm-Up Friendly)
I have never managed a more inconsistent team. We were brilliant, yes they had their chances but we defended well and kept them out and then when we got our chances we went and took them. I'm amazed, some of the football we were playing was really nice stuff and we created some really good chances. These friendlies have done nothing for me, all they have done is confused me and shown me we can get battered or do the battering. This will be an interesting tournament.

Final Squad

**HotChocolate** · 07-11-2011 17:23

I have never seen anything like THIS before, in any Football Manager before. The Ukrainians have decided to bring a flare into the stadium. It is the Ukrainians because you can clearly identify both sets of fans.

**HotChocolate** · 07-11-2011 18:35

Northern Ireland vs Ukraine (European Championship 2016)
We were not good enough. 12 shots, none on target. Okay we defended well but when you can't even get a shot on target you will never win anything and we didn't win today, not surprisingly. It is a shame to see us performing so poorly and not beating even the smaller teams.

Switzerland vs Northern Ireland (European Championship 2016)
A very boring game, like the Ukraine one which you have to win if you are going to get anywhere and thats exactly what Switzerland did. In a game where no one wanted to perform or play they took the chance and won the game. Our goal was a free-kick, which dissapoints me seen as all we can score from at the minute is set-pieces. Ukraine beat Bulgaria to knock us out, very dissapointed.

Northern Ireland vs Bulgaria (European Championship 2016)
I honestly have nothing to say about this game. 0-0 says it all and it was one of the worst 0-0's I've seen. A very, very, very poor performance which really doesn't surprise me at all. I'm no longer enjoying my time here and it's not looking great, I'd be surprised if we beat Moldova and Armenia.

Final Group Table - I forgot that some 3rd place teams go through but I was never going to be in with a shout with 1 point and rightly so. I did not deserve to go through at all.

**HotChocolate** · 07-11-2011 19:09

..............................European Championship 2016..............................

.....................Group A - Group B - Group C - Group D - Group E - Group F.....................

................................Second Round - Quarter Final - Semi Final................................

.................................................. ........Final.................................................. ........

Overall Comment: Hugely dissapointed but nothing less than expected. I have seen it coming in the past year and we only qualified due to the fact we beat Italy in the qualifiers when we were playing at our best. Now our best is only just beating Cyprus and picking up 1 point in a relatively easy group. I am now going to start considering offers from other nations. I rejected the Australia job just before the tournament and that is one nation I would love to manage. So although I wont resign and wont apply for a job unless I really do want it then I will stay with Northern Ireland but I can't see us getting anywhere in the World Cup Qualifications.

Manager History

Code:

Competition				Round Achieved				Defeat				Country
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
European Championships 2012		N/A					N/A				Northern Ireland
World Cup 2014				2nd Round				3-1 Chile			Northern Ireland
Four Associations Tournament 2015	4th (league table)			N/A				Northern Ireland
European Championships 2016		3rd, group stage			N/A				Northern Ireland

**HotChocolate** · 07-11-2011 19:11

I'm not sure what is going on in the post above because I can't quite seem to get rid of the code that is not being used. It is appearing from nowhere.

Anybody got any ideas? Thanks.

**HotChocolate** · 07-11-2011 19:17

World Rankings - July (2016)

**Adelaidean** · 07-11-2011 21:04

Shame to go out so poorly at the Euros, but a great effort with Northern Ireland nonetheless.

KUTGW, I always love a good international management career.

**HotChocolate** · 07-11-2011 21:05

I thought it was a fitting song to play at this time!

Anyway, after the dissapointment of the European Championships 2016 I decided to crack on and drop some of the older players replacing them with younger ones who haven't had a chance yet but deserve one. So out went players like Chris Baird and in came players like Peter Donnelly?

Moldova vs Northern Ireland (World Cup Qualifier)
I've now accepted that we weren't the team we were so every game has to be fairly reflected and hat off to Moldova, they deserved all 3 points. The stats don't tell a true story. Our defence was awful in the first half and a well taken finish put them 1-0 up, then in the second half we came out and battered them with one man, Jonny Evans. When I say 'The stats don't tell a true story' I mean, it says Northern Ireland had 17 shots, well, Jonny Evans had about 10 of those. Every set-piece we got he'd be there and it would get cleared off the line or saved. They defended brilliantly. Jonny Evans won 16 headers out of 16, half of them would have been attacking headers. Fair play to Moldova they defended brilliantly and took their chance when they got it, we did neither and therefore did not deserve anything.

Northern Ireland vs Italy (World Cup Qualifier)
Surprisingly it was an even game, both teams had chances just Italy were far more clinical than me, as to be expected. We did have some very good chances but they were put wide or hit straight at the keeper which is disappointing. Their penalty was a very dubious decision but really it had no effect in the game, we were never going to get anything because we just don't have anything upfront to win games.

**HotChocolate** · 07-11-2011 21:06

Originally Posted by Adelaidean

Shame to go out so poorly at the Euros, but a great effort with Northern Ireland nonetheless.

KUTGW, I always love a good international management career.

Thanks a lot mate! I will carry on being an international manager all the way through this save! Never tried something like this before so it's really interesting.

**deltablue** · 07-11-2011 22:01

Gives you something to aim for next time.

**HotChocolate** · 07-11-2011 23:56

Ahead of my friendly and Qualifier I realized that Chris Baird was on 99 caps and thought it would be harsh to not let him get to the 100 mark. So he comes back in, for 2 games.

Hong Kong (China PR) vs Northern Ireland (Friendly)
A very pleasing result, it was expected but sometimes these games are harder than than the harder games. If you make sense of what I just said, give your self a pat on the back. However if I am allowed to complain, which being a manager I should be, we had 20 shots and got 6 on target? It's not great reading. But that aside we scored when we had the ball on target and kept them out with ease.

Armenia vs Northern Ireland (World Cup Qualifier)
A very average performance and a very average match. Glad we took the 3 points but it would have been dissapointing to have lost the game especially after the past few results. I can't seen us getting near the play-off spots, the Moldova result was a massive blow to that and I don't think we have the quality to get past Montenegro but I'm glad the new tactic (hoof ball with a 5-3-2 formation) seems to be getting me a few more goals/chances.

World Rankings (before the Armenia game) - a massive fall from grace, I've taken them as high as 14th and now this is the lowest we have gone down to (I think they were 84th when I took over)

**HotChocolate** · 08-11-2011 12:59

Kuwait vs Northern Ireland (Friendly)
A game we should be winning but a game we have failed to win. It was another disappointing performance but then again, if they are always disappointing me then maybe I am expecting too much from them? Spain up next.

Spain vs Northern Ireland (Friendly)
We got ripped apart and rightly so, they are the current European Champions and they showed it, especially in Fernando Llorente. We defended well at times but when you are under constant pressure they are bound to score goals and that's what happened. We never had a single attack and although we had 5 shots I didn't see one of them, which is disappointing to say we didn't go and show them what we have been capable of in the past.

**HotChocolate** · 08-11-2011 16:00

It's a sad day

I really enjoyed my time at Northern Ireland but I was desperate for a new challenge and a new team and I found that in Nigeria. They haven't qualified for the World Cup on the game and only came 3rd place in the African Cup of Nations twice on the game so there is still a bit to do and I'd love to have a good few years at them like I did with Northern Ireland.

More to follow...

**HotChocolate** · 08-11-2011 17:01

Northern Ireland
5th July 2011 - 19th February 2017

Manager History.

Code:

Competition				Round Achieved				Defeat				Country
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
European Championships 2012		N/A					N/A				Northern Ireland
World Cup 2014				2nd Round				3-1 Chile			Northern Ireland
Four Associations Tournament 2015	4th (league table)			N/A				Northern Ireland
European Championships 2016		3rd, group stage			N/A				Northern Ireland

Career History.

Code:

Days in Charge		Games Played		Won		Drew		Lost		Win %
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2056			65			27		15		23		41%

Highest FIFA World Ranking (Under my tenure) - 14th (November 2012)
Lowest FIFA World Ranking (Under my tenure) - 84th (July 2011) or 80th (October 2016)

Reason for Leaving: But all good things come to an end and I'd taken them as far as I could, they need new blood (maybe Iain Dowie?) to take them forward and to try and rescue a play-off spot for the forthcoming World Cup so once I got an offer from an African side that, could have had better results recently, I had to take it. I love the continent, the football and the fact it is so competitive. Senegal, Ivory Coast, Mali, Cameroon, Nigeria all come to my head immediately as the good teams in Africa and I'm sure there is plenty more but the best thing is we are all equal so anybody can win the African Cup of Nations or qualify for the World Cup! At the minute, I have no expectations but to go out, have more fun and get to learn my new team!

Overall Comment: I absolutely loved every minute of my time in charge of Northern Ireland, we exceeded all of my expectations when I first took charge and maybe that was the reason for not doing as well as what I thought towards the end? Maybe we over exceeded our best and therefore the expectations were too high. That aside, I couldn't have asked for more, a World Cup 2nd Round, a draw with Brazil, wins against Italy and Portugal. Lets not forget the humiliation I got against England. I have loved every game I've played with these and although I've got stressed at times it's been worthwhile.

Africa, here I come!

**deltablue** · 08-11-2011 21:36

Should get a chance at the ACN for a trophy or 2.

**Liverbird93** · 09-11-2011 00:00

good luck in Africa. Hope Nigeria have some better strikers

**HotChocolate** · 09-11-2011 15:43

Originally Posted by deltablue

Should get a chance at the ACN for a trophy or 2.

I'm hoping I can pick up at least one ACN, I'd be dissapointed if I didn't. Especially seen as I plan on being there 5/6 years again.

Originally Posted by Liverbird93

good luck in Africa. Hope Nigeria have some better strikers

Thanks mate!

**Nobby_McDonald** · 09-11-2011 21:19

The Euros were disappointing, I thought you had a good chance from that group.
Good luck with Nigeria.

**Jolanthustrel** · 10-11-2011 04:29

I'm rather disappointed to come in at the end of of your Northern Ireland Story, it was a cracking read and I hope you have as much fun in Africa.

With all the goals he scored did you ever think about sticking Johnny Evans up front while at Northern Ireland?

**Adelaidean** · 10-11-2011 08:06

Good luck in Nigeria, any chance of a few screenshots of their best players and regens?

**HotChocolate** · 10-11-2011 21:02

Originally Posted by Nobby_McDonald

The Euros were disappointing, I thought you had a good chance from that group.
Good luck with Nigeria.

It was very annoying because we had a great chance to go through but we'd over performed in the early stages of the qualifiers and only just sneaked through in second place, only just. We started playing how we should have been all the time which was disappointing for me to watch.

Originally Posted by Jolanthustrel

I'm rather disappointed to come in at the end of of your Northern Ireland Story, it was a cracking read and I hope you have as much fun in Africa.

With all the goals he scored did you ever think about sticking Johnny Evans up front while at Northern Ireland?

I have come to regret it a little bit recently but that is simply because I loved it so much. It was probably the most enjoyable team I've ever managed on Football Manager and I was gutted that it got frustrating to manage them, which is why I jumped ship. Would love to manage a real underdog again, like them and yes I would definitely consider going back.

No I didn't think about Jonny Evans going upfront, 95% of his goals were from headers and 100% of them were from set-pieces. He performed brilliantly in defence and then attacking set pieces. He was by the far the player of the nation every game.

**HotChocolate** · 10-11-2011 21:13

Originally Posted by Adelaidean

Good luck in Nigeria, any chance of a few screenshots of their best players and regens?

I've done a screen shot of all the 'top players' and then looked through regens and picked my favrorite. They all look good and look promising. The Under 23's won the Olympics in 2016 which is clearly great news!

John Obi Mikel

Lukman Haruna

Adigun Salami

Odion Ighalo

Brown Ideye

Chinedu Obasi

Regens

Henry Babatunde

Osita Okafor

Chibuzar Okafor

Seyi Keshi

**Paolo Willenté** · 11-11-2011 12:08

Nice career so far. Impressive stuff with NI! All the best in Nigeria. Those regens look immense! I know where I'll be looking for youngsters in the future

**Adelaidean** · 11-11-2011 13:36

Very good players there! Your assistant seems to have a fairly liberal rating system though, everyone is "one of Nigeria's best players"!

**HotChocolate** · 11-11-2011 19:28

Originally Posted by Paolo Willenté

Nice career so far. Impressive stuff with NI! All the best in Nigeria. Those regens look immense! I know where I'll be looking for youngsters in the future

The more and more I look at my squad I find better players, I'm really looking forward to this.

Originally Posted by Adelaidean

Very good players there! Your assistant seems to have a fairly liberal rating system though, everyone is "one of Nigeria's best players"!

Yeah, he's just soft. Maybe he should go? To be fair, there is some great players at my disposal so it should be a good challenge!

**HotChocolate** · 11-11-2011 20:27

Nigeria
19th February 2017

Nation Overview

World Rankings - 42nd.

Squad - This is before any changes made.

African Cup of Nations - I edited them all together to make it easy on the eyes and to see how poor we've done over all the tournaments. To have not appeared in a final surprises me.

World Cup - They didn't appear in the 2014 tournament, they got beat by Senegal in the final round, kind of acceptable.

Team Report - At first glance, our team looks full of talent and ready to go to a World Cup.

Expectations - I'd love to qualify for the World Cup and will be dissapointed if I don't but if I don't make it then I'll look to take the knowledge I've gained about my team and take them to an ACN final. I do planning on staying here for a few years but I never have a set time in mind.

Thank you for all your comments, it's nice to know people are enjoying what I am writing, and playing of course!

**AK22** · 11-11-2011 21:03

They're looking a very handy nation. Should be aiming for the knockout rounds in the WC, just need to get that World Ranking up a bit too

**HotChocolate** · 12-11-2011 10:30

Now, I didn't expect to see this especially seen as I didn't even apply for the job.

Maybe I should take it? I have come to regret it recently and I loved playing with Northern Ireland that maybe I should have carried on whether we qualified or not.

What do you lot think? Take the job back or stay with Nigeria and leave them in the past?

**deltablue** · 12-11-2011 10:32

Maybe a lot later, but not now.

**Adelaidean** · 12-11-2011 10:52

I agree with deltablue, you should go back to the NI job a lot later once you've got some new nations under your belt; by then they'll have some interesting regens to change the challenge with them a bit.

**AK22** · 12-11-2011 11:06

Think you need to give Nigeria a chance at a major tournament first

**Nobby_McDonald** · 12-11-2011 17:19

Wait until Northern Ireland find another George Best... if it ever happens.

**HotChocolate** · 12-11-2011 19:18

Originally Posted by deltablue

Maybe a lot later, but not now.

Originally Posted by Adelaidean

I agree with deltablue, you should go back to the NI job a lot later once you've got some new nations under your belt; by then they'll have some interesting regens to change the challenge with them a bit.

Originally Posted by AK22

Think you need to give Nigeria a chance at a major tournament first

I will defininitely look at going back there again at some point but as you said, just not now.

Originally Posted by Nobby_McDonald

Wait until Northern Ireland find another George Best... if it ever happens.

The chances? With this being FM, are very little

**Nobby_McDonald** · 15-11-2011 15:06

Originally Posted by HotChocolate

The chances? With this being FM, are very little

Accurate to real life then. There hasn't been another Northern Irishman as good as George Best.

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