The Rise of the Cerud

[cerud]

So, as explained on my previous career, the laundry list of goals and such had meant that I was building a career to suit these goals and not my actual desires. So...NO GOALS! This career will be focused on making the decisions that I would make in these circumstances. My only goal (I know...I literally just said no goals...) is for this career to take me into when FM13 comes out. This will give me a long time to develop and grow.

Added Modifications

• FM12 Suzie Real Names for Clubs, Competitions, and Awards Fix plus real life media
• Metallic Logos Megapack
• taking care of those "other" fixes...the "I can't discuss here" fixes

Loaded Nations with all of their Leagues

• Argentina
• Belgium
• Brazil
• China
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• England
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Netherlands
• Peru
• Portugal
• Russia
• Scotland
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Spain
• Turkey
• Ukraine
• United States

Leagues will change as the career progresses and likely shrink in size. The large number to begin with is to help facilitate an unemployed career beginning in smaller leagues.

Starting Date: January 2011, so I get maximum time!

Beginning Manager Profile

Name: Cerud
Nationality: Canadian, with 2nd American
Languages: English, French, and Spanish
Past Experience: Sunday League Footballer

[cerud]

Career Summary

Club Career Summary

Year        Country       Team                League                          Position   Other

2011        Brazil        Santo André         Campeonato Paulista Série A1    11th       ---
                                              Campeonato Brasileiro Série C   1st        League Title
2012        Brazil        Santo André         Campeonato Paulista Série A1    4th        Playoff runners up
                                              Campeonato Brasileiro Série B   4th	---	 
2013        Brazil        Santo André         Campeonato Paulista Série A1    3rd        Playoff runners up
                                              Campeonato Brasileiro Série B   ---        Resigned 23 June 2013
2013-2014   Russia        Anji Makhachkala    SOGAZ Prem'er Liga              1st        League Title
2014-2015   Netherlands   sc Heerenveen       Eredivisie                      3rd        ---
2015-2016   Netherlands   sc Heerenveen       Eredivisie                      1st        League Title, KNVB Beker Cup
2016-2017   Netherlands   sc Heerenveen       Eredivisie                      1st        League Title, JC Schaal
2017-2018   Portugal      Benfica             Liga ZON SAGRES                 ---        Resigned 7 Dec 2017
2017-2018   England       Tottenham Hotspur   Barclays Premier League         4th        Carling Cup, FA Cup
2018-2019   England       Tottenham Hotspur   Barclays Premier League         1st        League Title, Carling Cup, Community Shield

National Career Summary

Year   Country       Achievements
2013   Costa Rica    CONCACAF Gold Cup - Runners up
2015   Canada        CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers 2nd Phase - Qualified for 3rd Phase
2016   Canada U23s   Summer Olympic Games - Quarter Finals
2016   Canada        CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers 3rd Phase - Qualified for 4th Phase
2017   Canada        CONCACAF Gold Cup Winners
       Canada        CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers 4th Phase - Qualified for 2018 World Cup
2018   Canada        FIFA World Cup - Finished 3rd in Group Stage

Club Achievements

• 2011 - Brazil - Campeonato Brasileiro Série C - League Title
• 2013-2014 - Russia - SOGAZ Prem'er Liga - League Title
• 2015-2016 - Netherlands - Eredivisie - League Title
• 2015-2016 - Netherlands - KNVB Beker Cup
• 2016-2017 - Netherlands - Eredivisie - League Title
• 2016-2017 - Netherlands - Johan Cruijff Schaal
• 2017-2018 - England - Carling Cup
• 2017-2018 - England - FA Cup with Budweiser
• 2018-2019 - England - Barclays Premier League - League Title
• 2018-2019 - England - McDonalds FA Community Shield
• 2018-2019 - England - Carling Cup

National Achievements

• 2017 - Canada - Gold Cup

Personal Achievements

• 2011 - Brazil - Brasileirão Série C - Melhor Treinador da Série C (Best Manager) - 1st Place
• 2012 - Brazil - Brasileirão Série B - Melhor Treinador da Série C (Best Manager) - 1st Place
• 2018-2019 - England - Barclays Premier League - Manager of the Year - 1st Place

[cerud]

Managerial Stats

Manager Stats
*as of 28 May 2019

Number of Clubs Managed: 5
Number of Nations Managed: 2
Longest Time at a Club: 1 086 days
Shortest Time at a Club: 152 days
Number of Awards Won: 9
Total Career Earnings: $9.75M
Total Game Time: 3 051 days
Time Spent on Holidays: 0 days (0.00%)

Number of Players Bought: 69
Total Value of Players Bought: $191M
Number of Players Sold: 45
Total Value of Players Sold: $135M
Highest Fee Spent: $31M for Victor Almirón on 22 August 2018
Highest Fee Received: $19M for Alexandru Chipciu on 25 August 2018
Total Fees Paid to Agents: $22M
Number of Players Released: 67

Overall Career Stats

Overall Played: 487
Games Won: 339
Games Drawn: 71
Games Lost: 77

Goals For: 1 319
Goals Agaist: 506
Goal Difference: +813
Win Percentage: 69%

Cup Wins: 7
League Wins: 5
Promotions: 2
Relegations: 0

[ri916]

good luck with this

[DazRTaylor]

All the best mate

[cerud]

20 January 2011



Unknown Manager Hired to Save falling Santo André

Who says you don't run onto a sinking ship? Apparently for Canadian manager Cerud, that's exactly where he wants to be. Santo André, who only two years ago had regained it's position in the Campeonato Brasileiro after more than two decades away, have been in a free fall. Consecutive relegations see the once envied club in the Brasileiro Série C and fighting to stay away from complete obscurity. The establishment had not been able to right the ship and the firing of Sandro Gaúcho as manager has led to Chairman de Almeida to import Cerud as an outside man to fix the club.

In a press conference in front of the Estádio Bruno José Daniel, Cerud stated, "I'm happy that the Chairman has welcomed me with such openness. My goal here is to bring pride back to the municipality of Santo André. This is a top club, which it's fair to say, have faced obstacles. What matters is how we approach these obstacles and build from the hardships that we face. If we are better off for it, then they are worth it because we remember what the lows felt like and vow never to return. If we succumb, then history will not remember anything at all. I choose the former."

Strong words from a new manager who only recently received his coaching and managing badges. There have also been more than a few Santo Andréans who have exclaimed to this reporter...a Canadian?

EC Santo André - Campeonato Brasileiro Série C
& Campeonato Paulista Série A1

I applied to a few positions in lower leagues that I thought would have me and two offers from Brazil came up, both with good salaries. Santo André have agreed to pay me $115 000/year on a two year contract. The other club was only going to offer a one year contract. Plus, they were in the interior and Santo André is on the coast in the Metropolitan area of São Paulo.

About the Club

Santo André was founded on 18 September 1967. They did well in the lower levels of Brazilian football until 1984, when they were invited to join Série A due to a stellar performance in the state championship level. However, by the next year, criteria changed and the club dropped back down.

In 2003, they were promoted to Série B. Improved performances led them to win the Copa do Brasil the following year with a final win against Série A side, Flamengo. This also gave them entrance into the Copa Libertadores de América. Unfortunately, disaster struck when the club was deducted 12 points for fielding and inelligible player. They were able to maintain Série B football and in 2008, win promotion to Série A. However, their stay was shortlived as the were relegated after one season.

In 2010, the championship was epic. They made it to the final against Série A side, Santos. After two matches, the score was 5-5 on aggregate with Santos winning on away goals. However, nationally, the club faltered and have subsequently fallen to Série C, where the begin this season.

The Stats

Year Founded: 1967
Status: Professional
Reputation: National
Nickname: Ramalhão (nickname of the bandeirante, João Ramalho)
Fierce Rivals: None
Other Rivals: São Caetano (Série B), Bragantino (Série B), Ituano (lower leagues), Marilia (Série C), Paulista (lower leagues)

The Stadium - Estádio Bruno José Daniel

Location: Santo André (SP)
Year Built: 2069
Capacity: 18 500 all-seater
Owner/Rent: 5% of gate receipts

Facilities

Corporate: Adequate
Training: Average
Youth: Adequate
Junior Coaching: Average
Youth Recruitment: Above Average

The stadium is decent for our level. I think it will last us for a bit. However, our facilites will need work if we hope to grow.

Currently, the club is right at the beginning of the state level championship, the Campeonato Paulista. This championship has 20 teams within the São Paulo state. It's not like other Brazilian state championships that have an opening and closing round. This one is only a simple 19 matches, every team playing each other once.

So far only one match has been played, against Série B side, Grêmio Barueri. We lost 1-2.

[cerud]

good luck with this

All the best mate

Thanks, ri916 and DazRTaylor! This one will be the long haul

[cerud]

2011 The Takeover



EC Santo André - Campeonato Brasileiro Série C
& Campeonato Paulista Série A1

The Stats

Campeonato Brasileiro Série C: Win promotion from Série C
Campeonato Paulista Série A1: Learn from the experience (will not be judged this year)

Media Prediction (Série C): 2nd of 6

Wage Budget: $2 448 826
Currently Spending: $1 527 802 ($921 024 cap space available)
Transfer Budget: $88 560

Main Kit Sponsor: $283 000 (expires 2012)
General Sponsor: $637 500 (expired 2012)
General Sponsor: $425 622 (expired 2012)

Average Ticket Price: $8.90
Estimated Value: $1.2M
Loan Debt: $300K

Goals

• Get promoted from Série C
• Hire decent backroom staff
• Stay in the black financially

The first two are doable. The final goal...I guess it will depend on how large our fanbase is, which I don't know as of yet.

[deltablue]

Looks like a very good stadium.

[AK22]

Good luck! Serie C is notoriously difficult to get out of, though.

[rancer890]

Don't worry about the money too much. Win and you will be fine later...and get out of Serie C asap.

[cerud]

Looks like a very good stadium.

Yeah and we barely fill it. Our average attendance is just over 800.

Good luck! Serie C is notoriously difficult to get out of, though.

Thanks, AK22. So I'm finding!

Don't worry about the money too much. Win and you will be fine later...and get out of Serie C asap.

Cheers, rancer! I hope I can qualify. Right now though the other league is kicking my ass!

[JackJCFC]

Good luck with this, looks like you've got a team with an interesting history.

[Nobby_McDonald]

Looks like a very good stadium.

Indeed for a low team.

[DodgeeD]

Good luck with the new career. Brazil is a good place to start

[cerud]

January 2011 Update



EC Santo André - Campeonato Brasileiro Série C
& Campeonato Paulista Série A1

Campeonato Paulista Série A1

Wow... Was not expecting this as an introduction. Not only are we not able to win, we can't even score a goal! Scratch that...we have scored...on ourselves. All three of these clubs are ones that we should be winning against. Two are in leagues lower than us and the other is in Série C, same as us. In addition, my team is just not learning our tactic. It's a 442, I know. Amazingly obscure and rare... Wait? This game is played on grass?! What is this "ball" you speak of and why can't I carry it?

The Standings

So, 4 matches out of 19 so far. We need to turn this around and fast. The Board only wanted me to learn from the experience of this league, but we need to at least survive. I'm scared what will happen when we come up against Série A sides such as Santos. It's still very close; 1 win would have us safe. But so far, this squad hasn't inspired me. I have brought in a few players as this league plays every Wednesday and Saturday, which means my players are dead tired already. I'm trying not to rest because I want them to be practicing tactical play. Might just be wishful thinking.

We have also received our draw for the Copa Kia do Brazil, the Brazilian FA Cup. Our Board expectation are:

Copa Kia do Brazil: Reach the 2nd Round

We play Comercial AC (PL) in the first round. They are a Série D club and though I hope to win, with our record, I may be aiming too high.

[PaulHartman71]

Good luck on your new save game, hopefully you can bring good fortune to Santro Andre!

[cerud]

Good luck with this, looks like you've got a team with an interesting history.

Indeed they do, JackJCFC!

Indeed for a low team.

Yeah, I think it's because they have played in higher divisions before. They're a club in a free fall unfortunately.

Good luck with the new career. Brazil is a good place to start

Thanks, DodgeeD! I've managed in Argentina before but not Brazil. Should be interesting.

Good luck on your new save game, hopefully you can bring good fortune to Santro Andre!

Cheers, PaulHartman

[deltablue]

Tough start, but from tiny acorns, mighty sycamores grow.

[TheGreatTraveler]

Not the best start, but good luck.

[Scarman]

Good luck with the new career!

[JackJCFC]

Not doing much rising yet Cerud

[markyosullivan]

Not a great start but you can defo turn it around!

[B.W.G]

Good luck and hopefully things will get better as the season progresses.

[cerud]

Tough start, but from tiny acorns, mighty sycamores grow.

Not the best start, but good luck.

Good luck with the new career!

Not doing much rising yet Cerud

Not a great start but you can defo turn it around!

Good luck and hopefully things will get better as the season progresses.

Thanks all. I hope that we're able to turn it around and survive this league. Thankfully, Serie C doesn't start until the second half of the year. Hopefully, we can solve our issues before then.

[cerud]

February 2011 Update



EC Santo André - Campeonato Brasileiro Série C
& Campeonato Paulista Série A1

Campeonato Paulista Série A1

An insanely better month! And against more difficult opposition. We started against Série B side, Portuguesa. The win gave us our first and helped boost a little confidence. The fact that it was against higher opposition also showed us that we can do this. However, the match against Oeste opened us up to the darker side of football as our opposition decided to go out for blood. We lost our two main strikers, both to long term injuries of 3 months and 5-6 months and a top centreback to a few weeks.

Finally, there was the match against Palmeiras. Not only are they a Série A side, they are top in this league and unbeaten. They scored in the 35th minute, but I felt we were still in game even at the half. We didn't have a shot on goal, but we were refusing to quit. Finally, in the 76th minute, their rightback made a horrible pass back to their goalkeeper which we picked off and put behind him! A tie to the best team in the league with only a single shot! Brilliance.

Copa Kia do Brasil

The domestic cup began with us against Série D side, Comercial. We were expected to win and we didn't disappoint. The prize money is also an added boost as we are rapidly going into debt.

The Standings

So much better than last month! We sit in 10th place now, very close to a playoff spot and beginning to make a cushion between us and relegation. In addition, we're finally winning a few matches! February was always going to be a difficult month given the level of the clubs we were playing, but we have managed well and are beginning to become the squad I know we can.

I do have one problem though. All my players are recently signed so no one is willing to be transfered out. Makes balancing the books difficult. I'll probably have to wait until June or so and try to offload a few players then.

[deltablue]

Getting better.

[PaulHartman71]

already on the rise by the looks of it!

[TheGreatTraveler]

That's better.

[cerud]

Getting better.

already on the rise by the looks of it!

That's better.

Thanks guys "Better" may be pushing it though...let's call it..."respectable"

[cerud]

March 2011 Update



EC Santo André - Campeonato Brasileiro Série C
& Campeonato Paulista Série A1

Campeonato Paulista Série A1

So, here's what I learned in March: Brazilians are masochists! I had 10 matches...9 league matches and 1 cup match. I'm surprized no one exploded! It began with a good win over Série B side, Bragantino. Even our draw against São Paulo was good, though they tied it up in the 97th minute of a match with only 3 minutes of extra time... However, then we met São Caetano. They took advantage of how tired we were and completely undid us. It was embarrassing even though they are in Série B.

That began a fall. We were also facing some difficult opposition in Santos and Corinthians, both Série A sides. It was all we could do to hang on.

Copa Kia do Brasil

The cup goes well with a win over fellow Série C club, Caxias. Given that we beat them by 2 goals away, we automatically qualify for the 3rd Round without having to play the home match!

The Standings

There is only one match left in the Campeonato Paulista, so we`re not going to be making the playoffs. That`s fine as this league was never going to be ours. However, we are now ready for the Campeonato Brasileiro Série C that begins in mid-July. This is the league that we must win in order to be promoted. Hopefully we have some time to regroup, rest, and for me to work on the squad a little.

[rancer890]

Good job there despite that tough start early. Hopefully Serie C will be easier.

[TheGreatTraveler]

Good season in the Campeonato Paulista, time to earn promotion to Serie B

[cerud]

Good job there despite that tough start early. Hopefully Serie C will be easier.

Good season in the Campeonato Paulista, time to earn promotion to Serie B

Thanks, rancer and TheGreatTraveler. Here's hoping Serie C is easier.

[cerud]

April 2011 Update



EC Santo André - Campeonato Brasileiro Série C
& Campeonato Paulista Série A1

Campeonato Paulista Série A1

Only one match to end the Campeonato Paulista campaign. Mogi Mirim was able to hold on against our unslaught. We should have done much better but our morale is horrible right now after last month's record.

Copa Kia do Brasil

We were drawn against Série A club, Palmeiras for this round. It probably would have turned out better it we had abandoned the pitch, went back to our dressing room, and just cried. It was embarrassing.

The Standings

And that is the end of the Campeonato Paulista. All in all, we were able to pull ourselves into a respectable position in mid-table, something I was unsure of being able to do at the beginning of the season. There were a few good results, such as tying Palmieras and São Paulo. In the end, Ponte Preta from Série B won the league in the playoffs. Not bad for the club that barely qualified in the first place!

Now, we have a two and a half month break where I can get ready for Série C. This is the one that counts!

[B.W.G]

Good finish to the Campeonato Paulista,you should be able to climb it in coming seasons.Good luck in Série C

[cerud]

Good finish to the Campeonato Paulista,you should be able to climb it in coming seasons.Good luck in Série C

Thanks, BWG. We have a couple months to play a few friendly matches and build up our morale going into Série C. Hopefully that helps!

[deltablue]

Good luck in the national league.

[cerud]

2011 End of Pre-Season



EC Santo André - Campeonato Brasileiro Série C
& Campeonato Paulista Série A1

End of pre-season? Middle of season? Either way, we're ready to head into Série C now. We raised morale with a few easier matches in order to get players gelling, which still had yet to occur.

The Matches

Brazil - Brasileirão (divisões inferiores) - EC Primavera - won 4-0
Brazil - Brasileirão (divisões inferiores) - Mogi Mirim EC - won 3-0
Brazil - Brasileirão (divisões inferiores) - AA Internacional - won 3-0
Brazil - Brasileirão (divisões inferiores) - SC Corinthians Paranaese - won 3-0
Brazil - Brasileirão (divisões inferiores) - EC Primavera - won 4-0
Brazil - N/A - CEE Nakazawa - won 4-0
Brazil - Brasileirão (divisões inferiores) - CA Joseense - won 6-0

Pre-Season Thoughts

Our Board expects promotion and so do I. I hope that playing clubs within our same level consistenly will enable us to build up a run and maintain morale as opposed to the league we just finished with. Here we go!

[cerud]

July 2011 Update



EC Santo André - Campeonato Brasileiro Série C
& Campeonato Paulista Série A1

Campeonato Brasileiro Série C

Alright, this is a very different league...and I like it!! Our match against Ipatinga was against the media ranked top club in my group and we trounced them. Two matches out of 8 so far and I'm feeling good!

The Standings

On top and looking good based on goal difference. We play each club twice, so we have to take our chances early in order to make the Second Round. Four clubs are promoted, and out of all groups in Série C, 8 clubs move on to the Second Round. However, we still need to finish this stage before we get ahead of ourselves.

[cswalk08]

Great work so far! Just need a few more points to make it to the next round!

[cerud]

Great work so far! Just need a few more points to make it to the next round!

Thanks, cswalk08! Update coming soon.

[cerud]

August 2011 Update



EC Santo André - Campeonato Brasileiro Série C
& Campeonato Paulista Série A1

Campeonato Brasileiro Série C

I'm feeling much better about my Brazilian decision now. My initial league had kind of scared me given we were playing Série A clubs. But Série C has me feeling much better! We are scoring for fun from many players. However, we are also doing a number to ourselves. Out of the 3 goals against us this month, we did 2 of them. Must learn to stop that.

The Standings

One sided slaughter We have already qualified for the Second Round with 2 matches left to go. However, it's close between the next 3 clubs below us. Ipatinga was rated top to qualify, but they're the ones who need to work. I'm thinking it will be CRB. They were the one team that gave us the best opposition, so I think they have enough to move on with us.

[TheGreatTraveler]

Again, you have improved a lot. Hopefully you get an easy team against in the Second round. Also, poor Macae

[rancer890]

Well that's easy.

[Scarman]

Great start to the Serie C! Hopefully you can grab promotion

[cerud]

Again, you have improved a lot. Hopefully you get an easy team against in the Second round. Also, poor Macae

Well that's easy.

Great start to the Serie C! Hopefully you can grab promotion

Thanks all! In qualifying for the Second Round, half of those clubs will be promoted. I like our chances

[cerud]

2011 Youth Candidates



EC Santo André - Campeonato Brasileiro Série C
& Campeonato Paulista Série A1

Youth Candidates

I'm confused. I have outh candidates...with potential?!?! Well, this has never happened to me before. I'm actually not sure how to proceed. I've never had a youth candidate with a potential star rating of over about 2 stars before. Should be fun.

My assistant manager likes Dico, the goalkeeper. I've highlighted a couple more as well.

Dico - GK

Alessandro - D C

Jefferson - M/AM C

[cerud]

September 2011 Update



EC Santo André - Campeonato Brasileiro Série C
& Campeonato Paulista Série A1

Campeonato Brasileiro Série C

So, in qualifying last month, I think my squad thought that was it. Our final two matches in the group were horrible. CRB absolutely outplayed us in a horrible loss. We had only one shot the entire match. Then, just before the match against Macaé, my goalkeeper contracts a virus. Fine, I have my back up. When I go to choose my line up, my back up is listed as "unavailable". No reason or explanation given. He's never been unavailable before. Perhaps there was a good movie on or he forgot to PVR "Dancing with the Stars"? Either way, he's fired. I ended up using one of the greyed out goalkeepers. We tied, thereby giving the worst club in our group 1 or their 2 points from us. Embarrassing. I've decided that even if my goalkeeper has malaria or typhus, he's playing from now on.

The third match, we were back to form. Perfect timing because it was the first match of the 2nd Round. A solid win and we are back on track.

The Standings

So, we end up in first in the group and qualify for the the 2nd Round alongside Madureira. I'm happy that CRB didn`t make it after they undressed us in the last match.

As for our new group in the 2nd Round, our first win was against Madureira and a good one at that!

While this stage is still in it's infancy, I was happy to begin it with a win. There are only 6 matches in the 2nd Round, playing each club twice. The top 2 clubs (from both groups) are promoted. However, they also play a playoff for the league title. My main goal is promotion. A league title would be the icing on the cake.

We have also had our Board inject $825K in order to cover operating costs. I really need promotion and the money that comes with it.

[DodgeeD]

Looking good for promotion Best of luck with the rest of the campaign.

[SRL88]

Very confusing this thing .

Anyway, going well so far.

[JackJCFC]

Destroying all the teams in your path! keep it up

[B.W.G]

Very impressive so far,hope you can get promotion.

[UDL]

Thats a nice stadium for that level. Solid start there, good luck for the promotion push!

[markyosullivan]

Some good young players coming through!

[TheGreatTraveler]

Promotion should be easy. just 7 or 8 more points.

[AK22]

Nothing like a confusing South American promotion system

Going well so far, though

[cerud]

Looking good for promotion Best of luck with the rest of the campaign.

Destroying all the teams in your path! keep it up

Very impressive so far,hope you can get promotion.

Thanks all. Looking good so far.

Thats a nice stadium for that level. Solid start there, good luck for the promotion push!

Good to see a new poster! Thanks, UDL

Some good young players coming through!

I'm surprized! Never had even a decent youth intake before.

Promotion should be easy. just 7 or 8 more points.

Every match counts in this league

[cerud]

Very confusing this thing .

Anyway, going well so far.

Nothing like a confusing South American promotion system

Going well so far, though

It is indeed! I'll try to help explain the Serie C of Brazillian football.

It begins with all 20 teams in Serie C. They are split into 4 groups of 5 each. This is meant to help clubs with traveling costs. Those in your group are ideally close to where your club plays. You play each team in your group twice, once home and away. The bottom team of each group is relegated, making a total of 4 going down. The top two of each group move into the 2nd Round.

This means that 8 teams move into the 2nd Round. They are split into 2 groups of 4 each. Again, each team plays one another twice, home and away. The top two teams from each group qualify for promotion into Serie B. However, the league title still must be decided!

The league title is decided between the top team from each group in the 2nd Round. They play a quick two games and the winner on aggregate takes the Serie C title

Hope that helps. It's an interesting league to play in! Every match counts because you don't hve that many to play in order to qualify for the next round!

[cerud]

October 2011 Update



EC Santo André - Campeonato Brasileiro Série C
& Campeonato Paulista Série A1

Campeonato Brasileiro Série C

We finished up the 2nd Round with a perfect record. In fact, we only let in 1 goal in 5 the entire month. Not much more to say other than this squad has finally gelled and is playing well. It was difficult to start with the other league first because there were so many good clubs playing against us. In Série C, not many seem to be able to stand up to us.

The Standings

Well, we have sealed up promotion into Série B!! Also, our top finish in the group means that we will be playing for the Série C league title against the other top club, Fortaleza. They handled their group fairly easily as well, so I'm not sure what to expect. However, it will be all finished soon.

[Scarman]

Well done winning promotion! Serie C rules are almost as confusing as the Dutch 2nd division

[cswalk08]

Brazil and the Netherlands confuse me. Congrats on promoting!

[Nathan Pike]

...and I thought out finals system here in the Australian A-League was confusing for some people.

Well done on making Serie B, which I suppose was your main aim.

[cerud]

Well done winning promotion! Serie C rules are almost as confusing as the Dutch 2nd division

Brazil and the Netherlands confuse me. Congrats on promoting!

Cheers, Scarman and cswalk08! For me, Serie C is like a tournament instead of a league. Two group stages then a final. It's interesting that they do it this way, but once I researched it for my own interest and discovered that they set it up this way to lower travel for lower league clubs, I can understand it.

...and I thought out finals system here in the Australian A-League was confusing for some people.

Well done on making Serie B, which I suppose was your main aim.

Thanks, Nathan Pike I played in the A-League before with Gold Coast, but I don't remember it being confusing. They just use a simple playoff system, right? Although, it may make sens for me as that's how most North American sport leagues are set up. Good to see a new poster!

[cerud]

2011 Season in Review



EC Santo André - Campeonato Brasileiro Série C
& Campeonato Paulista Série A1

11th Place - Campeonato Paulista Série A1
League Title Winners - Promoted to Campeonato Brasileiro Série B

The Leagues

Campeonato Paulista Série A1

Standings | Past Positions | Fixtures - I think that an 11th place finish was good for us. There are several good clubs in our state such as Santos or Corinthians. This was always going to be a difficult league to gain any traction in. However, the higher we move in the league structure of the national side, the more that will be expected of us here.

Campeonato Brasileiro Série C

1st Stage | 2nd Stage | Fixtures - So close to being undefeated! If it wasn't for our slip at the end of the 1st stage, we could have had a perfect record. Still, I can't complain with how things went. It was good enough for an easy promotion into Série B and to fight for the Série C league title in the playoffs.

The Playoffs

Brasileirão Série C Final Leg 1
EC Santo André 2 - 0 Fortaleza EC

Our first match was played at home to our largest crowd ever, over 11 000 fans. It was a quick offensive game as we went up by 2 in the 20th minute. After that, we switched to a more defensive play. I would have liked a third goal for a cushion, but we would have to settle for the two.

Brasileirão Série C Final Leg 2
Fortaleza EC 2 - 1 EC Santo André

EC Santo André win on aggregate 3-2

Again, we went up early in the 18th minute. However, Fortaleza fought back late in the match, but were unable to get all they needed. While they took the game from us, they were unable to take the series and we end up with our first trophy! A league title!

The Cups

Copa Kia do Brasil - We made the 3rd Round, which was better than our Board asked for. However, meeting up against Série A club, Palmeiras was always going to end one way.

The Stats

Campeonato Paulista Série A1

Goals Scored - 24 (10th in league)
Goals Conceded - 27 (16th in league)
Average Attendance - 2 022 (20th in league)

Campeonato Brasileiro Série C

Goals Scored - 46 (1st in league)
Goals Conceded - 11 (6th in league)
Average Attendance - 3 261 (12th in league)

The Players

Squad | Transfers - I think the squad should be able to be competitive in Série B football. However, I also want to compete more in the Paulista league. There will definitely be some changes in the off-season.

Juninho - WB R, DM, M RC, AM C - Juninho played for us along the right wing. Second in the squad for scoring as well and a solid contributor in setting up others.

André Luíz - D/WB/M L - Solid along the left wing and Série C leader in assists. One of the most dominant players on he squad.

Luisinho Paulista - ST - The top goalscorer in Série C. Fought a few injury issues, but was always able to reintegrate into the line up and pick right up where he left off.

The Backroom

Finances - We have made money this year, but are still just over $1M in debt. We also had to rely on a $825K Board cash injection a few months ago.

Facilities - No changes and none upcoming. I need money for that! But there are good for this level.

The Awards

Campeonato Brasileiro Série C

• Artilheiro da Série C (Top Goalscorer) - Luisinho Paulista - 1st Place, Juninho - 3rd Place
• Melhor Jogador da Série C (Best Player) - André Luíz - 1st Place, Luisinho Paulista - 2nd Place, Juninho - 3rd Place
• Melhor Treinador da Série C (Best Manager) - Cerud - 1st Place
• Seleção da Série C (Best XI) - Arthur (D L), Asprilla (D C), Luisinho Paulista (ST)
• Fans' Player of the Year - Juninho

The Goals Revisited

• Get promoted - Achieved.
• Hire decent staff - Achieved, but still a work in progress.
• Stay in the black financially - Failed. A million in debt is not good.

Plans for Next Season

I still have another year on my contract and I have no reason to leave yet. Moving to Série B, I have no idea what to expect. We played a few clubs in the Paulista league that were in Série B and did well, so I hope that we will at least be competitive.

[cswalk08]

Congrats on the title. I feel your financial pain.

[DodgeeD]

Well done on getting promoted and securing the title.

And good luck in Serie B!

[JackJCFC]

Congrats on promotion. Finances are looking tough, guess you might have a hard time improving the team if it stays as it is.

[deltablue]

Well done going up, though survival looks tricky.

[B.W.G]

Congrats on winning promotion.Good luck on surviving Serie B and hopefully you'll start to get a bit of cash coming in.

[TheGreatTraveler]

Serie C seemed rather easy, with only Fortaleza causing you any troubles.


Good Luck in Serie B!!!

[cerud]

Congrats on the title. I feel your financial pain.

Congrats on promotion. Finances are looking tough, guess you might have a hard time improving the team if it stays as it is.

Thanks, cswalk08 and JackJCFC. Yeah, the finances are worrying, but I hope Serie B offers greater gates and more money.

Well done on getting promoted and securing the title.

And good luck in Serie B!

Well done going up, though survival looks tricky.

Congrats on winning promotion.Good luck on surviving Serie B and hopefully you'll start to get a bit of cash coming in.

Serie C seemed rather easy, with only Fortaleza causing you any troubles.


Good Luck in Serie B!!!

Thanks, all! Serie B should be good, but I have to play through the state league again first!

[Mike7077]

Complicated league system! Well done on your tidy start. I always prefer saves where you make decisions as you go along rather than trying to achieve specific goals.

[cerud]

Complicated league system! Well done on your tidy start. I always prefer saves where you make decisions as you go along rather than trying to achieve specific goals.

Thanks, Mike7077. Yeah, I figured that out with my last save. The goals ended up being cumbersome to how I like to manage. I manage as though I was making the decisions as they come, organically, not based on an end goal. I'm enjoying this more.

[cerud]

2011 Global Review

I've decided to take a page from SRL88's wonderful career thread and do an annual check up on what's going on in the world of football. SRL88, hope you don't mind that I've borrowed this!

Being that this is only the end of 2011, there are many leagues that I won't be able to update yet. So, this section will definitely grow for the 2012 review.

Domestic Clubs

Brazilian Campeonato Brasileiro

2011 - 1st São Paulo, 2nd Flamengo, 3rd Santos, Relegated Vasco, Aval, Ceará, América (MG)

American/Canadian Major League Soccer

2011 - Winners Seattle, Runners Up New York

Domestic Cups

Nutrlite Canadian Championship

2011 - Winners FC Edmonton, Runners Up Montreal Impact

Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2011 - Winners FC Dallas, Runners Up Atlanta Silverbacks

International Cups

FIFA Club World Cup

2011 - Winners Barcelona, Runners Up Santos

[Nobby_McDonald]

I never know if anyone does well in Brazil.

[Akkarin]

Long time lurker - first ever post! I was massively disappointed when last career thread was ended too early, but this looks epic! Good going with promotion and league title off the bat. Jefferson looks like a very exciting 15year old.....

[cerud]

I never know if anyone does well in Brazil.

I can understand the feeling! After I finished the 1st Round, I had no idea what to expect Serie B looks much simpler though.

Long time lurker - first ever post! I was massively disappointed when last career thread was ended too early, but this looks epic! Good going with promotion and league title off the bat. Jefferson looks like a very exciting 15year old.....

Cheers and welcome, Akkarin! Thanks for your first ever post! Yeah, sorry about the end of the last career, but I promise that this one will take me up to FM13. Been a great start so far. And now that the first year is done, I have more control over my squad. I didn't want to just release to many players initially because of the cost and detriment to an already shaky morale. I like Jefferson too, but he'll be in the U20s for a bit. I have him mentored though so hopefully, he excels.

[cerud]

2012 Pre-Season



EC Santo André - Campeonato Brasileiro Série B
& Campeonato Paulista Série A1

The Stats

Campeonato Brasileiro Série B: Stay clear of relegation
Campeonato Paulista Série A1: Learn from the experience

Media Prediction: 13th of 20
Betfair Promotion Odds - Campeonato Brasileiro Série B: 8-1
Betfair Title Odds - Campeonato Paulista Série A1: 33-1

Wage Budget: $3 598 234 (+ $1 149 408 from last season)
Currently Spending: $2 209 293 ($1 388 941 cap space available)
Transfer Budget: $9 653 (- $78 907 from last season)

Main Kit Sponsorship: $669 000 (expires 2104) (+ $386 000 from last deal)
General Sponsorship: $1 510 950 (expired 2013) (+ $873 450 from last deal)
General Sponsorship: $1 000 000 (expires 2013) (+ $574 378 from last deal)

Brasileirão Série B TV Rights: $944K
Paulistão TV Rights: $1.06M
Club Membership Fees: $272K

Average Ticket Price: $10.60
Estimated Value: $2M
Current Loan: $200K

National Club Ranking in Brazil: 25th

Goals

• Achieve a mid-table finish.
• Improve finances.

Given that the media predict a potential 13th place finish, I think we can make a decent push for security in Série B. I'd also like to improve our finances. I'm not expecting to jump out of debt right away, but a positive revenue generating season would go a long way to helping.

[TheGreatTraveler]

Does the Paulista have good prize money?

[cerud]

Does the Paulista have good prize money?

I'm not really sure what clubs get in the Paulista. I didn't make the playoffs of that league last season, so we got nothing. Playoff finishers may get some, not sure.

[cerud]

2012 End of Pre-Season



EC Santo André - Campeonato Brasileiro Série B
& Campeonato Paulista Série A1

The Matches

Brazil - Brasileirão (divisões inferiores) - Força EC - won 7-0
Brazil - Brasileirão (divisões inferiores) - Mogi Mirim EC - won 3-1
Brazil - Brasileirão Série B - Guarani FC - lost 0-1
Brazil - Brasileirão (divisões inferiores) - Ituano FC - won 7-1
Brazil - Brasileirão (divisões inferiores) - Radium FC - won 4-1

The Players

Squad | Transfers - A bit of a transition this year. I unloaded a few players that were getting old or unable to play at this level and brought in some new faces. The main thing was depth. In remembering last year's Paulista league with matches every 2-4 days, I need players of decent quality overlapping in positions so that they don't become tired.

Bruno Uvini - D C - I had brought Uvini in last year as a late loan but didn't use him much. This year, now that São Paulo is my parent club, they sent him down for free. That's fine by me; I need extra centrebacks and Uvini will fit in well.

Ticão - DM, M C - I found Ticão slumming in the lower leagues. There's no reason why he should be down there. He'll become one of my main midfielders. He's a well rounded player and I'm hoping he adds some stability.

Henan - ST - Henan was in the lower leagues as well, scoring 17 goals in 30 matches. He's not a marquee player, but he will get lot of time as a depth player to relieve others. He'll still probably hit the 30 game mark. Easily.

Pre-Season Thoughts

Unfortunately, we've already hit a snag. My starting goalkeeper broke a finger about a week ago in training and will be out for another 4-5 weeks. Our first match is in one week. So, looks like we're going to be relying on our untested backup.

We finished in 11th place out for 20 last year in the Campeonato Paulista. I'd love a top 10 finish, possibly even a push to the final playoff spot at 8th place. I think we have a short so long as we pick our wins and don't become too demoralized in getting beat by Série A clubs.

[chile_paul]

Well done in getting promoted cerud, really loving the bizarre Brazilian league system!

[cerud]

Well done in getting promoted cerud, really loving the bizarre Brazilian league system!

Thanks, chile paul

[cerud]

January 2012 Update



EC Santo André - Campeonato Brasileiro Série B
& Campeonato Paulista Série A1

Campeonato Paulista Série A1

Our first two matches were both against Série A sides, which wasn't helped by the fact that we don't have our starting goalkeeper. However, our backup stepped up and played amazingly. We started the match against Corinthians as the dominant team, not even letting the opposition a shot until just before the half. The second half changed though; their manager must have got on their case, because they came out flying. It was everything we could do to hold onto a tie with all credit to our goalkeeper. The second match was the opposite. We started lacklustre, but a strong talk in the half brought us up. We tied the game and almost took the lead a few times.

If this is how we play against Série A clubs, I'm feeling pretty good.

The Standings

Not too much to report on yet. Our parent club, São Paulo, is doing well, which is to be expected. One of our feeder clubs has also had a good start; América (SP) have a win and a positive goal difference to begin with. I think it was nice to play two Série A clubs right away and do well. Given that we only play each club once, we no longer have to worry about Corinthians and Ponte Preta.

[rancer890]

Great work getting points against Corinthians and Ponte Preta. It's early but it's encouraging.

[B.W.G]

Good start to Paulista,hope you can keep the good form up.

[cerud]

Great work getting points against Corinthians and Ponte Preta. It's early but it's encouraging.

Thanks, rancer. Ponte Preta won this league last year, so picking up a point from them is a good sign for us.

Good start to Paulista,hope you can keep the good form up.

Cheers, BWG! Working on it

[PaulHartman71]

congrats on the promotion! long season ahead this year, hopefully it's another good one

[cerud]

congrats on the promotion! long season ahead this year, hopefully it's another good one

I just worked out the minimum number of games I will play this year.

19 matches in the Paulista Série A1
38 matches in the Série B
2 matches (at least) in the Copa Kia do Brasil

59 minimum matches this year

Yikes.

[Scarman]

Some good draws against strong teams to start off, good luck for the new season!

[cerud]

February 2012 Update



EC Santo André - Campeonato Brasileiro Série B
& Campeonato Paulista Série A1

Campeonato Paulista Série A1

This was a decent month that could have been better. We started out strong, but had trouble after our first Copa Kia do Brasil match. After that, we struggled against clubs that we really should be winning against. I also had to manage a few injuries, but we got our top goalkeeper back. I am very happy with the play of our backup. he stepped in a saved the beginning of this season when we surely could have faltered.

Copa Kia do Brasil

We were expected to beat Juventude easily. Unfortunately, the complacency in the squad in the first match carried over into our league play. We dug in and took the match back with an amazing hattrick from Henan. I hope this means that we've turned things around.

The Standings

We've improved our standing from last month and now sit in the final playoff spot. The table is still very congested; we could move either way very quickly depending on our play. It's also crazy to think that there are only 11 matches left in the Paulista. We're basically at the halfway mark. The next month will also be grueling with 8 league matches as well as the Copa. Good thing to brought in some depth players. They will be tested soon.

[cerud]

Some good draws against strong teams to start off, good luck for the new season!

Thanks, Scarman!

[JackJCFC]

A good start so far, a top8 finish would be great.

[Akkarin]

Looking good for the play-off spot, though I guess you have Santos, Palmeiras and Sao Paulo still to play. Go get 'em!

[SRL88]

Going along very nicely so far.

[B.W.G]

Hopefully you can achieve a playoff spot.

[deltablue]

Definitely better this time.

[DodgeeD]

Brazil - two seasons for the price of one!

[AK22]

I just worked out the minimum number of games I will play this year.

19 matches in the Paulista Série A1
38 matches in the Série B
2 matches (at least) in the Copa Kia do Brasil

59 minimum matches this year

Yikes.

Just wait until you're eligible for Copa Sudamericana and Copa Libertadores- you'll be playing 80+ then!!

Well done on promotion!