-Ironhide- Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 Hello and welcome to my newest career thread. My one and only task in this series is to have a season unbeaten in any top flight, therefore learning The Art of Losing because I wouldn't have lost in that season. ---- (Yeah, I know it's quite a stupid idea- let's get started) In this career I will be starting on the 4th of April in 2017, and unemployed, loading leagues in England, France, Germany, Holland, Italy and Spain. ---- Updates will follow... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 4, 2017 Author Share Posted April 4, 2017 Say hello to Danny Jones! He was originally in the Fulham academy up until the age of 15 where he receded into the midst of non-league football. Then he kinda forgot about football, and 8 years later he has now decided to become a manager. This is my first time in non-league so I've bookmarked 5 threads on LLM . I've also applied to all of the available jobs... Even the jobs in the rare African sortitoutsi League.. This should be interesting. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 4, 2017 Author Share Posted April 4, 2017 Whitehawk FC Currently sat 15th in the Vanarama South after 41 games... there is one left... and the board expect me to reach the playoffs next year. Key Players: (According to Ass Man & Scouts) The best player in the squad, 33, and a LB/LWB/ML/AML/MC. Very versatile, and when it comes to the squad shakeup in the summer, I'll be looking out for players like him. Very good technically and mentally but lacks in physicality. He wants to leave when his contract expires and I won't be chasing after him. Possibly Dan Harding's successor, brilliant technically and mentally and less so physically. Also considering leaving. I guess this is why the last manager was sacked. I think one of my first challenges is going to be to keep my squad together. Frankie Sutherland. A young Irish talent who is also looking at leaving when his contract expires. Along with Scales, I will try to renew their contracts, or at least try to get something out of their departures. Torres is 33 and only slightly good. He wants to renew and commit his future, but that is not happening. I'm not keeping old guys at the club if they're not going to play up to a certain physical standard. Kevin Lisbie is even older than Sergio and his contract will not be renewed. Gosh, the standard of the best players is shocking. I can't imagine what this spells for the rest of the club. Javier Favarel isn't that good but I think he is up to the non-league standard. I honestly think I have super high expectations having worked with the likes of Aguero, Silva and Ousmane Dembele. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 4, 2017 Author Share Posted April 4, 2017 Transfer Target: Tyrell Robinson He's quick, can play on both wings, and is determined. Work Rate is an issue though. But he's quick. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 4, 2017 Author Share Posted April 4, 2017 Tactics: 4-4-2 Diamond Narrow I was looking through the squad when I realised that we have only one winger. He can also play AMC so it's fine. We also have a lot of MCs, DMCs and AMCs, so why not. I haven't used it before but I have an acute understanding of how it works... I'm sure Danny Jones does I've also picked players based on their Physical attributes because that's what matters in non-league. If this ends up really bad for me... I'm learning. All will come full circle as I learn the Art of Losing. ' Ummm. I was 4-0 up. And I was seriously fearing a comeback. As many people would say.... welcome to Non-League. --- I went 2-0 up and I was fine, and then they started to attack. I recognised this because in the top left of my screen I have their formation and it went from normal to attacking 4-3-3 narrow. And so I added the shouts Drop Deeper and Pass into Space (I'm starting with none), and we scored 2 more goals. I was thinking "Wow... I've cracked this already.." but then tiredness kicked in and their Determination allowed them to score 3 goals (and send my heart-rate skyrocketing!). ---- Start of Season Update is predicted to be next. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northern Wolf Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 Good luck! Joey Johnson is a hell of a striker at that level 👌🏻 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 4, 2017 Author Share Posted April 4, 2017 21 minutes ago, Northern Wolf said: Good luck! Joey Johnson is a hell of a striker at that level 👌🏻 Thank you... I'm looking to people like you (Non-League experts in the making) to help me on this journey. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 5, 2017 Author Share Posted April 5, 2017 Season Preview Update Preseason was fine, until we played Barnet and all hell broke loose. It was a good performance, though. We signed a lot of players, many of which are much better than the players in my squad - so that's encouraging. All of my signings are under 25, and on one year contracts. That's fine because I'm probably going to sell some in the January transfer window (assuming I haven't lost my job by then) ---- Targets: Vanarama National League South: Board expects me to reach the Playoffs, so finishing 1st - 5th, which last season was 68 points (19 wins and 11 draws) iirc - That's achievable to be perfectly honest. I expect myself to finish 9th to 15th. We finished 15th last season and I think that is the lowest position we'll achieve this season as we've strengthened the squad. 15th last season was 14 wins and 11 draws. This league is tight! Media expects me to finish 3rd based on pre-season reputation and players without taking my signings into account. That is encouraging. Also the average age of the squad is now 23.36 (can someone check the previous). FA Cup: Board expects me to get to the First Round. Which means I have to win in the Second Qualifying Round, Third Q Round and Fourth Q Round. Nah I expect myself either to be knocked out in the Second Qualifying Round or the Third. FA Trophy: Board expects me to get to the Semi Final. It is worth noting that we share this cup with the National League, so this reality is impossible. I would want to win this... every single smudgeon of reputation counts... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 5, 2017 Author Share Posted April 5, 2017 August: 2 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses, - 7 points - 17th in table (-6 from playoffs) It's a bad start, and some of my players are already calling for the sack... This could be a long year Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 5, 2017 Author Share Posted April 5, 2017 September: 3 wins (1 in league), 3 losses, 1 draw - 11 points - 15th in table - (-9 from playoffs) I checked my team in comparison to the rest of the league, and quickly integrated in the "Much Higher Tempo" as we have the quickest and most technically good at passing in the League. We beat Greenwich 1-0 then came from behind against Ebbsfleet who had demolished us earlier in the season. Can we keep this form up? I hope so. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 5, 2017 Author Share Posted April 5, 2017 Board meeting to discuss manager's future They expect me to get 10 points from my next 5 games. Billercay will be possible. Hemel Hempstead won't be, Maidenhead won't be possible, Concord maybe, and Ebbsfleet I've beaten before. Which means I have to get a point against Hemel Hempstead or Maidenhead. An update as soon as I get sacked or survive. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 5, 2017 Author Share Posted April 5, 2017 October - 4 wins (2 in league), 2 losses, 1 draw - 18 points - (-10 from playoffs) Who doesn't love an update in the middle of a job-chasing run? I drew to Billercay . Now I have to get 9 points from 4 games. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenzar Posted April 5, 2017 Share Posted April 5, 2017 Ouch. Tough start, dude. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoxToBox Posted April 5, 2017 Share Posted April 5, 2017 Nine points in four games is a massive ask, geez! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 5, 2017 Author Share Posted April 5, 2017 Nope. Lost to Ebbsfleet. If I had won I'd of have to beat Maidenhead to keep my job. Sacked. It feels worse than all the times before. Season Club League Position Achievements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2016-17 Whitehawk VNS 15th Appointed one game before end of season 2017-18 Whitehawk VNS 17th, sacked 1st Round of FA Cup Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northern Wolf Posted April 5, 2017 Share Posted April 5, 2017 22 minutes ago, -Ironhide- said: Nope. Lost to Ebbsfleet. If I had won I'd of have to beat Maidenhead to keep my job. Sacked. It feels worse than all the times before. Season Club League Position Achievements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2016-17 Whitehawk VNS 15th Appointed one game before end of season 2017-18 Whitehawk VNS 17th, sacked 1st Round of FA Cup Ouch! Its just getting used to this level and then you'll be sound Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 5, 2017 Author Share Posted April 5, 2017 I may have just escalated a level... Spoiler I'm on £600 p/w until June 2018. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northern Wolf Posted April 5, 2017 Share Posted April 5, 2017 What..? How....? Everytime I think of Barrow I just remember going to Darlingtons "last" game away to them and Barrow being the tallest football teams i've ever seen haha They must have big expectations? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 5, 2017 Author Share Posted April 5, 2017 3 minutes ago, Northern Wolf said: What..? How....? Everytime I think of Barrow I just remember going to Darlingtons "last" game away to them and Barrow being the tallest football teams i've ever seen haha They must have big expectations? Yeah they expect me to reach the playoffs and I'm in 15th place. However.... I have a trick up my sleeve..... Ineptitude Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 5, 2017 Author Share Posted April 5, 2017 December - Joined at Welling - 2 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses - 37 points (-13 from Playoffs) I don't think I will achieve my boards's target. You may say that it shows a lack of confidence but I am really not feeling it. My targets at Barrow: Until June, at least 4 points per month. (24 points) Don't get sacked. Push for the FA Trophy ---- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 6, 2017 Author Share Posted April 6, 2017 January - 5 wins (4 in league), 1 draw - UNBEATEN!!! - (-9 points from playoff) - 50 points It was really annoying! We were 2-0 up against Barrow. Then we forgot how to defend. Things are looking less bleak for the playoffs now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 6, 2017 Author Share Posted April 6, 2017 February - 3 wins (1 in league), 2 draws (1 in league), 1 loss (-11 from playoff) 54 points Compared to January it was a poor month. Which puts into perspective my expectations of 4 points a month. The only good thing out of that month, I think, was the 4-0 thrashing of Torquay. I don't want to drop as many points in March. Also Hednesford in the Semis.... could be interesting. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 6, 2017 Author Share Posted April 6, 2017 March - 3 wins (2 in league) and 3 draws (2 in league) - UNBEATEN - 62 points (-8 from playoff) Probably the most jammy month on FM ever. I was leading in all of those fixtures, and we failed to see the games out. The 4-4 against Hednesford caused me great struggle.. Still we edged them out in extra time, a 111th minute Bryon Harrison goal. We're off to Wembley! Quick update: We're £200,000 in the red and my contract runs out in May or June. I need to win the FA Trophy and get some prize money, otherwise bad things will happen to the club. (Note to self: Improve financial management of clubs) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 6, 2017 Author Share Posted April 6, 2017 April - 4 wins in the league- UNBEATEN - 74 points - 7th finish - (0 points from Playoff lost on goal difference) If I'm being honest: That was the best league campaign that I've ever done. (Apart from Scottish Premiership with Celtic). But to miss the playoffs on goal difference is really something. I think I have to win the FA Trophy in order to keep my job. My contract will be running out. Also... I have no coaching badges because Barrow don't have enough money. I may want to leave at the end of my contract in order to achieve these badges.. Or to stay and win the National League? I don't know what to do... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 6, 2017 Author Share Posted April 6, 2017 They've offered me an extended contract. I'm not sure. I'll accept. If, when the chance comes to take my badges, they reject, I'll resign. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 6, 2017 Author Share Posted April 6, 2017 And it's my first Trophy as a football manager! Season Club League Position Achievements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2016-17 Whitehawk VNS 15th Appointed one game before end of season 2017-18 Whitehawk VNS 17th, sacked 1st Round of FA Cup 2017-18 Barrow VNL 7th FA Trophy winners Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 6, 2017 Author Share Posted April 6, 2017 This changes things... they're not in debt now.. If they decide to extend my stay, I'm not stopping them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 6, 2017 Author Share Posted April 6, 2017 New Contract: Well, that was close... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoxToBox Posted April 6, 2017 Share Posted April 6, 2017 A hairs breadth from the playoffs, a cup, and the board top up the finances, quite the season in the end! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 6, 2017 Author Share Posted April 6, 2017 53 minutes ago, BoxToBox said: A hairs breadth from the playoffs, a cup, and the board top up the finances, quite the season in the end! Yeah, it was really interesting Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 6, 2017 Author Share Posted April 6, 2017 Finally!!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 6, 2017 Author Share Posted April 6, 2017 Preseason Update Yeah. Not so good. It looks like teams have found out how to counter our tactics which masterminded our resurgence last season. However, we have a pre-season prediction to top the lot at the end of the season. Naturally, I'm pessimistic. We now have great wide players and a 4-2-3-1 Wide is looking to be the strongest tactical option, similar to last year. Harry Panayiotou is now the best player at the club. He scored many great goals last season, and my confidence in his ability rests assured. Jonas Centeno is a versatile player who I expect to make the first team. Jordan Williams is also quite versatile, and will be used as backup at striker but also first team AML. ---- Expectations / Predictions: Board: Reach Vanamara National League Playoff Reach FA Cup First Round Reach FA Trophy Semi Final Media: 2nd in Vanamara National League (previously 1st) Me: Win Vanamara National League Reach FA Cup Second Round Retain FA Trophy (becoming first side to win it 4 times) To win the title, I must average 7.2 points per month. That would get me 86 points, which is what was achieved by Tranmere last season. --- Let's get started. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenzar Posted April 7, 2017 Share Posted April 7, 2017 So does this make you a Barrow boy? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 7, 2017 Author Share Posted April 7, 2017 1 hour ago, Lenzar said: So does this make you a Barrow boy? Presicely Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 7, 2017 Author Share Posted April 7, 2017 August: 4 wins, 1 draw - Unbeaten - 1st in league, 4 points inside the playoffs - 13 points It's a good month. We've pushed Grimsby off first place; they drew twice in the month. 7.2 point target achieved! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManUtd1 Posted April 7, 2017 Share Posted April 7, 2017 Good luck as the season progresses, and congrats on that first trophy! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 7, 2017 Author Share Posted April 7, 2017 9 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said: Good luck as the season progresses, and congrats on that first trophy! Thank you and I hope I don't lose top spot! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 7, 2017 Author Share Posted April 7, 2017 September - 6 wins, 1 loss - 31 points - 14 points inside playoffs The loss to FC Halifax was disappointing. We're still in first though... that's encouraging. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 7, 2017 Author Share Posted April 7, 2017 October - 5 wins (4 in league), 1 loss - 43 points - 13 points inside playoffs We're definitely keeping more clean sheets this year. Still in first, but if we have more unbeaten months we'll definitely win the league. We've achieved half of the points target.... We've scored 10.75 points per month. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 7, 2017 Author Share Posted April 7, 2017 National C license! Get in!!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoxToBox Posted April 7, 2017 Share Posted April 7, 2017 Smashing it this season! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 7, 2017 Author Share Posted April 7, 2017 29 minutes ago, BoxToBox said: Smashing it this season! Thank you! I'm really excited for what we can achieve now that I actually have proper qualifications Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 7, 2017 Author Share Posted April 7, 2017 November - 5 wins (4 in league), 1 draw - 56 points - 1st - 17 points inside playoffs An unbeaten month. We beat Dorchester in the FA Cup. Good times... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 8, 2017 Author Share Posted April 8, 2017 December - 6 wins (4 in league), 2 draws - 70 points - 1st - 22 points inside playoffs Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 8, 2017 Author Share Posted April 8, 2017 January - 4 wins (3 in league) , 1 draw, 2 losses (1 in league) - 80 points, 1st, 20 points inside playoffs I think winning the title now is a real possibility! I'm really excited! Although I would like to leave Barrow at the end of my contract, because my qualifications have boosted my rep from 1/1000000000000000000 of a star to 1 star. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 8, 2017 Author Share Posted April 8, 2017 February - 5 wins, 1 loss (0 in league) - 1st - 32 points inside playoffs Well. This was unexpected. Unbeaten at home in the league. Secured playoffs. What more could you ask for? Please answer my question about future updates... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 8, 2017 Author Share Posted April 8, 2017 March - 2 wins and 2 draws - 1st (C) - Winners of the VNL Season Club League Position Achievements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2016-17 Whitehawk VNS 15th Appointed one game before end of season 2017-18 Whitehawk VNS 17th, sacked 1st Round of FA Cup 2017-18 Barrow VNL 7th FA Trophy winners 2018-19 Barrow VNL 1st Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Ironhide- Posted April 9, 2017 Author Share Posted April 9, 2017 I'm definitely leaving, as I have no confidence in keeping Barrow up in League 2. I'm gonna have to be unemployed. EDIT: Bolton Wanderers (midtable League One) have offered me £4,500 a week for a year. Looks like my journey continues there! The only bad thing is that they're also in debt. £600,000 in the red. ---- Updates will be now seasonal, and in more depth. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoxToBox Posted April 9, 2017 Share Posted April 9, 2017 Bolton, lovely step up! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stocke Posted April 9, 2017 Share Posted April 9, 2017 Excellent season with Barrow, and Bolton's a great step up! Think you could turn this one into a long-ish-term project if you feel confident enough, as they've really had a slump in recent years and it'd be great if you could take them back up the tiers. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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