[FM12] Now You Do Not Punish Someone, English Or Otherwise, For Being Rubbish At FM...

[SnakeXe]

Brilliant work topping the group .

Any thoughts of returning to club management yet?

Thanks!

Maybe after the World Cup, I'm not sure though. I'd like a challenging job again, so I'll be on the look out for a fallen giant to resurrect or something.

Good job on the qualification, now the real work starts for the European champions to prove their worth in the World Cup.

Indeed! All the good work so far will be for naught unless we can turn it on during the finals.

[SnakeXe]

A decent rather than excellent performance this time, Ozer Erbil again impressed, but with two excellent finishes more than his overall play this time. This formation really seems to suit him.

[Georgex]

Just read all this over the space of two afternoons

Excellent read. Really enthralled me since I found this thread.

Long may the success last!

[SnakeXe]

Should be fairly straightforward to progress from the group - although Cote d'Ivoire are 7th in the World Rankings, Sweden and Saudi Arabia are 28th and 43rd respectively.

[SnakeXe]

Just read all this over the space of two afternoons

Excellent read. Really enthralled me since I found this thread.

Long may the success last!

Glad you've enjoyed it!

[SRL88]

Not a bad group at all. Should get through comfortably.

[deltablue]

The Ivorians could be tough but otherwise you should do well.

[SnakeXe]

Not a bad group at all. Should get through comfortably.

The Ivorians could be tough but otherwise you should do well.

Indeed, I think 7 points has to be the target.

Germany will be tough, but I'm not concerned about any of the other names there, should I still be around for it.

[crouchaldinho]

Really looking forward to seeing how you do at the World Cup!

Ever won a World Cup on CM or FM SnakeXe?

[SnakeXe]

Really looking forward to seeing how you do at the World Cup!

Ever won a World Cup on CM or FM SnakeXe?

Me too!

I think I won one with Italy on my FM10 Merthyr Tydfil save, and the Euros with England on the same save. That's the only time I have though, I think.

[crouchaldinho]

As you know, it's something missing from my CM/FM CV!

I'd say you have a great chance of winning another one with this team! Good luck!

I take it you have pretty much settled on a team or are there any players still likely to break into your side? I have to say, I've found it important to keep a consistent side together in my international save.

[Nobby_McDonald]

Decent chance of getting through the World Cup group.

And both Irelands in your Euro qualifying group. Interesting who wins those derbies...

[ManchesterUnited-]

Pretty positive you will the World Cup,Euros and the Confederations Cup again as your tactics in the game are great. Just a shame its not with England.

[SnakeXe]

As you know, it's something missing from my CM/FM CV!

I'd say you have a great chance of winning another one with this team! Good luck!

I take it you have pretty much settled on a team or are there any players still likely to break into your side? I have to say, I've found it important to keep a consistent side together in my international save.

I've pretty much settled on the core group of players now, it's just whether I stick with the 3-4-3 that won me the Confederations Cup or go with the 4-3-1-2 I've been experimenting with in the last few games. I'm quite tempted to bring the players to do both - I have a couple of versatile players in midfield and defence who are in and around the squad anyway such that I could do so without lacking cover.

I know we've got the players to win the cup, and if we play to our potential we'll take some beating. The problem is, as you know, the vagaries of knockout football.

Decent chance of getting through the World Cup group.

And both Irelands in your Euro qualifying group. Interesting who wins those derbies...

Yes it is an interesting group! I need to take a look at Ireland next time I load the game up - Shamrock Rovers had 3 or 4 players in and around the England squad, so I don't know whether the league has shot up the rankings or whether they've just got a sugar daddy or something.

Pretty positive you will the World Cup,Euros and the Confederations Cup again as your tactics in the game are great. Just a shame its not with England.

I wish I shared your confidence!

[SnakeXe]

A very good performance against a decent side. We could easily have scored twice what we did.

[SnakeXe]

A decent enough performance spoiled by the lack of a cutting edge without Kerem Bulun (who is doubtful for the World Cup with a hernia). A few of the players I brought into the 30 did impress me though - notably Mehmet Faris Acan, who looked very dangerous breaking forward from left back.

[SRL88]

Nice win against Belgium. Just a shamey ou couldnt put your chances away against Ghana.

[SnakeXe]

An inexplicably bad performance from what is worryingly close to the 11 that will start the World Cup against Ivory Coast. Not a single shot on target. Unacceptable, and I made sure the players knew it.

[SnakeXe]

Former Club Watch:

Weymouth F.C.:

Boo.

Season    League                  Position  Notes                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2012/13*  Blue Square South       2nd       Playoff Semi-finalists
2013/14*  Blue Square South       9th       I left in October (resigned)
2014/15   Blue Square South       10th      -
2015/16   Blue Square South       19th      -
2016/17   Blue Square South       9th       FA Cup 2nd Round
2017/18   Blue Square South       3rd       Playoff Winners
2018/19   Blue Square Premier     21st      Relegated
2019/20   Blue Square South       14th      -
2020/21   Blue Square South       14th      -
2021/22   Blue Square South       19th      -
2022/23   Blue Square South       18th      -
2023/24   Blue Square South       22nd      Relegated
2024/25   N/A                     N/A       FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round
2025/26   N/A                     N/A       -
2026/27   N/A                     N/A       FA Cup 3rd Round
2027/28   N/A                     N/A       -
2028/29   N/A                     N/A       -
2029/30   N/A                     N/A       -
2030/31   N/A                     N/A       FA Cup 1st Round
2031/32   N/A                     N/A       -
2032/33   N/A                     N/A       -
2033/34   N/A                     N/A       -
2034/35   N/A                     N/A       -
2035/36   N/A                     N/A       -
2036/37   N/A                     N/A       FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round
2037/38   N/A                     N/A       -
2038/39   Blue Square South       13th      -
2039/40   Blue Square South       20th      Relegated
2040/41   N/A                     N/A       FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round
2041/42   N/A                     N/A       -

NB * indicates that I was in charge for at least part of the season.

Darlington F.C.:

Disappointingly the Quakers fall back again.

Season    League                  Position  Notes                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2013/14*  Blue Square Premier     14th      I joined in October
2014/15*  Blue Square Premier     2nd       Playoff Winners
2015/16*  League Two              18th      I left in January (resigned)
2016/17   League Two              17th      JPT North Quarter Final
2017/18   League Two              15th      FA Cup 3rd Round
2018/19   League Two              3rd       Promoted
2019/20   League One              22nd      Relegated, FA Cup 4th Round
2020/21   League Two              20th      -
2021/22   League Two              6th       FA Cup 4th Round, Playoff Semi-finalists
2022/23   League Two              9th       JPT North Quarter Final
2023/24   League Two              16th      JPT North Semi Final
2024/25   League Two              11th      -
2025/26   League Two              19th      -
2026/27   League Two              19th      -
2027/28   League Two              18th      -
2028/29   League Two              20th      -
2029/30   League Two              1st       League Two Winners
2030/31   League One              12th      FA Cup 4th Round
2031/32   League One              22nd      Relegated, FA Cup 5th Round
2032/33   League Two              2nd       Promoted, FA Cup 3rd Round
2033/34   League One              18th      FA Cup 3rd Round
2034/35   League One              4th       JPT N SF, FA Cup R3, Playoff Winners
2035/36   Championship            24th      Relegated
2036/37   League One              18th      JPT North Quarter-finalists
2037/38   League One              22nd      Relegated
2038/39   League Two              13th      JPT North Semi-finalists
2039/40   League Two              10th      -
2040/41   League Two              4th       Playoff Semi-finalists
2041/42   League Two              13th      -

Southend United:

Seem to be pretty entrenched in League One now.

Season    League                  Position  Notes                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2015/16*  League One              21st      Relegated, I joined in March
2016/17*  League Two              1st       League Two Winners
2017/18*  League One              2nd       Promoted
2018/19*  Championship            15th      I left in October (resigned)
2019/20   Championship            20th      -
2020/21   Championship            12th      FA Cup 5th Round
2021/22   Championship            9th       -
2022/23   Championship            15th      -
2023/24   Championship            16th      FA Cup Semi Final
2024/25   Championship            21st      -
2025/26   Championship            19th      -
2026/27   Championship            16th      League Cup Runners up
2027/28   Championship            21st      -
2028/29   Championship            22nd      Relegated
2029/30   League One              3rd       Playoff Semi-finalists
2030/31   League One              7th       FA Cup 4th Round, JPT Finalists
2031/32   League One              17th      JPT South Quarter-finalists
2032/33   League One              11th      -
2033/34   League One              11th      JPT South Semi-finalists
2034/35   League One              5th       FA Cup 3rd Round, Playoff Semi-finalists
2035/36   League One              15th      JPT South Runners-Up
2036/37   League One              20th      FA Cup 3rd Round
2037/38   League One              5th       Playoff Winners, Promoted
2038/39   Championship            23rd      Relegated
2039/40   League One              9th       -
2040/41   League One              13th      -
2041/42   League One              14th      -

Wigan Athletic:

A bizarre season that took in a League Cup win and a trip to the Europa League knockout rounds, but unfortunately no cherry of promotion on the top.

Season    League                  Position  Notes                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/19*  Championship            4th       I joined in October, Playoff Winners
2019/20*  Premier League          11th      I left in December (job offer)
2020/21   Premier League          18th      League Cup Winners, Relegated
2021/22   Championship            2nd       Promoted, League Cup Quarter-finalists
2022/23   Premier League          17th      FA Cup 6th Round
2023/24   Premier League          19th      Relegated
2024/25   Championship            5th       Playoff Semi-finalists
2025/26   Championship            4th       Playoff Winners, FA Cup 6th Round
2026/27   Premier League          5th       FA Cup 6th Round, EL Qualification
2027/28   Premier League          19th      League Cup Quarter-finalists
2028/29   Championship            6th       FA Cup 5th Round, Playoff Semi-finalists
2029/30   Championship            4th       Playoff Runners Up
2030/31   Championship            2nd       Promoted
2031/32   Premier League          11th      FA Cup 5th Round
2032/33   Premier League          14th      -
2033/34   Premier League          12th      -
2034/35   Premier League          10th      -
2035/36   Premier League          9th       -
2036/37   Premier League          16th      -
2037/38   Premier League          16th      -
2038/39   Premier League          18th      League Cup Semi-finalists, Relegated
2039/40   Championship            2nd       Promoted
2040/41   Premier League          18th      FA Cup Runners Up, Relegated
2041/42   Championship            3rd       League Cup Winners, Playoff SF

Werder Bremen:

No European run this year, but the Werder faithful won't mind as they finally won the title back for the first time since I left the club!

Season    League                  Position  Notes                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2019/20*  1. Bundesliga           8th       I joined in December, DFB-Pokal Winners
2020/21*  1. Bundesliga           1st       B'liga, S'cup Winners; EL Semi-finalists
2021/22*  1. Bundesliga           2nd       S'cup Winners; EL, DFB-P Semi-finalists
2022/23*  1. Bundesliga           1st       B'liga, Champs League Winners
2023/24   1. Bundesliga           2nd       CWC, DFB-Pokal Winners
2024/25   1. Bundesliga           4th       Champs League, DFB-Pokal Semi-finalists
2025/26   1. Bundesliga           4th       -
2026/27   1. Bundesliga           3rd       DFB-Pokal Winners
2027/28   1. Bundesliga           5th       Europa League Semi-finalists
2028/29   1. Bundesliga           4th       Europa League QF, DFB-Pokal RU
2029/30   1. Bundesliga           3rd       Europa League Quarter-finalists
2030/31   1. Bundesliga           4th       -
2031/32   1. Bundesliga           4th       DFB-Pokal Semi-finalists
2032/33   1. Bundesliga           4th       DFB-Pokal Quarter-finalists
2033/34   1. Bundesliga           2nd       DFB-Pokal Runners Up
2034/35   1. Bundesliga           3rd       DFB-Pokal & Champions League QF
2035/36   1. Bundesliga           6th       Europa League 2nd Knockout Round
2036/37   1. Bundesliga           12th      -
2037/38   1. Bundesliga           5th       -
2038/39   1. Bundesliga           5th       -
2039/40   1. Bundesliga           2nd       DFB-Pokal Winners, Europa League QF
2040/41   1. Bundesliga           2nd       Champions League Semi-finalists
2041/42   1. Bundesliga           1st       Bundesliga Winners

Arsenal:

Not the best season, but no disaster either.

Season    League                  Position  Notes                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2023/24*  Premier League          2nd       CL Semi-finalists, LC Runners up
2024/25*  Premier League          1st       Premier League Winners, LC Runners Up
2025/26*  Premier League          1st       Premier League Winners
2026/27   Premier League          1st       PL & CL Winners, FA Cup Semi-finalists
2027/28   Premier League          1st       PL, CL, CWC & LC Winners, FA Cup Final
2028/29   Premier League          3rd       League Cup Runners Up, Champ's Lg SF
2029/30   Premier League          1st       Premier League Winners, Champ's Lg RU
2030/31   Premier League          1st       PL & LC Winners, CL Runners Up
2031/32   Premier League          1st       Prem League Winners, FA Cup Runners Up
2032/33   Premier League          2nd       Champions League Semi-finalists
2033/34   Premier League          6th       Champions League Runners Up
2034/35   Premier League          2nd       FA Cup 6th Round
2035/36   Premier League          3rd       Champions League Semi-finalists
2036/37   Premier League          3rd       FA Cup 6th Round, CL Runners Up
2037/38   Premier League          4th       -
2038/39   Premier League          1st       PL Winners, CL Quarter-finalists
2039/40   Premier League          3rd       Champions League Runners Up
2040/41   Premier League          3rd       Champions League Winners, FA Cup SF
2041/42   Premier League          3rd       Club World Cup Winners, CL QF

Santos:

No trophies this year. Júnior Andrade is still there, and 31 now, so that big European move will never happen. Don't think he'll beat Neymar's goal record either. Bit of a waste really.

Season    League                  Position  Notes                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2027*     Brasileirao             1st       B'leirao, Paulista Winners, L'dores SF
2028*     Brasileirao             2nd       Paulista, Libertadores Semi-finalists
2029*     Brasileirao             1st       B'leirao & L'dores W, P'lista SF, CWC RU
2030*     Brasileirao             1st       B'leirao, CL, P'lista & Recopa W, CWC RU
2031*     Brasileirao             1st       Brasileirao, Paulista & Recopa Winners
2032      Brasileirao             1st       B'leirao, CL, & Paulista Winners, CWC RU
2033      Brasileirao             2nd       CL, Recopa & Paulista Winners, CWC RU
2034      Brasileirao             2nd       Paulista RU, CL SF, Recopa Winners
2035      Brasileirao             1st       B'leirao & Paulista Winners, L'dores QF
2036      Brasileirao             1st       Brasileirao Winners, Paulista Runners Up
2037      Brasileirao             1st       Brasileirao Winners, Paulista SF
2038      Brasileirao             4th       Paulista & CL Winners, CWC Runners Up
2039      Brasileirao             2nd       Recopa Sudamericana RU, Paulista SF
2040      Brasileirao             2nd       CL Winners, Paulista SF, CWC 3rd Place
2041      Brasileirao             2nd       Recopa Sudamericana RU, CL & Paulista SF

Brazil:

Scraped 2nd behind Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers, it'll be interesting to meet them at the World Cup.

Season    Competition             Position  Notes
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2030*     Friendlies              -         Appointed in July, P5 W2 D2 L1
2031*     Copa América            R-Up      Copa América R-Up, Resigned in July
2032      Friendlies              -         P3 W2 D0 L1
2033      Confederations Cup      3rd       Confederations Cup 3rd Placed Team
2031-33   CONMEBOL WC Qualifiers  2nd       Qualified for World Cup
2034      World Cup               Grp Stage Eliminated at Group Stage of WC
2035      Copa América            Grp Stage Eliminated at Group Stage of C. América    
2036      Friendlies              -         P3 W0 D2 L1
2037      Friendlies              -         P2 W0 D2 L0
2035-37   CONMEBOL WC Qualifiers  2nd       Qualified for World Cup  
2038      World Cup               R-Up      World Cup Runners Up    
2039      Copa América            4th       Copa América 4th Place
2040      Friendlies              -         P3 W1 D1 L1 
2041      Friendlies              -         P2 W2 D0 L0
2039-41   CONMEBOL WC QUalifiers  2nd       Qualified for World Cup

Vélez:

A few signs of life at the end of the Clausura, but that's about all there is to be positive about unfortunately.

Season    League                  Position  Notes                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2031/32*  Clausura                1st       Clausura Winners, Joined in February
2032/33*  Apertura                1st       Apertura Winners, Left in December
2032/33   Clausura                1st       Clausura Winners, CA 7th Rnd, CL SF
2033/34   Apertura                2nd       Copa Sudamericana Semi-finalists
2033/34   Clausura                5th       -
2034/35   Apertura                5th       Copa Sudamericana Quarter-finalists
2034/35   Clausura                3rd       Copa Libertadores 2nd Round
2035/36   Apertura                9th       Copa Sudamericana Quarter-finalists
2035/36   Clausura                7th       -
2036/37   Apertura                3rd       Copa Sudamericana Quarter-finalists
2036/37   Clausura                3rd       -
2037/38   Apertura                3rd       Copa Sudamericana Quarter-finalists
2037/38   Clausura                9th       Copa Libertadores Quarter-finalists
2038/39   Apertura                1st       Apertura Winners
2038/39   Clausura                7th       Copa Argentina Quarter-finalists
2039/40   Apertura                7th       -
2039/40   Clausura                4th       Copa Libertadores Semi-finalists
2040/41   Apertura                11th      -
2040/41   Clausura                14th      -
2041/42   Apertura                15th      -
2041/42   Clausura                8th       -

Newcastle:

Domestically rubbish, the manager has rubbed Kroulik up the wrong way and Wakefield is off on a free transfer, but another Champions League title!

Season    League                  Position  Notes                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2032/33*  Premier League          7th       FA Cup Runners Up, Joined in December
2033/34*  Premier League          1st       Premier League & League Cup Winners
2034/35*  Premier League          1st       Prem, FA Cup, & Champions League Winners
2035/36*  Premier League          1st       Prem & CWC Winners, League Cup & CL R-Up
2036/37*  Premier League          1st       Prem, Lg Cup, & Champ's League Winners
2037/38*  Premier League          1st       Prem, FA Cup, LC & CWC Winners, CL R-Up
2038/39   Premier League          2nd       Champions League Quarter-finalists
2039/40   Premier League          1st       Premier League & League Cup Winners
2040/41   Premier League          1st       FA Cup 6th Round
2041/42   Premier League          5th       Champions League Winners

England:

Powered through to win all their remaining qualifiers and join us at the World Cup!

Season    League                  Position  Notes                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2038/40*  Euro 2040 Qualifying    1st       -
2040*     Euro 2040               Grp A     Finished 4th in Group A, Resigned
2040/42   World Cup 2042 Quals    1st       Qualified for World Cup

[SnakeXe]

We played very well apart from gifting them the two goals. Regardless, I'd have taken a draw beforehand, so it's not that big a deal, just really annoying to throw away an important couple of points in these circumstances.

[SnakeXe]

A very professional display against an inferior side, with three goals, a clean sheet, and no yellow cards. We looked much more incisive with Kerem Bulun back up front.

[SnakeXe]

Saudi Arabia have sensationally beaten Ivory Coast, and after besting the Swedes in their first match as well top the group on 6 points. Next is us on 4, Ivory Coast on 1 and Sweden on 0. We have to target the win, but we certainly won't underestimate the Saudis given their results so far.

[SRL88]

Two very good results there. Saudi shouldnt be underestimated if that is how they have performed but victory is for the taking.

[SnakeXe]

Well we were the better side, but were probably too cautious in the end. I was very conscious of the fact that a defeat and a good Ivory Coast win would put us out, so was happy to dominate possession and look to work an opening via a mistake or set piece, but neither of those avenues came off and the game petered out with both sides happy enough with a draw. In the end, Ivory Coast only won 1-0 so we should have pushed for the win, as only a heavy defeat would have put us out, but never mind - I'm happy to not be victim of another giant killing by the Saudis.

[SnakeXe]

Two very good results there. Saudi shouldnt be underestimated if that is how they have performed but victory is for the taking.

Yeah we could really have done it if I'd been more positive I think. But all it takes is a bit of bad luck and a couple of goals against on the break and suddenly Ivory Coast would have been looming large.

[SnakeXe]

Just to confirm, through in 2nd place behind the Saudis. If we'd held the lead against Ivory Coast we'd have won the group.

Argentina are up in the next round.

[SnakeXe]

What a game! It got off to a bad start for us, Argentina scoring from an early corner, but we improved throughout the first half. The breakthrough wouldn't come, however, so on 65 minutes I took a gamble. A triple substitution to make us 3-4-3 with a slightly out of position Acan on the left wing. It worked an absolute treat, as we found the edge up front we'd been missing - our talisman Kerem Bulun with the equaliser after a typical burst through the opposition defence. In extra time there only looked like one winner, and Orkan Bekdemir made sure we clinched it with a smart finish from a deflected corner!

[SnakeXe]

Well if we're to win the cup, we won't be doing it the easy way! Holders Cameroon up next in the quarter-final, then Brazil or Poland in the semi if we get there.

[Kyle Seddon]

Good luck

[jayahr]

Fingers crossed

[SnakeXe]

What. A. Game.

In what will surely go down as an all-time classic World Cup match, we eliminated Cameroon on penalties after a riproaring end-to-end game in which we shared 8 goals with the World Champions! Kerem Bulun put us deservedly in front with a penalty having already had two goals ruled out for marginal offside calls, but Cameroon surged back to take the lead before half time. Kurtar scored his first goal for Turkey to equalise, but Mangan completed his hattrick just a few minutes later to dash our confidence again. With time running out (90+5th minute with only 3 minutes stoppage time signalled) we claimed a corner. I hit the roof when Aslan also scored his first goal for Turkey to equalise yet again!

In extra time we started well, Fuat Sen giving us the lead for the second time in the match with a great breakaway goal. We couldn't hold the lead til the end unfortunately, as Cameroon scored the final equaliser to take it to penalties.

The two keepers traded saves early on, making it 2-2 going into the final penalties. Sasal Acar made himself our third centreback to find the net on the night, albeit during the shootout, whilst Ozkan Yengel wrote himself into folklore with a stunning save from Cameroon's final penalty!

Bring on Brazil!

[SnakeXe]

Good luck

Fingers crossed

Think we needed all the luck you guys gave me there!

Interestingly enough, with the other semi-final being Egypt v Saudi Arabia, it's only CONCACAF that has no representative in the last four - truly a World Cup this time!

[SnakeXe]

The Saudis have beaten Egypt in the other semi-final! I'd love to face them again in the final. A bit of a yellow-shirted problem in the way first though!

[SRL88]

Wow. Unbelievable Quater-Final.

[SnakeXe]

Well that leaves a sour taste. An enthrallingly tight encounter ruined by an official who can't spot a blatant dive. Kurtar received his marching orders in extra time after a dive by the opposition forward (who was on a yellow, therefore should have been sent off), Kasimoglu suffered the same fate - correctly in this case, but obviously if Kurtar had still been on the pitch he might not have had to make the tackle - and Brazil's two man advantage told. Even with 9 we managed to put Brazil under some late pressure, Vantuir charitably making an effort to restore parity of numbers, but it wasn't to be.

With 3 of my 4 centre-backs suspended, the third placed playoff against Egypt will be interesting.

[SRL88]

Oh man!!! Such a shame you couldnt take that final leap by knocking Brazil out. Good luck in the Third Place Play-Off though.

[SnakeXe]

As was always likely with a box-to-box midfielder at centre-half, we gifted them a comedy goal. Unfortunately we had neither the legs nor heart to get one back. Now we get on with the serious business of cheering on the Saudis against those cheating Brazilians.

[SnakeXe]

2042 FIFA World Cup

Hosts: Portugal

Holders: Cameroon

Group Stage:

Group A

| Pos   | Inf   | Team     |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   | Q     | Portugal |       | 3     | 2     | 1     | 0     | 5     | 3     | +2    | 7     | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   | Q     | Austria  |       | 3     | 1     | 1     | 1     | 4     | 3     | +1    | 4     | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | Tunisia  |       | 3     | 0     | 2     | 1     | 2     | 3     | -1    | 2     | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | Chile    |       | 3     | 0     | 2     | 1     | 3     | 5     | -2    | 2     | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Group B

| Pos   | Inf   | Team    |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   | Q     | Brazil  |       | 3     | 1     | 2     | 0     | 4     | 1     | +3    | 5     | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   | Q     | Belgium |       | 3     | 1     | 2     | 0     | 7     | 5     | +2    | 5     | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | Iran    |       | 3     | 0     | 3     | 0     | 2     | 2     | 0     | 3     | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | Jamaica |       | 3     | 0     | 1     | 2     | 2     | 7     | -5    | 1     | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Group C

| Pos   | Inf   | Team         |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   | Q     | Colombia     |       | 3     | 2     | 1     | 0     | 4     | 2     | +2    | 7     | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   | Q     | Spain        |       | 3     | 2     | 0     | 1     | 5     | 1     | +4    | 6     | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | Denmark      |       | 3     | 1     | 0     | 2     | 7     | 4     | +3    | 3     | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | South Africa |       | 3     | 0     | 1     | 2     | 3     | 12    | -9    | 1     | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Group D

| Pos   | Inf   | Team  |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   | Q     | Egypt |       | 3     | 3     | 0     | 0     | 7     | 1     | +6    | 9     | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   | Q     | Poland|       | 3     | 1     | 1     | 1     | 5     | 3     | +2    | 4     | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | Canada|       | 3     | 1     | 0     | 2     | 4     | 10    | -6    | 3     | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | Italy |       | 3     | 0     | 1     | 2     | 4     | 6     | -2    | 1     | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Group E

| Pos   | Inf   | Team          |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   | Q     | Argentina     |       | 3     | 2     | 0     | 1     | 8     | 5     | +3    | 6     | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   | Q     | Russia        |       | 3     | 1     | 1     | 1     | 6     | 6     | 0     | 4     | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | China         |       | 3     | 1     | 1     | 1     | 4     | 7     | -3    | 4     | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | United States |       | 3     | 1     | 0     | 2     | 6     | 6     | 0     | 3     | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Group F

| Pos   | Inf   | Team         |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   | Q     | Saudi Arabia |       | 3     | 2     | 1     | 0     | 5     | 2     | +3    | 7     | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   | Q     | Turkey       |       | 3     | 1     | 2     | 0     | 5     | 2     | +3    | 5     | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | Ivory Coast  |       | 3     | 1     | 1     | 1     | 4     | 5     | -1    | 4     | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | Sweden       |       | 3     | 0     | 0     | 3     | 1     | 6     | -5    | 0     | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Group G

| Pos   | Inf   | Team    |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   | Q     | Mexico  |       | 3     | 2     | 0     | 1     | 8     | 5     | +3    | 6     | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   | Q     | Serbia  |       | 3     | 1     | 1     | 1     | 3     | 2     | +1    | 4     | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | Ecuador |       | 3     | 1     | 1     | 1     | 6     | 7     | -1    | 4     | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | England |       | 3     | 1     | 0     | 2     | 4     | 7     | -3    | 3     | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Group H

| Pos   | Inf   | Team           |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   | Q     | Cameroon       |       | 3     | 1     | 2     | 0     | 7     | 5     | +2    | 5     | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   | Q     | Australia      |       | 3     | 1     | 2     | 0     | 5     | 4     | +1    | 5     | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | Czech Republic |       | 3     | 1     | 0     | 2     | 2     | 4     | -2    | 3     | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | France         |       | 3     | 0     | 2     | 1     | 4     | 5     | -1    | 2     | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Knockout Stage:

Second Round:

Belgium 3 v 2 Portugal

Brazil 1 v 0 Austria

Poland 3 v 2 Colombia

Egypt 2 v 1 Spain

Argentina 1 v 2e Turkey

Russia 0 v 1 Saudi Arabia

Australia 0 v 1 Mexico

Cameroon 1 v 0 Serbia

Quarter Final:

Belgium 2 v 3 Egypt

Brazil 2 v 1 Poland

Turkey p4 v 4 Cameroon

Saudi Arabia e1 v 0 Mexico

Semi Final:

Egypt 2 v 3e Saudi Arabia

Brazil e1 v 0 Turkey

Third Place Playoff:

Turkey 0 v 1 Egypt

Final:

Saudi Arabia 1 v 0 Brazil

To the delight of most of the world, Saudi Arabia become the first Asian nation to win the World Cup by defeating the despicable cheats Brazil!!

[SRL88]

Can I ask, and I mean this in all seriousness.....but what the **** is going on in your save??? Cameroon & then Saudi Arabia .

[SnakeXe]

SnakeXe's Career - Season 30 - 2041/42

Story of the Seasons:

World Cup 2042 Qualifying - 1st

Only blemish was a mostly inconsequential draw against the Czechs.

World Cup - Lost 3rd Place Playoff (v Egypt)

Two herculean performances to get past Argentina and Cameroon drained us and suspended our captain Ipekci and talisman Bulun for the semi-final against Brazil. They cheated to win in extra time. Couldn't be bothered against Egypt.

Results 1 - Results 2 - Squad

5 Most Important Players:

5. Ediz Kurtar - DC - Had a great tournament at the World Cup until he was cheated out of a shot at the final.

3. Aydin Erol - MC - The first part of an excellent midfield partnership

3. Ozkan Yengel - GK - Unbelievably good World Cup, the 4 conceded against Cameroon notwithstanding.

2. Mesut Ipekci - MC - The captain and inspiration.

1. Kerem Bulun - ST - As I said earlier, talismanic.

History:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Season  | Team            | League/Competition    | Country      | Position | Notes                                                 |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2012/13 | Weymouth        | Blue Square South     | England      | 2nd      | Playoff Semi-finalists                                |
| 2013/14 | Weymouth        | Blue Square South     | England      | 3rd      | Resigned in October                                   |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2013/14 | Darlington      | Blue Square Premier   | England      | 14th     | 15th on arrival in October                            |
| 2014/15 | Darlington      | Blue Square Premier   | England      | 2nd      | Playoff Winners                                       |
| 2015/16 | Darlington      | League Two            | England      | 16th     | Resigned in January                                   |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2015/16 | Southend United | League One            | England      | 21st     | Relegated, 24th on arrival in March                   |
| 2016/17 | Southend United | League Two            | England      | 1st      | League Two Champions                                  |
| 2017/18 | Southend United | League One            | England      | 2nd      | Promoted                                              |
| 2018/19 | Southend United | Championship          | England      | 17th     | Resigned in October                                   |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2018/19 | Wigan Athletic  | Championship          | England      | 4th      | 13th on arrival in October, Playoff Winners           |
| 2019/20 | Wigan Athletic  | Premier League        | England      | 15th     | Left in December                                      |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2019/20 | Werder Bremen   | 1. Bundesliga         | Germany      | 8th      | 14th on arrival in December, DFB-Pokal Winners        |
| 2020/21 | Werder Bremen   | 1. Bundesliga         | Germany      | 1st      | B'liga Champions, Supercup Winners, EL Semi-Finalists |
| 2021/22 | Werder Bremen   | 1. Bundesliga         | Germany      | 2nd      | Supercup Winners, CL & DFB-Pokal Semi-Finalists       |
| 2022/23 | Werder Bremen   | 1. Bundesliga         | Germany      | 1st      | B'liga Champions, Champions League Winners            |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2023/24 | Arsenal         | Premier League        | England      | 2nd      | Champ's League Semi-Finalists, League Cup Finalists   |
| 2024/25 | Arsenal         | Premier League        | England      | 1st      | Premier League Winners, League Cup Finalists          |
| 2025/26 | Arsenal         | Premier League        | England      | 1st      | Premier League Winners                                |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2027    | Santos          | Brasileirao           | Brazil       | 1st      | Brasileirao & Paulista Winners, Libertadores SF       |
| 2028    | Santos          | Brasileirao           | Brazil       | 2nd      | Paulista & Copa Libertadores Semi-Finalists           |
| 2029    | Santos          | Brasileirao           | Brazil       | 1st      | Brasileirao & L'dores Winners, CWC RU, Paulista SF    |
| 2030    | Santos          | Brasileirao           | Brazil       | 1st      | B'leirao, L'dores, Paulista, Recopa Winners, CWC RU   |
| 2031    | Santos          | Brasileirao           | Brazil       | 1st      | Brasileirao, Paulista, Recopa Sudamericana Winners    |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2030    | Brazil          | Friendlies            | Various      | N/A      | Appointed in July, P5 W2 D2 L1                        |
| 2031    | Brazil          | Copa América          | S. America   | R-Up     | Copa América Runners Up, Resigned in July             |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2031/32 | Vélez           | Clausura              | Argentina    | 1st      | Clausura Winners, Joined in February                  |
| 2032/33 | Vélez           | Apertura              | Argentina    | 1st      | Apertura Winners, Left in December                    |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2032/33 | Newcastle       | Premier League        | England      | 7th      | FA Cup Runners Up, Joined in December                 |
| 2033/34 | Newcastle       | Premier League        | England      | 1st      | Premier League & League Cup Winners                   |
| 2034/35 | Newcastle       | Premier League        | England      | 1st      | Premier League, FA Cup, & Champions League Winners    |
| 2035/36 | Newcastle       | Premier League        | England      | 1st      | Premier League & CWC Winners, League Cup & CL R-Up    |
| 2036/37 | Newcastle       | Premier League        | England      | 1st      | Premier League, League Cup, & Champ's League Winners  |
| 2037/38 | Newcastle       | Premier League        | England      | 1st      | Premier League, FA Cup, Lg Cup & CWC Winners, CL R-Up |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2038/40 | England         | Euro 2040 Qualifiers  | Europe       | 1st      | Qualified for Euro 2040 in First Place                |
| 2040    | England         | Euro 2040             | Europe       | Grp A    | Finished 4th in Group A, Resigned                     |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2041    | Turkey          | Confederations Cup    | World        | Winners  | Confederations Cup Winners                            |
| 2040/42 | Turkey          | World Cup 2042 Quals  | World        | 1st      | Qualified for World Cup 2042 in First Place           |
| 2042    | Turkey          | World Cup 2042        | World        | 4th      | World Cup 4th Place                                   |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next Season:

I've really enjoyed my time with Turkey, and I'm gutted that we didn't get to the final and have another shot at Saudi Arabia for the title. Especially gutted (can you tell?) that it was because of a dive by a Brazilian, a man from the country that adopted me and that I called my home for 5 years.

I think it's time to go back into club football.

[SnakeXe]

Can I ask, and I mean this in all seriousness.....but what the **** is going on in your save??? Cameroon & then Saudi Arabia .

I'm loving it I have to say! Great to see nations from other confederations doing so well. That's two African World Cup winners and one Asian now. I'd be delighted if that were the case IRL

[SnakeXe]

Name: Hellas Verona Football Club

Nicknames: Gialloblu (yellow-blues), Mastini (mastiffs), i Greci (the Greeks)

Founded: 1903

Stadium: Marcantonio Bentegodi, 38,402 (all-seater) capacity

Status: Professional

From Wikipedia:

Founded in 1903 by a group of high school students, the club was named Hellas (the Greek word for Greece), at the request of a professor of Classics. At a time in which football was played seriously only in the larger cities of the Northwest of Italy, most of Verona was indifferent to the growing sport. However, when in 1906 two city teams chose the city's Roman amphitheatre as a venue to showcase the game, crowd enthusiasm and media interest began to rise.

Although the 1984–1985 squad was made up of a healthy mix of emerging players and mature stars, at the beginning of the season no one would have regarded the team as having the necessary ingredients to make it to the end. Certainly the additions of Hans-Peter Briegel in midfield and of Danish striker Preben Elkjær to an attack that already featured the wing play of Pietro Fanna, the creative abilities of Antonio Di Gennaro and the scoring touch of Giuseppe Galderisi were to prove crucial.

To mention a few of the memorable milestones on the road to the scudetto: a decisive win against Juventus (2–0), with a goal scored by Elkjær after having lost a boot in a tackle just outside the box, set the stage early in the championship; an away win over Udinese (5–3) ended any speculation that the team was losing energy at the midway point; three straight wins (including a hard fought 1–0 victory against a strong AS Roma side) served notice that the team had kept its polish and focus intact during their rival's final surge; and a 1–1 draw in Bergamo against Atalanta secured the title with a game in hand.

As the Wikipedia quote mentions, the major event in Verona's history is the 1985 Scudetto win. I definitely suggest reading up about it if you can - there's an article in one issue of The Blizzard, and also Tim Parks' excellent book, "A Season With Verona". I know Crouchy shares my affinity for the Gialloblu, and I hope he won't mind me stepping on his toes a little as he's already managing them in his career thread! I couldn't pass up the chance when I saw the job available halfway through the World Cup, so I stuck in my application and picked up the job just before the quarter-final against Cameroon. I've tried to keep things realistic by not touching anything at the club until I returned from the World Cup.

Since the start of my save Verona have been stalwarts of Serie B, on 3 occasions dropping to Serie C1A, but one season in the promised land of Serie A back in 2022/23. Unfortunately, the reason the job was available was they'd just dropped for the 4th time - which I have to be perfectly honest and mention I hadn't noticed until I joined the club! Obviously the target for me is to get back to Serie B sharpish, and then look to build to get the club back into the big time.

[SRL88]

This is a change for the record book .

[SnakeXe]

World Club Football... 30 Years On

Argentina

Boca Juniors (+11) x32

Vélez (+3) x11

Newell's (+3), Independiente (+1) x5

River (+1) x3

Belgrano, Estudiantes (LP), Lanús, Rosario Central (+1) x1

Australia

Sydney FC (+3) x7

Melbourne Victory (+3) x6

Central Coast Mariners (+1) x5

Adelaide United, Newcastle United Jets (+1) x3

Brisbane Roar, Wellington Phoenix (+2) x2

Perth Glory, Gold Coast United x1

Brazil

Santos (+4) x14

Corinthians (+5) x11

Flamengo x2

Palmeiras, Vasco, Sport Recife (+1) x1

China

Guangzhou (+7) x15

Shandong (+2) x5

Beijing, Fuli (+1) x4

Tianjin, Dalian x1

England

Arsenal (+1) x9

Manchester United x8

Newcastle United (+7) x7

Chelsea (+1) x3

Tottenham Hotspur x2

Manchester City, Liverpool (+1) x1

France

Olympique Lyonnais (+4) x18

Paris Saint-Germain (+4) x8

Marseille (+2) x5

Germany

Dortmund (+6) x13

FC Bayern (+1) x6

Leverkusen x4

Werder Bremen (+1) x3

Freiburg, Wolfsburg (+1), Schalke (+1) x1

India

Dempo (+6) x14

Pune FC (+3) x7

Mohun Bagan x5

Salgaocar, HAL (+1) x2

Churchill Bros x1

Ireland

Shamrock Rovers (+9) x26

Sligo Rovers x2

Finn Harps, Cork City (+1) x1

Italy

AC Milan (+3) x12

Inter (+3) x7

Juventus (+2) x5

Fiorentina x4

Roma (+2) x3

Mexico

América (MEX) (+5), Monterrey (+3) x13

Tigres (+5) x9

Chivas x7

Pumas (+2) x6

Pachuca, Veracruz x3

Morelia x2

Xolos Tijuana, Atlante, Toluca (+1) x1

Netherlands

Ajax (+3) x13

PSV (+4) x9

Vitess (+1) x6

FC Twente, Feyenoord (+1), FC Utrecht (+1) x1

Northern Ireland

Linfield (+10) x25

Crusaders x5

Dundela x1

Portugal

Benfica (+2) x11

Porto (+1), Sporting CP (+3) x7

Braga (+3) x5

Marítimo (+1) x1

Russia

CSKA Moscow (+2) x15

Spartak Moscow (+4) x10

Zenit (+2) x4

Rubin (+1), Anji (+1) x1

Scotland

Celtic (+7) x20

Rangers (+2) x8

Dundee (+1) x2

Inverness CT (+1) x1

South Africa

Ajax CT (+4) x12

Kaizer Chiefs (+3) x7

Orlando Pirates (+1) x6

Sundowns (+2) x3

SuperSport Utd, FS Stars, Jomo Cosmos x1

South Korea

Suwon (+1) x9

Jeonbuk (+3) x5

Seoul, Daegu (+4) x4

Chunnam x3

Gyeongnam (+2) x2

Seongnam, Sangju, Pohang x1

Spain

Barcelona (+1), Real Madrid (+1) x11

Valencia (+5) x6

Atlético Madrid (+2) x2

Sevilla (+1) x1

USA

Los Angeles, Toronto FC (+2) x5

Houston (+2), San Jose (+2) x3

DC United, New York, Sporting Kansas City, Colorado, Chivas USA (+2) x2

Seattle, Portland (+1), Chicago (+1) x1

Wales

Llanelli (+3) x15

Neath (+7) x11

Aberystwyth x3

Haverfordwest x2

-----

Africa (CAF Champions League)

Al-Ahly (Egypt) (+3) x7

Zamalek (Egypt) (+4) x6

ES Tunis (Tunisia) x5

Club Africain (Tunisia) (+2) x3

Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia), Ajax CT (South Africa), Raja Casablanca (Morocco) (+1) x2

CS Sfax (Tunisia), Ismaily (Egypt), Sundowns (South Africa) x1

Asia (AFC Champions League)

Sepahan (Iran) (+5) x9

Al-Ittihad (KSA) (Saudi Arabia) (+2) x6

Al-Ahli (KSA) (Saudi Arabia), Persepolis (Iran) (+2) x3

Nagoya Stolz (Japan), Suwon (South Korea), Al-Hilal (KSA) (Saudi Arabia), Seoul (South Korea), Fuli (China), Shandong (China), Central Coast Mariners (Australia), Al-Arabi (QAT) (Qatar), Al-Qadisiyah (KSA) (Saudi Arabia) (+1) x1

Europe (UEFA Champions League)

Real Madrid (Spain) (+1) x5

Arsenal (England) (+1) x4

Manchester United (England), Newcastle United (+3) x3

Chelsea (England), Barcelona (Spain), Inter (Italy) (+1), Atlético Madrid (Spain) (+2) x2

Liverpool (England), AC Milan (Italy), Paris Saint-Germain (France), Dortmund (Germany), Werder Bremen (Germany), Olympique Lyonnais (France), Olympique Marseille (France) (+1), Sevilla (Spain) (+1) x1

North America (CONCACAF Champions League)

Tigres (Mexico) (+5) x7

Monterrey (Mexico) x5

Pumas (Mexico) (+2) x4

Chivas (Mexico), Cruz Azul (Mexico) x3

America (MEX) (Mexico), Veracruz (Mexico) (+1) x2

Los Angeles (USA), Atlante (Mexico), New York (USA), Houston (USA) (+1), Chicago (USA) (+1) x1

Oceania (OFC Champions League - Unplayable)

Auckland City (New Zealand) (+6) x19

Waitakere United (New Zealand) (+4) x12

South America (Copa Libertadores)

Santos (Brazil) (+4) x9

Boca Juniors (Argentina) (+4) x7

Corinthians (Brazil) x3

Flamengo (Brazil), Monterrey (Mexico) (+1) x2

Colo Colo (Chile), Libertad (Paraguay), Tigres (Mexico), Chivas (Mexico), Internacional (Brazil), Atlético Mineiro (Brazil), Newell's (Argentina) (+1) x1

Club World Cup

Real Madrid (Spain) (+1), Arsenal (England)(+1) x3

Pumas (Mexico), Chivas (Mexico), Chelsea (England), Barcelona (Spain), Inter (Italy) (+1), Newcastle United (England) (+2), Atlético Madrid (Spain) (+2) x2

Santos (Brazil), Liverpool (England), Paris Saint-Germain (France), Dortmund (Germany), Werder Bremen, América (MEX) (Mexico), Internacional (Brazil), Olympique Lyonnais (France) (+1), Olympique Marseille (France) (+1), Tigres (Mexico) (+1) x1

[SnakeXe]

This is a change for the record book .

Yeah probably stretching the realism factor a little - World Cup semi-final to Serie C1A - but I like to think my manager is easily jaded by top-level football, and wants to get back to a simpler form of the game.

[Nobby_McDonald]

Christ, the Saudis win the World Cup.

[jayahr]

Christ, the Saudis win the World Cup.

LOL

What a shame you didn't make it

I just went online already wondering whether you managed to get that cup. That's how much I like following this

Pretty spectacular move for Verona. Good luck there

Did you keep the Turkey job at the same time or did you resign? I guess managing a 3rd division club could realistically be reconcilable with being the national coach of a world class nation when having a world class reputation.

[SnakeXe]

LOL

What a shame you didn't make it

I just went online already wondering whether you managed to get that cup. That's how much I like following this

Pretty spectacular move for Verona. Good luck there

Did you keep the Turkey job at the same time or did you resign? I guess managing a 3rd division club could realistically be reconcilable with being the national coach of a world class nation when having a world class reputation.

Haha well I'm glad you find it that engaging!

I quit Turkey - I've never liked managing club and international simultaneously, the international job just seems to get in the way of the serious business of the club, and the friendlies in particular become a complete chore. This is the first time I've done international management by itself and I have to say it's much better that way.

The Turkish FA was very pleased with my performance at the World Cup though, so I guess expectations at international level are down to country reputation rather than world ranking as we were ranked #1 for the whole of my reign.

[crouchaldinho]

Unlucky on the World Cup Semi. I know how it feels to go so far but yet still be so far away from getting that trophy!

And, oh my god, Hellas Verona! Welcome to Verona and good luck! Please don't show me up by hugely overachieving with them!

[SnakeXe]

Unlucky on the World Cup Semi. I know how it feels to go so far but yet still be so far away from getting that trophy!

And, oh my god, Hellas Verona! Welcome to Verona and good luck! Please don't show me up by hugely overachieving with them!

It was very frustrating, especially to be undone like that - seeing the "that looked like a dive" commentary line as the ref was calling Kurtar over!

I'm sure I won't progress anything like as rapidly as you have! I'm hoping to bounce back straight away because we're far too good for Serie C1A - one of our midfielders is top-half Serie A quality (but is obviously head and shoulders over the rest of our players) - but I think it'll take some building to get into Serie A and stay there. Obviously my reputation helps in attracting players, but it'll only go so far when the budget is small.