The Birth of a Messiah

[Yinga Garten]

After reading several managerial journeys in this forum, I have decided to take on my first documented journey on FM2012. After previous undocumented successes with Colchester and Vauxhall in previous saves, I have decided I am ready for an even bigger challenge.

Save Info
Leagues Loaded
England - Regional First Divs (Level 8)

I am using a custom database which holds 22,000 players, I shall load more leagues in different countries as I progress further into my save.

Beginnings
As a Leeds United supporter, I have decided I want to take a team on which is in Level 8 of the English League system which is based in Leeds. I had two options, Farsleyor Garforth. I have decided to become manager of Garforth Town. My manager shall be named after myself and his previous experience will be as a Sunday League footballer.

Garforth Town

Founded: 1964
Nickname: The Miners
Stadium: Wheatley Park Stadium - Capacity: 3000 (278 seated)
Chairman: Dean Broadbent
Status: Semi-Professional
Division: Evo-Stik League First Division North (Level 8)
Rivals: Farsley, Guiseley
Media Prediction: 17th

Objectives
To be the best of the best, and of course, to have fun.

[Yinga Garten]

I have inherited an okay squad upon which foundations can be built upon.



As you can see, the five star ability players are being sniffed around at by clubs higher up the divisions. Ollie Hotchkiss even has interest from lower-end League 2 clubs. I have already released 5 players which are surplus to requirements (who aren't included in the image above).

Here are the parameters the board has given me concerning wages.



I'm planning to go over that wage budget (which I got increased by a meagre £10), to a similar amount which it currently is now. Their is one player in the squad who is on £75 p/w and I have deemed him surplus to requirements.

Transfers
I have made a move for Danny Fernandez (one of my strikers on my Vauxhall save) on £20 p/w. Thanks to my scout, I have also got a good pool of players to look at.

First Match
In the intra-squad friendly, the first team beat the reserves 4-0, not worth a screenshot in my opinion.

[iHeadHunta x]

Good luck buddy!

[Yinga Garten]

Pre-Season: July/August 2011


Have to say, this has been a solid pre-season. With the highlight being a 3-1 win over Whitby (who are a division above), who, to be fair, had 10 men for a whole half. But other than that, I'm confident going into the start of the season now.

@iHeadHunta x: Cheers

[Yinga Garten]

Takeover fever has gripped the Wheatley Park stadium, with a local businessman looking to raise funds to buy the club. A transfer embargo has been placed on the club.



EDIT: Takeover went very quickly.

[Yinga Garten]

Results: August 2011
Evo-Stik League First Division North

The season kicked off with a convincing loss to promotion-chasing Skelmersdale, then we bounced back against Trafford with a comfortable 2-0 win. This then lead on to a disappointing 2-1 loss to Woodley Sports where we played poorly. The month ended with a bore draw against Farsley.

The amount of injuries at this level amazes me, had about 7 players injured already, 3 in the first match alone.

[cerud]

Welcome to the career forum, Yinga! Good luck with Garforth

[Yinga Garten]

Results: September 2011
FA Cup - Preliminary Round

The month started in controversy, as we controversially went out of the FA Cup to lower division side Rye. Things didn't get off to a good start as my goalkeeper, Neil Postlethwaite, was sent off for handling the ball outside the box in the 35 minute. Straight after that we went 1 down. After the interval, we conceded again. Before a quick double solution got us a goal back. But it wasn't enough to spark a comeback. I was furious at supposed 'top referee' Howard Webb (how he was referring the match I do not know). I made my frustration clear in the following press conference and appealed the decision, amazingly, to no avail. Even after the FA stayed silent on the issue.

I had to move onto my next league match without my No. 1 keeper.

Evo-Stik League First Division North

The month started off perfectly with comfortable wins over Salford and under-achieving Lancaster City. Then dreadful results against relegation threatened Clitheroe and Curzon Ashton (who had lost their previous match 7-0 to Durham), this was then followed up with a slightly better but still disappointed loss to Cammell Laird. The month then ended with a solid draw to play-off contenders Radcliffe Boro.

League Table


It's shown over the past month that we need another proven striker to partner Paul Walker up front, I'll keep on rotating who goes up front to try and find the correct partnership.

[cpfc543]

Good luck with this!

[Yinga Garten]

Results: October 2011
A busy month was ahead, with the team competing in two cups alongside the regular league matches.

Evo-Stik League First Division North

What turned out to be a fine month in the league, started off perfectly with comfortable wins against AFC Fylde and Mossley (without conceding in either). But the voodoo against relegation threatened teams continued against Harrogate Railway, as we struggled to a 1-1 draw. But we came back well against Witton to record yet another comfortable win without conceding. The month was rounded off with a 1-1 draw, which saw midfielder Mario Bryan sent off in the first half for two yellows. But Adam Priestley scored a gem of a goal and we held on for the draw.

The results this month in the league earned me 2nd place in the Manager of the Month award.

Doodson Sports Cup - First Round

We were drawn against Evo-Stik League First Division North 1st-placed team Brigg in the first round, so I couldn't see us getting through. The lads put in a decent performance, but we went out, but I was satisfied with the performance.

FA Trophy - 1st Qualifying Round

I couldn't see us getting past Redditch (who are a tier above us). They didn't really turn up for the tie first time round, but we failed to take advantage of that as it ended as a bore draw. In the replay, they turned up for the first half, where they went 2-0 up, after that they coasted into the 2nd Qualifying Round.

League Table

A good month has left us just outside the play-off's (although having played more games than the teams around us). I won't get too ahead of myself though, there's still a lot of work to be done.

[cerud]

Your goal difference also shows just how well you're doing too! Keep it up

[Yinga Garten]

Results: November/December 2011
Evo-Stik League First Division North

I've not really got much to say, mediocre set of results really. Apart from the terrible results at Prescot and Skelmersdale (the latter being more understandable), we literally seemed to fall apart at Prescot. The voodoo against lower sides seemed to continue as Harrogate Railway got a last-minute equaliser.

West Riding County Cup - 2nd Round

An easy win over Goole (who are arguably the strongest team in this competition from my perspective), has set us on the path to winning this trophy. The rest of the teams are either reserve teams from clubs who are at Level 6 (Guiseley, Harrogate and Halifax) or Level 9/10 clubs. I expect to win this and I'll be disappointed if we don't. We have got Yorkshire Amateur (Level 10 club), in the Quarter Finals.

League Table

NOTE: The New Year's round of matches has also been played, but it went past me as our match against Farsley on that day was postponed.

Play-off's are still attainable, just. But the goal difference has taken a battering after heavy defeats against Prescot and Skelmersdale. If I can be serious about reaching the play-off's, then the voodoo against lower sides needs to end.

[ShanghaiNugget]

Good luck with the latter half of the season, first season is just about getting the team together under your control, any success is a bonus.

[Yinga Garten]

Good luck with the latter half of the season, first season is just about getting the team together under your control, any success is a bonus.

Thanks

I was looking at the first season as building a solid base on which to push for promotion next season. I would like to win the West Riding County Cup though, which is very attainable, just for the sake of silverware. Garforth have already won it 4 times before and according to the game, they are the defending champions.

[Yinga Garten]

Results: January/February/March 2012
Evo-Stik League First Division North

Results picked up in January and were constantly good up until the end of March, losing only four matches in that time. But it looks like it won't turn out to be enough for a play-off spot (which you will find out in a moment).

West Riding County Cup - Quarter Final/Semi Final

Two easy wins against Level 10 and 9 sides (respectively) has lead us easily to the final. Where we shall face another Level 9 side (Barnoldswick) in the final at Valley Parade (Bradford City's ground).

League Table

The season is practically over now for Garforth Town, with the side 9 points adrift from the play-off's with four matches to play. A season summary shall follow once the final match of the season is played against Barnoldswick.

[Yinga Garten]

Results: April 2012
Evo-Stik League First Division North

What seemed to be a solid month was ruined by the final two matches. The play-off's were out of reach at this point and the players had their minds on the holidays already it seemed. I was hoping this wouldn't ruin the West Riding County Cup final.

League Table

So a middling season really. I'm satisfied really, even more so if we win the following match...

[Yinga Garten]

May 2nd 2012: THE WEST RIDING COUNTY CUP FINAL

Truly excellent result. We were 5-0 up at half-time and cruised to the finish line. I have claimed my first trophy as manager of Garforth Town.

Everyone has come out to praise me.




So that wraps up my first season at Garforth Town. A summary shall be up tomorrow for the season and what has been happening elsewhere in England.

[ShanghaiNugget]

Well done, just need to sneak up the table next season.

[SRL88]

Solid season and brilliant work winning the County Cup .

[Yinga Garten]

Garforth Town - Season Review - 2011/12

Evo-Stik League First Division North - 11th
League Table/Results Pt. 1/Results Pt. 2
A decent season in all really. Consolidating our position as a comfortable mid-table side. I believe this is a fair evaluation of the team, but next season I want to change this.

Board Expectation - Learn from the experience of competing in the league.
Board Evaluation - The board are delighted that the team have finished in a respectable position this season. - Superb

FA Cup - Eliminated: Preliminary Round
Result

We went out to level 9 side Rye in controversial fashion, as my keeper Neil Postelthwaite, was sent off before the end of the first half for handling the ball outside the box. We couldn't cope with the 11 men of Rye and we soon went down to 9 men. At that point the match was lost, despite a late consolation.

Board Expectation - Reach the 1st Qualifying Round.
Board Evaluation - Slightly concerned, but can understand why the team was defeated by Rye. - Okay

FA Trophy - Eliminated: 1st Qualifying Round
Results

We drew level 7 side Redditch, so I couldn't see us winning. Surprisingly they didn't turn up for the match first time round, but we failed to take advantage of that, forcing a replay. We then went out convincingly.

Board Expectation - Learn from the experience of competing in the FA Trophy.
Board Evaluation - The board are delighted that the team reached the 1st Qualifying Round. - Good

Doodson Sports Cup - Eliminated: 1st Round
Result

I didn't really bother with this cup, fielding a weakened team against parallel level 8 side Brigg, it showed as we were convincingly beaten.

Board Expectation - Reach the 1st Round.
Board Evaluation - The board are pleased that the team reached the 1st Round. - Good

West Riding County Cup - Winners
Results

Very easy competition, which involves level 8, 9 and 10 sides and reserve sides of teams at Level 6. The only real challenge we faced was Goole in the 2nd Round, who were a parallel level 8 side, it was plain sailing from then on as we wrapped things up with an excellent 5-1 win over Barnoldswick at Valley Parade to lift the trophy. I hope to retain it next season.

Board Expectation - Reach the 2nd Round.
Board Evaluation - The board are delighted that the team won the West Riding County Cup. - Superb

Club
Transfers
In - I focused on signing youngsters at high potential levels to help make the rise through the divisions more smooth, other signings focused on experience at this level.
Out - I released five players as soon as I arrived. Over the first third of the season I forced Chris Howarth out as his wages were a problem (£75 p/w). The rest were poached by other clubs as they were not under contract.

Finances
Not good at all. Even though I went £200 over the wage budget set, the club still would have made a loss.

Player of the Season
Jamie Price

A constant rock in defence and our most consistent player this season. Also pitched in at centre midfield for several matches as well.

New Club Records
Highest Gate Receipts - £1,000 vs Cammell Laird, Evo-Stik League First Division North, 4/2/12
Lowest Attendance - 79 vs Redditch, FA Trophy 1st Qualifying Round, 26/10/11
Average Attendance - 191
Biggest Win - 5-1 vs Barnoldswick, West Riding County Cup Final, 2/5/12
Biggest Defeat - 1-5 vs Prescot, Evo-Stik League First Division North, 26/11/11
Highest Scoring Game - "" ""
Highest Scoring League Game - "" ""
Most Games Won in Row - 4 - 14/1/12 to 4/2/12
Most Games Lost in Row - 3 - 14/9/11 to 24/9/11
Most Games without Losing - 6 - 21/2/12 to 20/3/12
Most Games without Winning - 6 - 22/10/11 to 12/11/11
Most Games without Conceding - 3 - 21/2/12 to 3/3/12
Most Games without Scoring - 2 - 14/9/11 to 17/9/11

What Next?
I'm going to take a break from Football Manager for a bit. Plans are already in place for next season; all staff going apart from the Assistant Manager, getting rid of players on wages not worth their quality, getting experience and back-up in every position. I'll see you all sometime soon.

[Yinga Garten]

What's Happening Elsewhere? - 2011/12
Premier League
Champions - Manchester United
Champions League Qualification - Manchester City, Blackburn, Tottenham
Europa League Qualification - Chelsea, Wolves
Relegated - QPR, Norwich, Swansea

Championship
Champions - Reading
Promoted - Blackpool, Burnley
Relegated - Southampton, Coventry, Crystal Palace

League 1
Champions - Sheffield United
Promoted - Huddersfield, Preston
Relegated - Yeovil, Notts County, Walsall, Bury

League 2
Champions - Swindon
Promoted - Bristol Rovers, Port Vale, Rotherham
Relegated - Cheltenham, Crewe

Conference
Champions - Wrexham
Promoted - Cambridge
Relegated - Bath, Ebbsfleet, Southport, Barrow

Conference North
Champions - Blyth
Promoted - Hinckley
Relegated - Gloucester, Worcester, Solihull Moors

Conference South
Champions - Woking
Promoted - Boreham Wood
Relegated - Eastbourne Borough, Thurrock, Weston-super-Mare

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Isthmian League Premier Division
Champions - Wealdstone
Promoted - Canvey Island
Relegated - Leatherhead, Billericay, Horsham, East Thurrock

Southern Premier Division
Champions - Weymouth
Promoted - Frome
Relegated - Stourbridge, Arlesey, Barwell, Evesham

Northern Premier Division
Champions - Hednesford
Promoted - FC United
Relegated - Whitby, Stocksbridge, Mickleover, Frickley

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Northern Premier League First Division North
Champions - Mossley
Promoted - Skelmersdale
Relegated - Bamber Bridge, Cammell Laird

Northern Premier League First Division South
Champions - Ilkeston
Promoted - Stamford
Relegated - Sutton Coldfield, Shepshed

Isthmian League First Division North
Champions - Maldon & Tiptree
Promoted - Grays
Relegated - Brentwood, Redbridge

Isthmian League First Division South
Champions - Whitehawk
Promoted - Walton & Hersham
Relegated - Eastbourne Town, Godalming

Southern First Division Central
Champions - Fleet
Promoted - Slough
Relegated - Woodford Utd, Leighton

Southern First Division South/West
Champions - Tiverton
Promoted - Stourport
Relegated - North Leigh

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FA Cup
Wolves 0 - 3 QPR

League Cup
Tottenham 1 - 3 Manchester City

Community Shield
Manchester City 2p - 2 Manchester United

Johnstone's Paint Trophy
Chesterfield 2 - 5 Charlton

FA Trophy
Gateshead 3 - 0 Tamworth

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Champions League
Manchester City 1 - 2 Manchester United @ Allianz Arena, Munich

Europa League
Olympiakos 0p - 0 Paris Saint-Germain @ National Arena, Bucharest

[cerud]

Mid-table finish is a decent start. Now the move upwards begins!

[Yinga Garten]

Garforth Town - Season Preview - 2012/13

Board Expectations
Evo-Stik League First Division North - Safe mid-table
FA Cup - 1st Qualifying Round
FA Trophy - Learn from the experience
Doodson Sports Cup - 1st Round
Evo-Stik League Presidents Cup - 1st Round
West Riding County Cup - 2nd Round

My Expectations
Evo-Stik League First Division North - Play-off push
FA Cup - Don't fall at the first hurdle, the Preliminary Round
FA Trophy - Not bothered
Doodson Sports Cup - Not bothered
Evo-Stik League Presidents Cup - Didn't even know this existed, so not bothered
West Riding County Cup - Retain it

Extra Info
Transfer Budget: £0 (n/c from last season)
Wage Budget: £540 p/w (£300 p/w increase from last season)
Balance: (£34,520)
Media Prediction: 16th
Bookies: 50-1

[Yinga Garten]

Pre-Season: July/August 2012

Once again, another solid pre-season. The youngsters I signed near the end of last season have impressed.

[Yinga Garten]

Halfway Update: 2012/13
In a change of updating and to give more convenience for me, I shall be giving updates halfway through the season and at the end of the season until Garforth rise higher up the leagues.

Evo-Stik League First Division North Results

(Missing from this screenshot is a 1-0 win over Prescot with Luke Carr getting the goal)

After a dreadful start without a win in five matches things turned around after a tight win at Curzon Ashton, form then picked up. I'm delighted with the results so far, only really losing to teams higher up the table.

League Table

After recovering from an awful start, things look good as we are just outside the play-offs.

Cup Results
FA Cup - 1st Qualifying Round (beaten 3-1 by Halesowen)
FA Trophy - 3rd Qualifying Round (beaten 1-0 by Dover)
Doodson Sports Cup - Preliminary Round (beaten 2-0 by Whitby)
Evo-Stik League Presidents Cup - 2nd Round (beaten 2-1 by Newcastle Town in extra time)
West Riding County Cup - Still in it

I'll post full results during the end of season update.

Summary So Far
After a dreadful start to the season I was worrying that this would be another mid-table season, my fears were eased once we went on a good run after beating Curzon Ashton. Near the end of October I asked for a wage budget increase from the chairman, and it was granted, increasing the budget to £670 p/w. Thanks to this I've been able to bring in back-up which are capable of getting the job done.

Positives
+ Luke Carr has emerged as a goalscoring machine after he was signed near the end of last season, scoring goals for fun in some matches. Like when he bagged 4 against Scarborough Athletic for example. He earned Player of the Month for November due to this.
+ Kenny Woods, the chairman has been extremely kind in increasing my wage budget. I think this has given me the edge now over our rivals now.
+ Players like Ollie Hotchkiss (despite being plagued by injury), Jamie Price and Tom Piotrowski have emerged after average turnouts last season, contributing to the team doing so well.
+ My scout seems to have struck a goldmine, finding some great players with great potential.

Negatives
- Our inability to beat the big teams, we need to overcome this if we can get promotion.
- The result against Wakefield, we were 2-0 up before falling apart.

Targets for the rest of the season
- Reach the play-offs
- Retain the West Riding County Cup
- Keep up the performances of Luke Carr and others

[Yinga Garten]

End of Season: 2012/13
Evo-Stik League First Division North Results

Yet another run of excellent results helped to bring an excellent 2nd half of the season for Garforth Town.

League Table

So this left us in the play-off's, which I knew was easily achievable after the chairman increased the wage budget, with the new signings making the impact needed. Frickley ran away with the title really after Radcliffe Boro failed to take advantage of their games in hand.

Play-Off's
Semi-Final
I was surprised to find out that the play-off's were drawn, instead of being 2nd vs 5th & 3rd vs 4th, but this outcome still came out anyway. We were drawn against Lancaster City, a good side but I knew we would have the edge.



We were dominated all match by Lancaster City, but a stroke of luck came as the match seemed to go into extra-time. We were awarded a penalty. Tom Piotrowski buried it to send us through to the final.

Final
In the final it was Radcliffe Boro, who I thought would be way too strong for us. They were miles away from the rest along with Frickley, they beat us twice as well.



What a great win, Radcliffe Boro never turned up on the day and barely threatened at all. Goals from Darren Kelly and Saheed Sankoh sealed promotion.

Now to end the season there was the matter of retaining the West Riding County Cup, which sadly we won't be able to retain next season.

[Yinga Garten]

The West Riding County Cup Final: 2012/13

A true managerial and player master class as the lads come back from 1 down to win with ten men in extra time. We beat Pontefract Coils, Liversedge and Wakefield to get to the final.



Everyone has come in to celebrate the club and me for retaining the Mickey Mouse trophy.

I've just found out that we'll be in it next season, so I'll win it for the 5th time in a row.

A season review shall be up soon, not so sure if I'll continue documenting this save due to a lack of interest from others.

[DazRTaylor]

Congratulations on promotion

[Yinga Garten]

Garforth Town - Season Review - 2012/13

Evo-Stik League First Division North - 4th (promoted via play-off's)


A truly excellent season, we couldn't have done much better than 4th seeing as Frickley, Radcliffe Boro and Lancaster City were miles away all season. Results are elsewhere in the thread, don't see any need to link them.

FA Cup - Eliminated: 1st Qualifying Round
After a shaky 1-0 win over level 9 side Startford thanks to Elliot Dent's goal we went to face level 8 side Halesowen in the 1st Qualifying Round. We were beaten comprehensively 3-1 and were knocked out of the competition.

FA Trophy - Eliminated: 3rd Qualifying Round
We went on a good run beating level 7 sides Hitchin and Bury Town 3-0 respectively before we were unlucky beaten 1-0 by Dover thanks to a last minute strike.

Doodson Sports Cup - Eliminated: Preliminary Round
Honestly couldn't care less about this, went out to Whitby losing 2-0.

Evo-Stik League Presidents Cup - Eliminated: 2nd Round
We beat rivals Farsley in extra-time in the 1st Round, 2-1. But we couldn't beat Newcastle Town in extra-time in the 2nd Round, going out 2-1.

West Riding County Cup - Winners
Another easy run to the final (bar Wakefield in the semi's, which we easily won), we were up against Ossett Town. I can't say much more about the result than what was said above.

Club
Transfers: N/A
Finances: N/A
Player of the Season: N/A

New Club Records
N/A

What Next?
Well, I got carried away and I've already completed next season, so I've been unable to get screenshots and properly update this career thread. I'll just say, next season was a good one. A full season review for 2013/14 will be up in the next few days, with a squad review and more to get everyone caught up with what has happened.

[Yinga Garten]

What's Happening Elsewhere? - 2012/13
Premier League
Champions - Manchester City
Champions League Qualification - Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea
Europa League Qualification - Blackburn, Arsenal
Relegated - Wigan, Reading, Blackpool

Championship
Champions - QPR
Promoted - Leicester, Nottingham Forest
Relegated - Peterborough, Leeds, Doncaster

League 1
Champions - Crystal Palace
Promoted - Southampton, Colchester
Relegated - Port Vale, Stevenage, Rotherham, Hartlepool

League 2
Champions - Wrexham
Promoted - Notts County, Plymouth, Cambridge
Relegated - AFC Wimbledon, Bury

Conference
Champions - Luton
Promoted - York
Relegated - Alfreton, Fleetwood, Braintree, Boreham Wood

Conference North
Champions - Southport
Promoted - Droylsden
Relegated - Hyde, Vauxhall, Colwyn Bay

Conference South
Champions - Ebbsfleet
Promoted - Farnborough
Relegated - Hampton & Richmond, Weymouth, Canvey Island

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Isthmian League Premier Division
Champions - Concord Rangers
Promoted - Tooting & Mitcham
Relegated - Leatherhead, Billericay, Horsham, East Thurrock

Southern Premier Division
Champions - Worcester
Promoted - Chesham
Relegated - Stourport, Banbury, Cirenchester, Hemel Hempstead

Northern Premier Division
Champions - Matlock
Promoted - Kendal
Relegated - Skelmersdale, Mossley, Buxton, Bradford PA

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Northern Premier League First Division North
Champions - Frickley
Promoted - Garforth
Relegated - Harrogate Railway, Durham

Northern Premier League First Division South
Champions - Hucknall
Promoted - Mickleover
Relegated - Rainworth MW, Retford

Isthmian League First Division North
Champions - Billericay
Promoted - Uxbridge
Relegated - Tilbury, Wivenhoe

Isthmian League First Division South
Champions - Bognor Regis
Promoted - Folkestone
Relegated - Faversham, Chipstead

Southern First Division Central
Champions - Daventry
Promoted - St. Neots
Relegated - North Greenford, Dunstable

Southern First Division South/West
Champions - Paulton
Promoted - Taunton
Relegated - Thatcham, Warrington

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FA Cup
Sunderland 3 - 2 Tottenham

League Cup
Tottenham 1 - 4 Bolton

Community Shield
Manchester United 2 - 1 QPR

Johnstone's Paint Trophy
Crystal Palace 0 - 2 Sheffield Wednesday

FA Trophy
Kettering 1 - 3e Mansfield

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Champions League
Barcelona 1 - 0 Lyon @ Wembley, London

Europa League
Marseille 2 - 0 Blackburn @ Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam

[cerud]

Congrats on promotion and your Mickey Mouse trophy