mistahc Posted February 23, 2013 Author Share Posted February 23, 2013 Brodie Daly was born in Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton to a family of farmers, and spent his youth helping on the farm. At 18 he flew the coop and went to Brighton to study agriculture, in the hope one day of taking over the running of the business. In his first week in the city he met a girl down the local nightclub and fell in lust. It transpired that she played for the Brighton Ladies team, and before he could get her name and number she had been dragged away by her friends and he lost sight of her. He did his research and found that they played at the Withdean Stadium so he headed down to see if he could talk to her. On arrival he found there was a small £1 cover charge and excitedly paid his money and chatted to the old girl taking the cash and selling cups of tea. "Amazing this, I didn't even know that there was a league for this type of football. Are they any good?" "Not really. They looked useless in training to be honest. Doubt the opponents are much better, Archdales they are called. Not going to be a great game I expect." "Oh okay, I can't wait to watch them play. You see, I have a bit of a crush on the striker." "Oh right. Seems a bit of an odd reason to come for the football, but it is Brighton after all. Do you mean the new signing Lee?" "Lea? is that her name? Ah she's beautiful, and has a great body." "I guess so, I can tell you he's a nice person and loves a nice cup of tea." "Does she? Good to know. Thanks." And off he went to find the love of his life, Lea, which he presumed was short for Leanne. He was surprised to see the stand was empty and he did a quick head count of 19 people including him and a few dogs. He had heard an expression about one man and his dog, but had no idea it was actually true. He was even more surprised when a men's team run out, and looked desperately for the girl. He heart quickened and he felt an unmistakeable urge to burst into tears. He decided this must be a warm up match, and was too embarrassed to go and ask when it was due to start. He got up to walk out but something forced him back into his seat so he sat down and slunk into the seat in the hope they came on later. He wasn't a football fan really, but for years told everyone he supported Man U purely based on their league win when he was an impressionable 10 year old. He could only remember the striker Horse-face Van Nistelrooy, which seemed an odd name, but he was European or something. He had never seen a live football match before and stood up to applaud the 6th minute opener by a young lad called Owen McCoy, but the other team scored 3 before the break. An old fella tried to start up a conversation with him and he listened to the man rattle on for a bit about football back in his day and something called the Goldstone Ground. He had no idea who Peter Ward was, so just nodded his head as the old man bored the arse of him. After 15 minutes of smiling inanely the football restarted and the old man went back to his seat, and it dawned on him that he was in the Gay capital of England so presumed the man must be hitting on him, as why else would he be talking to him. He squirmed in his seat and looked out again for Leanne in the hope she'd sit with him and pretend to be his girlfriend. McCoy scored again but they lost 3-2, and he found it marginally entertaining. He sat for a good 20 minutes after but it seemed the ladies team weren't coming out. He would have to come back next week. By the time the friendlies were over he had forgotten about the girl and had a new love, and was telling everyone about an exciting talent called McCoy who was the new Michael Owen and destined for a top level career. He went to every home game, and some of the important away games too. He famously brought a pig to the first FA Cup 4th round game, and still cringed at his "Hello mum" comment live on TV. He brought the swine from his family farm and named it after the iconic manager, and drunkenly gave it away as a gift while celebrating the famous win over Man United. He was delighted to see it adopted as the club mascot though, and offered to help look after it to ensure the manager didn't turn him into emergency bacon supplies. He was probably the clubs biggest fan; and was creator of the fan's internet forum "The flying pig", and founder and president of the Supporters club. He also was known as the instigator of all the songs, and the rest of the crowd followed his lead. He was an icon in his own right. He had three favourite club related moments; beating Manchester United, watching David Lee score 5 in a match, and the Brighton friendly in 2012. He knew of the plan to collect money for charity and offered his assistance. It was there that he was introduced to the new cheerleaders, and where he saw Leanne for the first time since the nightclub. Her name was actually Louise, but it didn't matter as he was just as smitten as he was before, and he finally got her number. Fast forward until today, and Brodie and Louise were getting ready for Sundays FA Trophy final against Lincoln. It was the club's and his 4th visit to Wembley for this fixture, and he fancied their chances. He was surprised the manager was playing the first team, as he thought the squad players were more than capable of winning, but guessed Connor was just playing it safe. They had no hope against Manchester United in the replay anyway, and had some players called up for International duty. Absent for the replay would be Jensen, Perez, Kiesel, Rytter and Jagic. And some of the others might be unfit too. He had heard a rumour Connor was trying to get Kiesel to withdraw as it was only a friendly, and hoped that was the case to at least keep it respectable. He didn't fancy another 7-0 hammering. As usual, the generous chairman Tony Gloom had arranged for a fleet of coaches to take the players, staff and families and the supporters club. At one point took every supporter, but their fan base had now swelled to record numbers so it was far too expensive so they restricted it to season ticket holders. Brodie travelled with the cheerleaders, which included some of the coaching staff, so he took the opportunity to ask some questions for the fan's forum. He had a section called "ask the club" and was able to put the questions directly to either Tony, Connor, or his assistant. He had Martin Rowland's attention so covered the current unanswered queries. "User 'David Lee's hairgel' is asking if the big man will be sold this summer as he's not playing much." "No, Connor want's him and Murray to play some part in the first League game next season." "Excellent. Connor's contract expires in the summer, and user 'King Con' wants to know if he's going to leave at the end of the summer?" "Course not. He loves this club and isn't going anywhere." "Phew. Okay, user 'Matt' is asking if the prices will go up next season with league football?" "You'd have to ask Tony, but I'd expect so. It might be £14.60 on average this season, but it's still cheaper than most clubs at our level. Season ticket holders like you only paid about £10 a ticket over the course of the year. Tony always wanted it to be as cheap as possible for the fans, and see it's as a family club." "Oh well, still good value for money. That was it, cheer Martin." The coaches arrived in good time and the occupants streamed out into the glorious Spring sunshine, and made their way to their seats. The 90'000 all seater stadium looked sparse, and would still later even when the 25'035 were in attendance. Brodie had a seat right in front of the crowd and people came to shake his hand and talk to him, and he revelled in the spot light. The team ran out and he cheered loudly and stood and applauded, the rest of the fans followed suit. The Stadium announcer read the team out and he ensured he cheered loudly for each one, even though the noise would noticeably increase for the fan's favourite. "In goal, number 14 Richard Moravec." "Horaaayyy!" "2 Mathias Jensen." "Horrrraaaayy! "3 Luke Garbutt." "Horay!" "4 Jean-Pierre Perez." "Hoorrrraayyy!" "5 Maciej Kisiel." "Hoorrrraayyy!" "15 Vadims Polakovs." "Hooray!" "23 Serge Priso." "Hooorrraayyy!" "Number 6, Captain Dale Finnis." "Horray!" "11 Alexander Kacaniklic." "Hoorraayy!" "10 Samir Jagic." "Hhoooorrrraaaayyyy!" "8 Clause Rytter." "Hoorraay!" The players lined up and Brodie got the crowd singing. "Give us a P......." 5 minutes later he got to the last letter, and he wished the club chose a shorter name. "What does it spell?" The game kicked off and he roared a chant to the tune of we are sailing to get the atmosphere going. "We are super, we are super, the super hoops, from Brighton town. We are super, we are super, the super hoops and you're going down." He wasn't the best at song writing, but at least he tried. The away fans sung the normal song reserved for clubs from the city of Brighton. "We can see you holding hands, we can see you holding hands" They sang back the usual response. "You're too ugly, you're too ugly, you're too ugly to be gay, you're too ugly to be gay." It came back again. "Does your boyfriend know your here?" Louise sang back that he was with her, but the team did the talking on the pitch as Rytter finished from close range, to give the ideal response. "1-0, to the nancy boys, 1-0 to the nancy boys." Brodie and Louise cheered and sang as Kacaniklic scored a second, and they did the Poznan as Polakovs made it three before half-time. They were cruising, and took the foot of the gas in the second half to see the game out. He made sure he got the crowd singing the praises of the Manager and Chairman, and of the the club legends past and present. Hands were held out and slapped as the victorious team ran up the steps to collect their record forth FA Trophy winners medal. If all went to plan this would be the last time they would enter the competition as it was reserved for applicants from the non-league only. Murray wasn't on the bench as he was certain to start against Manchester United, so as Captain Dale Finnis stepped up to be presented the trophy. He beckoned over the Club Captain to lift it with him and they triumphantly held it aloft together. It was their 14th Trophy win in just 4 years, but widely unrecognised across the football world due to the low level. The club would be unknown if it wasn't for their continued FA Cup heroics, but their manager was the most decorated in the last 4 years and fast making a name for himself. 22.03.15 - FAT Final - Lincoln (N) W 3-0 –Rytter, Kacaniklic, Polakovs Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistahc Posted February 24, 2013 Author Share Posted February 24, 2013 Connor had only one reason to feel positive about the FA Cup 6th round replay. He asked the integral Maciej Kisiel to withdraw from the Poland U21 squad as it was just a friendly. This meant the team was only missing Jagic, Rytter, Perez and Jensen, although some were playing their second game in four days. It meant a re-call for some old favourites and in came Lee, Dário and Murray. Philipp Franz covered the right-back spot. He was fidgety so went to the kennels to take his Greyhound for a walk, and this put things into perspective. He was actually sending out a team better than the one that beat the Manchester club a few years earlier, but Dário was on the decline as a footballer and was not the class act he once was. He took a call from a reporter from the local paper the Evening Argus, who was publishing a piece on the team that played in the last game, and confirmed that Lee and Murray were starting later. He bought a copy of the paper a few hours later and read the piece. Goalkeeper Luke Mcann was also in the Blue Square Premier league with Altrincham. Right-back Daniel Wilkinson was with Barrow of the BSP. Left-Back Thomas Lyskov had retired from the game, and was back in his native Denmark training to be a teacher. Centre-back Fergus Carroll had retired and moved back to Australia where he managed properties. Captain and Centre-back Colin Murray would have the arm-band again. Anchor midfielder Erik Hummel was still at the club but in the reserves. He was out of contract in the summer and expected to leave. Central midfielder Harry Rubbins had signed for League One Brentford in the summer. Central midfielder Shane O'Brien was still at the club but in the reserves. He was out of contract in the summer and expected to leave. Attacking midfielder Mick Mooney had retired from the game and returned to Ireland where he worked in a bar. Striker Trevor Benjamin had retired from football, and was working as an estate agent in Leicester. Striker David Lee was still at the club, and his two goals on the day propelled him to club legend status. Sub Goalie was Colin Cassidy was at League 1 Gillingham. Sub striker Ishamel Lammy now played for Evo-Stik Southern D1 side Chalfont St. Peter. Sub Michael Reay had retired from the game but was the club ambassador. Fellow subs Tom Piper, Jassim Alali, Stewart Doherty, and Andrea Zola had all retired from the game and continued their day jobs. The article also summerized Man U's players current location. GK - Lindegaard - Still at Man U and played in the recent 2-2 Old Trafford draw DR - Reece Brown - Ipswich DL - Fabio - Man U and expected to play tonight (24 Brazil caps) DC - Michele Fornasier - Swansea DC - Chris Smalling - Man U and expected to play tonight (21 England Caps) AMR - Antonio Valencia - Man U (74 Ecuador caps) MC - Anderson -AC Milan (9 Brazil caps) MC - Phil Jones - Man U and expected to play tonight (20 England Caps) AML - Park Ji-Song - Newcastle (92 S.Korea caps) SC - Davide Petrucci - Port Vale SC - Sam Byrne - retired Subs Tomasz Kuszcak - Gatafe Ben Pearson - Southend Luke Shaw - Man U Jack Barmby - Sheff Wed Federic Veseli - Wycombe Mats Daehli - Leicester Adnan Januzaj - Man U The paper listed the expected line-ups and his own team was right, but he seriously hoped the reporter was wrong about the opposition as it looked very strong. He was still nervously mooching around the flat so headed to the ground early, where at least he might find someone there to distract him. He was delighted to see Doris there and had a nice chat to her over a cup of tea. A few hours later he was standing in front of his players and motivating them. He was at least confidence in his defence, but worried how they'd score with a combined age of his strikers 69 years old. Finally the opposition team sheet was passed on and Martin Rowlands read it out. "In Goal, David de Gea. The Spanish international rated at £17 million. In defence Fabio, Raphael, Smalling and Jones. In Midfield Isla and Andile Jali, a defensive midfielder with 64 caps for South Africa, with Di Maria and Valencia on the wings. The Brazilian Ganso is playing in the hole. Up front Javier Hernadez, the Mexican has 64 international goals in 80 caps with over 100 goals for Man U." There were a few nervous looks passed around so Connor alleviated their fears. "Come on lads, go out there and enjoy yourselves and make the most of the occassion. We've done brilliantly to get this far, so just have fun." The ground was full, and again the capacity was swelled by some watching from the tree's outside the ground. The game kicked off to loud roars and Manchester United began their siege on the home sides goal, and Ganso spurned the first chance. Wave after wave of attack followed and Di Maria wasted more chances, and Moravec pulled of a few good saves and miraculously the sides went into the dressing room even. Connor had the attention so motivated them as best he could. In truth he had been expecting them to get slaughtered, so keeping them at bay for 45 minutes he considered a great achievement. The second half started the same as the first, with Ganso firing at goal. This time he was denied by a brilliant Moravec save rather than poor finishing, and the top level side continued their onslaught. Connor could see the tired legs so sent on Stefano Borracinni to replace Finnis, wishing he had some more players at his disposal. It made little difference as again Moravec was called into action and when he wasn't saving it, United were hitting the woodwork. He was beginning to believe that it was perhaps not United's day, and he sat up expectantly as his side finally got a chance as Priso slid a great ball for Dário to run on to. He was denied a shooting chance as a sliding tackle from Jones came in, but the tackle fired a shot goal wards which De Gea was forced to save. It only seemed to spur the big side on and they attacked in numbers again, but could just not find the killer touch as chance after chance went begging. Preston Park Celtic were feeding on scraps. They had hardly touched the ball and were under intense pressure, and would need a slice of luck to turn the game in their favour. Either that or a counter attacking opportunity. In the 82nd minute, they had the latter. Murray had been a giant all game and headed the ball clear to stop a fluid break, and it fell to Priso who flicked it forwards for Kacaniklic and it was suddenly 3 attackers versus 2 defenders in the centre circle. He played it to Lee who hit a beauty of a ball for Dário to run on to and the triangle move was perfect to release the African and put him 10 yards clear. The pace of youngsters Fabio and Jones caught up by the time the 38 year old got to the edge of the area and De Gea was advancing towards him, so he played the perfect lob. The crowd were on their feet, and the Spanish goalie frantically back-tracked as the ball floated over his head and started dropping towards the net. He dived backwards and somehow managed to tip it over the bar. Moravec was called into action again and again and United sought a winner, but in the 91st minute the home side had another chance as Polakovs was fouled 30 yards from goal by Fletcher. It was a shooting opportunity, but there was no Jagic so Polakovs dusted himself off and stepped forward in his absence. The crowd were silent and praying for a famous late winner. The Latvian sensed glory and he had a curler as it dipped over the wall, and then over the bar. It was the last chance of the game and extra time would be needed, which the heavy legs did not want and the players just collapsed where they were to have a rest. The Physio ran over to Lee and Dário and did some work to reduce the chances of cramp. Connor looked at his weak bench and considered making another sub, but decided against it as he didn't want to stop the momentum. He at least hoped the United players had tired themselves out, but they attacked again and again, and had 4 corners in a row as the defence held firm and threw themselves in front of everything. The spirit was epitomised when the ball fell to Hernadez in the 6 yard box and as he pulled the trigger both Murray and Franz flung their limbs in the way to send it spinning away. From the preceding corner they managed to give themselves a break as Franz hoofed it up field far away as possible, and Dário used his skill to force Fabio to concede a throw-in. They had a rare chance and the ball fell to Kacaniklic to make a mazy run and he ran down the right wing and skinned Jones to send a great cross in for the waiting Lee and Dário, who were surrounded by Smalling, Lovren and Fabio. All 5 seemed to jump for the same ball and as the ball bounced clear, Lee was first to re-act and had space. He smashed it goal wards and it bounced off the prone body of Fabio who was still on the floor, and De Gea smothered the loose ball. Manchester United finally began to tire and the non-league side had the ball for the first time. Lee crossed for Dário and De Gea was forced to palm his header away, and later he had a chance himself which was well saved. It was now half-time in extra-time and they were now having their best spell of the game. Connor made a gamble and took off Kacaniklic for Tim Droost. His manager hoped that his fresh legs might be able to create something in extra time, and the Dutchman was a good penalty taker if that was needed. The last 15 minutes were all United, and they had many chances to win the game. In the last minute the excellent Moravec spilled Cleverly's shot to almost undo all his fantastic work which saw him named as Man of the Match, but the colossal Murray was on hand to deny Ganso a late winner. 210 minutes of football could not separate the sides and it would need a penalty shoot-out. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistahc Posted February 24, 2013 Author Share Posted February 24, 2013 After the whistle went Richard Moravec sat in his goal watching his defence congratulate each other, he was mentally preparing for being the central part in the next act. Colin Murray came over his way and pulled him to his feet and gave him a big hug. "C'mon big man, you can be the hero here." He said nothing as he was trying to keep his focus and they both headed towards the team who were congregating as a group and his manager, Chairman and the assistant manager were striding purposely towards the shattered heroes. They looked like they had run a Marathon, and the stats would later show that Priso had covered 15km's in the game. Connor spoke. "Incredible stuff lads. Well done, well done. I'm so proud of you. They must have had 65% possession and God knows how you managed to keep them out when they had that many shots. So, our first penalty shoot out. Kind of wish we prepared for this now. So, who's up for taking one?" Richard looked around and saw both Lee and Murray shake their heads. Philipp Franz was the only person to look keen, and Drost was apparently brought on for that reason so they needed three more. Dário put his hand up, and reluctantly Kisiel and Priso agreed. "Excellent. Just keep your heads lads, it's a lottery so do what you can. When you line up, take the spot on the opposite side of the pitch and let the Mancs have the space near the stand. I'll get the fans to shout abuse at them to try and put them off." Murray was called over for the coin toss, and won it, so they went first. The ref pointed to the goal he wanted the kicks taken in, so Richard headed in that direction and could hear the shouts of encouragements from his team-mates behind him. He was a fan of the Penalty Shoot out, providing he wasn't in it. He remembered the goalkeeping coach telling him that FA games were just continually replayed until a winner was found, and one took 6 matches. He stood on the corner flag and saw his team-mates lined up on the centre-line linked by arms on each others shoulders like they were doing the Can-Can. Connor and Tony had to get off the pitch so were in the technical area and the young German defender was heading towards the spot with the ball in his hands, confident that his nationality gave him an extra advantage. He was a bit inexperienced at saving penalties so watched De Gea prepare, as he had seen him save one in the Super Cup when he was a kid. He watched him make himself look big and wave his arms about and wondered if that actually worked. Franz placed the ball down carefully, and the crowd hushed as he took a few steps back. He ran up and placed it into the bottom right corner with De Gea not even close. 1-0. Suddenly the nerves kicked it and as he jogged over he could feel himself shaking and his stomach gurgled. He looked up the pitch and heading towards him was Chicharito. He swallowed hard and tried to look confident. Hernadez placed the ball and strode back as Richard jumped on the spot and waved his arms in the air. He saw the striker looking at the spot to his right and wondered if that where he was going to place it. Or was that what he wanted him to think? Or was it a triple bluff? The striker started his run and he panicked about which way to dive, and even before it was kicked Moravec inexplicably started moving to his right. He knew the ball was going to his left before it was kicked and he tried to turn but it was too late. It was 1-1. He walked back to the post by the corner flag angry that he over-thought it. He couldn't watch Drost's penalty and turned his back. The crowd cheer told him all he needed to know. 2-1, an he was back in action. He jogged back purposefully and danced on the line and it was defender Lovren heading his way. He gave him self mental encouragement, and tried to visualise diving the right way and saving it. The Croatian seemed to take an age to start his run and he finally set off, he tried to second guess the placement and it went hard to his right. He was no-where near it and flapped his arms aimlessly, and waited to here the net swooshing. Instead he heard the unexpected hollow thump and a cheer, as the kick hit the post and went to safety. He jogged back happy with the miss, but cursing himself for not diving again. He watched Dário confidently step up and willed him to bury it, which he did coolly and he clenched his fists in joy. 3-1, and he had the opportunity to make himself a hero. He ran over with purpose and jogged on the spot as Ganso headed over, who looked full of confidence. He limbered up and shouted in his own head. "Dive, DIVE God damn it". The Brazilian played it to his left and central, and he had already committed to his right when he tried to pull out a strange dive where his arm was out to the left but he was moving to the right and away from the ball. He kicked the post in frustration and shook his head as he headed back. He blew the chance and it was 3-2. Kisiel was next up and headed over. Richard could see he was nervous and not surprised when he blazed it high and wide. Even from this distance he could tell he was upset. He was now up against Fletcher, and again went the wrong way ad it was buried top left. 3-3. Serge Priso was next up and placed the ball and rolled up his socks. He went for power and smashed it right down the middle where De Gea stayed to save it. Disaster, and if the next one was in, it was game over. He changed his tact; every time he jogged up it was him there first and over-thinking. He took his time and pretended to fiddle with his gloves while Jones looked impatiently at the spot. It was the Englishman for the win, and yet again the young keeper went the wrong way choosing his low left. Jones went the opposite corner and in slow motion Richard turned to look at it as it smacked of the post. He celebrated as if he had saved it, and jogged back. All of the 5 nominated takers had taken their kick and it was sudden death at 3-3. Both teams has a chance to win it, but now new takers were needed. David Lee took ownership and jogged forward confidently, having mentally kicked each previous one anyway. He placed the ball down and went to the bottom left and his heart stopped as De Gea chose right and got a hand to it. His heart restarted as it just squeezed in the corner. 4-3. Richard was up again and Valencia was the man to keep his side in it. The keeper had to stop to tie up his shoe-lace which he had loosened on purpose, which meant taking his gloves off and putting them back on again. The away fans started to boo and he finally got himself into the goal. The midfielder ran up and smashed it hard, as once more Moravec went off in the wrong direction, and sunk to his knees as it cleared the bar. The consequences sunk in and the keeper ran arms high in celebration, past the Ecuadorian with his hands covering his face, and towards the swarm of team mates coming his way. Not far behind were the coaching staff and all the fans streaming on to the pitch. They had done it again, and it was fitting that it was David Lee who got the winning penalty. 25.03.15 - FA Cup QF replay - Man United (H) D 0-0 - Preston Park Celtic through on penalties. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistahc Posted February 25, 2013 Author Share Posted February 25, 2013 Connor was lying in his bed. He had checked the results many times over due to the disbelief that his club had made it to the Semi Final of the FA Cup. He thought back to that moment when Perez hit the cross bar, and concluded that it was fate that they would beat Man U regardless of which match it was in. He had sometimes wondered if Brighton's history would have been different if they had won the FA Cup, but perhaps they still would have been in free-fall from that point on, even if they won. He actually fancied his chances against Stoke, as despite being in the Premier League they weren't playing well. If they got to the final by some miracle it would be an incredible achievement, as if Man City won the other semi, it could mean European football regardless of the result. The team had played out of their skin so many times they were like a snake. The league as always in this instance was a distraction; he just wanted the cup game to come as the league was a forgone conclusion and he could play the second string and still finish top comfortably. Which was lucky as before Stoke they had 8 games in 16 days, averaging a game every 2 days, to make up for the international rescheduling, which meant they would get plenty of game time. In the league run preceding the Stoke match, a few records were broken. Luke McCann in the Altrincham goal conceded 8 goals from 9 on target giving the Super Hoops their biggest win, despite Kiesel getting an early red card. Jagic scored a hat-trick in that game, and repeated that against Woking to make it 46 for the season, beating David Lee's record 44 total in his first season. While they were winning games, Stoke were losing and their morale was rock bottom. It was the perfect time to play them, and finally it was a televised game which meant a 12:45 Saturday Kick-off. Luckily it was only a short trip to Wembley, which was their 5th visit thanks to the FA Trophy finals. It was the ground they had played most on after their own, so was a pitch they were familiar with. The big difference this time was 60'000 people were expected, vastly more than previous visits. In the run up to the game the previous underdogs were getting the attention they deserved. The Wycombe side of 2001 lost in the Semi's against Liverpool despite their League 1 status. In 1997 Chesterfield made the semi's and it took a replay for Middlesbrough to beat them. Before them it was Plymouth Argyle in 1984 to get to this stage. Each team were worthy of the accolades for their exploits, but neither found it a spring board to better times. Wycombe dropped to League 2 in 2003, and were steadily in League 1 from 2009. Chesterfield had also flirted with League 2 before returning to League 1. Plymouth got to the Championship before falling to League 2 and skirting around bankruptcy. The team were in the dressing room looking expectantly at their manager waiting for a trademark pep talk. He had continued to rely on movies to provide the inspiration. "There's a, uhm, tradition in tournament play to not talk about the next step until you've climbed the one in front of you. I'm sure going to the Fa Cup final is beyond your wildest dreams, so let's just keep it right there. Forget about the crowds, the size of the crowd, their fancy league, and remember what got you here. Focus on the fundamentals that we've gone over time and time again. And most important, don't get caught up thinking about winning or losing this game. If you put your effort and concentration into playing to your potential, to be the best that you can be, I don't care what the scoreboard says at the end of the game. In my book, we're gonna be winners! OK?!" Both teams were playing their first choice squads, and they lined up in the tunnel next to their opposite number. Moravec and Begovic, Jensen and Clyne, Garbutt and Popov, Perez and Huth, Kisiel and Glik, Polakovs and Bourceanu, Priso and Palacios, Finnis and Fathi, Kacaniklic and Albrighton, Jagic and Walters, Rytter and Rodallega, and Connor and new Stoke Manager Ian Holloway. They got the signal and walked out the pitch, the respective colours were brightly represented in the crowd and the TV camera's were intrusive in their close-ups. Balloons and ticker tape circled in the wind, reflecting the bright sunshine. It seemed the neutrals were all supporting the underdogs, and the noise was incredible. Connor's game-plan was simple; pass it around, stay tight, and go for a goal from a set-piece or counter attack. Their opponents were known for their danger at the dead-ball too, so they would defend deep to limit chances. Jagic and Rytter kicked the game off to roars from the crowd, and the ball was passed around on the plush surface, and it was Kisiel who had the first two chances, the first a header from a free-kick which was saved, and the second from another set-piece he headed over. Jensen also had a fine effort held by the Stoke keeper and the opening half hour belonged to the underdog. The next 15 minutes was all Stoke, with Moravec and the defence denying Rodellaga and Palacios. It was not the most riveting game for the fans, but there was a final chance before the break as Huth expertly slid in to take the ball from Rytters foot for a corner. Polakovs stepped up to take it and the players were condensed 10 yards out and were pushing and shoving. The ball was flighted in to the 6 yard box and Perez shrugged off Glik to run and meet it with a fantastic leap, past Rodallega on the post. Begovic was no-where close as he was heading out to catch the cross, and looked at the ground while the Belgian defender ran to his Lativian team mate in celebration. Connor beamed with joy and pride in the half-time team talk and told them to keep it up for the fans. He urged them to concentrate on defending as Stoke had to go for it. And he was right, as they changed formation and brought Striker Jones on for winger Albrighton. His presence forced an early corner, and Kisiel put his 6ft4 frame to good use and cleared two in succession. Jones and Rodallega both hit efforts over the bar before a good move saw Kacaniklic send a fierce pile-driver towards goal which was tipped behind for another corner. Kisiel rattled the bar, and it was from corners they looked most dangerous as later Perez headed one horribly wide when he should have hit the target. Chances were at a premium, but Moravec was the hero with a world-class save from Walters. Preston Park Celtic did brilliantly to nullify Stoke and Perez was a rock in defence, and they celebrated with passion as the whistle blew; the Blue Square Premier League side had won 1-0 and were unbelievably into the FA Cup final. On the Sunday Connor was pinching himself and they all met up at the ground to watch the other Semi-Final between Man City and Newcastle. The Geordies were the beaten Carling Cup finalists, and were 9th in the Premier League. While on paper they were probably the preferred choice, but as the Citizens were in forth place their participation in the final could guarantee European Football as they were likely to qualify through their league position. Edin Dzeko scored the only goal to see City through, and like Millwall in 2004, the lower league finalists seemed certain of a European spot regardless of the result. They only had 6 games left in the Premier League and had a good distance over Liverpool 6th place. They were also in the Champions League Semi-Final, so had an additional chance of making the Champions League from that channel. He gave his heroes the next game off and Dário was trying to earn himself an FA Cup final spot and scored 5 in the 6-1 win. They all played in front of an impressive crowd of 1421 who gave them their deserved acclaim as they romped to a 5-1 win over Kidderminster. Despite being tired, the first choice turned out a few days later for the last game of the season to complete another remarkable 100% winning season. League football was confirmed for next season, and they still had the FA Cup final to come. 31.03.15 - League - Tamworth (A) W 3-0 -Lund, Kelly, Crouch 02.04.15 - League - Altrincham (A) W 8-1 -Kacaniklic(4), Jagic(3), Jensen 04.04.15 - League - York (A) W 3-0 -Drost, Finnis, Priso 06.04.15 - League - Aldershot (H) W 4-0 -Rytter(2), Jagic(2) 08.04.15 - League - Fleetwood (A) W 5-0 -Lee, Kelly, Priso(2), Hysky 11.04.15 - League - Woking (H) W 4-0 -Jagic(3), Rytter 13.04.15 - League - Grimsby (H) W 4-0 -Lee, Kral, Luongo, Affane 15.04.15 - League - Stockport (A) W 1-0 -Roschier 18.04.15 - FA Cup Semi-Final - Stoke (N) W 1-0 - Perez 21.04.15 - League - Southport (H) W 6-1 - Dario(5), Lee 23.04.15 - League - Kidderminster (H) W 5-1 - Jagic(3), Kacaniklic, Rytter 25.04.15 - League - Darlington (A) W 3-1 - Jagic(2), Finnis Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistahc Posted February 25, 2013 Author Share Posted February 25, 2013 They had a nice 3 weeks off before the game, so were able to rest and enjoy themselves. Most were still working, and hoping that the club would turn professional so they could get a full-time contract and fulfil the dream. The season had ended for the club so Connor was doing a lot of Premiership and Champions League watching to pass the time and to watch City's final run. With a week to go they were joint third with Chelsea and Spurs on 65 points, and had dispatched Real Madrid in the semi-final's. They now had to play their Manchester Rivals who needed the win to seal the Premier League, and win their third in a row and 15th Premier League title in just 23 years. It was just the type of game that Connor could have wished for a few days before the final. Nasri got both goals, to give Arsenal a chance to pull some points back on the Saturday. Connor's native Ireland continued to irate him, as they announced 35 year old Richard Dunne was the new captain, with Richard Dunne as the vice captain. He cursed Hughton for making the stereotype true of the land of his birth that they were all stupid. In the build-up press conference Connor sat next to Man City supremo Jose Mourinho as they were peppered with questions. "Jose, you joined this club in July 2013 after your Real team were embarrassingly beaten to the title by Barcelona yet again. Did your feud with Ricardo Cruz cause your shock decision to replace Mancini here at City?" "Why are you asking me this? I've been here nearly two years, won the FA Cup and Champions League, and came second in the Premier League in my first season. And this year here we are again, another FA Cup and European Cup Final, and we have a chance of getting second place in the league again and only 3 points from the top. I am the Special One." "Do you think you'll win today?" "The team, of course. Me, no. They are a non-league team but they are organised and solid. We will be expected to win 10-0 but it's unlikely, so I'll be cascaded and hounded by you reporters. It's a lose/lose for me." "And what do you think of your opposite number today Connor Clarke?" "What can I say, he's next to me! I'm kidding, he is genuinely one of the nicest guys in football. To get his team this far is amazing, perhaps he is the Special One? He reminds me of me in my Porto days with the way his side dominate the league. Isn't the FA Trophy called the non-league FA Cup? He won his forth in a row this year, and we could win three in a row for the first time ever. Yes, I think you can call him the lower league Mourinho, and I'd be proud of the comparison." "Connor, what do you say to that?" "It's a great compliment, but he probably thinks that just because we knocked out Man U. He's a great guy too and has done brilliantly since he came here. I know his spats with Ricardo have created much controversy, but I find him charming and engaging and we get on well. Not that we've met until today." "And do you fancy your chances tomorrow?" "Errrrm.... yes, no, of course. Well I watched them beat Real Madrid 5-1 a few weeks ago, who are a great side, and while I think my side could play comfortably in the Championship, City are going to be the best team they have played against for a good while." "And how do you think Sergio Aguero's absence will impact the game?" "Well he's a great footballer, but we are missing our centre-back with Perez on international duty. And I've got a builder to replace him! Jose has Balotelli, Yarmolenko, Tevez and Dzeko to call on. His squad are valued at £172 million to our 1.3. Their annual wage bill is £142 million and ours is £743k, which is nothing compared to even Luton in our league who spend £1.65 million. They have spent £475 million on their current squad, and I have spent just £8k. Jose, can you imagine spending just £8000 on a player?" "Ha ha Connor my friend, I think Tevez's boots cost more than that. Mario hands that sort of cash out from his car around Manchester." "Finally a question to the both of you, any team news you can give us?" "Well my team is picked. Moravec in goal, Jensen, Franz, Kisiel and Murray at the back, Polakovs, Finnis, Priso and Kacaniklic in midfield, and Jagic and Rytter up front. On the bench Madsen, Roschier, Borraccini, Clarke, Garbutt, Lee and Dário." "Well if he is sharing, so will I. Hart in goal, Corchia, Clichy, Vertonghen, and Kompany at the back. Touré, Modric, Torje, Nasri in midfield, and Yarmolenko and Dzeko up front. On the bench Ospina, Zabaleta, de Jong, Fischer, Jaielka, Milner and Tevez." Connor audibly breathed out and sighed, and the reporters picked up up it. "So Connor, he has Tevez on the bench and you have a young lad who's only scored 4 in 11 games for Dover. Worried?" "Well anything can happen on the day. We'll try to play our natural game and if we end up on the wrong end of a hiding we won't disgrace our selves as we've done brilliantly to get this far. It really is the magic of the cup as far as I am concerned. They play the beautiful game the way it's meant to be played, so we'll set our stall out early doors, and give it 110%. They are a great team on paper, but at the end of the day paper teams win paper cups. It's a big ask, and we just want to go out there and make a good account of ourselves." "Thanks very much, enjoy tomorrow." They shook hands as wished each other the best of luck, both expecting a high scoring victory to the big boys. Connor and Tony were replicating the Wembley trip routine; complete with fry-up, and coaches laid on for the full playing squad, all staff and their families and friends. It was their big day out, and they were determined to make the most of it. On the coach they were discussing European qualification. "I'm not sure how this works. If Man City come forth or win the final next week, then they get the European Cup next season. But if they fail in both, does that mean they get UEFA Cup football through the FA Cup or the league? And if that happens, does the other spot go to us as runners up or to the Premier League position?" "I have no idea, but crossing my fingers that they come 4th or win the Champions League to make sure. Can you imagine us playing at some of the big European clubs? Incredible." After soaking up the atmosphere they gathered in the training room and Connor addressed the team. "I know what you are all thinking, how the hell did this happen? Us, at Wembley, in the FA Cup final. Against the richest club in the world. Forget about who's on the pitch, let me tell you where our achievements stack in Europe. In 2000, Calais, an amateur club playing in the fourth division, made it to the French cup final, where they took the lead against Nantes before losing 2-1 to a late penalty. While the Nantes team were valued at around £20m, Calais boasted a full-time staff of two; the chief executive Claude Thiriot and the manager Ladislas Lozano, who suffered a heart attack amid the semi-final celebrations. Sound familiar? Mange tout lads, mange tout." The players looked at their enigmatic Manager and then at the massive frame of their Chairman, and decided that it was more likely Tony would have the heart attack if they won today. Connor continued. "Think that's a one off? Gretna's run to the Scottish Cup final in 2006 should also provide you with some hope. Gretna had been playing in the Scottish League for just four years by the time they faced Hearts at Hampden. A late equaliser took the game to penalties, which Hearts won 4-2." "Wow, and did those clubs go on to great things afterwards?" "Ummmm, well they were both liquidated due to financial problems. But don't think of that, think of the team of teachers, dock workers, gardeners, shop assistants and office clerks that went into half-time against one of the top French sides. Anything is possible if you try hard enough." "Including telekinesis? Can you put the ball in the net for us then?" "Okay, except telekinesis. Or pulling a supermodel. Long live the underdog! Let's get out there and give the over-paid pampered footballers the fright of their lives." Captain Colin Murray led the roars and they ran on to the pitch. The wave of noise hit them and their mouths sagged open; they were agog at the sight of 90'000 people that were here to see them play. They lined up and Murray introduced his players to Prince William and the FA Contingent, each shaking hands firmly. They stood solemnly as a young x-factor winner belted out Abide with me and hairs were standing on the back of their necks. Most looked to the floor or the sky, or just stared blankly in front of them. They shook hands with the opposition as they passed and posed for a group photo before Colin Murray went to the coin toss. He thumped his fists in triumph as he ran back, indicating they would kick off in a few minutes. He could see some looked nervous so he clapped his hands and called them all over for an impromptu huddle. He had been researching his own speech, which he thought was a good time to do it. "I know you are scared. I can see it in your eyes. They're bigger, faster, stronger, more experienced and on paper, they're just better than us. And they know it too. But I want to tell you something that they don't know. They don't know your heart. I do. I've seen it. You have shown it to me. You have shown the coaching staff, your manager. You have shown yourselves just exactly who you are in here." He thumped his chest dramatically, and continued. "When you take that field today, you've got to lay that heart on the line, men. From the souls of your feet, with every ounce of blood you've got in your body, lay it on the line until the final whistle blows. And if you do that, if you do that, we cannot lose. We may be behind on the scoreboard at the end of the game but if you play like that we cannot be defeated. Now we came here today with a mass of support who will not be on the field with us today, but they will be watching. The whole world will be watching. You can bet your ass that they'll be gritting their teeth with every tackle out there, and every shot on target. Everyone will want us to win bar City fans. Everyone will be willing us to do well. You understand me? How you play today, from this moment on is how you will be remembered. This is your opportunity to rise from these ashes and grab glory. We've had a rest, and we break up after this, so let's give it our all. C'mon lads, let's do this." They roared again and he gave each one a motivational slap on the bottom, and he gave a big thumbs up to the bench and ran to his defensive line as Rytter and Jagic ran up to start the game. The game started slowly, and it was passed around the stunning pitch. In the 7th minute Nasri made room down the channel and crossed it inot the mixer. Kisiel got there first but it was a wild clearance and it went out for a corner. He didn't better and cleared it, but nerves were clearly getting to him. A minute later Dzeko blasted a banana shot wide from outside the area. City had chance after chance but found the part-timers resilient and constantly in their way. When they finally got through they found Moravec in scintillating form, and he made a finger tip save to divert a header from Yarmolenko over the bar. More chances fell their way but shots were wayward, and somehow the minnows managed to hold on to half-time drawing. "Gladiator like performance lads, incredible back to the walls stuff. Keep going, we've got nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Let's have more of the same." The game restarted as it ended, with Man City dominating and attacking. Even when they had the ball they couldn't do anything with it as Jensen had to exchange passes with Moravec before hoofing it up field under constant pressure. Clichy headed it back to Touré, and Polakovs tackled him, but the Ivorian won it back and showed class to dribble and release a shot that Moravec gratefully held to his chest. City continued to pressure and attempts fell their way, and Connor was forced into some subs to try and change the game. Polaovs was carrying an injury, so was replaced by Borraccini, and in a purely nepotism driven move he put his son Graham on for Rytter who had run himself ragged without doing anything of note and had taken a knock. It didn't change the game as it continued in the same vein; it was all city but the could not take advantage of the chances they created. The game entered full-time and was 0-0. It was extra time. The players were exhausting and lying on the grass. They were being battered, but miraculously holding on. Colin Murray gathered them together again and tried to motivate them again, once again plagiarizing his research. "I know you're tired. I know you are hurting. I wish I could say something that is classy and inspirational, but that just isn't our style. Pain heels, chicks dig scars, but Glory lasts forever." The team dragged themselves up and went for it again. More chances fell to City and once more keeper and defence were solid. In the 100th minute City won a corner and it was floated in, and Murray got in the way and it fell to Franz who hit it high to Clarke. He played a triangle move with Jagic and Kacaniklic which saw Clarke released and he fired the first shot of the game for his side. Hart was equal to it and turned it round the post. The corner was cleared and City broke and Moravec had to catch a diving header from Yarmolenko, but after rolling the ball to Franz it was lost and they attacked again and as it fell to the Ukranian again, Murray performed a superb sliding tackle to disposses him and concede a corner. The whistle went for half-time in extra-time. Penalties were looming again. Connor played a brave move, putting on Lee for Kacaniklic and playing 3 up front in the hope of snatching a goal. It turned out to be a terrible decision. From the space left vacant where the Swede would have been, Modric ran forward, and released Yarmolenko who finally found the finishing touch and made it 1-0 and you could hear the hearts breaking. The players slumped to their knees and Murray tried once more to get them going. They admirably kept fighting and searched in vein for an equaliser, and defended brilliantly as City counteracted. Serge Priso battled a bit too hard and was sent off with a few minutes to go, and Man City ran the time down by the corner flag to a chorus of boo's from both sets of fans. Howard Webb blew his whistle and it was all over. Man City had won the FA Cup and the managers hugged on the touchline before Mourinho went to celebrate with his players. Up in the TV gantry the pundits praised the non-leaguers valiant efforts, but Alan Hansen called City's finishing woeful and exclaimed he had no idea how it ended only 1-0. He had a point. They had 34 shots, and 10 on target, and 67% of the possession. Preston Park Celtic had 1 shot and it wasn't even on target. Connor was consoling his players, and made them do a lap of honour regardless. It was a special moment when the whole stadium, including the City players and staff, gave them a standing ovation. And it was repeated when they walked the steps to get their losers medals, the steps seemingly steeper and more numerous when you've played 120 minutes and lost. Connor looked longingly at the FA Cup as they passed and wondered if he ever would get the chance to hold it aloft while decorated in his teams colours. So he made an attempt to pick it up then, but security were not impressed and got there first. They repeated the favour and applauded the winners as they collected their medals and the trophy, but cast envious glances. The feeling of loss would quickly leave them, as the reality of European football set in. The FA staff confirmed that regardless of Man City's final position, they had qualified for the Europa League. Next season would see some trips abroad and it conjured up images of some fun escapades to come. 16.05.15 - FA Cup Final - Man City (N) L 0-1 AET Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistahc Posted February 26, 2013 Author Share Posted February 26, 2013 Tony and Connor were kicking round the flat, and watching Sky Sports News in their matching La Z Boys chairs. Their season was over but they were waiting for the last game of the Premier League season as it was an unbelievably close finish. The top 5 was: Arsenal – 71 Man U – 71 Spurs – 68 Man C – 68 Chelsea - 68 And if that wasn't dramatic enough, the final games were Man U vs Arsenal, Spurs vs Man City, Chelsea vs Swansea. Arsenal just had to draw to take the league, and Chelsea just needed to win to take forth. "I think my girlfriend is having an affair." "huh?" "Charlotte. I think she's having an affair. It's the age difference I think. Saturdays I just want to have a curry and watch Match of the Day, and she wants to go out clubbing. She never comes here afterwards. I should never have gone out with a cheerleader, what was I thinking? Do you think she is cheating on me?" "You know what they say; if a girl has a higher sperm count than you, then she's a slag." "You what?" "I mean, what makes you think that?" "Well we're not physical any more, if you get my drift." "To be fair you have put on a lot of weight, it's all the Bacon Sandwiches, Fry-ups and Curries." "Do you think she is only with me for my money?" Connor laughed. "What money? You've been living with me for the last two years! Hardly Donald Trump are you." Tony let one rip and they both laughed. "How's that for a trump? I am serious though, she's been a bit off with me recently." "I don't think so mate, you just have different interests. You've been going out for years so maybe she just wants a commitment from you." "Maybe you are right. Anyway, down to business. League requirements say we have to expand the stadium by 1925 seats. It's going to cost us £2.16 million." "What! Really? What's that? Over a grand a seat? Aren't they just lumps of plastic? Are you getting these in or something?" He patted his leather recliner. "Course not, it's labouring costs innit. Colin Murray's firm are doing it again. Poor bloke, some of the players have summer off and he'll be working on the blooming stadium over the summer. When they talk about this club in years to come I hope he gets the credit for building it along with you." "Labouring costs? I keep telling you, why didn't you just get the minimum requirements a few years ago?" "You are kidding right, we would have been right in the Khazi if we did, we were heavily in debt at one point. We had no money." He rubbed his thumb and fore-finger in his friend's face to empathise his point. Connor mumbled under his breath that it wasn't his fault, so Tony continued. "Doesn't matter though, even after the stadium improvements we have £3.3 million!" He stood up and sang out the sum for dramatic effect. "Excellent news, so can I have more cash for players then?" His chairman coughed and spluttered at the request. "Ummm, no! You have like 100 players or something." "You're kidding? You've just said we've got 3.3 million in the bank! Look, it's really important to help us move to the next level." Tony sat and thought for what seemed like an eternity. "Okay then, I'll give you an extra grand a week on wages. You're over budget so you now have an extra £554 per week to spend." "Generous, thank you." He could not hard his sarcasm. "I'll start looking at the U21 squads straight away. What about improving the training facilities to attract better players?" There was no thinking on this request. "Yeah okay, I agree." By the time the ref's brought the games to an end, confirming Arsenal as 2-1 winners and champions, and Man City's 5th place after drawing with Spurs but Chelsea winning 5-0, Connor had searched and made offers for players. "I've found a few players on interest in the last few hours." "Really? If you've been paying attention then who scored for Arsenal?" "Chamakh and Gervinho. I know, who'd have thought it that Arsene Wenger's signings would have won them them the league?" "Who'd have thought that he would have been fired, and gone to Liverpool, got fired again, but return to Arsenal to finally bring a trophy to the Gooners after all this time. And who said you should never go back?" "Forget that, Fulham have released a Swede called Muamer Tankovic. He's 20, and a SC/AMRLC. The last player we got from them was Kacaniklic, so this bloke has got to be worth a non-contract." "Guess so, it costs us nothing but a few extra tea-bags. But do we need more players? Let's look at the players who took us to the FA Cup final and won the league winning every game. GK – Moravec – P57 C37 M1 R6.91 RB – Jensen – P41 G2 A10 M3 R7.51 / Franz – P29 G0 A9 M2 R7.45 CB – Kisiel – P44 G6 A2 M3 R7.50 / Perez – P38 G5 A2 M2 R7.49 LB – Garbutt – P35 G1 A6 M0 R7.42 / Murray – P38 G5 A2 M2 R7.32 DMC – Finnis – P33 G6 A11 M0 R7.37 / Polakovs P40 G3 A7 M0 R7.24 MC – Priso – P36 G9 A11 M2 R7.22 / Kral – P30 G7 A9 M2 R7.33 AMC – P48 G21 A23 M3 R7.51 SC – Rytter – P42 G29 A16 M7 R7.66 / Jagic – P44 G51 A21 B R8.13" "I know that, why are you telling me? This whole conversation is condescending and seems for someone else's benefit?" "I just feel the need to say it, also we have a few other players who player 9 games or over." "Nine? That's a strange amount?" "Well it means I could include our previous hero of the Dane in Goal. Madsen – P9 C4 M0 R6.80 Gallifuoco – P15 G A0 M0 R7.05 Hysky – P13 G3 A0 M2 R7.22 Korkmaz – P11 G0 A3 M0 R7.32 Crouch – P14 G2 A3 M2 R7.21 Affane – P23 G4 A13 M1 R7.18 Lund 0 P11 G1 A2 M0 R7.05 Dario – P25 G20 A6 M3 R7.60 Lee – P17 G10 A3 M3 R7.39" "And they were brilliant, and scored 158 goals in the league. Samir Jagic scored 43 goals in that competition with 17 man of the matches and a pundit rating of 8.51, but can he play in the Europa League? If he is our best player, can he score against the big teams? is he the new Messi? Or do we need to bring in someone who is?" "You know we are so close as friends that this is practically arguing with yourself? Anyway, we had the average league attendance of 1051. Luton had 5034, we were 20th in the BSP for crowds so it's not sustainable to have a big wage budget. Is he better than what we have?" "46 games in League 2 last year on loan and what are we competing in this year? And he's nicknamed "the Tank" so got to be good yeah?" "Is he a unit then, like 'the wardrobe' Papa Bouba Diop?" "ummmm, 5ft 11 and 12 stone, like me." He flexed his muscles and tried to look manly. Tony laughed. "Non-contract is fine. Who else did you find?" "Lille have released a French U21 international is Moha. Plays striker and attacking midfield. Would accept a non-contract?" "Okay, do it. Anyone else?" "Queen of the South released Andrew Calderwood, a 19 year old DLC who is 6ft7. Banik Ostrava have released 19 year old Czech striker Ales Pospisil and there is a 21 year old central defender Morroccan Hassan Saidi, he has an italian passport. I've give my right ball to sign either one of them." "If you must." The next day Connor saw a note on the table from Tony with the details from the season. It said: "I agree we should improve our playing squad, and we have the money. My final offer is £20'500 per week for wages, and a transfer budget of £408'000." Connor laughed to himself and rubbed his hands together; league and European Football would attract a better quality of footballer so he did his extensive research again. He found a 16 year old Austrian U21 defender for £250 called Jan Diehl, and a fat German defender called Florian Luginger who was 14st 9lbs, but at least had 20 for determination and 18 for bravery. Every manager could use a unit to get in the way of superior attacking players. The squad was changing as Clive Delaney, Martin Hysky and Wouter Vrancken announced their impending retirement, and new signings were sized up. A £16k bid for an Irishman Neil Brosnan was accepted, but he was not even up for discussing terms and his rejected could have been a sign of the times. Later confirmation came through of the Blue Square Premier sponsorship table topper of a massive £1 million pound which should see the top team springboard to better things. So it was a shame when that was York City, while Preston Park Celtic announced a total of £9'000, which was an equivalent of 1000 times less and rock bottom of the Sponsorship league. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistahc Posted March 2, 2013 Author Share Posted March 2, 2013 Connor found the close-season boring without football to entertain and distract him. Players were on holidays and the ground was empty, even Doris was off seeing her sister in Cyprus. Tony was away on business so he was alone in the flat, and his anxiety made him long for the comfort of an alcoholic stupor. The last time alcohol passed his lips was before he was locked up in the Sporting Chance clinic. That was 2 years ago. And in truth he didn't crave it as much any more, bar the occasional weak moment. The key to his giving up the drink, was the reason he started. His feeling of loss, hopelessness and despair left him vulnerable, and if a Jehovah's Witness turned up at his door before he found the bottle of whiskey, he'd likely be an avid church-goer. In the clinic a few things did change him. He saw fellow addicts up close and importantly faced the hurt buried deep inside, which instigated a lot of the low moods. The feeling of rejection was something he never wanted to face again and became a fear. This became an insecurity, which in turn drove the dependence on alcohol in social situations. He rediscovered the ability to be happy, social, and engaging as himself, and this brought his confidence back. Connor lost the ability perform life-functions sober, and now it was back and he was happy. He son was back in his life, he was a successful manager, and the only thing missing was a life-partner, and perhaps a full-time waged contract. He picked up his mobile and skimmed the numbers. He hovered over Zoe's number, and quickly skipped it knowing his was being silly to even consider calling here. He found a suitable distraction and called the president of the fan club. "Brodie! It's Connor. How you doing? Fancy catching up on club business?" "Bossman! What an honour to spend time with the Special One. Of course, beautiful day so pub garden?" "urrrrmmmmm....... don't really fancy drinking, how about a Stadium tour and an exclusive on our plans for next season?" "Ah, that would be amazing. Meet you there in 30 minutes." Connor showered and changed and headed to the ground, and on arrival wasted a few minutes deleting emails from Groupon. His hear skipped a beat when he saw an email from the Irish FA. With excitement and visions of a job offer he opened it and read it aloud. "Mr Clarke, further to your job application for the Ireland managers job last year, we would like to....." A car pulled up and Brodie Daly waved from the drivers seat. Connor nodded back and jumped back to the email and continued reading. "....point out Houghton just led the nation to the Four Association Tournament for the second time. You were kind enough to question our choice at the time, so we wanted to let you know that we were still happy." He cursed under his breath and quickly responded that if they qualified for the Euro's or World Cup under him he would dance naked in Merrion Square. "King Con, I am not worthy" Brodie was on his knees bowing at the managerial legend. "Get up you idiot, come on, let's show you around and give you an exclusive about our new training facilities and transfer targets. By the way, who did the fans vote as player of the year this year? Who is following in the footsteps of David Lee, Clive Delaney, and Dário?" "Samir Jagic was miles ahead in the votes. There was some great performances but he was out of this world. Record amount of goals, league goals, Man of the Matches, highest average rating, and he's only 21 goals away for David Lee's total league goals record. I have no idea why you haven't had big bids for him." "Bargain at £8'000 really. Anyone else a fan's favourite?" "Well that puts him under the favourite personnel list with Dário and Delaney, and Lee is see as a club icon. Only you are seen as a Legend though oh great one. I have compiled a best ever 11 based on performance over their total appearances for the club. Want to hear it?" "Sure" "Great. It's based on ratings but doesn't necessarily mean they played in the positions given. GK - Martin Madsen - P105 G0 R6.87 RB - Andy Devlin - P45 G R7.43 LB - Colin Murray - P174 G20 R7.30 CB - Martin Hysky - P92 G22 R7.31 CB - Giancarlo Gallifuoco - P48 G8 R7.35 DMC - Harry Rubbins - P121 G24 R7.19 MC - Alexander Kacaniklic - P84 G35 R7.45 MC - Noel Varley - P46 G10 R7.19 AMC - Ronan McEnteggart - P47 G14 R7.19 SC - David Lee - P148 S123 R7.61 SC - Dário - P92 G85 R7.70 SUBS GK - Luke McCann - P84 G0 R6.78 Def - Maciej Kisiel - P44 G6 R7.50 Def - Thomas Lyskov - P63 G0 R7.28 Def - Luke Garbutt - P52 G1 R7.44 Mid - Erik Hummel - P94 G4 R7.19 Str - Claus Rytter - P65 G41 R7.53 Str - Samir Jagic - P44 S51 R8.13 So, you mentioned exclusives? What do you have for me?" "Well we have been given £293k for TV rights for next season. Budget wise the Chairman expectations are for us to consolidate, but I don't even know what that means so I'll be going for the title again." "That's the spirit, refusing to be anything but the best. Bookies reckon we are 6-1 to get promotion anyway, so they think we have a chance." "No, I genuinely do not know what he means. Consolidate?" "Oh, well he probably means the act of discarding the unused or unwanted items and organizing the remaining. In Military terms it's to strengthen by rearranging the position of ground combat troops after a successful attack. So I'd guess cut the playing staff and use what you have." "Oh." "Oh?" "Well I've brought some more players in." "Oh." "Oh indeed. They look good though, and some will go." "Including Luke Garbutt? I hear Brentford are interested?" "Sadly so, they made an offer and I countered it. I'm now delaying on a £70k offer to see if I can replace him with a suitable free replacement." "Do we need the cash?" "Not really, but it's profit for us. We have cover and obviously I was meant to be cutting the staff. We are going to announced a profit from the season of £2.2 million, 27% of an £8 million turnover, thanks to £2.8 million in prize money." They completed the tour and Connor waved him off. He liked him and his passion for the club, and enjoyed their little chat and was thankful for the distraction. Tony was due back from his trip so the annual pre-season staff meeting was later, and typically was in the local Indian restaurant. The attention was drawn by a clinking of a knife on a glass, and Tony cleared his throat. "ummm... I have an announcement to make...." "You're fat?" "You're a drag queen called Sue?" He waved the jokes away with his hands and looked solemn. A hushed silence ensued until the Chairman started singing a song from a TV theme tune. "Is that the them from Shaft?" Tony slapped his hand on his forehead. "The professionals. It's the theme from the professionals. I was telling to tell you that we are now a professional outfit. We've got the cash, so we are going for it. Connor, you can now offer full-time contracts, and you know what that means?" And Connor did, and he excitedly stood up and screamed like a child. "Oo, oo, oooo, we'll be able to attract better players and pay them more. Oh, good God I have seen a few which are incredible on free's. Martin, I want you to look at my shortlist and tell me right now who is now interested." Tony jumped up as well and tried to remonstrate. "No, no, no. I meant I expect you to move the paying staff onto full-time contracts. No more players! We have too many already." "And can we upgrade the youth facilities to enable focus on developing our own players? And have another Parent club for more income?" Tony just slumped in his seat and nodded his head, and tried to gain order. "Any other business?" The youth coach Eddie Taylor had some points. "Oh yes, we have some exciting prospects in the youth team. Goalkeeper Brouwer, defender Diehl, and striker Zeniou." "I know Eddie, I signed them remember? To give you some players who could vastly improve the youth team and help you in the league? Glad you rate them." Tony had one more trick up his sleeve. "Okay lads, one last surprise, to celebrate our professional status I thought we could look more like a pro outfit. A plane ticket to Belfast, and tickets to see the first Europa League game of the season, Portadown vs Mika of Finland, in the first qualifying round." "Nice one. What round do we even come in? I have no idea. Easyjet? Bet we're staying in a blooming Travelodge as well." Tony looked sheepish, and changed the quickly changed the subject. "So, we've sold 285 season tickets this year, beating last seasons 156. So is the only thing left the Club Captaincy?" They all looked at Connor and offered their suggestions, but the choice was his and he already had decided to keep Murray as Captain and move Perez to Vice-Captain. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistahc Posted October 6, 2013 Author Share Posted October 6, 2013 Connor was stood on the Giant's Causeway staring out at the vast Atlantic. His mind was filled with the legends of it's creation; of the Giant Finn McCool building it for ease to step over to Scotland, and of his abject failure. He was hoping his own giant step into foreign travel and European football would be more successful. "What are you staring at?" He turned and his friend and boss, Tony Gloom, was standing behind him. "Scotland perhaps, or it could be Iceland or Greenland? I'm not sure of my bearings." "You can't have any more players from there, you've only got loads. And I don't think I ever seen a player from Greenland." It was as if his chairman had read his mind. "I wasn't thinking that, honest Tone. And judging by the quality on display last night if we get either of those teams we'll be fine anyway. I genuinely believe we can go to places like Scotland and Iceland and get results, so the group stages are a realistic target." "Well I spoke to a UEFA official last night, and we come in at the 4th Qualifying stage and will be unseeded. We could get one of the big boys from France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Greece and the rest." Suddenly Connor didn't look so confident. "We can only beat the teams in front of us though. Can I get some more quality in then? There are some incredible players available on a free who want to join us on our European travels." "You've got a strict wage budget so stick within that, if you move all of the available cash at your disposal it's a £29K ceiling per week. Now that's up there with the promotion contenders, so use it wisely. I'll be honest, I'd love it if we don't get embarrassed so happy for you to bring players in if you let some go." Connor smiled like an evil genius who had been given a weapon of mass destruction; it was a look of someone intent on world domination. He looked at Martin Rowlands for his input, his devoted and loyal Assistant Manager. "Derry are playing UCD tonight so we can go and see them. Noel Brosnan will be playing and might be interested now we can offer a pro contract?" Connor knew this pre-season was different; some of the old favourites who made the club what they were would have to leave. He had already secured some wonderful talent on free transfers and had his eye on a few more. He didn't need a transfer budget, he'd just pick up the cast-offs from the big clubs. These lads were hungry for success and had a level of talent or they would not have been picked up by the top clubs in the first place. If he could find a decent left-back he'd let Garbutt go, as the money would come in handy. He managed to ship out 12 players, but could not resist the temptation to replace them. He tied down as many players as possible on perm contracts, but was unable to stop Ipswich taking one of his talented youth. His pre-signed players had already arrived and impressed in training: Muamer Tankovic - 20 - Sweden - AMRLC/SC Hassan Saidi - 20 - Morocco - DC Ales Pospisil - 19 - Czech Republic - SC Moha - 19 - Franch - AML/SC Andrew Calderwood - 19 - Scotland - DLC Jan Diehl - £250 - 16 - Austria - DC Florian Luginger - 17 - German - DRC And he swelled the burgeoning masses with the following: Tommy Farver - 17 - Denmark - GK Nathan Jenkins - 19 - Wales - DMC/MC Jan Wochnik - 18 - Austria - DMC/MC Noel Brosnan - £250 -21 - Ireland - AMLC/MLC Jerzy Lopusiewicz - 20 - Poland - SC Antonio Rodriguez - 19 - Spain - MC/AMC Vincent den Otter - 19 - Netherlands - MC/AMC Angel Sanchez Sanchez - 20 - Spain - DC Mikel - 19 - Spain - DR Billy Williams - 18 - Scotland - DL/DML Out Sam Johnstone - Lincoln - 10K Rune Lauridsen - Ipswich - Free Luke Garbutt - Brentford - £70K Ryan Brunt - Gillingham - £9K Released - Erik Hummel, Aiden O'Brien, Naim El-Harrati, Ronan McEnteggart, Andy Devlin, Noel Varley, Willie Gahan. Pre-season would be vital this year due to the Euro Cup early participation, so mostly lower league teams were picked to build fitness and morale, but with a few tougher opponents in the mix. For the first time Brighton would not be on the list, and Connor was sure the 6-0 hammering they dished out last year was the fulcrum for the bigger club cancelling their affiliation. The pre-season was successful, and the last game with it's traditional nod to the starting places saw the expected first choice in the first half and expected back-up in the second half. 1st half - GK - Moravec, DR - Jensen, DL - Magnusson DC -Kisiel, Perez, DMC - Wochnik, MC - Priso, Brosnan, AMC - Kacaniklic, SC - Rytter and Jagic. 2nd Half - GK - Farver, DR - Mikel, LB - Franz, DC - Saidi, Olafsson, DMC - Polakovs, MC - Luongo, Finnis, AMC - Moha, SC - Pospisl, Lopusiewicz. League football was then finally upon them. 04.07.15 - Friendly - Mons (France) (H) W 1-0 - Pospisil 11.07.15 - Friendly - Havant & W (A) W 3-2 - Pospisil, Jagic, Priso 15.07.15 - Friendly - Stoke Reserves (H) D 1-1 - Perez 19.07.15 - Friendly - Tonbridge (A) W 6-1 - Kacaniklic, Perez, Rytter, Jagic, Pospisil, Lopusiewicz 22.07.15 - Friendly - Cambridge C (A) W 8-0 - Jagic, Kacaniklicx3, Wochnik, Pospisilx2, Polakovs 28.07.15 - Friendly - Oxford (H) W 3-1 - Rytterx2, Jagic 02.08.15 - Friendly - Tadley (H) W 2-0 - Jagic, Rytter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistahc Posted October 6, 2013 Author Share Posted October 6, 2013 It was rather fitting that the first league game was at home, against Bromley. The visitors had finished mid-table in their first ever season in league football, after their promotion as Champions of the Blue Square Premier the year before. It was a great test for the newly promoted side to show what they could do against the team that were replicating their rise. Bromley had set the bar and Connor was currently hitting it. He was rubbing his finger on the glass of his orange juice and it hummed as the bar-maid put the bacon sandwich down. "Ketchup?" Connor nodded, and she went off to get it he found himself eyeing the alcohol on displaying, the craving deep within his depths yearning for him to succumb. He jumped as the Heinz was forcibly banged on the counter. "Now Connor, you know I am not allowed to serve you any booze, so eat your lunch. Why did you come here and torment yourself? How long have you been sober now?" "2 years, 13 weeks, and 3 days. It was a massive bender after we completed the Ryman Isthmian Premier League calender. We were champions before that, but that was my job done for the summer break." "Do you miss it?" "Every day." They were interrupted as the real reason Connor was in the Sportsman pub became evident; and Brodie Daly came over to join him. "Hi Sharon, a pint of Harveys and a Lucky Lunch please. Connor thanks for meeting me prior to the match, where's Colin and David?" The bar-maid pulled the pint and put the order in for the Bacon Sandwich with Frazzle crisps side; the match-day sales kept the pub firmly in profit. The Club manager looked at the clock and turned to the chairman of the Preston Park Supporters Club. "Doing light training, I want to bring them off the bench late in the game to taste league football." "Oh good man. Have you decided on a starting line-up yet? Pospisil looked good in pre-season, you going for him or Claus?" "Moravec in goal, Jensen and Williams right and left back respectively, Kisiel and Perez in the centre, Crouch anchoring the midfield , Wochnik and Brosnan in central-mid, Kacaniklic behind the strikers, and Rytter with Jagic up front." "No Priso?" "He's with the Cameroon squad. Wochnik will cover his position and go back to the DMC role on his return at the expense of Crouch." "How do you feel about drawing Stade Rennais FC in the Euro Cup?" "Not ecstatic obviously, but we're away first of all so if we park the bus we might stand a chance of keeping the score down." "And what squad are you going to pick? You need a minimum of 4 players who have been trained by the club for 3 years and a minimum of 8 trained in the same nation. That rules out 90% of the squad." Connor scoffed. "Don't remind me! It was the same with the League registration which I didn't even know about. They didn't have it in the lower leagues. That was a nightmare to sort out and some very good players got cut. Never mind, fingers crossed we'll stay injury free." "Letting Garbutt go was a bit of a mistake as he met the requirements and Williams doesn't." "Perhaps. Time will tell I guess. Anyway. Enough talk, let's enjoy the pre-game atmosphere with the fans, I've only got an hour before I go and get everything ready for the match, and think of the pep-talk to give." "Don't think they need much firing up to be fair." Connor hoped so; he had ripped off almost all of the major sporting film motivational scenes and was out of ideas. Just before 2pm he personally handed Kevin Friend the team list, laughing and joking with him about his hope that one day the man would referee his side in the Premiership one day. And headed to the home side dressing room. Brodie was right, they didn't need much motivating as Colin Murray was doing it for him. He had spent his whole summer working on the Stadium upgrade, and would be there for weeks to come until it was finished. "We can do this lads. Let's show we aren't here by fluke and prove that we are worthy of our place. Remember that each week now we'll be on the football league show so let's play to impress the watching public and pull in more fans. Claus, if you want to play in those European games, you best get on the score-sheet mate." He finished it with his trademark roar and the team joined in and got up ready to do battle. "Sorry Boss, I couldn't help myself, it means so much to be here. Anything you want to add?" Connor shock his head, he could see in the eyes of his players that he didn't need to add to the fire in their bellies. He checked his watch, and whisked the team out and up the tunnel to the pitch. League football awaited and he proudly took his seat on the bench, all he needed was a Friend to signal the start of the new season, and history in the making. Tony joined him and they hug firmly, and the whistle blew to the cheers of the 1761 strong crowd. Preston Park Celtic were finally a professional League club, despite being a Sunday League pub team just 4 years previously. The team passed the ball confidently and expertly, and Rytter spurned an early chance. Just 6 minutes in the game came to life with a goal, as Reddy turned Jansen inside and out and crossed for Rankin to head home. First blood to the visitors, and perhaps a sign of things to come. "I hope this isn't going to be an anti-climax Connor, I thought you said we had a team that could hold it's own in the Championship? We certainly pay them enough to be." The players did the talking for their manager, and quickly showing their attacking intent. The front three combined superbly and Kacaniklic was brought down in the area, and Rytter coolly dispatched it. They combined again for the Dane to get his second, the 5 minute double salvo giving the club a 2-1 lead. Jagic's hard-work then forced an own goal to take a 3-1 lead into the break. If they thought they had the ascendancy they were right; shortly after the restart Perez headed in Brosnan's corner for 4-1. The side were cruising so Connor played his emotion card; sending on Murray, Lee and Clarke for Kiesel, Jagic and Kacaniklic. It was the club Captain who's got the assist as he set up Wochnik's 30 yard volley to finish the rout. Connor then summed it up for his Chairman. "Now that was a goal of Premiership quality; mark my words that guy will go far. Rather polished performance I felt, there was only the one new player in the starting line-up and I think that was why it looked so fluid." "Agree, it was impressive. Expect more of the same against Cambridge next week then." Priso returned to the line-up as expected and the front pairing grabbed a goal apiece as they cruised to a solid 2-0 win. The trip to France awaited, and another historic moment for the club. 08.08.15 - League 2 - Bromely (H) W 5-1 - Rytterx2, O.G, Perez, Wochnik 15.08.15 - League 2 - Cambridge (A) W 2-0 - Rytter, Jagic Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistahc Posted October 7, 2013 Author Share Posted October 7, 2013 The French city of Rennes would be the setting for the first ever European game for Preston Park Celtic. The Stade de la Route de Lorient would be the venue. Stade Rennais FC would be the team, qualifying for the Euro Cup through their league placing after struggling to break the monopoly of Lyon, PSG and Marsaille. The only founding member of the French First Division to play every season in the top flight were left fighting for scraps with Monaco, Lille, and Auxere, never winning the Ligue 1. Ironically the opponents were from Brittany, known as one of the 6 Celtic nations. And they were about to be invaded by the Celtic hordes again with 200 or so crazy fans willing to make the journey. "Did you know there is a place in France called Brest? Reckon it's as good as it sounds?" "I don't know Tony, can you give me a minute I'm trying to pack. What do you think I need? What's the weather like over there?" "No idea, but this isn't a jolly up, and we aren't hitting the beach you know. We've got an early start on the coach......." "COACH? Why aren't we flying?" "Well I didn't know where we were going until the other week and it's School holidays; even with Easyjet it would cost a fortune for our playing squad and staff to get over there. Nah, coach it is. Make sure you put Jeremy Helen or Moha on the bench so they can drive on the French soil as Barry's not confident on the other side on the road. They can be our translator too in case we need to get petrol." "I can't take them, I want to bring David and Colin off the bench again. Don't panic though, both JP Perez and Serge Priso speak French, but they are not driving the coach as I need them ready to play. I'm sure Barry will be okay." "Good. Right, where's my special outfit I got for the trip to blend in?" At 8am the next morning, the team coach picked up the players from the ground and headed for Portsmouth for the Ouistreham ferry. The route would take longer as it had more of the channel to cross, but was half the distance to travel and a mere 287 miles, about the distance to Blackpool from the South Coast. The Eurostar would be quicker but covered 454 miles, roughly the distance to Edinburgh. A mammoth 8 hours later and the coach was stuck trying to go round a roundabout the wrong way, and Barry was flustered with the angry shouts from the locals trying to get home. Tony awoke to banging on the coach windows and beeping of horns with a start. "Ohh, them Ultra's are a bit angry. Not a warm welcome is it? I've heard the fans on the continent can be a bit mental, but they ain't going to intimidate us are they? I've read this lot are called the RCK and let flares off and that. There's one now look, the mentalists." Connor looked out and saw the Municipal Police flare laid out to warn traffic of the blocked road and rolled his eyes. "Go back to sleep Tony, we'll be there soon." But he wasn't willing and got up and out to go and interfere in the situation. The players were having a quick kick about on the traffic island, while the Belgian Perez tried desperately to resolve the situation and remonstrated with the gendarme. They were joined by the locals in all staring at Tony as he walked off the coach in his red beret and blue and white stripey shirt, his fat belly hanging out the bottom of the tight t-shirt. "Mange Tout, what's the problemo Garcon? We have a football match to attend. You know, el footballo?" He gestured for the ball and Rytter effortless placed it at his feet so he could hold it up to illustrate his point. But he trapped it like a bag of cement and it bounced into the road and took out a moped rider. Connor slid in his seat as the players urged the Chairman back on the coach to stop him getting arrested, and he was near certain he heard someone call Tony Obelix the Gaul. It was a surprisingly cool evening when they all arrived and took in the local sights to stretch their legs. Tony was forced to change by the squad due to the embarrassment, and enjoyed warming up in the 35'000 seater stadium. Only half that number were expected, but the Ultra's planned to make it an hostile atmosphere. The players didn't seem to phased though, as they had played at Anfield, Old Trafford and Wembley in recent years. Connor's game plan was simple; park the bus, defend like Trojan's, hit them on the counter attack, play for the draw. It was the same team that ran out against Cambridge, and they were given their strict orders to play tight and unadventurous, and to draw the fouls out to give time to regroup. They were not to get riled up by the crowd, and to play deep to get the fans frustrated and instead take it out on their own team. He had another plan too, he was going to get Tony to inadvertently wind the opponents up so let him sit on the bench to share his cultural unawareness. "Hey, the ref's also a foreigner, that's unfair!?!" "He's Italian Tony so he's neutral. If he was English he wouldn't be impartial now would he?" "But he's closer to the Garlic munchers than us surely? And everyone hates us English don't they?" "They do when they act like you are now, stop being so loud and racist. Anyway speak for yourself, I'm Irish. And yes, we do hate you so you are not paranoid there." "I'm not being racist? I can smell the garlic from here?" "Yes you are, so shut up." "They can't understand me anyway, I'm speaking English." This wasn't going to plan as Connor was finding himself getting wound up instead, so asked him again to be quiet between clenched teeth. But it seemed he wasn't the only one effected by his ignorance and it quickly spread to the home bench who started shouting at them in French. Connor learnt enough of the language as a schoolboy to pick up the swear words coming in their direction. The tension seemed to spread onto the pitch and the Brazilian midfielder Alex Teixeira went into the book for tripping, quickly followed by 2 more of the home side. The plan backfired a little bit as Wochnik was carried off after taking a knock, but it gave Connor a chance to bring Murray on and go 5 at the back to stifle the game some more. Barrientos then went into the book to right before half-time in a bid to stop the slowing down of the game by the away side before the break. The sides went in lock at 0-0 at Half-time, and Connor was the happier of the managers. The game plan would continue, and so did the flow of the game; more home side bookings and chances, and nothing but defensive work from the the away side. The clock passed the 70 minute mark so he got David Lee and Graham Clarke warming up ready to come on. Not that they needed much warming up as the ball was hardly in that part of the pitch all night. In the 74th it all changed, as Connor was instructing the 4th official on the substitutions Kacaniklic and Jagic linked up well, and they released Billy Williams. The young Scot hit a low ball into the box that would have been dangerous if anyone was close. Kacaniklic made it close; he threw himself into a diving header and connected sweetly and it flew into the corner of the net to silence the partisan crowd. The subs stood, and Jagic and the goalscorer Kacanikic trudged off the field of play to be replaced. They walked very slowly, as if in a bid to waste 15 minutes to seal the famous win. The crowd booed and jeered the action and a flare lit up a corner of the stadium. Rennes went all out and picked up another booking, before getting an 88th minute equaliser from a corner to ruin the perfect European debut. Connor didn't care that much as a 1-1 was a great result in his mind, and put them in a good position for the home leg. Despite having just 43% of possession and 2 shots on goal, the had pulled of a remarkable draw. Most of the players slept on the long journey home, but Connor was too excited. In just a week the French side were coming to the Withdean and his side just needed to not concede to make it through to the group stages. Before that though they had a visit to AFC Wimbledon to attend to on the Sunday. The new Dons were a team Connor admired for their principles and rise up the lower leagues. He wouldn't admit to wanting to follow in their footsteps as he wanted to do better. He wasn't satisfied languishing in League 2 like they were, his promotional aspects would not stall until his club at least hit the Championship. He didn't mind the snide comments of his side buying league titles, because frankly it was true and his players were of a higher quality of the league they were in. They would walk this league as even his squad level players were of better quality. The squad players proved that as Roschier, Polakovs, Lund, Luongo and Pospisil joined the team in the 2-1 away win. Kiesel and Kacaciklic got the goals, but Polakovs was carried off to lose a second DMC in as many games. Rennes arrived, and Murray was given the nod to start and would take his place in 5 at the back. Franz stepped into the left-back spot. The rest of the team was the same, as were the tactics of parking the bus. In truth they were helped by the French clubs miss-firing strikers, getting just 2 of their 16 shots on target. Murray was immense, and threw himself in front of a collection of shots to defend the clean sheet to lead by example. The fact they had just 36% of the possession and no shots on targets didn't matter, the 0-0 draw saw them through. It wasn't pretty football, but the result was the important thing. They were drawn into a tough group with Bordeaux, Brugge and Benfica. Connor didn't expect to win any games, and was just pleased to be a part of it. 20.08.15 - Euro Cup - Stade Rennais FC (A) D 1-1 - Kacaniklic 23.08.15 - League - AFC WImbledon (A) W 2-1 - Kiesel, Kacaniklic 27.08.15 - Euro Cup - Stade Rennais FC (H) D 0-0 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lainedil Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 More of this, please ^_^ Great story so far! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lainedil Posted November 26, 2013 Share Posted November 26, 2013 ...or have you actually hit the bar and left the thing to rot altogether? MOAR PLZ! ;-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistahc Posted November 26, 2013 Author Share Posted November 26, 2013 I'm coming back to it soon promise. I'm even going to Bruges this weekend as research. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lainedil Posted November 28, 2013 Share Posted November 28, 2013 Good lad! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruisey Posted March 16, 2015 Share Posted March 16, 2015 Hmm, I looked up soon and I am sure he should be back by now? Been reading it and then a dead end Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistahc Posted March 19, 2015 Author Share Posted March 19, 2015 random bounce!?! I have to admit I haven't even thought about this story for a very long time. I'm currently writing a war novel which has nothing to do with FM so haven't been posting. I'll try and get back to this at some point soon(ish). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lainedil Posted March 29, 2015 Share Posted March 29, 2015 We'll be here ;-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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