AI Experiment - what would happen if?

Jimbokav1971 · February 26, 2007

Â£27m FOR A KEEPER !

Promotion .

Jimbokav1971 · February 26, 2007

Idiot B is tutoring someone.

How is that going and what is the youngster like? Bad attitude yet?

kipfizh · February 26, 2007

Originally posted by Jimbokav1971:
Idiot B is tutoring someone.

How is that going and what is the youngster like? Bad attitude yet?

Good spot! His name is Darren Chapman, he's a 21 year old former U19 England international centre back, and he's currently 'fairly ambitious', with a bunch of clubs interested in him.

I'll keep a watch

nick... · February 26, 2007

Idiot B's gone from being a highest earner at the begginning of the simulatio, to second bottom now...

Idiot A stil mixing it at the top.

My prediction is for a lower wage for him at his new club

DS · February 26, 2007

Good to see you started updating again kipfizh...i thought you lost interest. FINALY THEY DONE IT!!! I think there promotions will speed up now and once they are in the EPL BANG! they will spend 100-200 million on players because they will probably have 300 million pounds by then.

Just something that interests me. I have noticed that positions seem to use up a lot of CA so even though the CA are almost identical the idiots that can play in every position would have lower attributes then the good players. Is this correct?

If not, the only explanation I have is that the Idiots have worse mental traits and those would use less CA then the good players who have better mental traits. In fact the idiot players mental traits probably have a negative value in terms of CA so then that would allow that CA to be used on attributes.

I dont know if you understand what I mean.

dante · February 27, 2007

Originally posted by Jimbokav1971:
Â£27m FOR A KEEPER !

Promotion .

that's not unique, in my current Atletico game my own regen goalie is valued at 29 million.

Abs_UK · February 27, 2007

Brilliant update, thanks, no looking forward to the Bandits staying up and building a very good team for the season..

Looking forward to the next instalment..

BJG123 · February 27, 2007

also, is it not silly that EVERY player has hit their PA? Surely this shouldn't be the case?

Hunter Thomson · February 27, 2007

Training for the majority of their careers at top level facilities with top level coaches and playing reasonably regular football (for most anyway) why shouldn't they. If they were some obscure nationality at some obscure club i'm sure a fair few would have left and retired.

oSa · February 27, 2007

- Idiot A will return back to England

- Bandits will sign at least 3 good players

- Bandits will do worse than Gillingham

kipfizh · February 27, 2007

Originally posted by DS:
Good to see you started updating again kipfizh...i thought you lost interest.

Not lost interest by a long way, just work's been really busy, huge deadlines!

Just something that interests me. I have noticed that positions seem to use up a lot of CA so even though the CA are almost identical the idiots that can play in every position would have lower attributes then the good players. Is this correct?
If not, the only explanation I have is that the Idiots have worse mental traits and those would use less CA then the good players who have better mental traits. In fact the idiot players mental traits probably have a negative value in terms of CA so then that would allow that CA to be used on attributes.

I dont know if you understand what I mean.

I'm not sure that CA and mental attributes are linked, from what I've seen mental attributes are seen as a 'bonus', so a 150CA player could have mental attributes at either extreme without the rest of their stats compensating (I'd be interested to know if that's true).

I haven't noticed an attribute difference but I'll check later, as they all have the same CA it'll be interesting to see if the idiots, with their multi=positional abilities, have lower stats. I'll let you know.

kipfizh · February 27, 2007

Originally posted by BJG123:
also, is it not silly that EVERY player has hit their PA? Surely this shouldn't be the case?

Not silly at all. I put them all the database as 200CA, 200PA players, but the game edited them down to around 160CA starting.

So, as 17 year olds, they didn't have far to go to reach their peak. Had they been, say 30CA, 200PA players, they'd probably be miles from their potential, and perhaps would never make it.

Maybe I should put a few of those in next time....

Meitheisman · February 27, 2007

Originally posted by BJG123:
also, is it not silly that EVERY player has hit their PA? Surely this shouldn't be the case?

Agree, this shouldn't happen in the game since irl we all know of hundreds of players who never quite reached their full potential. ie: No player naming here else the debate is going to turn around whether the players I named had potential or not

Meitheisman · February 27, 2007

Originally posted by kipfizh:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BJG123:

also, is it not silly that EVERY player has hit their PA? Surely this shouldn't be the case?

Not silly at all. I put them all the database as 200CA, 200PA players, but the game edited them down to around 160CA starting.

So, as 17 year olds, they didn't have far to go to reach their peak. Had they been, say 30CA, 200PA players, they'd probably be miles from their potential, and perhaps would never make it.

Maybe I should put a few of those in next time.... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Still, an injury, a bad attitude, a lack of training, bad coaching... all these could not only stop a player progression but it could (and does sometimes) reduce a player's attributes.

kipfizh · February 27, 2007

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

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BJG123:

also, is it not silly that EVERY player has hit their PA? Surely this shouldn't be the case?

Not silly at all. I put them all the database as 200CA, 200PA players, but the game edited them down to around 160CA starting.

So, as 17 year olds, they didn't have far to go to reach their peak. Had they been, say 30CA, 200PA players, they'd probably be miles from their potential, and perhaps would never make it.

Maybe I should put a few of those in next time.... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Still, an injury, a bad attitude, a lack of training, bad coaching... all these could not only stop a player progression but it could (and does sometimes) reduce a player's attributes. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

True, but realistically, 150CA for a 17 year old is ridiculously high, and if someone in real life had that sort of ability, the PA would probably be beyond 200 (players surely have the potential to improve more than 33% on the 17 year old ability?).

But the game sensibly caps the ability at 200, and I have no problem with them reaching this. It's not much of a step up.

Meitheisman · February 27, 2007

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

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

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BJG123:

also, is it not silly that EVERY player has hit their PA? Surely this shouldn't be the case?

Not silly at all. I put them all the database as 200CA, 200PA players, but the game edited them down to around 160CA starting.

So, as 17 year olds, they didn't have far to go to reach their peak. Had they been, say 30CA, 200PA players, they'd probably be miles from their potential, and perhaps would never make it.

Maybe I should put a few of those in next time.... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Still, an injury, a bad attitude, a lack of training, bad coaching... all these could not only stop a player progression but it could (and does sometimes) reduce a player's attributes. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

True, but realistically, 150CA for a 17 year old is ridiculously high, and if someone in real life had that sort of ability, the PA would probably be beyond 200 (players surely have the potential to improve more than 33% on the 17 year old ability?).

But the game sensibly caps the ability at 200, and I have no problem with them reaching this. It's not much of a step up. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I disagree... some players reach their potential really early and even though some people think they will still improve they never do. The 1 example that comes to mind is Shaquille O'Neal in basketball who pretty much had the same stats as a rookie as he did 10 years later. I can't think of a football example right this second but I'm sure there's plenty of them.

foobar · February 27, 2007

Originally posted by Meitheisman:
I disagree... some players reach their potential really early and even though some people think they will still improve they never do. The 1 example that comes to mind is Shaquille O'Neal in basketball who pretty much had the same stats as a rookie as he did 10 years later. I can't think of a football example right this second but I'm sure there's plenty of them.

Compare Shaq as a rookie at 22 (I think he went to four years of college) to Shaq as a 17 year old high school kid. While he may have peaked at 22, he was not nearly as dominant a player during his freshman year in college.

Meitheisman · February 27, 2007

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

I disagree... some players reach their potential really early and even though some people think they will still improve they never do. The 1 example that comes to mind is Shaquille O'Neal in basketball who pretty much had the same stats as a rookie as he did 10 years later. I can't think of a football example right this second but I'm sure there's plenty of them.

Compare Shaq as a rookie at 22 (I think he went to four years of college) to Shaq as a 17 year old high school kid. While he may have peaked at 22, he was not nearly as dominant a player during his freshman year in college. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

How about LeBron James then, how much did he really improve since he got in the league and he wasn't even 18 yet.

kipfizh · February 27, 2007

We have to bear in mind that all these players are at top clubs, with the best training facilities and staff.

And while an argument could be made that the idiots should rise slower, the other 22 are hardworking perfect models of professionalism, so are bound to improve.

The idiots though, maybe they wouldn't rise so fast?

kipfizh · February 27, 2007

Season 2014-15

Club report

2006-07

English Conference South: (Pos 1), P 42, W 30, D 6, L 6, F 82, A 29, GD +53, Pts 96

(Media Prediction: 22nd)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

FA Trophy: Winners

2007-08

English National Conference: (Pos 7), P 46, W 22, D 8, L 16, F 68, A 55, GD +13, Pts 74

(Media Prediction: 22nd)

FA Cup: 1st Round

FA Trophy: Finalist

2008-09

English National Conference: (Pos 7), P 46, W 19, D 12, L 15, F 73, A 65, GD +8, Pts 69

(Media Prediction: 17th)

FA Cup: 4th Qualifying Round

FA Trophy: 1st Round

2009-10

English National Conference: (Pos 9), P 46, W 19, D 12, L 15, F 58, A 57, GD +1, Pts 69

(Media Prediction: 10th)

FA Cup: 4th Qualifying Round

FA Trophy: 3rd Round

2010-11

English National Conference: (Pos 6), P 46, W 21, D 10, L 15, F 75, A 55, GD +20, Pts 73

(Media Prediction: 12th)

FA Cup: 1st Round

FA Trophy: 4th Round

2011-12

English National Conference: (Pos 18), P 46, W 16, D 9, L 21, F 59, A 66, GD -7, Pts 57

(Media Prediction: 8th)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

FA Trophy: 3rd Round

2012-13

English National Conference: (Pos 5), P 46, W 21, D 11, L 14, F 67, A 52, GD +15, Pts 74

(Media Prediction: 16th)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

FA Trophy: 4th Round

2013-14

English National Conference: (Pos 1), P 46, W 20, D 18, L 8, F 68, A 46, GD +22, Pts 78

(Media Prediction: 8th)

FA Cup: 1st Round

FA Trophy: 4th Round

2014-15

English League Two: (Pos 21), P 46, W 12, D 15, L 19, F 60, A 69, GD -9, Pts 51

(Media Prediction: 22nd)

League

FA Cup: 1st Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South Quarter Final

As predicted, the Bandits were involved in a relegation dogfight in their first season in the league. They survived it though, by three points, and with the cups providing little respite, they had a season theyâ€™d hope to improve on next season.

They did sign five players in the summer for a combined total of 750k, weâ€™ll analyse that in their squad review later.

All in all, a solid base to start next season on, if they can bring a few more players in to keep the rise going.

kipfizh · February 27, 2007

Good player reports

Goalkeeper 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 151: Apps 47, Conc 29, Cln 15, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.66

2007-08, Bandits, CA 166: Apps 49, Conc 56, Cln 12, MoM 6, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.51

2008-09, Bandits, CA 178: Apps 32, Conc 38, Cln 6, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.28

Transfers to Blackburn for 650k

2008-09, Blackburn, CA 178: Apps 14, Conc 16, Cln 4, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.21

2009-10, Blackburn, CA 184: Apps 41 (1), Conc 45, Cln 13, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.38

2010-11, Blackburn, CA 189: Apps 32, Conc 48, Cln 5, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.38

2011-12, Blackburn, CA 192: Apps 43, Conc 62, Cln 7, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.53

2012-13, Blackburn, CA 194: Apps 45, Conc 65, Cln 9, MoM 4, YC 9, RC 0, Avg 7.58

Transfers to Arsenal for 27m

2013-14, Arsenal, CA 196: Apps 56, Conc 70, Cln 18, MoM 7, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.46

2014-15, Arsenal, CA 197: Apps 43, Conc 34, Cln 19, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.74

Notes: Superb season, keeping even more clean sheets in less games, and suggesting that Arsenal were right to pay the money they did for him. Reaches 28 caps and wins the UEFA Cup, with Arsenal finishing fourth in the league. Still hasnâ€™t reached 200 CA like the rest have. Comes second in European Goalkeeper of the Year.

Goalkeeper 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 10 (4), Conc 6, Cln 8, MoM 1, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.93

Transfers to Leeds for 675k

2007-08, Leeds, CA 167: Apps 43, Conc 45, Cln 12, MoM 7, YC 2, RC 1, Avg 7.51

2008-09, Leeds, CA 181: Apps 35, Conc 45, Cln 4, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.26

2009-10, Leeds, CA 189: Apps 42, Conc 51, Cln 8, MoM 6, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.50

2010-11, Leeds, CA 191: Apps 37, Conc 41, Cln 8, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.46

2011-12, Leeds, CA 195: Apps 57, Conc 68, Cln 17, MoM 10, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.58

2012-13, Leeds, CA 196: Apps 51, Conc 77, Cln 4, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.27

2013-14, Leeds, CA 200: Apps 39, Conc 52, Cln 7, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.21[/b]

2014-15, Leeds, CA 200: Apps 59, Conc 72, Cln 14, MoM 8, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.46

Notes: Plays a huge amount as Leeds make cup runs without winning anything. The team fall back 12th but he reaches 50 caps. Comes third in European Goalkeeper of the Year.

Left Back 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 9 (5), Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.14

Transfers to Tottenham on a free

2007-08, Tottenham, CA 165: Apps 42, Gls 1, Asts 4, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.21

2008-09, Tottenham, CA 175: Apps 40, Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.30

2009-10, Tottenham, CA 187: Apps 45, Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 2, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.11

2010-11, Tottenham, CA 194: Apps 40, Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.35

2011-12, Tottenham, CA 197: Apps 39, Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.31

2012-13, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 42, Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.36

2013-14, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 35, Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.31

2014-15, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 1, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.31

Notes: Plays solidly again and reaches 37 caps without adding to his two goals. Tottenham sit firmly in mid-table.

Left Back 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 153: Apps 51 (1), Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.46

Transfers to Liverpool for 40k

2007-08, Liverpool, CA 165: Apps 40 (1), Gls 1, Asts 4, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 6.73

2008-09, Liverpool, CA 179: Apps 50, Gls 0, Asts 6, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.30

2009-10, Liverpool, CA 183: Apps 47, Gls 3, Asts 7, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.38

2010-11, Liverpool, CA 192: Apps 53, Gls 3, Asts 4, MoM 7, YC 2, RC 1, Avg 7.47

2011-12, Liverpool, CA 198: Apps 53, Gls 0, Asts 7, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.23

2012-13, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 55, Gls 3, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 8, RC 2, Avg 7.29

2013-14, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 49, Gls 3, Asts 4, MoM 8, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.84

2014-15, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 2, Asts 5, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.46

Notes: Canâ€™t reach the heights of last season but still plays well, reaching 26 caps without scoring. Liverpool fall back to third. Comes third in European Defender of the Year, second in World Player of the Year, and second in World Footballer of the Year.

Right Back 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 154: Apps 4, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 8.00

Transfers to Newcastle for 400k

2007-08, Newcastle, CA 165: Apps 39, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.18

2008-09, Newcastle, CA 181: Apps 46, Gls 1, Asts 5, MoM 2, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.28

2009-10, Newcastle, CA 187: Apps 3, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.00

Transfers to Chelsea for 27.5m

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 187: Apps 48, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.27

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 190: Apps 53, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.39

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 197: Apps 60, Gls 1, Asts 9, MoM 2, YC 8, RC 1, Avg 7.55

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.20

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.12

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 53, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.58

Notes: Reaches 39 caps with one goal, but Chelsea win absolutely nothing, losing out of the league on the final day.

Right Back 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 155: Apps 50, Gls 1, Asts 7, MoM 5, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.70

Transfers to Liverpool for 24k

2007-08, Liverpool, CA 166: Apps 29 (8), Gls 1, Asts 6, MoM 4, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.03

2008-09, Liverpool, CA 178: Apps 51 (1), Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.15

2009-10, Liverpool, CA 188: Apps 49 (1), Gls 4, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.34

2010-11, Liverpool, CA 195: Apps 54 (1), Gls 1, Asts 6, MoM 4, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.51

2011-12, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 52 (1), Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 2, Avg 7.38

2012-13, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 6, YC 7, RC 1, Avg 7.54

2013-14, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 49, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.47

2014-15, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 57, Gls 3, Asts 6, MoM 7, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.49

Notes: Once again has an excellent season, but takes no club trophy away, reaching 31 caps with one goal. World Player of the Year, and third in World Footballer of the Year.

Centre Back 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 152: Apps 17 (6), Gls 1, Asts 7, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.57

Transfers to Tottenham on a free

2007-08, Tottenham, CA 166: Apps 40, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.00

2008-09, Tottenham, CA 181: Apps 41, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 1, Avg 7.22

Transfers to Milan on a free

2009-10, Milan, CA 187: Apps 31, Gls 4, Asts 5, MoM 6, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.32

2010-11, Milan, CA 192: Apps 52, Gls 3, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.25

2011-12, Milan, CA 196: Apps 46, Gls 2, Asts 1, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 4, Avg 7.48

2012-13, Milan, CA 200: Apps 35, Gls 10, Asts 5, MoM 2, YC 9, RC 2, Avg 7.46

2013-14, Milan, CA 200: Apps 41, Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 5, YC 9, RC 0, Avg 7.44

2014-15, Milan, CA 200: Apps 38, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.18

Notes: Has now stopped scoring altogether, but closes in on the half century with 47 caps and one goal. Milan put their losing final run to bed, winning the Champions League. European Defender of the Year.

Centre Back 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 151: Apps 3 (5), Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.25

Transfers to Arsenal on a free

2007-08, Arsenal, CA 166: Apps 49, Gls 1, Asts 4, MoM 3, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.02

2008-09, Arsenal, CA 177: Apps 52, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.19

2009-10, Arsenal, CA 184: Apps 51, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 1, Avg 6.98

2010-11, Arsenal, CA 190: Apps 49, Gls 0, Asts 5, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.02

2011-12, Arsenal, CA 194: Apps 53, Gls 3, Asts 5, MoM 7, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.34

2012-13, Arsenal, CA 199: Apps 49, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 2, Avg 7.33

2013-14, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 47, Gls 3, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.36

2014-15, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 48, Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 11, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.71

Notes: Wonderful season for him, playing better than he ever has before, reaches 28 caps with his two goals, and winning the UEFA Cup.

Centre Back 3

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 49 (3), Gls 0, Asts 5, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.77

Transfers to Chelsea for 55k

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 166: Apps 23 (12), Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 6.89

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 180: Apps 20 (6), Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.96

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 189: Apps 22 (9), Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.19

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 191: Apps 39 (3), Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.40

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 197: Apps 41 (3), Gls 2, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.61

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 51 (2), Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.47

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 42 (6), Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.17

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 47 (3), Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.54

Notes: Reaches 29 caps and three goals, and plays well, but doesnâ€™t win a medal as Chelsea have a poor season by their standards.

Centre Back 4

2006-07, Bandits, CA 152: Apps 45 (1), Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.80

Transfers to Chelsea for 28k

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 165: Apps 32 (4), Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.14

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 179: Apps 28 (4), Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.84

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 189: Apps 32 (4), Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.50

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 23 (11), Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.29

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 53 (1), Gls 2, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 10, RC 0, Avg 7.67

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 55, Gls 2, Asts 7, MoM 8, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.62

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 46 (1), Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.36

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 46 (2), Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 6, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.67

Notes: Has a wonderful personal season, playing superbly and reaching 26 caps and scoring his first goal, but not winning a club trophy to show for it. Comes second in European Defender of the Year.

Left Mid 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 151: Apps 13, Gls 3, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.15

Transfers to Man Utd for 170k

2007-08, Man Utd, CA 165: Apps 39 (3), Gls 9, Asts 9, MoM 4, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.19

Transfers to Chelsea for 10.5m

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 180: Apps 48, Gls 7, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 2, Avg 6.73

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 188: Apps 48, Gls 4, Asts 6, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.08

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 192: Apps 45, Gls 4, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.16

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 198: Apps 53 (2), Gls 9, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.45

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 56, Gls 8, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.48

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 53 (1), Gls 12, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.57

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 46 (3), Gls 9, Asts 5, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.49

Notes: Plays superbly again, and improves his international record to 54 caps and eleven goals, without winning a club trophy.

Left Mid 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 44, Gls 11, Asts 9, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.61

Transfers to Portsmouth for 300k

2007-08, Portsmouth, CA 165: Apps 40, Gls 7, Asts 3, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.28

2008-09, Portsmouth, CA 180: Apps 48, Gls 6, Asts 9, MoM 8, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.52

Transfers to Man Utd for 11.5m

2009-10, Man Utd, CA 185: Apps 57, Gls 15, Asts 4, MoM 7, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.42

2010-11, Man Utd, CA 190: Apps 51, Gls 10, Asts 7, MoM 6, YC 1, RC 1, Avg 7.51

2011-12, Man Utd, CA 196: Apps 50, Gls 7, Asts 7, MoM 5, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.50

2012-13, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 50, Gls 8, Asts 12, MoM 6, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.72

2013-14, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 37, Gls 11, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.68

2014-15, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 48, Gls 8, Asts 7, MoM 5, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.58

Notes: Continues his excellent form for club and country, but Man Utd have another shocker. Weâ€™ll go into that in detail later, but he reaches 31 caps and nine goals.

Right Mid 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 152: Apps 17 (19), Gls 6, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.00

Transfers to Chelsea on a free

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 165: Apps 12 (17), Gls 4, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.66

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 178: Apps 11 (11), Gls 2, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 6.45

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 190: Apps 15 (18), Gls 5, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.18

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 194: Apps 21 (19), Gls 5, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.18

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 43 (8), Gls 12, Asts 5, MoM 5, YC 2, RC 2, Avg 7.47

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 54 (1), Gls 8, Asts 7, MoM 7, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.58

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 60 (1), Gls 8, Asts 12, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.75

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 11, Asts 11, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.67

Notes: Reaches 42 caps with an impressive 12 goals from midfield, and plays very well again without winning a club trophy.

Right Mid 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 40 (1), Gls 9, Asts 8, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.49

Transfers to Chelsea for 20k

Loaned to Rangers

2007-08, Rangers, CA 166: Apps 49 (1), Gls 17, Asts 12, MoM 11, YC 16, RC 0, Avg 7.72

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 179: Apps 8 (13), Gls 4, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 6.67

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 182: Apps 12 (4), Gls 2, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 6.75

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 188: Apps 12 (5), Gls 5, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.18

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 196: Apps 20 (16), Gls 7, Asts 0, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.19

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 198: Apps 0 (1), Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.00

Transfers to Arsenal in a part-exchange, him and 29m for Fabregas

2012-13, Arsenal, CA 198: Apps 49, Gls 14, Asts 10, MoM 10, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.76

2013-14, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 55, Gls 9, Asts 9, MoM 4, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.40

2014-15, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 55, Gls 17, Asts 2, MoM 7, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.53

Notes: Still playing far better since he joined Arsenal, and wins the UEFA Cup, but is behind many of his compatriots with only fourteen caps and four goals.

Centre Mid 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 18, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.17

Transfers to Man Utd for 675k

2007-08, Man Utd, CA 159: Apps 33 (5), Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 2, Avg 6.55

2008-09, Man Utd, CA 173: Apps 10 (9), Gls 3, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.53

2009-10, Man Utd, CA 181: Apps 27 (13), Gls 6, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.18

2010-11, Man Utd, CA 191: Apps 18 (12), Gls 6, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.20

2011-12, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 8 (23), Gls 5, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.06

2012-13, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 20 (16), Gls 2, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 1, Avg 7.14

2013-14, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 9 (16), Gls 3, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 1, Avg 7.08

2014-15, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 7 (15), Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.05

Notes: Still needs to move clubs, and with Man Utd going backwards he might have to. Adds only one more cap to his total to reach fifteen with three goals.

Centre Mid 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 2, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.00

Transfers to Portsmouth on a free

2007-08, Portsmouth, CA 165: Apps 47, Gls 3, Asts 1, MoM 5, YC 7, RC 1, Avg 7.21

Transfers to Man Utd for 11.25m[/b}

2008-09, Man Utd, CA 180: Apps 33 (5), Gls 5, Asts 5, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.82

2009-10, Man Utd, CA 184: Apps 50 (2), Gls 11, Asts 6, MoM 3, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.58

2010-11, Man Utd, CA 189: Apps 45 (5), Gls 12, Asts 7, MoM 4, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.52

2011-12, Man Utd, CA 193: Apps 47 (1), Gls 5, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.46

2012-13, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 43 (4), Gls 14, Asts 5, MoM 5, YC 1, RC 1, Avg 7.51

2013-14, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 46 (1), Gls 16, Asts 5, MoM 9, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.68

2014-15, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 46 (1), Gls 5, Asts 5, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.49

Notes: Loses his regular England place, gaining only four more caps to reach 32 with two caps, but plays very well for his club, which is more than can be said more many at Old Trafford. More later.

Centre Mid 3

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 40 (1), Gls 2, Asts 6, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.41

2007-08, Bandits, CA 165: Apps 53, Gls 9, Asts 9, MoM 8, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.45

Transfers to Man Utd for 975k[/b]

2008-09, Man Utd, CA 180: Apps 41 (2), Gls 8, Asts 6, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.00

2009-10, Man Utd, CA 186: Apps 36, Gls 6, Asts 5, MoM 9, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.75

2010-11, Man Utd, CA 194: Apps 43 (7), Gls 10, Asts 3, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.52

2011-12, Man Utd CA 200: Apps 47 (1), Gls 12, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.50

2012-13, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 45 (3), Gls 10, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.31

2013-14, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 45 (2), Gls 6, Asts 6, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 2, Avg 7.36

2014-15, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 44, Gls 3, Asts 4, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.43

Notes: Another excellent season, reaching 58 caps with four goals, but the team fail badly.

Centre Mid 4

2006-07, Bandits, CA 152: Apps 54 (1), Gls 4, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.53

Transfers to Chelsea for 1.4m

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 165: Apps 42 (2), Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.77

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 176: Apps 20 (10), Gls 3, Asts 7, MoM 0, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 6.73

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 187: Apps 35 (5), Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.14

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 194: Apps 50 (1), Gls 2, Asts 5, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.24

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 197: Apps 57, Gls 3, Asts 11, MoM 3, YC 9, RC 1, Avg 7.54

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 57, Gls 3, Asts 8, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.30

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 44, Gls 7, Asts 5, MoM 1, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.34

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 3, Asts 6, MoM 6, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.47

Notes: Reaches 30 caps with two goals, but no medals for him this season as Chelsea slip.

Striker 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 3 (32), Gls 7, Asts 0, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 6.91

Transfers to Chelsea on a free

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 165: Apps 36 (4), Gls 21, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.28

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 179: Apps 23 (9), Gls 18, Asts 2, MoM 4, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.31

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 189: Apps 11 (13), Gls 8, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.21

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 193: Apps 32 (4), Gls 21, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.56

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 39 (7), Gls 21, Asts 4, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.61

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 43 (5), Gls 27, Asts 0, MoM 2, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.52

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 44 (6), Gls 26, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.62

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 33 (7), Gls 21, Asts 1, MoM 6, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.63

Notes: Performance-wise, itâ€™s his best season to date, and while he carries on scoring for England, he now has less than a goal a game. With his 48 goals in 49 games, he is now just one goal behind Sir Bobby Charlton.

Striker 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 151: Apps 55, Gls 37, Asts 3, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 8.11

Transfers to Chelsea for 100k

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 165: Apps 26 (7), Gls 20, Asts 0, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.15

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 179: Apps 22, Gls 13, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.55

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 184: Apps 52 (1), Gls 31, Asts 3, MoM 9, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.89

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 188: Apps 52 (1), Gls 31, Asts 4, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.83

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 196: Apps 54, Gls 34, Asts 5, MoM 10, YC 9, RC 0, Avg 7.98

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 55, Gls 31, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.76

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 60, Gls 35, Asts 5, MoM 9, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.88

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 50, Gls 28, Asts 0, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.92

Notes: Another top-notch season for the Chelsea striker, as he takes his international tally to 42 goals in 54 appearances, while scoring hatfuls for his club again. European Striker of the Year, and third in World Player of the Year.

Striker 3

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 1 (25), Gls 2, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.58

Transfers to Chelsea on a free

Loaned to Sheff Utd

2007-08, Sheff Utd, CA 165: Apps 30, Gls 20, Asts 3, MoM 8, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.77

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 165: Apps 3, Gls 3, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.67

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 181: Apps 26 (5), Gls 17, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.29

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 185: Apps 28 (8), Gls 17, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.61

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 190: Apps 6 (12), Gls 5, Asts 0, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.00

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 196: Apps 30 (9), Gls 22, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.44

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 21 (15), Gls 17, Asts 0, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.22

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 14 (5), Gls 13, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.79

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 22 (7), Gls 16, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.48

Notes: Is a reserve for both club and country, but scores freely for both, with ten goals in 27 caps for England.

Striker 4

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 55 (2), Gls 31, Asts 2, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.91

2007-08, Bandits, CA 166: Apps 2, Gls 4, Asts 0, MoM 2, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 9.00

Transfers to Liverpool on a free

2007-08, Liverpool, CA 166: Apps 46 (1), Gls 23, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.34

2008-09, Liverpool, CA 180: Apps 52, Gls 26, Asts 0, MoM 6, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.52

2009-10, Liverpool, CA 190: Apps 45, Gls 25, Asts 1, MoM 11, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.87

2010-11, Liverpool, CA 194: Apps 53, Gls 31, Asts 2, MoM 9, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.83

2011-12, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 58, Gls 42, Asts 5, MoM 14, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 8.07

2012-13, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 55, Gls 33, Asts 4, MoM 11, YC 7, RC 1, Avg 7.85

2013-14, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 49, Gls 37, Asts 1, MoM 14, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 8.22

2014-15, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 33, Asts 3, MoM 11, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.88

Notes: Wins double figure man of the match awards for the fourth successive season, and reaches 35 goals in his 48 caps. Liverpool canâ€™t reach last seasonâ€™s stunning performance though, but he finishes top of the scoring charts again. Comes second in European Striker of the Year.

kipfizh · February 27, 2007

Bad player reports

Idiot A

2006-07, Tottenham, CA 150: Apps 47, Gls 8, Asts 8, MoM 7, YC 4, RC 2, Avg 7.34

2007-08, Tottenham, CA 165: Apps 39, Gls 3, Asts 6, MoM 2, YC 9, RC 1, Avg 7.21

2008-09, Tottenham, CA 177: Apps 1, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.00

Transfers to Fiorentina for 13.25m

2008-09, Fiorentina, CA 177: Apps 34, Gls 5, Asts 5, MoM 3, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.56

2009-10, Fiorentina, CA 184: Apps 37, Gls 6, Asts 6, MoM 2, YC 5, RC 4, Avg 7.41

2010-11, Fiorentina, CA 190: Apps 39, Gls 10, Asts 4, MoM 8, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.72

2011-12, Fiorentina, CA 197: Apps 7, Gls 3, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 8.14

2012-13, Fiorentina, CA 200: Apps 20, Gls 4, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.35

2013-14, Fiorentina, CA 200: Apps 16, Gls 3, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.56

Leaves Fiorentina on a free, joins Tottenham

2014-15, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 48, Gls 8, Asts 5, MoM 2, YC 7, RC 1, Avg 7.35

Notes: Leaves Fiorentina shortly after his contract expired in the summer, and after rejecting quite a few offers, rejoined Tottenham, who he left years ago citing them as a small club. Fulham also offered him a contract, which wouldâ€™ve been entertaining, as it wouldâ€™ve meant both idiots playing for the same club.

Reaches 35 caps with three goals, but in only December decides he wants to leave, and later complains about personal problems. Maybe he just has a really short memory.

Idiot B

2006-07, Newcastle, CA 150: Apps 46, Gls 1, Asts 7, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 3, Avg 7.30

Transfers to West Ham for 11.5m

2007-08, West Ham, CA 165: Apps 40, Gls 5, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.13

2008-09, West Ham, CA 177: Apps 42, Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 2, Avg 7.29

2009-10, West Ham, CA 185: Apps 49, Gls 3, Asts 7, MoM 6, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.35

2010-11, West Ham, CA 193: Apps 42 (2), Gls 4, Asts 5, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.20

2011-12, West Ham, CA 197: Apps 32, Gls 5, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.22

2012-13, West Ham, CA 197: Apps 9 (2), Gls 1, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.91

Released by West Ham, joins Fulham on a free

2012-13, Fulham, CA 197: Apps 28, Gls 3, Asts 7, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.57

2013-14, Fulham, CA 200: Apps 52, Gls 2, Asts 8, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 2, Avg 7.38

2014-15, Fulham, CA 200: Apps 30 (3), Gls 2, Asts 9, MoM 2, YC 0, RC 2, Avg 7.30

Notes: Reaches 38 caps and five goals, and plays a starring role in the World Cup, but it seems happiness is hard for him to find. He decides he wants to leave in the summer, then complains about personal problems. After skipping training and indicating again that he wants to leave, he insists his personal problems are still there.

The guy is restless. Where will he go next?

kipfizh · February 27, 2007

Other stats

England went through the World Cup not conceding until the final, where a 1-1 draw with hosts Spain meant that the tournament was decided on penalties. But for a change England won it, and retained the title of world champions.

Newcastle won the league, drawing a league decider with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge while one point clear, a very similar situation to the Bandits last season. So they complete the rise back to the top and for the second time win the Premiership without any of the 24 stars.

At the other end, Man Utd spend much of the season in the relegation zone, but look safe going into the last day. Only a loss to Coventry, coupled with Sunderland getting a point, would send them down, and they were quickly 2-0 up. But Coventry mounted a stunning comeback, winning 3-2 with a last minute goal to send Man Utd down, with Sunderland winning.

Man Utd sink in the last minute

Premiership

The FA Cup went to Man City, beating West Brom in the final and rubbing their city rivalsâ€™ noses in it, while the League Cup went to Premiership winners Newcastle, who pipped Tottenham.

In Europe, Milan beat their city rivals Inter in the Champions League final, while Arsenal beat Roma in the UEFA Cup final.

kipfizh · February 27, 2007

Summary

The Bandits struggled this season in a new division, but importantly they survived, and now have a platform to build on next season. They made no progress in the cups and will look to improve there.

The story of the season was Man Utd though, who went down on the last dat in dramatic circumstances, conceding a last minute winner to Coventry, which kept the Sky Blues up at their expense. Will they bounce back? And what of the stars at the club â€“ will they leave?

Newcastle won both the Premiership and the League Cup without any of the star players, which is a remarkable achievement, while Chelsea ended the season empty handed for once, even losing the Community Shield. Is their success over, or is this a blip?

The idiots were restless this year, both wanting to move, both having personal problems, and both living up to their names. Idiot A returned to Tottenham and within a couple of months seemed to remember why heâ€™d left years before.

Justin Edinburghâ€™s Gillingham lost the playoff final, but they did get the league double over the Bandits on his return, winning 3-2 and 2-0.

England won the World Cup, and Ade Boothroyd resigned immediately afterwards, to be replaced by Terry Peterson, who had spent the previous five years impressing atâ€¦â€¦.Hucknall. In the Conference. What a strange decision â€“ he is a talent though.

kipfizh · February 27, 2007

Bandits squad

The standard of player they can sign is considerably higher than last season, will they use that to their advantage?

Top 20 in Squad (sorted by CA)

Name, Pos, Age, CA-PA

Savage, DC, 22, 119-134 â€“ new signing (80k)

Kinch, ST, 25, 119-119 (0)

MacDonald, MRLC, 26, 117-117 â€“ new signing (90k)

Atkinson, GK, 24, 116-116 (0)

Mills, DC, 22, 110-113 (+3)

Hinds, AML, 24, 110-110 â€“ new signing (200k)

Bennett, DR, 23, 109-112 â€“ new signing (170k)

Barker, DRC, 32, 108-130 â€“ new signing (220k)

Bloomfield, AM RC, 24, 108-108 (0)

Liversidge, D/AM L, 25, 106-109 (+2)

Jewell, DC, DM, 19, 105-134 (+12)

Law, GK, 19, 101-115 (+4)

Hendry, MC, 28, 101-101 (0)

Wells, ST, 24, 97-97 (0)

Bryant, ST, 19, 91-113 (+12)

Grant, AM RC, FC, 19, 90-104 (+8)

Riley, DC, 28, 88-100 (-2)

Booth, DM, 19, 87-108 (+7)

Saunders, GK, 18, 87-101 (+4)

Boyce, D/WB/M R, 17, 82-107 â€“ new entry in top 20, youth from last season

Players in last seasonâ€™s top 20 who have left the club:

Gulliver, AM RL, 21, 80-93

Players in last seasonâ€™s top 20 who have dropped out of the top 20:

Warrender, DR, 29, 82-86 (-3)

Kelly, AML, 21, 79-91 (+2)

Knox, D/WB/M R, 20, 79-88 (+5)

Fuller, DR, DM, 30, 76-98 (-7)

Brown, AM RC, FC, 31, 75-90 (-1)

Without a doubt, this is a better squad, there are players in last seasonâ€™s top 20 who have improved and still fallen out of this seasonâ€™s list. Their five signings are all in the top eight players, and many of the top players are still young. This looks like a squad on the rise.

CA of X or above:

190 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

180 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

170 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

160 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

150 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

140 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

130 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

120 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

110 : 0, 2, 2, 3, 2, 6

100 : 2, 4, 7, 7, 6, 13

90 : 7, 11, 10, 9, 10, 16

80 : 13, 14, 13, 13, 16, 21

70 : 19, 22, 21, 20, 22, 27

60 : 26, 26, 25, 23, 24, 32

50 : 30, 31, 31, 26, 26, 35

That is the biggest talent leap the Bandits have ever had â€“ the players with CA over 100 has more than doubled from 6 to 13, and with more players available to sign, that should rise further. Is this the start of a long rise to the top?

My shortlist of 24 players now looks like this:

Shortlist

Meitheisman · February 27, 2007

Originally posted by kipfizh:
We have to bear in mind that all these players are at top clubs, with the best training facilities and staff.

And while an argument could be made that the idiots should rise slower, the other 22 are hardworking perfect models of professionalism, so are bound to improve.

The idiots though, maybe they wouldn't rise so fast?

You're right although I still think the players' development should vary a bit more knowing how many factors come into play but I have to admit that most factors are as good as can possibly be for the 22 crazy good youngsters you created.

Ruudfood · February 28, 2007

Thanks for the update kipfizh.

KUTGW

Ruudfood · February 28, 2007

How long do you intend to run the experiment for? I looked in your initial posts but didn't see anything.

bongda · February 28, 2007

Originally posted by Ruudfood:
How long do you intend to run the experiment for? I looked in your initial posts but didn't see anything.

One of his initial questions was about the 200-CA players' post-playing careers, so many more seasons I'd imagine.

I'd think that most of his other questions have more or less been answered by now. One other exception would be how high the Bandits can go and how long to get there.

Two things have surprised me most so far. One is the 200-CA players not able to crack the first 11 at their clubs, yet still not moving on for years. This may not be as realistic as it could be. The players may lack ambition but surely other clubs would be very interested.

The other is how the AI seems almost blind to the amount of money the club has at non-league levels. Yes the low reputation was an issue, but I think anyone who has done LLM knows you can still bring in some worthwhile players if you have the money.

matt_lfc_matt · February 28, 2007

KUTGW Kipfizh! amazing thread! youve had me glued to it since it started! im also suprised that the players who arent playing arent attracting offers from other clubs. i also dont understand why the bandits aren't buying anyone of a high standard! its a fantastic thread well done!

moyz32 · February 28, 2007

Brilliant!!!

This season has to be the best yet .... The Toon winning the league (& cup) and dirty man u getting relegated.

You just made my day!!!! (i am easily pleased, yes)

Abs_UK · February 28, 2007

Thanks for the update again mate.. good to see the Bandits surviving the first season in the league, must have a much improved performance next season.

Would of loved to see both idiots playing for the same team, might have had some interesting developments happen thenâ€¦

Lastly kipfizh:- You spoilt my day by giving me the bad new (Man Utd going down) I think I am going to take the rest of the day off sick from work

Can you give me some more information on this? How is the Utd squad looking like? Are they struggling financially? For a massive club to go down seems untrueâ€¦ I think I am going to cryâ€¦

kipfizh · February 28, 2007

Originally posted by Ruudfood:
How long do you intend to run the experiment for? I looked in your initial posts but didn't see anything.

A long time I'll be tracking the post-playing careers of the Bandits players, but I don't think that'll take much of my time. The main focus of the experiment once the players have retired is the focus on the Bandits as a club - how many years does it take for a rich club to rise to the top?

WeeScotsPaul · February 28, 2007

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

How long do you intend to run the experiment for? I looked in your initial posts but didn't see anything.

A long time I'll be tracking the post-playing careers of the Bandits players, but I don't think that'll take much of my time. The main focus of the experiment once the players have retired is the focus on the Bandits as a club - how many years does it take for a rich club to rise to the top? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Looking at real life, I think of Gretna, and to a lesser extent Fulham and Wigan. The latter two took maybe 3-4 years to rise to the Premiership once the money started piling in (more so in the case of Wigan), but still don't challenge for honours. Gretna were 2 or 3 years in the Scottish 3rd Division, then a further 4 years should see them in the SPL after successive promotions.

No team has made it from the bottom to the top with quite the same resources as the Bandits, mind! Technically they should have the capabilities to rise, and quickly, although somehow I don't think it will happen quite so smoothly for them.

Btw, excellent thread kipfizh! It's an enthralling read.

profii · February 28, 2007

What does the england squad look like?

Meitheisman · February 28, 2007

Originally posted by profii:
What does the england squad look like?

I guess it's full of Bandit original players since they all have a significant number of caps.

Sonic2006 · February 28, 2007

FANTASTIC! Come on the Bandits!

KUTGW!

Terry_M · February 28, 2007

I've read through all the pages, extremely entertaining, keep it up!

PLF · March 1, 2007

Originally posted by kipfizh:
Thanks Marc - great to hear your feedback

I will be running this experiment a second time, with exceptional (good and bad) staff included, and I'll set the sugar daddy option to see how much difference that makes - it's interesting to hear how you set the difference between 'club has a one-off investment' and 'club has a rich benefactor who will keep investing'.

Fantastic to see the interest in this thread, updates should be more regular this week

Just wanted to quickly echo what others have been saying for weeks now about this thread and rightly so, that it's awesome.

Amazing stuff you're doing here, kip. It's well appreciated by many many of us.

I would've posted here earlier but I'm not totally caught up with everything (I admit I've read parts not the whole thing though it's on my 'to-do list' when I get some good free time) but mainly because everything I've wanted to say along the way has been mentioned by somebody already.

One of the things I was most curious about was to see just what a big difference a great manager and a crap one make in the very same circumstances and I'm glad to see you confirm, you will be going down that route eventually. I'll be there waiting and reading.

Keep up the great work on this amazing thread.

nick... · March 2, 2007

Interesting that everyone's been at 200 CA for 2 years except Goalkeeper 1, the longest serving bandits player.

Did his loyalty, staying with the club for nearly 3 years actually hold him back, while his team mates were piling on first team experience at the highest level with top training facilities?

Myself, I think he's peaked...

Adam Phillips · March 2, 2007

I'd just like to say that I also think that this is one of the best threads I've ever read & it's a great idea by kipfizh. Every time there's an update I settle down to read it as if was the next installment of a favourite TV show. Pure genius.

ron_topspin · March 3, 2007

ad,ad,ad.

Alurny · March 3, 2007

Great thread! Good idea well implemented!

elsybelsy · March 3, 2007

This is so creative....can't wait till the next update!

kipfizh · March 4, 2007

Thanks for the continued support, season update on the way, and that'll be followed by a few thoughts, ten years into the experiment.

kipfizh · March 4, 2007

Season 2015-16

Club report

2006-07

English Conference South: (Pos 1), P 42, W 30, D 6, L 6, F 82, A 29, GD +53, Pts 96

(Media Prediction: 22nd)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

FA Trophy: Winners

2007-08

English National Conference: (Pos 7), P 46, W 22, D 8, L 16, F 68, A 55, GD +13, Pts 74

(Media Prediction: 22nd)

FA Cup: 1st Round

FA Trophy: Finalist

2008-09

English National Conference: (Pos 7), P 46, W 19, D 12, L 15, F 73, A 65, GD +8, Pts 69

(Media Prediction: 17th)

FA Cup: 4th Qualifying Round

FA Trophy: 1st Round

2009-10

English National Conference: (Pos 9), P 46, W 19, D 12, L 15, F 58, A 57, GD +1, Pts 69

(Media Prediction: 10th)

FA Cup: 4th Qualifying Round

FA Trophy: 3rd Round

2010-11

English National Conference: (Pos 6), P 46, W 21, D 10, L 15, F 75, A 55, GD +20, Pts 73

(Media Prediction: 12th)

FA Cup: 1st Round

FA Trophy: 4th Round

2011-12

English National Conference: (Pos 18), P 46, W 16, D 9, L 21, F 59, A 66, GD -7, Pts 57

(Media Prediction: 8th)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

FA Trophy: 3rd Round

2012-13

English National Conference: (Pos 5), P 46, W 21, D 11, L 14, F 67, A 52, GD +15, Pts 74

(Media Prediction: 16th)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

FA Trophy: 4th Round

2013-14

English National Conference: (Pos 1), P 46, W 20, D 18, L 8, F 68, A 46, GD +22, Pts 78

(Media Prediction: 8th)

FA Cup: 1st Round

FA Trophy: 4th Round

2014-15

English League Two: (Pos 21), P 46, W 12, D 15, L 19, F 60, A 69, GD -9, Pts 51

(Media Prediction: 22nd)

FA Cup: 1st Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South Quarter Final

2015-16

English League Two: (Pos 21), P 46, W 14, D 10, L 22, F 56, A 73, GD -17, Pts 52

(Media Prediction: 23rd)

League

FA Cup: 2nd Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South 2nd Round

The Bandits didnâ€™t really progress at all this season but at least they avoided the mediaâ€™s prediction that theyâ€™d fall back to the Confererence this season. One solitary point more than last season wasnâ€™t enough to convince that theyâ€™d improved at all, and having signed no players in the summer, it was the same squad that got them to a very similar position.

Theyâ€™re a little too close to being relegation battlers for comfort, and with players available that will improve their side, it would be a good idea to bolster their squad with a few.

Practically no progress made in the cups, like last season they only won one cup game out of the three competitions.

On another point, they still havenâ€™t had a manager playing attacking football. In ten seasons, theyâ€™ve not scored more than four in any match.

kipfizh · March 4, 2007

Good player reports

Goalkeeper 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 151: Apps 47, Conc 29, Cln 15, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.66

2007-08, Bandits, CA 166: Apps 49, Conc 56, Cln 12, MoM 6, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.51

2008-09, Bandits, CA 178: Apps 32, Conc 38, Cln 6, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.28

Transfers to Blackburn for 650k

2008-09, Blackburn, CA 178: Apps 14, Conc 16, Cln 4, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.21

2009-10, Blackburn, CA 184: Apps 41 (1), Conc 45, Cln 13, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.38

2010-11, Blackburn, CA 189: Apps 32, Conc 48, Cln 5, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.38

2011-12, Blackburn, CA 192: Apps 43, Conc 62, Cln 7, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.53

2012-13, Blackburn, CA 194: Apps 45, Conc 65, Cln 9, MoM 4, YC 9, RC 0, Avg 7.58

Transfers to Arsenal for 27m

2013-14, Arsenal, CA 196: Apps 56, Conc 70, Cln 18, MoM 7, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.46

2014-15, Arsenal, CA 197: Apps 43, Conc 34, Cln 19, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.74

2015-16, Arsenal, CA 198: Apps 33, Conc 30, Cln 13, MoM 4, YC 0, RC 1, Avg 7.61

Notes: Another very good season, but heâ€™s no longer first choice for England, picking up only two more caps to reach thirty. Arsenal finish fourth, a position they seem to have settled on. A couple of seasons after everyone else has reached 200 CA, he is still lagging behind. Comes second in European Goalkeeper of the Year, but misses three months with a torn calf.

Goalkeeper 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 10 (4), Conc 6, Cln 8, MoM 1, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.93

Transfers to Leeds for 675k

2007-08, Leeds, CA 167: Apps 43, Conc 45, Cln 12, MoM 7, YC 2, RC 1, Avg 7.51

2008-09, Leeds, CA 181: Apps 35, Conc 45, Cln 4, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.26

2009-10, Leeds, CA 189: Apps 42, Conc 51, Cln 8, MoM 6, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.50

2010-11, Leeds, CA 191: Apps 37, Conc 41, Cln 8, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.46

2011-12, Leeds, CA 195: Apps 57, Conc 68, Cln 17, MoM 10, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.58

2012-13, Leeds, CA 196: Apps 51, Conc 77, Cln 4, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.27

2013-14, Leeds, CA 200: Apps 39, Conc 52, Cln 7, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.21

2014-15, Leeds, CA 200: Apps 59, Conc 72, Cln 14, MoM 8, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.46

2015-16, Leeds, CA 200: Apps 40, Conc 45, Cln 10, MoM 8, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.53

Notes: A fantastic season both personally and for his club, as his solid performances help Leeds win their first Premier League title, edging out Fulham by three points. Reaches 55 caps, and comes third in European Goalkeeper of the Year.

Left Back 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 9 (5), Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.14

Transfers to Tottenham on a free

2007-08, Tottenham, CA 165: Apps 42, Gls 1, Asts 4, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.21

2008-09, Tottenham, CA 175: Apps 40, Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.30

2009-10, Tottenham, CA 187: Apps 45, Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 2, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.11

2010-11, Tottenham, CA 194: Apps 40, Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.35

2011-12, Tottenham, CA 197: Apps 39, Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.31

2012-13, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 42, Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.36

2013-14, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 35, Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.31

2014-15, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 1, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.31

2015-16, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 43, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.19

Notes: Picks up two more caps to reach 39 with two goals, and Tottenham finally win something, claiming the FA Cup. They remain a mid-table side though. Comes third in European Defender of the Year.

Left Back 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 153: Apps 51 (1), Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.46

Transfers to Liverpool for 40k

2007-08, Liverpool, CA 165: Apps 40 (1), Gls 1, Asts 4, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 6.73

2008-09, Liverpool, CA 179: Apps 50, Gls 0, Asts 6, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.30

2009-10, Liverpool, CA 183: Apps 47, Gls 3, Asts 7, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.38

2010-11, Liverpool, CA 192: Apps 53, Gls 3, Asts 4, MoM 7, YC 2, RC 1, Avg 7.47

2011-12, Liverpool, CA 198: Apps 53, Gls 0, Asts 7, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.23

2012-13, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 55, Gls 3, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 8, RC 2, Avg 7.29

2013-14, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 49, Gls 3, Asts 4, MoM 8, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.84

2014-15, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 2, Asts 5, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.46

2015-16, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 56, Gls 2, Asts 5, MoM 4, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.41

Notes: Picks up another five caps on his way to 31, but still hasnâ€™t found the net for is country. Liverpool continue their slide, down to fifth this season. Comes second in European Defender of the Year, and second in World Footballer of the Year.

Right Back 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 154: Apps 4, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 8.00

Transfers to Newcastle for 400k

2007-08, Newcastle, CA 165: Apps 39, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.18

2008-09, Newcastle, CA 181: Apps 46, Gls 1, Asts 5, MoM 2, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.28

2009-10, Newcastle, CA 187: Apps 3, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.00

Transfers to Chelsea for 27.5m

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 187: Apps 48, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.27

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 190: Apps 53, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.39

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 197: Apps 60, Gls 1, Asts 9, MoM 2, YC 8, RC 1, Avg 7.55

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.20

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.12

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 53, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.58

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 0, Asts 5, MoM 3, YC 8, RC 2, Avg 7.26

Notes: Loses his discipline somewhat this season, which might be borne out of frustration as for the second season running, Chelsea miss out on trophies. Adds just two more caps to reach 41 with one goal.

Right Back 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 155: Apps 50, Gls 1, Asts 7, MoM 5, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.70

Transfers to Liverpool for 24k

2007-08, Liverpool, CA 166: Apps 29 (8), Gls 1, Asts 6, MoM 4, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.03

2008-09, Liverpool, CA 178: Apps 51 (1), Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.15

2009-10, Liverpool, CA 188: Apps 49 (1), Gls 4, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.34

2010-11, Liverpool, CA 195: Apps 54 (1), Gls 1, Asts 6, MoM 4, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.51

2011-12, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 52 (1), Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 2, Avg 7.38

2012-13, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 6, YC 7, RC 1, Avg 7.54

2013-14, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 49, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.47

2014-15, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 57, Gls 3, Asts 6, MoM 7, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.49

2015-16, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 51 (1), Gls 1, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.56

Notes: Plays very well again, but Liverpool slip down to fifth and miss out on Champions League qualification and medals. Reaches 34 caps with one goal. Comes third in World Footballer of the Year.

Centre Back 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 152: Apps 17 (6), Gls 1, Asts 7, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.57

Transfers to Tottenham on a free

2007-08, Tottenham, CA 166: Apps 40, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.00

2008-09, Tottenham, CA 181: Apps 41, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 1, Avg 7.22

Transfers to Milan on a free

2009-10, Milan, CA 187: Apps 31, Gls 4, Asts 5, MoM 6, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.32

2010-11, Milan, CA 192: Apps 52, Gls 3, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.25

2011-12, Milan, CA 196: Apps 46, Gls 2, Asts 1, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 4, Avg 7.48

2012-13, Milan, CA 200: Apps 35, Gls 10, Asts 5, MoM 2, YC 9, RC 2, Avg 7.46

2013-14, Milan, CA 200: Apps 41, Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 5, YC 9, RC 0, Avg 7.44

2014-15, Milan, CA 200: Apps 38, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.18

2015-16, Milan, CA 200: Apps 40, Gls 9, Asts 4, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.43

Notes: Gets back to scoring ways, nearly reaching double figures again, as Milan with the World Club Championship. Reaches 53 caps with one goal. European Defender of the Year.

Centre Back 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 151: Apps 3 (5), Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.25

Transfers to Arsenal on a free

2007-08, Arsenal, CA 166: Apps 49, Gls 1, Asts 4, MoM 3, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.02

2008-09, Arsenal, CA 177: Apps 52, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.19

2009-10, Arsenal, CA 184: Apps 51, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 1, Avg 6.98

2010-11, Arsenal, CA 190: Apps 49, Gls 0, Asts 5, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.02

2011-12, Arsenal, CA 194: Apps 53, Gls 3, Asts 5, MoM 7, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.34

2012-13, Arsenal, CA 199: Apps 49, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 2, Avg 7.33

2013-14, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 47, Gls 3, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.36

2014-15, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 48, Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 11, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.71

2015-16, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 48, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 5, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.52

Notes: Continues his excellent form without winning anything this season, and reaches thirty caps with two goals.

Centre Back 3

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 49 (3), Gls 0, Asts 5, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.77

Transfers to Chelsea for 55k

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 166: Apps 23 (12), Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 6.89

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 180: Apps 20 (6), Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.96

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 189: Apps 22 (9), Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.19

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 191: Apps 39 (3), Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.40

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 197: Apps 41 (3), Gls 2, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.61

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 51 (2), Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.47

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 42 (6), Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.17

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 47 (3), Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.54

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 36 (2), Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.16

Notes: Wonâ€™t be that happy with his performances this season, and his club wonâ€™t be happy with theirs either, finishing third and winning nothing. Reaches 33 caps with four goals.

Centre Back 4

2006-07, Bandits, CA 152: Apps 45 (1), Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.80

Transfers to Chelsea for 28k

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 165: Apps 32 (4), Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.14

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 179: Apps 28 (4), Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.84

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 189: Apps 32 (4), Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.50

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 23 (11), Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.29

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 53 (1), Gls 2, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 10, RC 0, Avg 7.67

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 55, Gls 2, Asts 7, MoM 8, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.62

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 46 (1), Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.36

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 46 (2), Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 6, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.67

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 50 (2), Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 4, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.46

Notes: Reaches 29 caps with one goal, but has no club medal to show for it after playing well again.

Left Mid 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 151: Apps 13, Gls 3, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.15

Transfers to Man Utd for 170k

2007-08, Man Utd, CA 165: Apps 39 (3), Gls 9, Asts 9, MoM 4, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.19

Transfers to Chelsea for 10.5m

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 180: Apps 48, Gls 7, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 2, Avg 6.73

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 188: Apps 48, Gls 4, Asts 6, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.08

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 192: Apps 45, Gls 4, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.16

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 198: Apps 53 (2), Gls 9, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.45

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 56, Gls 8, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.48

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 53 (1), Gls 12, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.57

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 46 (3), Gls 9, Asts 5, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.49

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 8, Asts 8, MoM 8, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.74

Notes: His best season by far, playing superbly from start to finish, but has no club medal to show for it, for the second season running. Also has a fantastic international record, with fourteen goals in sixty appearances. Comes third in European Midfielder of the Year.

Left Mid 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 44, Gls 11, Asts 9, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.61

Transfers to Portsmouth for 300k

2007-08, Portsmouth, CA 165: Apps 40, Gls 7, Asts 3, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.28

2008-09, Portsmouth, CA 180: Apps 48, Gls 6, Asts 9, MoM 8, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.52

Transfers to Man Utd for 11.5m

2009-10, Man Utd, CA 185: Apps 57, Gls 15, Asts 4, MoM 7, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.42

2010-11, Man Utd, CA 190: Apps 51, Gls 10, Asts 7, MoM 6, YC 1, RC 1, Avg 7.51

2011-12, Man Utd, CA 196: Apps 50, Gls 7, Asts 7, MoM 5, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.50

2012-13, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 50, Gls 8, Asts 12, MoM 6, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.72

2013-14, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 37, Gls 11, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.68

2014-15, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 48, Gls 8, Asts 7, MoM 5, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.58

2015-16, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 43, Gls 10, Asts 6, MoM 5, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.60

Notes: Resists the overtones of rival clubs to stick at Man Utd after their relegation last season, and has a productive season as they comfortably win the Championship by nine points to bounce straight back. Adds only one cap to his total but scores in it, reaches ten goals in 32 games.

Right Mid 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 152: Apps 17 (19), Gls 6, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.00

Transfers to Chelsea on a free

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 165: Apps 12 (17), Gls 4, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.66

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 178: Apps 11 (11), Gls 2, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 6.45

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 190: Apps 15 (18), Gls 5, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.18

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 194: Apps 21 (19), Gls 5, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.18

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 43 (8), Gls 12, Asts 5, MoM 5, YC 2, RC 2, Avg 7.47

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 54 (1), Gls 8, Asts 7, MoM 7, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.58

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 60 (1), Gls 8, Asts 12, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.75

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 11, Asts 11, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.67

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 49, Gls 9, Asts 4, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.53

Notes: Now up to 48 caps with 12 goals.