Cove Bay Pirates/STI v. City Merchants/NTI - The Ultimate Rivalry - This Time It's For Real!!!

[AB-forever]

Originally posted by DodgeeD:

In March both teams went further afield. NTI, obviously looking to help sweeten some deals for the bigwigs back in Capital City, travelled to Dubai to take on the UAE. A lacklustre performance resulted in a disappointing defeat compıunded by an injury to Le Quack, now out for a month with a twisted knee.

Final Score: UAE 3 Northern Treasure Islands 0

NTI Ratings & Stats

That's embarrasing

I'm sorry everybody.

[DodgeeD]

Rivals Clash: Cove Bay Pirates v. Capital City Merchants FC, Dutch Premier Division

Date: 20.03.10

Venue: World's End

With both teams in the top 6, this was set to be the biggest clash yet. Cove Bay still had hopes of catching Ajax at the top (albeit feint ones) while the Merchants were looking to stay in the hunt for a European play-off spot.

1st Half

Cove Bay lined up with just two STI players in their side, Iker Reina, who would also be captain, and Craig Healy. The only other player who had started with the club was Northerner Adam Flash. The Merchants meanwhile, also lined up with three original players: Jack Harrow in goal and the in-form strike force of Robert Boyle and Pablo Gonazaléz. Despite the usual red-hot atmosphere, the game stared slowly, neither side willing to take a risk. Possession was shared equally and chances were few and far between as the first 45 minutes played out 0-0.

2nd Half

Cove Bay started to create the better chances after the break, although the Merchants were matching them for time on the ball. The deadlock continued, however, as both sides lacked the killer touch in front of goal. That all changed when Cove Bay brought on Dion Esajas on 71 minutes. Within 5 minutes he had given his side the lead and he added a second just 6 minutes after that. 20 minutes on the pitch was enough to win the game and get the MoM award.

Final Score: Cove Bay Pirates 2 Capital City Merchants FC 0

Cove Bay Ratings & Stats

Merchants Ratings & Stats

[SJ234]

bob mcbob had two poor matches

[DodgeeD]

Dutch Premier Division: End Of Regular Season

I've now taken the game up to mid-April and the regular season has finished in Holland.

Dutch Premier Division Final Table

A great season for Cove Bay as the team from the Southern Islands finished in 3rd place. They actually took the title race up till the final day as they were just 3 points back from Ajax and PSV. Unfortunately, they lost to PSV and Ajax also won eventually leaving them 6 points behind.

For the Merchants, it was also a good season as they built on last year's performance. They will be delighted with another chance to get into Europe through the play-offs ut also disappointed to have been outdone by their rivals.

Cove Bay will play Feyenoord in the first round, while the Merchants will face off against Roda JC. As far as I can gather, the teams placed 2nd through 5th play off for the remaining two Champions League places (Ajax having taken the first) and the 6th to 9th place teams battle out for UEFA Cup and Intertoto spots.

Play-off results and final tables from around Europe in the next update.

[Robert_296]

really in form there

[ssestig]

where will i be at the start of next season? 3 seasons, 3 different clubs lol. seriously good to see sti's doing well and the pirates beating the merchants and hopefully playing in the champs league next season. kutgw mate.

[NeoAC]

Hat trick against Sint Maarten

Crushed by United Arab Emirates and Cove Bay outperformed us in the league.

[coldkohmew]

UEFA Cup For merchants,

Harrow would work hard to get europe!

Hope we don't meet them in the euro cup.

[el sid]

not even a sub for the national team

DodgeeD, what about the dutch second division table ?

kutgw .

[DodgeeD]

Willem II are in the promotion/relegation play-off. I'll give all the details together with the end of season tables later today.

[GazTheDoood]

Pirates! Pirates! Pirates!

Champions League football beckons - fingers crossed.

Excellent Udpates

And hope the Captain is back for the World Cup, any news on how i'm recovering?

[BP_Doosra]

3 goals in 2 internationals and a MoM.

On top of that the Pirates beating the Merchants and finishing 3rd.

KUTGW

[DodgeeD]

Originally posted by GazTheDoood:

Pirates! Pirates! Pirates!

Champions League football beckons - fingers crossed.

Excellent Udpates

And hope the Captain is back for the World Cup, any news on how i'm recovering?

Last night, the game was in mid-April and the Cap'n had an estimated 1 month left to recover. He should be available for the World Cup but he won't have any time for match practice.

[GazTheDoood]

Last night, the game was in mid-April and the Cap'n had an estimated 1 month left to recover. He should be available for the World Cup but he won't have any time for match practice.

Thats good news, I hope he still gets picked for the squad!

KIU.

[AB-forever]

Another loss against those bloody Pirates

[DodgeeD]

2009/10 End Of Season Review: European Leagues

Holland

The season was to end in disappointment for the Merchants as they were defeated in the first round of the European Places Play-Off for the second season running. A disasterous first leg saw them go down 3-0 to Roda JC. 2 early goals in the return match gave them hope but they couldn't find the elusive 3rd and went out 3-2 on aggregate, meaning no European football in Capital City next year.

Cove Bay fared slightly better although they too were disappointed as they missed out on a Champions League place. 0-0 and 2-2 draws against Feyenoord meant the play-off went to a shoot-out, which Cove Bay lost. A play-off against Groningen the followed with the winner guaranteed UEFA Cup entrance. The Pirates duly dispatched their opponents 2-1 on aggregate thus ensuring UEFA Cup action at World's End next season.

Dutch Premier Division Final Table

Dutch Premier Division Player Of The Year - won for the first time by a player from Cove Bay (albeit not a Treasure Islander), Loseda will be eligible for STI citizenship next year - it will be interesting to see if he takes it and if he then features in the national side.

Dutch Premier Division Young Player of the Year - Jason de Mire won this honour with a fine season at NEC, while Pablo Gonzaléz came second.

Dutch Premier Division Top Goalscorer - a great season for Robert Boyle who needed just one more goal for first place. 25 goals and 10 assists marked a coming of age season for the striker (though I'm confused as to why he wasn't considered for young player of the year )

Congratulations are also in order for Arthur White and Brendanio, who played in the final as PSV won the Dutch Cup.

Dutch First Division - disappointment for Jack Harrow as Willem II were defeated in the second round of the promotion/relegation play-off.

Here are the end of season standings from the other leagues involving Treasure Islanders:

Belgium - First Division Final Table

England - Premier League Final Table

France - Ligue 1 Final Table

Germany - Bundesliga Final Table

Good to see several Islanders qualifying for Europe next season with their respective clubs.

Congratualtions to Nathaniel Ball who starred in Dortmund's Championship winning side.

Elsewhere, Liverpool won the UEFA Cup though Spud missed out on the final through injury.

I'll try to post end of season profiles before the weekend and then it will be time for STI's World Cup adventure!

[Robert_296]

Great season for me. Slightly for not getting in the top three for young player of the year but at least I came second in the top scorer part and got 25 goals KUTGW, great updates

[DodgeeD]

Originally posted by Robert_296:

Great season for me. Slightly for not getting in the top three for young player of the year but at least I came second in the top scorer part and got 25 goals KUTGW, great updates

Maybe this will make up for missing out on the Young Player award - 2nd place again but still a great achievement!

[Robert_296]

Only one goal away \o/ Definitely a big change from the times when I was on the bench if I was lucky.

[Blackcats]

Second in young player of the year not bad, did nt get in to europe tho which is a big disapointment Glad to see im still at the merchents where i hope to stay for many years, although i fear it could be holding me back internationally

[Bloodstreaks]

Ooh, Eduaddo in the Euro Vase. Is he getting a game there?

[ssestig]

congrats to anyone still at the pirates for qualifying for the uefa cup next season. would like a return! kutgw mate.

[Ridleys]

Wolfsburg in the Champions League next season!

Mon STI in the World Cup

KUTGW

[NeoAC]

Marseille languish in mediocrity

[coldkohmew]

I moved but bad luck continues...

[AB-forever]

No Europe for The Merchants

Sunderland finished 6th and qualified for the UEFA Cup

[macca69]

Great updates, keep it going!

[SJ234]

KUTGW

[corinthiano]

If half of the PSV squad breaks a leg I might get a Champions League appearance in next season

[el sid]

Dutch First Division - disappointment for Jack Harrow as Willem II were defeated in the second round of the promotion/relegation play-off.

That should be Heinrich Kroeger right ?

good updates, congratulations to nathaniel ball

world cup !

[DodgeeD]

Originally posted by el sid:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Dutch First Division - disappointment for Jack Harrow as Willem II were defeated in the second round of the promotion/relegation play-off.

That should be Heinrich Kroeger right ?

good updates, congratulations to nathaniel ball

world cup ! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You're right - sorry about that. Must have been the effects of a hard day at work.

I'll try to post everyone's end of season profiles tonight (but there were a couple June 1st transfers meaning I will insert the season stats myself) and then it's on to the World Cup for STI (the Northerners will just have to be patient )

[DodgeeD]

2009/10 End Of Season Player Profiles, Part 1: Northern Treasure Islanders

Here's the annual look at the profile screenies. Apologies in advance for anyone who made a move within Holland as those transfers went through on June 1st - I will add in your stats pre-move though.

Capital City Merchants FC: Jack Harrow - another season as number 1 at the Merchants brought up a milestone as Jack Harrow made his 100th league appearance towards the end of the campaign.

Alfonso da Silva Santos - a solid season for the right back. PSV are interested but the player has stated his preference to stay.

Emilio Peralta - a learning season for the young DMC. He's available for loan but at the moment the club are considering a 55k offer from Roda JC.

Pablo Gonzaléz - a breakthrough season for the striker as his decision to wait his turn at the club paid off. Formed a great partnership with Boyle, which the Merchants will be looking to keep together.

Robert Boyle - a fantastic season for Boyle as he dominated the scoring charts for the club. Deservedly named fan's player of the year. Strangely overlooked for the national side though...

PSV: Trevor Tobago - another frustrating season in the reserves but there is hope for next year as Tobago made his debut in the first team towards the end of the season. Still listed for loan.

Miltihno - also restricted to reserve football, this young winger will be looking to make a breakthrough next time round.

Arthur White - played on a regular basis this season. He will need to get more goals next season to stay in the first team though.

NEC: Haowan - an improvement on last season for the AMC. Provided several goals from midfield.

Cove Bay Pirates: Adam Flash - played a great part in Cove Bay's 3rd place finish as his partnership with Craig Healy produced the goods.

Nürnberg: General Specific - featured regulary after his summer move but it looks like he hasn't settled in Germany yet and is currently 'considering his options'.

Roberto dos Santos - settled in quckly after his January transfer from AA Gent. Averaged a goal every other game at both clubs, making his season's toal 15.

Wolfsburg: Bob McBob - another good season in Germany for McBob despite his desire to move on. There are now 19 clubs interested with Sevilla and Bayern Munich having made firm offers of 16mil + clauses and 11mil + clauses respectively.

Hertha Berlin: Cabinboy Pendros - another good season in berlin has seen Pendros' status rise to 'indispensible'.

AJ Auxerre: Rebel Israel - a good debut season in France, though he may be disappointed with the club's league finish. He could be set for his 4th club in as many seasons with a 9.75mil bid from Portsmouth, a 6.75mil bid from Napoli as well as interest from Marseille, Dortmund, Celtic and Valencia.

AS Saint-Etienne: Ben Roscrow - will feel his decision to leave PSV was the right one as he featured regularly in the first team here. may be on the move again as Liverpool, Portsmouth, Valencia and Inter Milan are all interested.

OGC Nice: Dirtihno - I'm sure Dirtihno will be disappointed with his loan season as he didn't get much first team action. His contract with the Merchants expires at the end of June and Nantes, Marseille, Lens, Racing Santander, Betis, Sevilla, Souchaux and Malaga are all rumoured to be preparing offers.

Marseille: Ryca Roseau - was playing very well at Hertha Berlin with 1 goal, 4 asissts and an average rating of 7.18 before his big money January move. Immediately became a hit with the fans and will be looking forward to greater things next season.

RC Lens: Diego Polo - struggled to get into the Genk side this year, despite a good debut season. A move to Lens didn't change much as he only played twice.

Blackburn Rovers: Theo Henry Gooner - a good debut seaosn in the Premeirship as Gooner immediately became a regular at Ewood Park. Scored his first international goals too.

Liverpool: Spud - played early in the season for the Merseysiders but was then struck by a mystery virus and suffered a hip injury shortly after his return meaning he missed most of the season.

Sunderland: Gregory Le Quack - promoted to number 2 after Gordon's departure. Managed to make his debut when Enke was sent off and played the subsequent match in which the German was suspended. Will surely get his chance again soon.

[Robert_296]

Is it a coincidence that NTI are rubbish against STI but the Merchants are quite a lot better a than the Pirates

[corinthiano]

Miltinho and his amaziing Afro will hopefully break through the first team next season!

KUTGW!

[AB-forever]

Originally posted by DodgeeD:

Sunderland: Gregory Le Quack - promoted to number 2 after Gordon's departure. Managed to make his debut when Enke was sent off and played the subsequent match in which the German was suspended. Will surely get his chance again soon.

2 games, 1 clean sheet, not a bad way to start I guess

[Blackcats]

Looking good, lots of goals and a good ave rating

[DodgeeD]

2009/10 End of Season Update, Part 2: Southern Treasure Islanders

Cove Bay Pirates: Iker Reina - firmly established as the Pirates' No. 1 choice. Managed an impressive 17 clean sheets in the league this season.

Craig Healy - an impressive season again for the midfield maestro despite his expressed unhappiness and desire to leave. At the moment, West Ham, Lyon, Hertha Berlin, Inter, Parma and Bologna are all interested and Ajax have already tabled a 3.6mil bid.

David Sunderland - a frustrating season as he managed only a few sub appearances at club level, (even though he is listed as the club captain ). Despite this, he was a regular for the national side. Currently being monitored by scouts from Stuttgart.

PSV: Adam Clatworthy - only managed a handful of appearances at PSV this season. He is enthusiastic about his future there, however. Also had a good season at international level.

Brendanio - started to force his way into the team this season, picking up a few goals on the way. The player will be personally pleased to have scored a brace against The Merchants to send them crashing out of the cup. In impressive form for STI too.

NEC: Paul Hart - only 1 sub appearance in the cup this season. Listed for loan and it seems he needs a move in order to get some competitive action.

Jason de Mire - a great season for the striker with 20 league goals and a young player of the year award to boot. He became the leading scorer for STI too but ahead of the World Cup had some heartbreaking news - a training ground fall resulted in a dislocated shoulder meaning he is out of the World Cup. (As de Mire is my player, this should prove that I'm not fixing the game in my favour in anyway ).

FC Twente: The Stig - a solid debut season as The Stig made amends to STI fans by leaving the Merchants. In good form for the national side too.

Rich Denton - impressed at right-back for his new club making 25 appearances and picking up 3 MoM awards. He seems to be turning into a bit of a journey man as he has just signed a deal with PSV making it 4 teams in 4 years! The 5.75mil fee means his total transfers now exceed 10mil.

Roda JC: Rtik Carlos-Powell - featured fairly regularly for his new club but was not used at international level so much. Set to feature in Roda's UEFA Cup campaign next season.

Adam Wilkinson - the winger was in good form after leaving the Pirates last summer as he made 33 appearances at Roda, notching up 5 goals, 3 asissts, 4 MoM awards and an average rating of 7.09. He missed the warmer Caribbean climes though and has opted to reutrn to the Treasure Islands. Not to Cove Bay however as he became the new turncoat by signing for The Merchants in a 4.1mil deal.

AZ: Ramiro - another solid season as he became first choice right-back. Ajax are rumoured to be chasing his signature for next season.

Feyenoord: Maccaniniho - another good season as he cemented his place in the Feyenoord and STI defence. Will be looking forward to Champions League football next season.

Willem II: Heinrich Kroeger - benefitted from dropping down a division as he featured regularly. He will be disappointed not to have won promotion though.

Bochum: Elliot Druce - a good individual season but suffered the diasappointment of relegation. He has decided to jump ship by joining Wolfsburg next season (maybe as a replacement for Bob McBob ).

Dortmund: Nathaniel Ball - a great season as he became first choice at left-back and ended up with a champion's medal. Liverpool and Roma are after his services for next season.

Köln: Captain Gingerbread - a season of hurt for the striker as spent most of it getting familar with the nurses in the treatment room at his new club. Luckily, returned from injury in time for the World Cup and looks set to reclaim his international place with Jason de Mire currently out.

Schalke: Wrighty - only made 9 appearances this season but has attracted interest from Portsmouth (although he has expressed his desire to stay).

Wolfsburg: Bobinho - a decent if not spectacular debut season in Germany, which he will look to build on next season. Averaged a goal a game for the national side, which bodes well for the World Cup.

AJ Auxerre: Juan Carlos - decided to move in January after not making a asingle appearance for Cove Bay. 6 appearances for his new side is something the winger will be looking to imrove on next time.

AS Nancy-Lorainne: Gwilym J. James - a dsiappointing season for the winger as he made just one appearance for the Pirates before a january move to France, where he made just one appearance. He is, however, entusiastic about his future at the club.

Club Brugge: Eduaddo - made 14 appearances and contibuted 3 goals with an average rating of 7.36 for the Pirates before a transfer window move. Surprised many by opting for Club Brugge despite long-running interest from AC Milan. He is enjoying life and his new club and is even tutoring a fellow player (Wouter Corstjens who, at 23, is two years older than Eduaddo!)

I will get round to the World Cup updates soon. First, there is the small matter of a warm-up friendly between two rival nations to deal with.

[DodgeeD]

Originally posted by AB-forever:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DodgeeD:

Sunderland: Gregory Le Quack - promoted to number 2 after Gordon's departure. Managed to make his debut when Enke was sent off and played the subsequent match in which the German was suspended. Will surely get his chance again soon.

2 games, 1 clean sheet, not a bad way to start I guess </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It was an interesting debut for Le Quack as it happens. Sunderland were at Blackburn and Enke seemed to lose the plot - he conceded 4 in the opening 16 minutes and then got sent off after 25 mins! Le Quack then stepped into the fray and kept the score at 4-0, thus earning his cleansheet. He also played when Enke was suspended as Sunderland won 3-1 against Sheff Wed.

[Bloodstreaks]

Eduaddo is looking pretty decent. And I'm tutoring an older guy?

Thats kinda odd..

Club Brugge must really be needing some quality

[GazTheDoood]

Yessss!

I'm back and raring to go for the World Cup.

S.T.I, S.T.I, ST.IIIIIIII!

What an awesome chant

Great work Dodgee

[coldkohmew]

Jack Harrow - another season as number 1 at the Merchants brought up a milestone as Jack Harrow made his 100th league appearance towards the end of the campaign. Thumbs Up

Reply

Hope i am the one in the history books

[route1]

Nice updates!

Cabinboy Pendros 'indespensible'

KUTGW

[GazTheDoood]

DodgeeD - Do you use FM Modifier at all alongside this, or genie scout or something?

If yes, would it be possible to check my injury proneness stat, because after reading through the story again, I noticed that I have been injured alot.

Cheers

And, Looking forward to the World Cup!

[valencia]

great updates. keep it up mate!

4 clubs in 4 years. ouch! hopefully i will be on my way back to the pirates someday soon

[el sid]

Damn, missed out on promotion. Second division for another season.

That said, my intuition says heinrich will get a move in the near future

world cup, here we come

kutgw

[ssestig]

8 goals for the season from centre back not bad. DodgeeD, what are the odds of us winning the world cup at the first attempt?

(everyone join in) sti,sti,sti for the world cup.

kutgw mate.

[AB-forever]

Originally posted by DodgeeD:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by AB-forever:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DodgeeD:

Sunderland: Gregory Le Quack - promoted to number 2 after Gordon's departure. Managed to make his debut when Enke was sent off and played the subsequent match in which the German was suspended. Will surely get his chance again soon.

2 games, 1 clean sheet, not a bad way to start I guess </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It was an interesting debut for Le Quack as it happens. Sunderland were at Blackburn and Enke seemed to lose the plot - he conceded 4 in the opening 16 minutes and then got sent off after 25 mins! Le Quack then stepped into the fray and kept the score at 4-0, thus earning his cleansheet. He also played when Enke was suspended as Sunderland won 3-1 against Sheff Wed. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Good

In his way to great things

[JoseRR]

A goal every other game is not bad at all, good to see Dos Santos improving as well

[Ridleys]

C'mon World Cup

Can't wait , although we probably won't win it

[DodgeeD]

Sorry guys - I haven't been able to get round to the World Cup updates yet as my lad had an accident yesterday and ended up with a hairline fracture on his arm. Since he's only 2, it's taking up all of my time to look after him (made worse by the fact that it happened when I was watching him so I'm in the doghouse and getting more stick than usual for 'wasting time with that silly game').

As a sign of my FM addictiveness, I'll say that he's 'currently recupurating from an arm injury. Out for 2-3 weeks' so updates may be less frequent than usual in that time.