FM15 - The Vanarama Conference, North & South thread

[Nottingham Forest]

Unemployed

2015-2016 Season

I didn't want to be unemployed for long so I decided to throw my name into the hat for as many jobs as possible. There was a number of clubs who laughed off my interest when I applied for the role. They were Albacete, Chesterfield, Burton Albion and Coleraine. I received notification that I had been unsuccessful with the Macclesfield role and CA Bastia also rejected my interest.

There was some positives as Bala sacked their manager and I was one of the favourites for the role. They appointed a caretaker so I expressed my interest to which they were flattered. Nothing came of it for whatever reason. I applied for the Braintree role and they were considering my interest but as I had another option they eventually rejected my interest.

I applied for the Sutton United role, was offered an interview but unfortunately I wasn't offered a contract.

The role that gave me the most success was Worcester City. I applied for the job and not only was I offered an interview, but I was also offered the job.

[Nottingham Forest]

Worcester City FC

2015-2016 Season

Vanarama Conference North

January 10th 2016

Aggborough

Upon taking over the club were languishing in 17th place just four points above the relegation zone. The board had highlighted that they wanted a mid-table finish as a minimum which I felt was respectable considering there was a media prediction of 7th for the start of the season. The club had one that previous game before I took charge but before that they hadn't won in 6 games in all competitions. Shortly after taking over I got news of me passing my National B Licence which is a massive plus. The board decided that budgets would be tight and I'd actually have to reduce the wage budget before I could bring anyone in a pat-time contract. The finances when I took over weren't exactly great which meant I would have to try and be careful with every decision I made.

The first team squad had some recognisable names in it whilst the under 21s seemed to be our sicknote side and the under 18s didn't have many players to shout about. The four fit players from the under 21s were promoted to the first team to provide more options. Nathan Flynn was promoted from the under 18s to the first team to also provide cover.

[Nottingham Forest]

Worcester City FC

2015-2016 Season

Vanarama Conference North

January 2016

Results

My first game in charge was against to of the table Barrow. The media weren't predicting us to get anything from the game. I decided I'd look to encourage the players at all possibilities considering our position in the league. I felt that I wanted to play more of a possession based formation just like at St Albans so I wanted a slow and measured build to eventually get the goals. Despite bossing the game for most of the match and having 62% possession and 18 shots, it took us until the 89th minute as left winger Jordan Roberts put the ball into the net from about 10 yards. It was a lovely team goal and a fully justified win. Harrogate were our next opposition and we just didn't turn up. They were the better side throughout and got a goal to secure the win on 73 minutes. North Ferriby was our first away game of my spell and it was one to remember. Jordan Roberts put us ahead on 12 minutes before Nathan Jarman equalised for them on 27. Sam McMahon got our second on 53. Roberts got his 2nd and 3rd on 74 and 79 respectively which sandwiched North Ferriby's second on 76. Ross Stearn secured the win for us on 85 to complete an easy win in the end. An even game at Aggborough saw Marcus Marshall score on 20 before Sean Geddes equalised for us after 32 from the penalty spot. Jordan Roberts continued his good goalscoring form with his 4th in 4 games before Aaron Hayden got our third on 56. Had AFC Telford been a bit more clinical we could have been looking at a loss.

League Table

In the league we moved up two places to 15th as we claimed 9 points from a possible 12. I'd guess you'd say we sat firmly in mid-table considering we're 10 points off the play-offs and 9 ahead of the relegation spots.

New Arrivals

We saw four new arrivals at the club throughout January. On the playing front we saw Reece Turner(DRLC) join on loan for the rest of the season from QPR. As well as being able to cover anywhere across the back, he's also not costing anything in terms of wages. There was three staff arrivals as Ricky Ravenhill joined as a scout whilst Oshor Williams and Dominic Blizzard joined as under 18s manager and under 21s manager respectively.

[Nottingham Forest]

Worcester City FC

2015-2016 Season

Vanarama Conference North

February 2016

Results

We started off the month we two away trips. The games were against Stalybridge and Ashton United. We got our first win of the month with a good 1-0 victory against Stalybridge. Next up was Ashton United where we drew 2-2. Our third and fourth games of the month saw us get another two wins. Unfortunately fixture congestion played apart in our final game as the players were still tired and we lost 2-0.

League Table

Despite the loss at the end of the month we've climbed to 11th in the league and just 6 points off the play-offs.

Danny Jackman was injured before the Bradford Park Avenue which means he'll miss the remainder of the season and will never play again as he's announced his retirement at the end of the season. I was named manager of the month for February after our good run of form. The board announced an increase the amount of coaches we're allowed. It now sees us able to have three on the books at any one time. Two players left the club as Joseph Zerafa and Bradley Reid both left the club after they terminated their contracts with the club. Both were on non-contract terms and had expressed their disappointment at not playing. Joe Quigley(STC) joined the club on loan until the end of the season.

[Nottingham Forest]

Worcester City FC

2015-2016 Season

Vanarama Conference North

March 2016

Results

We started off March with a second successive defeat as we lost 2-1 away to Brackley. Jamie Lucas put us infront on 26 minutes in a tight affair. Unfortunately we didn't respond well after half-time as David Moyo scored two goals in five minutes to secure the win for them. Next up was Histon and what a day it was. Young 15 year old Jordon MacKenzie grabbed himself a brace with goals on 8 and 18 minutes to secure a comfortable victory for us. Solihull Moors away was our next visit and again we produced good display. Richard Taundry put the hosts in front on 13 minutes and when Sean Geddes got a straight red for a horrible tackle on 31 I decided to try and be clever. I changed our mentality and playing style to try and hit them on the counter. Despite being in the game for most of the match we still couldn't break down the door. Left winger Jordan Roberts finally pulled us level on 56 minutes before Sam McMahon came off the bench to score the winner on 78. Just four minutes after coming on for Jordon MacKenzie. Hednesford were our next visitors and it was a game in which they were the better side. Jordon MacKenzie got his third in three games as we took the lead. Unfortunately for us Samir Nabi equalised on 64 minutes. With the game looking like a draw, Liam Triggs converted a penalty with 6 minutes to go to give us the win. Boston United was our final game of the month and it was a drab affair. Much like the Bradford Park Avenue we just couldn't cope with the demands of two games in such a short space of time.

League Table

In the league we have climbed to 8th place and sit just three points off the play-offs with four games to go.

Youth Candidates

A time many often look forward to and I was no exception. I didn't have any particular positions covered but it would be nice get a few players who may be able to offer something to the first team squad.

Here are our candidates:

All were offered contracts to bulk out our under 21s and under 18s and in need of an emergency, giving us some options. Of those that came through, here are the ones I'll be promoting to the first team with immediate effect.

Jordon MacKenzie - Has pace and doesn't look too shabby already. Finishing is a bit poor but if I can work on that I'm sure I'll have a good player on my hands. He has a slack personality which may cause some problems within the team. So I'll be trying to rectify this as soon as possible.

John Young - With the lack of solid back up keepers within the squad, John becomes number 2 instantly. I'm hoping he can improve and my staff reckon he can. Hopefully we'll see him fulfil his potential with Worcester.

Glyn Shepherd - The young right back is considered to be a good prospect by my staff and I certainly think so too. May not ever be first choice but he definitely has the chance to provide solid back up for us.

Adam Shenton - Much like Shepherd he could be a good alternative. Has the ability to play on the right side as well which is always a good bonus for a youngster trying to make the grade with a lower league side.

Barry Fitzharris - Primarily a centre back I'm excited by Fitzharris' potential. Has the potential to play anywhere across the back or in the centre of midfield. Like MacKenzie I can see Barry getting some game time before the end of the season.

[Nottingham Forest]

Worcester City FC

2015-2016 Season

Vanarama Conference North

April 2016

Results

We started off the month of April with a good solid win over Leamington. Jordan Roberts got us off the mark on 25 minutes before Jordon MacKenzie got our second just before half-time. Leamington were never really the in game but in the 82 minute they managed to put a spanner in the works by scoring a penalty. Luckily for us Jordon MacKenzie raced down the other end soon after to put us 3-1 up and out of sight. Our second game of the month was against Altrincham. Both sides battling it out for a play-off spot. Had we won we'd have jumped into the play-off places. Unfortunately for us we came up against an in form Danny Haynes. Haynes put them one up after 10 minutes and whilst we created more chances we were largely wasteful. Tom Beere equalised for us on 54 but Haynes got his second and third within the space of 6 minutes to all but seal our fate. Our next game was against already confirmed Champions, Barrow. I would class this game as a extremely dull game with neither side staking a claim for a win. On 81 minutes Danny Pilkington popped up with the winner for Barrow with their only shot on target to consign us to another defeat. It was important that we went out with a bang in our final league game of the season and Jordan Roberts ensured that. Having put us 1 up after just two minutes, I thought we would go onto comfortably win. Danny Crow had other ideas and converted his spot-kick on five minutes. Roberts grabbed his second on 27 but Erkan Okay got another Leamington equaliser just four minutes later. This was an even better feat considering Leamington had just had a man sent off on 28 minutes. We continued to pile shots at the Leamington goal but nothing worked. However, just before the hour mark Roberts got his hat-trick before Ross Stearn rounded off the win with a goal in stoppage time.

League Table

We eventually finished the season in 7th place just five points off the play-offs. Had we not lost key games at key times during my spell we could have just scraped into the play-offs. All in all though I can't complain considering where we were when I took over.

Other News

James Smith decided that he'd had enough of not being selected in the first team and departed the club. I can understand why but he's not really good enough to play for us anyway.

Financially we're struggling and if things don't improve we could well struggle next season. The board announced the initial budgets and I have to say I am pleased with them.

Contract Renewals

I decided to open up talks with a number of players over the last couple of months of the season and most of them were successful. We also managed to get some of the players to take wage cuts in order to stay with the club. Nathan Vaughan(GK) and Liam Triggs(DR) both stepped down from part-time deals to non-contract deals. They're both good players but it will allow us some more freedom of the wage budget. Matt Richards(DM/MC), Tyler Weir(DL/DR/MC) and Sam Gainford(AMR/AML) all signed reduced non-contract terms whilst Joe Heath(DL), James Tunnicliffe(DC), Ross Stearn(AMR) and Jordan Roberts(AML) all signed new part-time contracts. Heath and Tunnicliffe on reduced terms.

[Nottingham Forest]

Worcester City FC

2016-2017 Season

Vanarama Conference North

Pre-Season

Board Expectations & Media Predictions

Vanarama Conference North: Above Mid-Table/Top Half Finish

Media Prediction: 7th

Title Odds: 80-1

FA Cup: First Round

FA Trophy: Second Round

Transfers

It's probably the same as most non-league football clubs but our pre-season on the transfer front was one of excitement and disappointment. I missed out on a number of players I felt would make a massive difference as I looked to build a squad that was capable of meeting the board's expectations or possibly bettering them. It was a busy time at Aggborough as we saw 16 players sign contract forms whilst 7 players departed the club.

Of the 7 departures throughout pre-season there was only one player who I would have liked to have kept. That player would have been Sean Geddes. Unfortunately for us he decided early on into my reign that he didn't want to stay as we couldn't meet his ambitions or demands. With that in mind he agreed to join Bristol Rovers a couple of weeks after the season end. The remaining six players were players who I felt hadn't done enough to earn new deals with the club. Those players were Sam McMahon, Wayne Thomas, Adi Yussuf, Ben Maund, James Lemon and Jamie Lucas. The latter kicking up a fuss when he was demoted to the under 21s.

I'm delighted with all 16 players that have arrived at the club and I feel that all of them were necessary. Some players have been signed for the under 21s and under 18s squads but as they have good potential they may get the odd game of first team football here and there. The arrivals were;

Alex Coleman - The 22 year old joins from recently promoted Rushall where he played in 34 games last season. Over the past two seasons he's played 68 games at an average rating of 7.60. Whilst he maybe on the small side for a centre half he has some good attributes for this level and deserves to be given a chance. He has also been announced as captain for the coming season.

Callum Howe - The former Scunthorpe youngster spent last season with Belper. He didn't have an amazing season but did ok. Hopefully around so called better players and in a better league he'll have a good season.

Connor Deards - The 23 year old also joined from newly promoted Rushall. Deards got 12 in 34 last campaign and whilst it's not the best return it's still a good one. Will mainly be used in a rotation option so if he can score 10 or so this season I'll be pleased with that.

Connor Hughes - The former Hyde man didn't have the best of seasons last year and he wasn't initially my first choice. However he's still young and isn't a bad player so he should hopefully provide some good competition for first choice left winger Jordan Roberts.

David Tutonda - I had been tracking the former Cardiff youngster for the past 6 months or so and wasn't sure whether to sign him. About half way through pre-season I decided to confirm the transfer. Despite being considered a better option than Joe Heath, David will have to fight for his place as Joe has done well over the past 6 months.

Dylan Richards - During the first couple of months of my spell in charge of Worcester, Danny Jackman filled the deep-lying playmaker role well and when he announced his retirement I was gutted. When Jackman was injured in February it left a big void in the side and it was one of my main priorities this summer. Not initially on my radar he was recommended to me by one of my staff. As he had been scouted previously he was already considered a good enough prospect. To avoid missing out on him I snapped him up immediately.

Greg Maguire - One of m,y first signings of the summer and another to be pleased with. Despite only being 16, Maguire has the potential to be a good player. His height is a worry if he's to play at centre half but being able to cover anywhere across the back is a bonus which will only help him.

Joe Lumley - With Nathan Vaughan wanting to reduce his contract forms I felt it was crucial to bring in a keeper on a part-time contract. Lumley was recommended, seemed able and signed. Will start the season as first choice but will have good competition from John Young, Nathan Vaughan and other new signing Liam Roberts.

Liam Roberts - Liam was signed on an emergency basis really. I don't feel that young John Young is ready to step up should Nathan Vaughan depart which I fully expect him to do.

Matthew Harris - Harris had spent the past two seasons at Halesowen where he scored 41 in 65. After seeing this I thought that he should be given a chance to prove himself at a higher level. He certainly has the ability to do so and my staff reckon he can as well.

Reece Hales - Halesowen don't really like me either. Hales scored 18 in 28 last season for them and he's another I felt deserved a chance. Hopefully he can go and get a similar amount this season.

Nathan Turner - Nathan is nothing more than back up. Able to fill either full back roles he's going to be mainly providing cover for our first choice right back Liam Triggs. Has a decent long throw so he could provide a threat with that as well.

Tom Brown - The former FC United man was my first choice target to come in as my new ball winning midfielder and replace Geddes. Unfortunately Brown was injured in one of first pre-season games and is out for two months. Not put off by that information I still pressed ahead with plans to sign him and hopefully he can repay the faith.

Tom Strain - The young Australian has spent most of his career at Villa and didn't really do much there. He's mainly been signed as a back up option should we get hit by a number of injuries to our striking department.

Godwin Abadaki - Much like Strain, Godwin has only been brought in for an emergency. A good option to have if needed.

Daniel Seliearts - Daniel has signed from Newcastle Town is still young and one for the future. A bit rough around the edges but has the potential. He won't get much game time this season but he could find himself as third choice next season if he's still here.

Results

Our pre-season fixtures were made up of local teams around us. We started off with a solid 3-1 win at home to Stourport before Wolves came to Aggborough. Wolves showed their class with a 4-0 win against us but we can be pleased with how we played overall. Two more wins against Black Country Rangers and Redditch saw us continue our good pre-season form. A good draw against TNS who were the better side followed before we finished with a less than impressive 2-1 victory against Cradley.

Backroom Staff

We saw two new arrivals join our backroom staff. One being a familiar face. Craig Disley joins as Head of Youth Development as he replaces Jamie Kessell. Danny Jackman has rejoined the club as a Scout. Initially when he announced he would retire at the end of the season I managed to get him to sign a pre-contract agreement to become Chief Scout. Unfortunately the board blocked this decision when his playing contract expired as they felt we didn't need another Chief Scout. When his contract expired he was interested in coming back in a scouting role so I happily agreed to sign him. After two unsuccessful adverts for the role of Assistant Manager, Oshor Williams has been promoted from his position as Under 18s Manager to Assistant Manager. It now leaves us without an Under 18s Manager but I'm confident we'll find a suitable replacement. The reason for Oshor's promotion is due to John McDermott leaving at the end of his contract. Simon Ward also left his role as Physio and he has been replaced by Duncan Russell.

Other News

From the end of the season the board have had to inject £140k into the club's coffers in order to help us run. This just covers the clubs losses of £130k for the past season. The board also announced a new kit sponsorship of £7.5k which stays the same as the previous kit sponsorship. The League TV Rights also came in and we will receive £7.5k for these as well. James Tunnicliffe was announced as Fans Player of the Year with a staggering 59% worth of the votes. The board allowed us to have a trial day during pre-season but it didn't really prove successful. The board also agreed to allow me to try and complete my National A Badge Licence.

[Barnetfan]

I've just started a game with Tamworth, I'll try to keep the game updated on this forum.

[CityAndColour]

Really good season all things considered NF. I'd back you to make the playoffs in your first full season in charge there, particularly as you've kept hold of Roberts. A shame you weren't able to hold onto Geddes however, as his FA Cup exploits in real life were sensational. Worcester were also one of the teams I considered for my long term save, and will probably be my first FM16 team (assuming I stay with Leamington for the rest of this version).

Speaking of which, our first season in League One just continues to get better and better. 17 matches unbeaten now and sitting top after 35 games, still nine points clear in the automatic promotion spots.

[Nottingham Forest]

Yeah I was disappointed Geddes left but there was no persuading him.

[Nottingham Forest]

Worcester City FC

2016-2017 Season

Vanarama Conference North

August

Results

We started off the season against the team we finished against last season. Despite us being the better team, Lowestoft took the lead on 16. On 36, new signing Reece Hales got us level before Lowestoft scored 7 minutes later. On the stroke of half-time we won a penalty which was converted by Liam Triggs. We continued to pepper the Lowestoft goal but couldn't find a third. Luckily for us with 6 minutes to go, other new signing Matthew Harris gave us the lead and all three points. Altrincham at home awaited us in our next game and I was scared it would be the Danny Haynes show again. We kept him and Altrincham quiet until 41st minute when a well worked move saw a cross come in from the right hand side and Haynes was there to head the ball into the net. I must have rallied the players up for the second half with my teamtalk as we come out the blocks fast. Reece Hales grabbing his second goal of the season to equalise. Altrincham were the better side throughout and should have won but we managed to hold on to gain a good point. Hednesford away awaited us for our third game of the season and three goals in 10 minutes. 2 for them and 1 for us saw us play out an entertaining 2-1 victory for them. Stockport County away was next up and we couldn't have wished for a better start. New signing Ryan Pace put us in front after 5 minutes. I made the mistake of listening to my assistant and that let Stockport back into the game and they scored a goal on 58 to level before grabbing the winner on 75. Bradford Park Avenue was our final game of the month. An even game saw the visitors break the deadlock on 69 minutes. In an effort to try and grab one back we conceded late on to end the month on a poor note.

League Table

We ended the month in 17th place but just three points off the play-offs in a tight league.

We saw two more players arrive at the club before the end of the month and they were Danny Meadows and Ryan Pace. I'd been tracking them both since January and I'm especially delighted to get Pace as he's rejected me twice. Mark Gower joined as the new Under 18s Manager whilst the board announced an increase to transfer revenue retained.

[Nottingham Forest]

Worcester City FC

2016-2017 Season

Vanarama Conference North

September

Results

We started off the month of September with a solid win against Ashton United. Whilst we only got the one goal. Which came after 11 minutes from Jordan Roberts. We were in control from start to finish and limited Ashton United to just two shots all game. Nuneaton at home followed and it was a boring game. We only had one shot on target and that was from our goal scored by Reece Hales on 33 minutes. Nuneaton equalised from the penalty spot on 49 to give a point for both sides. Brackley away and it was another defeat. We were never really in the game and Brackley were two up with 30 minutes to go. Jordan Roberts managed to pull one back on 67 but we couldn't find the equaliser. Against Gloucester we were the better side and Reece Hales got himself a brace with goals on 35 and 57 minutes. Our final game of the month was against Altrincham in the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round. We never really showed up and Damian Reeves got their first just before the hour mark. Alex Peterson confirmed the win with a second 10 minutes before time.

League Table

In the league we've managed to climb upto 10th and we now sit just three points off the play-offs in a league that is still tight.

With my promise to the board now over I decided to chance my arm at the Crawley job. They're currently bottom of League Two.

The Crawley board must have had a good laugh at my expense .

This in turn upset the Worcester board who were disappointed with my application for the Crawley job.

[Nottingham Forest]

Worcester City FC

2016-2017 Season

Vanarama Conference North

October

Results

We started off the month with a trip to local rivals Tamworth. Reece Hales continued his good form to put us ahead after four minutes. Unfortunately it was only downhill from there. Nathan Blissett(Think he's a relation to Luther) scored his first goal of the season on 22 minutes. Blissett then grabbed his second on 39 with Joe Leesley scoring Tamworth's third on 44. In the second half Tamworth were just playing for fun and they wrapped up a comfortable win when Blissett grabbed his hat-trick with 15 minutes to go. Stalybridge were up next for us at home and it was a game in which we had more chances but once again our finishing let us down. Young midfielder Ryan Pace put us in front on 55 minutes before Sam Staunton-Turner scored for Celtic just four minutes. The game ended at 1-1. Another game and another failure to put away our chances. Guiseley were our opponents and we had the better chances. But when you're down, you're down and Steve Barkworth scored the winner the second minute of stoppage time to make it four games without a win. We faced North Ferriby at home in our next game and the 3-0 win flatters us slightly. North Ferriby missed their chances and we put three of our four chances on target in the back of the net. Jordan Roberts got our first on 43 to send us into half-time one up. Ross Stearn and Reece Hales scored within the space of a minute just after half-time to put us comfortably in the lead. Trevor Whing did his best to give Ferriby a chance as he picked up two yellows in the space of five minutes. With no recognised centre-half on the bench, striker Reece Hales was moved to centre half and we narrowed how we played. It worked a treat and we saw the game out to gain a valuable three points and an impressive clean sheet. Top of the table Boston United were our next opponents and we gave a good account of ourselves. Boston took the lead on 12 minutes through Shaun Neal. However, just two minutes later and we'd won a penalty. With me forgetting to check is new signing Louie Theophanous could take penalties, left back Joe Heath stepped to comfortably dispatch it. Theophanous made an immediate impact as he put us infront on 18 minutes after the ball bounced around Boston's area. The game was end to end and Boston replied near enough straight away as Jamie Douglas grabbed his first. 7 minutes later he got his second and Boston were leading 3-2 at half-time. Theophanous got his second on 61 minutes which again drew us level. With the game looking like it might end in a draw, Douglas broke our hearts as he grabbed his hat-trick with an 82 minute strike.

League Table

In the league we've slipped 16th and just three points above the relegation spots. The form is disappointing and I was hoping we would be challenging for promotion this season.

The board announced a decrease to the transfer revenue retained whilst Connor Deards left the club after kicking up a fuss about his lack of first team football. I'm sad to see him leave but he hadn't really justified more game time in the appearances he had made for the club. Crawley confirmed that my application had been unsuccessful whilst a couple of the squad expressed their feelings about my management of the team. Alex Coleman was all but ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious viral infection.

[CityAndColour]

CityAndColour - Leamington FC - League Two - 2022/23

League: 1st (promoted as champions)

FA Cup: 3rd round (lost at Newcastle)

League Cup: 1st round (lost at West Brom on penalties)

Johnstone's Paint Trophy: 2nd round (lost at Plymouth)

Top scorer: Kyle Reid (27)

Most assists: David Cooper (23)

Highest average rating: Kyle Reid (7.44)

Fans' player of the season: Kyle Reid

---

Following eight seasons in the Conference and League Two, we made very light work of our first season at this level:

As the table suggests, we were utterly dominant, not losing a league game after the 18th of November and ending up on an unbeaten league run of 29 matches. Indeed, our only loss was still a positive, as a trip to Newcastle in the FA Cup netted us some handy money, some of which has already been put towards a new stadium:

Kyle Reid again showed he has the quality to perform at a higher level. Despite only playing 41 of a possible 52 matches he still netted 27 times, finishing runner up in the league golden boot in the process and getting 2nd and 3rd in the goal of the season stakes. Summer signing David Cooper was electric in midfield and took out the league player of the season award, although his agent is being difficult about a new deal, and Calvin Massey overcame a torn hamstring to notch 17 goals and 14 assists in just 34 starts. On the other flank, Kenny Clark scored 12 times and set up 11 more.

Reid, Cooper and right back Noel Baba all made the league team of the season, and I took out the manager's gong.

---

2014/15 - Leamington - Conference North - 1st (promoted as champions)

2015/16 - Leamington - Conference - 13th

2016/17 - Leamington - Conference - 9th

2017/18 - Leamington - Conference - 13th

2018/19 - Leamington - Conference - 9th

2019/20 - Leamington - Conference - 2nd (promoted via playoffs)

2020/21 - Leamington - League Two - 4th (lost playoff final)

2021/22 - Leamington - League Two - 5th (lost playoff final)

2022/23 - Leamington - League Two - 2nd (promoted)

2023/24 - Leamington - League One - 1st (promoted as champions)

[CityAndColour]

I've just been promoted to the club's first "legend", although it happened at the season changeover date, so I just missed the new stadium naming. Reid and Wilson are both listed as icons.

[CityAndColour]

It's been a very busy off season at the New Windmill Ground, as we prepared for our first season in the Championship.

---

First point of business was what to do with star midfielder David Cooper. He wanted a new contract however I couldn't get close to the demands of his agent, despite several attempts at negotiations. Given he was going into the last year of his deal, I made the decision to cash in, and a £3.5m bid (all up front) from Swansea was accepted. Slightly unders, but given he was signed on a free I felt it was good business.

This money was invested back into the squad, as we went hunting for players who would not only be able to step up to the level required, but would also provide squad depth.

We started by bringing back Otis Khan, who has spent two years on various loans since we sold him to Swansea for £500k. A cut price fee of £140k was agreed, and with us also receiving a small sell on amount as part of the initial sale, it was a bargain for a player so influential.

Next was the replacement for Cooper, and my director of football sourced me Owen Dale. The physically-imposing playmaker came through Bolton's academy, and has spent the last two seasons dominating League Two. He looks like he should have the quality to step up and at £575k, didn't break the bank:

Next in was defender Sean Mather, a £750k signing from Peterborough and a rangy right back who can fill in centrally:

We then raided Crewe for Kieron Seymour a versatile defensive midfielder who has been a target for several seasons now:

The £700k fee took our summer spending to £2.15m, and we also added 'keeper James Lynch (Portadown) on a free and centre half Ricky Gibbons (Southampton) on a season long loan.

---

We have started well too, with wins over playoff fancies QPR (h) and Swansea (a) sandwiched around a win against Colchester in the first round of the League Cup. Stalwart Kenny Clark has scored four times, and the superlative Kyle Reid has five assists.

[gotlandskommun]

someone that can give som tip on what formation works best in lower League in England?? have played many times but i have not get any tactic to work =((

[CityAndColour]

I think any tactic works as long as it's logical and suits the players you have.

I've never bought into the theory that you need to adjust your tactic depending on what league you're in (ie - play direct in the lower leagues). My core tactic is based around short passing and pressing and has not changed since the Conference North.

[gotlandskommun]

I think any tactic works as long as it's logical and suits the players you have.

I've never bought into the theory that you need to adjust your tactic depending on what league you're in (ie - play direct in the lower leagues). My core tactic is based around short passing and pressing and has not changed since the Conference North.

Okey.. would u like to send that tactic to me so i can have it like a base tactic to work from?? ether u can send me in pm or link here =) thanks in advice

[CityAndColour]

Okey.. would u like to send that tactic to me so i can have it like a base tactic to work from?? ether u can send me in pm or link here =) thanks in advice

Check post #264 on page three.

[gotlandskommun]

thanks alot mate =)

[Mushtaq]

Continuing my tradition of back to back promotions

Season	  Division		Position    Other Achievements
---------------------------------------------------------------
2014/15	  Conference North	1st	    Promoted
2015/16     Conference Premier 5th    Promoted
2016/17     League 2                 2nd   Promoted
2017/18     League 1                  1st   Promoted
2018/19    Championship             1st   Promoted

Best players were Nathan Dyer, Piccinocchi and Adam Campbell. They were all with us since L1, Piccinocchi even back in L2.

Can anyone tell me what font this is? Would like to change my skin to have this font.

[shorty27]

Any tips on players for first season with Bromley? especially looking for a good DM? thanks

[safcrhys]

Nuneaton Town 2014/15 Review

Transfers

Roberto Casabella, Sam Paterson and Archie Love all arrived on frees, the latter two in January and they all improved the team. We loaned a lot of youngsters out and also released Anthony Charles on a free because his diabolical performances on the field were costing us dear.

Season Summary

Decided to have a crack with Nuneaton Town, even though I am from the North East originally I have lived here for a couple of years now and have taken something of an interest in the local club. In real life during 2014/15 they were comfortably the worst team in the Conference and were relegated easily, my task was to try and keep them up. Something which proved very tough! It was the most frustrating save I think I've done on this game, felt like tearing my hair out on a number of occasions, especially with us having a horrible tendency to ship goals in the last few minutes of games. Upon taking over it was clear that the team lacked any decent wingers so I settled on a 4-1-3-2 formation with wing backs getting forward to supply a target man.

Free spending Eastleigh were our opening day opponents. They have just been promoted but are already expected to be flying high in this division at the end of the year. We were at home and managed to eke out a 1-1 draw which I was rather satisfied with. We then faced back to back away games which yielded a loss at Grimsby and a 3-1 win at Wrexham before we suffered a 1-0 home defeat against Barnet. We seemed to enjoy playing away but at home we were finding it a struggle, a couple of days after the Barnet game we won 3-0 at Braintree but then ended August with a 2-1 loss at home to Altrincham.

An away draw at Torquay was followed by another home defeat, this time to Forest Green. We finally won our first game of the season at Liberty Way in mid-September when we seen off Aldershot 2-0. Our only other win during the month was a 4-1 success over Dartford as we drew one and lost two of three away games after the game against "Shot". October yielded two wins and two defeats in the league but a great surprise in the FA Cup when we went to high flying Gateshead and won 3-1 despite getting battered for 90 minutes.

November began with a home draw against Macclesfield before we saw off Alfreton 2-0 in the FA Cup 1st round. Back to back losses against Aldershot and and struggling Southport darkened my mood but we ended the month with a 2-2 draw at Dover and a 5-2 success over Chester in Nuneaton. December began in fine style with a 2-0 away victory at Kidderminster before we played one of the biggest games in the club's history - an away fixture with neighbours Coventry in the 2nd round of the FA Cup! The town of Nuneaton lies only a few miles away from Coventry so this was a huge game and one I knew we would lose but in the end I was incredibly proud of our performance. We didn't get hammered and only lost 1-0 thanks to a late goal for the home side.

The excitement of the Coventry game failed to inspire the players in our next fixture against Lincoln which we lost 3-1. Nevertheless we responded with three successive wins, two in the league and one in the FA Trophy. Boxing Day saw us draw 0-0 at home with Telford before we lost 3-1 at Altrincham. At least 2015 started well though: we beat Telford 1-0 away from home.

A disastrous run of 8 games without a win which also seen us exit the FA Trophy at the hands of Chester left us just seven points above the drop zone and looking nervously over our shoulders. The nadir of that run was a horrible 1-0 home loss to Kidderminster who scored a 93rd minute winner in a game we really should have won. The poor run was ended with a 2-0 home win over Welling and we followed that result up with a 3-0 win at Southport but the worst performance of the season then saw us crash 5-1 at fellow mid-table plodders Macclesfield, several fines for poor performance were handed out after that one! I was furious.

Our final win of the season came on March 28th when we seen off Halifax at home, we ended the season with three draws and three defeats to limp to the finish in 16th place. In truth 16th was more than I could have wished for given how poor the squad is. We shot ourselves in the foot on many an occasion giving away poor goals and we seemed to suffer a lot of sending offs late in the campaign through professional fouls. During our miserable run of 8 games without a win we also lost both our main strikers for five weeks as they suffered injuries within minutes of each other in a game against Grimsby (convenient eh?)

We need to strengthen the centre of defence, left back and get in a good roaming play maker who can make the difference in the final third supplying the forwards. Another striker is a must too, its going to be an interesting Summer.

[Nottingham Forest]

Started a save as Macclesfield a couple of months ago but due to my other laptop breaking I had to stop playing it. Finally got that fixed so was able to transfer it to my other laptop. When I stopped we were just coming towards the end of October. In the end we finished 2nd in the league behind Gateshead who had Adam Campbell smash about 35 goals for the season. The difference was the two losses to them.

We weren't out of the play-offs all season and we got a 3-1 win against Halifax at their place. Going into the second leg we just crumbled as we lost 3-0. Their winner coming from a stoppage time penalty. A gutting way to finish the season but a good one nonetheless. The board have just set this seasons objectives and they want us to win the league. They've increased our wage budget by enough but we're going to have to be shrewd in the market again and find some good players.