[FM14] Up The Long Ladder

[KDR]

It was only when I came to list the Step 11 stuff that I noticed something odd: some of last year's 'relegated' teams hadn't actually been relegated in the end, and in one case a team that came bottom of their division last year went on to win promotion this term. It'll be more accurate from this season on.

You might also notice that two teams called Haughmond finished top of their respective divisions. Having checked, I don't think this is a duplicate data issue...but I can't be 100% sure. They have different managers, different players, play in different leagues and have slightly different kits, in any case, so it shouldn't create a problem down the track.

Season Summary 2014/2015

FIFA Club World Championship: WINNERS: Bayern Munich

UEFA Champions’ League: WINNERS: Barcelona

UEFA Europa League: WINNERS: Borussia Dortmund

UEFA European Super Cup: WINNERS: Bayern Munich

FA Cup: WINNERS: Chelsea RUNNERS-UP: Sunderland

League Cup: WINNERS: Tottenham Hotspur RUNNERS-UP: Manchester United

Community Shield: WINNERS: Manchester United

Football League Trophy: WINNERS: Rotherham United

FA Trophy: WINNERS: Kidderminster Harriers

FA Vase: WINNERS: Reading Town

STEP 1

Premier League:

WINNERS: Chelsea

European Qualification: Manchester City (CL), Arsenal (CL), Liverpool (CL), Manchester United (EL), Tottenham Hotspur (EL), Swansea City (EL)

Relegated: Watford, Newcastle United, West Ham United

STEP 2

Championship:

WINNERS: Sunderland

Promoted: Sunderland, Leicester City, Wigan Athletic

Relegated: Preston North End, Millwall, Crawley Town

STEP 3

League One:

WINNERS: Peterborough United

Promoted: Peterborough United, Derby County, Brentford

Relegated: Rotherham United, Notts County, Swindon Town, Fleetwood Town

STEP 4

League Two:

WINNERS: Hartlepool United

Promoted: Hartlepool United, Bristol City, Burton Albion, Port Vale

Relegated: Morecambe, Newport County

STEP 5

Conference Premier:

WINNERS: Luton Town

Promoted: Luton Town, Kidderminster Harriers

Relegated: Woking, Harrogate Town, Dover Athletic, Welling United

STEP 6

Conference North:

WINNERS: Hyde

Promoted: Hyde, Tamworth

Relegated: Solihull Moors, Colwyn Bay, Workington

Conference South:

WINNERS: Ebbsfleet United

Promoted: Ebbsfleet United, Margate

Relegated: Hungerford Town, Concord Rangers, Farnborough

STEP 7

Northern Premier League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Radcliffe Borough

Promoted: Radcliffe Borough, Nantwich Town

Relegated: Ilkeston, Marine, Witton Albion, Stocksbridge Park Steels

Isthmian Premier Division:

WINNERS: Wealdstone

Promoted: Wealdstone, Kingstonian

Relegated: East Thurrock United, Harrow Borough, Biggleswade Town, Leiston

Southern League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Merthyr Town

Promoted: Merthyr Town, St Albans City

Relegated: Burnham, Stourbridge, Frome Town, Redditch United

STEP 8

Northern Premier League Division One North:

WINNERS: Celtic Nation

Promoted: Celtic Nation, Darlington 1883

Relegated: Burscough, Faversham Town

Northern Premier League Division One South:

WINNERS: Loughborough University

Promoted: Loughborough University, Brigg Town

Relegated: Loughborough Dynamo, Grantham Town

Isthmian League Division One North:

WINNERS: VCD Athletic

Promoted: VCD Athletic, Mildenhall Town

Relegated: Romford, Cheshunt, Chatham Town

Isthmian League Division One South:

WINNERS: Horsham

Promoted: Horsham, Walton Casuals

Relegated: Three Bridges, Guildford City, Crawley Down Gatwick

Southern League Division One Central:

WINNERS: Royston Town

Promoted: Royston Town, Abingdon Town

Relegated: Egham Town, Potters Bar Town

Southern League Division One South and West:

WINNERS: Chasetown

Promoted: Chasetown, Cadbury Heath

Relegated: North Leigh, Mangotsfield United

STEP 9

Combined Counties League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Uxbridge

Promoted: Uxbridge

Relegated: Hanworth Villa, Horley Town

Eastern Counties League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Waltham Abbey

Promoted: Waltham Abbey

Relegated: Walsham-le-Willows, Ely City

Essex Senior League:

WINNERS: FC Romania

Promoted: FC Romania

Relegated: None

Hellenic League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Flackwell Heath

Promoted: Flackwell Heath

Relegated: Binfield, Newbury, Headington Amateurs, Ascot United

Midland Alliance:

WINNERS: Coventry Sphinx

Promoted: Coventry Sphinx

Relegated: Alvechurch, Blackwood

Northern League Division One:

WINNERS: Spennymoor Town

Promoted: Spennymoor Town

Relegated: Hebburn Town, Morpeth Town

Northern Counties East League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Shirebrook Town

Promoted: Shirebrook Town

Relegated: Barton Town Old Boys, Parkgate, Long Eaton United

North West Counties League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Nelson

Promoted: Nelson

Relegated: Silsden, AFC Blackpool

Southern Counties East League:

WINNERS: Canterbury City

Promoted: Canterbury City

Relegated: Lordswood, Rochester United

Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Harefield United

Promoted: Harefield United

Relegated: London Lions, Hoddesdon Town

Sussex County League Division One:

WINNERS: Worthing

Promoted: Worthing

Relegated: Ringmer, Lancing

United Counties League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Peterborough Northern Star

Promoted: Peterborough Northern Star

Relegated: Wellingborough Town, Boston Town

Wessex League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Hayling United

Promoted: Hayling United

Relegated: Whitchurch United, Folland Sports

Western League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Odd Down

Promoted: Odd Down

Relegated: Bishop Sutton, Bitton, Cheddar

STEP 10

Combined Counties League Division One:

WINNERS: Ash United

Promoted: Ash United, Hillingdon

Relegated: Worcester Park

East Midlands Counties League:

WINNERS: Arnold Town

Promoted: Arnold Town

Relegated: Sutton Town

Eastern Counties League Division One:

WINNERS: Stanway Rovers

Promoted: Stanway Rovers, Lawford Lads

Relegated: Debenham Leisure Centre

Hellenic League Division One East:

WINNERS: AFC Hinksey

Promoted: AFC Hinksey, Woodley Town

Relegated: Maidenhead United Reserves

Hellenic League Division One West:

WINNERS: Hook Norton

Promoted: Hook Norton, Malmesbury Victoria

Relegated: Old Woodstock Town

Kent Invicta League:

WINNERS: Tunbridge Wells

Promoted: Tunbridge Wells, Holmesdale

Relegated: Bridon Ropes

Midland Combination Premier Division:

WINNERS: Nuneaton Griff

Promoted: Nuneaton Griff

Relegated: Alvis Sporting Club

Northern League Division Two:

WINNERS: Newton Aycliffe

Promoted: Newton Aycliffe, Marske United

Relegated: Heaton Stannington

Northern Counties East League Division One:

WINNERS: Cleethorpes Town

Promoted: Cleethorpes Town, Athersley Recreation

Relegated: Teversal

North West Counties League Division One:

WINNERS: West Didsbury & Chorlton

Promoted: West Didsbury & Chorlton, Ashton Town

Relegated: Widnes Vikings

South West Peninsula League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Huntington Rovers

Promoted: Huntington Rovers

Relegated: Elmore

Spartan South Midlands League Division One:

WINNERS: Risborough Rangers

Promoted: Risborough Rangers, FC Broxbourne Borough

Relegated: Kings Langley

Sussex County League Division Two:

WINNERS: Southwick

Promoted: Southwick, Saltdean United

Relegated: Storrington

United Counties League Division One:

WINNERS: Oadby Town

Promoted: Oadby Town, Wootton Blue Cross

Relegated: Lutterworth Athletic

Wessex League Division One:

WINNERS: Winchester Castle

Promoted: Winchester Castle, Ringwood Town

Relegated: Petersfield Town

West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Shawbury United

Promoted: Shawbury United

Relegated: Bustleholme

Western League Division One:

WINNERS: Bradford Town

Promoted: Bradford Town, Chard Town

Relegated: Corsham Town

STEP 11

(Division winners enter into a play-off system to determine 17 promotion places.

Reserve sides are not permitted to enter. Where Reserve sides finish top, the best-placed non-Reserve side enters at the play-off semi-final stage.)

Anglian Combination Premier Division:

WINNERS: Hellesdon

Promoted: Hellesdon

Relegated: Aylsham

Bedfordshire County League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Shaftesbury

Promoted: None

Relegated: Wilstead

Cambridgeshire County League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Cambridge City Reserves

Promoted: None

Relegated: Sawston United

Central Midlands League North Division:

WINNERS: AFC Mansfield

Promoted: AFC Mansfield

Relegated: Bentley Colliery

Central Midlands League South Division:

WINNERS: Lutterworth

Promoted: None

Relegated: Southwell City

Cheshire League Division One:

WINNERS: Flixton

Promoted: None

Relegated: Gamesley

Dorset Premier League:

WINNERS: Chester Nomads

Promoted: Chester Nomads

Relegated: Hamworthy Recreation

Essex and Suffolk Border League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Haughmond

Promoted: Haughmond

Relegated: Tiptree Jobserve

Essex Olympian League Premier Division:

WINNERS: May & Baker Eastbrook Community

Promoted: May & Baker Eastbrook Community

Relegated: Hannakins Farm

Gloucestershire County League:

WINNERS: Bishop Cleeve Reserves

Promoted: None

Relegated: Bristol Telephones

Hampshire Premier League Senior Division:

WINNERS: Queen’s Keep Southampton

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Hertfordshire Senior County League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Tunbridge Wells Rangers

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Humber Premier League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Ashtree Highfield

Promoted: Ashtree Highfield

Relegated: None

Kent County League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Bredhurst Juniors

Promoted: Bredhurst Juniors

Relegated: None

Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Ashby Ivanhoe

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Liverpool County Premier League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Kingsley United

Promoted: Kingsley United

Relegated: None

Manchester League Premier Division:

WINNERS: AVRO

Promoted: AVRO

Relegated: None

Middlesex County League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Blofield United

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Midland Combination Division One:

WINNERS: Aston

Promoted: Aston

Relegated: None

Northamptonshire Combination Premier Division:

WINNERS: Milton

Promoted: Milton

Relegated: None

Northern Alliance League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Spixworth

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Nottinghamshire Senior League Senior Division:

WINNERS: Darlaston Town

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Oxfordshire Senior League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Oxford Irish

Promoted: Oxford Irish

Relegated: None

Peterborough and District League Premier Division:

WINNERS: King’s Lynn Town Reserves

Promoted: Ramsey Town

Relegated: None

Reading League Senior Division:

WINNERS: Rotherfield Park United

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Sheffield and Hallamshire County League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Stocksbridge Park Steels Reserves

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Somerset County League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Stockwood Green

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

South West Peninsula League Division One East:

WINNERS: Newton Abbot Spurs

Promoted: None

Relegated: St Andrews

South West Peninsula League Division One West:

WINNERS: Bude Town

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Spartan South Midlands League Division Two:

WINNERS: Grendon Rangers

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Staffordshire County Senior League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Ball Haye Green

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Suffolk and Ipswich League Senior Division:

WINNERS: Loddon United

Promoted: Loddon United

Relegated: None

Surrey Elite Intermediate League:

WINNERS: Bookham

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Sussex County League Division Three:

WINNERS: Ferring

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Wearside League:

WINNERS: Silksworth Colliery Welfare

Promoted: Silksworth Colliery Welfare

Relegated: None

West Cheshire League Division One:

WINNERS: Newton

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

West Lancashire League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Fleetwood Hesketh

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

West Midlands (Regional) League Division One:

WINNERS: Haughmond

Promoted: Haughmond

Relegated: None

West Riding County Amateur League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Tyersal

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

West Yorkshire League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Boroughbridge

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Wiltshire League Premier Division:

WINNERS: SKS Blyskawica

Promoted: SKS Blyskawica

Relegated: Corsham Town Reserves

York League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Wiggington Grasshoppers

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

[deltablue]

Great thread, can't believe I didn't pop in before. What level are Canterbury at?

[KDR]

Great thread, can't believe I didn't pop in before. What level are Canterbury at?

Cheers, mate.

Canterbury are now at Step 8 after winning the Southern Counties East League last season. There's summat up with the geographical allocation of the leagues, though, as they've been put into the Northern Premier League Division One North!

(But then, a team won the York League Prem Div the season before last and ended up playing in - and winning - the South West Peninsula Prem last season. And Darlaston Town, a club very local to me, got put in (and won) the Notts Senior League rather than starting off in the Midlands Combo or West Mids (Regional) Prem/Div 1, so...)

[KDR]

2015/2016 Season Preview

News

The players came back fit if not exactly raring to go. A few days and a spirited performance in our first pre-season friendly later, and I'm contacted by a journo.

I'm not saying I won't move if the right club comes in between now and the start of the season - I wanted to go through the career without breaking a contract, but having done so, I'll stick to being open to moves only during the summer (mid-season approaches can be made, but I won't agree to an immediate start) - but in the spirit of 'keeping it real' Guernsey never stood a chance...at least at this point.

Expectations and Finances

Nice to see the board are offering realistic options. Had they insisted on a promotion push, I might have legged it out the door. Even then, the wage budget on offer is roughly 1.5-2 times what the club can really afford (and that's allowing for the fact that I've lined up some lucrative pre-season games to provide a bit of a boost). Realistically, to keep the losses manageable, I've got to aim to work within a budget of £775-1,000 p/w.

Finances on 01/07/2015

Sponsorships

Objectives

1 - Do the best we can in the league. Finding quality players who'll fit into our wage structure is tough...and many of those I do find aren't interested, even in loans. The kids might just have to be good enough - and I've got to be good enough to make sure they are on a consistent basis.

2 - Try to boost the coffers by performing well in the cups. The board expects us to reach the first qualifying round of the FA Cup and FA Trophy, and the first round proper of the NPL Challenge Cup - which we succeed in by default.

3 - Manage the debt so we're in a stronger position next summer. I'm pretty certain that we were flirting with points deductions at times last season. The appearance revenue from the pre-season friendlies and our overall reduced outgoings will help, but it's not the complete cure.

[KDR]

Pre-Season 2015/2016

Some tough matches there, but the players performed well - especially against a strong, quick Coventry side. The only real worry was the loss to Coalville, as they're at the same level as us and aren't given much of a chance in their division.

Of the rest, all bar Nuneaton Griff are at least one step above, while Griff themselves have just won promotion to the 9th tier.

And in case you were wondering what happened to the friendly against Racing Club Warwick...their schedule was full (6-8 friendlies), and a few of them appeared to be potential money-spinners.

Media predictions

Transfers in

None.

Transfers out

Most of the departees were on non-contract terms and in most cases have stepped down a level.

Scott Harris was sold from under me as the early summer financial problem threatened to become a crisis, while Hernandez refused several contract offers before leaving for nothing. Karl Espley's lacklustre performances led to me setting him for release, opting to save some cash than offer a new deal, while Armstrong departed for £0 + 25% of his next transfer despite apparently being worth £4.5k. You just can't get clubs to part with any money at all down here (though you have to fork out a load, natch).

Season Ticket Sales

Let's do it for the die-hard 36!

[KDR]

Aug 2015 Results

Not the best of starts, though it's 'Mission Accomplished' for the FA Cup.

Not the best of starts either for my GK. He might only be 17, but the coaches all rated him as decent/good for the level we're at and have tipped him for big(gish) things - very good Conference North.

What a shame, then, that Kidsgrove, Hinckley and Carlton mustered 3, 2, and 2 shots on target respectively, scoring each one, while Bridgwater scored with their first attempt, too. It was only later that the youngster redeemed himself a little by making a smart stop after one of the DCs missed a header. One save from 9 shots. *shakes head*

A word about Dale Connor's o.g. - it's a bit unfair to both players. Hadland's free-kick hit the inside of the join between post and bar, beating Connor all ends up. The ball dropped behind the prostrate 'keeper and came off his backside before bobbling over the line.

Table at end Aug 2015

Transfers In

[KDR]

Sep 2015 Results

A pretty solid, if unspectacular, month started with a milestone being reached:

I switched goalies for this game, though I had to use another kid who, on paper, is nowhere near as good.

Risky, but it proved to be a good decision, as Scarborough battered the doors down and forced him to make more saves in the first 20 minutes than Shakir had managed in 4 full games. His resistance helped form the platform from which we went on to nick the game, where with the form Shakir was in we would probably have been dead and buried before the half-hour.

My record so far:

I seem to have discovered a new goalscoring talent in Dave Featherstone. How long it'll last, I don't know. He certainly doesn't look like a world-beater.

The low point of the month was, obviously, the heavy loss to Witham in the FA Cup. They're at the same level as us and are struggling in their own division, but we had no reply to their aggression - both Featherstone and Harris had to be taken off due to injuries inside the first 15 minutes, forcing me to switch to a very unfamiliar narrow 4-2(BWM (S) + HB)-3(BBM-AP (A)-BBM)-1 tactic with 16 y/o Danny Cartwright making his debut as the lone striker - and they ran out easy winners in the end.

Drawing 2-2 with Lincoln United wasn't exactly a highlight, either, and was particularly disappointing because we twice took the lead against a side whose only other point had come from their previous game, a 0-0 snorefest vs. Stamford. (I'm not kidding; I watched the highlights ("highlights"?) as part of my game prep. It made Argentina-Netherlands look like the pinnacle of entertainment.)

I took some screens of a few job offers, but finally deleted them as the total reached 10 in a single month, all from (much smaller) teams down at Step 9, 10 or 11, and all therefore rejected.

Table at end Sep 2015

Transfers In

To play in the Half-Back role.

To add experience to an otherwise youthful back line.

The kids have been doing OK in general, though there've already been a few signs of 'playing out of their skins' and ensuing confidence/ability wobbles. I'd prefer to have been able to stick with the kids, but it's better to do some shoring now than scrabble around for signings after the season's already fallen apart. The finances might creak that much louder, but I've made sure it's all OK - or will be come season's end, when a number of contracts will be up (including my own).

Transfers Out

Marshall is a 17 y/o GK who could be good enough to reach the NPL Prem Div (or Step 7, since it doesn't have to be so specific). I doubt that he will, but...a bit of first team experience won't harm him, and will at least give me a guide.

[Nobby_McDonald]

Top again...

[Brucehum]

Great career!

I was thinking on doing a similar one, or similar in Germany with the 6-7 levels mod.

I wish there was a similar working Spanish DB mod?

[KDR]

Top again...

Yep. Let's see if they can keep it up, or if they'll collapse at the last again.

Great career!

I was thinking on doing a similar one, or similar in Germany with the 6-7 levels mod.

I wish there was a similar working Spanish DB mod?

Cheers, Brucehum.

Having had a quick nose around, the only 'deep' Spanish mod I could find was DB-Rho4's Spanish Complete v1.3. That goes down to Tier 5 with 2 'fantasy' tiers, apparently, though I have no idea how good it is or if it works. (And presumably it's one you already know about.)

[KDR]

Do I stay or do I go?

They're currently in the Southern League Premier Division (Step 7, one above Barwell).

I've talked them up to a 2 year deal (up to 30/06/2017) on £240 p/w, part-time, and have delayed the decision for a week. (I would have liked the option to sign now and join at the end of the season, as you used to be able to do, but that's gone now.)

In terms of 'keeping it real', moving house wouldn't be an option and it's a ~2 hour journey from where I live to their current home (groundshare with Histon). Bit of a hassle, but doable since it'd be 2-3 times a week rather than every day...which would be a proper grind, even though I know people do that and more. I wouldn't do anything like that for an ordinary job, I have to say, but for a step up doing something I loved...I'd walk there even if the road was on fire. But I digress...

Their current position, with 36 games remaining, is 23rd with a record of P:10 W:1 D:2 L:7 GF:4 GA: 13 PTS: 5

Do I join and risk getting the boot if I can't turn them around, or stay put and see what options come along nearer the end of the season, which is when my Barwell deal expires?

[YOUNGSTEVE]

Very interesting read. I like the way you have struggled your way up. Regarding you dilemma, depends what game you are playing. Looks like you are going the advancing your career route, in which case I would take the job. Mind you need to take in account where you think the two clubs may be at the end of the season.

[KDR]

Glad you've enjoyed it so far, YOUNGSTEVE. Yep, this one's a Journeyman save, with an emphasis on keeping it as real as possible. IRL, there's no way my missus would allow me to drag her around the country unless I was earning pretty serious money. £200-250 p/w...that's not even the minimum wage, is it? (Granted they're only part-time jobs, but that would actually be another barrier to wandering free.)

EDIT:

So, I rejected the Cambridge City job. I sent the scouts to check them out and they've got a good enough squad, but there was too much that didn't feel right, and, if it was IRL, two+ hours' commute instead of one, for no great return and the high risk of getting the sack, thereby damaging my reputation, would put me right off.

Plus, Brackley Town have made an approach. Same division, but sitting in 17th...and it's a lot closer in terms of time - 1 hour, 14 minutes; quarter of an hour more than Barwell, but not prohibitive.

2nd EDIT:

I guess I didn't interview too well (FM realism! ), as Brackley didn't come back to me with a contract offer. They've gone with a guy who got the sack from Scarborough Athletic last season (February) and has since taken over at, and been sacked from, Workington.

[YOUNGSTEVE]

Glad you've enjoyed it so far, YOUNGSTEVE. Yep, this one's a Journeyman save, with an emphasis on keeping it as real as possible. IRL, there's no way my missus would allow me to drag her around the country unless I was earning pretty serious money. £200-250 p/w...that's not even the minimum wage, is it? (Granted they're only part-time jobs, but that would actually be another barrier to wandering free.)

EDIT:

So, I rejected the Cambridge City job. I sent the scouts to check them out and they've got a good enough squad, but there was too much that didn't feel right, and, if it was IRL, two+ hours' commute instead of one, for no great return and the high risk of getting the sack, thereby damaging my reputation, would put me right off.

Plus, Brackley Town have made an approach. Same division, but sitting in 17th...and it's a lot closer in terms of time - 1 hour, 14 minutes; quarter of an hour more than Barwell, but not prohibitive.

2nd EDIT:

I guess I didn't interview too well (FM realism! ), as Brackley didn't come back to me with a contract offer. They've gone with a guy who got the sack from Scarborough Athletic last season (February) and has since taken over at, and been sacked from, Workington.

I like playing a realistic game like you, as it makes for a better challenge, & have always played like this. I can't understand people wanting to play at these low levels, & getting promoted every year by using gamey tactics such as picking up players who would never in reality play at that level or for that club. If they want to play at the top, just start there as you are not achieving anything.

Haven't played though since FM2012, where I was using an amended version of Golden Eagles level 14 database, which he put a lot of effort into, but was given short shift when problems arose. How is FCUTDWills database playing. I note the problems with teams being allocated all over the country, which seems to be a general problem. Any others? Looks good, & I think I will give it a go when I have time.

I wish you all the best in yours, & hope you have success with Barwell.

[KDR]

I like playing a realistic game like you, as it makes for a better challenge, & have always played like this. I can't understand people wanting to play at these low levels, & getting promoted every year by using gamey tactics such as picking up players who would never in reality play at that level or for that club. If they want to play at the top, just start there as you are not achieving anything.

Haven't played though since FM2012, where I was using an amended version of Golden Eagles level 14 database, which he put a lot of effort into, but was given short shift when problems arose. How is FCUTDWills database playing. I note the problems with teams being allocated all over the country, which seems to be a general problem. Any others? Looks good, & I think I will give it a go when I have time.

I wish you all the best in yours, & hope you have success with Barwell.

IMO, this is where FM14 is better than other versions - it forces more restrictions on you (unless you've done some heavy editing and/or use the in-game editor to ease the way as you go), and is obviously more challenging as a result. As you say, in the past it was often too easy to pick up Football League level players and scream through the Conference divisions. Now, while still not perfect, certain conditions have to be just so. At least, that's my experience!

FCUtdWill's db is stable, I've found. No weird CtDs so far (there was one crash dump, but that was down to the match engine).

A bit of digging around has shown there's only one Haughmond FC, so the fact that there are two in the game means it's a duplicate data issue, and the geography problem in the leagues seems to be caused by the ground not being allocated to a town or city, or the game perhaps not recognizing areas of a specific town (e.g Huntington being part of York, so if the ground had been identified as being in York instead of Huntington, maybe the league allocation issue wouldn't have come up. Ditto for Darlaston Town; name the location of the ground as Walsall, and the game may be able to sort it from there).

Overall, it's nothing a bit of time spent editing the db won't fix, but in any case it doesn't seem to be a game-breaker...at least not right now.

Cheers again, and all the best in your future save.

[KDR]

Oct 2015 Results

I'm not happy about the failure to reach expectations in the FA Trophy, especially since we were never really in the game, and the rest of the month hasn't really been much better. Leads were thrown away in all bar one of the games we drew (the exception being obvious), and twice in the Rainsworth game. It's left me at one of those head-scratching moments again, since different (but suitable to the circumstances) team-talks and tactical changes haven't solved the issue.

Taking the positives, at least it means we're hard to beat!

This made me smile.

Table at end Oct 2015

Transfers In

His best position is actually as a DC, which is where I played him during his initial loan period and where he excelled. His loan ran to December, but I saw enough to be confident of his ability to make the step up.

RCW will get 30% of his next transfer fee, though that will probably only kick in if we're at the next level up. At this level, everyone seems to move for nowt.

Transfers Out

Baines is an MC/L/AML that I typically use in a central BBM role, but needs first team action to aid his development, and I can't it guarantee here.

Barrow is a DM/MC, used either as a BWM (D) in the holding mid position or as a BWM (S) in the main 3. Again, he needs first team football but he's not quite up to being a regular at our level.

Burchnall: a DC/DM/MC. His best position is supposed to be MC, but he seems much more suited to a DC role. I've farmed him out for first team experience with an instruction that he is to be used as a DC. Whether Griff's boss will honour that remains to be seen.

Shakir conceded on pretty much every shot he faced as the first choice 'keeper and wasn't much better for the U21s, yet still had the cheek to knock my door demanding first team football or a transfer. I think he'd have preferred a starting spot, but...

[deltablue]

Good luck making a break into the playoff places.

[DavidBeckham]

Ayres seems a solid signing at this level, good luck for the rest of the season mate!

[KDR]

Good luck making a break into the playoff places.

Cheers, deltablue. All things considered, the season's not going too badly considering the squad and expectations.

Ayres seems a solid signing at this level, good luck for the rest of the season mate!

Cheers, Becks.

He was our best defender during his loan spell. In 3D mode he was the one sticking to his tactical instructions most closely and bossing people about (if the apparent pointing was anything to go by). For some reason, though, the fans don't seem to like him and keep saying he should be dropped due to recent bad form...yet his form over the last 5 is consistently a couple of tenths higher than the other DCs!

I'm going to have a word and take him out of the firing line, though, as it's becoming clear that the criticism is getting to him - his morale (previously Very Good) struggles to get above Average, and his performance levels are dipping.

[KDR]

Nov 2015 Results

More bad than good this month.

Stamford have been improving in recent weeks, but drawing 0-0 was still disappointing, especially given our overall superiority. We out-shot them 15-4 (6-1 on target), had more possession (57-43) and had more CCCs (3-1)...but it was one of those days where we just couldn't get the breakthrough, and had young Milner in goal to thank for rescuing a point with a fantastic flying save.

Goole nicked the points thanks to a dubious late penalty, while the reserves - many of them untested in the first team - went out against Scarborough Athletic, where we were behind 3-0 and 4-1 before rallying to take it to extra time. Our RB - Buckley - sent a bullet header past Marshall, on debut after being recalled from an impressive loan spell at Willenhall to cover for Milner, to level the o.g.s up at one apiece and seal the tie in Scarborough's favour, so I was a bit concerned that the young goalie publicly blamed himself for that goal. His Personality is Professional and his Media Handling style is Level-headed, so I'm even more perplexed. I'm going to have to keep my eye on him.

After that we just reverted to type - consistent only in our inconsistency. We picked up a great win over Brighouse when everyone thought we'd get smashed (even me!), then dominated the game against Halesowen.

One or two players were showing signs of complacency, so they were addressed in the team talk for the New Mills match and it seemed to have worked - but then a goal late in the first half was followed by another early-ish in the second, and there was no way back.

We then ended the month as we started it, with an extremely disappointing result. Kidsgrove had Daryl Clare up front, and he really did make all the difference. Even putting Sears on him made no difference - he just did what he wanted, when he wanted, and there are no prizes for guessing who supplied the killer pass for what proved to be the winning goal.

Kidsgrove shut up shop, though Featherstone fluffed a relatively easy chance late on, and ultimately eased through the final minutes in a manner that made me wonder how the hell they were anywhere near the bottom, let alone be stranded there.

Half the season is now gone. We've done OK...but it could have been even better.

Table at end Nov 2015

Transfers Out

He was a non-contract player, so I couldn't even get a penny for the guy.

I'll get me coat...

[KDR]

Dec 2015 Results

Not much to say really, is there? Abysmal.

The first two games followed the same pattern - do well, miss chances, concede, get hit on the break during the late chase - while the third was one shot on target, one goal vs multiple missed opportunities.

A change of tactics helped us create more chances against Scarborough, but the finishing continued to be woeful - 1 goal from 5 CCCs (3 saved), 14 shots with 8 on target - and, because of the attacking emphasis, we were more open at the back. Scarborough had around the same number of shots in total, but several blocks and some fine saves by Milner kept the contest alive.

Table at end Dec 2015

Transfers Out

Another sulker. He came to me demanding first team football - understandably, given the lack of goals from those in the line-up. But if you're going to start claiming you're the better option, you need to be able to back it up...and a look at his stats for the reserve team showed that, while there were perhaps options in the U21/reserves, he wasn't one of them. He pushed, which is fine if done right, and then he overstepped the mark by showing blatant disrespect. At that point, he was gone.

[YOUNGSTEVE]

Despite your recent setbacks you are not completely out of it, as every side seems to beat each other. The teams in the playoffs have all lost the same or more than you. All those drawn games early on seem to have been your undoing.

[withnail316]

A good read so far, although I'd have taken the Cambridge City job if I was in your shoes.

Interesting to see what the future has in store for you.

[Brucehum]

Tough going, but you are as near promotion as you are of relegation, and as mentioned already, everyone seems to be beating everyone.

[KDR]

Cheers all.

Yep, YOUNGSTEVE, I had a feeling all those points lost from winning positions would come back to bite me, especially given the overall youthfulness of the side. The problem with everyone beating everyone else is that it's a double-edged sword - it can save you, but it can just as easily see you get sucked into a bad situation.

In hindsight, withnail316, I should have taken it. I've had other job offers since, but none that were as good and Barwell haven't given so much as a whisper of a new deal yet (unsurprising, given the recent run of form).

Still, done bun can't be undone, and all that.

I wish that was still the case, Brucehum. The trapdoor's a bit more than just ajar now, as you'll see.

[KDR]

Jan 2016 Results

The standout result of the month was obviously the win against runaway leaders Shirebrook Town, though in the end every point became crucial this month.

More points were thrown away against Sheffield, where an own goal and a wonder-strike from well outside the box denied us what had looked like a hard-fought, but ultimately deserved, win, though that was followed by a great escape, as Lincoln United led thanks to two - yes, TWO - own goals in the first half only for the tactical alterations, and the desperate move of throwing Hassell, usually a DMC or DC, up front due to injuries sustained during the match, to finally salvage the point.

Stocksbridge Park Steels' winner was one of those 'bang head off table' moments, as Milner saved a pen, flying away to his right in brilliant fashion, only to be let down by his defenders. Only the striker reacted, being given the time to get his head out of his hands, compose himself, and roll the ball into the opposite corner past the recovering Milner's despairing dive.

Table at end Jan 2016

Transfers In

Groombridge's best position seems to be as a DC rather than MC. His (lack of) height could be be a bit of a problem, though.

Transfers Out

Where to begin with these three?

Theoretically, they are/were my best players. Hadland is, or was, my captain. And they posed problems.

Problem 1, they were all out of contract at the end of the season and refused to open talks to stay.

Problem 2, they played like they didn't want to stay. The assists dried up, the work rate dropped, the (rare enough) goals became as rare as...I dunno, unicorn horn.

Problem 3, they were the top earners, taking £400 p/w out of the club in basic wages alone.

With the hunt for interested loanees drawing repeated blanks - what few there were were nowhere near up to the task, and were probably slightly worse than the kids - and with no room for manoeuvre on the budget, I had no choice but to roll the dice, farm them out and free up some funds.

Masterstroke or mistake? We'll find out.

In the meantime, the hunt for a good quality DC and an experienced striker continues.

[pezza1]

There is such a high player rotation at this level. It really does get forced upon you most of the time!

[YOUNGSTEVE]

I am sure you will be okay. The one thing in your favour is although you are not scoring many goals, you are not conceding many either (explains the draws) and your goal difference is a lot better than the sides below.

One thing I have noticed is only two sides being relegated, which is a bit strange, as normally in leagues as large as this at least three if not four would go down. In fairness I expect that is a relief for you.

[KDR]

There is such a high player rotation at this level. It really does get forced upon you most of the time!

Yeah. It's not always a bad thing provided you can keep a decent core together, but sometimes you have to lose players you'd rather keep - especially if it's clear on the pitch that they want away.

I am sure you will be okay. The one thing in your favour is although you are not scoring many goals, you are not conceding many either (explains the draws) and your goal difference is a lot better than the sides below.

One thing I have noticed is only two sides being relegated, which is a bit strange, as normally in leagues as large as this at least three if not four would go down. In fairness I expect that is a relief for you.

I'm really hoping it won't come down to GD, but it's nice to have a bit of insurance in the bag.

The relegation places thing is a bit odd, and there are some divisions with odd numbers of teams. I had thought it might be an editor issue that sorted itself out after the first season, but the rules and numbers of teams have remained the same.

[KDR]

Feb 2016 Results

Another lead got thrown away against Mossley, their equalizer coming after one of my DCs decided he was going to stand under the ball and let it bounce behind him before he bothered to turn and run.

Even so, it was a generally encouraging performance and we took that into the first half against Newcastle Town. It was a different story after the break, though, as individual errors and some slack marking at a free-kick gave the home side victory.

Despite conceding another two goals, the table showed we had the division's best defence. Deciding that I'd feel bloody stupid if we still had that after 42 games but had been relegated into the bargain, I switched to the Fluid 4-3-1(enganche)-2 tactic that led to us topping the scoring chart last term (when we were let down by a very leaky defence). If we're going, we're going to go having a...erm...go.

The switch didn't reap immediate dividends - we were 2 down inside 10 minutes against Ilkeston - but a switch from an Attacking to a Controlling approach, plus another couple of instructional changes on a team level, saw Ilkeston 'do a Brazil'.

That gave the players renewed confidence, but they obviously left their shooting boots at home for the Stamford tie - 10 attempts at goal, 5 CCCs, and only one shot on target, and that by a guy playing in one of his secondary positions.

Table at end Feb 2016

Transfers In

[YOUNGSTEVE]

Although you have fallen three places in the last round of results you are ironically far better off regarding relegation. A couple of wins in your last 8 games should be enough.

[deltablue]

Going fluid is unbelievably risky, especially in your situation.

[KDR]

Although you have fallen three places in the last round of results you are ironically far better off regarding relegation. A couple of wins in your last 8 games should be enough.

Hopefully. Having looked through the remaining fixtures, the other sides around me have all got tough games against the top sides and most of them still have to play each other.

Right now I'm just looking for 2 things: to finish outside the relegation places (crucial) and to hit my 6 points from every 5 games survival target. It won't take 48-52 points to stay up, but that's why it's the target.

Going fluid is unbelievably risky, especially in your situation.

I know, but sometimes you just have to scream 'Banzai!' and go for it. Besides, if it's not working - players are getting dragged all over the place or aren't working hard enough to get back into position, etc - I can always change it.

I usually prefer a balanced approach, but that didn't seem to be working so...

[KDR]

Mar 2016 Results

The first two games were tales of leads lost. We were 1 down to Eastwood before taking a 2-1 lead (Malong's o.g. should really be given to young striker Jay Gould, whose free-kick was on target and was mishandled on the line by the unfortunate 'keeper, with the ball squirming between his legs and in), and we looked comfortable at that point. Eastwood equalized when my RB decided to run the ball down into his own corner - under no pressure - before attempting a cross-field 'Hollywood' pass...to no one at all. Two passes later, the ball was flying past Milner and into the net. We then had to withstand heavy pressure, but eventually broke away to force the corner that led to us scoring the winning goal, albeit following a goalmouth scramble.

We went behind before seizing the lead against Farsley, too - a lead we held for all of three minutes. Farsley went on to take a 4-2 lead, with Sear's second goal only serving to plaster over a cracked performance.

Rainworth led 2-0 after 35 minutes of our final home match of the month, and seemed to have done enough to have won it until the final minutes, while Goole turned around a 2-0 deficit to take a 3-2 lead with a dubious 89th minute penalty (despite the conservative approach taken after we'd scored our second goal). Caution had to be thrown to the wind, with the approach paying off when Featherstone bundled the ball home following a corner. I'd already settled for rescuing the point at that stage, but an intercepted pass and quick counter-attack found Wright on the edge of the box, and he powered a shot into the top corner to give us all three points.

Looking at the table, we needed them, too. Lincoln Utd and New Mills have really picked up their form in recent weeks. Had we not done the same, we could have been in real trouble.

I got this message on the final day of the month, even though our losses for the season had only just touched £3k (last season's were ~£22k - even with another £45k investment by the board).

Table at end Mar 2016

Transfers Out

Given the competition he was already up against and the quality of the intake, allied to his inability to break into the first team despite various injuries, etc, I felt the time was right to let Kozluk move on. Chances are he won't be alone come season's end.

Youth Intake 2016

A decent bunch all round, though John-Paul Reed particularly caught my eye. Shame about his general lack of pace.

[deltablue]

Wow, looks like it's paying off.

[Brucehum]

Yep, looking good.

[KDR]

deltablue - yep...but I played the percentages a lot once we were in front in all those games. Sometimes the more balanced/rigid and disciplined approach worked, other times it didn't. That's probably down to the youthfulness and inexperience of the squad, though.

Brucehum - It worked out OK in the end, and I get the feeling one or two of the new intake might have a big part to play in the season to come.

Apr 2016 Results

Victory against Halesowen guaranteed our survival, and was made especially sweet as one of the more promising talents from the new youth intake struck the winner.

The remaining games were used to test out tactical tweaks (Brighouse and the first half vs Market Drayton) and to give the new kids a taste of first team action (second half vs Market Drayton and the full 90 vs the already-relegated New Mills).

Table at end Apr 2016

Transfers out (to end of May)

Sturman was the DC who kept making costly errors, mostly due to his low work rate. He had some promise, but laziness will always let you down.

Cartwright was a striker who, despite netting a few goals, never seriously looked like making it. The coaches concurred, and £5 p/w is £5 p/w. Better to shave it off the overall wage bill, little though it seems.

[deltablue]

Interesting to see how you do with you new tactics next season.

[pezza1]

Congratulations on staying up! Aand good to see your tactical change worked too!!

[KDR]

Interesting to see how you do with you new tactics next season.

There's still a long way to go on the entirely new tactic. The current 4-3-1-2 and 4-1-3-2 ones need a bit of fine tuning, and I'm still tinkering with a fluid counter-attacking 3-4-3 (or 3-4-1-2) as well as a 'Christmas Tree' formation and a 4-1-2(CM)-2(IF/W)-1 set-up. What else are reserve sides for?

Congratulations on staying up! Aand good to see your tactical change worked too!!

Cheers.

It was getting a bit squeaky there. And of course the old tunnel-vision set in at times: "We weren't losing before. It's just a blip. It'll turn around. We're just being unlucky. And again...and again. But we've still got the best defence in the division. We can't go down with the best defence in the division. We just need a bit more luck when we get the chances", etc, etc.

[KDR]

2015/2016 Season Review

League: 18th in Northern Premier League Division One South

WINNERS: Shirebrook Town

FA Cup: Lost in First Qualifying Round to Witham Town

WINNERS: Hull City

FA Trophy: Lost in Preliminary Round to Burgess Hill Town

WINNERS: Forest Green Rovers

Northern Premier League Challenge Cup: Lost in First Round to Scarborough Athletic

WINNERS: Carlton Town

Awards Night

Top Goalscorer: Dave Featherstone - 24

Top League Goalscorer: Dave Featherstone - 24

Fastest Goal & Scorer: Dale Wright – 1 min 2 secs

Most Assists: Jay Gould, Dave Featherstone, Nic Eastham - 6

Most MotM Awards: Dave Featherstone - 6

Player of the Season (Av.Rat.): Nick Milner – 7.04 (40 apps)

Fans’ Player of the Season: Nick Milner

Summary

Reality vs Media Prediction

Highest position: 5th Lowest position: 20th

News

Departures

Other transfers

Buckley was a decent RB, but, like Sturman, he was prone to laziness and fell down the pecking order of prospects when the new intake arrived.

Wilkes, meanwhile...not to put too fine a point on it, he simply wasn't good enough.

Premier and Football League Manager Movements

Premier League

Championship

League One

League Two

End of season reaction

The board reckons the performance this season was satisfactory. I disagree. In the league, the FA Cup and NPL Challenge Cup, we did only what was expected. 52 points from 42 games in the league really is the least I demand from the team - it's survival, and only that. In the FA Trophy, we couldn't even muster that much, so overall we fell short, IMO.

On the plus side, it was a very youthful squad and they were ultimately let down by the more experienced players, some of whom simply seemed to lose interest (and were promptly shown the door). Dave Featherstone may never have that good a season again, but other players have started to emerge and that gives good grounds for hope. With a season under their belts and with (hopefully) a few additions, there's a good chance that this season will be their worst.

Now let's hope that's not a case of famous last words.

[swooperproop]

Not the best season, KDR. Hopefully your team performs better next season. Also, how are West Ham doing?

[KDR]

Not the best season, KDR. Hopefully your team performs better next season. Also, how are West Ham doing?

Agreed. The expectation is a little higher this time, though. Last season, we were just expected to be competitive. This season, the minimum is Consolidate. But I have to say I expect a bit more.

As for the Hammers...they got relegated from the Prem in the 2014-2015 season and came 10th in the Championship last time out. As the screenshot a couple of posts above shows, Roberto Di Matteo is their boss now.

[KDR]

Season Summary 2015/2016

2016 UEFA European Championships:

WINNERS: Belgium

RUNNERS-UP: Italy

SF: Croatia, Germany

QF: Poland, England, Norway, Portugal

Second Round: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Switzerland, Northern Ireland, France, Russia, Romania, Netherlands.

Groups: 3rds (* denotes qualified for latter stages) – Bosnia & Herzegovina*, Northern Ireland*, Poland*, Greece, France*, Serbia 4ths – Ukraine, Bulgaria, Republic of Ireland, Israel, Turkey, Scotland

FIFA Club World Championship: WINNERS: Barcelona

UEFA Champions’ League: WINNERS: Bayern Munich

UEFA Europa League: WINNERS: Tottenham Hotspur

UEFA European Super Cup: WINNERS: Barcelona

FA Cup: WINNERS: Hull City RUNNERS-UP: Reading

League Cup: WINNERS: Manchester City RUNNERS-UP: Liverpool

Community Shield: WINNERS: Chelsea

Football League Trophy: WINNERS: Milton Keynes Dons

FA Trophy: WINNERS: Forest Green Rovers

FA Vase: WINNERS: Formby

STEP 1

Premier League:

WINNERS: Manchester City

European Qualification: Manchester City (CL), Chelsea (CL), Norwich City (CL), Liverpool (CL), Arsenal (EL), Manchester United (EL), Tottenham Hotspur (EL), Hull City (EL)

Relegated: Fulham, Cardiff City, Sunderland

STEP 2

Championship:

WINNERS: West Bromwich Albion

Promoted: West Bromwich Albion, Queens Park Rangers, Watford

Relegated: Bolton Wanderers, Yeovil Town, Brentford

STEP 3

League One:

WINNERS: Birmingham City

Promoted: Birmingham City, Crewe Alexandra, Sheffield United

Relegated: Scunthorpe United, Hartlepool United, Carlisle United, Barnsley

STEP 4

League Two:

WINNERS: Bury

Promoted: Bury, Rotherham United, Mansfield Town, Notts County

Relegated: Wycombe Wanderers, Dagenham & Redbridge

STEP 5

Conference Premier:

WINNERS: Morecambe

Promoted: Morecambe, Forest Green Rovers

Relegated: Tamworth, FC Halifax Town, Hyde, Southport

STEP 6

Conference North:

WINNERS: Macclesfield Town

Promoted: Macclesfield Town, Stockport County

Relegated: Oxford City, Nantwich Town, Gloucester City

Conference South:

WINNERS: Eastleigh

Promoted: Eastleigh, Whitehawk

Relegated: Weston-super-Mare, Hayes & Yeading United, Bath City

STEP 7

Northern Premier League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Loughborough University

Promoted: Loughborough University, Chasetown

Relegated: Droylsden, Ashton United, Workington, Frickley Athletic

Isthmian Premier Division:

WINNERS: Thurrock

Promoted: Thurrock, Horsham

Relegated: Leamington, AFC Hornchurch, Hendon, Dulwich Hamlet

Southern League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Hungerford Town

Promoted: Hungerford Town, Royston Town

Relegated: Poole Town, Gosport Borough, Chesham United, Arlesey Town

STEP 8

Northern Premier League Division One North:

WINNERS: Nelson

Promoted: Nelson, Winsford United

Relegated: Bamber Bridge, Padiham

Northern Premier League Division One South:

WINNERS: Shirebrook Town

Promoted: Shirebrook Town, Brighouse Town

Relegated: New Mills, Kidsgrove Athletic

Isthmian League Division One North:

WINNERS: Brentwood Town

Promoted: Brentwood Town, Tring Athletic

Relegated: Harlow Town, Thamesmead Town, Leiston

Isthmian League Division One South:

WINNERS: Newhaven

Promoted: Newhaven, Uxbridge

Relegated: Eastbourne Town, Peacehaven & Telscombe, Tooting & Mitcham United

Southern League Division One Central:

WINNERS: Peterborough Northern Star

Promoted: Peterborough Northern Star, Spalding United

Relegated: Northwood, Biggleswade Town

Southern League Division One South and West:

WINNERS: Hayling United

Promoted: Hayling United, Bishop’s Cleeve

Relegated: Paulton Rovers, Clevedon Town

STEP 9

Combined Counties League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Knaphill

Promoted: Knaphill

Relegated: Chessington & Hook United, Molesey

Eastern Counties League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Whitton United

Promoted: Whitton United

Relegated: Redbridge, Woodbridge Town

Essex Senior League:

WINNERS: Great Wakering Rovers

Promoted: Great Wakering Rovers

Relegated: None

Hellenic League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Malmesbury Victoria

Promoted: Malmesbury Victoria

Relegated: Cheltenham Saracens, Cricklade Town, Highmoor Ibis, Wootton Bassett Town

Midland Alliance:

WINNERS: Nuneaton Griff

Promoted: Nuneaton Griff

Relegated: Black Country Rangers, Dunkirk

Northern League Division One:

WINNERS: Seaham Red Star

Promoted: Seaham Red Star

Relegated: Bedlington Terriers, Consett

Northern Counties East League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Blaby & Whetstone Athletic

Promoted: Blaby & Whetstone Athletic

Relegated: Pickering Town, Thackley, Retford United

North West Counties League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Formby

Promoted: Formby

Relegated: Ashton Athletic, Alsager Town

Southern Counties East League:

WINNERS: Holmesdale

Promoted: Holmesdale

Relegated: Whyteleafe, Chatham Town

Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Harpenden Town

Promoted: Harpenden Town

Relegated: London Colney, Cockfosters

Sussex County League Division One:

WINNERS: Saltdean United

Promoted: Saltdean United

Relegated: Shoreham, Lingfield

United Counties League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Thrapston Town

Promoted: Thrapston Town

Relegated: Northampton Sileby Rangers, Huntingdon Town

Wessex League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Winchester Castle

Promoted: Winchester Castle

Relegated: Horndean, Hamworthy United

Western League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Melksham Town

Promoted: Melksham Town

Relegated: Three Bridges, Bristol Manor Farm, Ilfracombe Town

STEP 10

Combined Counties League Division One:

WINNERS: Chester Nomads

Promoted: Chester Nomads, Sandhurst Town

Relegated: South Park

East Midlands Counties League:

WINNERS: Haughmond

Promoted: Haughmond

Relegated: Thurnby Nirvana

Eastern Counties League Division One:

WINNERS: Hellesdon

Promoted: Hellesdon, Loddon United

Relegated: Downham Town

Hellenic League Division One East:

WINNERS: Wokingham & Emmbrook

Promoted: Wokingham & Emmbrook, Binfield

Relegated: Chinnor

Hellenic League Division One West:

WINNERS: Shrivenham

Promoted: Shrivenham, Longlevens

Relegated: Fairford Town

Kent Invicta League:

WINNERS: Bearsted

Promoted: Bearsted, Bredhurst Juniors

Relegated: Sutton Athletic

Midland Combination Premier Division:

WINNERS: Aston

Promoted: Aston

Relegated: Bolehall Swifts

Northern League Division Two:

WINNERS: Shankhouse

Promoted: Shankhouse, Silksworth Colliery Welfare

Relegated: Ryton & Crawcrook Albion

Northern Counties East League Division One:

WINNERS: AFC Mansfield

Promoted: AFC Mansfield, Barton Town Old Boys

Relegated: Eccleshill United

North West Counties League Division One:

WINNERS: Mossley Hill Athletic

Promoted: Mossley Hill Athletic, Kingsley United

Relegated: Chadderton

South West Peninsula League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Old Altrinchamians

Promoted: Old Altrinchamians

Relegated: Torpoint Athletic

Spartan South Midlands League Division One:

WINNERS: Whitwell

Promoted: Whitwell, London Lions

Relegated: Crawley Green

Sussex County League Division Two:

WINNERS: East Grinstead Town

Promoted: East Grinstead Town, Chichester City

Relegated: Little Common

United Counties League Division One:

WINNERS: Long Buckby

Promoted: Long Buckby, Milton

Relegated: Northampton Spencer

Wessex League Division One:

WINNERS: Whitchurch United

Promoted: Whitchurch United, Laverstock & Ford

Relegated: Hythe & Dibden

West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Haughmond

Promoted: Haughmond

Relegated: Wellington (Hereford)

Western League Division One:

WINNERS: SKS Blyskawica

Promoted: SKS Blyskawica, Slimbridge

Relegated: Keynsham Town

STEP 11

(Division winners enter into a play-off system to determine 17 promotion places.

Reserve sides are not permitted to enter. Where Reserve sides finish top, the best-placed non-Reserve side enters at the play-off semi-final stage.)

Anglian Combination Premier Division:

WINNERS: Holt United

Promoted: None

Relegated: Acle United

Bedfordshire County League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Flitwick Town

Promoted: None

Relegated: Renhold United

Cambridgeshire County League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Lutterworth

Promoted: Lutterworth

Relegated: Waterbeach

Central Midlands League North Division:

WINNERS: Glapwell

Promoted: Glapwell

Relegated: Kinsley Boys

Central Midlands League South Division:

WINNERS: Calverton Miners Welfare

Promoted: None

Relegated: Barrowby

Cheshire League Division One:

WINNERS: Flixton

Promoted: None

Relegated: Garswood United

Dorset Premier League:

WINNERS: Weymouth Reserves

Promoted: None

Relegated: Swanage Town & Herston

Essex and Suffolk Border League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Tunbridge Wells Rangers

Promoted: None

Relegated: Gas Recreation

Essex Olympian League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Southminster St Leonards

Promoted: None

Relegated: Harold Hill

Gloucestershire County League:

WINNERS: Archdales ‘73

Promoted: Archdales ‘73

Relegated: Bishop’s Cleeve Reserves, Portishead Town, Thornbury Town

Hampshire Premier League Senior Division:

WINNERS: Paulsgrove

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Hertfordshire Senior County League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Standon & Puckeridge

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Humber Premier League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Bridlington Sports Club

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Kent County League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Sheppey & Sheerness United

Promoted: Sheppey & Sheerness United

Relegated: None

Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Saffron Dynamo

Promoted: Saffron Dynamo

Relegated: None

Liverpool County Premier League Premier Division:

WINNERS: East Villa

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Manchester League Premier Division:

WINNERS: AFC Monton

Promoted: AFC Monton

Relegated: None

Middlesex County League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Newbury Reserves

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Midland Combination Division One:

WINNERS: Feckenham

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Northamptonshire Combination Premier Division:

WINNERS: Stanion United

Promoted: Stanion United

Relegated: None

Northern Alliance League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Spixworth

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Nottinghamshire Senior League Senior Division:

WINNERS: Darlaston Town

Promoted: Darlaston Town

Relegated: None

Oxfordshire Senior League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Oakley United

Promoted: Oakley United

Relegated: None

Peterborough and District League Premier Division:

WINNERS: King’s Lynn Town Reserves

Promoted: Sawtry

Relegated: None

Reading League Senior Division:

WINNERS: Rotherfield Park United

Promoted: Rotherfield Park United

Relegated: None

Sheffield and Hallamshire County League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Everest

Promoted: Everest

Relegated: None

Somerset County League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Minehead

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

South West Peninsula League Division One East:

WINNERS: Elmore

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

South West Peninsula League Division One West:

WINNERS: Godolphin Athletic

Promoted: Godolphin Athletic

Relegated: None

Spartan South Midlands League Division Two:

WINNERS: The 61 (Luton)

Promoted: The 61 (Luton)

Relegated: None

Staffordshire County Senior League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Hilton Harriers

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Suffolk and Ipswich League Senior Division:

WINNERS: Blofield United

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Surrey Elite Intermediate League:

WINNERS: Ripley Village

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Sussex County League Division Three:

WINNERS: Ferring

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

Wearside League:

WINNERS: Wolviston

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

West Cheshire League Division One:

WINNERS: Upton Athletic Association

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

West Lancashire League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Fleetwood Hesketh

Promoted: Fleetwood Hesketh

Relegated: None

West Midlands (Regional) League Division One:

WINNERS: Ellesmere Rangers

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

West Riding County Amateur League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Ovenden West Riding

Promoted: Ovenden West Riding

Relegated: None

West Yorkshire League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Whitkirk Wanderers

Promoted: Whitkirk Wanderers

Relegated: None

Wiltshire League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Shrewton United

Promoted: None

Relegated: None

York League Premier Division:

WINNERS: Terrington Glory

Promoted: Terrington Glory

Relegated: None

[KDR]

2016/2017 Season Preview

News

Just when I was about to give up hope:

Rugby Town were also interested, but there was no firm offer on the table, so...

Deal signed, sealed, delivered by the middle of June.

Starting First Team Squad (on return to training)

Ideally, I'll be able to add a more experienced GK as back-up to Milner, as well as an experienced LB, RB and DC, which are the priority. We should be OK up front, given that there are a couple of promising kids who I felt were not quite ready to make the step up just yet, but if I can get a more experienced head in, I will.

Expectations and Finances

Finances on 01/07/2016

I managed to slash the total outgoings last season, but income remains a problem and I wasn't able to line up as many lucrative pre-season friendlies this time around. Instead of earning ~£19k from them, as we did last season, we only stand to make about 1/5th of that this time - at most.

Sponsorships

Every £1,380 helps.

Objectives

1 - Improve on last season's league performance.

2 - As always, do what we can in the cups - with no early exits this time.

3 - Continue the attempt to improve the club's finances.

[swooperproop]

Well, West Ham sucks... At least Croatia shared 3rd on the Euros!

Also, I hope you challenge for promotion this year (if possible).

[YOUNGSTEVE]

The media were certainly accurate about who would finish in the top three, a bit less so at the bottom.

I will be interested in how you cope with your very young defence. I was shocked to see how young they are at the back, with no one aged above 18. All your experienced players seem to be in attacking roles. I usually go the opposite way & get loads of older players, though it is not so easy doing that now in the lower leagues, as they seem to jump ship more often.

[KDR]

Well, West Ham sucks... At least Croatia shared 3rd on the Euros!

Also, I hope you challenge for promotion this year (if possible).

It'll be an unexpected challenge, but...let's hope!

The media were certainly accurate about who would finish in the top three, a bit less so at the bottom.

I will be interested in how you cope with your very young defence. I was shocked to see how young they are at the back, with no one aged above 18. All your experienced players seem to be in attacking roles. I usually go the opposite way & get loads of older players, though it is not so easy doing that now in the lower leagues, as they seem to jump ship more often.

The youthfulness of the defence - and of the team generally - isn't deliberate. I just couldn't find players who were good enough, cheap enough and/or interested enough to sign, even on short-term loans.

Of the older players, the biggest problem I've found there is an absolute lack of pace. Not really much good if you're after a DC (and none of the younger guys are exactly speedy).

[KDR]

Pre-Season 2016/2017

Media predictions

Whoa! No idea how that ended up so big!

Transfers in (to end of transfer window)

Transfers out (to end of transfer window)

Season Ticket Sales

[YOUNGSTEVE]

Hopefully the media predictions are not as accurate as last season, otherwise we can guess who the top three will be.

Do you think your squad is more likely to be competitive this season than last, & whether you feel you have a chance for promotion?