A Story of a Thousand Miles Must Begin With a Single Step

[DazRTaylor]

After my last save was lost, I start afresh. Fit and raring to go!

Game Type - Journeyman. Unless I am unemployed, I do not intend to apply for any vacancies. If a club wants me, they must approach me through my current employers. This may change if I feel I have achieved all I can with my club.

Reputation - Sunday League.

Editor's Used - Real Competition Names. Huge database added. No extra leagues being used.

Leagues Loaded

• South Africa
• China
• Belgium
• England
• France
• Germany
• Holland
• Italy
• Portugal
• Scotland
• Spain
• Mexico
• United States of America
• Argentina
• Brazil

All leagues have been loaded down to their lowest level.

Database Size - Huge

Objectives

• Win the World Cup
• Win a Primary Continental International Tournament
• Win the European Champions League
• Win the European Champions League with a club outside the 'Big Five' leagues
• Win the European Champions League in six different countries
• Win the Copa Libertadores
• Win the Copa Libertadores with a Brazilian and an Argentinian club
• Win the CONCACAF Champions League
• Win the African Champions League
• Win the Asian Champions League
• Win the World Club Cup
• Win the Europa League
• Win the English Premier League
• Win the Spanish La Liga
• Win the German Bundesliga
• Win the Italian Serie A
• Win the French Ligue 1
• Win a European League outside the 'Big Five' leagues
• Win the Brazilian Serie A
• Win the Argentinian Apertura
• Win the Argentinian Clausura
• Win a North American Championship (Domestic League)
• Win the South African ABSA Premiership
• Win the Chinese Super League
• Win a Primary Domestic Cup
• Win a Secondary Domestic Cup
• Win the Manager of the Year award in a European League
• Win the Manager of the Year award in a South American League
• Win the Manager of the Year award in a North American League
• Win the Manager of the Year award in South Africa
• Win the Manager of the Year award in China

Updates

• Start of the Season (normally just before the league kicks off)
• Mid Season (Early January in Europe, for example)
• Mini updates when something exciting happens!

[DazRTaylor]

OBJECTIVES TRACKER

Objective                                                                                        Date Achieved
Win the World Cup                                                                                10 July 2022
Win a Primary Continental International Tournament                                               27 July 2019
Win the European Champions League                                                                26 May 2018
Win the European Champions League with a club outside the 'Big Five' leagues
Win the European Champions League in six different countries
Win the Copa Libertadores
Win the Copa Libertadores with a Brazilian and an Argentinian club
Win the CONCACAF Champions League
Win the African Champions League
Win the Asian Champions League
Win the World Club Cup
Win the Europa League                                                                            15 May 2024
Win the English Premier League                                                                   16 May 2018
Win the Spanish La Liga                                                                           9 May 2020
Win the German Bundesliga                                                                         2 April 2022
Win the Italian Serie A
Win the French Ligue 1                                                                           24 April 2032
Win a European League outside the 'Big Five' leagues
Win the Brazilian Serie A
Win the Argentinian Apertura
Win the Argentinian Clausura
Win a North American Championship (Domestic League)
Win the South African ABSA Premiership
Win the Chinese Super League
Win a Primary Domestic Cup                                                                       12 May 1018
Win a Secondary Domestic Cup                                                                     28 February 2016
Win the Manager of the Year award in a European League                                           16 May 2016
Win the Manager of the Year award in a South American League
Win the Manager of the Year award in a North American League
Win the Manager of the Year award in South Africa
Win the Manager of the Year award in China

[DazRTaylor]

TEAM RECORDS - SINGLE GAME & SEQUENCE

This section details the records I have achieved during this save. Each section is self explanitory and the records show the progression of each. All records are during competitive games only so friendlies do not count. Where I have equalled a record, only the first time I hit that record will be recorded.

Biggest Win

Date               Playing As                            Playing Against                  Score                 Competition                    Location
8 January 2012     Perugia                               Neopolis Frattese                 2-0                  Serie C2/B                     Renato Curi, Perugia
22 January 2012    Perugia                               L'Aquila                          3-0                  Serie C2/B                     Renato Curi, Perugia
7 April 2012       Perugia                               Ebolitana                         5-0                  Serie C2/B                     Renato Curi, Perugia
17 November 2013   Hartlepool United                     Nuneaton                          6-0                  F.A. Cup                       Liberty Way, Nuneaton
15 April 2015      Wigan Athletic                        Fulham                            8-0                  Premier League                 Craven Cottage, London
26 February 2033   Olympique Lyonnais                    Stade Rennais FC                 11-0                  Ligue 1                        Stade des Lumieres, Decines-Charpieu

Biggest Loss

Date               Playing As                            Playing Against                  Score                 Competition                    Location
1 April 2012       Perugia                               Melfi                             0-1                  Serie C2/B                     Renato Curi, Perugia
6 May 2012         Perugia                               Paganese                          0-4                  Serie C2/B                     Marcello Torre, Pagani
7 September 2013   Hartlepool United                     Chesterfield                      0-5                  League One                     B2Net Stadium, Chesterfield

Highest Scoring Game

Date               Playing As                            Playing Against                  Score                 Competition                    Location
8 January 2012     Perugia                               Neopolis Frattese                 2-0                  Serie C2/B                     Renato Curi, Perugia
15 January 2012    Perugia                               Vibonese                          2-1                  Serie C2/B                     Luigi Razza, Vibo Valentia
7 March 2012       Perugia                               Vigor Lamezia                     4-3                  Serie C2/B                     Renato Curi, Perugia
26 January 2013    Hartlepool United                     Aldershot                         5-3                  League Two                     Victoria Park, Hartlepool
21 April 2014      Hartlepool United                     Rochdale                          7-2                  League One                     Victoria Park, Hartlepool
22 January 2028    Ipswich Town                          West Ham United                   8-3                  Premier League                 Portman Road, Ipswich

Most Games Won in a Row

Date From and To                                         Number of Games                   Playing As
8 January 2012 to 29 January 2012                               3                          Perugia
26 February 2012 to 18 March 2012                               4                          Perugia
22 December 2012 to 19 January 2013                             6                          Hartlepool United
13 January 2016 to 13 February 2016                             8                          Wigan Athletic
14 April 2019 to 2 September 2019                              17                          Valencia
5 November 2019 to 25 January 2020                             18                          Valencia
20 October 2021 to 6 April 2022                                30                          Borussia Dortmund

Most Games Without Losing

Date From and To                                         Number of Games                   Playing As
8 January 2012 to 1 April 2012                                 12                          Perugia
28 July 2015 to 22 November 2015                               18                          Wigan Athletic
3 February 2018 to 21 April 2018                               19                          Arsenal
14 September 2019 to 25 January 2020                           30                          Valencia
1 May 2021 to 6 April 2022                                     46                          Borussia Dortmund
28 July 2032 to

Most Games Lost in a Row

Date From and To                                         Number of Games                   Playing As
1 April 2012 to 7 April 2012                                    1                          Perugia
28 December 2013 to 4 January 2014                              2                          Hartlepool United
22 April 2026 to 6 May 2028                                     3                          Ipswich Town

Most Games Without Winning

Date From and To                                         Number of Games                   Playing As
29 January 2012 to 29 January 2012                              1                          Perugia
18 March 2012 to 7 April 2012                                   4                          Perugia
15 March 2031 to 23 April 2031                                  6                          Olympique Lyonnais

[DazRTaylor]

TEAM RECORDS - SEASON

Please note, only seasons where I was manager for a significant portion of the season are eligible. I will display both actual number and percentage so there will be two for some category.

Most League Games Won

Season              Playing As               Number of Wins         Games Played        Win Percentage
2012-13             Hartlepool United               26                   46                  56.52%
2013-14             Hartlepool United               30                   46                  65.22%
2015-16             Wigan Athletic                  25                   38                  65.79%
2016-17             Arsenal                         26                   38                  68.42%
2019-20             Valencia                        29                   38                  76.31%
2021-22             Borussia Dortmund               31                   34                  91.18%
2023-24             Barcelona                       35                   38                  92.11%

Fewest League Games Won

Season              Playing As               Number of Wins         Games Played        Win Percentage
2012-13             Hartlepool United               26                   46                  56.52%
2015-16             Wigan Athletic                  25                   38                  65.79%
2020-21             Borussia Dortmund               23                   34                  67.65%

Most League Games Lost

Season              Playing As               Number of Losses       Games Played        Loss Percentage
2012-13             Hartlepool United               12                   46                  26.09%
2014-15             Wigan Athletic                  11                   38                  28.95%

Fewest League Games Lost

Season              Playing As               Number of Losses       Games Played        Loss Percentage
2012-13             Hartlepool United               12                   46                  26.09%
2013-14             Hartlepool United                9                   46                  19.57%
2015-16             Wigan Athletic                   6                   38                  15.79%
2017-18             Arsenal                          3                   38                   7.89%
2021-22             Borussia Dortmund                0                   34                   0.00%

Most League Goals Scored

Season              Playing As               Number of Goals        Games Played        Goals Per Game Ratio
2012-13             Hartlepool United               76                   46                     1.65
2013-14             Hartlepool United               83                   46                     1.80
2014-15             Wigan Athletic                  81                   38                     2.13
2014-15             Wigan Athletic                  86                   38                     2.26
2017-18             Arsenal                         98                   38                     2.58
2019-20             Valencia                       104                   38                     2.74
2012-22             Borussia Dortmund              131                   34                     3.85

Fewest League Goals Scored

Season              Playing As               Number of Goals        Games Played        Goals Per Game Ratio
2012-13             Hartlepool United               76                   46                     1.65

Most League Goals Conceded

Season              Playing As               Number of Goals        Games Played        Goals Per Game Ratio
2012-13             Hartlepool United               42                   46                     0.91
2014-15             Wigan Athletic                  51                   38                     1.34
2020-21             Borussia Dortmund               46                   34                     1.35

Fewest League Goals Conceded

Season              Playing As               Number of Goals        Games Played        Goals Per Game Ratio
2012-13             Hartlepool United               42                   46                     0.91
2013-14             Hartlepool United               40                   46                     0.87
2014-15             Wigan Athletic                  32                   38                     0.84
2019-20             Valencia                        16                   38                     0.42
2031-32             Olympique Lyonnais              12                   38                     0.32

[DazRTaylor]

PLAYER RECORDS - SINGLE MATCH

Most Goals Scored in a Game

Date               Player                           Playing For                       Playing Against        Goals Scored        Game Score                Competition          Location
8 January 2012     Pierluigi Borghetti              Perugia                           Neapolis Frattese           1                 2-0                    Serie C2/B           Renato Curi, Perugia
22 January 2012    Pierluigi Borghetti              Perugia                           L'Aquila                    2                 3-0                    Serie C2/B           Renato Curi, Perugia
7 March 2012       Romano Tozzi Borsoi              Perugia                           Vigor Lamezia               3                 4-3                    Serie C2/B           Renato Curi, Perugia
21 April 2014      Matthew Mills                    Hartlepool United                 Rochdale                    4                 7-2                    League One           Victoria Park, Hartlepool

Most Assists in a Game

Date               Player                           Playing For                       Playing Against        Assists             Game Score                Competition          Location
8 January 2012     Giammarco Frezza                 Perugia                           Neapolis Frattese         1                   2-0                    Serie C2/B           Renato Curi, Perugia
22 January 2012    Betu                             Perugia                           L'Aquila                  3                   3-0                    Serie C2/B           Ranato Curi, Perugia
7 March 2012       Vinicius Frasson                 Perugia                           Vigor Lamezia             4                   4-3                    Serie C2/B           Renato Curi, Perugia
18 September 2032  Emmanuel Zwane                   Olympique Lyonnais                SC Bastia                 5                   5-0                    Ligue 1              Stade des Lumieres, Decines-Charpieu

Highest Average Rating in a Game

Date               Player                           Playing For                       Playing Against        Average Rating      Game Score                Competition          Location
8 January 2012     Betu                             Perugia                           Neapolis Frattese            8.3              2-0                    Serie C2/B           Renato Curi, Perugia
22 January 2012    Pierluigi Borghetti              Perugia                           L'Aquila                     9.3              3-0                    Serie C2/B           Renato Curi, Perugia
7 March 2012       Romano Tozzi Borsoi              Perugia                           Vigor Lamezia                9.5              4-3                    Serie C2/B           Renato Curi, Perugia
18 April 2012      Pierluigi Borghetti              Perugia                           Campobasso                   9.8              3-0                    Serie C2/B           Renato Curi, Perugia
21 April 2014      Matthew Mills                    Hartlepool United                 Rochdale                     9.9              7-2                    League One           Victoria Park, Hartlepool

[DazRTaylor]

PLAYER RECORDS - WHOLE SEASON (Minimum 20 Matches)

Please note, in my first season with Perugia, no one qualified for this section.

Most Goals Scored

Season             Player                                Playing For                       Games Played           Goals Scored
2012-13            James Brown                           Hartlepool United                      31(3)                  16
2013-14            Luke James                            Hartlepool United                      43(1)                  32
2015-16            Serdar Donumcu                        Wigan Athletic                         52(2)                  37
2012-22            Petr Navratil                         Borussia Dortmund                      49(1)                  56

Most Assists

Season             Player                                Playing For                       Games Played           Assists
2012-13            Matt Thornhill                        Hartlepool United                      27(1)                9
2013-14            Michael Johnson                       Hartlepool United                      30                  14
2014-15            Valter Birsa                          Wigan Athletic                         44(1)               20
2015-16            James McCarthy                        Wigan Athletic                         54                  41
2029-30            Cesar Marronkle                       Ipswich Town                           56                  48
2031-32            Emmanuel Zwane                        Olympique Lyonnais                     51                  66

Highest Average Rating

Season             Player                                Playing For                       Games Played           Average Rating
2012-13            Matt Thornhill                        Hartlepool United                      27(1)                  7.37
2013-14            Matthew Mills                         Hartlepool United                      21                     7.58
2015-16            Jonathan Mensah                       Wigan Athletic                         47                     7.76
2016-17            Zacharias Barakos                     Arsenal                                52                     7.88
2020-21            Mario Gotze                           Borussia Dortmund                      42(1)                  7.96
2021-22            Mario Gotze                           Borussia Dortmund                      32(1)                  8.19
2031-32            Emmanuel Zwane                        Olympique Lyonnais                     51                     8.26

Most Clean Sheets

Season             Player                                Playing For                       Games Played           Clean Sheets
2012-13            Scott Flinders                        Hartlepool United                      48                     18
2013-14            Ermin Besic                           Hartlepool United                      54                     23
2015-16            Bojan Nackov                          Wigan Athletic                         57                     33
2018-19            Wojciech Szczesny                     Valencia                               59                     34
2019-20            Mihaita Starpici                      Valencia                               56                     38

[DazRTaylor]

CAREER HISTORY

Clubs

Season     Team                      League                       Final Position          Notes
2011-12    Perugia                   Italian Serie C2B                 3rd                Appointed 24 December 2011.  Promoted to Serie C1 via the playoffs.  Resigned 1 July 2012
2012-13    Hartlepool United         English League Two                1st                Appointed 22 December 2012.  Promoted as League Two champions.
2013-14    Hartlepool United         English League One                1st                Promoted as League One champions.  I declined a new contract and left on expiry.
2014-15    Wigan Athletic            English Premier League            6th                Appointed 16 June 2014.  Carling Cup runners up.
2015-16    Wigan Athletic            English Premier League            4th                Carling Cup winners.  Qualified for the Champions League.
2016-17    Wigan Athletic            English Premier League            6th*               Resigned 8 November 2016.
2016-17    Arsenal                   English Premier League            2nd                Appointed 8 November 2016.  14th on arrival.  Champions League runners up.  F. A. Cup runners up.
2017-18    Arsenal                   English Premier League            1st                Champions League winners.  Premier League winners.  F. A. Cup winners. Resigned 8 June 2018.
2018-19    Valencia                  Spanish LIGA BBVA                 3rd                Appointed 10 November 2018.  12th when appointed.  Champions League winners.  Copa del Rey winners.
2019-20    Valencia                  Spanish LIGA BBVA                 1st                LIGA BBVA winners.  Copa del Rey winners.  Club World Championship winners.  UEFA Super Cup winners.  Super Cup winners.
2020-21    Borussia Dortmund         German Bundesliga                 2nd                Appointed 6 November 2020.
2021-22    Borussia Dortmund         German Bundesliga                 1st                Champions League winners.  Bundesliga winners.  DFB-Pokal winners.  Super Cup winners.   Resigned at the end of the season.
2022-23    No club
2023-24    Barcelona                 Spanish LIGA BBVA                 1st                Europa League winners.  LIGA BBVA winners.  Appointed mid May 2023.  Resigned June 3 2024.
2024-25    AS Monaco                 French Ligue 1                    3rd                Appointed 12 March 2025.  Qualified for the Champions League.
2025-26    AS Monaco                 French Ligue 1                    2nd*               Dismissed on 12 November 2025.
2026-27    Ipswich Town              English Championship              4th                Appointed 16 November 2026.  Promoted to the Premier League via playoffs.
2027-28    Ipswich Town              English Premier League            4th                F. A. Cup winners.  Carling Cup winners.
2028-29    Ipswich Town              English Premier League            2nd                F. A. Cup winners.
2029-30    Ipswich Town              English Premier League            1st                Premier League champions.  Carling Cup winners.  Community Shield winners.  Resigned at the end of the season.
2030-31    Olympique Lyonnais        French Ligue 1                    2nd                Appointed 2 November 2030.  Coupe de France winners.
2031-32    Olympique Lyonnais        French Ligue 1                    1st                French Ligue 1 winners.  French Coupe de la Ligue winners.  French Champions Trophy winners.
2032-33    Olympique Lyonnais        French Ligue 1                                       French Champions Trophy winners.

National Teams

Nation     Date Appointed            Date Left                    Achievements & Notes
Brazil     21 July 2018              10 July 2022                 Copa America winners 2019.  Confederations Cup winners 2021.  World Cup winners 2022.
England    18 July 2032

[DazRTaylor]

HONOURS

Club Honours

Season     Team                  Honour
2012-13    Hartlepool United     English League Two
2013-14    Hartlepool United     English League One
2015-16    Wigan Athletic        English Carling Cup
2017-18    Arsenal               European Champions League
2017-18    Arsenal               English Premier League
2017-18    Arsenal               English F. A. Cup
2018-19    Valencia              Spanish Copa del Rey
2018-19    Valencia              European Champions League
2019-20    Valencia              Spanish Super Cup
2019-20    Valencia              UEFA Super Cup
2019-20    Valencia              Club World Championship
2019-20    Valencia              Spanish Copa del Rey
2019-20    Valencia              Spanish LIGA BBVA
2021-22    Borussia Dortmund     German Super Cup
2021-22    Broussia Dortmund     German Bundesliga
2021-22    Broussia Dortmund     German DFB-Pokal
2021-22    Broussia Dortmund     European Champions League
2023-24    Barcelona             Spanish LIGA BBVA
2023-24    Barcelona             European Europa League
2027-28    Ipswich Town          English Carling Cup
2027-28    Ipswich Town          English F. A. Cup
2028-29    Ipswich Town          English F. A. Cup
2029-30    Ipswich Town          English Community Shield
2029-30    Ipswich Town          English Carling Cup
2029-30    Ipswich Town          English Premier League
2030-31    Olympique Lyonnais    French Coupe de France
2031-32    Olympique Lyonnais    French Champions Trophy
2031-32    Olympique Lyonnais    French Coupe de la Ligue
2031-32    Olympique Lyonnais    French Ligue 1
2032-33    Olympique Lyonnais    French Champions Trophy

Year       Nation                Honour
2019       Brazil                Copa America
2021       Brazil                Confederations Cup
2022       Brazil                World Cup

I will list the honours below, in order of importance:

1 x World Cup
1 x Copa America
1 x Confederations Cup
3 x European Champions League
1 x European Europa League
2 x English Premier League title
2 x Spanish LIGA BBVA title
1 x German Bundesliga
1 x French Ligue 1
3 x English F. A. Cup
2 x Spanish Copa del Rey
1 x German DFB-Pokal
1 x French Coupe de France
3 x English Carling Cup
1 x French Coupe de la Ligue
1 x English League One title
1 x English League Two title
1 x Club World Championship
1 x UEFA Super Cup
1 x English Community Shield
1 x Spanish Super Cup
1 x German Super Cup
2 x French Champions Trophy

Manager of the Year Awards

Season                 Country                    Club
2016-17                England                    Arsenal
2017-18                England                    Arsenal
2019-20                Spain                      Valencia
2021-22                Germany                    Borussia Dortmund
2023-24                Spain                      Barcelona
2027-28                England                    Ipswich Town
2029-30                England                    Ipswich Town

[DazRTaylor]

CLUB WATCH

This section details the clubs I have managed from the time I was with them. I will continue to log their history when I leave.

Perugia

Season       Champions League   Europa League         Final League Position            Coppa Italia                Serie C Cup
2011-12             N/a              N/a              3rd Italian Serie C2/B (P)            N/a                    Group stage
2012-13             N/a              N/a              5th Italian Serie C1/B           1st qualifying round        1st round
2013-14             N/a              N/a             18th Italian Serie C1/B (R)       1st qualifying round        Group stage
2014-15             N/a              N/a              4th Italian Serie C2/A (P)            N/a                    2nd round
2015-16             N/a              N/a             12th Italian Serie C1/B           2nd qualifying round        1st round
2016-17             N/a              N/a              8th Italian Serie C1/B                N/a                    1st round
2017-18             N/a              N/a              6th Italian Serie C1/B           2nd qualifying round        1st round
2018-19             N/a              N/a             14th Italian Serie C1/B           2nd qualifying round        1st round
2019-20             N/a              N/a              4th Italian Serie C1/B                N/a                    3rd round
2020-21             N/a              N/a             10th Italian Serie C1/B           2nd qualifying round        2nd round
2021-22             N/a              N/a              1st Italian Serie C1/B (P)            N/a                    3rd round
2022-23             N/a              N/a             17th Italian Serie B              2nd qualifying round           N/a
2023-24             N/a              N/a             21st Italian Serie B    (R)       1st round                      N/a
2024-25             N/a              N/a              1st Italian Serie C1/B (P)       1st qualifying round        2nd round
2025-26             N/a              N/a              1st Italian Serie B (P)          3rd qualifying round           N/a
2026-27             N/a              N/a             20th Italian Serie A (R)          1st round                      N/a
2027-28             N/a              N/a             13th Italian Serie B              3rd qualifying round           N/a
2028-29             N/a              N/a             17th Italian Serie B              3rd qualifying round           N/a
2029-30             N/a              N/a             21st Italian Serie B (R)          4th qualifying round           N/a
2030-31             N/a              N/a              2nd Italian Serie C1/B           2nd qualifying round        Semi final
2031-32             N/a              N/a              8th Italian Serie C1/B           2nd qualifying round        Group Stage

Hartlepool United

Season       Champions League    Europa League         Final League Position            F. A. Cup                  Carling Cup           Johnstone's Paint Trophy
2012-13             N/a               N/a              1st English League Two   (P)     1st round                  1st round                     2nd round
2013-14             N/a               N/a              1st English League One   (P)     Quarter final              1st round                     2nd round
2014-15             N/a               N/a             15th English Championship         3rd round                  2nd round                        N/a
2015-16             N/a               N/a             15th English Championship         3rd round                  1st round                        N/a
2016-17             N/a               N/a              9th English Championship         3rd round                  2nd round                        N/a
2017-18             N/a               N/a             22nd English Championship (R)     5th round                  2nd round                        N/a
2018-19             N/a               N/a              3rd English League One   (P)     5th round                  3rd round                     2nd round
2019-20             N/a               N/a             11th English Championship         3rd round                  2nd round                        N/a
2020-21             N/a               N/a             22nd English Championship (R)     3rd round                  3rd round                        N/a
2021-22             N/a               N/a              9th English League One           4th round                  2nd round                     2nd round
2022-23             N/a               N/a              2nd English League One   (P)     3rd round                  2nd round                     2nd round
2023-24             N/a               N/a             21st English Championship         4th round                  2nd round                        N/a
2024-25             N/a               N/a             22nd English Championship (R)     3rd round                  3rd round                        N/a
2025-26             N/a               N/a              6th English League One (P)       2nd round                  2nd round                     2nd round
2026-27             N/a               N/a             23rd English Championship (R)     4th round                  3rd round                        N/a
2027-28             N/a               N/a             10th English League One           1st round                  2nd round                     2nd round
2028-29             N/a               N/a              4th English League One (P)       3rd round                  2nd round                     1st round
2029-30             N/a               N/a             22nd English Championship (R)     3rd round                  2nd round                        N/a
2030-31             N/a               N/a             10th English League One           1st round                  2nd round                     Winners
2031-32             N/a               N/a              8th English League One           4th round                  2nd round                     2nd round

Wigan Athletic

Season       Champions League    Europa League         Final League Position            F. A. Cup                  Carling Cup
2014-15             N/a               N/a              6th English Premier League       4th round                  Runners Up
2015-16             N/a          Quarter finals        4th English Premier League       5th round                  Winners
2016-17      Quarter final            N/a              5th English Premier League       4th round                  3rd round
2017-18             N/a          Winners               3rd English Premier League       5th round                  Semi final
2018-19      Quarter final            N/a              7th English Premier League       Semi final                 Quarter final
2019-20             N/a               N/a              7th English Premier League       Winners                    3rd round
2020-21             N/a          2nd knockout round    5th English Premier League       Quarter final              3rd round
2021-22             N/a          Winners               9th English Premier League       3rd round                  4th round
2022-23             N/a          1st knockout round    2nd English Premier League       Quarter final              3rd round
2023-24      Group stage         2nd knockout round    7th English Premier League       Quarter final              3rd round
2024-25             N/a               N/a              4th English Premier League       4th round                  2nd round
2025-26      Quarter final            N/a              8th English Premier League       5th round                  3rd round
2026-27             N/a               N/a             10th English Premier League       5th round                  4th round
2027-28             N/a               N/a             15th English Premier League       4th round                  4th round
2028-29             N/a               N/a             12th English Premier League       4th round                  4th round
2029-30             N/a               N/a             19th English Premier League (R)   5th round                  4th round
2030-31             N/a               N/a              1st English Championship (P)     Quarter final              2nd round
2031-32             N/a               N/a             12th English Premier League       4th round                  Semi final

Arsenal

Season       Champions League    Europa League         Final League Position            F. A. Cup                  Carling Cup
2016-17      Runners up               N/a              2nd English Premier League       Runners up                 3rd round
2017-18      Winners                  N/a              1st English Premier League       Winners                    3rd round
2018-19      Runners up               N/a              1st English Premier League       Runners up                 Semi final
2019-20      Quarter final            N/a              1st English Premier League       5th round                  3rd round
2020-21      Runners up               N/a              3rd English Premier League       5th round                  Semi final
2021-22      Runners up               N/a              2nd English Premier League       Quarter final              3rd round
2022-23      Winners                  N/a              1st English Premier League       5th round                  Runners up
2023-24      Winners                  N/a              1st English Premier League       4th round                  Winners
2024-25      Group stage         Winners               5th English Premier League       Quarter final              4th round
2025-26             N/a          Semi final            1st English Premier League       3rd round                  Semi final
2026-27      Semi final               N/a              2nd English Premier League       4th round                  3rd round
2027-28      1st knockout round       N/a              5th English Premier League       5th round                  4th round
2028-29             N/a          2nd knockout round    6th English Premier League       5th round                  Semi final
2029-30             N/a          Semi final           10th English Premier League       Winners                    Quarter final
2030-31             N/a          Winners               6th English Premier League       5th round                  3rd round
2031-32             N/a          Winners               4th English Premier League       3rd round                  3rd round

Valencia

Season       Champions League    Europa League         Final League Position            Copa del Rey
2018-19      Winners                  N/a              3rd Spanish LIGA BBVA            Winners
2019-20      Semi final               N/a              1st Spanish LIGA BBVA            Winners
2020-21      Winners                  N/a              1st Spanish LIGA BBVA            Winners
2021-22      Quarter final            N/a              2nd Spanish LIGA BBVA            Winners
2022-23      Runners up               N/a              1st Spanish LIGA BBVA            Quarter final
2023-24      1st knockout round       N/a              2nd Spanish LIGA BBVA            Winners
2024-25      Runners up               N/a              1st Spanish LIGA BBVA            Quarter final
2025-26      Winners                  N/a              2nd Spanish LIGA BBVA            Runners up
2026-27      Runners up               N/a              3rd Spanish LIGA BBVA            5th round
2027-28      Quarter final            N/a              2nd Spanish LIGA BBVA            5th round
2028-29      Quarter final            N/a              4th Spanish LIGA BBVA            Semi final
2029-30      1st knockout round       N/a              2nd Spanish LIGA BBVA            5th round
2030-31      Quarter final            N/a              2nd Spanish LIGA BBVA            Semi final
2031-32      Semi final               N/a              1st Spanish LIGA BBVA            5th round

Borussia Dortmund

Season       Champions League    Europa League         Final League Position            DFB-Pokal
2020-21      Semi final               N/a              2nd German Bundesliga            Semi final
2021-22      Winners                  N/a              1st German Bundesliga            Winners
2022-23      Quarter final            N/a              1st German Bundesliga            1st round
2023-24      1st knockout round       N/a              2nd German Bundesliga            1st round
2024-25      Semi final               N/a              2nd German Bundesliga            1st round
2025-26      1st knockout round       N/a              1st German Bundesliga            Quarter final
2026-27      Quarter final            N/a              1st German Bundesliga            2nd round
2027-28      Quarter final            N/a              1st German Bundesliga            2nd round
2028-29      Group stage         Winners               2nd German Bundesliga            Quarter final
2029-30      Semi final               N/a              2nd German Bundesliga            1st round
2030-31      1st knockout round       N/a              1st German Bundesliga            Semi final
2031-32      1st knockout round       N/a              1st German Bundesliga            1st round

Barcelona

Season       Champions League    Europa League         Final League Position            Copa del Rey
2023-24             N/a          Winners               1st Spanish LIGA BBVA            Runners up
2024-25      Winners                  N/a              3rd Spanish LIGA BBVA            Runners up
2025-26      Quarter final            N/a              3rd Spanish LIGA BBVA            Semi final
2026-27      Group stage         Winners               4th Spanish LIGA BBVA            Winners
2027-28      Winners                  N/a              5th Spanish LIGA BBVA            5th round
2028-29      Runners up               N/a              1st Spanish LIGA BBVA            Semi final
2029-30      Winners                  N/a              4th Spanish LIGA BBVA            Semi final
2030-31      1st knockout round       N/a              1st Spanish LIGA BBVA            5th round
2031-32      Winners                  N/a              1st Spanish LIGA BBVA            Runners up

AS Monaco

Season       Champions League    Europa League         Final League Position            Coupe de France            Coupe de la Ligue
2024-25             N/a               N/a              3rd French Ligue 1               11th round                 3rd round
2025-26      1st knockout round       N/a              2nd French Ligue 1               Winners                    Runners up
2026-27      1st knockout round       N/a              3rd French Ligue 1               10th round                 Quarter final
2027-28      Best placed playoff 1st knockout round    7th French Ligue 1               Winners                    Quarter final
2028-29             N/a          1st knockout round    4th French Ligue 1               9th round                  Semi final
2029-30             N/a          Group stage           4th French Ligue 1               10th round                 Quarter final
2030-31             N/a          2nd knockout round   10th French Ligue 1               10th round                 Quarter final
2031-32             N/a               N/a              7th French Ligue 1               Runners up                 Quarter final

Ipswich Town

Season       Champions League    Europa League         Final League Position            F. A. Cup                  Carling Cup
2026-27             N/a               N/a              4th English Championship (P)     Semi final                 4th round
2027-28             N/a               N/a              4th English Premier League       Winners                    Winners
2028-29      Quarter final            N/a              2nd English Premier League       Winners                    Quarter final
2029-30      Runners up               N/a              1st English Premier League       Semi final                 Winners
2030-31      1st knockout round       N/a              5th English Premier League       5th round                  Semi final
2031-32             N/a          2nd knockout round    3rd English Premier League       Quarter final              3rd round

Olympique Lyonnais

Season       Champions League    Europa League         Final League Position            Coupe de France            Coupe de la Ligue
2030-31      Quarter final            N/a              2nd French Ligue 1               Winners                    4th round
2031-32      Winners                  N/a              1st French Ligue 1               Quarter final              Winners

[deltablue]

All set to be well documented then.

[DazRTaylor]

Ok, two exciting offers:

Willem II have already qualified for the playoffs in the Jupiler League and are out of the cup.

Pros

• Already qualified for end of season promotion playoffs
• Decent squad
• If promoted, they are in the top flight

Cons

• Top flight too soon?
• No money

Perugia are 6th in C2/B and are out of all the cups.

Pros

• Famous Italian club
• Chance to rise up the leagues quite quickly
• Substantial budget for this level

Cons

• Fourth tier
• Easy to get 'stuck' at this level for a while with so few promotion places available

So what is your advice guys? I will decide this evening after work but would appreicate your input.

[DazRTaylor]

All set to be well documented then.

Absolutely! I thought I would go to town in this game

[DodgeeD]

I'd go with Perugia. As you say, Willem II could be top flight football too soon and cause you to miss out on some lower league fun.

[Razer82]

Go with Perugia & spend a couple of formative seasons in the lower leagues.

Earn yourself a job in a higher league later on.

[deltablue]

Perugia seems the better prospect, and challenge to reach the top flight.

[coola567]

I'd say Perugia. I have managed in the Netherlands before, as FC Eindhoven, and I can tell you that the leap from Jupiler League to the Eresdivise is enormous. Most of the teams in the Eresdivise are well-established and have alotta money. As a promoted club you would be abttling relegation for a long time before maybe hitting it big. As far as I know there aren't any massive leaps like that in Italy

[DazRTaylor]

I'd go with Perugia. As you say, Willem II could be top flight football too soon and cause you to miss out on some lower league fun.

Go with Perugia & spend a couple of formative seasons in the lower leagues.

Earn yourself a job in a higher league later on.

Perugia seems the better prospect, and challenge to reach the top flight.

I'd say Perugia. I have managed in the Netherlands before, as FC Eindhoven, and I can tell you that the leap from Jupiler League to the Eresdivise is enormous. Most of the teams in the Eresdivise are well-established and have alotta money. As a promoted club you would be abttling relegation for a long time before maybe hitting it big. As far as I know there aren't any massive leaps like that in Italy

Thanks guys. Pretty much sums up my thoughts too

[DazRTaylor]

PERUGIA

Club - Perugia

Nation - Italy

League - Serie C2/B (4th tier)

Stadium - Renato Curi

Capacity - 23,625 all seater

Corporate Facilities - Adequate

Training Facilities - Good

Youth Facilities - Adequate

Junior Coaching - Adequate

Youth Recruitment - Fairly Basic

Media Prediction - 1st

My expectation - 2nd. I feel there is too big a gap between 6th, where we are, and 1st. 11 points to be exact, with 20 league games remaining.

Transfer Budget - £636,891. Like I said, massive for a fourth tier side.

Wage Budget - £16,879 per week.

Current Wage Bill - £18,117. As I am overspending, I will be readjusting as I detets not being within budget!

League Table

Promising. I take over with Perugia in a play off spot. Promotion must be the objective, surely?

Squad

Plenty to work with but I intend to strengthen in the upcoming January transfer window, especially in defence.

[cerud]

That is some level of documentation! Good luck with Perugia.

[DazRTaylor]

That is some level of documentation! Good luck with Perugia.

Thanks mate.

[Razer82]

Seems as though you've got some talented players in that squad.

Good luck for the games left in the season, hopefully you can at least grab a playoff place.

[deltablue]

Good choice, good luck.

[DazRTaylor]

Seems as though you've got some talented players in that squad.

Good luck for the games left in the season, hopefully you can at least grab a playoff place.

Was going well until a four match winless run. Looks like playoffs and not automatic.

Good choice, good luck.

Thanks

[JackJCFC]

Not many point deductions in that division are there?

[DazRTaylor]

Not many point deductions in that division are there?

Haha exactly what I thought

[DazRTaylor]

END OF SEASON REVIEW

SEASON 2011-2012

League

A poor run of form in April scuppered any chance of automatic promotion. Still, the playoffs it was and we duly won them to secure promotion to Serie C1.

Coppa Italia

Did not enter.

Serie C Cup

Already eliminated before I arrived.

PLAYERS

Player of the Season

This centre half was immense for me. With the system I play, he comes up for all corners and rewarded me with a dozen goals.

Special Mention

An absolute beast from the attacking midfield position. 16 assists! Great stuff.

The Future

After playing half a season with Perugia, I have remembered why I don't enjoy the lower leagues in Italy. I just find it so tiresome! Not sure if I will stay here or join another club.

[nie jem frytek]

I love posts from #2 to #9

The rest is also good of course.

[DazRTaylor]

I love posts from #2 to #9

The rest is also good of course.

Thank you

[DazRTaylor]

My lack of desire for Italian lower league football has led me to resign from Perugia.

A new challenge awaits, albeit without a club to go to! Yet.

[deltablue]

Good start, good luck at wherever next.

[DazRTaylor]

Good start, good luck at wherever next.

Thanks mate

[DazRTaylor]

HARTLEPOOL UNITED

Having been to Victoria Park in real life to see my beloved Yeovil Town draw 1-1 (after an eight hour drive through blizzards & fog), I am quite excited about this move.

Club - Hartlepool United

Nation - England

League - League Two (4th tier)

Stadium - Victoria Park

Capacity - 7,856 (4,249 seated)

Corporate Facilities - Average

Training Facilities - Average

Youth Facilities - Basic

Junior Coaching - Adequate

Youth Recruitment - Fairly Basic

Media Prediction - 5th

My expectation - 7th. Currently 12th, I just want a play off spot to enable to lable the season a success.

Transfer Budget - £23,144

Wage Budget - £23,067 per week.

Current Wage Bill - £26,841. Quite a bit over. I feel a cull coming on!

League Table

Not a disaster by any means, but after relegation last year, the board want a quick return. Look at how tight it is at the top of the league! Go Yeovil, go!!!

Squad

Quite a lot to work with here including some very classy youngsters. Unfortunately, quite a bit of dross too and they must go to free up the wages.

[cerud]

That was a crazy amount of points deducted from teams in Italy! Congrats on getting them promoted and good luck in Hartlepool now

[DazRTaylor]

That was a crazy amount of points deducted from teams in Italy! Congrats on getting them promoted and good luck in Hartlepool now

Thank you

As I have only just taken over, I won't do an update this January but needless to say, I have swung the proverbial axe and got rid of over 12 players, freeing up over £8,000 from the wage bill. Also started like a train, with 4 straight wins. Luke James being the star.

[DazRTaylor]

Hmmm, my squad is better than I thought. The first five league games:

Like I said above, young teenage striker Luke James has been a revelation...yet my predecessor used him as a substitute. No wonder he got fired.

[DazRTaylor]

MAJOR NEW SIGNING

I have brought in a few free transfers and loans, but I couldn't believe it when this lad agreed to sign for me, albeit with a low minimum release clause:

Bloody hell I love my scouts

[cerud]

Great player! ANd he's young so he will definitely improve with the right guidance

[AcidBurn]

Good luck with Hartlepool, started very very well hope your form can continue.

[DazRTaylor]

Great player! ANd he's young so he will definitely improve with the right guidance

Good luck with Hartlepool, started very very well hope your form can continue.

Thanks guys

[DazRTaylor]

END OF SEASON REVIEW

SEASON 2012-13

League

League champions but boy was it close. I was top going into the last match but not guaranteed promotion such was its closeness. Great to see both Yeovil promoted and Bristol Rovers relegated!

F. A. Cup

Already eliminated before I arrived.

Carling Cup

Already eliminated before I arrived.

Johnstone's Paint Trophy

Already eliminated before I arrived.

PLAYERS

Player of the Season

Matt Thornhill. A beast in the middle of the park.

Special Mention

Luke James. Was only getting the occasional substitute game by my predecessor, he repaid my faith with 11 goals in only 17 starts.

FORMER CLUB WATCH

Perugia

Season                  Final League Position      Champions League              Europa League        Coppa Italia               Serie C Cup
2011-12                 3rd Italian Serie C2/B (P)        N/a                         N/a                  N/a                   Group stage
2012-13                 5th Italian Serie C1/B            N/a                         N/a             1st qualifying round       1st round

[DazRTaylor]

After losing 5-1 at home to Man City, I had Chelsea in a pre season friendly. Arguably my finest ever friendly victory!

[DazRTaylor]

SEASON 2013-14 PREVIEW

A new season in League One beckons!

Media Prediction - 21st

My expectation - 12th. Safe mid table obscurity will do me fine.

Transfer Budget - £0

Wage Budget - £31,284 per week.

NEW SIGNINGS

Wheeling & dealing was the order of the day and the following arrived on free transfers.

[deltablue]

Already got a very strong side, and great march to promotion so soon.

[SRL88]

Ohhhhhhhhhhh, theres only one United and they come from Hartlepool.......Hartlepool, Hartlepool .

[DazRTaylor]

Already got a very strong side, and great march to promotion so soon.

Thanks To be honest, the competition is pretty poor in League One.

Ohhhhhhhhhhh, theres only one United and they come from Hartlepool.......Hartlepool, Hartlepool .

[DazRTaylor]

MID SEASON REVIEW

League

Excellent first half to the season. I lie sixth, yet could of been so much better as I was top for five weeks. Still, I wouldh'v taken this at the start of the season.

F. A. Cup

An excellent run and it is still going! 6-0 away thumping of non league Nuneaton in round 1, 2-0 at home to League Two Ebbsfleet in round 2, 4-2 win at fellow League One outfit Scunthorpe in round 3 has given me a home match against League Two side Bradford in the fourth round.

Carling Cup

The less said the better. A 3-0 mauling at League One Tranmere in round 1.

Johnstone's Paint Trophy

Altho0ugh we won on penalties at Coventry after a 1-1 draw in round 1, we lost 1-0 at Rotherham next time out.

PLAYERS

Players In

Although I have done well, my squad is small and they are already kanckered so I need some major stregthening to maintain a playoff spot. The board gave me £150,000 and together with the proceeds of the sale of Oliver Norwood, I made 1 permanent signing, smashing the clubs transfer record in the process, together with a spate of loan signings:

Permanent Signing

Nick Powell - £625,000 arrival from Crewe. Just as good as his hype.

Loan Signings

Adnan Januzaj - Attacking midfielder arriving from Manchester United.
Matt Mills - Centre half from Leicester - despite his hefty wages, I am not paying a penny towards them!
James Ward-Prowse - Excellent young central midfielder from Southampton.
Graham Irving - Young left back arrived to provide backup at left full back. Birmingham is his permanent home.

[DazRTaylor]

Season has just finished and will update soon. My contract is up and am in two minds about renewing...

[DazRTaylor]

END OF SEASON REVIEW

SEASON 2013-14

League

Well, what a season. I was worried about depth at Christmas, hence my loan signings and they were magnificent. Matthew Mills especially. 11 goals in only 21 games from the back - he was a rock too!

I am pleased to see Chesterfield go up - look at their goals for and against column. The season's 'Entertainers'!

F. A. Cup

A great run, just a shame it ended in a damp squib. Bradford were duly dispatched 2-0 in the fourth round, Rotherham 1-0 in the fifth round setting up a huge game - definitely winnable - against Bristol City at home in the quarter finals. Bristol City were struggling against relegation in the league above - the Championship - yet they played us off the park, winning 2-1.

Carling Cup

Already eliminated at the last update.

Johnstone's Paint Trophy

Already eliminated at the last update.

PLAYERS

Player of the Season

Luke James was majestic all season. Led the line, despite being only 19 years old. Such a shame he missed the last three games through injury but he came of age this year.

Special Mention

Matthew Mills was unwanted by his club, Leicester City, so arrived on loan in January for the rest of the season. All wages were paid by Leicester. He was simply magnificent.

FORMER CLUB WATCH

Perugia

Season                  Final League Position      Champions League              Europa League        Coppa Italia               Serie C Cup
2011-12                 3rd Italian Serie C2/B (P)        N/a                         N/a                  N/a                   Group stage
2012-13                 5th Italian Serie C1/B            N/a                         N/a             1st qualifying round       1st round
2013-14                18th Italian Serie C1/B (R)        N/a                         N/a             1st qualifying round       Group stage

[TheGreatTraveler]

Great job on the Double promotion!! Can you make it 3 in 3?

[rancer890]

Good luck in the Championship.

Or some other club if you're planning to leave.

[DazRTaylor]

Good luck in the Championship.

Or some other club if you're planning to leave.

Great job on the Double promotion!! Can you make it 3 in 3?

Thanks guys, but no, it won't be 3 from 3...

Wigan have just finished the season in 2nd place in the Championship so the Premier League awaits!

[DazRTaylor]

WIGAN ATHLETIC

Club - Wigan Athletic

Nation - England

League - Premier League (top tier)

Stadium - DW Stadium

Capacity - 25,133 all seater

Corporate Facilities - Good

Training Facilities - Top

Youth Facilities - Average

Junior Coaching - Adequate

Youth Recruitment - Average

As stated above, Wigan will start the new season in the Premier League.

Squad

This is the squad with those players I will keep. I have trimmed fifteen players - they are currently in the reserves as I await bids for them!

[TheGreatTraveler]

Is Rodallega still in the team?

[DazRTaylor]

Is Rodallega still in the team?

Nope, he was sold to Vitesse Arnhem last year for £3.7m. Vitesse won the Dutch league too.

[TheGreatTraveler]

Oh
No Rodagol

[DazRTaylor]

SEASON 2014-15 PREVIEW

A new adventure awaits in the Premier League with Wigan Athletic.

Media Prediction - 20th.

My expectation - 14th. I will probably flirt with relegation but unlikely to go down with that budget.

Transfer Budget - £10,500,000.

Wage Budget - £520,580 per week.

NEW SIGNINGS

I promised to overhaul the squad and I have duly delivered. A lot have been signed for the future.

Permanent Signings

Eduardo Vargas - 24 year old Chilean striker, signed for a bargain £3.7m from Napoli. The highest paid player in Wigan history.
Muhammet Zeydan - Young Turkish centre half arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Adam Krakowiak - Teenage Polish striker signed from Legia Warsaw.
Stephen Kelly - Irish right back who had a successful loan spell at Wigan last season before I arrived, so I made the move permanent.
Jan Kahout - 18 year old Czech right winger, arrives from Sparta Prague.
Maciej Zaniewski - Teenage Polish left back signed from Lech Poznan.
Martin Kricek - 17 year old Czech centre half signed from Mlada Boleslav.
Kyle Bartley - Signed for a cool £6m from Swansea, I have high hopes this English centre half will play for England.
Conor Clifford - 22 year old Irish midfielder, signed a on free transfer.
Branko Karatovic - 18 year old Croatian striker, signed from Dinamo.
Robbie Cotton - Teenage English midfielder, signed on the cheap from Arsenal.
Michael Fink - Experienced German defensive midfielder, signed on a free transfer.
Jacob Marcher - 18 year old Danish centre half signed on a free transfer.
William Umbarila - Young Colombian central midfielder, signed on a free transfer, will be farmed out as he failed to obtain a work permit.
Dino Cakarun - Teenage Croatian goalkeeper, who will serve as backup to Ali Al Habsi, arrives from Rijeka.
Tomislav Gomelt - 19 year old Croatian right winger signed on a free transfer.
Carlos Brunt Lewis - My South American scout earned his crust with this teenage Argentine striker. He is off to Croatia on loan though as he was denied a work permit.
Karim Messaoudi - Teenage Moroccan left winger, signed without a work permit, so Croatia awaits.
Khaled Ibrahim - 18 year old Egyptian goalkeeper and like some others, he is off to Croatia after failing to obtain a work permit.
Valter Birsa - 27 year old Slovenian left winger wigned on a free transfer.

Loan Signings

Ross Barkley - Young English central midfielder signed on loan from Everton.
Jéróme Lambert - French left winger, signed from Lens for a year.

My squad now looks like this:

Plenty of quality to work with.

[DazRTaylor]

LAST MINUTE ADDITION

Really chuffed I got this guy - he will dominate at the back.

[deltablue]

Wigan? Stupid but not illegal

[markyosullivan]

Do you think Nick Powell could do a good job for Wigan? Your squad looks strong

[DazRTaylor]

Wigan? Stupid but not illegal

Lol I genuinely thought long and hard about taking it because as a club, Wigan doesn't excite me. This could be a good stepping stone though - I have already been linked to the likes of Everton.

Do you think Nick Powell could do a good job for Wigan? Your squad looks strong

Thanks

I have been asking myself that exact question. He is on my shortlist and I have had him scouted four or five times. He is rated as 1.5-2* current ability (depending on what scout I send) yet all the scouts have him as 4.5* potential ability. I may go back in January - five months in the Championship will be a good test for him.

[DazRTaylor]

MID SEASON REVIEW

League

Absolutely brilliant. We have far exceeded my expectations. The only concern I have is that we tend to rely on Jonathan Mensah - he was injured in the last week of November for five weeks and our results nosedived. We were running second for a while.

F. A. Cup

A tough draw in the third round. Away to Bolton Wanderers.

Carling Cup

Another good competition as we are into the semi finals! We play Newcastle over the two legs, St James' Park first. In previous rounds we beat, round order, Charlton Athletic (1-0, home), Hull City (1-0, home), Everton (2-0, home) and Chelsea (3-2, after extra time, away).

PLAYERS

Players In

Bojan Nackov - Brilliant Serbian goalkeeper, signed as a replacement for Ali Al-Habsi who I have sold for £2.5m. He was out of contract in the summer.
Andreas Malkotsis - Young Greek left back. Has a bright future.
Sajjad Heydari - 18 year old Iranian defensive midfielder, denied a work permit so off he toddles to Croatia until he gets a passport.

I have 13 cracking players but I lack depth. So I am still after a few more, so will update t the end of January.

[DazRTaylor]

LAST MINUTE ADDITIONS

Well, not really last minute, but the following were added in January after the last update. I am especially pleased with signing Tchen-Sseu Huber - he will be an immense player.

[deltablue]

Huber's one of the best I've ever seen, and at Milan I've seen some amazing youngsters.

[DazRTaylor]

Huber's one of the best I've ever seen, and at Milan I've seen some amazing youngsters.

I agree.

He also has one of the best names I have ever seen

[rancer890]

Lots of changes there. Good luck in the 2nd half of the year.

[cerud]

Like Strnad there. Good centreback and should become even better with experience.

[DazRTaylor]

Lots of changes there. Good luck in the 2nd half of the year.

Thanks mate

Like Strnad there. Good centreback and should become even better with experience.

Yep, he has played very well since I signed him

[DazRTaylor]

END OF SEASON REVIEW

SEASON 2015-16

Well, on the face of it, it was a marvellous season. So why am I feeling "What might have been"?

League

I would obviously have taken this at the start of the season but I was in with an (albeit) outside chance of the title with two games remaining. Alas, my squad was tired and we lost both games and so the club failed to even make the Champions League. Still, 6th place and Europa League qualification is a fine achievement.

F. A. Cup

I won at Bolton comfortably (3-1, away) before being embarrssed at Brighton in round four, losing 3-1.

Carling Cup

As detailed in the mid season review, I had drawn Newcastle in the semi finals. We lost 2-1 at St. James' Park in the first leg before a tremendous performance saw us win 3-0 at home for a 4-2 aggregate victory. Manchester City awaited in the final and it was a game too far, losing 1-0.

PLAYERS

Player of the Season

Jonathan Mensah was immense for us. It showed how vital he was because when he was injured, we generally didn't win. It will be a struggle to keep hold of him I think.

Special Mention

Branko Karatovic scored 18 goals this season. A fantastic return for a teenager. He has a massive future.

FORMER CLUB WATCH

Perugia

Season       Champions League   Europa League         Final League Position            Coppa Italia               Serie C Cup
2011-12             N/a              N/a              3rd Italian Serie C2/B (P)            N/a                   Group stage
2012-13             N/a              N/a              5th Italian Serie C1/B           1st qualifying round       1st round
2013-14             N/a              N/a             18th Italian Serie C1/B (R)       1st qualifying round       Group stage
2014-15             N/a              N/a              4th Italian Serie C2/A (P)            N/a                   2nd round

Hartlepool United

Season       Champions League    Europa League         Final League Position            F. A. Cup                  Carling Cup           Johnstone's Paint Trophy
2012-13             N/a               N/a              1st English League Two (P)       1st round                  1st round                     2nd round
2013-14             N/a               N/a              1st English League One (P)       Quarter final              1st round                     2nd round
2014-15             N/a               N/a             15th English Championship         3rd round                  2nd round                     N/a

[deltablue]

Karatovic is another good one.

[DazRTaylor]

Karatovic is another good one.

Yep, he has done well.

I have had tremendous success in FM2012 across all my saves with recruiting young talent - my huge investment in my scouting network pays off.

[DazRTaylor]

An interesting offer out of the blue:

I have declined it as I will not be leaving England until I win the Champions League with an English club. Good to be recognised though

[rancer890]

Unlucky with the end of season form, but it's a good building block for next season.

[DazRTaylor]

SEASON 2015-16 PREVIEW

After the success of last year, my aim is Champions League football. I will only leave if one of the so called 'big bos' come knocking.

Media Prediction - 9th.

My expectation - 4th. It has to be the minumum after last season.

Transfer Budget - £24,000,000

Wage Budget - £629,067 per week.

NEW SIGNINGS

All of these have been signed permanently.

Serdar Donumcu - He may be only 18 but bloody hell, he looks unbelievable! Will definitely start. I made a huge offer just to get him from his native Turkey.
Jack Cork - 26 year old centre half signed to run the show from the middle of the park.
Tom Huddlestone - England international surprisingly released by Manchester United. Still only 28, one of my best ever free transfer signings.
Lucas Digne - 22 year old French defender arrives from Udinese in Italy. Will start as first choice left back.
Antonio Horvat - 19 year old Croatian striker signed after his release by Dinamo. I am apprehensive about signing him as, despite his tender age, he has already been injured six time, had food poisoning twice, the flu once as well as a cold. Not a healthy lad!
Pierluigi Gollini - Also released by Manchester United, this 20 year old Italian goalkeeper will act as third choice.
Sylvinho - 18 year old Brazilian defensive midfielder I will loan out for some experience.
Carlos Alberto Tenorio - 18 year old Ecuadorian midfielder. Will probably be loaned out.
Albert Trbuljak - Young Croatian midfielder. Will be nurtured until he is ready for first team football.

[cerud]

Wow!! Donumcu looks amazing!!

[DazRTaylor]

Unlucky with the end of season form, but it's a good building block for next season.

Thanks

Wow!! Donumcu looks amazing!!

Yes, he is going to be an absolute beast.

[markyosullivan]

Really good season in the EPL with Wigan. Won't be long until you're in the Champions League

[deltablue]

Yep, he has done well.

I have had tremendous success in FM2012 across all my saves with recruiting young talent

Same, that's what inspired my current save where I'd do nothing but that.

[DazRTaylor]

MID SEASON REVIEW

Europa League

An excellent campaign to date. Faultless in fact. We beat Qarabag Agdam of Azerbaijan in the 3rd qualifying round 8-0 on aggregate. This set up a draw with Maccabi Tel Aviv in the fourth qualifying round and we went one better, winning 9-0 on aggregate. The draw was not kind to us for the group stage, at least on paper. We were drawn with Inter of Italy, Galatasaray of Turkey and Sion of Switzerland. Note I said on paper - we romped home, winning all six games. We have Dnipro of Ukraine in the first knockout round, first leg away. Final group table is below:

League

Another strong showing by the Latics. We sit comfortably close to the top and we have quite a few games in hand.

F. A. Cup

We have drawn Championship outfit Charlton Athletic at home in round three.

Carling Cup

As with the league, we are having another good competition. I will add though, that the sides we play have not always fielded full strength teams - whereas I have. As we play in Europe, we were given a bye until round three where we met and beat Arsenal at home, 2-1. The Fourth round saw us overcome, 4-1 at home, Millwall from the Championship. We had a tough looking game at Tottenham in the quarter finals but a good defensive display saw us snatch a 1-0 win. We have drawn Aston Villa in the semi finals, the first leg to be played at Villa Park. This should be straightforward - Aston Villa are battling relegation from the Championship to League One.

PLAYERS

Players In

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - English winger who has grown disillusioned at Arsenal so joins me for a bargain £5m.
Terry Lawson - 21 year old American goalkeeper signed after he was surprisingly released by Chivas USA. Failed to obtain a work permit so will be loaned out.
Ilija Drobnic - 15 year old Slovenian striker signed as one for the future.

[deltablue]

Bit of a nice surprise doing that well in Europe.

[SRL88]

Wow. Topping your group in Europe with a 100% record is fantastic.

[DazRTaylor]

Bit of a nice surprise doing that well in Europe.

Wow. Topping your group in Europe with a 100% record is fantastic.

Thanks guys

[JackJCFC]

Doing great in europe, hopefully you can take that sort of form in the league aswell and make the top 4!

[Deisler26]

Oof. Great CL results!

[DazRTaylor]

Doing great in europe, hopefully you can take that sort of form in the league aswell and make the top 4!

Thanks mate Just lost at Man Utd in the league

Oof. Great CL results!

Thank you mare but alas, it is just the Europa League.

[Scarman]

Nice career so far, going well in Europe, now just to break the top 4 in the Premier League

[DazRTaylor]

Nice career so far, going well in Europe, now just to break the top 4 in the Premier League

Cheers mate

[DazRTaylor]

Hmmmmm

[DazRTaylor]

Good news on the investment, worried on the job front!

[DazRTaylor]

Phew...

And the investment starts...

[DazRTaylor]

Woohoo!

[TheGreatTraveler]

Great job keeping your job and winning the CC!!

[markyosullivan]

Nice investment there!

[AK22]

Fantastic start at Wigan (except the win over Liverpool )

Good news with the takeover; looks like the new board are willing to dig deep with their investments.

[deltablue]

Hit the jackpot with that new chairman, and the CC win will lead to better things.

[DazRTaylor]

Great job keeping your job and winning the CC!!

Thank you

Nice investment there!

Fantastic start at Wigan (except the win over Liverpool )

Good news with the takeover; looks like the new board are willing to dig deep with their investments.

It was a surprise they invested but very welcome

Hit the jackpot with that new chairman, and the CC win will lead to better things.

I hope so. The only English club I intend to leave for in England is Arsenal - not managed them yet in FM2012.

[DazRTaylor]

END OF SEASON REVIEW

SEASON 2015-16

Another great season and my first major trophy in this game!

Europa League

As discussed earlier, I romped through to the first knockour round where I met Dnipro, winning 5-0 on aggregate. CFR Cluj, who surprisingly knocked out Montpellier, were up next and they were duly dispatched 7-0 on aggregate. This set up an intriguing showdown with fellow Premier League side Arsenal but they proved too strong, beating us 2-0 on aggregate.

League

Fantastic! Champions League football will be played at the DW Stadium next season.

F. A. Cup

A disappointment. Whilst I did beat Charlton (round three, 2-0 at home) & Portsmouth (round four, 1-0 at home), we were embarrassed by a Championship club for the second year running, this time at home in round five as we lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace.

Carling Cup

Victory! Newcastle were hammered 9-2 on aggregate in th semi finals before I beat Liverpool 2-0 at Wembley. Details further up the thread.

PLAYERS

Player of the Season

Serdar Donumcu may be just 19 years of age, but he is a beast. Plain and simple. 37 goals, 22 assists, 13 Man of the Match awards? Yes please. How the hell has he not been capped by Turkey yet?!?

Special Mention

Jonathan Mensah has been one of my best ever signings. An unbelioeveable rock at the back who scores the odd goal too.

FORMER CLUB WATCH

Perugia

Season       Champions League   Europa League         Final League Position            Coppa Italia               Serie C Cup
2011-12             N/a              N/a              3rd Italian Serie C2/B (P)            N/a                   Group stage
2012-13             N/a              N/a              5th Italian Serie C1/B           1st qualifying round       1st round
2013-14             N/a              N/a             18th Italian Serie C1/B (R)       1st qualifying round       Group stage
2014-15             N/a              N/a              4th Italian Serie C2/A (P)            N/a                   2nd round
2015-16             N/a              N/a             12th Italian Serie C1/B           2nd qualifying round       1st round

Hartlepool United

Season       Champions League    Europa League         Final League Position            F. A. Cup                  Carling Cup           Johnstone's Paint Trophy
2012-13             N/a               N/a              1st English League Two (P)       1st round                  1st round                     2nd round
2013-14             N/a               N/a              1st English League One (P)       Quarter final              1st round                     2nd round
2014-15             N/a               N/a             15th English Championship         3rd round                  2nd round                     N/a
2015-16             N/a               N/a             15th English Championship         3rd round                  1st round                     N/a

[deltablue]

You just keep getting better and better gems!

[DazRTaylor]

You just keep getting better and better gems!

Never underestimate the power of (expensive) scouts!

[DazRTaylor]

Another achievement completed!

[DazRTaylor]

Out of the blue:

Lower wage, less wage budget and less transfer budget.

I said no. Obviously.