Mikal's Moving On - A New Vision

[Mikal]

So I’ve finally found some time to sit down and really get into a career I’ve always wanted to do. A youth only project. There are a couple European youth only projects about here, so thought I’d go elsewhere in the world, and Mexico was my choice.

Game Setup - Revised

FM Version

12.2.2 – Small Database

Playable Leagues Loaded

Mexico – Promotion League and above
USA – MLS
Argentina – Premier Division
Brazil – First Division
Chile – First Division

England – Championship and above
Spain – Liga BBVA
Italy – Serie B and above
Germany – Bundesliga
France – Ligue 1
Greece - Superleague
Holland - Eredivisie
Israel - Premier League
Portugal - Premier League
South Africa - Premiership
Ukraine - Premier League

View-only Leagues Loaded

Columbia – First Division
Peru – First Division
Uruguay – First Division

[Mikal]

Toros Neza FC


Neza FC: A Background

Founded in 1991, Neza FC are a professional Mexican club currently playing in the Mexican Promotion League. The club play their home games at Estadio Neza 86. The club is affectionately known as Los astados.

Although Los astados are enduring an eighteen year barren spell, having not won a competition since 1993, the club still have a history which can be justly proud. Toros Neza finished runners-up in the Mexican top division for the only time in 1997, finished runners-up in the Mexican Cup in 1997, finished runners-up in the Mexican 2nd tier for the only time in 2001, and won the Mexican 3rd tier for the only time in 1993.

Nation – Mexico
Year Founded – 1991
Status – Professional
Reputation – Contintental
Nickname – Los astados
Chairman Status – Loves the Club
Legends – Antonion Mohamed
Icons – Miguel Herrera, Federico Lussenhoff, Pony Ruiz, German Arangio, Enrique Meza
Favoured Personnel – None
Fierce Rivals – None
Other Rivals – None
Finances – Okay
Average Ticket Price - £2.70
Average Season Ticket Price - £40.70
Season Ticket Holders – 500
Estimated Value - £2.6m
Continental Competition – None
Media Prediction – 7th
Squad Personality – Fairly Professional
Manager – Michel Troisi

Facilities

Name – Esatdio Neza 86
Location – Ciudad Neza
Capacity – 28,500 all-seater
Owned By – Toros Neza
Stadium Condition – Average
Under Soil Heating – No
Roof – No
Surface – Grass
Pitch Dimensions – Length: 102m, Width: 65m
Max. Pitch Dimensions – Length: 108m, Width: 70m
Pitch Condition – OK
Corporate Facilities – Fairly basic
Training Facilities – Adequate
Youth Facilities – Basic
Junior Coaching – Adequate
Youth Recruitment – Fairly basic

[Mikal]

Mexican First Division Rankings in the World

2011/12 – 13th
2012/13 - 12th
2013/14 - 12th
2014/15 - 12th
2015/16 - 13th
2016/17 - 14th
2017/18 - 14th
2018/19 - 14th
2019/20 - 13th
2020/21 - 14th

Mexico National Team World Rankings

2011/12 – 20th
2012/13 - 34th
2013/14 - 16th
2014/15 - 22nd
2015/16 - 28th
2016/17 - 20th
2017/18 - 12th
2018/19 - 8th
2019/20 - 11th
2020/21 - 10th

North American Champions League Finals

2011/12 - Santos Laguna 3 - 3 Pumas (won on away goals)
2012/13 - Xolos Tijuana 1 - 2 America (MEX)
2013/14 - New England 1 - 1 Tigres (won on penalties)
2014/15 - New York 3 - 1 Saprissa
2015/16 - America (MEX) 5 - 1 Cruz Azul
2016/17 - Pumas 4 - 2 Real Salt Lake
2017/18 - Pumas 2 - 3 Toros Neza
2018/19 - Pumas 2 - 7 Toros Neza
2019/20 - Toros Neza 3 - 1 Cruz Azul

Copa Libertadores

2012 - Cruz Azul 1 - 3 Sao Paulo
2013 - Santos 1 - 3 Estudiantes (LP)
2014 - Estudiantes (LP) 3 - 1 Vasco
2015 - Fluminense 1 - 6 Estudiantes (LP)
2016 - Corinthians 0 - 5 Estudiantes (LP)
2017 - Alianza 1 - 4 Estudiantes (LP)
2018 - Estudiantes (LP) 4 - 1 Flamengo
2019 - River 2 - 1 Sao Paulo
2020 -

Champions League Finals

2011/12 – Man. City 2 - 2 AC Milan (won on penalties)
2012/13 - R. Madrid 2 - 0 Benfica
2013/14 - Liverpool 0 - 2 Barcelona
2014/15 - Inter 2 - 2 Barcelona (won on penalties)
2015/16 - Inter 2 - 2 Barcelona (won on penalties)
2016/17 - Inter 0 - 1 Barcelona
2017/18 - AC Milan 1 - 2 Man. City
2018/19 - Inter 0 - 4 Man. Utd
2019/20 - Valencia 3 - 0 Arsenal

Europa League Finals

2011/12 – Lyon 2 - 0 Atletico Madrid
2012/13 - AC Milan 2 - 0 Liverpool
2013/14 - Arsenal 1 - 0 Bayern Munich (after extra time)
2014/15 - Liverpool 1 - 2 Malaga
2015/16 - Man. City 2 - 0 Porto
2016/17 - Porto 2 - 0 Dortmund
2017/18 - Newcastle 1 - 1 Roma (won on penalties)
2018/19 - Juventus 1 - 0 Palermo
2019/20 - Sevilla 0 - 1 Man. Utd (after extra time)

Club World Championships

2011 - Santos 0 - 2 Barcelona
2012 - Sao Paulo 0 - 1 Antlers
2013 - Estudiantes (LP) 0 - 4 R. Madrid
2014 - Estudiantes (LP) 3 - 0 Barcelona
2015 - Estudiantes (LP) 0 - 1 Inter
2016 - Barcelona 1 - 2 Estudiantes (LP)
2017 - Estudiantes (LP) 0 - 5 Barcelona
2018 - Man. City 2 - 1 Estudiantes (LP)
2019 - Man. Utd 2 - 0 ES Tunis
2020 -

World Cup Finals

2014 – Argentina 1 - 2 France
2018 - Holland 1 - 3 Russia

Gold Cup Finals

2013 - Mexico 1 - 2 USA
2015 - USA 2 - 1 Canada
2017 - Mexico 2 - 0 USA
2019 - Mexico 2 - 1 USA

Copa America Finals

2011 - Uruguay v Paraguay
2015 - Argentina 3 - 2 Uruguay (AET)
2019 - Brazil 2 - 3 Argentina

European Championship Finals

2012 – Portugal 3 - 1 England
2016 - Italy 0 - 1 Germany
2020 -

[Mikal]

Discontinued due to leaving the club

100 Appearances

Player                     Year       Position        Appearances       Goals/Clean Sheets/(Assists)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GK:

Miguel Angel Fraga         2011-         GK               327                   111

DF:

Alberto Lucio              2011-         CB               289                   25 (4)
Francisco Javier Dorame    2011-         LB               246                    7 (21)
Fernando Serrano           2012-         CB               232                   13 (9)
Eduardo Chavez             2010-17       RB               212                    2 (10)
Fernando Corral            2011-         RB               180                    0 (6)
Enrique Samario            2014-         LB               154                    0 (6)
Pablo Ramos                2014-         CB               132                    9 (4)
Victor Manuel Albarran     2010-18       CB               111                    4 (2)

MF:

Ismael Pineda              2011-         DMC              310                   11 (36)
Luis Rosas                 2011-         MR               264                   52 (62)
Ubael Romero               2011-         AMC              260                   60 (122)
Victor Hugo Vega           2011-         MC               240                   13 (54)
Jorge Corral               2012-         MR               201                   31 (51)
Angel Fredi Diaz           2011-         MC               179                   15 (16)
Diego Mejia                2010-         MC               181                   21 (27)
Julien Benitez             2011-15       AML              122                   30 (31)

ST:

Emmanuel Guajardo          2011-18       ST               205                   93 (40)
Leonardo Lopez             2013-         ST               173                   95 (45)
Pablo Razo                 2015-         ST               155                  165 (46)

100 Goals/Assists/Clean sheets

Player                     Year       Position        Appearances              G/CS/A
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GK:

Miguel Angel Fraga         2011-         GK               327                   111

MF:

Ubael Romero               2011-         AMC              260                    60 (122)

ST:

Pablo Razo                 2015-         ST                155                  165 (46)

All stats updated end of season.

[Mikal]

Season 2011/12 – Pre-season Update

Mexican Promotion League Rules
*Closing stage exactly the same but different dates*

Media prediction: 7th
My own season prediction: Top 7 going into the closing stage

Transfer budget: £125k
Wage budget: £77,855 p/w
Wage Bill: £74,730 p/w

Friendlies

(A) Vs FC Excelsior
(H) vs Moreila
(A) vs Necaxa B

Senior Team Squad Review

As this is the first season I thought I’d show who I am working with. These will usually only be done at the end of seasons.

GK

Higinio Bucio
Jesus Yair Urbina
Luis Eduardo Martinez
Miguel Angel Fraga

CB

Alberto Lucio
Javier Robles
Luis Fernando Silva
Pedro Alvarado
Victor Manuel Albarran

FB

Eduardo Chavez
Francisco Javier Dorame
Victor Hugo Vega

MC

Angel Fredi Diaz
Carlos Carlino
Diego Mejia
Ismael Pineda
Sergio

W

Allam Bello
Jose Antonio Rosas
Julian Benitez
Luis Rosas

ST

Bernardo Sainz
Cristian Gordillo
Emmanuel Guajrdo
Julio Atilano
Luciano Emilio
Rodrigo Prieto

Ass. Manager

Guillermo Gomez

Behind the Scenes

Board Overview

Finances

*Youth intake is beginning of March*

[deltablue]

Interesting seeing this outside of Europe/Brazil.

[Mikal]

Let's hope it proves to be interesting!

I've got a pretty strong team by the looks of it, although I haven't compared it to others yet. So I'm in a good starting position, but will no doubt gradually get worse with the players coming through and my current poor facilities.

[Mikal]

July 2011

Pre-Season Friendlies



League Fixtures



League Table


*Larger Version

So the first month in charge of Neza has passed. Friendlies went well, even getting a win over First Division Morelia. The first game of the league did not go as smooth. We were second best for the entire match and a point was a fortunate result. I'm yet to settle on a formation as I seem to have central midfielders and strikers in abundance, but very little width, and even less depth. Shall have to try and make do and push on.

[Lenzar]

It'll be interesting to see if the club aspect of the challenge is easier in Mexico due to the lesser quality of the opposition.

Good luck!

[Mikal]

It'll be interesting to see if the club aspect of the challenge is easier in Mexico due to the lesser quality of the opposition.

Good luck!

Yep possibly! I'm a fair way off the level of the top clubs in Mexico though, and with what I assume would be less income/prize money it could take me much longer to improve my facilities in order to get to that level. As it stands I'm in the red financially, so it will be interesting to see how far I can take it. Fully expect to go backwards before I can go forward.

August 2011

League Fixtures



League Table


*Larger version

A much more accomplished month winning all 4 games, some more convincing than others. Delighted to be scoring almost at will so early on. Didn't deserve the win, or even a point against La Piedad. Ref gave an early controversial penalty in our favour and then on I sat back, let them have possession and hit them on the counter 20 mins from time.

Been really struggling with injuries this month, luckily a few are on their way back, but it's been a hard run having to sub players for other players who can't play there. All part of the package, though!

[B.W.G]

Good luck in Mexico,looks like you've made a good start so far,hopefully you can keep it up

[Mikal]

Good luck in Mexico,looks like you've made a good start so far,hopefully you can keep it up

Thanks. Yeah good start, I have a decent attack which has helped a lot!

September 2011

League Fixtures



League Table


*Larger version

Again, another month I can have little complaints about. Just the 3 games this time and only one of them I felt I was fortunate to get all 3 points from, that being the 3-2 win over Altamira. I was very sloppy and complacent with my tactics and conceded a late equaliser in the 80th minute, but switched a few things around instantly and got the winner just a couple minutes later.

32 year old Luciano Emilio has been very good for me over the past month or 2. I could do with trying out a younger player as I don't intend on renewing Luciano's contract which expires at the end of the season.

Just 7 games to go until the Opening Stage is finished.

[Scarman]

Good luck with this, will be interesting to see how good the youth are in Mexico.

[rancer890]

Good luck with this Mexican youth challenge. Doing well in the Opening Stage so far!

[deltablue]

Mexico often has good youths.

[Mikal]

Good luck with this, will be interesting to see how good the youth are in Mexico.

Thanks and I can only hope! Absolutely crying out for a RB and a right winger.

Good luck with this Mexican youth challenge. Doing well in the Opening Stage so far!

Thanks, I have no idea what it actually means to win/get play offs

Mexico often has good youths.

On an old save I had with Granada they produced some outstanding defenders. Like this guy.

October 2011

League Fixtures



League Table


*Larger version

Another month and still remain undefeated. Secured a play-off spot which I had hoped. Starting to ship goals and will look at freshening up the defence and giving some of my current younger players a chance. The league is looking good and I'm on track to finishing 1st, but could still just as easily finish as low as 5th.

Luciano has gone on a 7 game barren spell so he will be dropped for the final games of the season.

Another loss this month as well and we're currently over £1m in the red. When the transfer window opens again, 2/3/4 players will be shipped out to get expenditure under control.

[Mikal]

November 2011

League Fixtures



League Table


*Larger version

So the final two games have finished and the opening stage has come to a close with us finishing much higher than I thought, top of the pile. I was fortunate nobody overtook us when we drew against Leon, but we persevered and got he win on the final day. I was wondering what the advantage was to finishing top, and we were able to bypass the quarters and put straight in to the semi-finals. I have been drawn against 7th placed Altamira who I beat earlier 3-2, so I quite fancy our chances here!

[Mikal]

December 2011

Opening Stage Play-Offs

Well our good run had to come to an end and we fell at the first hurdle. We managed a 1-0 win away from home and thought we'd do a job at home. It wasn't to be and we conceded 2 sloppy goals from corners in the first 10 minutes so from then on we were chasing the game and ended 4-1 losers. I didn't even lose to the eventual winners!

On to the Closing Stage now! No game until mid-Jan except a few friendlies, but I'll hopefully have shipped some people out, too.

[B.W.G]

Tough break with losing in playoffs in the Opening Stage,hopefully you will be able to succeed in the Closing Stage.

[Mikal]

Tough break with losing in playoffs in the Opening Stage,hopefully you will be able to succeed in the Closing Stage.

I can only hope! We were very poor.

Mid-Season Transfers

Just the two outs, was really hoping to ship out 1 or 2 more, but nobody was interested. Managed to save around £9.5k p/w on wages, which all goes towards the cause! In the process of trying to ship players out I managed to unsettle my first choice keeper and not even sell him. So hopefully he can be picked up end of the season.

January 2012

Friendlies & League Fixtures



League Table


*Larger version

Friendlies went OK, kept the players active and brought in a bit of much needed income.

The start of the Closing Stage has gone very well, if a bit fortunate. First game saw us get a 93rd minute winner which was very scrappy, but we'll take it! We then had our best game to date demolishing Indios 5-0. Rosas had a fine game and was denied a hatrick when one of his shots/goals was ruled an own goal. Our sloppy finishing almost cost us against Celaya, but a highly controversial penalty in the 95th minute gave us a lifeline to steal the win. I thought it was a lost cause when I saw my 22 year old CB stepping up , thankfully he kept his nerve and put it in the corner. Lucky.

[AcidBurn]

I like reading about people managing in Mexico, good luck dude.

That badge is one of the coolest looking I have ever seen.

[Mikal]

I like reading about people managing in Mexico, good luck dude.

That badge is one of the coolest looking I have ever seen.

Mexico is an interesting league, different league set up and a change from Europe. It is a very cool looking badge! (To be honest one of the reasons I chose them )

February 2012

League Fixtures



League Table


*Larger version

Goal heavy month! Delighted to still be top and undefeated (again), really surprised by my teams ability to dig themselves out of trouble, which they've usually caused themselves. Anyway, we threw away a 2-0 lead against Guadalajara and a 2-0 lead Altamira to go 3-2 down only for my main man Prieto to score a hatrick and us to win 4-3! Redemption!

Next up should be youth intake I hope!

[Mikal]

Youth Intake 2012



Contracts offered to:

Fernando Corral - Right back

Jose Maria Mendez - Central Midfield

Ubael Romero - Central Attacking Midfield

Pretty happy overall. Really needed a right back, so this 15 year old could find himself getting a few games sooner than he thinks. A better right winger would have been nice, too.

[deltablue]

A few good ones to start you off with the youth.

[alexcharliemann]

Confusing league system, you get two bites at the cherry each season? Good luck!

[JackJCFC]

Not a bad intake, a few players with potential there,

[Mikal]

A few good ones to start you off with the youth.

Definitely. Defenders were more a priority than midfielders and attackers though, but a RB was key.

Confusing league system, you get two bites at the cherry each season? Good luck!

It is strange! I'm not really sure what it means to win the Opening or Closing Stage , it also has an "average points" system in play, and not sure if that's just to determine who gets relegated or not.

Not a bad intake, a few players with potential there,

Absolutely. Romero could be a leading First Division attacking mid in the future. But what does my assistant know, he has JPP of 10.

March 2012

League Fixtures



League Table


*Larger version

Horrid month, not happy with our performances. Some games we attacked well and defended poorly, others we defended average but attacked even worse. We seem to be shipping goals every game and we're lucky to still be 2nd in the table. We will have to step it up big for the final 3 games. Going to tweak my formation and probably employ a defensive mid to just sit in front of the back 4, although it feels like most of the goals we concede are by headers.

[cerud]

Don't think I've ever seen a Mexican career before. Looking good so far!

[SRL88]

Going along nicely so far.

[Mikal]

Alright gents a little update! Whilst playing and doing other bits and bobs on my laptop i received the dreaded blue screen of death! Now I think my hdd is shot so I've lost everything! I did make a back up of the save earlier in the day and I'm about a month behind. So when I get my laptop issues sorted I'll be back up and running.

[Mikal]

Managed to get onto a laptop, mine isn't arriving until next week, but at least I can get some game time. I found a logo pack and typically Neza was one of the only teams not to have theirs on there.

April & May 2012

League Fixtures



League Table



Closing Stage Playoffs



League & Playoff Analysis

We did fine in our last 3 games of the season, with 2 deserved wins and an equally deserved loss. I rested as much of my first team as possible for the final game with the playoffs coming up, although I was lucky the team below threw away a 2-0 lead otherwise I would have finished 2nd. As for the playoffs... It appears either I am still not tactically good enough for the final push, or my team are not used to the pressure. We got off to a good start of missing the quarters and then a 1-1 away from home and then not for the first time we brought a good first leg back to Estadio Neza and absolutely bottled it. Didn't look convincing, didn't play to our strengths. Another poor end of 'stage' showing. Maybe for the best.

And basically for a promotion spot, the winners of the Opening and Closing stages face off and the winner over two legs gets promoted. Leon faced off against Lobos with Leon winning 5-4 on aggregate. Indios were also relegated due to having the worst average points over the past 3 seasons.

Player Analysis

Happy with most of my players overall. I've chopped and changed my formation a fair bit, but finally settled in the last month or 2. A few of my younger players have looked the part effortlessly slotting into the team.

Key players: Dorame, Mejia, Luis Rosas and Prieto.

Finances

Dire. £3m in the red. No upgrades will be taking place for a while.

[Mikal]

Ran out of image usage so here is a screenshot of the Average Points system in place to determine relegation.



Also ouch...

[Scarman]

Well, at least you won't be getting relegated any time soon

[Mikal]

Well, at least you won't be getting relegated any time soon

That we can hope otherwise the club would probably fold and I'll be used as a real life pinata!

June, July & August

Friendlies



League Fixtures



League Table



Pre-season & League Analysis

This pre-season was designed for 2 things. Ship out some high earners/deadwood, and generate as much income as possible through friendlies. I managed to get rid of 4 players who were either not needed or were on a wage we just could not afford, with another player already agreed to be transferred in the upcoming window. There's still 2 or 3 players I want to get rid of, but it does mean our squad will be rather thin. Desperate times though, and finances need to be sorted if we want to upgrade our own facilities.

As far as the friendlies went, I didn't really care for the results, nor about testing anything out, just the income. With 12 friendlies lined up and on average £10-16k per game (River was £100k!) we managed to finally make a profit for the first time that month.

The league has gone well, we're now predicted 1st in the league, not that it matters when it comes to the play-offs! But hopefully teams decide to sit back a bit more against us because if they attack we'll probably get found out to be the leaky ship we are! The 3 youth players I signed from last March have all featured already this season, with midfield man Mendez getting his first senior goal in the win over Queretaro with a fine freekick. Romero also become our youngest ever player.


Player Analysis

Key player defence: Francisco Javier Dorame

Key player midfield: Diego Mejia

Kayer player attack: Julian Benitez

I'm also in the process of offering new contracts to those expring in 1 year, and I have had 4 which have turned my initial offer down (well their agents have). I really need to trim the wage bill, but can not afford to lose some of these players. I will eventually have to give into their demands if I want to remain competitive.

[Mikal]

September 2012

League Fixtures



League Table



League Analysis

3 wins and a draw, hard to criticise, although I will. We played a fine game in the 0-0 draw and should have won that game 3/4-0, but just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net. Clearly a 2 horse race for the 1st position in the league between ourselves and La Piedad. 7 games to go before play offs.

Player Analysis

Key player defence: Alberto Lucio
One of our better defensive months, this guy helped out both at the back and scoring a couple goals.

Key player midfield: Julien Benitez
Had him down as an attacker last month, and I guess he is, but no other midfield player dominated as much as he did.

Key man attack: Emmanuel Guarjardo
3 goals in 4 and my main striker puts in attack of the month performances.

[cerud]

Looking good for a promotion push

[deltablue]

Good luck trying to go up.

[Mikal]

Looking good for a promotion push

Good luck trying to go up.

Ta fellas.

October & Novmeber 2012

League Fixtures



League Table



League Analysis

Wasn't able to get top spot in the end, with some shambolic performances letting leads slip away. At one point I thought we'd struggle for top 4! Not that it really matters when 7 go into playoffs. We've been drawn against Merida in the quarters, while they look the weakest outfit in the draw, we have lost our last 2 meetings against them, so not taking anything for granted.

[B.W.G]

Good performance in the league,good luck in the playoffs.

[Mikal]

Can you believe this?



Just won the play offs in a dramatic penalty shootout, and as soon as the game ends. Bam. Crashed. Absolutely devastated.

[Mikal]

Opening Stage Playoff Finals



Playoff Finals Analysis

So after the disaster of the crash, winning for a first time in nail-biting style, I replayed the match and fortunately it went even better than before. But first, the quarter finals. Not having the best of records against Merida I thought it'd be a tough tie, I however managed to finish both legs as winners resulting in a 3-1 win on aggregate. Celaya was up next in the semi-finals. Away leg first and was going well taking an early need. When we were 2-1 up we were just holding on, retaining possession, just aiming to keep the lead. Then the inexperience of my 16 year old RB (told you he would be getting a lot of games) crept in giving away a penalty in the 85th minute which they converted. 2-2 final score first leg. The home leg was very cagey, and it got even more cagey in the 2nd half when the game was still at 0-0. I didn't want to attack in the fear of a counter attack leaving little time to reply. After Celaya opened up a bit we managed to be the ones who hit on the counter and scored the only goal on 75 minutes. 3-2 on aggregate.

Final 2.0 ... Home leg was first and we had a horrible injury crisis to deal with, having almost my entire first choice defence out. And it showed. We lost the game 1-0 and their striker notched up his 20th of the season (my top scorer has 8). I had to attack this game and that was my main game plan, also with so many injuries at the back, attack would definitely be the best form of defence. We started pretty sloppy, giving away cheap possession. Got the breakthrough goal on 35 with some good wing play, but it was short lived giving away the lead (not for the first time this season) 4 minutes later due to some horrible defending by ironically my only first choice CB. After the interval we were a different outfit, the team talk did wonders. We scored from a clever freekick, laying off to a player in space for him to rifle in top corner. 2-2 on aggregate, we pushed on and got our noses in front on 78 minutes, great time to score. Was 35 year old Carino's second of the game. It was then a simple case of sitting back and hitting on the counter. We got a 4th after a player was fouled after a quick breakaway, and the resulting freekick was placed onto the head of the CB who cost us the goal. All was forgiven. We win 4-2 on aggregate!

Final

Closing Stage Playoff Tree

Player Analysis

Key defender: Luis Fernando Silva
Ever-present. At 23 has been a very important player for us, hoping to keep him around for a long time yet.

Key midfielder: Ismael Pineda
Again another player who was available all the time. Put in good defensive and attacking shifts. Another 23 year old I hope to keep around.

Key attacker: Emmanuel Guajardo
With my attack needing to chop and change a whole lot because of injuries and fitness, this guy was our main scorer.

And our finances still don't look very rosey.

[cerud]

Nice job in the finals! Does this mean you're promoted now?

[Mikal]

Nice job in the finals! Does this mean you're promoted now?

Thanks, unfortunately not. At the end of the season the Opening and Closing Stage winners face off for promotion. So now I've won this I'm not sure what I have to play for in the Closing Stage besides enough points not to get relegated .

[Mikal]

Mid-Season Transfers

4 players leaving us during this transfer window. I did want to keep Prieto around as he is pretty good for this level, also gives me some cover, but his contract was coming to an end and he wanted too much to sign a new contract, so I opted to sell him and he went for over £100k more than his value. My squad is looking THIN now but I've trimmed the wage budget down a fair chunk. I have absolutely no idea how any team in this division makes any money, we are 13th out of 16 on salaries per annum.

December 2012 & January 2013

Friendlies



Keeping the players fit and also bringing in some cash is the name of the game again.

Also big shout-out to our main man Julien Benitez who landed himself a place in the South American Team of the Year.

I will be doing updates every 2 months now seeing as the league only lasts 5 months and then a final update for end of season play offs, should we make it that far!

[Mikal]

January & February 2013

League Fixtures



League Table



League Analysis

Nice to be back at the top of the table, with not much competition in my way. Most delighted with the fact we are now keeping a tight shop at the back which makes winning games so much easier! Surprised at some of the teams lingering below the top 7, although early days yet.

Player Analysis

Key defender: Francisco Javier Dorame
A key player in defence for us and pretty much our only recognised LB. Solid player.

Key midfielder: Ubael Romero
One of our first new boys has really stepped into the limelight with some real efficient performances. Doesn't look out of place in the team and can chip in with some goals and assists.

Key attacker: Julien Benitez
Once again one of our biggest threats. I'm glad my highest paid player actually lives up to his worth.

Next up, youth day!

[Mikal]

Youth Intake 2013


* right click > view/open image for larger version

Contracts offered to:

Fernando Serrano - Central Defender

Francisco Santacruz - Right Midfielder

Jorge Corral - Right Attacking Midfielder

Javier Diaz - Central Midfielder

Another decent looking intake on paper. None of the players look like they could feature any time soon with the central defender looking the most likely to be the first to break through. As I am not really looking to play central midfielders, I have taken on Diaz with the view of selling him for profit later on.

[Mikal]

March & April 2013

League Fixtures



League Table


Average Points

League Analysis

Have you ever seen a team finish 8th and get relegated . As for us we had an excellent 2 months, even if we did start to concede a couple, but we was banging them in the net which is all that matters! The results against Murcielagos and Celeya were the most disappointing. My 17 year old RB cost us against Murcielagos, and poor officiating cost us against Celeya, but I'm not one to complain... Much. On to the semi-finals of the play offs. I may as well go for it cause I assume if I win then I'm not exactly going to play myself for a chance at promotion.

Player Analysis

Key defender: Francisco Javier Dorame
No surprise to see this lad here again, Mr. Consistency.

Key midfielder: Luis Rosas
On his day this man can cause all sorts of havoc down the right flank and has really nailed that spot as his own. Starting to add more goals to his game lately so that sees him being our key man in midfield.

Key attacker: Cristian Gordillo
It was a toss up between a few people, but this young gent stepped up when my main striker got injured and really did a job. Hopefully he can carry on firing through the play offs.

[deltablue]

Hopefully you won't need to have a final playoff if you win this one as well.

[Mikal]

Closing Stage Playoff Finals 2013



Playoff Finals Analysis

Double Champions!

So straight in at the semi-finals due to finishing top of the league and we were drawn against Irapuato. The way leg was first and it did not take us long to get on the scoresheet with Silva notching in after 4 minutes. We ended 4-2 winners. The home leg was not so good conceding after only 3 minutes. Luckily we didn't concede again and we won 4-3 on aggregate. The downside here was our young starlet Romero received a broken leg meaning he will be out for another 5 to 6 months.

The final saw us face off against surprise package Correcaminos. Once again the away leg was first, which we managed to win 1-0. Another downside being Romero's replacement tore his calf muscle so he is now out for 3 to 4 months. The home leg was horrible, we were made to feel second best for the entire first half, couldn't do anything right and were passed off the park. They went 2-0 up in under 25 minutes and I thought it was all over with the way we were playing. Half time came and changed some bits around, didn't seem to change at all going into the second half, being second best to everything. Eventually 60 minutes came and I just went on the attack, we'd either get a goal or concede again, but we had to go for it. Luckily the former happened and we were back in it with 20 minutes to go. A delightful own goal on 80 minutes gave us some much needed breathing space, and then a swift counter on 86 minutes resulting in a corner was where we were to score our 3rd and final goal. A great comeback, earning me the Comeback Acheivement!

Final

Playoff Finals Tree

Player Analysis

Player Stats

Key defender: Luis Fernando Silva
Been a rock all season and especially so during these play offs, even though we shipped 5 in 6. Would have been more without his presence.

Key midfielder: Carlos Carino
Key may be the wrong word here, but his consistency and fitness were so important in these play offs. At 35 years of age he showed his worth, even getting a goal in the first game of the play offs.

Key attacker: Emmanuel Guajardo
I had intended on playing Gordillo throughout these play offs, but he sustained an injury after the opening game, meaning I had to play a very unfit Emmanuel for the remainder as he had just come back from his own injury. He performed amicably scoring in both legs of the final.

Behind the Scenes

Board Overview

Finances

[B.W.G]

Congrats on winning both titles

[Mikal]

Congrats on winning both titles

Thanks! Dreading this first season with the big boys though.

Pre-Season 2013/14

Transfers

Just the two outs. One signed a pre-contract beginning of the year so always knew he was off. There has been noise about Silva (amongst others) getting interest from bigger clubs. I've always issued a hands off warning. Racing came in with a £2.5m bid for Silva, the biggest transfer the club would have seen. I would have happily rejected it, but the board saw it as too good to turn down. So we're now down on our best CB. We are in for a bumpy season.

Friendlies



I always let my assistant play the friendlies and get the players fitness levels up, I just arrange them for income. Not too worried by the results, my assistant was playing all sorts of players.

This season is going to be a big, big struggle by the looks of things though. Our squad is thin and the quality few. We'll give it a shot and my main aim for the season is to just not get relegated. That is all. We need to try and stay in the division if we want to improve our finances (we managed a profit of £750k this year), and improve our stadium/training/youth facilities because we won't last very long with some of the players we have.

[Scarman]

Congrats on promotion! Good luck in the top division!

[Mikal]

Congrats on promotion! Good luck in the top division!

Thank you, thank you. It's been a tough couple of months.

As the Opening Stage only lasts 4 months thought I'd go back to doing monthly updates (seeing as I won't be making the play-offs )

August 2013

League Fixtures



League Table


Average Points

League Analysis

I expected the worst coming into the season, especially after looking at some of the players other teams had. The difference in quality was staggering. But, game #1 rolled along and we performed better than I thought. I was actually disappointed by the end of it coming out with just a draw after they equalised in the 85th minute. We then got our first win of the season with a 1-0 win over Atlante. Thought we'd have no trouble staying in this division! Then things didn't start to go so well. We were picking up injury after injury after injury. My average age must have been about 16, we were stressed to the absolute bare minimum, and it showed. Losses against Pumas, Jaguares and a thumping at the hands of Cruz Azul all showed how difficult this league would be to stay in. We somehow managed to round the month off with a very fortunate 2-1 win over Chivas.

We're lingering just above relegation on average points. It's probably worse for us not having played in this division in the past 3 years as each time we drop points the average points hugely decreases. But can also massively increase with vital wins/draws.

Slowly our players are returning to fitness, but it really has been a tough opening month.

Player Analysis

Key defender: Miguel Angel Fraga
#1 keeper and without him I couldn't see us picking up many points. Really has done a great job at the back. Shame he's injured for another 3 weeks as his replacement is nowhere near as good and unfortunately it shows on the pitch.

Key midfielder: Ismael Pineda
Good offensively and defensively, put in some solid performances and has opened his account for the season.

Key attacker: Julien Benitez
Looks to be one of my only threats with 3 goals and 1 assist in 6 games. He will be one of the main factors in us avoiding relegation, if we do.

[Mikal]

September 2013

League Fixtures



League Table


Average Points

League Analysis

A very good month in all. 7 points from a possible 12 is more than acceptable, and if every month is like this one we'll have no problem! The draw against Tigres was a fair result, even if we did have 35% possession. We were sublime against Pachuca and it was a well deserved win. We then absolutely robbed Toluca of 3 points. A very undeserving victory for us! Second best for everything, but if Toluca don't want to finish their chances they will get punished! When we scored against the run of play, we were able to get another soon after from a counter. A 3rd and we really were laughing! Although not for long. They put us under immense pressure and got a goal back with 20 mins to go. Another goal on 81 and it really was squeaky bum time! Packed everyone in defence, set everyone to just lump the ball forward, just get it out. Luckily, and I mean luckily, we hung on to a priceless victory. Although karma came back to haunt us in the next game when it was our turn to be absolutely atrocious. Not 1 shot on target all game sums us up. We lost to a 40 yard screamer and gave Puebla their first points of the season.

As far as the average points go, we are in a healthy position so far. I'd expect a total 35-40 points for the two halves of the season would be enough to keep us safe from relegation.

Player Analysis

Key defender: Victor Manuel Albarran
I wouldn't say any defender deserved a spot here, as we've only kept 1 clean sheet so far this season. This guy did have some boots to fill with Silva leaving, and he's done an alright job after his injury getting a goal and helping us secure 3 points against Toluca.

Key midfielder: Ismael Pineda
A key cog in midfield.

Key attacker: Emmanuel Guajardo
It would have been Benitez, but he missed 2 crucial penalties this month and that just doesn't fly with me. Guajardo had contributed goals and assists, so opted for him this month.

[Mikal]

October 2013

League Fixtures



League Table


Average Points

League Analysis

Rearguard. A strange month sees us do the complete opposite of the others and that's keep 4/5 clean sheets and score next to no goals. The draws against Moreila and San Luis I was slightly disappointed with as I felt we could have nicked 3 points from at least 1 of those games. But a point is a point and it all goes towards survival. I was also a bit disappointed we didn't beat America, as they are stuck down at the bottom of the table and were there for the taking, although if you was to ask if I would have taken a point before the season had started, then I most certainly would have. A good month, but need to bag a few more goals, even if it means opening up a bit. Too soon to be thinking about play-offs?

Around mid-table on the Average Points system, which is a a welcome sight. Another 15-20 points over the next 19 games should just about secure us a spot.

Player Analysis

Decided since we kept all those clean sheets I'd have my entire defence as the key players for this month.

GK: Miguel Angel Fraga
RB: Eduardo Chavez
LB: Francisco Javier Dorame
CB: Alberto Lucio
CB: Victor Manuel Albarran

All put in classy performances and they all go along way to secure a spot in the top division.

[deltablue]

Good start to top division life.

[Mikal]

Good start to top division life.

It has been better than expected, but only half way there yet!

November 2013

League Fixtures



League Table


Average Points

League Analysis

Just the two games to finish off the opening part of the season, and neither game I expected anything from given the vast difference in quality. So happy with the point against Monterrey, and we gave a good showing against Santos Laguna, even if it wasn't enough.

Slipping down the average points table but still hanging on in there. 40 points will be our aim and I think we'll be safe.

Opening Stage Playoff Finals

[Mikal]

November & December 2013

Off-Season Friendlies



10 friendlies played, bringing in around £200k in total. No transfers took place, all that happened for us was renewing some of our staff contracts.

Our finances are still poor. Desperately need to remain in this division if we're going to push on with our ambitions.

[B.W.G]

Made a good start for your survival fight.Your finances maybe poor but they are starting to show signs of improvement.

[Mikal]

Made a good start for your survival fight.Your finances maybe poor but they are starting to show signs of improvement.

This is true, onwards and upwards and all that!

January 2014

League Fixtures



League Table


Average Points

League Analysis

High flying.

3 games in to the Closing Stage and things have started tremendously well. 2 away wins against tough opposition, especially Pumas who we were told we'd have no chance against. A disappointing home draw, but another clean sheet at home. Think I may need to go a bit more attacking in the home games. The win against Pumas was the highlight of the month, going 3-0 up before almost crumbling under the severe pressure they put on us. And with them scoring their 2nd goal after 88 minutes, I thought we were in for a Pumas comeback. I overloaded the defence and midfield to shut out the game and luckily it worked. A famous victory for Toros Neza!

Shot up to 8th in the Average Points ranking with these early, positive results and a step closer to that 40 point mark. If we keep playing the way we have been we will have no probably reaching that.

Player Analysis

Key defender: Miguel Angel Fraga
A real rock at the back. Always have confidence in him between the sticks. At 26 years old, we still have time to nurture a replacement for when his playing days are over.

Key midfielder: Luis Rosas
Put in some good wide shifts, crafting out chances for team mates and getting a goal himself.

Key attacker: Emmanuel Guajardo
The boy was on fire this month with 4 goals in 3 matches, can't ask for a better return than that. 5 games next month, hopefully he has it in him to keep firing.

[deltablue]

Amazing season.

[Mikal]

Amazing season.

Thanks!

February 2014

League Fixtures



League Table


Average Points

League Analysis

50/50.

2 wins, 2 losses and a draw. Pretty down the line this month. Off the back of our impressive January month we got roundly trounced by the impressive Jaguares. We just succumbed to their power and it could easily have been more than 3. We bounced back with a win over Cruz Azul, although a draw would have been a fairer result seeing as neither team could get anything on target, but the difference was an own goal in our favour. A loss to Chivas followed. I did initially feel disappointed with the result, but looking back at it, a Cruz win was fair, and they also missed a pen. We had a good, dominating spell at the beginning but teetered out rather quickly. Then 2 clean sheets on the trot with a 0-0 against Tigres and a 1-0 win over Toluca thanks to our 18 year old prospect Mendez.

Player Analysis

Key defender: Alberto Lucio
Ever present and puts in solid shifts on a consistent basis.

Key midfielder: Ismael Pineda
Becoming a creative force in our side. Sits deep and can dictate play, chipped in with a goal as well this month and I'm sure a couple of assists too.

Key attacker: Julien Benitez
Was a toss up between Benitez and Angel Fredi Diaz. But Diaz didn't play the whole month so only seemed fair to give it to Julian.

1 more game and then Youth Intake day! Striker, GK and a LB would be nice.

[Mikal]

Youth Intake 2014



Contracts offered to:

Leonardo Lopez - Striker

Luis Rolando Rendon Left Attacking Midfielder

Jesus Samario - Right Attacking Midfielder

Well I got my striker . Looks promising, but very, very weak for a target man. We'll see how all 3 develop over the coming years.

Edit: Also finally some sort of improvement...



We still don't have the finances to improve the youth facilities though.

[Mikal]

March 2014

League Fixtures



League Table


Average Points

League Analysis

Overachievers?

Not a great month in what I thought was going to be one of our best. Maybe the headlines of us being overachievers do reign a sense of truth. Anyway, we got off to a cagey win over Puebla and topped that off with a 0-0 draw with Moreila. Our next 2 games were against teams occupying the bottom 2 positions. We were favourites for both games, but clearly that sort of pressure is unfamiliar territory for my team and we flattered to deceive and just crumbled in both games conceding 6 goals in the 2 games. Poor showing. I'm pretty sure 90% of the goals we concede are from headers. We really do lose the aerial battles.

Mid table on average points with 4 games to go (and possibly play off games) and 1 point off the magic 40 I thought it'd take to be safe.

Player Analysis

Key defender: Fernando Corral
Went for the 17 year old as I dropped my first team RB due to silly mistakes in past games, and this lad performed decent, whilst not spectacular. But none of the defenders really shone.

Key midfielder: Jorge Corral
My other Corral, 16, played some solid games on the right wing when I called upon him, even getting his first goal for the club.

Key attacker: Julien Benitez
Our most creative threat.

[Mikal]

April 2014

League Fixtures



League Table


Average Points

League Analysis

Play offs beckon.

A much better month and I could have only dreamt about those 3 wins. America have been shocking this season, but always seemed up for it against us. We went 1-0 down after 9 minutes and thought that was it from then, but we got an instant response on 11 mins making it 1-1. Then their player got sent off on 23 mins and it was pretty even after that. We then sealed the win with a 93rd minute winner, and for once it didn't happen against us! The loss to Atlas was unnerving, I thought we could have at least got a point, but their win meant they were on our tails for the play offs. A smash and grab win over Monterrey was an absolute joy to see! We deserved nothing from that game, we were battered. Then a resounding 3-0 win over Santos Laguna finished the Closing Stage off very nicely. We have no been drawn against Cruz Azul in the Quarter Finals.

Our average points look healthy, and will give us a good starting point for next season too.

Player Analysis

Key defender: Miguel Angel Fraga
Once again had a great month. Was solid in our wins and was a contributing factor. Saved a pen against Santos early on, too.

Key midfielder: Diego Mejia
Upped his game this season, goals and assists.

Key attacker: Julien Benitez
Solid month. Always a menace.

[deltablue]

Didn't expect things to be so good so soon.

[B.W.G]

Impressive performances,definitely over achieving.Good luck in the playoffs

[Mikal]

Didn't expect things to be so good so soon.

Impressive performances,definitely over achieving.Good luck in the playoffs

Thanks guys, about to crack on with my play off match although not holding my breath. Now I've switched over to my new laptop I decided I wasn't happy seeing my logo as the default, and couldn't find it in a pack, so made my own .


Larger

[Mikal]

May 2014

Closing Stage Playoff Finals



Playoff Analysis

Well well. For a start the win over Cruz Azul was not as 1 sided as it sounds, we essentially had 6 shots on target throughout both legs and scored 6 goals . We played the counter attacking game very well, especially in the home leg which we won 4-1. It helped that they didn't have their beast of a striker Villa who has scored 23 goals this season and a hatrick earlier in the season against us. Either way, Cruz Azul were poor attacking, and we were very effective on the counter, so in a way we did deserve to beat them. The same can not be said for the match against Chivas. They topped the league and came in at the semi's and really did show their strength. Injuries and tired legs got the better of us and we were over-powered in the end losing 1-0 at home and 3-0 away. Happy with the effort though.

Player Analysis

Player Stats

I don't think we had any stand out players throughout the playoff's. Guarjardo, our leading scorer, hasn't notched a goal for over 9 hours. So he needs to buck his game up on a serious level.

Behind the Scenes

Board Overview

Finances

We're finally out of the red!! A few more seasons in this division and we should be able to start upgrading our facilities. The sooner we do that the better as some of our better players are starting to get on a bit and won't be around forever.

[Mikal]

Cruz Azul's manager retired at the end of the season so after the drubbing I gave them in the playoffs they come a knocking for my services . Crazy budgets though, didn't think Mexican teams had that sort of financial power! We're spending just under £47k per week on wages. It's nice to be thought of, but of course I'mma turn it down.

[Mikal]

Pre-Season 2014/15

Transfers

Just the 1 senior player out who I don't has featured under me, so no loss. The others are youngsters out on loan to our new feeder club. We'll see how their development goes there. We are also due just over £500k for a sell on fee through Racing selling Silva to Granada.

The main transfers really were tying up some players on long term contracts. We have 1 player whose contract runs out in 1 year and that's our star LB, so I'll need to get him tied as soon as, even if his demands are a bit over the top.

Friendlies



I also have 3 more scheduled for during the season at £50k a go, so hopefully my assistant picks a team of 15 year olds so our league commitments aren't put at risk.

Behind the Scenes

Board Overview

As you can see our finances are looking decent still. I'd like our balance to reach £1m by the end of the season.

[Scarman]

Really good season! Jealous that you were able to improve your Youth Recruitment network already, I've never been able to get mine upgraded.

[Mikal]

Really good season! Jealous that you were able to improve your Youth Recruitment network already, I've never been able to get mine upgraded.

Yeah I can't fault it! My board seem pretty ambitious and understanding, everything I've asked for they've either done, or said they agree in principle but we just don't have the funds for it at the moment. Which is a good sign, so hopefully when we start to generate some more profits we'll be able to upgrade as soon as.

Also congrats to Fernando Serrano and Ubael Romero for their Mexico U20 call ups. Maybe one of these two will be the first Toros Neza player to get a senior cap!

Also, why are all my youth players bald , it's like we're sending them through army training.

[B.W.G]

Much better finances and good to see that you've been able to improve Youth Recruitment.

Nice to Serrano and Romero getting recognition.I have no idea why they are bald,I noticed the same thing on mine

[Mikal]

Much better finances and good to see that you've been able to improve Youth Recruitment.

Nice to Serrano and Romero getting recognition.I have no idea why they are bald,I noticed the same thing on mine

Happy with the eventual progress we're making on the improvement front. I think they must have saw I shaved my own hair and copied me to either get in my good books or to mock me!

August 2014

League Fixtures



League Table


Average Points

League Analysis

Well as you can see I was unable to filter out my friendly fixtures I had during the season so you can have them too! But anyway, it was an action packed month (and a bit) with almost half the league games played for this stage already. We started the season off to the team who crushed us in the semi-finals and we were the ones doing the crushing this time! We went 4-0 up by 60 minutes thanks to good counter attacking and finishing. We were then hit back for 2 late on which annoyed me. Title contenders Monterrey were next and we couldn't carry our momentum on and lost 2-1 after going ahead through a Diaz shot on 13 minutes. We then had a player sent off on 74 and conceded a late winner on 88. Another top half team Santos Laguna were next and we turned our fortunes around and came out 3-1 winners. Maybe Cruz Azul were counting their lucky stars after I turned them down as they then go and beat us 3-1, pretty comfortably too. A win over Pachuca followed, luckily they missed a pen late on. We then kept our 100% record of losing to Jaguares. We scored our 2nd goal in the 85th minute and thought there was a chance at stealing a point, but it wasn't to be. The month was then rounded off with a draw against Xolos thanks to an 84th minute in our favour.

So our month went WLWLWLD.

Player Analysis

Key defender: Victor Hugo Vega
No-one deserved it really, but I asked this guy to play in a multitude of positions over the month and he did a job when asked.

Key midfielder: Ubael Romero
I thought I'd stick him in the starting XI from the off, as the guy who he is replacing has just turned 30, so it's time to bring him through and he did a really good job, looked dangerous a lot of the time, but his end product was lacking. He's also injured which won't help.

Key attacker: Emmanuel Guajardo
Not his best starts, but better than any of my other attackers.

Behind the Scenes

Board Overview

Our finances have gone down around £300k in the past month, not entirely sure how, but I think it will be due to offering new contracts to people and having to fork out on agent/loyalty fees, as well as upgraded wages. I hope this is just a short-term problem.

[deltablue]

Reasonable start, and averages look good.

[Mikal]

September 2014

League Fixtures



League Table


Average Points

League Analysis

Just the 3 games this month with 1 goal scored and 0 conceded. Another one of those months where not a lot really happens. Happy with the point against Pumas and the win over Atlas. The match against Tigres could have gone either way, and Pineda missed a pen.

Keeping our mid-table place on the average points system, so as long as the teams below carry on losing then it's all good!

Player Analysis

Key defender: Miguel Angel Fraga
A solid return to the first XI after a bit of injury.

Key midfielder: Julien Benitez
Looked creative but no end product. Did the assist for the 1 goal.

Key attacker: Emmanuel Guajardo
Yep, you guessed it. He got that 1 goal.

Behind the Scenes

Board Overview

Finances plummeting down again. There isn't really much more I can do in regards of bringing in more income. I can't afford to sell any players as we're already very thin and any injury is pretty damning and I wouldn't say our wages were high either. Just need to persist until we start to fill our stadium some more. We've been having some horrible attendances lately, holding the record of lowest attendance EVER in the First Division. Not prepared to cut back on the Junior Budget, seeing as that'd be a step backwards.

Other than that it looks pretty rosy.

[Mikal]

Reasonable start, and averages look good.

Yeah it had been OK, got a couple of the big boys out of the way with. We picked our game up in the Closing Stage last season, so hopefully we can emulate that again.

[Mikal]

October & November 2014

League Fixtures



League Table


Average Points

League Analysis

Very poor month as we only notched 4 goals in 7 games. Our team just have not been playing well lately. Tiredness/injuries/tactical problems. All have contributed to our poor showings. Not really a lot else to say. We still almost grabbed a playoff spot, just needed to beat America on the final game, but we were outclassed on that occasion. Hopefully the Closing Stage will be an improvement.

Player Analysis

No players worth a mention especially when our top goal scorer has 3 goals. On a more positive note. Leonardo Lopez got his first goal for the club in the 1-0 win over Moreila becoming our youngest ever goalscorer and the youngest ever First Division goalscorer.

Opening Stage Playoff Finals



Behind the Scenes

Board Overview

Sliding back into the red. Just do not know where we are spending all this money.

[Mikal]

November, December & (part of) January

Off-Season Friendlies

[/b][/u]

15 friendlies played. Need that money! Luckily not too many injuries occured.

Behind the Scenes

Board Overview

Even with the mass of friendlies we still lost £100k over the past 2 months. I may look at selling a key player at the end of the season if I think we have a suitable replacement. Both Benitez and Pineda have interest, inbox messages saying bids of around £11m. So if I can get £15m for Benitez I think he'll be gone, I'd like to keep Pineda.

[Mikal]

January 2015

League Fixtures



League Table


Average Points

League Analysis

After a poor showing in the Opening Stage I was hoping we'd up our game for this Closing Stage. Knowing we had tough opening games I wasn't expecting fireworks from the off, and it didn't with a 2-0 loss at the hands of Chivas. We then got a valuable point against Monterrey.

But the game I want to talk about is the game we recorded our biggest win ever against Jaguares. Before the game I wasn't happy with the way we were playing this season. I had been chopping and changing my tactics here and there trying to find a winning formula, then I just thought sod it, lets start from scratch. Opened up the tactic creator and then went for basic and to really look at what I was asking the team to do, and what capabilities my team actually have. So I looked at my squad, looked at the best players we have. Pineda, Benitez and Fraga. Fraga was always a given seeing as he's the keeper and they rarely change. So I put the other two in the team first, in their preferred positions, then carried on going down my team and putting players in on ability. We then had a first XI with roles. I had been playing a high closing down game before, and while I like this idea in principle, it didn't work for us, we had far too many people come out of position and not win possession, so I scrapped this idea and told the players not to press so much, but let them come to us, keep shape. I had also been keen on a short passing game, work it around wait for an opening. Again I went the opposite, I went direct, get the ball forward to the players that can do damage, if it's not in our half we can't concede.

Now on to the game. Maybe it was because Jaguares were on a bad run of their own, but we were very, very good and efficient. We didn't let a ball go to waste, players looked like they had talent and really wanted it. Jaguares probably thought they were turning up with 3 points in the bag, but we surprised them a treat. During the game I took a closer look at the stats, at my assistants advice and generally how my team were performing. The little things aye! Delighted with the win, and hopefully many more of this standard to come. (Queue 3-0 loss to Santos Laguna next game).

Player Analysis

Key defender: Fernando Serrano
At 17 he's now our 2nd best defender and is now a regular. Put in a solid shift against Jaguares, made some crucial tackles and interceptions.

Key midfielder/attacker: Ubael Romero
This lad is the present and future of the team. He put in a class performance against Jaguares to secure the overwhelming win. He still has a lot of room for improvement as well, apparently.

[Mikal]

February 2015

League Fixtures



League Table


Average Points

League Analysis

A good month to carry on from our impressive end of Jan win. Started off with a draw with Santos, could easily have won that match though. Then we got a drubbing by Cruz Azul, definitely didn't deserve anything from that, they were too good. Then 3 wins on the trot ended a solid month and pushed us up the league table. Big negative is our promising young CB, Serrano, suffered cruciate ligament damage and will now be out for 8-10 months, real blow that. Won't see him again until the next Closing Stage. Hopefully his development isn't halted too much.

Our average points are looking good. Hoping to get at LEAST the same amount of points as last season, with 9 games to go, 12 points are certainly attainable.

Player Analysis

Key defender: Miguel Angel Fraga
Key between the sticks as always.

Key midfielder: Ubael Romero
Very good month again, I gave him a rest for the final game as he had played a lot. Becoming a key player.

Key attacker: Emmanuel Guajardo
Back in the goals. No small part down to Romero's link up play.

[B.W.G]

Performing very well so far and hopefully you can keep improving your average points as well to ensure survival.

[Mikal]

Performing very well so far and hopefully you can keep improving your average points as well to ensure survival.

Definitely! Keeps you in a good position for the following seasons as well if you can keep up your average points.

Youth Intake 2015



contracts offered to:

Enrique Samario - Left Fullback

Pablo Ramos - Central Defender

Andres Hernandez - Defensive Midfielder

Irving Infante - Central Defender

Jesus Rojina - Goalkeeper

Camilo Salazar - Defensive Midfielder

A fantastic looking youth intake this year. A lot of potential here. My main hopes were a keeper and a left back. I got a very good looking prospect in Enrique Samario for the left back slot, and will probably have him lingering around the first team straight away as I have very little cover there. The keeper may or may not make it, but I needed cover. The others will be left in the U20's to develop and fight for a first team spot, or to sell on for profit.

[Mikal]

March 2015

League Fixtures



League Table


Average Points

League Analysis

Along with a good youth intake came a good set of results, mostly. We got the month off to an absolute pummeling by Pumas. We really did get taken left, right and center. Did not make for pleasant viewing. We then won 3 out of our next 4, drawing with Moreila. The highlight of the month was the 5-1 shafting we gave to Correcamios courtesy of 5 goals by Guajardo. We actually ended up with around 40% possession or worse that game.

Up to 4th in the league after these good results, I'm glad my new tactic is working as well, if not better than, I hoped. I reckon another 3 points will be enough to secure a play off spot, which I'll be very disappointed if we don't get. Again our average points are looking tidy, 2 points off last seasons tally, which we should beat now.

Player Analysis

Key midfielder: Diego Mejia
This 31 year old really impressed me. Clearly on his last legs, but has a lot to offer. He was my first choice AMC before Romero came onto the scene, and he has been away on international so back steps Diego, and he did not disappoint. He scored the only goal in the Moreila match with what must have been his first touch, and then has been very involved in the rest of the goals we've scored.

Key attacker: Emmanuel Guajardo
1 game this month he didn't score in, but made up for it by smashing 5 in the game against Correcamios, earning a 10.00 rating.

Behind the Scenes



Even though we're horribly down on funds, I thought I'd ask the board for an upgrade in the Junior Coaching department and they agreed to upgrade it again! Probably an expense we can't afford, but I'm willing to give it a go!

[deltablue]

Making a serious mark on the table now.

[Mikal]

Making a serious mark on the table now.

We're trying! But it's usually always very tight, one bad result and you'll find yourself dropping 4/5 places.

April 2015

League Fixtures



League Table


Average Points

League Analysis

Just the 1 win this month, so a bad end to the season. No part down to the amount of rotation I tried to do coupled with the amount of injuries we have. I tried to drop key players with the playoffs pretty much in the bag, but then they go and get injured in training anyway! So we've had it tough, but luckily we are in the playoffs.

Player Analysis

Key defender: Alberto Lucio
One of the only positives this month, although did pick up a hefty injury.

We've been drawn against Cruz Azul for the 2nd time in as many playoffs, so hoping for a repeat of last time, and not a repeat of our league performances! Although looking at our injuries:



We are well and truly up against it. All I have fit is 1 first team LB. Both first team CBs are injured, the other one needlessly got sent off in the final game and my first team RB is also injured. On top of that our top goalscorer is out, too. No idea how I'm going to field a team that's capable of defending. Well, here we go.

[Mikal]

May 2015

Closing Stage Playoff Finals



Playoff Analysis

A playoff to forget. With so many first team players out we never really stood a chance against a good attacking side. We had about 3 players out of position for the home leg and I just chucked everyone behind the ball. We lost to a brilliant strike which wouldn't have been stopped regardless of my team. Which was a shame, as other than that we defended decent. Ended up with about 34% possession. The away leg, I needed to at least give it a go. So we did, and was punished for trying! Got destroyed 3-0.

Player Analysis

Player Stats

Guajardo, Romero, Pineda and Fraga were our best players over the course of the season. We need goals to be chipped in elsewhere in midfield if we're going to be a serious title threat.

Behind the Scenes

Board Overview

So back in positive after we received £1.6m for our final position. I do think Benitez will be out the door when the transfer window is open. We should receive a good fee, and it will clear £7k+ p/w in wages.

[Mikal]

Pre-Season 2015/16

Transfers

Two outs this transfer window. Gordillo had a £250k release clause (which I had forgot about) so he was on his way, leaving me with having to promote a youngster as backup striker (saves on wages too). But the big news was selling Julien Benitez for a fee of £13.75m, a new transfer record for us. He put in some good shifts for us, and I would have liked to keep him but couldn't turn it down. It put us in a great position financially and the board instantly started to spend it upgrading things! Happy with the fee, he's 28 and was on over £8k p/w for us, which is just too much for now. Plus he got a tasty pay rise at Wigan.

We also tied up a couple other players on new contracts. Guajardo had a min. fee release of £4m to foreign clubs (forgot about this as well), and a couple bid, so I had to offer him a contract, giving him a £2k p/w pay rise. Worth it though.

Friendlies



Hopefully my assistant bedded in some of the youngsters I plan to use this season.

Behind the Scenes

Board Overview

As you can see our finances are looking much better with the sales. I hope we can keep our finances at a steadily level during the season, as I really can not afford to sell more key players and can't really afford to give them huge wage rises.

Also you may notice that the board is upgrading both the training and youth facilities which is top news

[Scarman]

Samario and Ramos look like they could be really good when they develop!

[Mikal]

Samario and Ramos look like they could be really good when they develop!

I'm hoping for Samario to take over at LB some point in the future, he definitely looks like he could be first team material. Ramos has the potential, but his physicals are poor, so that's something that needs working on. I'm undecided on whether to focus more on speed or strength, seeing as his marking isn't as good as his other defensive attributes, some pace could come in handy if he loses his marker. Then again I could focus on marking. I wish I had more players with higher determination so I could get some youngsters tutored, just have none... Besides Samario .

[deltablue]

Good to see finances in order.

[Mikal]

Good to see finances in order.

Definitely one of the positives so far this season. We're still losing money each month, but it shouldn't stop us should we wish to upgrade anything else.

July & August 2016

League Fixtures



League Table


Average Points

League Analysis

We made an absolute flying start to the season going on a 4 game win streak, and we looked very good. We were sitting at the top of the table after those 4 games, but we've fell off the pace a bit in the 3 games after drawing 1 and losing 2. The draw I was happy to take and the loss against Chivas was expected, but losing to Xolos really annoyed me, definitely a team we should be looking to beat, and beat comfortably. It was possibly my own undoing, I like to give my backup keeper the odd game to stop him complaining about first team football (hasn't stopped him complaining) and he generally doesn't perform well, that along with playing a 16 year old at CB didn't help the cause either.

I'm hoping we can stay top 8 on the average points table.

Player Analysis

Key defender: Alberto Lucio
During our opening games Alberto was as solid as they come, really lead by example.

Key midfielder: Ubael Romero and an honourable mention should go to Jorge Corral
Romero proving to be a vital player in the side. Jorge was a new addition to the first XI, he surpassed Luis Rosas in terms of ability and looks very good down the right flank, gets passed a lot of fullbacks easy enough, but doesn't often have that final ball.

Key attacker: Emmanuel Guajardo and honourable mention to Leonardo Lopez
Emmanuel showing why we gave him a new contract, getting 6 goals and 1 assist in the opening 7 matches. Hasn't scored in the last 3 like, but he's still our biggest goal threat. After the sale of Benitez I needed the left flank filled, and this guy, while looks better as a striker, could play there and the games will be vital experience. He's also contributed 3 goals and 2 assists as well, so performing better than expected.

[Mikal]

September 2016

League Fixtures



League Table


Average Points

League Analysis

September sees us pick up 6 out of a possible 9 points, so not too shabby. We lost to the side who are currently top of the pile, and a much better outfit than we are, but we gave a good account of ourselves in that match.

Player Analysis

Key defender: Eduardo Chavez
Not a great deal of games to make an impression, but Eduardo got a couple assists, so he deserves it.

Key midfielder: Ubael Romero
Choice of between this lad and Jorge Corral, but Ubael edges it by assists.

Key attacker: Emmanuel Guajardo
Picking up 5 goals in 3 games is a good enough return for me!


Behind the Scenes

Hoping to get a feeder club in the league below arranged, would go along way in getting our players experience and develop more.

[SRL88]

Going along very nicely.

[B.W.G]

Looking good so far.

[Scarman]

I'm hoping for Samario to take over at LB some point in the future, he definitely looks like he could be first team material. Ramos has the potential, but his physicals are poor, so that's something that needs working on. I'm undecided on whether to focus more on speed or strength, seeing as his marking isn't as good as his other defensive attributes, some pace could come in handy if he loses his marker. Then again I could focus on marking. I wish I had more players with higher determination so I could get some youngsters tutored, just have none... Besides Samario .

A lot of my current first team players had really, really bad physicals when they started out. You'd be surprised at how easily they develop. The tutoring aspect really got me at first as well, I've only had good tutors for a few seasons now, and I'm 20 seasons in! Probably won't take you that long, seeing the difference in quality and all

Going pretty well this season, keep it up!

[Mikal]

Going along very nicely.

You're right, I can't have too many complaints.

Looking good so far.

Definitely. Looking good for playoffs and bumping up our average points.

A lot of my current first team players had really, really bad physicals when they started out. You'd be surprised at how easily they develop. The tutoring aspect really got me at first as well, I've only had good tutors for a few seasons now, and I'm 20 seasons in! Probably won't take you that long, seeing the difference in quality and all

Going pretty well this season, keep it up!

Yeah I'm hoping they do shoot up, nice to hear that's what happened with yours. Yeah I did start at a higher quality than the pits of hell you started in ha.

October & November 2015

League Fixtures



League Table


Average Points

League Analysis

We had a very good two months, only losing once at the start of October. We finished on a 5 game win streak which was a joy, and now we've qualified for the play offs (and are facing Chivas) hopefully we can go in with good morale and take the game to them. My team has a thing about the final game of the season though. Even when I play a lot of backup players, the first teamers I do use still get injured (Guajardo out for 3 weeks) and my RB got sent off. It's madness!

Player Analysis

Key defender: Alberot Lucio
Few cleansheets, put in some good shifts.

Key midfielder: Victor Hugo Vega
When playing a little more defensive, I played this fella left midfielder and he put in some very good performances, getting the odd goal and assist to boot.

Key attacker: Ubael Romero
Always a potent threat, couple goals and a few more assists. Could have gone to Leonardo Lopez as well.

[Mikal]

December 2015

Opening Stage Playoff Finals



Playoff Analysis

So the quarters we were drawn against Chivas. Not a good record against them and it was all going so well in the away leg. We went 2-1 up and thought we were going to hold out for a great win. 84th minute equaliser. 87th minute winner. Livid. The home leg went better but we were 2nd best. We got a goal just before half time (along with 2 injuries) and managed to hold out a barrage of attacks in the 2nd half to win the match 1-0 meaning we go through due to finishing higher in the league than Chivas! Tigres next, always a tough game. A 0-0 at home meant we had to win in the away leg due to finishing below Tigres. And win we did. Early goal for us in the 8th minute from a set piece. So they do the same 5 minutes later. We then took the lead before half time and managed to see it out.

Then the final. I have never hurled so much abuse at a computer screen as I did during that first leg. There are just no words to describe how awful it was to watch. It was the worst game to date, bar none. They scored after a mere 2 minutes, and it was all downhill from there. Every attack they had they seemed to score. 1, 2, 3, 4 not even breaking a sweat for them. Consolation goal before half time. 5, 6 in the 2nd half. Unbelievable scenes from the America stands, we were wallowing and looked absolutely out of ideas. Lost the first leg 6-1. No way back from that surely. Nope. Lost 2-0 at home. A sad way to end a brilliant opening season.

Player Analysis

Player Stats

The usual stand outs. Along with the usual half team of injuries. Glad Serrano is back from his cruciate ligament injury and hopefully his progress hasn't been too halted. We currently have no fit striker, but luckily it's the off-season.

Behind the Scenes

Board Overview

Still in the back, but still losing £200k+ a month. We'll finish the season with around a £10m balance I'd imagine. And I'm hoping to get an upgrade on junior coaching or youth recruitment before March, but we'll see what the board says.

[B.W.G]

Did well to reach the finals of the playoff but ashame about the heavy defeat.I'd go for Junior Coaching first as it seems easier to upgrade then Youth Recruitment.