Our Home And Native Land...

In The Beginning....

Home. Nothing can be quite like it. Usually that’s a good thing, but for me, this was a painful memory that’s haunted me since the night my career died. To be honest, it was all my fault.

It all started on May 30th 1991. I being a mere 9 years old at the time had just celebrated my birthday in style, netting a spectacular hat trick for my local club The North York Calcio Scuola Azzurri. Playing in a league with boys 3 years my senior and I was dominant. I made the move up the rank a year before, playing in the U10 league as an 8 year old, and did well when I got the chance to play. The club refused to push me ahead though, fearing my size would place a bull’s eye on my back. But that winter, I hit my first growth spurt and at a steady 5’3, I was about the same size as the other boys. I was used to my new skin, unlike my counterparts who now have to get used to new coordination as they grew into their bodies. My uncles have prepared well, but they could no longer provide for me what I needed to move forward. They had to let go.

I loved my uncles dearly. They all played for their local club in the old country. My uncle, Fernando Brandi being the most successful of them all, actually went to Juventus as a youth transfer at 16, before all the rules were in place to protect young players rights. Sadly, he never saw one in a senior shirt; thanks to a nasty tackle playing for the Juventus youth side in the widely respected Viareggio Youth Tournament. He moved onto coaching, and every summer, he came to Canada to help his brother’s coach in Canada. The game gave him so much, the felt that he owed something back, and so he did.

Which brings us back to me. That day was one of the greatest of my life, not only because of the hat trick, or it being my birthday but what happened post game. My uncle had convinced one of the youth coaches at Juventus to come out and watch me play. So say he was impressed is an understatement, and offered me and my family the chance to “go home” to Italy to play (one day) for Juventus.

I was on the next flight and that’s where the journey began.

I played my way through the youth system, and finally began to get noticed. I got my official Juventus debut at the ripe old age of 16 in a Coppa Italia match in the very early stages. Sadly, that would be my only appearance, since this next bit leads us to present day.

The 2000 Summer Olympics were coming up, and I was being urged to join my home country in order to bolster the line-up and give Canada a chance at a medal. I was holding out, waiting for a call from Italy down the line, but was convinced in part by my family that Canada would allow me to shine, where I’d probably never make the Azzurri because I was technically a straniero – a foreigner.

So I made the long trip back to Canada to train at the Canadian National Training Centre, but that wasn’t before I was met with some resistance by the Juventus coaching staff. They urged me not to go, fearing I may get hurt. I wish I had listened, because that is exactly what happened.

The final leg of qualification was here, and it was my time to shine. I was handed the number 10 shirt, the shirt I’ve worn after watching my idols Roberto Baggio and Gianfranco Zola wear at one time or another for their respective sides, and headed to the pitch. It wasn’t long before I realized I had a target on my back. I was used to being hacked at all angles, but tonight was especially bad. Mexico are known to be very aggressive on the pitch, not that they are by any means a world renowned dirty nation in terms of soccer discipline, but I digress.

Just before the half was when it happened, I had the ball at my feet and beat my man, and made the run for goal. But out of nowhere I was blindsided by a defender who came in two footed, studs up about 5 yards from the box, and I went down in a heap. I felt a pop, and heard an audible snap and I writhed in agony on the floor, clutching my right knee. That moment I knew I was done, and I would never play again. It’s sad to say, but that moment ended my hopes and dreams. At 16 years old, my career was terminated, and I would never play professionally again.

It’s been almost a decade since I’ve been back here in front of the NTC complex. I’m not so sure if I even made the right decision to come back. It has been a long process to return, and even though I didn’t feel was ready, some felt I was more than ready to do so. Not sure how they knew, but they told me they knew, and I would do my best to ensure they are right

Moving On...

So after the injury left me with nothing but pain and frustration, I flew back to Turin to meet with the doctors, but the outcome is obvious. I suffered the unholy trinity, ACL, MCL and Patellar Tendon rupture. My career was done. But I began a new challenge...coaching.

The staff had always known I understood the game at a different level than most. I was taught to read the game at such a young age that I was head and shoulders above everyone else in terms of tactics. I breezed through my coaching courses, eventually earning my pro licence at the tender age of 24. I never expected it to come so quickly, but this part of the game was so fluid for me; it was difficult to slow me down.

I had dreamed of one day taking a side of my own to glory someday, but I figured I’d have to earn my way, start from the bottom and work up. I had been very surprised at that phone call I received on Christmas Eve.

It was from the head of the Canadian Soccer Association, asking me if I would be interested in returning to the national side. I asked them if they remembered the horrid injury I received 7 years ago, almost as if they were that desperate to land a spot at qualification. The man at the other end added that Canada had been monitoring my progress in the UEFA licensing program, and wanted me to come out and see if I was interested. I decided what the hell, and I flew to Toronto.

And now I’m here. Standing anxiously in front of the National Training Centre. Home to the death of my career. Was I sure I was even at the level to manage? I‘m barely 25, and now a nation’s hopes are on my shoulders, not that Canada is a very prestigious nation in terms of association football. I took a deep breath and stepping into the haunting complex, not sure where I was heading, and not liking it one bit.

Author’s note: FM 08 8.0.2. Too many leagues loaded to mention, all the big ones are here, as well as Portugal, Brazil, Argentina, Holland, and much more. This was a sign up game I had posted in the Sign Up Thread, and these brave 17 souls will hopefully help lead Canada to glory

I walked into the centre and was greeted by my former trainer, Carmine Isacco. We chatted for a few moments, as I watched over a group of youngsters, not much older than I was on that fateful night my career ended. We spoke briefly about it, but he realized it was a touchy issue, and so it was dropped.

As i looked out onto the pitch, I felt a hand touch my shoulder, I turned around, and it was one of the men who had insisted on playing that night. Although I hold some ill will of that night, I can’t blame him totally for it. Frank Yallop, who had resigned from national coaching duties shortly thereafter, was now a memember fo the Canadian Soccer Assocation Board, and was the one who was instrumental in me being here, I wasn’t sure if I was up to the task, but he felt I was the one to lead Canada to glory.

I was ushered into his office, and we discussed our ambitions about our chances. I stated that I will do my best, and that’s all I can do.

Frank then mentioned to me that this group of 1991 birth, the very players I had just been watching was going to be one of the greatest generation of Canadian footballers in history. He made mention that this team has been assembled from all over Canada, and for the first time were one roof, and would hopefully be together for a long time, and hopefully, one day compete at a major tournament.

With that, I went back to watching the youngsters hoping to get a quick glimpse of “The Special Ones...”

Author’s Note: I Will Be Posting Screenshots later this evening or tomorrow. We won’t have any fixtures until October and I started the year to coincide with the MLS season, so most of you get some kicks in, and maybe some drama along the way.

In The Beginning....

I was holding out, waiting for a call from Italy down the line, but was convinced in part by my family that Canada would allow me to shine, where I’d probably never make the Azzurri because I was technically a straniero – a foreigner.

Perrotta

This looks promising, keep at it.

Looking good, can't wait to see the players.

yay, this great thing is starting!

This is my first peak at FM Stories and I must admit that I am very impressed of the way this is laid up. Good work.

I can't wait to see screenshots and read what happens next.

This is my first peak at FM Stories and I must admit that I am very impressed of the way this is laid up. Good work.

I can't wait to see screenshots and read what happens next.

You don't post screenshots in FMS- the point of the forum is so you can talk about how teams and players are doing, rather than showing a picture of it.

Hmm so I guess he will be posting SS in CSE and not here:

Author’s Note: I Will Be Posting Screenshots later this evening or tomorrow. We won’t have any fixtures until October and I started the year to coincide with the MLS season, so most of you get some kicks in, and maybe some drama along the way.

Hmm so I guess he will be posting SS in CSE and not here:

Author’s Note: I Will Be Posting Screenshots later this evening or tomorrow. We won’t have any fixtures until October and I started the year to coincide with the MLS season, so most of you get some kicks in, and maybe some drama along the way.

Didn't see that. Um, generally screenshots are discouraged, and I know they've been banned unless you link to them.

Maybe you could post the screenshots into your sign-up thread on the CSE board, and verbally describe the players in the FM Stories board?

That way, Terk and the lads wouldn't go all death on you, and the people who have signed up will be able to see screenshots of their players. ^_^

Will do then. I'm done the write ups, so I can post them and when I get home from work I'll post the screens in the CSE thread, and update the screen every 6 months (ie January 1 and July 1) I will make mention where they post, and give it a dossier/player progress report with a reminder to see their "dossier" in the other forum. Does that make any sense?

The Rundown:

As I left Frank’s office, I wandered back to the training pitch. Either I wasn’t paying attention or this kid came in late, but there was a GIANT in goal. He was at least 6’5, if not more, and the prospect of a big man in net had me salivating at the chance to see him in the air. Although I am a tad reluctant after Canada’s U20 keeper Begovic is no small man himself, but is utterly useless in the air.

Carmine came up to me and just nodded.

CI: Brenden, that kid is an animal in goal. And he can control crosses.

CC: How tall is he?

CI: 6’6, and 15. The doctors say he may grow some more, I think he’s at his peak. Regardless, he’s a giant back there.

CC: Anything else I should know?

CI: It’s all here.

With that, Carmine handed me a manila folder, with a player stat sheet and his notes on their play.

CI: One thing I should mention. We’ve got another kid coming tomorrow. Muhseen Abdirisaq. He’s deciding whether to play for us or Ghana.

CC: He should go where he wants.

CI: True, but his coaches all rave about him. If we can keep him with us, we don’t have to worry about burning us.

CC: We’ll talk to him tomorrow.

With that Carmine went down to the field and began the training session. I walked over to a chair high above, and began looking over the notes I was just given. Every player broken down, by position. Carmine’s always been good at this stuff. I don’t plan on letting him go any time soon….

Goalkeepers:

Brenden – A giant between the sticks. He seems to have a very good understanding of the technical aspect of the art of goalkeeping, but seems to be only in it for himself. He looks like he could have a very good career by the end.

Ian Bryant – Another very talented technical keeper, but his physical stats are a bit suspect. If this game was judge by technical scores, he’s definitely the better of the two, but it seems he and Brenden are at par. If he can improve his mental and physical stats, he’ll be a top flight keeper.

Defenders:

Almantis Poikans – One of the most physically gifted footballers I have ever seen. Great pace, very agile, and a pinpoint crosser, he is the physical mould of what all wing backs should be.

Che Guevara – In terms of mental stats, he’s head and shoulders above all the others. What he lacks currently in the physical and technical side of the game, he more than makes up for in the tougher things to teach, decision making, positioning and anticipating where the ball will go. Potentially be Canada’s Paolo Maldini

Mat Firth – At 5’9 he will be at a slight disadvantage if he’s marking a taller player, but he possess great pace, so if he does get beat, he surely will be able to reset in no time. Fabio Cannavaro is Mat’s height, and is considered one of the best ever, so who knows? Needs to work on his man marking.

Craig Douglas – Affectionately known around these parts as NepentheZ, he is truly one of a kind. Flashy players come and go, but one’s who never take a moment off are very few and far between. He will need to improve on his stamina in order to become an elite player.

Shane Willaims – What Mat lacks in height, Shane makes up for and then some. At 6’6 no one will even try to combat him in the air. Good speed for a man his size; he will also need to improve his fitness level in order to get to the top flight.

Midfielders:

Team Canada – This youngster truly makes me scratch my head. His parents decided to name him Team, which essentially proves they figured he was going to be an elite athlete, or at least could say Team Canada about himself and not be a liar. Of course, to top up his Canadiana, he likes to be called Aboot. Well there’s no doubt aboot his talent. At 6’7, he’s a great dribbler and very creative. A definite playmaker, if he could only improve his air play in order to achieve great success. Fitness here is also an issue.

Charles Beams – Wow, just wow. Flashy, fast and great with the ball at his feet, this kid can be Ronaldo-esque, and without the whiny attitude to boot (at least for now). However, he will REALLY need to improve his fitness levels, because you can’t play if you can’t run.

Roberto Santos – Has almost all the tools to be a great winger in football, except he lacks the ability to last on the field. His fitness levels need to improve ten fold, but to his credit, he can hit anybody with a cross with his eyes closed. On top of that, a great corner taker, and someone who truly understands what teamwork is all about.

Robert Dawson – Dead Ball Specialist. Period. It’s a good thing he doesn’t mind working his tail off, because fitness again is an issue. He will definitely be sniffing for goals from well outside the area, any chance he gets.

Ambrose Hegerly – I thought for sure he was left footed. Turns out the reason why they call him Lefty is because he never seems to make the correct defensive decision (Right Wrong? Right left?) However, he’s always right when it comes to offence, great passer, great technique and a hard worker to boot.

Forwards:

Gold Member: at 4’11, most academies would laugh him off the field. However, those laughs go silent once he has the ball. With his dynamic pace, and his nose for the net, Gold Member is an assassin in front of goal.

Mikael Scholer – The prototypical Centre Forward….if he was any good in the air. A sixth sense for scoring goals, blinding speed, and a Dennis Bergkamp like first touch, Mikael can be quite the troublemaker for defenders. If he can develop his air game, he will score for fun.

Ricky Nakano – Another pacy forward. Ricky can finish…if there isn’t any pressure on him to. Ricky is easily rattled, but at 15 years old, it would be difficult not to be rattled. If he can develop his confidence, he will be a natural born finisher.

Tom O’Brien – 6’3 very good in the air and can finish of command. His balance is a bit of an issue, as he’s still getting used to his large frame. However, with his strength, defenders will think twice about challenging him.

So that’s that. I now know the basic premise of each player, barring Abdirisaq. I put the sheets back into the folder, and began to rehearse what I was going to say to these young men when I got the chance to meet them after Carmine’s training session. Until then, I will enjoy watching the beautiful game…

great update looking forward to further updates and KUTGW

Robert Dawson – Dead Ball Specialist. Period. It’s a good think he doesn’t mind working his tail off, because fitness again is an issue. He will definitely be sniffing for goals from well outside the area, any chance he gets.

Yey I'm a specialist.

Seriously though Great work love the lay out and felt a twinge of sadness at your injury.

I simply love this! Keep up the fantastic writing. This makes a sign-up more interesting (not that others aren't)

Ricky Nakano – Another pacy forward. Ricky can finish…if there isn’t any pressure on him to. Ricky is easily rattled, but at 15 years old, it would be difficult not to be rattled. If he can develop his confidence, he will be a natural born finisher.

I am easily rattled...oh well:D

Looking good so far, Leaf_Fan:thup: (considering the relatively bad NHL off-season you had so far:D)

So what are you posting here and what are you posting in the CSE Forum?

Mat Frith – At 5’9 he will be at a slight disadvantage if he’s marking a taller player, but he possess great pace, so if he does get beat, he surely will be able to reset in no time. Fabio Cannavaro is Mat’s height, and is considered one of the best ever, so who knows? Needs to work on his man marking.

Cannavaro eh?!, and besides, i'll grow ... right?

Charles Beams – Wow, just wow. Flashy, fast and great with the ball at his feet, this kid can be Ronaldo-esque, and without the whiny attitude to boot (at least for now). However, he will REALLY need to improve his fitness levels, because you can’t play if you can’t run.

awesome.

KUTGW

Thanks everyone for the encouraging words. I hope you have as much fun reading as I do playing the game, and trying to come up with twists and turns. Regardless, keep checking,a nd if anyone can fix coding, I'm having issues getting the images to work, so any help would be appreciated

As I finished looking over the notes given to me by Carmine, I put them back into the folder given, and glanced back down to the pitch. I was thinking in my own head what I was planning on saying to the squad when I heard Carmine announce there was 5 minutes left in training, and if no one can score, we’re going to penalties.

That was my cue to start my decent to the field to talk to the players. To the untrained eye, I was just like any other guy in his mid twenties. Short black hair and a pair of Armani glasses, but if you looked closely, you can see that I walk with a slight limp, and that my face seems to grimace in pain ever so slightly when I use the stairs. But the physical pain is nothing compared to the emotional scars still lingering inside. But it’s not fair to let that emotion take control over what should be a happy day for these young starlets. I made my way to the field, and heard Carmine countdown the final 30 seconds. The score was still tied, but if it weren’t for a final lunge by Ian Bryant on a strike on Tom O’Brien, Team White would have walked away with a last second victory. Carmine blew the whistle, and lined the boys up for a shootout. The boys went to another draw, and it got to the point where they ran out of shooters. Carmine looked at me, and asked if I wanted to shoot. The boys were wondering who this stranger was just standing at the foot of the field, with a look of distraught on his face, as if some weight of the world was on his shoulders. I was about to shake my head, but there’s an inner drive inside any athlete to perform, no matter what. I may never be able to play as a professional, or represent my country on the big stage again, but I could still play. I took Carmine up on his offer, and sided with the reds and Carmine with the whites, down to sudden death shoot out.

Carmine lined up the kick as Ian Bryant stood on his line, and started to lean left and right ever so slightly. Isacco, being a former goalkeeper, tried to stutter step to put Brant off. He succeeded, but put the ball off the bar, leaving the fate of Team Red in my hands.

This was a position I loved as a player. I always loved shooting last, having never missed a penalty in my playing career. Penalties was my speciality, I was automatic from 12 yards out. I placed the ball down and stepped up, attempting to take it with my right, but I changed my mind before shooting, and moved to take it left footed. Big Brenden wasn’t used to facing left footers, so he was put off a little bit. I smiled, Brenden again was confused....

I started a slow run up, not my normal style, since I usually went full sprint and cheekily chipped the keeper during open play, while in need to score moments, like this one, I went half speed, took two quick stutter steps and powered one top corner. This time however, I was out to impress, and impress I did. I made my way towards the ball and wound up with the left. Brenden saw me turn my hips towards his left, and went, and right there I knew I caught him, because instead of hitting a savage left footed shot, I planted my left foot, and swung my right leg behind my left. A picture perfect rabona into the open net on Brenden’s right side. I turned around, and almost instinctively went to the corner flag and went down on my left knee, as I have done ever since I was 4 years old. What used to be a moment of silence, thanking the footballing gods for allowing me to score, had become a new spectacle after watching a game in England. Carmine knew there was nothing stopping me from doing so, so being the friend that he is, walked over to the corner flag, took it out of the ground, and knighted me in front of 16 stunned faces.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Author’s Note: The screenshots are up on the CSE signup thread. I will be going into the transfer dealings once I think of a good way to break the ice so to speak, so keep checking

After my “moment in the sun” I asked everyone to have a seat. Before I even began, I just so happened to look out at each face, and then I froze. My stare went straight to the ground. Ricky Nakano was sitting in the spot I had been injured. Everyone looked at me with a puzzled look, and Carmine stepped in, before I raised my hand to keep him from explaining.

CC: This, gentlemen is where all your hard work FINALLY pays off. You are the best of the best in this country, which is why you are here. I am here, to guide you. I am Carlo Cardelli, your new national team manager. Carmine and I go back many years, in fact Carmine was my coach when I made the move to international play. None of you know this, but my career actually ended right here in this building. In fact, just so it hits close to home, my career ended where Ricky is sitting. It just goes to show you, that you don’t know exactly how long you have to make an impact. Today you’re here and tomorrow you began a gruelling 18 months in order to learn how to walk again. My intention is not to scare you, it’s to motivate you. What I expect from you, what your country expects from you is to do what you can when you can. I don’t care if it’s a World Cup final, or an inter squad scrimmage. If there are a hundred thousand people in the stadium watching, or Carmine and myself, you work hard, you play hard and you will have no regrets. If you learn one lesson from me, gentlemen, is don’t ever, EVER do anything in life, football or not without giving it your all, because there may come a day, where you will look back, and think, maybe if I worked a little harder, taken a little bit longer, thought about it a little more...I paused, collecting myself before going off on my own decision to play for Canada...then maybe things would be different.

With that, I dismissed the youngsters to go get changed, and after that little speech, I started to believe I was ready.

Looking good so far and nice to see Brendan caught the eye of the manager despite not saving the penalty.

The next day, Mahseen arrived to the NTC, before I was unveiled as Canada manager, and we chatted for a little bit. We talked about football mostly, until the pink elephant in the room came up, aboiut where he wanted to play.

I told him it was entirely his choice. Ghana are a very good team. IN fact, if memory serves me correctly, they are one of the top teams in Africa, winning numerous African Cups. Canada has qualified for a total of one world cup. I explained to him I didn’t have a grand plan to win him over, and I was not going to force his hand, promising him glory or anything else, just if he wanted to play, all he had to do was show up, work hard and earn his spot. He thought about it for a moment, and simply asked what number he will wear.

That afternoon I was officially announced as Canada manager. There was some media covering the announcement, but nothing I had seen when I was talked up of being Canada’s saviour as a young player. One reporter alluded to my “saviour status” and wondered if I could do that now . I just said wait and see. I was also asked about my supposed “youth movement” and what the old guard was to do about it. I replied that the old guard had not done anything with their opportunities, and that’s nothing against them, so nothing is going to be handed to anybody. The youth playesr will have every chance at the senior squad as the “old guard”. The media raised a collective and figurative eyebrow at me, and I smiled right back. With that, I thanked the media for their time, and went to the training pitch.

The 16 players met up with Mahseen, who asked to be known as Abdirisaqinho, since he felt his full name would be a tad difficult for his fellow players. I brough the 17 players together before our first training session, and told them that right now they will start at the youth level, and eventually each of them will be playing for their country, barring injury. I also told them that they needed to be playing regular first team football in order to earn a call up. With the majority of the squad still considered too young to play professionally, their time will come.

July 1 2007 ~ So It Begins.

The scouting trips begin now. We have two friendlies for September against American Samoa and Jamaica. I was talking with Carmine about the TFC factor of the youth in this country, when my BlackBerry rang. It turns out the boys want out of Canada, and fast.

Both Brendan and Ian Bryant have been released by TFC, and are more than happy to be out of a contract, but are yet to sign anywhere else. It seems that only Aboot and Mat Firth are the ones willing to stay in Canada and with TFC, while everyone else is seemingly on their way to either D.C. United, New England or Kansas City, in 2008. Until then, they have been moved to the reserves, which has me in a real fit at the moment. I decided that this will not help matters, and wanted to call a press conference, but Carmine knew I would just blow up, and maybe causes some trouble down the line.

But the worst news of all came later that afternoon while on a scouting trip to watch the young guns at BMO Field.

At the 25th minute Mat Firth made an excellent tackle to win the ball to prevent a breakaway for his team, but when he got up, and painful kick was aimed at his leg, and Mat Firth dropped, and immediately clutched his leg. This was all too eerily similar, and for a moment, I went into a mini flashback, thinking it was me on the ground in agony, while I watched myself from the stands. Carmine urged me to get to the medical facility at BMO, to see what the status of our central defender was. The referee immediately issued a red to the Columbus player, while some other TFC players came to the young defenders aide. Firth was carried off the field, and we met him in the medical room. The doctors determine he`s torn his calf, and needs surgery. With him being out for 4 months, his season is over, and is very unlikely to gain his first cap in 2007. I assured Mat his place on this team is in good standing, and to make sure he is ready to come back, when he is ready to come back, and not to rush things. Between writhing in agony and the fear he may never be the same player again, he thanked me, and was off to the hospital to have the surgery to re-attach the muscle to the tendon.

I shook my head, and Carmine knew exactly what I was thinking. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try things just happen.

The error has been fixed, but I may be calling Brendan Big Bren from here on in....

Don't mind the sound of Big Bren although I hope he can find a club before too long.

aha, it had to be me who got injured

watching my fellow country men play for canada while i sit out, my CA going no-where

stupid f***ing columbus!

don't worry, you are really young if you'd be a 30y-old and injured for 3 months, then you'd have a reason to moan

Roberto Santos – Has almost all the tools to be a great winger in football, except he lacks the ability to last on the field. His fitness levels need to improve ten fold, but to his credit, he can hit anybody with a cross with his eyes closed. On top of that, a great corner taker, and someone who truly understands what teamwork is all about.

Thats not a bad likeness to me... well the fitness bit any way.

He turned out just as I had planned

KUTGW!!

August 1 2007 ~ Stats update

Carmine sent me a message on my BlackBerry. Apparently NepentheZ injured his foot in training, and will be out between two weeks and two months. After cursing my luck, Carmine informed me that Gold Member grew another two inches, bringing his overall height to 5’1. I asked Carmine why he didn’t mention that earlier, and Carmine just simply replied that all kids get taller.

I shook my head, and headed towards the gate. I was on my way to England to take a closer look at some of the Canadian talent playing in the pre season friendly cups. Namely, I was looking at Newcastle defender David Edgar, who may have the edge on young defenders after the injury to Mat Firth. But before I do, I think I will make a stop home.

August 3 2007

I arrived in England a few days ago, and had an urge to go to Turin. I wanted to visit the old grounds, say hello to a few coaches and talk with my uncle, seeing as he was the one who taught me everything I know about the game of football. My uncle was never the greatest technical player in the world, but he was a smart player who definitely knew how to put the ball in the net, and definitely knew the mental side of the game better than anyone I know. I wanted to talk to him about managing, since I was not really available to talk to him during my UEFA coaching certification, and now, managing a national side I will need all the advice I can get.

My uncle has lived a similar life that I had. He was deemed a can’t miss prospect in football, and at a young age was deemed to parallel the career path of Paolo Rossi, minus of course the personal problems he endured. Unfortunately, as I mentioned before, my uncle was injured before he could ever debut for Juventus, with an eerily similar injury I had. Of course his injury came first, so it looks as if I had followed his path. The only difference between us was my uncle never wanted to go into professional coaching. He’s told me numerous times his local pro team Chieti, where he began with their youth program so many years ago have tried numerous times to lure him into “Saving” them from the lower leagues, but he’s refused on the grounds that going to the pro’s would only bring back memories of what could have been. But, he saw something in me that he didn’t have, the ability to read the game and make the right adjustments. As I began my journey into the coaching, I desperately wanted to have my uncle by my side in terms of getting advice and help. Unfortunately we couldn’t seem to touch base, and for the first time in my football career, I was on my own. But that was the past, and I have access to him now on a regular basis, and with his ability to read the game, mixed with my own, I know that by picking his brain, I could only get better.

I arrived at my uncle’s home in Turin. He lives about 15 minutes from Juventus’ training ground. For someone who had a horrific injury and refuses to go back to the professional game, he did seem to enjoy living near the place where he claims to have enjoyed some of his finest moments during his teens, so I don’t hold it against him. We sat in his living room, and just talked about anything that came to mind. The real reason I was there was twofold. One I needed some advice on how to handle the onslaught of media who are bound to criticize me with my youth movement, and two, I needed someone in my training team to help me nurture the young athletes, and to gradually bring them along in the same manner I was brought along. So I proposed for my uncle to join my coaching staff on a part time basis, just for now to help me out. He agreed, and we flew to England to look at some prospective players to bring into the national side.

August 7 2007 ~ Not Your Time

My uncle and I had gone to St. James Park to get a closer look at David Edgar. He did fairly well at the U20 tournament held in Toronto, and is being looked upon at being a very good centre back for Newcastle. My uncle and I had special seats reserved for us, thanks to the Canadian Soccer Association in the private boxes at the stadia to watch young Edgar, and see if he was good enough to bring along to our first friendly match against American Samoa. Unfortunately for him, he had a terrible pre season showing against Ipswich Town. He was cleanly beaten on numerous occasions by players who are not at his skill level, and seemed akin to taking bad fouls and the wrong time. I turned to my uncle and in Italian told me he is not ready for a call-up. However, the day wasn’t a total loss, as young Ipswich winger Jaime Peters really impressed me. In fact, the 20 year old winger, who has already won 14 caps for his country did very well playing on the wing. Pacey, a good crosser who has a nose for net will probably be a very good player to bring in late in a game, considering my team has a problem with fitness. Regardless, I made a note that Carmine may have to look at him a bit more once the season begins, and after the match, which Newcastle won 3-1; I headed for my plane with my uncle in tow to return to Toronto.

September 1 2007 ~ Another Headache

With Mat Firth already out with the torn calf muscle, we picked up another injury to the back 4. Big Shane Williams reportedly sprained his ankle while training with Toronto FC’s reserves. The prognosis is he will miss out on his first cap next week, and will have to wait until October. NepentheZ has been cleared to play, but will most likely make a cameo appearance in his debut, if he were to play at all. Carmine informed me we have to submit our roster by midnight, and I had hopefully done enough scouting to know that those injuries won’t help in our game against Jamaica.

So I looked over Carmine’s reports, and finally decided who will begin my reign as national manager.

September 2 2007 ~ Squad Announced.

GK: Brendan, Ian Bryant, Pat Onstead

DF: Jim Brennen © Kevin McKenna, David Edgar, Che Guevara, Almont Poikans, NepentheZ, Andre Houlient, Michael Klukowski

MC: Roberto Santos, Abdrirsaqinho, Aboot, Jaime Peters, Atiba Hutchinson, Lefty, Jacob Lensky, Marcel de Jong, Robert Dawson, Charles Beams

FW: Dwayne de Rosario, Ricky Nakano, Gold Member, Mikael Scholer, Tom O’Brien

I submitted the roster the night before, and as I arrived to the NTC training ground, the 4 reporters from the 4 major Canadian papers were on hand to ask me about my squad. Namely, they asked why I had left out Tomasz Radiszky. I replied that although I admire his previous merits, he is 33 years old, and he’s a tad injury prone. Adding to that he’s not even the first choice at his club means that right now, he is not a shoe in to play for Canada. I did say that if he does get regular football, and stays out of the physio’s room, he may earn a place back on the team. I was also asked about the youth of the team, and if they are capable to compete. I reminded the media this is a friendly match, not qualifying. However, I also said if this were qualifying, I had every bit of confidence these youngsters can compete with the world’s elite. I thanked the media, and went to training.

The Toronto based players were all there, and I expected the rest of the team to arrive within the next two days. I told the youngsters that this is where they make their mark on the world scene. I also told them that if they want to move to a bigger club, this was the first step. A good international performance has given many players the exposure needed to get some of the European clubs to begin to take notice. A solid performance against American Samoa and Jamaica can land any one of them the boost needed to join some of Europe’s elite, or just to Europe period, so they should make the most of this opportunity. With that, I left Carmine to run training, and I went back to my office to begin preparation for my first match in charge.

September 3 2007 ~ Just My Luck

With 6 days left before our first game, I get a message from Carmine. This can’t ever be good.

Carmine informed me that on his final day or training before joining the Canada squad for our matches against American Samoa and Jamaica, Atiba Hutchinson is out for up to 6 months with a broken ankle. He told me we could select someone to replace him, and I immediately summoned Deportivo de la Coruna’s Julian de Guzman. I cursed my luck again, and had to make another change to my tactics. This is going just perfect.

I decided I was going to stay out of the limelight for the next week, and let Carmine stay in charge of the side for now, and I will see the boys the day of the match. I was not very worried about Samoa, but I will need to work on a formation and strategy against the Jamaicans. I went back to my office once again, tore up the 4-3-3 formation I wanted to play, and began working on my patented 4-4-2 diamond formation.

I must say that I am quite the tactician. I see the game in an almost Matrix-like setup, a bunch of x’s and o’s if you will. I have always had the uncanny ability to alter my style of play immediately if I noticed I was being man marked or zoned; single coverage or double teamed; or best of all, moving all over the pitch to draw those defenders to me and leave a teammate with more than enough extra space to garner the defender’s attention, and I would easily be able to assume a good position with everyone else being heavily marked, and I left virtually alone. It was something I was taught at a young age, and if I could teach a little bit of that to each player, then Canada may actually qualify for a large scale international tournament in the very near future. But all this will begin to take shape September 7th, at Saputo Stadium in Montreal where I get my first taste of international management.

September 7 2007 ~ Game Day

We arrived in Montreal the day before on a chartered bus at noon. We’ve been in the city for almost 30 hours, and only saw the field once, for about an hour. I just gave the team one final walkthrough, and announced that Big Bren was going to start this game against American Samoa, and that Ian would be given the start against Jamaica. The two keepers shook hands, and wished each other luck, and I dismissed them to spend the rest of the evening how they see fit. I just asked them not to get too rowdy, and to remember they had a game tomorrow night, so keep the partying to a minimum. With that, I went back to my room, and watched some of the MLS highlights on TV, and dozed off to sleep.

I arrived at the stadium about an hour and a half before kickoff. The jerseys were hanging in each individual locker, and as I entered the room, there were a few members of the team already there, while the rest were still on the field getting in their final warm-ups, including the unfit NepentheZ. He came into the room, a little out of breath but said he was ready to play, and I told him we would start the second half and we will see in a few days how he feels and make a decision about the Jamaica game them. With that, I announced the starting 11, and the bench, and went to the field, to soak in the atmosphere that only an international match can provide.

I got a tap on my shoulder from Carmine and he told me we’re ready to go. I turned back into the dressing room, and told the boys I expect them to win tonight, no excuses, and took our place on the field as the national anthems played…

International Friendly Match

Canada vs. American Samoa

Saputo Stadium, Montreal (7, 156)

Canada Starting XI:

GK – Brendan

DR – Almants Poikans

DL – Che Guevara

DC – Kevin McKenna ©

DC – David Edgar

MR – Charles Beams

ML – Roberto Santos

MC – Robert Dawson

MC – Julian de Guzman

FC – Tom O’Brien

FC – Mikael Scholer

Subs – Ian Bryant, Jim Brennan, NepentheZ, Aboot, Ricky Nakano, Abdirisaqinho, Jaime Peters, Left, Gold Member

Canada kicked off, and almost immediately, we had a major scare. Charles Beams moves down the right flank, and gets hit hard with a slide tackle, and falls on his right arm, and is rolling around in agony. I jumped to my feet, screaming for a card, and the referee waved away the protests. The trainers went to the field and immediately signaled I needed to make a change. I tapped Jaime Peters on the shoulder and told him to get on the field, and Charles Beams’ international debut lasted all of 35 seconds. I shook my head and let out an exaggerated breath, as Charles had the look of sheer disappointment on his face, as he was taken to the medical room on site. I adjusted my tactics, with Jaime Peters control of the wing, I informed the boys to play the ball down the flanks, and look to cut inside, as opposed to crossing, since we have no one who can finish in the air. The tactic seemed to work on the onset, as Robert Dawson had a chance at 6’ but narrowly missed to the keeper’s left. American Samoa were outclassed in the first moments of the game, and immediately went to defense mode, and tried to catch us on the counter attack. The problem with that is, you need to win the ball from your opponents to begin a counter, and Samoa was unable to do so. Roberto Santos made his marker look absolutely ridiculous in one particular instant in the 15’, and put his shot on goal, but the keeper was equal to it, and the score remained tied. It wouldn’t for much long, as Tom O’Brien played a beautiful one-two with and streaking Che Guevara, and was clean on goal, until he was hacked down by the Samoa defender just inside the area. The referee had no choice but to pint to the spot, and Canada Captain Kevin McKenna confidently chipped the goalkeeper from the spot at 27’ to give Canada a 1-0 lead. I nodded my head in approval, and reminded the team that the game wasn’t over yet. However, the team looked like they were waiting for the half to end, as we only had one other attempt at goal, but Mikael Scholer just pushed the ball wide at 40’. Canada goes into the half ahead 1-0.

Half Time: Canada 1(McKenna PK 27’) American Samoa 0

The second half saw 8 substitutions being made. Guevara came off for NepentheZ, Lefty on for Santos, Abdirisaqinho on for Dawson, Nakano for O’Brien and Gold Member for Scholer. The second half saw Canada try to go two goals to the good with Nakano being an immediate impact substitution, as he spins away from his marker and fires a savage left footed shot that rung off the goal post. Gold Member was right there to bury the rebound, but the Samoa defender threw his body in front of the shot to save a goal. This however, was when American Samoa began to have life. Suddenly, Samoa came out their defensive shell, and began making attacks on our goal, including a rocket 35 yarder that Brendan had to use his entire 6’6 frame to deflect over the bar, and the resulting corner saw Brendan make another top class save in order to maintain the clean sheet. It was all for not however, thanks to inexperienced David Edgar. Edgar let his man go, thinking the play was offside. Everyone else knew the play was onside, and Edgar began to hustle to catch up to his man. How I wish I had Mat Firth right now. The Samoan player Goodall was all alone with Brendan, and tried to round him. He beat him, but again Brendan’s 6’6 frame allowed him to parry the ball away. Edgar, now having tracked back in time, decided that instead of clearing the ball away, he would try to shield the player and let Brendan get the ball. Too bad Edgar is about as good at shielding as Becks trying to sound tough, and Goodall gets to the ball first and puts it into the net, as Brendan, NepentheZ and I begin screaming at him over an idiotic play. Things went from bad to worse, as 5 minutes later, Poikans was taken down hard, and immediately gets up and kicks Samoan goalscorer Goodall right on the ankle, promptly given a red card and sent off, while Goodall would play no more part in the match as he had to be carried off the field for treatment. Canada seemed to be inspired by the 10 men setback, as a youngster scores his first goal…

As I mentioned before, Ricky Nakano is a natural born finisher. His only real weakness is if he comes under pressure, he usually buckles. I tried to tell him to ignore everyone around him when he gets into the 18, and act as if it were a training session. Seems he took the advice\, as in the 68’ minute, he head fakes his opponent in the area, giving him enough room to overhead kick a NepentheZ cross into he back of the net, and immediately Nakano races towards the bench, and celebrates with his teammates. I gave the kid a congratulatory nod, and Canada was now up 2-1. Samoa, desperate to find an equalizer, was unable to solve Brendan again, because David Edgar was moved to a holding midfield role, and the 3 at the back seem to understand how to play the game properly. Gold Member put the final nail in the coffin, after beating the offside trap in the 71’ and literally walked 40 yards until the keeper, in a fit of madness came charging out of his box to meet Gold Member. Member, being the more technically sound of the two, promptly beat the keeper with a double step over nutmeg, and walked into the goal, stopped the ball on the line, and nodded it in with his head. Canada celebrates to a 3-1 lead, and that is how the game ends.

Final Score

Canada 3 (McKenna pk 27’ Nakano 68’ Member 71’) American Samoa 1 (Goodall 56’)

Man of The Match: Kevin McKenna

After the game, I praised the performance of the entire squad, and began to berate David Edgar. I asked him if he had ever played in the top flight before. He told me he was currently at Newcastle, and I cut him off. I told him he was a lowly reserve player at the moment, and someone without a club in Brendan was better than he was. I told Edgar he will not be dressing against Jamaica, and if he ever wants to play for Canada again, he’d have to learn the game of football. After that bit of anger, I told the boys that we’d be heading to Toronto tomorrow night for our game September 12 against Jamaica at BMO field, and I will see them all then.

After the talk, I went to the medical facility and learned that Charles Beams has a fractured arm, and will likely be out for 3 months. With that, I went to the airport, and flew home to Toronto to decide who I would call up to replace him.

35 Seconds and 3 months out, i dont think it could have gone any worse, atleast the team won.

Pleased to get through the first game unscathed what with all the injury's the team is receiving

got the first shot for Canada should've scored.

KUTGW!

How did I miss from 6" out. This looks great though GUTGW.

David Edgar cost Brendan his clean sheet. Doesn't he know not to mess with guys who are 6’6?

At least he's gone for the next game although I doubt Brendan will be there either as you'll probably start Ian.

well I had a shot.. 40 yards out but it still counts

yay, first cap nice update!

September 5 2007 ~ Bring It Home

After the injury to Charles Beams, Carmine notified me that we could call up a replacement, but I decided against it. Carmine agreed that a call up would only be a symbolic move, and let me back to my tactics.

September 12 2007 ~ Game Day

I arrived at BMO Field and immediately hated it. The turf doesn’t have that right feel a footballer needs and has on grass. The field is flat....too flat. Each bounce is essentially predictable because of the concrete under the turf, and it drives me nuts. Regardless, our match tonight is against Jamaica, 1998 World Cup Qualifiers, and a nation Canada has had trouble playing against in the past. But that was then, and this is now. I entered the dressing room, pumped the squad up for the match, and we headed out to the field.

International Friendly Match

Canada vs. Jamaica

BMO Field, Toronto (20,000)

Canada Starting XI:

GK – Ian Bryant

DR – Almants Poikans

DL – Che Guevara

DC – Kevin McKenna ©

DC – Jim Brennan

MR – Abdirisaqinho

ML – Lefty

MC – Aboot

MC – Julian de Guzman

FC – Tom O’Brien

FC – Mikael Scholer

Subs: Brendan, NepentheZ, Robert Dawson, Jaime Peters, Dwayne de Rosario, Ricky Nakano, Patrice Bernier, Roberto Santos

Football is a funny game. After being sent off for a red card less than a week ago, Almants is still eligible due to our contesting the ban, which I know will cost me in the end. Regardless, Jamaica seemed to be up for the match, while my boys came out flat. In fact, 8 minutes into the game, Luton Sheldon made it 1-0 Jamaica with a cracker of a shot, that 9 times out of 10 would miss high and wide, but this time, the ball rocketed top corner, and Ian Bryant did everything he could to get to it, but the ball moved too quickly for him to reach it and it was 1-0 Jamaica. Carmine came over to me, and asked what we should do. I reminded him football is a game that’s 90 minutes and to give the boys time. Carmine wanted me to change my tactics, but I told him to give the boy’s time. Carmine was sure glad I didn’t budge, because 8 minutes after the Jamaican goal, Canada struck back.

Aboot took the ball down from a Jamaican clearance, and began to work his magic. He beat his man, and held the ball up momentarily, until Tom O’Brien began his run. Aboot deftly lobbed the ball over the defender and onto Tom’s left foot and he blasted the ball into the back of the net to draw the scores level at 1-1.

Canada decided this game was theirs for the taking, and Aboot wanted to keep his place in the side. He wins yet another ball in the air, and immediately sends it out wide to Guevara, who runs down the sideline and puts in a low cross into the area. Mikael Scholer plays a beautiful dummy and lets the ball go through his legs, and Aboot cheekily back heels the ball into the goal for a 2-1 Canada at 20’. I was all smiles, and Canada began to turn it on. The Jamaican keeper was up to the challenge however, and Canada ends the half with a 2-1 lead.

Half Time

Canada 2 (O’Brien 16’ Aboot 20’) Jamaica 1 (Sheldon 8’)

I told the boys at the half that I was pleased with their performance, but wanted more. Guevara was complaining of a sore hamstring and I subbed him off for NepentheZ. The move was a great one, as only 45 seconds into the half, Canada strikes again.

NepentheZ brilliantly wins the ball from the Jamaican winger, and begins his run. Mikael Scholer was screaming for the ball once he crossed the halfway line, and it seems that Jamaica isn’t very aware of the offside rule. His defender was tracking him the whole way, and NepentheZ continued his run down the left flank. The Jamaican defender then decided for some reason to try to play the offside trap, and NepentheZ hit a through ball that Scholer held up, and his defender, confused as to what happened, simply fell down. Scholer walked into the box, and smashed it low to bulge the onion bag to make it 3-1 Canada. I decided my strikers had done their duty, and began my mass substitutions. Scholer came off for Nakano, O’Brien for Gold Member, Aboot for Jaime Peters, de Guzman for Santos and Abdirisaqinho for Dawson. Canada, with the game wrapped up seemed to take their foot off the gas, and with only 20 minutes to go, I wasn’t too worried. However, a substitute wanted to leave a lasting impression on his coach to start him in the next game.

Roberto Santos is a very gifted technical player, and a very good winger. One thing he never showed on the training field was his finishing skills, because that’s not his style, but today, once he stepped foot on the field, he seemed like a man possessed. He took a pass from Ian Bryant, who after the first goal played very well in goal. Santos took the ball from the right sideline, and cut inside towards the box. After skinning his opponent, he hit a crashing shot that was even better than Luton Sheldon’s shot from 40 yards out, and Santos immediately turned his back once he hit the ball, as if he knew the ball was going in. He shrugged his shoulders and had a huge smile on his face, as his teammates rushed to congratulate him. The rest of the game was uneventful, and Canada walked out of BMO with a huge win.

Final Score:

Canada 4 (O’Brien 16’ Aboot 20’ Scholer 45’ Santos 68’) Jamaica (Sheldon 8’)

Man Of The Match: Aboot

After the match, I congratulated the squad on a huge victory and thanked everyone for their efforts, and I headed to the media room for the post match interview.

Once I got there, the media immediately asked me about our opening effort. I reminded the media that football is about playing for 90 minutes. I conceded that if we played well for 80 minutes and lost in the final 10, I would be upset, but I was unable to feel anything buy sheer joy after today’s contest. I thanked the media for their brief shot at trying to bring me down, and went back to the dressing room to celebrate.

Nice one KUTGW.

A goal for Tom O'Brien. KUTGW.

wohoo 1 goal for Mikael Scholer

KUTGW.

at least this time Almants didn't get sent off yay

ROBERTO SANTOS!!!! woohoo I am a wondersub...

good win for the team lets hope we can keep it rolling into the qualifiers.

Top notch KUTGW!

Septrmber 30 3007 ~ On With It

I had contemplated flying the team out to St. Martin’s for our friendly in October, but Carmine reminded me that although the majority of my squad is either under aged or injured, they are still under the contract of their club teams. I cursed my luck, and was about to go for a run, until Carmine got a phonecall from the disciplinary committee. Almants Poikans is suspended for 3 games for his foul against American Samoa. I shook my head and went for that run.

I had always hated running. I know it’s important for a footballer to be at prime physical condition, but i hate it with all my being. However, when I needed to get something out, running has always let me get out some steam, and then to top it off, lets me vent my frustration on running as opposed to whatever was originally bothering me. I had run for maybe an hour, and when I got back to the facility, Carmine had a look on his face that I knew didn’t mean good news. He told me Ricky Nakano got hurt in training and will be out for about 2 months. I took a soccer ball and punted it against the wall, and went for another run.

October 1 2007 ~ FINALLY

I woke up this morning at 11:30 thanks to my BlackBerry. It must have rung about 10 times before I conceded and woke up. I saw it was Carmine, and immediately grimaced.

CC: Who’s hurt now Carm?

CI: Nothing like that. We got good news today.

CC: And that is...?

CI: Charles Beams recovered from his broken arm. He’s been cleared to play.

CC: That’s good news.

CI: And it gets better. “Sugar” Shane is also cleared. He’s at about 75% fitness and should be close to 100% by gameday.

CC: Even better, send Edgar back to Newcastle’s reserve squad, his international career is done.

I smiled, hung up the phone, and went back to sleep.

October 5 2007 ~ Canada Squad Announced

I submitted my roster to FIFA this morning, with Ricky Nakano out injured, I decided to make only three changes from the last squad. David Edgar is in exile for the now fit Shane Williams, Charles Beams comes back into the squad for Patrice Bernier and Ricky Nakano dropped due to injury, so I went with 25 as opposed to the maximum 26 man roster. The squad and I headed for a few days of fun in the sun in St. Martin’s ahead of the “important” clash.

I haven't been following this too much tbh, but once I come on I see Nakano injured:(

KUTGW though:thup:

awesome, back in the squad, and on my birthday

KUTGW!!

October 13 2007 ~ Game Day

Friendly Match

Canada vs. St. Martin

Unknown Stadium, St. Martin

Canada Starting XI:

GK – Brendan

DR – Almants Poikans

DL – Che Guevara

DC – Kevin McKenna ©

DC – Shane Williams

MR – Abdirisaqinho

ML – Charles Beams

MC – Julian de Guzman

MC – Aboot

FC – Dwayne de Rosario

FC – Gold Member

It seems as though Almants ban will only begin proper qualifying games, so he has been inserted into the starting line-up. Canada looked to take it against the lowly St. Martin side, and Gold Member looked to take it to them. But after some early chances, Canada was hit with another injury as Abdirisaqinho came up lame at the 11’ with what looks like a groin injury, so Lefty takes his place on the field. Gold Member then opens the scoring after some great work from the returning Charles Beams, by heading home a low cross into the goal for a 1-0 lead. Dwayne de Rosario doubles Canada’s lead with a great long range effort after being teed up on a silver platter by Shane Williams off a Lefty free kick. Gold Member doubles his tally by brilliantly staying in line with his defender until Julian de Guzman plays a perfectly weighted ball onto his left foot, and hammered it low for a 3-0 Canada lead at the stroke of half time.

Canada 3 (Member 16’ 45’ de Rosario 22’) St. Martin 0

The second half sees the usual substitutions, Guevara off for NepentheZ, Scholer and O’Brien get in for de Rosario and Member, Santos for Beams and Aboot for de Guzman. The second half was nothing spectacular, as Canada was more than happy to pass the ball amongst themselves to kill the last 45 minutes.

Final Score

Canada 3 ( Member 16’ 45’ de Rosario 22’) St. Martin 0

Man of The Match: Gold Member

Post game I found out Abdirisaqinho will be out 3 weeks with a groin strain, but will be fit for our match against China at BMO Field. I had nothing but praise for the youngsters in their first few games for their country, but know full well our first test won’t come until qualification begins late in 2008. Until then, invaluable experience will be gained so my boys will be ready for it.

yay Almants playing again consistent starting line-up player

Hm I feel disappointed for being on the bench