In Honor of Sir Alex Ferguson -- Reviving the Sir Alex Ferguson Challenge!

[TheEarl]

So if you are still awake @jaysdailydose thats another addition to the overall Hall of Fame for you....

[jaysdailydose]

3 minutes ago, TheEarl said:

So if you are still awake @jaysdailydose thats another addition to the overall Hall of Fame for you....

Congratulations!  All added.  600 total points now on the way to 10k!

[TheEarl]

The Earls quest to over achieve Sir Alex Ferguson

Come September we got to look at our fixtures for the coming season. We are in the Champions League, yeay! This is how the draw fared for us:

September 2018

1st Sep - Newcastle (H) - 6-0 - WIN

Goals from: C.Tosun (2), J.McCarthy (2), T.Walcott and G.Sigurdsson.

Gone are the days of the dreadful home games. This was an easy task all the way. Tom Davies came on as a sub.

15th Sep - Leeds (A) - 4-0 - WIN

Goals from: Arthur, Sandro, C.Tosun, B.Henrique

Another great win, and we are racking up some good goal difference at the start of the season. Mason Holgate started the game.

19th Sep - E.Frankfurt (H) - 5-0 - WIN

Goals from: Reece Oxford, T.Walcott (2), Arthur and an own goal.

Great start also to our Champions League campaign. Frankfurt was no match for us. Cenk missed a penalty, but that didn't matter. Mason Holgate came on as a sub.

22nd Sep - Brighton (A) - 3-0 - WIN

Goals from: T.Walcott, B.Henrique and D.Calvert-Lewin

Another good game, another clean sheet. We left it a bit late in this game, with all goals in the second half, but we always looked in control. Mason Holgate was an unused sub this time.

25th Sep - Blackburn (H) - 3-0 - WIN (Carabao Cup)

Goals from: Arthur, T.Walcott, Mason Holgate

A game where we could rotate a bit in the squad, but still left some important players on the pitch. 3-0 up at half time and really cruising. Mason Holgate started the game, and even scored.

29th Sep - Chelsea (H) - 0-0 - DRAW

Only the fourth ever match in my management where we didn't score a goal. Another clean sheet though, meant we didn't concede a goal in the entire month. We got both B.Henrique and T.Walcott injured, could this be a disaster for the coming months? Mason Holgate once again was an unused sub.

League Table at the end of September:

4th spot and hanging in with the big clubs.

Fixture List:

 

Fun facts:

1st ever goal scored by: Theo Walcott
50th ever goal scored by: Idrissa Gueye
100th ever goal scored by: Theo Walcott

[TheEarl]

The Earls quest to over achieve Sir Alex Ferguson

October this time, and it means I am "live" again with my updates.

October 2018

2nd Oct - Porto (A) - 0-0 - DRAW

Not usual for us to go 2 matches without scoring, but without Bruno and Walcott we suffered a bit upfront, and we got 2 new injuries to both our wingbacks Odriozola and Tierney. This could prove a real test for the coming matches. A point away in Champions League is quite ok though. Mason Holgate came on as a sub for Odriozola.

6th Oct - Watford (A) - 6-0 - WIN

Goals from: Sandro (3), D.Calvert-Lewin (2) and C.Tosun

Back to Premier League and back to winning habbits. Sandro even missed a penalty, Watford got a man sent off, but that all happened at 5-0 already. Mason Holgate started the match.

20th Oct - Arsenal (H) - 3-2 - WIN

Goals from: Sandro, B.Henrique and own goal.

The International period did us well, we could rest some people. Bruno was back, scored and provoked Bellerin to an own goal. This was crucial, as Aubameyang was on fire (as always against us.) Mason Holgate was an unused sub this time.

23rd Oct - A.Madrid (H) - 3-1 - WIN

Goals from: D.Calvert-Lewin, J.McCarthy and R.Oxford

Crucial home win in Champions League, now we top the group and are looking good for getting into the knockout stages. Mason Holgate started the game.

27th Oct - Crystal Palace (A) - 4-2 - WIN

Goals from: C.Tosun (2), Sandro and Dayot Upamecano

We where 3-0 up early in this game, and could take it easy from there. The last goal from Palace came late in stoppage time, so there was never any doubt about this game. Both Tom Davies and Mason Holgate came on as subs.

31st Oct - Chelsea (A) - 4-0 - WIN (Carabao Cup)

Goals from: Arthur, B.Henrique, C.Tosun and D.Calvert-Lewin

A really sweet win in the Carabao Cup 4th round. I have actually promised the board a Semi Final in this competition, so I was scared about this away game. I didn't need to be, as we fired on all sylinders. Mason Holgate and Tom Davies both came on as subs again.

League Table at the end of October:

2nd spot now, only behind that team with no name to mention....

Fixture List:

Fun facts:

1st ever goal scored by: Theo Walcott
50th ever goal scored by: Idrissa Gueye
100th ever goal scored by: Theo Walcott

[jtiessen]

Never done a challenge before but figured this looked fun. I'm going to give it a whirl lets see how long I last. Got West Brom so that's not a helpful start

 

Edited May 23, 2018 by jtiessen

[TheEarl]

Good luck @jtiessen

[TheEarl]

The Earls quest to over achieve Sir Alex Ferguson

November was another great month for us, how long can we keep it up, and how far can we go?

November 2018

3rd Nov - Bournemouth (H) - 4-1 - WIN

Goals from: B.Tremoulinas, C.Tosun, G.Sigurdsson, D.Calvert-Lewin.

Penalties are no worries when Gylfi is on the pitch, the only problem is that he is a fringe player. The others seem to only convert half of the times. We went down early in this game, but once we came back there was no question. Mason Holgate started the game and Tom Davies came on as a sub.

7th Nov - A.Madrid (A) - 2-1 - WIN

Goals from: C.Tosun and an own goal.

Our best game in the Champions League so far, winning away in Madrid is a great achievement. A bit fortunate with the own goal, but victory is victory after all. Mason Holgate was an unused sub. This meant we won our group with 2 matches to go.

10th Nov - Huddersfield (A) - 5-2 - WIN

Goals from: D.Calvert-Lewin, Sandro (3) and B.Tremoulinas.

Tremoulinas both scored and got sent off late in the game. We where always in control of this game, and I love the fact that we score so many goals. Mason Holgate started the game.

24th Nov - Man.City (H) - 6-1 - WIN

Goals from: Arthur, D.Calvert-Lewin, C.Tosun (2), Sandro and D.Klaassen

A little more than a year after I took charge, and we just play around with City. I could hardly believe my eyes, as the result actually justified the game. City was nowhere until 5-0, then the game eased off. Tom Davies started the game.

27th Nov - E.Frankfurt (A) - 5-2 - WIN

Goals from: D.Calvert-Lewin (2), Sandro and C.Tosun (2)

Another high scoring game to give us maximum prize money. We didn't need to win, but our empty coffers need as much prize money as possible. Mason Holgate started the game, and Tom Davies came on as a sub.

Champions League Table:

League Table at the end of November:

Still 2nd behind that unnamed team, but closer than last month.

Fixture list:

Fun facts:

1st ever goal scored by: Theo Walcott
50th ever goal scored by: Idrissa Gueye
100th ever goal scored by: Theo Walcott

[TheEarl]

The Earls quest to over achieve Sir Alex Ferguson

December was always going to be a tough month, but it brought a few key moments to the season.

December 2018

1st Dec - Tottenham (A) - 3-2 - WIN

Goals from: B.Henrique (2) and C.Tosun

The team we beat so easily twice last season, gave us a far bigger task this time. 2 goals from Bruno, and a late winner from Cenk gave us the win we needed. Upamecano got sent off 6 minutes into stoppage time, and this meant he would miss the Merseyside Derby. Mason Holgate and Tom Davies was unused subs.

5th Dec - Porto (H) - 3-1 - WIN

Goals from: Sandro, B.Henrique and an own goal.

5 wins and 1 draw from the Group Stage, I really never could have asked for more than that. Quite game, as Porto only could have a consolation goal in stoppage time. Mason Holgate started the game and Tom Davies came on as a sub.

8th Dec - Liverpool (A) - 0-2 - LOSS

Things started to get difficult when we lost the Derby. Arthur got sent off for an elbow, and would miss 3 domestic matches after this. Mason Holgate started the game.

15th Dec - Stoke (A) - 1-1 - DRAW

Goal by: G.Sigurdsson

We look right back on track when we hammered Stoke, but we couldn't score. Only a penalty from Gylfi was converted, and when Bojan equalized 2 minutes from the end, we suffered 2 points lost. Suddenly we where 6 points behind that other team. Mason Holgate and Tom Davies was unused subs.

18th Dec - Man.City (A) - 0-3 - LOSS (Carabao Cup)

Out of the Carabao Cup with a bang. After crushing City a month ago, it was the other way around this time. It meant I failed one round compared to board expectations and a trophy that won't be won this time around. Mason Holgate started the game.

22nd Dec - Southampton (A) - 4-0 - WIN

Goals from: C.Tosun (3) and D.Calvert-Lewin.

It was imperative to start winning again, and we did just that in a convincing way against Soton. Mason Holgate started the game.

26th Dec - Swansea (H) - 4-1 - WIN

Goals from: Sandro (2), C.Tosun and I.Gueye

Another comfortable win, as we where 4-0 up at half time. Tom Davies came on as a sub. Liverpool finally started to drop points, so the deficit was back to "normal".

29th Dec - Aston Villa (A) - 3-0 - WIN

Goals from: C.Tosun (2) and Sandro

Good win again, 3 in a row was nice after that bad period. Actually we could be even points with the top team now, but we are 3 points behind with a game in hand. Our goal difference is really good though. Mason Holgate started the game, and Tom Davies came on as a sub.

League Table at the end of December:

As you can see, if we win our game in hand we are top of the league!

Fixture list:

Fun facts:

1st ever goal scored by: Theo Walcott
50th ever goal scored by: Idrissa Gueye
100th ever goal scored by: Theo Walcott

[m0nk3y-b0y]

After Jan transfer window update :

A good run of form has seen us rise to 8th in the league, with the only losses coming to Arsenal and Liverpool since taking over. Despite losing Riyad Mahrez to Real Madrid for £60 million we have brought in a ready made replacement in Alexander Isak who fits my tactic much better, as you can see I raided the Bundesliga for all three of my Jan transfers.

[TheEarl]

Good start @m0nk3y-b0y , hope you can keep it up  6th spot may well be in grasp

[wynter]

Solid Finish, had a brief glimmer at the Top 10 but then Wilson got injured and we ended the season with 2 straight losses.

Good news coming in though.

Then we can move onto expanding the wages and bringing in more finances to fully strengthen the squad. Key areas to solve this year will be LWB and a new Striker to compete/provide depth for Wilson. Otherwise the squad is quite good and looking forward to a full season in charge.

Two main tactics - Great vs Lower/Mid Table sides, utterly annihilated vs the big dogs away though, still fully intend on attacking anyone I get the chance to though

[TheEarl]

Nice first season with Bournemouth @wynter and congrats with the new stadium. It should definitely help a bit in the long run, especially if you can expand it further. Be careful with FFP though, I have a nightmare with it already in the second season...

[wynter]

4 minutes ago, TheEarl said:

Nice first season with Bournemouth @wynter and congrats with the new stadium. It should definitely help a bit in the long run, especially if you can expand it further. Be careful with FFP though, I have a nightmare with it already in the second season...

Thanks! We're all good though, offloaded a ton of players and we're 70mil under the FFP for this season so we should be in good stead  

[TheEarl]

Just now, wynter said:

Thanks! We're all good though, offloaded a ton of players and we're 70mil under the FFP for this season so we should be in good stead  

Premier League also has a FFP for wages spent during a season, thats my problem...

[wynter]

6 minutes ago, TheEarl said:

Premier League also has a FFP for wages spent during a season, thats my problem...

Aah I see it, will keep a heads up. 

[Deisler26]

Well, we finished 7th in the end, a country mile behind the top 6. But, we pulled off a masterstroke by....

City had two disallowed goals and hit the woodwork 3 times, but for once, the gods were with us and we took it to pens for the win!

[TheEarl]

Great start @Deisler26, welcome to the points tally. Winning that FA-Cup so early is a relief in this challenge, as you have to win it within 4 years. Congrats!!!

@jaysdailydose another update in the leaderboards for you

[wynter]

Transfers Done.

Zaza and Coulibaly are the massive deals, Taylor improves our left flank and Vazquez/Konza add depth on the bench + a great prospect at CB.

Wanted to use this guy in FM all year but haven't had a team that could buy him 

Edited May 23, 2018 by wynter

[TheEarl]

The Earls quest to over achieve Sir Alex Ferguson

So its 2019 already, heading into the new year, I would take a closer look at our finances. They didn't look good. I had held my budget, but it became clear the budget was far to optimistic. I tried to do so January deals that would not effect our quality on the pitch, but more on that later.

January 2019

1st Jan - Hull (A) - 8-1 - WIN

Goals from: Sandro (5), M.Holgate and C.Tosun (2)

Just a crazy game, Hull where nowhere and Sandro everywhere. Mason Holgate started the game, scored a rare goal and Tom Davies came on as a sub.

9th Jan - Man.Utd. (H) - 2-0 - WIN

Goals from: I.Gueye and C.Tosun

Nice game, and finally a victory over United. Mason Holgate came on as a late sub.

12th Jan - Wrexham (H) - 4-0 - WIN (FA-Cup)

Goals from: B.Henrique, G.Sigurdsson, D.Calvert-Lewin and C.Tosun

An easy fixture for our first FA-Cup match this season, against Vanarama National League side Wrexham. We fielded 2 academy players Nicolas Hansen and Chris Wilkie. Wilkie made 2 assists. Mason Holgate also started the game, while Tom Davies came on as a sub.

16th Jan - Leicester (H) - 2-0 - WIN

Goals by: C.Tosun (2)

We left it late this time, but Cenk did the trick. This triggered him to ask for a pay rise that I could not tempt to decline. Mason Holgate was an unused sub.

19th Jan - Newcastle (A) - 3-1 - WIN

Goals by: D.Calvert-Lewin (3)

Games are coming thick and fast this time of the year. Calvert-Lewin was on fire, and of course he also needed a new contract. This is becoming a real trouble to our future, as we are spending over the FFP limit for wages in the Premier League. Mason Holgate was an unused sub again.

26th Jan - Brighton (H) - 5-0 - WIN

Goals from: B.Henrique (2), T.Walcott (2) and Alvaro Odriozola

Finally a weeks rest before this game, and it proved worthy. Easy win as we where always in control. Tom Davies came on as a late sub, in what proved to be his last game for the club.

League Table at the end of January:

Fixture list:

1st ever goal scored by: Theo Walcott
50th ever goal scored by: Idrissa Gueye
100th ever goal scored by: Theo Walcott
200th ever goal scored by: Sandro

[TheEarl]

The Earls quest to over achieve Sir Alex Ferguson

As mentioned I tried to lower my wages by selling a player in the January transfer window. I wanted to get rid of James McCarthy 75k wages, but ended up getting a really good offer for Tom Davies. Davies really never got into the potential he has, and was always a fringe player. I sold him, but that meant I had to keep McCarthy. I also got in a youngster from Switzerland who really looks good for the future. On the down side the wages are still too high, and I now only have 1 homegrown player in the first squad, Mason Holgate.

Of course Holgate got injured for 3 months shortly after the deadline, which meant Fraser Hornby had to be brought in from the academy to fulfill the requirements of this challenge.

Screenshots of transfers this season:

Had to post it in 3 version to see all the outgoing loans.

February 2019

2nd Feb - Rotherham (A) - 2-0 - WIN (FA-Cup)

Goals from: B.Henrique and T.Walcott

Both Bruno and Theo had been injured, so this was a good opportunity to get them into match shape again. It was not a good game however, so I was just happy that we got into the 5th round without a scare. Mason Holgate came on as a sub.

6th Feb - Chelsea (A) - 1-2 - LOSS

Goal by: D.Calvert-Lewin

We finally lost again, as Chelsea proved too much at Stamford Bridge. A bit injury hampered and we are desperately looking for a break in the season. This closed the gap in the league table a bit, can we hang on? Fraser Hornby was an unused sub.

10th Feb - Watford (H) - 5-0 - WIN

Goals from: C.Tosun (3), G.Sigurdsson and T.Walcott

We bounced right back with a great win over Watford. Fraser Hornby was an unused sub once again.

16th Feb - Arsenal (A) - 2-2 - DRAW

Goals from: B.Henrique and D.Calvert-Lewin

Another difficult away game, and we where lucky to claim a draw in the last minute thanks to Calvert-Lewin. Fraser Hornby was once again an unused sub.

20th Feb - Leeds (H) - 6-2 - WIN

Goals from: T.Walcott (2), G.Sigurdsson (2), I.Gueye and Seamus Coleman

We are scoring so many goals, it can possibly be a new record for goal scoring. Fraser Hornby this time came on for his debut as a sub.

23rd Feb - Brentford (A) - 5-0 - WIN (FA-Cup)

Goals from: Arthur (3), B.Henrique and Fraser Hornby

A nice easy win in the 5th round of the FA-Cup. Its from here on it will be difficult. Fraser Hornby came on as a sub again, and netted his first goal for the club.

26th Feb - Benfica (A) - 3-1 - WIN

Goals from: Sandro, C.Tosun and T.Walcott

A great start to the knockout stages of Champions League. Two late goals from Cenk and Theo means we have a really good grip on this tie. Fraser Hornby was an unused sub this time.

League Table at the end of February: 

Fixture list:

Youth intake and our best player to join the academy:

A disastrous intake, and no player is near Chris Wilkie from last season.

Here you can see my troubles with the finances, and probably going to fail FFP for PL next season:

Fun facts:

1st ever goal scored by: Theo Walcott
50th ever goal scored by: Idrissa Gueye
100th ever goal scored by: Theo Walcott
200th ever goal scored by: Sandro

[TheEarl]

The Earls quest to over achieve Sir Alex Ferguson

Did we continue our good form in March, lets see...

March 2019

1st Mar - Crystal Palace (H) - 3-1 - WIN

Goals from: B.Henrique (2) and Arthur

A desperate win, as Funes More got sent off in the first half. We did just enough though, and thank God for that. Fraser Hornby was an unused sub for the entire month, so will not mention him in the rest of the games.

9th Mar - Bournemouth (A) - 3-1 - WIN

Goals from: Sandro, D.Calvert-Lewin and B.Henrique

A good away win to keep us firmly at the top of the table. Its looking more and more like an unlikely Premier League trophy.

15th Mar - Huddersfield (H) - 3-0 - WIN

Goals from: A.Odriozola, C.Tosun and T.Walcott

We could win easily even though we missed 2 penalties in one game. Newcomer young Swiss talent Manuel Mecca made his debut as a late sub.

20th Mar - Benfica (H) - 6-0 - WIN

Goals from: G.Sigurdsson, Sandro (2), D.Calver-Lewin, B.Henrique and C.Tosun

We fired on all cylinders against Benfica, winning 9-1 on aggregate. This will set up a quarter final against the most difficult of all tasks, Barcelona.

24th Mar - Man.Utd. (H) - 2-1 - WIN (FA-Cup)

Goals by: G.Sigurdsson (2)

Really great form from Gylfi lately. Scoring twice in the quarter final, and we beat United again. Now we will face Charlton at Wembley in the semi final. But first comes matches against Tottenham, Man.City, Liverpool and Barcelona in that order.

League Table at the end of March:

Fixture list: 

Fun facts:

1st ever goal scored by: Theo Walcott
50th ever goal scored by: Idrissa Gueye
100th ever goal scored by: Theo Walcott
200th ever goal scored by: Sandro

[jaysdailydose]

5 hours ago, m0nk3y-b0y said:

After Jan transfer window update :

A good run of form has seen us rise to 8th in the league, with the only losses coming to Arsenal and Liverpool since taking over. Despite losing Riyad Mahrez to Real Madrid for £60 million we have brought in a ready made replacement in Alexander Isak who fits my tactic much better, as you can see I raided the Bundesliga for all three of my Jan transfers.

Isak is my top transfer target for my first summer window, which I'll reach today.  

#GreatMinds

(EDIT: He and Jairo Riedewald, that is.  I ship goals like they are going to go out of fashion right now.)

Edited May 23, 2018 by jaysdailydose

[jaysdailydose]

Was quite a few replies this morning, just want to say Congratulations to @Deisler26 for being our second challenger to lift a major trophy, winning the FA Cup with Crystal Palace!  

Nice achievement, going to add you to the leaderboard now!  And @jtiessen, welcome to the party!  Adding you to the active board as well!

Also, a very nice achievement for @wynter, getting the groundwork laid for a new stadium at Bournemouth.  Very necessary, only club that may have needed it more was Burnley and a new ground to replace Turf Moor.  

EDIT: Also want to send a special thanks to @TheEarl for helping me stay up-to-date on updates.  It is much appreciated.  He and I go all the way back to the start of the Ultimate Football Manager Challenge, and honestly, I've seen few people be able to achieve what he has.  If I can stay competitive with him, I'll know I'm finally "back" in the FM scene.  I may even put my blog back up.

Edited May 23, 2018 by jaysdailydose

[jaysdailydose]

All trophies and new competitors have now been added to the active leaderboard, and we are current to HERE.

We have a new leader, with @Deisler26 and his Eagles of Crystal Palace taking the lead. (200 points for his FA Cup, and 500 points for achieving the milestone of winning it in his first four seasons!)

Congratulations to our new leader, now we all have someone new to chase!  I'm sure @TheEarl will remain hot on your tail, though!

Heading into game now, I hope to join you all on the board today.  I played my home fixture in the Europa League semi last night, and after the first leg with are up on United 3-0.  If we can keep our eyes on the prize, it looks like we will meet Monaco in the Final, but I'm not getting ahead of myself.  My last fixture last night was to seal Premier League status for another season, so now I can focus on winning the big pot.

Best of luck everyone, it is starting to get competitive -- and it is awesome.  So proud that this challenge has taken off like this.

Edited May 23, 2018 by jaysdailydose

[Makoto Nakamura]

End of Season 2 - 2018/19 - Huddersfield Town

Fixtures 1 - Fixtures 2 - Fixtures 3

The first stumbling block has been overcome as we beat Wolves in the FA Cup Final and then we win a double by beating Inter Milan in the Europa League Final!!  

Really happy with the signings, Federici was brought in as a backup, just so we could have a senior keeper that wasn't on loan and then Livakovic proved to be a great purchase, I'm really looking forward to see how Geubbels and Carl Senior develop!

Adam Federici - Dominik Likakovic - Pablo Maffeo - Alexander Isak - William Geubbels - Carl Senior

Overall Best XI

2018/19 Best XI

 

Dominik Livakovic

Mathias Jørgensen - Terence Kongolo - Christopher Schindler

Pablo Maffeo                                                                                     Chris Löwe

Aaron Mooy - Danny Williams

 

Colin Quaner - Alexander Isak - Elias Kachunga

 

[m0nk3y-b0y]

1 hour ago, jaysdailydose said:

Isak is my top transfer target for my first summer window, which I'll reach today.  

#GreatMinds

(EDIT: He and Jairo Riedewald, that is.  I ship goals like they are going to go out of fashion right now.)

He's been a revelation but Fiete Arp has out performed him leading to a deadly front three with him, Isak and Vardy. I'm having the same problem definitely going to invest in the defence during the summer transfer window, already started on that by making Alexander Dragovic's loan move permanent for £8 million a lot less than the original agreed fee.

 

Managed to finish with a fantastic 6th place finish and a FA Cup for the trophy cabinet.

 

Challenge Progress:

Domestic Titles

0/13 Premier League Titles

1/5 The Emirates FA Cup Titles: (2017/18)

0/4 Carabao Cup (League Cup) Titles

0/10 English Community Shield

European Titles

0/2 UEFA Champions League

0/1 UEFA Europa League 

0/1 UEFA Super Cup

0/2 FIFA Club World Championship

Edited May 23, 2018 by m0nk3y-b0y

[Makoto Nakamura]

Our strike force is getting younger and younger!

[smp20]

So, of course I've joined in this:

[jaysdailydose]

Awesome progress, everyone!  I'm going to finish typing this post, with my own good news... and then I'll add those trophies to the leaderboard cabinet.  I'll post some congratulations in the post confirming the update of the board.

Welcome, @smp20, yet another poster that I have followed over the years!  Glad to see you are here!  Our only concern is those that have spun the wheel and gotten Newcastle have had to deal with an immediate board takeover, and when it happens, and you're a newly appointed manager in 19th, it doesn't work out... so definitely make sure to check that you aren't in the midst of a takeover.  Hate to see you do a bunch of groundwork for nothing.  

I hope you aren't in the midst of one, as honestly, Newcastle United is just about the best representation of what Fergie took over in 1986.  Fallen giant, great history, still have money and structures at the club to be a Top 6 club, but just need to get there... so I really hope you get a chance to play them, I'd love to see them in action!

-----

And then there was my Europa semi second leg, since I'd updated on it...

"Gabbiadini at the halfway line, dribbles into the United end... hits it 25 yards upfield, OH MY, he's sprung Kai... Havertz takes a touch, moves left, and HAVERTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTZ... MY GOODNESS, KAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII'S DONE IT!  Southampton is now ahead 4-3 on aggregate, but with that away goal, the Red Devils now need two in ten minutes to stay alive!  Kai won't even be 18 for another month, but he may have just hit the winner to send Southampton to a European Final!!!  JOSE MOURINHO IS BESIDE HIMSELF WITH ERIC BAILLY!"

And so it was... we may have lost the match, but we won the war!



Mourinho talked a bunch of smack in the lead up to both legs, so it is nice to see him get his comeuppance.  Zlatan played amazing in both legs, even if he didn't score in the second leg.  Remember, I am still on FM17, but Big Z has hit 34 goals and made 12 in all competitions, and all but one of his goals were from open play, just the one penalty strike.  Averaging 7.67 overall, and had averaged 8.18 in United's European campaign.  Such an amazing man he is, was so sad that he went to my most hated club, but even in that red, I could never do anything but admire him.  (And Jose, too.  Always loved Mourinho, before Klopp, I would have given anything for the man to manage my club!)  

Anyway, I was very excite!   So, I'll go do the leaderboards now.

[jaysdailydose]

We are now current on all trophies and all new entrants to HERE.  Welcome to our new challenger, @smp20, and best of luck to you with the Magpies!

Big CONGRATULATIONS go to @Makoto Nakamura, scoring a double with winning both the 2018/19 UEFA Europa League AND the FA Cup!  That makes Makoto our overall leader with two trophies, and a challenge milestone, for a total of 1,100 points!  Keep up the great work, my friend!

Also have CONGRATULATIONS heading out to @m0nk3y-b0y, who took down the 2017/18 FA Cup with his Leicester City side!  The fairytale continues at the King Power, but under m0nk3y's leadership instead of any of the clowns they've hired after sacking Sir Claudio.  Great job, and keep it going!

If you haven't gotten involved yet, you'll want to jump in before these awesome managers take down any more trophies and more challenge points!  Do YOU have what it takes?  Join us and find out!

[smp20]

Cheers @jaysdailydose. I've had a decent start with a very attacking tactic:

[Makoto Nakamura]

The transfer window is over with.

I'm happy with the acquisitions although we'll have to wait a few seasons for Rivera and Hadhria to get work permits, we did manage to get Munir on a free and I tried to get James Milner as well, but he chose Leicester.

Ahmed Hadria - Harold Rivera - Toni Lato - Duje Caleta-Car - Munir - Sebastián Coates - Ales Mateju

No early season silverware.

[smp20]

We're doing alright.

[smp20]

And yet one game later....

[jaysdailydose]

Glad to see that you avoided the takeover issue, @smp20!

I think even if it starts in your second season, with the form you are in, you'll likely survive it.  

I tabbed over out of game as one of the coolest last days I've ever seen is shaping up in this save.  I had to play United in the league after playing them in the Europa League, and they won the contest 1-0.  You'll remember above, they had games in hand on Arsenal, and it had stayed that way up into the final weeks.  They just played relegated and bottom Middlesbrough for their 37th fixture, to retake the lead by a point on Arsenal.

What I *hadn't* noticed is that Manchester United and Arsenal PLAY on the final day of the season.  At The Emirates.  So Jose has to go into Arsene's yard and keep the streak alive, with the Premier League on the line.  All Mourinho has to do is not lose, as United have 90 points, and Arsenal 89.  Arsenal's goal differential is an awe-inspiring +70, but it won't come into play here.  

What a finish.  We suck, We play Tottenham on the last day, and if we lose, we'll finish 17th.  Might win the Europa League and only be safe by 7 points... and even though I was able to talk him into staying to keep us up, van Dijk has just requested to leave.  I'll likely be able to sign my top target now, but I'd hoped to COMBINE him with VvD... we just won't have made enough progress, even if we lift the European trophy here in the next two in-game weeks.  

Just crazy interesting stuff, and wanted to share.  My seasonal update, and hopefully my first challenge points, will be up in the next hour or so.

(EDIT: It is crazy awesome that the Europa League Final is three whole days after the final Prem game.  I'm tempted to play a lot of kids and just finish 17th.  I'm safe, it isn't like I get a whole lot more for finishing 14th, which is high as I can climb.  I thought I'd finish 11th pretty late on, but this European run has really hurt us, our squad isn't all that robust.)

Edited May 23, 2018 by jaysdailydose

[Makoto Nakamura]

The new youth striker introduced himself well!

[m0nk3y-b0y]

Starting as we mean to go on

In a repeat of the 2016/17 Community Shield we faced Premier League and Champions League winners Man Utd, although this time with a very different result ! Clearly we don't need Jamie Vardy who swapped the King Power for the bench at Old Trafford in a £70 million deal (not a bad fee for a 31 year old) during my summer clear-out, and was swiftly replaced by wonderkid Moise Kean who dominated the Red Devils down the right hand wing all game. 

 

50 points please @jaysdailydose

Challenge Progress:

Domestic Titles

0/13 Premier League Titles

1/5 The Emirates FA Cup Titles: (2017/18)

0/4 Carabao Cup (League Cup) Titles

1/10 English Community Shield: (2018/19)

European Titles

0/2 UEFA Champions League

0/1 UEFA Europa League 

0/1 UEFA Super Cup

0/2 FIFA Club World Championship

Edited May 24, 2018 by m0nk3y-b0y

[Deisler26]

[Makoto Nakamura]

PSG, welcome to Fergie time.

[Deisler26]

Well, we've reached the August 2019 transfer deadline and it's been a wild, wild transfer window

A monster £85m bid for AS Monaco's Pietro Pellegri was the standout in this window. He wasn't convinced that London was the best place for him, so it took £72k PER WEEK for a 17 year old to convince him to come. This was funded by sales of Sahko, Cabaye, Wickham et al

And we STILL were not the highest spenders in the league...

Edited May 23, 2018 by Deisler26

[jaysdailydose]

DAMN at £85M.

Alexis Sanchez won Arsenal the Premier League over Mourinho and Manchester United, at the Emirates.  Only the one goal in the game... be interesting to see how long Wenger continues after winning the League again.

I lost to Tottenham on the final day to finish an awesome 17th.  If I win the Europa League in three days, I've got to be the worst league finisher to ever raise it... 

But hey, Champions League football by any means necessary, right?

[kozmik]

I've neglected to post my new start here despite the fact I got it set up Sunday evening. Ended up taking on a different team:

Mainly because Southampton happened to come up and I started wondering whether there's a significant risk of a takeover happening soon-ish at Newcastle, and with that a significant risk of getting sacked. So, went with Saints. I've played 11 games in the league so far, won four and lost seven. But I've had a very rough set of fixtures, playing five of the top 6 in those 11 games. We're now 15th with 20 points from 22 games.

I've also signed Denis Suarez from Barca and am about to sign Florin Andone from Coruna. I desperately want to sign a center back to replace Yoshida in the starting eleven but no one good enough will even speak with me. I agreed a great deal with Newcastle for Lascelles which included Shane Long heading the other way but apparently our league performance was such a big concern to him that he wouldn't consider moving. Newcastle is currently 19th.

[jaysdailydose]

Your club switch is all set, @kozmik.  Eating lunch before my Europa League FInal and got you taken care of.  

Best of luck to you, we challenge Saints need to stick together!

[MarcxD]

This looks awesome. I'm going to ape @Makoto Nakamura and do this on FMT.

I got West Ham!

The one win was against Crystal Palace. No huge losses except for the Leicester game, so I think staying up should definitely be doable. Still in the EFL cup as well!

[jaysdailydose]

Well, that was an interesting afternoon.  I am just now getting to play the Europa League final.  My wife was out at the doctor having a procedure done, and the car got not one, but TWO flat tires from unseen nails in the parking lot.  So, I just returned home.  

About to go play for a trophy, but wanted to check in and do any board updates before I did.  @MarcxD, welcome to the challenge, glad to have you with us!  Best of luck to you and West Ham!   Adding you to our active leaderboard now!

[jbutton]

I have Palace now, screenshots tomorrow.

[jaysdailydose]

5 minutes ago, jbutton said:

I have Palace now, screenshots tomorrow.

I'll get you changed on the leaderboard, just post them when ya can!   Best of luck with the Eagles!

[smp20]

Turns out im rubbish at drunk fm...

[smp20]

feck off

[jaysdailydose]

Man, that was probably the toughest Final I've played in my entire decades-long career of playing Football Manager.  

But, we're Europa League Champions!  

I'll do a season wrap-up type post in a bit, but I've honestly updated pretty much as I've gone along so everyone knows most of what my season was like.  I'll still do some type of wrap-up, though.

At least I've managed to keep pace with everyone but Makoto by putting this trophy on the board, regardless how ****** my lads were in the League.  Would have really been something to be a Europa League Champion and get relegated, boy am I glad that didn't happen.  





This is only the second time I've ever won the UEFA Cup in all the time I've played FM.  I've won a lot of Champions Leagues, but I just never really focused on it before this challenge.  I won it with won of my Stevenage teams a few years back, but I am actually really proud of this one.  Having to play Fenerbache, both Manchester sides, and Monaco, I'm sure I've played weaker opponents in the Champions League before.  

Most importantly, there will be Champions League football at St. Mary's next season.  That can obviously only help both the transfer kitty we're given, but also the type of player who we'll be able to attract.  Very pleased.