PH71's Journey - featuring The Alphabet Challenge

[PaulHartman71]

A team in the 2nd Division by the name of Fana Idrettslag

[PaulHartman71]

England

Teams in order of wealth from lowest to highest:

Wigan
Domestic Competitions: Relegated from the Premier League in 2010/11, Relegated from the Championship in 2011/12, Promoted to the Championship in 2012/13, Relegated to League 1 in 2018/19, Promoted to the Championship in 2019/20, Relegated to League 1 in 2020/21, Johnstone's Paint Trophy Runners up on 2 occasions
Europe: N/A
Past Managers: Roberto Martinez, Brian McDermott, Ian Holloway, Trevor Francis, Felix Sarriugarte, Steve Beaglehole, Noel Blake, Nicky Butt, Lewis Young
Current Manager: Graeme Jones
Notable ex-Players: Rui Pedro, Charles N'Zogbia, Dexter Blackstock
Notes: Have gone into administration on 4 occasions


Portsmouth
Domestic Competitions: Relegated from the Premier League in 2010/11, Relegated from the Championship in 2012/13, Promoted as League 1 Champions in 2013/14, Relegated from the Championship in 2015/16, Promoted from League 1 in 2016/17, Relegated from the Championship in 2020/21, Johnstone's Paint Trophy Runners up on 2 occasions
Europe: N/A
Past Managers: Avram Grant, Lee Clark, Simon Davey, Glenn Roeder, Alan Smith
Current Manager: Glen Johnson
Notable ex-Players: Nikola Vujadinovic, Ross Jenkins, Dave Nugent, John Utaka
Notes: Have gone into administration on 3 occasions


Bolton
Domestic Competitions: Relegated from the Premier League in 2013/14, Promoted from the Championship in 2014/15, Relegated from the Premier League in 2017/18, Promoted from the Championship in 2018/19, Relegated from the Premier League in 2020/21, Promoted from the Championship in 2021/22, Relegated from the Premier League in 2022/23, FA Cup Runners up on 1 occasion, League Cup runners up on 1 occasion
Europe: N/A
Past Managers: Owen Coyle, Alan Curbishley, Simon Davey, Brian Laws, Michael Zewlakov
Current Manager: Lee Sinnott
Notable ex-Players: Gary Cahill, Kevin Davies, Gianmarco Zigoni
Notes: Have gone into administration on 1 occasion


Birmingham
Domestic Competitions: Relegated from the Premier League in 2009/10, Promoted from the Championship in 2010/11, Relegated from the Premier League in 2020/21, Promoted from the Championship in 2022/23, Relegated from the Premier League in 2023/24, FA Cup Runners up in 2016/17
Europe: N/A
Past Managers: Alex McCleish, Dave Jones, Landon Donavon, Ryan Nelsen
Current Manager: Michael Gray
Notable ex-Players: Scott Dann, Frank Lampard, Christian Benitez, Sebastian Larsson
Notes: Have gone into administration on 2 occasions


Wolves
Domestic Competitions: Relegated from the Premier League in 2009/10, Promoted from the Championship in 2010/11, Relegated from the Premier League in 2014/15,
Europe: First Knockout round of the Europa League in 2010
Past Managers: Mick McCarthy, Paul Ince, Andy Ritchie, Steve Coppell, Brian Stein, Colin Malone, Rob Jones
Current Manager: Lee Clark
Notable ex-Players: Wayne Hennessey, Michael Kightly, Andrew Keogh, Sylvain Ebanks-Blake
Notes:


Fulham
Domestic Competitions: Relegated from the Premier League in 2009/10, Promoted from the Championship in 2011/12, Relegated from the Premier League in 2012/13, Promoted from the Championship in 2013/14, Relegated from the Premier League in 2015/16, Promoted from the Championship in 2016/17, Relegated from the Premier League in 2018/19, Promoted from the Championship in 2019/20, Relegated from the Premier League in 2023/24, FA Cup Winners in 2011/12
Europe: First Knockout round of the Europa League in 2012
Past Managers: Roy Hodgson, Chris Coleman, Ronny Johnsen, Preki, Oguchi Onyewu
Current Manager: Wes Brown
Notable ex-Players: Nicky Shorey, Aaron Hughes, Andy Johnson, Markus Rosenborg
Notes:


Burnley
Domestic Competitions: Relegated from the Premier League in 2016/17, Promoted from the Championship in 2018/19
Europe: Quarter Final of the Europa League in 2016
Past Managers: Brian Laws, Stanley Menzo, Steve McClaren
Current Manager: Alan Pardew
Notable ex-Players: Andre Bikey, Jay Roriguez, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake
Notes:


Newcastle
Domestic Competitions: Promoted from the Championship in 2009/10, Relegated from the Premier League in 2011/12, Promoted from the Championship in 2015/16, Relegated from the Premier League in 2016/17, Promoted from the Championship in 2017/18, Relegated from the Premier League in 2018/19, Promoted from the Championship in 2020/21, Relegated from the Premier League in 2021/22, Promoted from the Championship in 2022/23, Relegated from the Premier League in 2023/24
Europe: N/A
Past Managers: Chris Hughton
Current Manager: Scott Parker
Notable ex-Players: Steven Taylor, Fabricio Collicinni, Kevin Nolan, Jose Enrique, Joey Barton
Notes: Have gone into administration on 1 occasion


Stoke
Domestic Competitions: Relegated from the Premier League in 2017/18, Promoted from the Championship in 2018/19, Relegated from the Premier League in 2019/20, Promoted from the Championship in 2020/21, League Cup runners up in 2011/12
Europe: N/A
Past Managers: Tony Pulis, Teitur Thordarson, Gordon Strachan, Peter Reid, Joaquin Caparros
Current Manager: Kjetil Waehler
Notable ex-Players: Asmir Begovic, Tuncay Sanli, Kevin Doyle
Notes:


Sunderland
Domestic Competitions: Relegated from the Premier League in 2015/16, Promoted from the Championship in 2016/17, FA Cup winners in 2022/23
Europe: Second Knockout round of Europa League in 2023
Past Managers: Steve Bruce, Paul Lambert
Current Manager: Paul Ince
Notable ex-Players: Craig Gordon, David Wheater, Lee Catermole, Darren Bent
Notes: Zhang Cheng (tycoon) saw a takeover bid fail in 2023


Blackburn
Domestic Competitions: FA Cup winners in 2010/11
Europe: Second Knockout Round of the Europa League on one occasion
Past Managers: Sam Allardyce, Alan Shearer, Tony Pulis, Chris Hutchings, Michael Owen
Current Manager: Ahmed Fathi
Notable ex-Players: Brett Emerton, Chris Samba, Darron Gibson, Nikola Kalinic, Moussa Dembele
Notes:


Everton
Domestic Competitions: FA Cup winners on 2 occasions, League Cup winners on 1 occasion
Europe: Group Stage of Champions League on 1 occasion, Europa League winners on 1 occasion
Past Managers: David Moyes, Kenny Jackett, John Terry, Colin Mahone, Aaron Hughes, Brian Laws
Current Manager: Ledley King
Notable ex-Players: Leighton Baines, Dan Gosling, Marouane Fellaini, Jack Rodwell, Jo, Steven Pienaar, Tim Cahill
Notes:


Aston Villa
Domestic Competitions: FA Cup winners on 2 occasions, League Cup winners on 1 occasion
Europe: Quarter final of the Europa League on 1 occasion
Past Managers: Martin O'Neil, Jose Antonio Camacho, Per Mathias Hogmo, Brad Friedel, Robert Warzycha
Current Manager: Preki
Notable ex-Players: Kyle Naughton, James Milner, Jack Collison, Clive Perry*, Ashley Young, Gabby Agbonlahor, HESKEY
Notes:


Tottenham
Domestic Competitions: FA Cup winners on 1 occasion, League Cup winners on 2 occasions
Europe: Quarter final of the Champions League on 1 occasion, Europa League winners on 1 occasion
Past Managers: Harry Redknapp, Vincente Del Bosque, Alan Shearer, Tore Rismo, Atle Roar Haland,
Current Manager: Morten Pedersen
Notable ex-Players: Cristian Chivu, Aaron Lennon, John Arne Riise, Franco Zuculini, Federicho Macheda, Yaya Sanogo
Notes:


Hull City
Domestic Competitions: Relegated from the Premier League in 2014/15, Promoted from the Championship in 2015/16, Relegated from the Premier League in 2018/19, Promoted from the Championship in 2019/20,
Europe: Champions League best place playoff on 1 occasion, Europa League winners on 1 occasion
Past Managers: Phil Brown,
Current Manager: Ricardo Clark
Notable ex-Players: Boaz Myhill, Alex Pearce, Steven N'Zonzi, Nedum Onouhoa
Notes: Raymond van Leeuwen (tycoon) took over in 2020


Arsenal
Domestic Competitions: League Cup runners up on 1 occasion
Europe: Champions League semi final on 2 occasions, Europa League quarter final on 2 occasions
Past Managers: Arsene Wenger, Faruk Hadzibegic, Luke Wilkshire, Frank Rijkaard
Current Manager: Gertjan Verbeek
Notable ex-Players: Havard Nordveit, Jack Wilshere, Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner
Notes:


West Brom
Domestic Competitions: Promotion from the Championship in 2012/13, Premier League winners on 1 occasion, League Cup winners on 2 occasions
Europe: Champions League runners up on 1 occasion, 2nd Knockout round of the Europa League on 2 occasions
Past Managers: Roberto Di Matteo, Eddie Newton
Current Manager: Darren Ferguson
Notable ex-Players: Scott Carson, Dan Stoica*, Chris Wood, Royston Drenthe, Borja Valero
Notes: Mark Ashton (tycoon) took over in 2011, Stadium capacity has been increased to 33,000


West Ham
Domestic Competitions: Premier League runners up on 2 occasions, FA Cup winners on 1 occasion, League Cup runners up on 1 occasion
Europe: Champions League quarter final on 1 occasion, Europa League runners up on 1 occasion
Past Managers: Gianfranco Zola, Bryan Jones, Jesus Ramirez, Roberto Mancini
Current Manager: Rio Ferdinand
Notable ex-Players: Sandro, Yann M'Vila, Ashley Young, Romelu Lukaku, Loic Remy, Americo Pedroso*
Notes: Ralph Gold (tycoon) took over in 2011


Chelsea
Domestic Competitions: Premier League winners on 2 occasions, FA Cup winners on 2 occasions, League Cup winners on 2 occasions
Europe: Champions League semi final on 1 occasion, Europa League winners on 1 occasion
Past Managers: Carlo Ancellotti
Current Manager: Roberto Mancini
Notable ex-Players: Petr Cech, John Terry, Branislav 'wont play in the final' Ivanovic, Ishak Belfodil, Haris Vuckic, Frank Lampard
Notes: Stamford Bridge was increased to 42,000, but the club moved to the 58,000 Zola Stadium in 2020


Man City
Domestic Competitions: Premier League winners on 5 occasions, FA Cup winners on 1 occasion, League Cup winners on 1 occasion
Europe: Champions League winners on 1 occasion, Europa League winners on 1 occasion
Past Managers: Roberto Mancini, Jesus Ramirez
Current Manager: Hristo Stoichkov
Notable ex-Players: Joe Hart, Esteban Cambiasso, Luka Modric, Stevan Jovetic, Davide Santon, Unai Dominguez*, Carlos Tevez, Robinho,
Notes: Moved to the 64,000 capacity Man City Stadium in 2015


Liverpool
Domestic Competitions: Premier League winners on 5 occasions, FA Cup winners on 2 occasions, League Cup winners 1 occasion
Europe: Champions League winners on 2 occasions, Europa League winners on 1 occasion
Past Managers: Rafa Benitez, Mircea Lucescu, Juande Ramos, Alan Shearer
Current Manager: Stale Solbakken
Notable ex-Players: Pepe Reina, Mesut Ozil, Steven Gerrard, Yoann Gourcuff, Fernando Torres, Lindomar*
Notes: Moved to the 60,000 all seater Rush Park in 2016


Man Utd
Domestic Competitions: Premier League winners on 2 occasions, FA Cup runners up on 3 occasions, League Cup winners on 4 occasions
Europe: Champions League semi final on 2 occasions, Europa League winners on 1 occasion
Past Managers: Sir Alex Ferguson, Javier Aguirre, Tony Mowbray, Carlo Ancelotti,
Current Manager: Michel
Notable ex-Players: Jonny Evans, Yohan Cabaye, Antonio Valencia, Wayne Rooney, Toni Kroos
Notes: Ben Williams (tycoon) took over in 2024



England National Team
World Cup: Runner up in 2010, Third in 2022
Euros: Winners in 2020 and 2024, Runners up in 2016
Past Managers: Fabio Capello, Stuart Pearce
Current Manager: Tony Mowbray
Notable ex-Players: Ryan Shawcross, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Aaron Foreman*, Joe Hart, Jack Rodwell
Notes:

[PaulHartman71]

Anyway, back to the action...

[cerud]

Congrats! Enjoy the job in Norway

[SRL88]

Nice work on the new job .

[PaulHartman71]

So far I've enjoyed success in taking sides such as Bradford PA, Casa Pia and East Fife from relegation battles and the bottom of their league, to avoiding relegation and even promotion. I hope to do this at Fana as well, it wont be easy however, as with just 12 games left in the current season things are not looking good for them...

[deltablue]

Should manage that.

[iHeadHunta x]

Fantastic challenge!

[PaulHartman71]

After a busy transfer window and 7 games later things are looking a little more promising...





It's a pretty tight division though, with just 5 games left we could still mathematically finish top or bottom.

[SRL88]

Excellent start fella.

[deltablue]

Knew you'd make a strong impact.

[PaulHartman71]

cheers SLR and great to see your optimism back in the thread delta!



Overall I achieved 25 points out of a possible 36, which is pretty decent for a team that were relegation fodder when I took over. A more in-depth look at my first few months at the club will appear later.

[AK22]

An excellent start. If you can keep that kind of form up, you'll be right up there next season.

[ShanghaiNugget]

Just read the whole thread, brilliant challenge and success! Lower leagues and Norway and Sweden are such a pain, good luck with them.

[PaulHartman71]

thanks AK, i'm hoping we can at least challenge for the title next year. And yeah I can see why this league could be a pain Shanghai, it's just so open due to number of teams/games which could be quite frustrating if you're on a bad run of form.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Wow Paul, this is impressive. Something I attempted on FM10 or 11, I only managed to get to C, and spent 4 seasons unemployed and could get no job. Loving your story though and will keep looking back now. Good Luck with Fana and finding a G job.

[PaulHartman71]

F is for Fana Idrettslag

So after resigning in June from East Fife I went out looking for a job, the Norwegian third tier wasn't my first choice, but it gave me a new challenge and the chance to jump straight back into management due to Norway's unconventional season schedule, compared to the majority of other European leagues. When I took over Fana were in a relegation battle, after bringing a lot of players in the team ultimately finished in 7th place, with our last 10 games of the season being title challenging form. All of my transfers in and out were freebies aside from a few players who I paid a several thousand for at the start of my reign. The finances at the club aren't looking to good to be honest, since 2021 the club seems to have been on a downward spiral and it seems only inevitable that without a promotion or good cup run, the club will be in the red by the end of next season.

They key man was a player already at the club prior to my arrival, Orjan Johansen finished as the top scorer at the club with 12 goals in 25 league games. Bendik Andersen was another decent striker, he ended up with 7 goals in 14 games. Martin Gregersen was a good Danish defender I brought into the club. Knut Kanck was signed late in and only played 5 games but he's a pretty good player and will most likely feature heavily next season. Poul Erik Andersen was another Danish defender that I signed who was good in the few appearances he got the chance to play in. Magne Bakken was a left back who I signed that's pretty decent, has a very good passing ratio for a left back as well. Geir Aaland was signed from Brann and did pretty well in the games he played in once I'd signed him. Tony Sinclair is an English midfielder I signed on a freebie, he's looking like he will improve and be better next season.


History

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season     Club                   League                  Position     Achievements
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2009/10    Annagh United          N.Irish 2nd Div           9th        Joined in July   
2010/11    Annagh United          N.Irish 2nd Div           11th       Screwed over by the board and sacked in April
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2011/12    Bradford Park Avenue   Blue Square North         19th       Joined in June 
2012/13    Bradford Park Avenue   Blue Square North         9th        None
2013/14    Bradford Park Avenue   Blue Square North         5th        Promoted via play-offs
2014/15    Bradford Park Avenue   Blue Square Premier       1st        Promoted as Champions, resigned in June
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2015/16    Casa Pia A.C           Portuguese 2nd Div S      8th        Joined in November
2016/17    Casa Pia A.C           Portuguese 2nd Div C      1st        Champions, Promoted via playoff, resigned in June
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2017/18    Distillery             N.Irish 1st Div           10th       Joined in November
2018/19    Distillery             N.Irish 1st Div           10th       Sacked in January
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2019/20    East Fife              Scottish 3rd Div          10th       Joined in May
2020/21    East Fife              Scottish 3rd Div          3rd        Lost in playoff semi final
2021/22    East Fife              Scottish 3rd Div          1st        Promoted as Champions
2022/23    East Fife              Scottish 2nd Div          1st        Promoted as Champions
2023/24    East Fife              Scottish 1st Div          5th        Resigned in June
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2024       Fana Idrettslag        Norwegian 2nd Div 3       7th        Joined in July

Trophy Cabinet

Bradford Park Avenue 
- Blue Square Premier x1 - 2014/15

Casa Pia
- Portuguese 2nd Div C x1 - 2016/17

East Fife
- Scottish 3rd Div x1 - 2021/22
- Scottish 2nd Div x1 - 2022/23

[PaulHartman71]

Wow Paul, this is impressive. Something I attempted on FM10 or 11, I only managed to get to C, and spent 4 seasons unemployed and could get no job. Loving your story though and will keep looking back now. Good Luck with Fana and finding a G job.

thanks LLR, yeah canvey!! originally started the challenge in CSE for FM10 I think, everyone seemed to give up or get no job offers after B or C, myself included!

[cswalk08]

Great job with Fana so far!

[cerud]

There's definitely a few gems in Norway that will help you with promotion. Plus they have pretty lenient foreign player rules.

[SRL88]

Another letter ticked off. Good luck with these.

[PaulHartman71]

Great job with Fana so far!

thanks man

There's definitely a few gems in Norway that will help you with promotion. Plus they have pretty lenient foreign player rules.

Yeah there are, I'm hoping that it's me that spots them before any of my rivals! I don't think there really are that many foreign player rules which I found a bit surprising.

Another letter ticked off. Good luck with these.

thanks SLR

-

It's been a decent start to the season so far, carrying on our good form from the end of last season...

[deltablue]

The Premier League has frustrating rules on max 11 non-homegrown players, which affects all young players and Norwegians that were either generated late or moved abroad early, not just foreigners, plus work permits mean there's little point chasing players from outside Europe, so not much chance to get good Latin American or African talent. I've been there rather a lot on FM10 and 11 at while obviously I love it, it is always frustrating for squad-building for those reasons.

[PaulHartman71]

I'll have to bare that in mind if I do eventually get promoted to the Premier League. Are there are any drastic differences in HG/Foreign players in the First Division?

[deltablue]

Never managed in that division, but looking it up on FM11 they have the same rules as the Premier Division, which includes needing 2 players homegrown at the club in a match squad. Might be different (as FM10 Sweden didn't have squad rules but FM11 Sweden does) but likely to be the same.

[PaulHartman71]

yeah just had a check, maximum of 11 non-HG players in the squad. should be interesting if we go up

[ShanghaiNugget]

Brilliant start to the season, obviously promotion would be great but any improvement on 5th would be brilliant too.

[PaulHartman71]

thanks Shanghai, I'd love to get promoted but the general competitiveness of the league and the fact only one team goes up makes me less optimistic! 5 games more and still doing decently, position slightly flatters us due to games in hand for the teams around us.

[deltablue]

thanks Shanghai, I'd love to get promoted but the general competitiveness of the league and the fact only one team goes up makes me less optimistic!

That's why I've always found it very tough. Still making good early strides so could be on course to do it in the near future.

[PaulHartman71]

Yeah I'm pleased to be keeping up with the pace early on, although a bad of run 3 or 4 games and that could be it for promotion, I suppose it's a bit easier than managing in the Portuguse 2nd Division as you can win your league and still not go up.

[cerud]

The only one team moving up can be difficult. A little slip up and that's the season. Hopefully, the final five matches go well for you though!

[SRL88]

thanks SLR

Its SRL .

[PaulHartman71]

The only one team moving up can be difficult. A little slip up and that's the season. Hopefully, the final five matches go well for you though!

Yeah that's true, I'm hoping that they go well for me to!

Its SRL .

Oh so it is, I've always read it as 'S-L-R'



Things are still going pretty swimmingly with just 11 games to go now - Bryne, Floy and Lillehammer could all capitalise on us if we slip up slightly. I'm hoping our goal difference will come into play and help us later in the season.

[SRL88]

You're forgiven ha. Still going strong as well.

[deltablue]

If you're not careful 'Fana-tastic' will become the new 'Friggin'.

[ShanghaiNugget]

What on earth happened to Ardal, 3 points in 6 games?!

[cerud]

If you're not careful 'Fana-tastic' will become the new 'Friggin'.

....wah, wah....

[PaulHartman71]

If you're not careful 'Fana-tastic' will become the new 'Friggin'.

What on earth happened to Ardal, 3 points in 6 games?!

Yeah think their good start flattered their team, contrasts with Lillehammer who were getting hammered at the start of the season...

[cswalk08]

Great job so far this season. How many fans would say are Fana-tics?

[PaulHartman71]

Great job so far this season. How many fans would say are Fana-tics?

I think some of the more fana-tical fans will be slightly disappointed, 7 points from a possible 12 has left us trailing to Floy by 5 points with just 6 games left, with Bryne only behind us on goal difference...

[SRL88]

Could do with turning those draws into wins.

[deltablue]

Not got long to catch up either.

[ShanghaiNugget]

Good luck with the rest of the season, you may just need it.

[PaulHartman71]

A terrible run of form with just 2 points out of 9 has seen us lose any hope of the title, it is still mathematically possible but it isn't going to happen.



We could realistically finish lower than we did last season which would have made this season a massive let down.

[cerud]

Too bad on the end of season form... Still, a 3rd place finish is a good place. Just hurts more cause of only one promotion spot.

[SRL88]

Shame about the run of form....but hopefully you can push for a good finish.

[PaulHartman71]

6 points from 9 saw us drop down to 4th, an improvement upon last season and the best finish the club has ever had, still quite disappointing though.

[ShanghaiNugget]

I imagine you feel a little gutted and let down. At least you know you can contend for the title.

[cerud]

Tough run at the end of the season. But next year with a few choice signings should see you a strong competitor for the title. I had a striker named Fosu Boateng on my Frigg team that destroyed that league if it helps

[PaulHartman71]

It does feel like the team bottled it, not sure if I will stay for another season, what do you guys think?

[rancer890]

If you think there's a bit more potential in your squad with a couple additions, then stay. Otherwise, start looking for a 'G' club.

[PaulHartman71]

F is for Fana Idrettslag

In what seems like a bit of a bottle job, we finished 4th after looking like title winning contenders for most of the first half of the season which was incredibly disappointed. This is probably best highlighted by the previous positions screenshot. I brought in quite a few players on freebies which may have disrupted squad harmony but ultimately the squad did need improving, for the most part those transfers did do that. The finances at the club are not looking too great but that should even itself out at some point into next season. The squad is good enough to win the league but lacked consistency, a key moment was when at the time top scorer Ronni Christensen was injured for 10 months mid-season, which lead to a bit of a dry patch in terms of goals for the club. If I do stay I will bring in a few more players as the squad will need to be improved slightly.

Aside from having an interesting hairstyle, our goalkeeper Damir Brannstrom is not the best considering we want to be going for the title, although my scouts haven't found anyone better than him which is quite frustrating. Jostein Jensen is first choice right back and was pretty decent there. His counter part was the Pakistani Zahid Mehmood who was also quite decent. Our first choice central defensive partnership was the two Danish defenders, Martin Gregersen and Poul Erik Andersen. A key player once signed was Boyan Dimov, a Bulgarian midfielder who looks to be one of our better players now. Ole Jakob Pettersen was our Norwegian central midfielder who did well and ended up with 7 assists. Peter Gutierrez had a poor season on the right side of midfield. Bosnian midfielder/striker Sead Vasic was signed this season and impressed in a few appearances, he'll be important next season if I stay on as manager. Vegard Mundal was decent on the left of midfield ending up with 10 assists. Ronni Christensen did well until picking up a horrific injury which made sure he didn't play again for the season. Orjan Johansen ended up as top scorer with 13 goals.


History

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season     Club                   League                  Position     Achievements
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2009/10    Annagh United          N.Irish 2nd Div           9th        Joined in July   
2010/11    Annagh United          N.Irish 2nd Div           11th       Screwed over by the board and sacked in April
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2011/12    Bradford Park Avenue   Blue Square North         19th       Joined in June 
2012/13    Bradford Park Avenue   Blue Square North         9th        None
2013/14    Bradford Park Avenue   Blue Square North         5th        Promoted via play-offs
2014/15    Bradford Park Avenue   Blue Square Premier       1st        Promoted as Champions, resigned in June
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2015/16    Casa Pia A.C           Portuguese 2nd Div S      8th        Joined in November
2016/17    Casa Pia A.C           Portuguese 2nd Div C      1st        Champions, Promoted via playoff, resigned in June
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2017/18    Distillery             N.Irish 1st Div           10th       Joined in November
2018/19    Distillery             N.Irish 1st Div           10th       Sacked in January
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2019/20    East Fife              Scottish 3rd Div          10th       Joined in May
2020/21    East Fife              Scottish 3rd Div          3rd        Lost in playoff semi final
2021/22    East Fife              Scottish 3rd Div          1st        Promoted as Champions
2022/23    East Fife              Scottish 2nd Div          1st        Promoted as Champions
2023/24    East Fife              Scottish 1st Div          5th        Resigned in June
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2024       Fana Idrettslag        Norwegian 2nd Div 3       7th        Joined in July
2025       Fana Idrettslag        Norwegian 2nd Div 3       4th        None

Trophy Cabinet

Bradford Park Avenue 
- Blue Square Premier x1 - 2014/15

Casa Pia
- Portuguese 2nd Div C x1 - 2016/17

East Fife
- Scottish 3rd Div x1 - 2021/22
- Scottish 2nd Div x1 - 2022/23

[deltablue]

Definitely have another shot at going up with Fana.

[PaulHartman71]

I'm keeping my options open...

[cerud]

Alreay up to G! Moving along quickly.

[PaulHartman71]

There's a twist in the plot, I haven't moved along to G just quite yet

[PaulHartman71]

I've further fueled speculation that I will be leaving the club by refusing to renew my contract, although I do still have a year left on the contract that stands currently.

[cerud]

The plot thickens!

[PaulHartman71]

Whilst the club do seem a bit annoyed after I have declared interest in yet another job, most clubs would've sacked me by now, so I might as well take advantage of them being so lenient whilst deciding whether to see out the year left on my contract, or take a G job if one becomes available.

[PaulHartman71]

Thanks to the media I was left in a pretty awkward situation with lots of explaining to do, especially when the Grays chairman over-looked me and appointed someone else. After being slightly humbled it looks like I'll be staying at Fana for another year, might have to go the extra mile for a win now to make it up to the board and the fans

[deltablue]

Oh dear, that was awkward.

[PaulHartman71]

After my awkward moment with the board and my cheeky application to be Ghana manager was rejected, I decided to commit myself to Fana and see out the year on my contract. The odds have come in and they're not great for us, although a cheeky tenner on us winning the league could see some very happy Fana-tics come the end of the season!

[PaulHartman71]

An unbeaten and very promising looking first 5 games of the season...

[cerud]

I always find it funny that a club may ask for you to apologize for looking at other job opportunities. But then again, I come from the generation that believes a job's wages pay for the work done, not for loyalty. At least you're save for now!

[PaulHartman71]

Yeah I guess most clubs/fans would find it insulting that you're looking to move elsewhere whilst still under contract which is kind of fair enough imo

[SRL88]

Going very well in the league.

[PaulHartman71]

Still leading the table, only through goal difference though as Valarenga 2 and Randaberg have matched us for points so far.

[cerud]

Hopefully Valarenga 2 will fall somewhat as their roster changes throughotu the year as their top squad brings in players and moves others out. A good start!

[zsefv]

in the 2016/17 UCL and EL, winners are Man City? Mistake?

[SRL88]

Definitely not worth complaining about so far. Going well .

[deltablue]

Very nervous times. Have you played both sides you're level with?

[stretts]

Love this thread, epic! KUTGW

[PaulHartman71]

Hopefully Valarenga 2 will fall somewhat as their roster changes throughotu the year as their top squad brings in players and moves others out. A good start!

Yeah I certainly hope that happens!

in the 2016/17 UCL and EL, winners are Man City? Mistake?

yeah, the Europa League winners should be Hull City.

Definitely not worth complaining about so far. Going well .

only thing I can complain about is other teams doing as well as I am!

Very nervous times. Have you played both sides you're level with?

I've drawn 1-1 with Randaberg, still have a home game against them and both home and away against Valarenga 2. It seems likely it will come down to who does the best in the games against each other between the 3 of us.

Love this thread, epic! KUTGW

thanks man

[PaulHartman71]

A very poor run of form for 5 games has seen us heavily drop points, hopefully not another bottle job on the cards...

[SRL88]

Dropped off the pace a bit there.

[deltablue]

Uh oh. Massive catch-up job needed now.

[cswalk08]

Yikes, Randaberg have opened up a decent gap. Good luck chasing them down!

[PaulHartman71]

A fantastic 3-0 victory at home against Randaberg seemed to set off a chain reaction of positivity and mental strength all over the club, especially to our wide midfielder Gutierrez who has gone on to score 5 goals in as many games.



Contrasting to our positive reaction to the Randaberg game, losing to us seemed to have an adverse effect over at Randaberg, and subsequently their good form and confidence well and truly went out the window, picking up 7 points from a possible 15. They're still only a point behind us with 6 games remaining though so it is well and truly squeaky bum time. Valerenga 2 are still in with a shot, currently 5 points behind but they have a game in hand with relegation battling Klepp which they should win. It should be a three horse race and I am hoping we can continue our good form in our last 6 games.



The fixtures look like this for the three of us -

Randaberg: Nest-Sotra (away), Skjetten (home), Stryn (home), Mandalskam (away), Klepp (away), Kopervik (home) - Randaberg at least on paper have a relatively easy run in, their only real test will be a tricky away match with Mandalskam who I think (and hope) will at least get a point out of that game. Nest-Sotra, Skjetten and Klepp are all very winnable games, with Stryn, and Kopervik especially, being relatively testing home games, but ultimately are both winnable as well for a team challenging for the title.

Valerenga 2: Klepp (home), Stryn (away), Mandalskam (home), Lillehammer (away), Fyllingen (home), Kopervik (away), Fana (away) - With four away games in their last 6 games as opposed to Randaberg's 3/3, Valerenga's 2nd side will have a more difficult run in than our other rivals. They should dispatch of Klepp at home without any real problem. Fyllingen is another home game I fully expect them to get 3 points in. Mandalskam will be difficult and I am hoping like with their game against Randaberg that Mandalskam will make sure they drop some points here. Lillehammer, Kopervik and Stryn are by no means easy places to go and I fully expect Valerenga 2 to drop points in at least one of these games. Then of course there is the potentially very dramatic final game of the season...

Fana Idrettslag: Skjetten (away), Klepp (home), Mandalskam (home), Kopervik (away), Stryn (away), Valerenga 2 (home) - We have a run in of 3/3 in terms of home/away so that's the same as Randaberg. Skjetten away and Klepp at home are both very winnable games and I will be disappointed if we drop points in either game. Mandalskam, a side I am hoping can knock some points out of my 2 rivals, could easily do the same to me and a draw against them would be a decent result, but at home I obviously expect better, we lost 1-0 to them away so hopefully a loss doesn't happen again. Kopervik and Stryn are two relatively simple away games but we could probably drop points in at least one of those games. Then there's the massive final game of the season that could potentially decide everything. We are at home against Valerenga 2 which gives us a slight advantage, but it is still a massive game and after the bottle job of last season I am worried my players will bottle it if it comes down to this game.

Overall it is in our hands now with the 6 games left and I believe my team are the clear favourites, a point/2 points clear as well as a far superior goal difference, but obviously if we lose that final game against Valerenga 2 it could all be curtains for our title campaign. A massive run in coming up for all 3 of the teams, I am hoping that my side isn't the one to lose out this year as this will definitely be my final season at Fana, would be nice to leave Norway with a bit of a bang!

[TheGreatTraveler]

Just 6 more games!!

[Scarman]

Love this career so far, great concept and the depth you went into with the updates about the rest of the leagues was great

Good luck, hopefully you can keep top spot!

[rancer890]

Hope you can get Fana promoted before you leave for a new club.

[SRL88]

Much better month. Great turn around.

[deltablue]

Wow, very quickly done.

[PaulHartman71]

Just 6 more games!!

hopefully we haven't peaked too early!

Love this career so far, great concept and the depth you went into with the updates about the rest of the leagues was great

Good luck, hopefully you can keep top spot!

thanks Scarman, appreciate that and yes I'm hoping we can keep top spot as well!

Hope you can get Fana promoted before you leave for a new club.

As do I rancer, as do I!

Much better month. Great turn around.

thanks SRL

Wow, very quickly done.

yeah the win against Randaberg seemed to have a snowball effect on the performances, I definitely can't complain!

[cerud]

Getting close now!

[PaulHartman71]

[TheGreatTraveler]

Great job winning the League!!!!!!
So.....Will you stay at Fana?

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Congrats Paul, that was a stunning end to the season and clearly you had the best run...good luck in the new season, or are we looking to a G club now?

[cswalk08]

Congrats Paul! Hopefully a G team will open up soon.

[AK22]

Well done on promotion! Surely Galatasaray awaits

[PaulHartman71]

Great job winning the League!!!!!!
So.....Will you stay at Fana?

Thanks Nah I will definitely be leaving Fana.

Congrats Paul, that was a stunning end to the season and clearly you had the best run...good luck in the new season, or are we looking to a G club now?

yeah the Randaberg result really seemed to kick the squad into gear. It is the right time to leave Fana, I wanted to leave last year but didn't and I can leave on a high now.

Congrats Paul! Hopefully a G team will open up soon.

thanks and yeah here's hoping for a decent G side!

Well done on promotion! Surely Galatasaray awaits

haha I certainly would not be complaining if they were

[deltablue]

Managed to have a happy Fana ending after all, but 'G' awaits.

[PaulHartman71]

F is for Fana Idrettslag

So, after winning the league, bringing glory to Fana and achieving promotion it is time to see how this was actually achieved. 6 players were brought in on free transfers throughout the season, some were better than others. Morten Berg was a very important part of our team and being Norwegian will significantly help Fana next season when new squad regulations come into play. Peter Gutierrez was a major part of our final run, the American midfielder ended up with 9 goals and 2 assists which came at the business period of the season. Soren Lovenkrands continued to be part of our defence, the Danish player had a relatively good year. His compatriot Kian Lauridsen was another key part of our defence. Another Danish player that was a relatively important part of our team was Thomas Gregersen. Our Swedish striker Peter Svensson finished up with 11 goals and 2 assists which was a good total that I was pleased with. Bosnian Sead Vasic was another key part of our attack, ending the season with 8 goals and 6 assists. Norwegian striker Orjan Johansen who has been at the club since I first arrived, continued his consistent seasons of scoring double figures, as he scored 11 goals and gained 6 assists.

At the end of the season I announced my resignation from Fana, due to the unorthodox Norwegian season time/structure I have resigned in October which is only a few months into regular European seasons. This should mean that I will be able to find a few jobs before the end of the current season, hopefully even before the new year although I don't want to get my hopes up! G seems to be a relatively okay letter in terms of clubs, there's quite a few English jobs I could go for if they become available, having already been linked with Gateshead, Grays and Grimsby. I'm not sure where I will end up, but hopefully I'll end up at somewhere decent soon.



History

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season     Club                   League                  Position     Achievements
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2009/10    Annagh United          N.Irish 2nd Div           9th        Joined in July   
2010/11    Annagh United          N.Irish 2nd Div           11th       Screwed over by the board and sacked in April
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2011/12    Bradford Park Avenue   Blue Square North         19th       Joined in June 
2012/13    Bradford Park Avenue   Blue Square North         9th        None
2013/14    Bradford Park Avenue   Blue Square North         5th        Promoted via play-offs
2014/15    Bradford Park Avenue   Blue Square Premier       1st        Promoted as Champions, resigned in June
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2015/16    Casa Pia A.C           Portuguese 2nd Div S      8th        Joined in November
2016/17    Casa Pia A.C           Portuguese 2nd Div C      1st        Champions, Promoted via playoff, resigned in June
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2017/18    Distillery             N.Irish 1st Div           10th       Joined in November
2018/19    Distillery             N.Irish 1st Div           10th       Sacked in January
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2019/20    East Fife              Scottish 3rd Div          10th       Joined in May
2020/21    East Fife              Scottish 3rd Div          3rd        Lost in playoff semi final
2021/22    East Fife              Scottish 3rd Div          1st        Promoted as Champions
2022/23    East Fife              Scottish 2nd Div          1st        Promoted as Champions
2023/24    East Fife              Scottish 1st Div          5th        Resigned in June
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2024       Fana Idrettslag        Norwegian 2nd Div 3       7th        Joined in July
2025       Fana Idrettslag        Norwegian 2nd Div 3       4th        None
2026       Fana Idrettslag        Norwegian 2nd Div 3       1st        Promoted as Champions, Resigned in October
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trophy Cabinet

Bradford Park Avenue 
- Blue Square Premier x1 - 2014/15

Casa Pia
- Portuguese 2nd Div C x1 - 2016/17

East Fife
- Scottish 3rd Div x1 - 2021/22
- Scottish 2nd Div x1 - 2022/23

Fana Idrettslag 
- Norwegian 2nd Div 3 x1 - 2026

[TheGreatTraveler]

The seacrh begins!!

[cerud]

Congrats on the league win! That's not an easy one to do Good luck in your "G" search.

[PaulHartman71]

The seacrh begins!!

it certainly does!

Congrats on the league win! That's not an easy one to do Good luck in your "G" search.

yeah it definitely didn't feel like an easy win, thanks

-

Not quite Galatasaray, but I have already declined two job offers from 1st Division Turkish sides...

[cerud]

The "K" is just a little too far ahead

[Nobby_McDonald]

Fana tastic.

I think you should go to either Great Yarmouth Town or Great Wakering Rovers.

[TheGreatTraveler]

Just keep waiting and Galatasaray should come along.....hoepfully

[PaulHartman71]

I've received an offer from a 'G' club. It is in a country I haven't managed in before. Any guesses?