Where In The World is Andychar?

[andychar]

How many games!?

This month has a massive 3 games! Talk about make or break.

We are already 5 points off the lead, we need to improve and put some wins together. My aim was to win the league and if I don't I feel my job could be in danger.

Our next game is away to 2nd place, even this early it needs to be treated as a must win.

The Oldham boss was sacked...I have no idea why I was told this...and the Hartlepool boss...looking at it its because a team I'm following has their manager in the sack race.

I'll show you this because it will be the last time its in the black (or in this case white).

Anyway onto the next game...

First blood to us! Mitchell Duffy opening his account for us.

Nothing else doing in a first half where honestly we have been on the back foot for most of it.

Whoever scores next wins the game I reckon.

New boy Stokes scores on his debut and surely that's a huge 3 points in the bag.

Maybe I spoke too soon!

Huge win! Very even game, we have lost games like this this season so its nice to be on the winning end of a close game.

We get to savour the win for 14 days before we have back to back home games and a chance to put pressure on the top.

Nothing exciting happened in between games so lets get straight into game 2 of 3 this month.

Ian Black with the free kick and its an early goal. Settle the nerves.

New forward Marc Kelly gets his first goal in his second game to give us a first half cushion.

2-0 at the break and things are looking better.

James Stokes gets his second in as many appearances to take us out of sight. A bit win would be get here. Help us with GD.

Scratch that, lets just hold onto the lead eh.

We got the win and deserved it. Clean sheet would have been nice but not essential.

10th place Hurlford next at home. We should win but stranger things have happened. We only have 7 days to prepare for it!

Well that wasn't in the script!

That's better! Russell Reid with his 6th of the season from his AMR position.

James Stokes has scored in every game hes played for me so far. Great turnaround.

Stokes 4 in 3 now and that should do it.

Early set back but pure dominance from there on.

It means after a full month the league table looks like this...

You could throw a blanket over the top 3. Happy with the month and happy with where we are at the moment. I don't think either side are going to blink so this season could go down to the wire.

[Mandy42]

1 hour ago, andychar said:

They already beat me this season so technically the title is out of my hands. 

well it certainly is with that attitude  

[andychar]

45 minutes ago, Mandy42 said:

well it certainly is with that attitude  

I'm doing my very bestest! Honest!

Christmas Off? Humbug!

It feels weird to be heading into December and only played 9 league games.

Its another bumper 3 match month so strap yourselves in!

Its the first job that's come up I can actually take. But I've not won anything with Clydebank yet so can't move on...and that's the only thing stopping me...

Girvan away is the first game of the month and they are currently sat in 10th. Another good chance to extend this winning run.

Now this one is interesting. I've applied just to see how far in the process I can get. If I go far then I know I'm not much off being able to jump ship when the time comes. I might even accept and say I'll take over at the end of the season.

For the 3rd straight game I make no changes. Don't see any reason too.

Stokes 5 in 4 now. The lad is on fire!

Crawfords doubles the lead. We are playing some good football at the moment.

But not defensively! Game on.

I completely jinxed us!

Stokes I want your babies! We had huffed and puffed in the second half but couldn't find the back of the net until this gem of a man stepped up to fire us home. A massive win!

Can't say we didn't deserve it!

I somehow doubt this is true to life but I'll take it!

Cumnock next in the league. I have family in Cumnock so its a special game for me. Only a 7 day turnaround as well. Players are going to be knackered! Lucky for them I've been forced to give them Christmas off.

He came to complain about lack of action...lots more lack of action now mate.

So onto the second game which will be the official half way point of the season. Its also the other two teams at the top playing each other.

Couldn't have asked for a better start! But we don't keep clean sheets so we need another.

Thank you! Although last time we were 2-0 up we blew it.

Fantastic and doing the GD a World of good.

I've not paid out many clean sheet bonuses this season.

Great time to score to give us a comfortable half time lead.

Game on.

Russell Reid bags his 7th of the season and help the GD.

5 goals and not a season one by a striker.

I'll end the posts here despite one more game this month as its the half way point. The table looks like this.

First time in a while we have been top but with only 3 points separating the top 3 its really anybodies at the half way stage.

[vossmaj]

vor 21 Stunden schrieb vossmaj:

Would like to see you take Twente Enschede to glory on your way to fame and fortune. It's the [FORMER] top level team [NOW FALLEN FAR FROM GRACE] nearest to my home town (with me being from Germany though - so it's a truly European thing... 

 

vor 20 Stunden schrieb andychar:

Oh my word does it feel so far away right now as Arthurlie easily brush me aside. 

Gentlemen, fill me in, I don't quite follow... 

[andychar]

5 minutes ago, vossmaj said:

 

Gentlemen, fill me in, I don't quite follow... 

It’s me being completely dense. I’m not a follower of Dutch football not going to lie. Had no idea they had been relegated! 

They will be in the top division by the time I get there! 

[andychar]

The Only Way is Down

Top of the league, you're having a laugh!

10th at home next to end 2018, we should win it...SHOULD.

I asked for the board to waive compensation. They said no. They have said no to literally everything I have asked. So really I'm no closer to knowing if I was going to get an interview at least.

Any way onto the final game of 2018.

The fixtures look a carbon copy order of the first half of the season which could mean we are in for an explosive final game of the same.

#

Another fast start.

Another 2-0 lead.

2-0 at the break. It feels weird to have not conceded by now.

Russell Reid's 9th of the season gives us what should be a winning lead.

Chris Brown slaps his 2nd of the season home. 9 more minutes for a clean sheet!

I've been waiting for a big win and here it is. Brilliant stuff.

So close! A penalty needlessly given away.

Pure dominance. We know if we keep winning we will keep the top spot. That's all we need to do. The two teams directly below us don't seem to be dropping many points so neither can we.

Quite a few left us as soon as the transfer window opened. I'm always looking to improve the team and will let you know of any new players who will be starting.

We were looking to start 2019 the same way we finished 2018, with a big win.

It Killwinning Rangers away next who find themselves the best of the rest in 4th at the moment. It won't be an easy win that's for sure.

Losses are falling. I've culled a few of the highest earning staff. My 300 p/w isn't helping anybody either!

0-0 at the break. Its all us.

We have had chance after chance after chance and yet find ourselves 1-0 down. Sickener.

We weren't behind for long. Still enough time to push for what would be a deserved winner.

No last minute heroics this time. 21 shots on goal and only 5 on target that is truly pathetic. Its no wonder we didn't win.

Huge blow but we need to pick ourselves up asap because at the end of this month we play one of the other big boys away from home. Its not a must win but its a must not lose.

But before that we are at home against 4th placed Beith and we need not to panic. We would have won that previous game 99/100. Just stick to it and the wins will follow.

Just the start we needed! Defensive error but I'll take it.

A goalkeeping error doubles our lead. We need to remain focused.

Cracking goal could mean this game is over before the break.

3-0 at half time and a brilliant first half.

No let up! Brilliant.

This is getting silly now. Odds are we will still concede.

This could be double figures by the end.

Our GD is looking very healthy now. Brilliant.

Well didn't expect a performance like that. Stunning 90 minutes. Very pleased with the boys. The away side's LB finished with a 3.8 rating. That's the lowest I've ever seen without absolutely cheating.

It sets us up brilliantly ahead of our away tie against Arthurlie. The game is not a must win but its a must not lose.

8 games to go.

[Northernpilgrim]

Squeaky bum time!

[Mandy42]

11 minutes ago, Northernpilgrim said:

Squeaky bum time!

not half! real proper top of the table stuff 

[andychar]

1 hour ago, Northernpilgrim said:

Squeaky bum time!

 

1 hour ago, Mandy42 said:

not half! real proper top of the table stuff 

Guys I'm scared!

Lose a big game. That's a paddling.

First up a huge 6 pointer at the top of the table. (Disclaimer the game is only worth 3 points).

Lose and I'll more than likely drop to 3rd.

Draw and I'll more than likely drop to 2nd.

Win and I'll stay top.

Sometimes football is that simple.

We have been dominant and finally we make it count. Big goal!

1-0 at the half and the hosts haven't even registered a shot...tenner says I'm going to lose this game.

Massive win in a game we absolutely dominated. Gives us a 3 point lead over Arthurlie with a much superior GD.

It came at a cost though...

That's potentially 3-4 games he will miss.

Some good to come out of the game, we continue to be record breakers. Will count for nothing if we can't go up. 7 games to go.

February is only a 2 game month so I will finish that up in this posts then its annoying 5 games over 3 months.

There was a 14 day break between the Arthurlie game and the next one away to Rob Roy. I don't like Rob. I don't know why I just haven't taken a shine to him.

I've made a few new signings but nobody who will trouble the first time, they are more to improve the squad.

I swear to God this ***** has said no to absolutely everything I have asked him.

So how will we fare without our leading goalscorer?

Not bad apparently.

Not bad at all!

This is getting silly now.

Every time we go forward we look like scoring.

A goal every 5 minutes. This could turn ugly.

Oh no! The comeback is on!

5-1 at half time and this game has been over since 15 minutes.

Start the second half as we mean to go on.

We declared at 6. Since that terrible 1-1 draw we have been smashing the goals in (apart from the all important 1-0).

We are playing good football and I think its because we are finally gelling as team.

Both teams below drew. A huge weekend for us and could easily be the turning point of the entire season.

It has been a great run since that disappointing home loss to Arthurlie.

Quick turn around...well I say quick its 7 days. If we go up a couple of these players will collapse on the pitch when they have to play midweek.

4th at home next in the league. Not an easy fixture. Especially when you consider we drew the reverse fixture.

Another fast start and we are starting every game in the past possible way.

I'm sensing another strong performance.

I went to the toilet what happened? What do you mean we conceded!?

2-1 at the half. We are controlling the game so I'm not overly worried.

Ok now I'm worried. Worst possible start to the second half.

This could go either way. Glenafton have come into the game more and more. Luckily its us who pounce.

Well it wasn't pretty but it didn't need to be. Massive 3 points.

Top 3 all won so its as you were. That GD is basically giving us a 3 and a half point lead over Auchinleck. We play them next at home. Win it and the title is in touching distance.

 

[andychar]

On 31/01/2019 at 22:00, andychar said:

I swear to God this ***** has said no to absolutely everything I have asked him.

 

I don't normally quote myself but I found that funny. I had know idea this forum has a auto censor! I only called him a *redacted *

I may have to start using more foul language 

[Mandy42]

1 hour ago, andychar said:

I don't normally quote myself but I found that funny. I had know idea this forum has a auto censor! I only called him a P R I C K .

I may have to start using more foul language 

Amusingly I auto censored myself in my post vs Tottenham just to be sure :P

If you go up I'm claiming this title win (just so you know) you were dead and buried before I told you to change your attitude  

[andychar]

15 hours ago, Mandy42 said:

Amusingly I auto censored myself in my post vs Tottenham just to be sure :P

If you go up I'm claiming this title win (just so you know) you were dead and buried before I told you to change your attitude  

It is 100% the power of positive thinking!

I have just doubled my RAM from 4gb to 8gb. So fingers crossed the processing is a little quicker than it has been!

[deltablue]

Please don't try and bypass the swear filter.

[Mandy42]

baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad boy!

[andychar]

The Squeakyist of bums. 

So squeaky bum time as once again its 1st v 2nd. Even if we lose we shouldn't surrender top spot unless we get absolutely destroyed. If we win however the title, promotion and more importantly me calling this team complete will surely be in the bag.

The worst possible start. We started strong but it wan't enough.

Bad level. I'd take a draw.

Prefer a win though!

2-1 at the break we are on top but anything can happen.

Fantastic win and that opens up a gap.

Arthurlie got beat so with 4 games to go we are looking at a 2 horse race. With the GD 2 wins from 4 should do it.

A massive 21 days in between games. We could all but win the league if results go our way.

Shocking start. Cracking finish though.

Good response and a deserved equaliser.

A penalty puts us in front. Great turnaround.

Icing on the cake!

No complaints really. We deserved it.

3 games to go and we are 1 win away from the title. Can't imagine us throwing it away from this position. We were once 5 points off the top so to turn it around as we have I'm delighted!

[andychar]

On 02/02/2019 at 12:47, deltablue said:

Please don't try and bypass the swear filter.

Don't worry I will be a good boy. I didn't even realise the word I choose to use was deemed a swear word!

[andychar]

Up The Bank!

3 games to go (in two months) and only 2 points needed.

I should have the title and promotion wrapped up in the next game. A huge 21 day break in between games will keep us in suspense.

I am looking towards next season, I don't want to be at Clydebank but honestly it might not be up to me.

So 1 point wouldn't be enough but a win would be...

Why post a 0-0 I hear you scream....we missed a penalty.

Ian Black makes up for the penalty miss with a great assist. As it stands we are champions.

1-0 at the break we have been utter dominant but things can change quickly in football.

One big hand on the trophy.

One big hand and 4 fingers on the title.

I love icing.

And you can never have too much!

Easy win in the end.

Confirmation if needed...

Wage Budget has jumped from 250 quid to 1.9k! Do we have the money for it?

Absolutely not.

Another 21 days between the games. 2 more matches then I'll update you on all of the teams picked.

It was Cumnock away for me. I'll visit the family while I'm there, hopefully destroy their hopes and dreams at the same time.

Dream successfully dashed. It was a simple game and the unbeaten streak continues.

A ridiculous 28 days between Cumnock and the last fixture. Why bother!

So developments before the last game.

A second chance to get this job. Only this time I will be resigning and taking a massive gamble in order just to get an interview.

Just before I potentially leave...

Of course.

So onto the last game of the season and potentially my last ever Clydebank game. I will probably save the game just before resigning and see how it pans out. If I don't get the job or subsequent jobs I'll have to go crawling back. Lets face it there's not many teams I can actually go too who will take me on at this early stage of my career.

That'll do pig.

It means the final table looks like this.

We absolutely stormed home in the end only losing 1 game all season, although that came early on.

Always nice to set records. Now get me out of this damn place.

Fine lets smash out the end of season stuff first.

Ian "Loves a red card" Black took home fans player of season. Personally I would have given it Russell Reid who only takes home goal of the season. I have no idea who Grant Thorburn is but he was singing of the season...but couldn't make the best XI.

Just the casual 26 players used or 2 and a half teams.

Board are delighted with me...don't think they will be over the next few days.

Slow news day.

Didn't need to resign which is good. So is it going to be the 8th Tier of English Football or the 5th Tier of Scottish Football with Clydebank?

 

[Minuy600]

Both are interesting picks to me. Would be my preferred choice if you would try to get Clydebank into Scottish league football though.

Great job at setting the first nail in the manegerial door! (...Is that a phrase even?)

[andychar]

South of the Border?

What do you mean no? Its almost like I've not granted you a single thing since you have been here.

This is all setting up lovely for me not to get the job and be stuck in Clydebank forever.

I knew it was too good to be true. Looks like I'm set for another season North of the Border.

Best gets preparing.

So its the Lowland we are going to be entering.

The current expectations...

We are expected to win 2 cup games and gain back to back promotions.

No pressure!

For those who don't know how the Highland-Lowland leagues work. The top of each division face off in a playoff with the winner of that playing bottom of League Two for a place in the football league. So promotion is going to be tricky.

Here is the state of play and where all the teams will be next season. Unknown are just that, the league isn't loaded. If they didn't appear in Past History I have no way of knowing.

I have had to remote St Day in Tier 12 from contention. The database I used only went down to Tier 11 and there was no relegation from Tier 11 which was disappointing.

Only a few Champions and only 2 promotions so its near enough as you were. I have my eye on two jobs. Sheffield FC and Berwick Rangers.

I haven't loaded any new leagues, just England and Scotland for now. If I move this season I will bring in the Norwegian League down to Division 4.

As I'm the favourite to win the league once again I won't be going crazy in the Transfer Window. Fingers crossed my players live up to expectation and the jump isn't too big. I'm looking forward to playing a few more matches this season!

 

[andychar]

1 hour ago, Minuy600 said:

Both are interesting picks to me. Would be my preferred choice if you would try to get Clydebank into Scottish league football though.

Great job at setting the first nail in the manegerial door! (...Is that a phrase even?)

I wanted the Sheffield job I'm not going to lie but hopefully another good season in Clydebank will give me a great platform!

[Mandy42]

demand for back to back promotions but wont give you any of the requests you asked for. what a douche!

Thank you for getting your act together and winning the title I told you that you should ;p 

[andychar]

21 hours ago, Mandy42 said:

demand for back to back promotions but wont give you any of the requests you asked for. what a douche!

Thank you for getting your act together and winning the title I told you that you should ;p 

Yeah he's not a nice man. Can't get any badges which I think might be hurting my chances of moving on. I'm glad I didn't disappoint you for long!

New Signings and All That Jazz

First time I've been asked to attend an interview without applying. Nobody likes Folkestone Invicta so they aren't on the list.

I have signed more players but these are the select 2. Great positions for what we need, young too.

I imagine there will be more comings and goings before the start of the new season.

Picked up this guy from Queens Park. Instant starter.

Heading into the new season the squad looks like this...

Its not as big as last season but I'm happy. Only time will tell if its good enough for another promotion.

Only played one decent team during preseason and it didn't go well.  We are ready!

[andychar]

Taking the Low Road

We start the season with a jam packed 3 games in a month! Starting away to Whitehill Welfare.

We are no longer favourites for Top which takes a bit of pressure off but the board still want promotion while giving me nothing.

Here we go first game of the season. I'm excited! 4 new signings make the 1st team.

Russell Reid picks up where he left off last season with a great goal just before the break.

Absolutely typical.

Individual defensive error cost us and I'm not happy in the slightest. We should have won that game. But it's only 1 game we need to move on.

14 days to stew. We play more games this season but its still only 28 so not a game a week.

I'm looking forward to the transfer window closing. My players are being poached left, right and centre.

First home game of the season against Civil Service who won their first game. Lets bounce back and grab the win!

Ian Black shows he still has it with a brilliant free kick and for the second time this season we score first. Lets see if we can get another!

2 in 5 for us and 2 in 5 for Ian Black! Age is just a number.

AML Stokes gets his first goal of the season and we are running away with the game.

We settled for 3 in the end. Great response to the disappointment on opening day.

Only 7 days to wait before the last game of the month! We are away again to a team with the same record as us 1 win and 1 draw.

Scott Miller our new striker opens his account. Great start.

1-0 at the break. Not feeling safe.

Russell Reid double his tally and our lead. Feeling safer now!

That'll do pig.

It means at the end of the first month the league table looks like this...

A nice early lead at the top but with 5 teams still unbeaten its gonna be a nice tight league.

Next month the draw for the Scottish Cup First Round. Exciting times!

[andychar]

What do you mean if its a draw we carry on?

This month will see the first Cup game meaning for the first time we could face replays and extra time and penalties! Fingers crossed it doesn't come to that however.

Spartans are currently in the same division as us and currently 3rd so it won't be easy.

5 games this month! Starting with a home tie against a promotion rival East Kilbride. Be a good yard stick as to where we currently are. 

The transfer window closed with nobody else coming in or out.

Mikey Hopkins comes in for his debut but other than that its the same side.

An even game, we might have just edged it but not by loads. McKendry came on as a sub and within 5 minutes had been booked and given away a penalty in two separate incidences. Happy to grab a late equaliser to maintain the unbeaten start. We lost Russell Reid for 4 weeks as well as we finished with 10 men. He will be a loss.

Another home game next before our first ever cup tie.

This game was much closer than it looks. We dominated the first half and opened a comfortable lead. They dominated the second half but couldn't score. McManus came in for the injured Reid and did brilliantly. Hopkins scored twice in only his second game for us and Stokes continues to be the first name on the team sheet. Good win all around. 

Next up is the Cup game. I really don't want to lose in the first round but we have been handed a tough game. There are only 3 teams left unbeaten in the Lowland we are one of them...so are the Spartans.

What a great game of football. Russell Reid was rushed back into the starting line up and lasted 9 minutes. In the space of 35 seconds it looked like our hopes were over. We came out in the second half a different team and deserved to be level. Both teams finished with 10 men and both sides had chances to nick it. We go again at the end of the month. It means we will play Spartans 3 out of 4 games.

It also means officially we go into the hat for the Second Round and we see the arrival of league teams.

We avoid League clubs and will potentially travel to another Lowland League side. Lets get through the First Round first though eh.

Back to the league now and for the first time this save it was 2 games in the space of 4 days as we played Wednesday with the First Round Replay being the Saturday. Its all go!

Scoreline flattered us but I'm not complaining at all. Another red card, we seem to have a bit of a discipline problem at the moment.

It means the league table looks like this at the end of the month.

Nice to be top still even if its only by goal difference. Us, Whitehill Welfare (who we should have beat in the opener) and Spartans remain unbeaten.

Speaking of Spartans its back to back games against them now, starting with the cup.

Not going to lie I forgot about this, despite it being shoved down my throat all day everyday.

We had hit the woodwork 3 times before the equaliser and I was beginning to think it was going to be one of those games. Then Ryan WIlliamson popped up with a great goal to level it before some late drama saved us from Extra Time. Brilliant result and on we march.

Confirmation it will be battle of the phoenix clubs in the next round. We got 2k for winning the First Round. Any sort of income would be greatly needed!

[Mandy42]

East Stirlingshire weren't promotion favourites for long!

[andychar]

3 hours ago, Mandy42 said:

East Stirlingshire weren't promotion favourites for long!

I'd not even noticed! Losers.

Jesus anybody else getting sick of these Spartan chaps?

We started the month as we ended the last...with a game against Spartans. Two very close games against them so far and I'm expecting another.

Well what a game that was. For the 3rd time we fell behind against Spartans this time after a good start. We were looking down and out until my changes turned the game around. Williamson and Kelly came on and grabbed all the 3 goals needed to complete a remarkable turnaround.

Gretna next but in the league not in the cup. We play them 2 out of the next 3 games.

The two Gretna fans will have been regretting their decision as early as the 9th minute. Straight forward performance, could have been more but didn't need to be. If we play like that in the cup then we will be looking at a place in the Third Round.

Away to Culter next. They came up from a different league last season and really we should be winning.

We were 1-0 down at half time with Culter not having a single shot on target. Luckily we turned it around for what turned out to be a straight forward win.

It leaves the table looking like this.

Only the two games this month with Cup action as well. Its turned into a bit of a two horse race. One we are currently winning. That point in the opening game suddenly isn't looking too horrible.

One more game this month and its a great chance to get through to the Third Round of the Scottish Cup. One round closer to the big boys.

This is how much the league game could have been. We were as dominant as the scoreline suggests. 4k we picked up for that win. Finances still in the red however.#

I'd barely taken my seat!

So despite it being the 19th of October that's the end of the month. Only thing left is the draw for the next round. Kinda want an easy home tie so we have a chance of being in with the big boys.

Or away to the team currently top of the Championship so literally the hardest draw we could have gotten...that to.

[andychar]

Accidentally pressing x and closing the thread is a sure fire way to ruin an evening

I closed Chrome by accident and lost everything so get ready for a fast paced look through November.

The 1 away fan was in dreamland. Amazingly the stats in this game were dead even, everything they touched went in. Very frustrating and completely out the blue.

We needed to bounce back.

And we did with a much more polished performance. From 6 conceded to a clean sheet, cant ask fairer than that.

I thought we had blown a 2 goal lead until some late magic gave us all 3 points. It was completely earned as we bossed the first half and should have been 5-6 up.

We were always in control in this game. Comfortable win despite a few changes ahead of the Cup game.

We were ahead for 31 seconds. I dared to dream for 31 seconds then Raith showed their class. Better team won but we went down with a fight and I couldn't have asked for more. 

Fingers crossed the loss doesn't have a massive effect on morale.

I also applied for the vacant Boreham Wood job. I don't expect an interview never mind getting the job, but its on the list so I thought why not. I've been linked with 2 different jobs one of them being a League 2 team. Maybe the Berwick Rangers job wouldn't be too much of a stretch if it came free.

Not going to pretend I'm shocked. I think its only Sheffield and Berwick Rangers I'll be able to go to at the moment.

The final game of the month was the half way point to the season.

Russell Reid scored more goals in this game than the entire season. Great win in the end. 

It means at the halfway point of the season the table looks like this...

We have a very healthy 8 point lead. The league will start to slow down now. Back to 2 games a month roughly. I can't see us losing this lead, although we still have a transfer window to survive.

[Mandy42]

you didn't know this was going to be a Clydebank club legend save did you!

[andychar]

South of the Border 2: South of the Border Harder

I started this month with just a few fixtures to get through.

Ian Black had an interesting 9 minutes. Luckily we played well with 10 men and avenged the last minute equaliser at the start of the season. We open a big gap over Whitehill Welfare.

Preparing for a game in just 7 days...

When 2 jobs on the list became free. 2 jobs I fancy my chances at getting...

...1 job I fancy my chances at getting...

...oh good. 2nd time I've had this interview, see if its 3rd time the charm for applying for this job.

In the meantime its Civil Service next in the league. We need to keep the league momentum going.

Players weren't distracted by my potential exit and played a good game. Not perfect but it will do nicely.

Its been a good run. It's a run that leaves the table looking like this.

A very healthy 11 point lead that even the next manager can't blow...

[andychar]

2 hours ago, Mandy42 said:

you didn't know this was going to be a Clydebank club legend save did you!

This post did not age well 

[andychar]

I'm Basically the Sean Bean of Management

I'm free of the shackles of Scottish football! Until I need to take the Berwick Rangers or Queen of the South job anyway.

So what have I got myself into?

Its not a horrible squad to be honest. 

Closer to relegation than the playoffs. I promised a top half finish which should be achievable. If we really hit the ground running I'd like playoffs but 10 points could be tricky to overcome.

Some decent potential in the youth team.

So I need to win a trophy in order to class this team as "complete".

It means either winning the league, winning the FA Trophy or winning the FA Cup. I fancy my chances!

Financially...

We are screwed. I need to get through this season and hope and pray for an FA Cup run. Either that or overcome an 18 point gap between us and top.

So that's it. I don't think I'll bother asking for a coaching badge...I think I know what the answer might be.

My first two games are Gainsborough Trinity who are 7th and Spalding who are currently 15th. 

Lets get to it.

[Rikulec]

You've done a good job at Clydebank, good luck at Sheffield!

[Mandy42]

ooooh he becomes a Journeyman after all! nice job

[Minuy600]

What's Gainsborough doing at that low of a level?

Good luck at Sheffield, i'm mildly bummed you didn't finish the season at Clydebank but I can live with it, the English 8th tier looks like lots of fun as well.

[andychar]

2 hours ago, Rikulec said:

You've done a good job at Clydebank, good luck at Sheffield!

Thanks. Part of me wished this was a one club save and I could see how far I could take them. That being said I'm also happy to move on!

11 minutes ago, Mandy42 said:

ooooh he becomes a Journeyman after all! nice job

I was hoping the database I downloaded would have all the regional cups as well. It doesn't so I fear I'm going to be at Sheffield for a long time.

4 minutes ago, Minuy600 said:

What's Gainsborough doing at that low of a level?

Good luck at Sheffield, i'm mildly bummed you didn't finish the season at Clydebank but I can live with it, the English 8th tier looks like lots of fun as well.

I was on a roll with Clydebank but thought I've got to take these chances when they come, especially with only being able to take like 24 jobs in the entire World. Back to back relegation's for Gainsborough. Bad times!

Wonder if I kept the receipt on this job transfer

2 games left in 2019 and I really wanted to pick up at least 4 points to get me going as Sheffield Manager. 

The good thing about taking charge when I have done is a transfer window is just around the corner. The bad news is I have no scouting done.

This is the formation I'll be rocking. Its a knap creation (who else!)

Real test at home to a team chasing promotion. Lets go!

Its been an even game but we strike first. Get in.

Oh well that was fun while it lasted. 

1-1 at the break and its been a very even game.

58th minute Gainsborough awarded a penalties which was brilliantly saved. A lifeline!

A fair result in the end. I have spotted where we need to improve. Several chances that should have been taken. 

I wanted 4 points from the opening 2 games and we can still achieve that.

I think if we play like we did we will win more games than lose. I'm very keen to add players and maybe trim some deadwood as the wage budget is bloated for a team in Tier 8. This job is going to be much much bigger than anticipated.

We are away to Spaulding to end the year. They are 1 place below us so really need to be winning these sort of games if we want to propel ourselves up the table.

I'm going to keep the same tactic and team and see where it gets us.

We started strong and deserve to lead. Hopefully it will last longer than 3 minutes this time.

A quick 1 2! We are rampant!

2-0 at the break and we have been much the better side.

Harry Atherton had scored 5 goals all season before I took over. He has scored all 4 of my goals.

Make that 5 goals. He has doubled his season tally in 2 games under me.

Amazing performance and much deserved.

It means the table looks like this heading into 2020.

We are exactly the same place as we were when I took over. We are 9 points from relegation and 9 points off the playoffs. Take your pick!

 

 

[andychar]

Aaaaaaaaand We're Back

I decided to take a week off FM so I didn't get burnt out. But I'm back and ready to go! Fingers crossed my team feels the same.

Its a small month with only 3 games. If we have any chance of playoffs we can't afford many drops points between now and the end of the season.

And that's a perfect start to the month (its the last game I played before my hiatus so I left on a high at least. It also means I remember nothing of the game.) We did well....I think. The scoreline suggests we did so I'm happy to move on!

Next up is a real test. 7th in the league at home. These are the games we 100% need to be winning if we are to bridge the gap.

Its the first game back for me as well.

I've missed this game. It was a closer game than it looks. The difference being we were clinical when we needed to be and truth be told it could have been 6-7. Brilliant to be back!

Our final game of the month sees a trip to 18th in the league. It's probably the first game I'm confident of winning...you know what's going to happen already don't you.

Don't like to make things easy for ourselves. We were looking good before 2 minutes of madness. A 2nd yellow followed by a straight red and we were up against it. I told the lads to keep it tight and 14 seconds into the second half it was 2-2. We obviously weren't much a threat in the second half and really holding onto a point has to be seen as a good result.

It means the table looks like this heading into February.

We have only climbed 1 place since I took over but we have closed the gap considerably. 7 points off a playoff place now and 12 off top. If I get to playoffs and win the playoffs I think it might have to count as a trophy. What's everybody think about that?

[Mandy42]

it's not technically a piece of silverware but you have won promotion, so will leave that up to your judgement, glad to have you back

[andychar]

Sorry love we have Pontefract tomorrow No Hanky Panky

February had arrived and amazingly we have 5 games this month! Could be make or break heading into the last few months. I want playoffs. The board only want a Top 10 finish but I think we have enough about us to get to playoffs.

I complained about the ref in my previous game post interview.

Whoops.

9th and 10th are my next to games. We have to beat the teams above us...and the teams below us...pretty much everybody.

One day guys...one day.

So onto a game which actually got played. Its the first of the month and the first game of the month.

A huge win and great turnaround. The Belper goal was a suckerpunch as we had the better of the first half. It stunned us into submission a little bit and we needed half time. I asked for something different and they delivered. Donnelly-Blackburn is the best player on the team and has 3 goals in 2 games from LB position. Waite only scored his first goal of the season in the last game and now has found his stride. Great win against a playoff rival.

Boston Town away next, very tricky game.

We were 2nd best throughout the game but looked set to take away a hard earned point. This was until an injury after the 3rd sub had been made. We couldn't hold them off with 10 men and succumbed to a late winner. You will not need 2 guesses to figure out who got injured.

Absolutely fantastic.

It doesn't completely end playoff hopes but it puts a serious dent in it.

2nd from bottom at home next and we are due a bit of luck.

Was it lucky? Not really. Was it pretty? Absolutely not. Was it needed? 100% We struck after just 2 minutes with a brilliant strike then that was it. We tried to get a 2nd and they pushed for a late equaliser but I don't think either side can complain with the final score.

Stamford away next. They currently sit in 4th a huge game. They are currently 6 points ahead of us. 

Annoying. Very annoying. We had a goal disallowed just before the break to go 2-0 up. It was a even game, one we didn't deserve to lose and its probably ended our playoff hopes. We have lost both big away games this month by a single goal. I'm annoyed because it seems my predecessor had the easier half of the season and still managed to screw it up. 

We need 9 wins in a row to finish the season and probably even then still miss out. Might as well give it a go though eh.

One more Saturday in February which means one more game.

Pickering at home...they are top and on absolute fire. I fear our season is just going to fade into nothing.

Before that we have the youth intake. I fear I could be here a few season so it's worth paying attention to.

And what does this "Golden Generation" look like?

Its not fantastic but certainly worth keeping an eye out. I'm not going to lie I was hoping for somebody who was ready made for the team already.

Pressures off in a way here. For the first time since I took over I'm not really expecting a result in the slightest. Pickering are on fire and I fear we are ripe for the picking at the moment.

I want to show you the stats for this one. We were 2-0 down at Half Time. We dominated the first half, they scored from a free kick and a penalty. Then against the run of play it was 3-0. They then missed another penalty before we started a fightback. The 2nd went in on 94th minutes to make the score closer but we really didn't deserve to lose this game in the slightest. 

If we didn't have bad luck we'd have no luck. We have lost 3 games this month by 1 goal when really penalties, red card, you name it have all been against us.

Table looks like this after a very difficult February. 7 points off playoffs with 8 games to go. Not entirely impossible but we need a change in fortunes. I really want to finish inside the Top 10, that was the bare minimum I promised. 

I'm going to need a strong finish and then a huge offseason. The club is riddled with debt and I need to win the league (or maybe playoffs!)

[andychar]

On 17/02/2019 at 14:38, Mandy42 said:

it's not technically a piece of silverware but you have won promotion, so will leave that up to your judgement, glad to have you back

I'm not worried too much any more  not after February.

[Mandy42]

4 hours ago, andychar said:

I'm not worried too much any more  not after February.

I have a similar dilemma in my new Norwich save, I've added the Sky Bet Championship as 1 of my objectives for completion now I wonder if getting up through the playoffs means I have to get relegated to win it outright, or whether promotion will "count"  

[andychar]

Let's Just Get This Season Over With So I Can Resume Drinking on a Saturday Afternoon

4 games this month, starting with an away trip to the team directly above us. Lose it and not only do playoffs disappear but so does the hopes of finishing in the Top 10.

In case you were wondering what the state of the finances was...

Its bad and for once I'm not to blame!

Just satisfied, can be expected.

Lets be honest...things aren't looking good.

I'm never one to back down from a challenge. I knew this save was going to throw so challenges, hell I've got to lead Botswana to victory yet! Brace yourself for a few season of Tier 8 English Football!

In a game that could have gone either way we finally had the luck of the draw. We fell behind and deservedly so. Our equaliser came from a keeper mistake when he decided to blast the ball directly at Atherton instead of clearing it. We were hanging on towards the end but managed a shift counter attack to snatch all 3 points. Great win and it stops the rot.

Its 7th place Mickleover next at home. Another must win in our battle for Top 10.

A great result and a domineering performance. Just what the doctor ordered. Disappointed to concede but not going to lose any sleep. 

We have 2 out the bottom 3 next two games. Two very winnable games. If we can make it a clean sweep this month then at least we should have a mini outside chance going into the final month of play. Of course we are more likely to lose the next two fixtures.

We start with an away trip to rock bottom. Problem with these fixtures are that these teams are fighting for their lives.

Well I was wrong either way. We settled for a point. It looks like we rescued one but we really shouldn't have been behind. 2 dropped points and that is 100% the playoffs gone. 

Hopefully we can bounce back at home to AFC Mansfield. A club started when the fans had had enough of old Chairman Keith Haslam. He was a cancer on Mansfield Town and as a fan I'm glad he's gone! Its a club only down the road from my parents so I'll pop in and say hello.

The point against Worksop ensured we escaped relegation...woooo?

It was a comfortable game even though we required the help of a penalty to gain all 3 points. 

It means heading into the final month of play the league table looks like this...

We have broken into the Top half but its very tight. We could finish 7th easily...or 12th.

We are 6 points off playoffs with 12 points to play for. We need to overtake 4 teams in order to reach the playoffs. We play 2 of those teams in the final 4 games (including current 5th place Newcastle Benfield). It means we can't give up on playoffs just yet...our next two games are 2nd away and 5th away. We need 12 points from the final 12 points available to us and a heap of help.

[Northernpilgrim]

You can still do this!!

[Mandy42]

remember what positive attitude can get you !

[andychar]

Its The Hope That Kills You

So we have a shot. Its an outside shot but a shot nonetheless. If somehow we manage to win our next 2 away games then we will be a maximum of 3 points off playoffs with 2 home games to finish the season.

Of course in order to even be in with a shout we need to beat Tadcaster away, who are currently 2nd and challenging for the one and only automatic Promotion spot...Lets go!

Oh and I've completely lost the dressing. I plan on addressing this in the summer...by replacing them all.

So here we go the fate of the season rests on an away trip to 2nd...

11 hours ago, Northernpilgrim said:

You can still do this!!

 

8 hours ago, Mandy42 said:

remember what positive attitude can get you !

I believe...

A cross, a foul, a penalty, a lead!

A set play of their own and we are level, a little against the run of play.

They have had 3 shots all half and scored 2 of them. Not hard to see why they are near the top. Very disappointing.

And thats that. We more than held our own and deserved something from the game but it wasn't meant to be.

One things for sure we need some new strikers next season.

Very even game with the difference being clinical finishing.

It means with 3 games to go the table looks like this...

Of course Newcastle Benfield came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2. We aren't out of it yet mathematically but we need one of Newcastle, Boston or Stamford to lose all 3 games with us winning all 3 games and everybody else to drop points. Basically absolutely everybody ahead of us won today so it couldn't have gone worse if it tried.

3rd away next because why make it any easier!

Looking forward to getting this season out the way and really changing the team in the off season. Will be getting rid of a lot of deadwood.

Following the loss...

A new contract was offered and accepted. I've got another season at least.

So here we go. A win and we keep our very slim hopes alive for another week at least. A loss or draw and its officially over.

Another lead. Lets see if we can hold onto it this time.

38th minute we have a goal disallowed for offside...I won't be complaining about this one he was a mile off.

45+3 and its 1-1. Once again we have had a lead and lost it. We need a response otherwise the season is over.

So that's it. 2 games that really sum up my team here. We are more often than not the better side we just have no firepower up front. There will be wholesale changes to this team in the off season. 

We now need to focus on keeping that Top 10 place.

Lets just get this damn season over with.

Nice way to finish the season. A comeback win and a late goal.

It means the table looks like this...

It shows how competitive this division is when only 67 points is needed to win the league. 

I'm looking forward to a full season in charge but with the finances looking as bad as they do I'm probably going to have to rely on kids.

[Mandy42]

child labour is the future!

not a bad 1st half a season. I mean you were still in with an outside chance very close to the end. 

[Northernpilgrim]

Unlucky.  Plenty of positives to build onfor next season though. 

[andychar]

20 hours ago, Mandy42 said:

child labour is the future!

not a bad 1st half a season. I mean you were still in with an outside chance very close to the end. 

 

18 hours ago, Northernpilgrim said:

Unlucky.  Plenty of positives to build onfor next season though. 

Cheers guys. I reckon if I was in charge all season with the form showed I would have been closer to playoffs but would have been close!

Looking forward to first full season in charge but the financial situation is really making things hard.

Who? What? Where? When?

So after what seemed like a very long season the state of play looks like this...

Still only have England and Scotland loaded so unless the team was promoted, relegated or won the league I have no way of telling where they finished.

York City were relegated back to the Conference North which is good news for me really. Norwich finished 6th and the final playoff place. They beat West Brom and Huddersfield on the way back to the promise land.

Clydebank got beat in the Highland/Lowland playoff by Wick of all teams! I know a certain account who will be happy with that.

Turns out FC Twente finished 3rd in the first season and went up via playoffs so they are back in the Eredivisie. 

Other than that its very much as you were. As soon as I'm finished with Sheffield (whenever that maybe) I will be loading up Norway in order to take Blaker IL on!

[andychar]

You're cut and you're cut and you're cut and....

I reckon a full season and I would have been there or thereabouts in playoffs instead of very much mid table. I am keen to sign a few players and have decided to change my tactics as I don't believe they will work in the long run.

We are probably going to end up a worse team than before but we are going to be a young team with potential. I am willing to wait a season or two in the hopes these players will realise their potential!

Disappointed with this one, thought he was going to be better than he actually is. He can play both left and right which is about as good as it gets for him.

Our strikers were pants last season so hopefully this chap will end up being an improvement. Not expecting miracles though.

The only one so far on a permanent contract. He will be a back up, somebody who can hopefully come good.

I have no money at all, I've resigned everybody I wanted to but this is going to be a tricky team to win anything with I fear.

I tried to get a senior affiliate but they weren't having none of it and there's no point even asking for a coaching badge at this point.

Signed on a free from Hull he will be straight into the team.

Expectations have been set. A Top 10 finish in the league. Winning at least 2 FA Cup games and 1 FA Trophy game. We could do with a great run in both if only to help boost the bank balance!

This league is tight. 8-1 normally I'd be happy with but its still only good enough for a predicted 11th finish. 

We are going to get smashed preseason but its going to make us 12k in total. I'll happily take the battering...well my Assistant will.

Seems like the start of a new season is chance for a fresh start. I fear if I don't start the season well it will very quickly change.

Preseason went pretty much as expected.

I'm hoping to bring in a few more players yet but this is the squad at the start of the new season...

Lots of deadwood but I'm willing to give players a chance before I start swinging the axe.

Am I confident of a good season? Nope!

[andychar]

Sober Saturdays

It was time to start another season. Our prediction had gone up from 11th to 10th and odds had been slashed to 6-1. I was still in the market for a RM and LM.

Cup draw sees us away to a team in the division below us. Hopefully the start of a decent cup run!

It makes up a packed opening month with 6 games.

We start the season at home to Mickleover. Fingers crossed for a fast start. We are favourites but only just. Truth be told I have no idea what to expect. 

Good start to the season but the game went from comfortable to worrying so quickly. Luckily we held on for a good win. I'm pinning hopes on Atherton for a good season.

A fan day saw a bigger crowd and they went home happy. We were in control throughout against Pontefract and we made up for the defeat at the end of last season. 

Games are coming thick and fast and we have our first away game this season against Worcester City. 

We added a loanee to the ranks 

Capped 9 times by Northern Ireland he could be a fine addition.

I want to strengthen the other side of midfield then I'll be fairly happy with the squad.

Quite a few changes have been made before the first away game as fitness is becoming an issue thanks to this heavy start to the season. A point would be welcome I think.

I said I would be happy with a point and the way the game went I'm delighted. We were 2nd best from start to finish and for a long time they only shot on target we managed was the penalty. Snatch and run point and I'll take it!

Its the cup next and I really want a good cup run, we will get beat...

...or not. Safely into the First Qualifying Round. 

Where we will face...

They are in the same league as us and are 4th favourites to go up. Luckily we are at home and we have to fancy our chances at getting to the 2nd Qualifying Round.

Back to League action and we have 2 away games to finish the month. First its away to Gainsbrough Trinity then away to Boston Town. Two massively difficult fixtures. Picking up 3 points out of 6 would be seen as a success!

This was not a good game and neither side deserved to win. It could be seen as a good point however.

Last game of the month against Boston Town and I would be happy with another point to be honest.

So it turns out I absolutely hate Boston Town FC. All 3 of their goals were outside the box and described as "you don't save those" goals. They were maybe the better side but sometimes you just have to put your hands up and say "what more could we have done." Disappointing way to lose our first game of the season but honestly I'm happy with where we are after such a hard start to the season.

Early table looks like this. I imagine it will be disjointed for a while as teams still compete in the FA Cup and possibly FA Trophy.

 

[Mandy42]

Ben Blackburn really does stand out doesn't he! 

looking forward to a better season