AI Experiment - what would happen if?

[pritchard]

Originally posted by marc1873:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by 352_wingback:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">....constantly buming this thread all the time.

BWWWWAAAAAAHAHHA *GASPS FOR AIR* *COUGHS* bum the thread. that's good.

i predict the dirty Banditos will sign for Rangers under Walter Smith. Along with Gattuso who is clearly Kipfizh's creation come to life.....as is Craig Moore, Jorg Albertz, Fernando Ricksen, Barry Ferguson, Nacho Novo.....i think they must have one of those Universal Soldier cloning machines at Ibrox </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

What you talking about? Im lost </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

whs

[gersguy_13]

Originally posted by pritchard:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by marc1873:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by 352_wingback:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">....constantly buming this thread all the time.

BWWWWAAAAAAHAHHA *GASPS FOR AIR* *COUGHS* bum the thread. that's good.

i predict the dirty Banditos will sign for Rangers under Walter Smith. Along with Gattuso who is clearly Kipfizh's creation come to life.....as is Craig Moore, Jorg Albertz, Fernando Ricksen, Barry Ferguson, Nacho Novo.....i think they must have one of those Universal Soldier cloning machines at Ibrox </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

What you talking about? Im lost </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

whs </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It makes less sense each time I read it

[cliff7197]

I'll be reading this with interest - It's a good and refreshing idea.

I look forward to the updates.

[352_wingback]

the part about bumming the thread was some other guys joke which i liked.

The part about The Dirty Banditos (Kipfizh's lazy, egotistical, dirty created players) signing for Rangers under Walter Smith speaks for itself. And due to the high number of players which match Kipfizh's criteria for being LEG-BREAKERS having passed through Ibrox year after year it makes me think there's a cloning device which produces these animals over at Ibrox.

Quite simple to understand once your knuckles leave the ground!

[gersguy_13]

Originally posted by 352_wingback:

the part about bumming the thread was some other guys joke which i liked.

The part about The Dirty Banditos (Kipfizh's lazy, egotistical, dirty created players) signing for Rangers under Walter Smith speaks for itself. And due to the high number of players which match Kipfizh's criteria for being LEG-BREAKERS having passed through Ibrox year after year it makes me think there's a cloning device which produces these animals over at Ibrox.

Quite simple to understand once your knuckles leave the ground!

Aahhh right, gotcha.

Although Nacho Novo hardley fits the bill for being a dirty bandito. He's not at all lazy or egotistical. He can be a bit dirty, but he's so small and useless that it dosen't count.

[WingZero]

An interesting experiment indeed.

I too predict that the youngsters will be yanked by the top clubs within the fist 2-3 seasons. Nevertheless, the team might still succeed with all it's money and potential.

[352_wingback]

Originally posted by gersguy_13:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by 352_wingback:

the part about bumming the thread was some other guys joke which i liked.

The part about The Dirty Banditos (Kipfizh's lazy, egotistical, dirty created players) signing for Rangers under Walter Smith speaks for itself. And due to the high number of players which match Kipfizh's criteria for being LEG-BREAKERS having passed through Ibrox year after year it makes me think there's a cloning device which produces these animals over at Ibrox.

Quite simple to understand once your knuckles leave the ground!

Aahhh right, gotcha.

Although Nacho Novo hardley fits the bill for being a dirty bandito. He's not at all lazy or egotistical. He can be a bit dirty, but he's so small and useless that it dosen't count. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

he may not ne lazy....at the moment at least, as he's still fighting for a place. As for him not being egotistical. i strongly disagree but then this is the problem with the world, one mans extreme is anothers norm. he's my extreme in terms ego.

As for his inclusion in the Dirty Banditos....he is dirty, he's a diver so that includes him automatically, he may not be lazy but then again they lazy ones are less likely to break your leg as they can't be bothered so it's the hard working banditos who are the real threat. Someone with so much hate fuelling them could hardly be lazy. most of the players i mentioned weren't lazy......maybe Albertz was slightly but he didn't have to do much anyway just shoot from 45 yards & try to land on people's heads in clashes.

[kipfizh]

Sorry folks, it turned out to be a very busy weekend. Season 1 details are coming right up.

I've tried to keep the screenshots down, I'll include anything that looks particularly interesting, but shout if there's any info I've not given.

[kipfizh]

Season 2006-07

Club report

2006-07

English Conference South: P 42, W 30, D 6, L 6, F 82, A 29, GD +52, Pts 96

League

FA Cup: 2nd Round

FA Trophy: Winners

The Bandits streaked away with the league, winning it in March and eventually taking it by a massive 23 points. They also triumphed in the FA Trophy, qualified for the FA Cup, knocking Wycombe out in round 1 before Walsall dumped them out in round 2.

Despite the stunning squad at their disposal, their consistency wasn’t matched by their goalscoring feats, never scoring more than four goals in a game.

Absolutely no transfers were made, in or out. Not one big was tabled for any of the stars, and the Bandits felt no need to bring in any new talent, either using their substantial transfer funds or youth academy.

Good player reports

GK 1

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

Notes: An excellent debut season, only interrupted by the odd injury.

GK 2

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

Notes: Substitute keeper, played even better than the first choice.

Left Back 1

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

Notes: Largely unused.

Left Back 2

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

Notes: Excellent debut season for the first choice.

Right Back 1

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

Notes: Barely played, but played fantastically when he did.

Right Back 2

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

Notes: Red card blights otherwise excellent season.

Centre Back 1

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

Notes: None

Centre Back 2

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

Notes: None.

Centre Back 3

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

Notes: None

Centre Back 4

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

Notes: None

Left Mid 1

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

Notes: For his talent, innocuous displays.

Left Mid 2

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

Notes: A definite first choice season.

Right Mid 1

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

Notes: Being substitute so often ruined his season average.

Right Mid 2

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

Notes: Showing signs of a persistent groin problem.

Centre Mid 1

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

Notes: None

Centre Mid 2

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

Notes: Makes an excellent pot of tea. Doesn’t do a lot else.

Centre Mid 3

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

Notes: Solid, but unspectacular.

Centre Mid 4

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

Notes: None

Striker 1

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

Notes: An incredible amount of sub appearances causing the worst rating so far.

Striker 2

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

Notes: Undoubted star of the season, top rated player in the league

Striker 3

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

Notes: Bench warmer.

Striker 4

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

Notes: Terrific debut season

Bad player reports

Idiot A

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

Notes: Joined Spurs in the summer, and got sent off on his Premiership debut. Went on to have an excellent season, with Spurs finished 11th. The squad has pretty poor morale though, and it’ll be interesting to see how long he stays settled. Committed a whopping 161 fouls, the dirty little hacker. Amazingly, only received six cards, although two reds show that he has an occasional flash of anger.

Didn’t cause any squad problems throughout the season. Well behaved off the pitch at least. Now worth 6.25m.

Made his England debut in a 3-0 home defeat to Spain.

Idiot B

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

Notes: Joined Newcastle in the summer, and his 142 fouls brought him a few more cards, including three reds. Newcastle came only 17th, which may have prompted his three requests during the season to move to a bigger club, citing the need to win big trophies. On all three occasions he was shot down by his manager, twice by Glenn Roeder, and after he was sacked Peter Beardsley followed the same line.

Now worth 6m, and still itching to move clubs, he is wanted by West Ham.

Other stats

England are top of their qualifying group with no goals conceded, and Man Utd won the Premiership

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/6955/200607epni7.jpg]Premiership[/url]

[kipfizh]

(That Premiership URL was supposed to be

Premiership

Summary

Well, it wasn’t the most interesting first season, but then I guess it gets more interesting as the players’ reputations increase and the idiot players get unsettled.

Interesting that the clubs that the idiots went to had poor seasons, and on Idiot A’s England debut, the national team had a shocker in a friendly. Does this point to idiots being a massive disruptive figure within a team, or is this just coincidence?

And crikey, those boys committed a lot of fouls.

Reputation is a funny one. None of the Bandits starlets were wanted or bidded for throughout the season, which seems to suggest that the reputation of 1 (obscure, although they’ve all now become local) really does prevent the bigger clubs hearing of them. Maybe it’ll take a cup run or league football for them to be noticed.

On the other hand, the more ambitious idiots were spotted quickly despite having the same reputation. I wonder if this is because of them touting themselves around as they had no club, or their ambition.

Incidentally, if anyone wants any more information than I’ve given, or thinks the format is horrible, please say. I’ll be using bold type for the current season, which is why there’s so much in the first season, but I’d rather know now if there’s something else you want to see, so I can include it in the future.

Onto season 2……

[johnhughthom]

I think you said you had all the players on your shortlist, did you get any interesting news items about any of them?

[kipfizh]

Originally posted by johnhughthom:

I think you said you had all the players on your shortlist, did you get any interesting news items about any of them?

A few things kept coming up. The first was that opposing managers were forever saying they had to watch out for one of the good players, and also those players kept being praised by the manager.

The other thing that came up three times was Idiot B stunning Newcastle with transfer requests. Other than that, not so far. I'm hoping as their reputations grow there'll be a bit more happening. They are still only 17 (we're in May 2007).

[Marc Vaughan]

Reputation is a funny one. None of the Bandits starlets were wanted or bidded for throughout the season, which seems to suggest that the reputation of 1 (obscure, although they’ve all now become local) really does prevent the bigger clubs hearing of them. Maybe it’ll take a cup run or league football for them to be noticed.

You've started them as total unknowns it'll take a while for any unknown to be taken seriously - especially if they're playing at a low level (as they'll be seen initially as a 'flash in the pan' and even after a few seasons clubs will 'doubt they can make the step up').

As you've guessed some impressive cup runs will help get them into the spotlight a little earlier - be interesting to see if they manage it or not.

[kipfizh]

Originally posted by Marc Vaughan:

You've started them as total unknowns it'll take a while for any unknown to be taken seriously - especially if they're playing at a low level (as they'll be seen initially as a 'flash in the pan' and even after a few seasons clubs will 'doubt they can make the step up').

As you've guessed some impressive cup runs will help get them into the spotlight a little earlier - be interesting to see if they manage it or not.

It would seem they've been noticed. Just ran it on holiday mode up to the end of June and got a few hundred news messages, all bids for the kids.

I think the Bandits are in big trouble.

[Poyplemonkeys]

Cracking read, keep up the good work I'm predicting the 'Idiot Players' (Seems to me they have the right idea though) will stay at those two clubs unless they have shockingly bad seasons. The Newcastle Idiot to leave in January for a bigger, but not big club, like Blackburn or Bolton.

[Ackter]

What sort of clubs are looking at the players?

[352_wingback]

thanks for the reports, very informative & interesting.

once you've finished this could you upload the save game? would be interested to be able to have a look through all the minor details and watch them through the games.

i'm doing a similar one which i'm still editing at the moment but the criteria is less strict on the dirtiness, laziness & ego side, although both of my edited teams have a few of those types. i created a Celtic AFC & Rangers AFC in the Conference. i've created/edited both sets of players...the whole backroom staff for Celtic...some of the backroom on Rangers and set them up as fierce rivals....under team Rivals and every individual players relationships (TAKING ME AGES!! Please add bulk listings in the new editor patch!!) also, both sets of players and staff have excellent relationships with everyone connected to their squad.

Bulk listings PLEASE!!...my back hurts!!

[FcPoliFan]

Hey!

Congrats for this brilliant idea. I'm excited to see what the outcome will be.

I remember doing something similar two FM's ago, when I created a super-team and stuck it in the Conference. Me being the one managing them, I had a far better season, in the sense that I won more and I scored more. I don't even think the players were as brilliant as yours. Got up to the first league, then I kind of lost interest.

Keep up the good work!

[Papa_Smurf]

Just out of interest, what positions do the 'Idiots' play? Great posts, keep up the good work

[menace-]

Originally posted by Papa_Smurf:

Just out of interest, what positions do the 'Idiots' play? Great posts, keep up the good work

I'd like to know this aswell, but by the value i guess strikers

[kipfizh]

Originally posted by Ackter:

What sort of clubs are looking at the players?

Practically a who's who of English football. As a little advance bit of info, twenty out of twenty-two players left the Bandits in the summer, although they did at least try to keep them with new contracts. Six went to Chelsea, others got scattered around, although Chelsea did immediately loan a couple out to Swindon, who I imagine will have quite a good season....

The Bandits are left with a keeper and central midfielder, who probably have low reputation by barely playing in their first season.

As for the questions on position, the two Idiots can play anywhere perfectly, except in goal.

Oh, and the idiot who was at Newcastle is now at West Ham, who are in the relegation zone and making hiim unhappy. I really think there's something here with the muppets disrupting teams.

[mar©o]

good read.... out of interest, the 100's of transfer offer messages you've just got, are they for only a few of the squad, or are they spread throughout the team? Be interesting to see if the "bench warmers" of last season have good seasons if a few of the 1st teamers get sold, or even if no-one is sold, whether the manager wil stick to the same basic 11 or if the 1st season bench warmers will have more of a chance in the higher league.

[mar©o]

i really should learn to type faster

[Super Savage]

How much money did the club make from the 20 transfers? Who had the biggest price tag? (got to be the striker...)

Any players brought in?

[kipfizh]

Originally posted by Super Savage:

How much money did the club make from the 20 transfers? Who had the biggest price tag? (got to be the striker...)

Any players brought in?

Initial fees are very small, some even free, but they all have clauses in them.

I think the initial selling total was somewhere around 4m, which isn't much, but I imagine you could treble that with the clauses, which is a lot for a Conference side.

As for players in, they've bought about eight players and promoted a further six from the youth academy. Small and young squad now.

[koertvs]

What about "the bandits" staff are they also world class with obscure reputation? and was there any (positive or negative) influence of training on the attributes of your 'wonderkids'?

[faltering fullback]

great read.

on the contract issue im guessing that when they turned 17 the club organised the contract (not you with the editor). if so what length of contract did they have. why i ask is, would the club have let them go if they were on longer contracts considering they had plenty of money.

[kipfizh]

Originally posted by koertvs:

What about "the bandits" staff are they also world class with obscure reputation? and was there any (positive or negative) influence of training on the attributes of your 'wonderkids'?

No, the Bandits came in place of Fisher Athletic, who's very poor level staff were kept exactly the same.

I've only noted the CA of all the players at the end of the first season, so I'll monitor it throughout the career and see where best they benefit.

In their first season, they appeared not to improve at all.

[kipfizh]

Originally posted by faltering fullback:

great read.

on the contract issue im guessing that when they turned 17 the club organised the contract (not you with the editor). if so what length of contract did they have. why i ask is, would the club have let them go if they were on longer contracts considering they had plenty of money.

Thanks, and correct - in the first couple of months all 22 players signed three year contracts. The two that have stayed have since extended them by a year, a couple of others did as well in the summer of 2007 before leaving for the Premiership weeks or even days later.

The club really didn't need to let them go, but I guess it's hard for a club only just promoted to division '5' to justify holding the talent back when they'd just leave two seasons later.

[javier_83]

Very nice idea, let see what happen this year!!

[Tony Tunnycliffe]

If you hadn't gone on holiday you would have kept more at Bandits surely?

[tainted87]

tony that isn't the point - he's testing the AI to see what it does.

Excellent, superb, we need more stuff like this :-D

[Bluejacket]

What kind of attendances did they get? Stadium maintanance fees are huge for 80k stadium, did they make enough money with ticket sales in Conference?

[kipfizh]

Originally posted by Bluejacket:

What kind of attendances did they get? Stadium maintanance fees are huge for 80k stadium, did they make enough money with ticket sales in Conference?

They made a bucketload - I set it up so that they fill the stadium every week, they'll always be a rich club because of that. I wanted to test them as a constantly rich club, not have one manager fritter away their riches and land them back in the pack.

This way, the test is sustainable.

[kipfizh]

Season 2007-08

Club report

2006-07

English Conference South: (Pos 1), P 42, W 30, D 6, L 6, F 82, A 29, GD +52, 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)

League

FA Cup: 1st Round

FA Trophy: Finalist

In the pre-season transfer flurry, the Bandits lost twenty of their twenty-two starlets, so sustained success was always going to be hard. Their best two players by a country mile were the two remaining, Goalkeeper 1 and Centre Mid 3.

A few senior players were brought in as replacements and the rest promoted from the youth academy. Despite the new look to the squad, the side still did well, reaching 7th and only missing the play-offs by two points. Again, they negotiated the FA Cup qualifying rounds before getting thumped by Oldham in the first round proper. A great FA Trophy run saw them almost retain the cup, only to lose 2-0 to Aldershot in the final.

They have still yet to beat their biggest win of 4-0, despite the talent they’ve had over two years.

With Centre Mid 3 leaving shortly, they need to rebuild their squad with a few players from their superb youth academy to push on towards league football.

Good player reports

GK 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

Notes: The improving star holds together the defence in season 2.

GK 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

Notes: Despite the supporting role last season, got his move and helped Leeds to 6th in Premiership. Won one cap for England, in win over Paraguay, keeping a clean sheet.

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

Notes: None

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

Notes: Struggled at Anfield, should do better.

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

Notes: Broke into U21 international side.

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

Notes: Not a great season, but represents country at U19 level.

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

Notes: Made England U21 debut

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

Notes: Makes England U21 debut, currently unhappy about his contract.

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

Notes: Average personal season, but picks up Premiership winners medal and Community Shield.

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

Notes: Capped at U19s, Premiership and Community Shield winner.

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

Notes: A good season rewarded with a debut cap against Paraguay in a friendly.

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

Notes: Good season, but after hamstring and groin troubles, now has a broken leg.

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

Notes: Average season but an U21 cap and a Premiership medal nonetheless.

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

Notes: Fantastic season, but quite the hacker, the normally placid midfielder picking up sixteen bookings north of the border.

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

Notes: Comfortably the worst-developed player, and after a poor season, with a couple of red cards to boot, somewhat surprisingly got an U21 callup.

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

Notes: Another of the youthful batch who made his international debut against Paraguay.

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

Notes: Loyalty made him sign a new contract and reject offers in the summer of 2007, but the allure of the Premiership has now proved too much and he is joined Man Utd in July.

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

Notes: Big money move earns him an U21 cap and a Premiership medal despite a poor season personally.

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

Notes: A much improved season sees him top the scoring charts at Chelsea, score on his international debut against Paraguay, and win a Premiership medal. Not bad for a Bandits bench warmer.

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

Notes: Lost out by one goal to his striking partner, but still scored on U21 debut and won a Premiership medal.

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

Notes: Excellent season both for Sheff Utd, on loan, and for Chelsea in the run-in. Won an U21 cap.

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

Notes: Started the season in stunning form for the Bandits, before leaving and almost winning Liverpool the title, losing out on the final day. Had the considerable consolation of a debut cap against Paraguay, a game in which he scored twice.

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

Notes: A surprisingly settled season for the young muppet, playing solidly for Spurs and not kicking up a fuss in the meantime. Another red card came from the 124 fouls he committed, but that wasn’t to stop him taking his cap total to five, including a goal.

Fiorentina are interesting in taking him to Italy, and so far the man has got his head down and worked hard. With Spurs only finished 10th, it may be a desirable move.

Idiot B

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

Transfers to West Ham for 11.5m

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

Notes: Didn’t stay up north for very long, gaining a big money move to the capital, and having a reasonably good, if unspectacular season. Managed to get through it without a red card, amazingly, but couldn’t curb his idiocy for long, not being able to resist having a pop at Jose Mourinho, who had dared to…..compliment him:

Premiership

This had come just after he proved himself to so far be the bigger of the two idiots, taking just a few months at West Ham to request a transfer, which was refused.

Other stats

England has qualified for the Euros, and is in a group with Bulgaria, Austria and Sweden.

After winning the domestic treble last season, Man Utd win nothing, with Chelsea taking the Premiership crown on the last day.

Premiership

Incredibly, Championship Notts Forest win the FA Cup, but the run must’ve distracted them, as they finished 21st in the league. The League Cup went to Bolton, the Champions League to Real Madrid, and the UEFA Cup to Steaua.

[kipfizh]

Summary

Despite the two idiots having identical stats, one is behaving himself quite well, whereas the other may about to go to his third club having handed in transfer requests throughout his career. Although he does have the taste to tell Mourinho he’s an idiot. Nice.

With the last outfield player about to leave the Bandits for the Premiership, the little club is going to have to rely on good management to rise up the leagues. This is where the real experiment begins with them – they have the resources to waltz past other teams in their division, but do they have the skill of management? Possibly not, as they still have the same poor manager who couldn’t really screw up with the talent at his disposal, up to now.

The talent that have reached the Premiership have had mixed fortunes. Some have shone, some have had indifferent seasons, but they’re all heading in the right direction. Only Goalkeeper 1 is left stranded, despite having been first choice keeper for the Bandits for two seasons.

Again, the two clubs the idiots were at had poor seasons, while Newcastle improved after selling one of them. Would it be a club’s best interest to steer well clear?

Now, on to the European Championships. The players don’t turn 19 until July, but will any of them feature?

Early conclusions?

So far, signs seem to indicate:

Reputation is crucial to a player. Without it, they’ll never move up, but sustained good performances even at a low level will do the trick.

Idiots may seem to drag a side down. This may be coincidence, but I’ll keep monitoring it.

Money does not guarantee success. The Bandits haven’t been able to buy quality to replace what they lost, now they have considerable funds can they do it?

[kipfizh]

It seems all is not well in good player land. Centre Back 2 wants to leave Arsenal, and many of the players are requesting new contracts without getting the terms they want.

European Championship:

Group Stage:

Bulgaria 0-4 England

(Striker-4 3 gls, Left Mid-1 1 gl)

(Goalkeeper 2, Left Mid 1, Striker 4 played)

England 3-0 Austria

(Striker-4 1 gl)

(Goalkeeper 2, Left Mid 1, Striker 4 played)

Sweden 0-1 England

(Goalkeeper 2, Left Mid 1, Striker 4 played)

QF:

Holland 3-3 England

Holland win 5-4 on penalties

(Striker-4 1 gl)

(Goalkeeper 2, Left Mid 1, Striker 4, Right Back 2 played)

Spain beat Holland 1-0 in the final, and Steve Mclaren becomes the latest victim of a quarter final penalty shootout, so congratulations to Jimbokav1971 who predicted that!

[menace-]

Perhaps this is idiot B lol :

Still Funny lol!

[menace-]

Understandable they want knew contracts, there reputations when they signed from the bandits would have been criminal, so they would be on like 2,500 a week for a long length, i doubt anything bad will come from most of them, can't believe theres a request to leave arsenal i my games they normally dominate, but since chelsea snapped up most of the starlets, they probably well ahead of the rest, anyway keep updates coming intresting stuff!

[bad_boy_ray]

interesting thread

[Parmie]

Couple of points from me:

For a team of their quality the team still lost 6 games in season 1, and the good avg ratings for the goalies shows they must've been fairly busy, wonder what effect having a better manager would've had.

Also why did you chose a low ambition chairman? It would also be interesting to see if he had was able to sign better players than the manager.

[Marc Vaughan]

Despite the two idiots having identical stats, one is behaving himself quite well, whereas the other may about to go to his third club having handed in transfer requests throughout his career. Although he does have the taste to tell Mourinho he’s an idiot. Nice.

If you've a save game editor it might be interesting to check if their hidden attributes have changed - with judicious management you CAN turn a trouble maker into a model citizen and obviously CPU managers will try to do this in the same way a human can (ie. disciplining players, talking to them, team-talks etc.).

I doubt his stats have changed 'that' much but it'd be interesting to see if the different styles CPU managers have taken with them have played a part in things.

[kipfizh]

Originally posted by Marc Vaughan:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Despite the two idiots having identical stats, one is behaving himself quite well, whereas the other may about to go to his third club having handed in transfer requests throughout his career. Although he does have the taste to tell Mourinho he’s an idiot. Nice.

If you've a save game editor it might be interesting to check if their hidden attributes have changed - with judicious management you CAN turn a trouble maker into a model citizen and obviously CPU managers will try to do this in the same way a human can (ie. disciplining players, talking to them, team-talks etc.).

I doubt his stats have changed 'that' much but it'd be interesting to see if the different styles CPU managers have taken with them have played a part in things. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ah, good point, I hadn't thought of that - no change yet in their hidden attributes but they haven't been at their clubs very long.

I'll monitor that throughout their careers.

Could it be possible that the squad personality at one club suits a player so much more? Perhaps there were some kindred spirits, or maybe even the managers were closer to the idiots in personality.

There's so much detail behind the scenes, rounding out the player's feel as a real person, that it could be any number of things I love that about this game.

[menace-]

....I love that about this game.

I love this topic keep the updates coming

[aj_amla]

maybe idiot b is behaving himself because his manager has a good man management stat which could overall affect his development.

[westmead63]

Just come across this. It's fantastic.

A pity we don't have RSS feeds for topics as this is definitely something I will be looking out for from now on.

[Jimbokav1971]

Originally posted by Jimbokav1971:

You haven't mentioned adjusting the reputation of "The Bandits". If the club still starts with a poor reputation, the good players will still leave before the clubs reputation can rise to meet the player expectations.

Phrophecies.

1. Many good players to leave in 1st year .

2. Many good players to leave in following year .

3. Absolutely no original players left at "The Bandits" within 5 years .

4. Bad Players to be signed by 2nd teir English clubs but not Elite eg. Spurs .

5. England to do well as normal .

6. Spurs to finish in top 4 positions in Premiership in 3 of first 6 years of game (It's not looking like that at the moment) Get rid of idiot 1) .

7. Man Utd to finish below half way in 2 seasons in first 5 years (They're still looking good at the moment) .

8. Chlesea to not finish in top 4 in Premiership at least 1 season of first 3 (They're still looking good at the moment) .

9. England to still get knocked out of competition on penalties (Oh come on, It's not brain surgery) .

10. "The Bandits" don't win the 06/07 Conference South title Oops.

11. "The Bandits" to still not be be playing in the Football League come the start of the 10/11 season I think they've got no chance now .

[VonBlade]

This is excellent. I've long played with extreme values in the editor (making the Arse a 1 rep team with a miniscule ground, or making a non-league team like Barca and seeing how long before they got promoted).

It's fabulous to see someone else equally intregued enough to try.

VB

[DS]

I am loving this thread.

[pjotr04]

This thread really is interesting stuff!

I think I'll do an experiment of my own if I ever had time...

What happened if Bandit team had as good reputation as Chelsea or Arsenal?

Or their manager was Mourinho-like wizard?

Damn! I might be sick for rest of the week...