JoseRR's FM09 Big Euro Nation Challenge!

[Lower Leagues Rule]

And AD Fafe just took it to the big boys winning 3-0 at Porto... Woot Rocha, Tiago & Pereira score, Pereira has slipped back in as left-back after Sergio got suspended for 3 games, in those three games Pereira got an avg rating of 7.6 to reclaim the spot.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

And a Maradona hattrick in the 28th game of the League has given us a 4-1 victory over Academica and also knocked Porto out of the big three. Celebrate loud and proud as AD Fafe will be in the Champions League in 2026/27 Full season update will come soon

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Des Tiny's Keeping the Fafe

Liga Sagres 2025/26

End of Season Update

Predicted: 4th

Actual: 2nd

Title Odds: 16-1 (4th)

League Cup: 3rd Round

Portuguese Cup: 4th Round

European Cup: Quarter-Final: Leg 1 - Leg 2

European Rank: 12th (21st) (1st in POR)

Finances: 4th - 35.5M (POR, 74th in World)

Season Tickets: 1690

The Season in General

Well a huge amount of transfers this season, we saw Tom Crawford head off to Zenit, Gresovnik left us for Dortmund and Arturo Di Giuseppe left the club for Udinese. These three had all previously been big names at AD Fafe, but there were also sixteen other players who left the squad this year. In the meantime there were a few star signings, the biggest being Sinisa "Auto" Matic came to the club for the huge sum of 8 million pounds, a total spending of 11 million saw 10 signings, 3 of these players became the starters at their positions. Des Tiny made it to more than 700 games in charge at the club, with over 1200 goals scored in this time it is definitely looking good. The media were quick to praise Thrilling Thiago and Magnetising Maradona during the season as they blew them away with some great performances, but managing to take monthly awards is generally a better sign of a good run.

PoM Nov - Thiago

PoM Dec - Matic 2nd

MoM Dec - Tiny 2nd

MoM Feb - Tiny 2nd

MoM Mar - Tiny 3rd

PoM Apr - Thiago

MoM Apr - Tiny

The League

Well the league started badly, but in the end we pulled our way up slowly through the field from 12th all the way to 2nd, having moved past both Porto and Sporting in this season I was very delighted to have concentrated on the league over everything else.

The Cups

We were extremely disappointing in the cups this season, so bad I am not even going to discuss them anymore than this.

Europe

In Europe we once more made the Quarter-Finals and once more got knocked out by a better team. Was a great run until this point, but really I was once more disappointed to miss out on some of the easier competition that was in the round, but we did our best once more.

The Youth Team

Well the Under 19s had another solid season as they came 3rd in their league and managed to finish as the Runner-up in the Cup.

vs The Big Three

This Section will continue into the future as I build a list of all the times I defeat the big three.

Past Victories

25/09/2016 vs Sporting 1:0 (LS)

30/01/2022 vs Sporting 1:0 (LS)

13/01/2016 at Porto 2:1 (LC)

19/02/2023 vs Porto 1:0 (LS)

08/03/2023 vs Porto 2:2p (PC)

03/12/2023 vs Porto 3:0 (LS)

21/04/2024 vs Benfica 1:0 (LS)

25/08/2024 vs Benfica 3:2 (LS)

20/04/2025 vs Sporting 2:1 (LS)

21/12/2025 vs Sporting 3:2 (LS)

14/02/2026 at Porto 3:0 (LS)

24/05/2026 at Sporting 1:0 (LS)

This Season

13/09/2025 vs Benfica 1:1 (LS)

28/09/2025 vs Porto 0:2 (LS)

29/10/2025 at Benfica 2:5 (LC)

21/12/2025 vs Sporting 3:2 (LS) - Team Talk

24/01/2026 at Benfica 1:2 (LS)

14/02/2026 at Porto 3:0 (LS)

24/05/2026 at Sporting 1:0 (LS)

Record: 3-1-3 (11-12) [10pts]

Radakovic's Season

It was actually a bit of a poor season from Radakovic, but he is getting on a bit now at 30.

This Season

10 League Goals in 26 Games (27)

14 Goals in 42 Games Overall (41)

Career

144 League Goals in 232 Games

211 Goals in 354 Games

Records in brackets

Overall Starts 343 (343)

Overall Caps 356 (356)

League Caps 232 (232)

Overall Goals 211 (211)

League Goals 144 (144)

Overall Assists 67 (112)

Overall MoM 63 (63)

The Awards

Liga Sagres

Most Assists: Sinisa "Auto" Matic 3rd

Golden Boot: Diego "No Hands" Maradona 2nd

Most MoM: Diego "No Hands" Maradona 2nd

Central Defender: Miguel "Haircut" Mendes 2nd

Young Player: Pedro "Speedy" Rocha

Player of the Year: Tiago "The Rooster" 2nd

Team of the Year: Sinisa Matic & Tiago

The Fafeful

Fans Player of the Year: Diego Maradona

Best XI: Barrero, Benard, Pereira, Mendes, Tarasenko ©, Juan, Matic, Tiago, Rocha, Radkovic, Maradona. Subs: Schilder, Marcel, Batista, Vanderson, Yakubu, Sergio, Barata

Overall XI: Gresovnik, Alexio, Pantovic, Mendes, Tarasenko, Juan, Di Giuseppe, Tiago, Crawford, Radakovic, Marcel. Subs: Carrasso, Rocha, Shala, Moreno, Garcia, Esnaola, Maradona.

Where are they now?

AD Fafe - Mendes, Tarasenko, Juan, Tiago, Radakovic, Marcel & Maradona.

Other Clubs - Gresovnik (Dortmund), Alexio (Barcelona), Pantovic (Chelsea), Di Giuseppe (Udinese), Crawford (Zenit), Shala (Blackburn).

Retired - Carrasso, Moreno, Garcia, Esnaola.

The Squad

The Current squads This Season stats & All time stats.

Goalkeepers

Barrero - The young goalie stepped up and put on a great display with 22 clean sheets from 47 games, that is a stunning record for a young man, if he can keep that up as he gets older with the club we could have a future star.

Defense

Yakubu - He can play right across the back, but the young man is not quite ready yet, great as cover he got a few games and will be getting more in the future.

Pereira - He started the season as the number 2 left back, but when Sergio went out with a suspension he stepped in and took charge becoming an absolute star down the left hand side. Many years infront of him.

Tarasenko - The club captain has been solid for yet another season, never letting the big occasion get the better of him as he led the club to their best result ever.

Benard - Stepping into the boots of another of the empty slots in the Fafe squad he showed what it was all about as he took control at the back and was a star on the right flank.

Mendes - The vice-captain is always solid at the back, and he grabbed a few bonuses this season with goals and some delightful play through the season.

Zafeiropoulos - Another versatile defender who will cover multiple positions in the coming seasons, the greek boy is going to be a future star, but is currently just a great back-up.

Foda - The completion of the Defensive back-up Trio, Foda is solid but nothing special and as such will just be cover for most of his career.

Sergio - Starting the season as the number one left back he has looked stunning, but then he got himself beaten into the position near the end following his suspension for a sending off.

Midfield

Alejo - The young new Defensive Mid who was brought in to replace Crawford, he is a definite star of the future once he can displace Juan.

Juan - He took over from Tommy boy before he left and this season he has been the number Juan in the anchor position. Playing very well as he has all season he will be trying to take over the Liga Sagres.

Rocha - Well this season he nearly managed to become the top goalscorer for the season getting pipped by Maradona in the final game of the season 24 to 23.

Tiago - The Boss of the left side showed again why no one had been able to get past him, he racked up some great moves and with Matic on the other flank the wings are definitely a threat to any team that comes up against them.

Batista - As Rocha's back-up he didn't get many chances this year, but Batista is still improving and is starting to show some real skill as the best product of the Fafe youth factory.

Vanderson - With three others who can play the left wing there was never going to be much room for Vanderson, but he did put himself in the spotlight a couple of times. Red cards are not good though.

Berg - Another player whose name is recognised for all the wrong reasons, he was sent off within 7 minutes of debuting for Fafe and as such has a bad rep with the club already.

"Auto" Matic - He is so much like a robot the clubs fans have started to call him Auto. Matic is a machine, having come into the club as a reserve for Di Guiseppe it was less than a month before he had replaced him and seen him sold. Auto has combined greatly with Radakovic and Maradona to provide some good scoring moves.

Barata - Three sub appearances and one goal he had a pretty good run for the 3rd ranked AMC.

Strikers

Radakovic - Now as he moves into his thirties he is not keeping up as well as he has in the past, but he is still a star for the squad and will most likely be around til the day he retires. If it wasn't for Radakovic Fafe would not be the club they are.

Maradona - Like his namesake and idol he has become a star for Argentina, but he has also taken charge of the striking reins at AD Fafe, and as such has become the number one man upfront.

Schilder - Radakovic's replacement has been signed, he may be young and very fresh faced, but he is supposed to be a star and hopefully he grows into the role behind the three who are already there.

Marcel - He may have played off the bench for most of the season, but he showed he has the goalscoring boots still, no chance of him supplanting Radakovic or Maradona though.

Cirrincione - The other new boy on the block, he is a little behind the others, but he has many years infront of him in this club.

Around the Traps

World Club: AC Milan

Euro Super Cup: AC Milan

Champs League: Real Madrid

Euro Cup: Olympique Lyonnais

Liga Sagres: Benfica

Liga Vitalis: Feirense

2nd Division: Torreense

Portuguese Cup: Sporting

League Cup: Benfica

Super Cup: Benfica

ACoN: Ghana

ONC: New Zealand

Confed Cup: England

Associação Desportiva de Fafe Club History

|----------|-----------|-----------------|---------------------|
|  Season  | Division  | First Phase Pos | Promotion Phase Pos |
|----------|-----------|-----------------|---------------------|
| [url="http://community.sigames.com/showpost.php?p=2119704&postcount=151"]2009/10[/url]  |   2nd A   |       [url="http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/7781/2009101st.png"]4th[/url]       |        [url="http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/8661/200910pro.png"]2nd[/url]          |
| [url="http://community.sigames.com/showpost.php?p=2128016&postcount=176"]2010/11[/url]  |   2nd A   |       [url="http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/5898/2010111st.png"]3rd[/url]       |        [url="http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4011/201011pro.png"]4th[/url]          |
| [url="http://community.sigames.com/showpost.php?p=2163535&postcount=274"]2011/12[/url]  |   2nd A   |       [url="http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/9030/2011121st.png"]1st[/url]       |        [url="http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/7632/201112pro.png"]2nd[/url]          | Champions
| [url="http://community.sigames.com/showpost.php?p=2266801&postcount=582"]2012/13[/url]  |   2nd A   |       [url="http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/569/2012131st.png"]1st[/url]       |        [url="http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/6647/201213pro.png"]1st[/url]          | Champions & Promotion
| [url="http://community.sigames.com/showpost.php?p=2337396&postcount=891"]2013/14[/url]  |  Vitalis  |       [url="http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2931/201314.png"]5th[/url]       |        N/A          | 
| [url="http://community.sigames.com/showpost.php?p=2360414&postcount=996"]2014/15[/url]  |  Vitalis  |       [url="http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/2622/201415.png"]1st[/url]       |        N/A          | Champions & Promotion
| [url="http://community.sigames.com/showpost.php?p=2373772&postcount=1032"]2015/16[/url]  |  Sagres   |      [url="http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/4926/201516.png"]13th[/url]       |        N/A          |
| [url="http://community.sigames.com/showpost.php?p=2394792&postcount=1139"]2016/17[/url]  |  Sagres   |       [url="http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/8968/201617.png"]8th[/url]       |        N/A          | EC via Sporting Play
| [url="http://community.sigames.com/showpost.php?p=2420817&postcount=1217"]2017/18[/url]  |  Sagres   |       [url="http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/5683/201718.png"]8th[/url]       |        N/A          | 
| [url="http://community.sigames.com/showpost.php?p=2459304&postcount=1334"]2018/19[/url]  |  Sagres   |       [url="http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/5983/201819.png"]4th[/url]       |        N/A          | EC via League
| [url="http://community.sigames.com/showpost.php?p=3252051&postcount=3914"]2019/20[/url]  |  Sagres   |       [url="http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/301/ligasagres.png"]5th[/url]       |        N/A          | EC via League
| [url="http://community.sigames.com/showpost.php?p=3292188&postcount=4083"]2020/21[/url]  |  Sagres   |       [url="http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/301/ligasagres.png"]8th[/url]       |        N/A          | 
| [url="http://community.sigames.com/showpost.php?p=3302887&postcount=4170"]2021/22[/url]  |  Sagres   |       [url="http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/133/ligasagres3.png"]4th[/url]       |        N/A          | EC via League
| [url="http://community.sigames.com/showpost.php?p=3343231&postcount=4379"]2022/23[/url]  |  Sagres   |       [url="http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/8213/ligasagres11.png"]4th[/url]       |        N/A          | EC via League,
|          |           |                 |                     | [b][url="http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/1586/fafevvitguimares.png"]Portuguese Cup[/url][/b]
| [url="http://community.sigames.com/showpost.php?p=3379616&postcount=4628"]2023/24[/url]  |  Sagres   |       [url="http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/301/ligasagres.png"]4th[/url]       |        N/A          | EC via League
| [url="http://community.sigames.com/showpost.php?p=3411019&postcount=4832"]2024/25[/url]  |  Sagres   |       [url="http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/4438/ligasagresz.png"]4th[/url]       |        N/A          | EC via League
| [url="http://community.sigames.com/showpost.php?p=3672801&postcount=5453"]2025/26[/url]  |  Sagres   |       [url="http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/8213/ligasagres11.png"]2nd[/url]       |        N/A          | CL via League
|----------|-----------|-----------------|---------------------| 

Home and Away Records in Liga Sagres

|----------|------------|------------|---------------|
|  Season  |  Home Rec  |  Away Rec  |  Overall Rec  |
|----------|------------|------------|---------------|
| 2015/16  |  04-04-07  |  02-04-09  |   06-08-16    |
| 2016/17  |  07-03-05  |  04-03-08  |   11-06-13    |
| 2017/18  |  07-03-05  |  03-03-09  |   10-06-14    |
| 2018/19  |  09-02-04  |  08-04-03  |   17-06-07    |
| 2019/20  |  10-02-03  |  03-03-09  |   13-05-12    |
| 2020/21  |  10-02-03  |  02-04-09  |   12-06-12    |
| 2021/22  |  11-02-02  |  07-04-04  |   18-06-06    |
| 2022/23  |  11-01-03  |  08-02-05  |   19-03-08    |
| 2023/24  |  12-00-03  |  05-07-03  |   17-07-06    |
| 2024/25  |  11-04-00  |  06-04-05  |   17-08-05    |
| 2025/26  |  13-01-01  |  09-02-04  |   22-03-05    |
|----------|------------|------------|---------------|

Home and Away Goals in Liga Sagres

|----------|------------|------------|---------------|
|  Season  | Home Goals | Away Goals | Overall Goals |
|----------|------------|------------|---------------|
| 2015/16  |    17-20   |    15-27   |     32-47     |
| 2016/17  |    23-18   |    18-27   |     41-45     |
| 2017/18  |    23-21   |    13-27   |     36-48     |
| 2018/19  |    30-26   |    31-18   |     61-44     |
| 2019/20  |    31-16   |    20-30   |     51-46     |
| 2020/21  |    25-13   |    15-29   |     40-42     |
| 2021/22  |    34-11   |    33-25   |     67-36     |
| 2022/23  |    26-05   |    26-22   |     52-27     |
| 2023/24  |    32-09   |    23-19   |     55-28     |
| 2024/25  |    32-08   |    31-21   |     63-29     |
| 2025/26  |    41-14   |    28-16   |     69-30     |
|----------|------------|------------|---------------|

Club Records

Competition History

Associação Desportiva de Fafe Players History

The Best of the Best

The 100 Club

Aleksandar Radakovic, Mykola Tarasenko, Miguel Mendes, Arturo Di Giuseppe, "Pants", Pedro Rocha, Marcel, David Moreno, Jonathan, Tiago Rodrigues, Kipulo, Tom Crawford, Hector Garcia, Tom Erik Shala, Josu Esnaola, Lisandro Juan, Ruben, "The Monster", Paulo Alexio, Tiago, Paulo Ricardo, Nicolas Aguero, Marciano Janssen, Leonid Kiselev, Francisco Costa, Ernesto, Maradona, John Astrup.

Eurotrip

[color=Sienna][i]2017/18                    2019/20               2020/21[/i][/color]
Marijampole, Lithuania     Maribor, Slovenia     Gyor, Hungary
Gyor, Hungary              Elbasan, Albania      Szekesfehervar, Hungary
Cork, Ireland              Liege, Belgium        Montbeliard, France
Milan, Italy                                     Copenhagen, Denmark
                                                Basel, Switzerland
                                                Paisley, Scotland

[i][color=Sienna]2022/23                    2023/24               2024/25[/color][/i]
Trondheim, Norway          Sofia, Bulgaria       Tallinn, Estonia
Salonika, Greece           Lovech, Bulgaria      Basel, Switzerland
Amsterdam, Holland         Tampere, Finland      Salzburg, Austria
Leverkusen, Germany        Bergamo, Italy        Jerusalem, Israel
Le Mans, France            Athens, Greece        Rome, Italy
Palma de Mallorca, Spain   Eindhoven, Holland    Donetsk, Ukraine
Florence, Italy            Manchester, England   Glasgow, Scotland

[i][color=Sienna]2025/26[/color][/i]
Arnhem, Holland
Zurich, Switzerland
Haifa, Israel
Teplice, Czech Rep.
Genova, Italy
Sevilla, Spain
Lyonnais, France

Completed Aims for 25/26 season

1. Move into the top three (YES)

2. Beat the Big 3 at home in League & Cups (UMM)

3. Make Final of Euro Cup (NO)

4. Win another trophy (NO)

5. Keep the Finances up (YES)

6. Re-sign Di Giuseppe (YES & SOLD)

Aims for 26/27 season

1. Keep up a Top 3 Finish

2. Do better against Benfica

3. Qualify from Group Stage in Champs League

4. Win a Trophy

5. Increase my bank Balance

6. Score more goals

Well they are also upgrading facilities once more.

[joetheref]

Just got Benfica as a parent club been trying for 18 months to get one and got the league leaders

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Well definitely updated that a lot more this morning, will add the Players and Team of Year for my club soon

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Keeping the Fafe

Hitting the World Cup

Radakovic, Tarasenko & Maradona head to the 2026 World Cup

Group B

Colombia 1:1 Serbia

Ghana 0:3 Serbia

Serbia 2:2 Czech Rep.

Was good to see Serbia top their group, but it meant they would face Group A runners-up in the second round and this was most likely to be Ukraine.

Group A

France 1:1 Ukraine

Ukraine 1:0 Chile

Ukraine 2:1 Morocco

Ukraine were delighted to make it through, but they knew they would be facing Serbia, so Tarasenko would face Radakovic.

Group E

Holland 2:1 Argentina

Argentina were just disappointing as they got themselves knocked out.

Second Round

Ukraine 0:1 Serbia

Was a great match, but the Serbs were just waaaay too strong in the end and make it to the Quarterfinals to leave Radakovic as the only Fafe player left in the competition. Serbia will face Portugal in what should be a tight match as Radakovic tries to go through.

Other News

Porto wanted to sign Des Tiny, and the media thought it would happen, but they were offering less Transfer budget than AD Fafe. And then we saw the funny side of one stadium submitting Two Bids to host the Champs League Final. And to top off a delightful run for AD Fafe, they managed to sign Des Tiny to a massive 4 Year extension through til the World Cup in 2030. Offers from Nigeria & Porto were rejected. Tahiti also asked but never sent a contract.

[Ohanzee]

Hey all, nice to see you all going strong. Especially grats on the league PRDH and on breaking into the Champions League spots LLR! Keep it up!

I got a lot going on in real life atm, and I just cant get myself started on anything big in FM when I do have the time. Just fiddling around a bit with a Man Utd save I have from time to time. I doubt I'll do any more challenges in this version, but we'll see. I got some spare time coming up in September.

[joetheref]

Uniao de Lamas - Season 2 - Second Division

Second Division First Phase

Table

A first half of the season fairly similar to last season except we were a lot closer to the top of the table about 15 games in. We were only 6 points off the leaders at that point (a gap which would have been cut to 3 at the start of the promotion stage) but a terrible run of form left us a long way behind in 5th place.

Second Division Promotion Stage

Table

We hit some good form at the start of this stage but it quickly fell apart and we finished 5th once again but that wasn't too disappointing considering this was only our 2nd season.

Portuguese Cup:

2nd Round: Satao (H) 4-3

3rd Round: Gil Vicente (A) 0-3

A disappointing cup run but it was ended by higher league opposition like the previous season.

Transfers

Best XI

Overall Best XI (Name (Year Inducted) Club):

Rui Parada (2011) Uniao de Lamas

Pedro Coentrao (2011) Uniao de Lamas

Daniel Evangelista (2010) No Club

Aldo (2011) Uniao de Lamas

Renato (2010) Uniao de Lamas (Assistant Manager)

Vitor Hugo (2010) Uniao de Lamas

Norinho (2010) Uniao de Lamas

Dias (2010) Uniao de Lamas

Ricardo Tavares (2011) Uniao de Lamas

Henrique Gomes (2010) Sporting

Lucas (2010) Vitoria Guimaraes

Season Overview:

Another average season for us and another season in 5th place but good news for the future is that Benfica have become our parent club. The League and Cup champions gave us young striker Nelson Oliveira on loan for the closing stage of last season and hopefully there are more loans to come. For next season I've told the board we will win the league because they seem to be keen to restrict the wage budget so I don't really expect to win the league but hopefully I can bring in some real quality. Ricardo Tavares, a midfielder I signed at the start of the season was Fans' Player of the Year. He was also runner-up of the Portuguese Second Division Young Player of the Year. Right midfielder Vitor Hugo was 2nd in the award for most assists in the Second Division and also made it into the Second Division Team of the Year.

Season           League                  Position      Promotion/Relegation Stage          Cup
2009/2010      Second Division            5th            Promotion Stage (5th)             4th Round
2010/2011      Second Division            5th            Promotion Stage (5th)             3rd Round

[Lower Leagues Rule]

A nice season there Joe, hopefully you can keep building from there towards the promotion you want.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Keeping the Fafe

New Signings

Pre-Season 2026/27

Transfers In

GK - Ivan Jaramillo (El Nacional) 50k

DC - Marcelo (Rapid) Free

DC - Rene Stock (Hoffenheim) 2.5m

DRL- Ricardo Schmitt (Standard) 500k

MLC- Nicusor Lung (Steaua) 500k

MC - Fernando (R.Madrid) 1m

MR - Jonathan Castillo (Barcelona) 1.6m

I filled the reserve holes I had with some young future starlets, every single one of these guys has the potential to be "leading stars" in the Liga Sagres, most were also chased by other top level clubs.

Matches

Well those are the new boys, the Preseason saw some huge results as we went on a bit of a world tour before coming home matches as below.

at Team Wellington 5:0

at Auckland City 3:0

at Hawkes Bay 7:0

at Central Utd 7:0

at Seattle (fdr) 5:0

at FC Lorient BS 4:0

at Imortal (fdr) 15:0

at Varzim (fdr) 0:0

vs Fulham 3:0

vs Roda JC 3:0

vs Algarve 9:0 (Fafe Inv)

vs Andorinha 13:0 (Fafe Inv)

vs Fafe U19s 2:0 (Fafe Inv)

Sooo many games, sooo many goals, I got a good look at who were the stars, but with no real big teams willing to come to town I have not been tested, though some of my young stars look the goods already. If anyone wants a screenshot ask away and I will post it.

Champions League Group B

AD Fafe

CSKA Moscow

Dortmund

Espanyol

I have to so the many years spent in the Euro Cup have paid off with Fafe being the 1st seed for the group stage, this means I automatically avoided Arsenal, Madrid, Man U, Chelsea, Lyon, Bayern & Florentina. Pretty happy with the current draw, but not sure of what my real chances will be. I got my first test in the league and I won 2:0 away to Academica, the comments were all about my defense (my weak point last season) so I am very delighted with that result.

[rlipscombe]

congrats on 2nd Des!! \o/ Cl football at last for Fafe. great season there, and you've finally broken the top 2. Maradona looks a great player, and loving (auto)matic.. Radakovic does seem to be on the slide a little but it's to be expected. still a start though.

as for Cl group, i think you can get out of that. the new signings all look solid signings - Lung is my favourite i think.

good luck this season Des - the title is within reach!!

As for me, i finally finished my season last night. the review will come in the next day or so, but suffice to say the champagne is on ice for another year...

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Rlipscombe - Oh damn its just harsh when you have to put off the celebrations for another year. I'll wait to see the update to say more. As for my team I am quite pleased with their effort last season, after a bad start we just continued to perform as we should've and having to face Sporting on the final day for 2nd place was brilliant. Maradona and (Auto)matic look like they are the new core of my team, Radakovic at 30 is really past it, but I just cannot let him go.

[joetheref]

Radakovic will keep scoring don't worry about that and good luck in the Champions League

[rlipscombe]

i think you can get another season or two from Radakovic yet...

[Lower Leagues Rule]

He has one year left on his contract currently and I am 50k under wage budget so no worries there

I also have about 6m to spend on a new player, but there is really no one out there who catches my eye as being better than my current crop or worth that outlay haha.

[rlipscombe]

what position, if any, do you think needs strengthening? must be nice to have £6 million to spend after the dark days!! guess it makes you less inclined to waste it.

[Teezy.]

Lower League Rules - I was wondering where you got your logos for Portuguese Lower League teams from?

[Lower Leagues Rule]

I got my logos from Here

As for the weakest spot in my team I am not really sure right now, but it is probably still Goalkeeper, Barrero & Jaramillo are both young and while capable are not the best players in the world. As for wasting it last year I splashed out 8m on Matic, but he proved worth it so really I would be looking for someone of that level once more.

Champs league has had an abysmal start 1:1 at Dortmund & 0:1 at CSKA leave me currently third...

[rlipscombe]

Real Oviedo - Liga BBVA - Season 2017/18

As a little recap to where we are now, the last two seasons had seen heartbreaking finishes to the season. Season 2015/16 had seen us miss out on our first ever La Liga title with a draw on the last day that meant we failed to overhaul Barcelona. In season 2016/17 Barcelona denied us our first ever Champions league win as we lost 10-9 on a penalty shoot-out in the final.

So to the 2017/18 season and we were determined to finally break through and win a competition. I invested in trying to bring in some more quality to the squad to help us achieve our aims.

Media Prediction:

Actual Finish: 3rd Graph

As the table shows, we ended up a little short on both Barcelona and Real Madrid again. Although it was an improvement on our previous season (4th) I was ultimately left frustrated and disappointed. With 10 games to go we had a real chance of winning the title we collapsed and finished a distant 3rd. The reasons for the collapse? We suffered key injuries to Peltonen and Munoz, as well as Dixon deciding he never wanted to score another goal in his life.

In the CL we pretty much embarrassed ourselves finishing a poor third in a group containing AC Milan, Celtic and CSKA Sofia. That meant UEFA Cup football and after despatching of Fenerbahce easily we were drawn against Villarreal in the 2nd knock-out round. A 2-1 away defeat in the 1st leg was reasonable, but we could only draw 2-2 at the Nuevo Carlos Tartiere. We were out of Europe in possibly our worst ever display of a European campaign.

In the Spanish Cup we finally put on a good run before going out in the semi-final to Valencia who went on to beat Barcelona in the final.

Transfers 1

Transfers 2

So to our squad. The key players were as follows: Squad 1 Squad 2

Joaquin - the Spaniard again had a solid season performing heroics at times. However in a decision made by my head rather than my heart, I will have a new No. 1 next season - Igor Akinfeev. Hopefully Joaquin is happy to play second fiddle for a couple of seasons given he was voted 3rd best keeper in Liga BBVA.

Defenders

Rabben - The Norweigen defender had another good season. Firmly established as the no. 1 RB at the club. came 3rd in the CL best defender award for 2017. The big clubs will circle again this summer.

Ayechu - the young Spaniard once more was our first choice when fit. Had a spell out which meant Del Sol covered. Never quite did as good a job, despite his stats.

Del Sol - As mentioned above, he was 2nd choice again this season. He’s a great player, though has never quite done it for me. Lyon are interested with a big money offer and with good youth cover I may well let him go this summer.

Hugo - The young Brazilian was probably our star CB this season. Solid at the back and a good free-kick taker, Hugo is a player I want to keep hold of. Formed a good partnership with Galindo.

Galindo - As mentioned, formed a good partnership with Hugo. Solid defender, he’s wanted by a lot of big clubs. Now a Spanish international, i have offered him a new contract.

Machuca - Argentinian CB brought in for £8 million in the summer. A very able replacement for Hugo or Galindo, he’s getting slightly unsettled at not being a first-team regular. Will need to involve him more to keep him happy, as I don’t want to lose him.

Midfielders

Munoz - Captain fantastic had another good season until injury forced him out of the run-in. Symbolic of what Real Oviedo stand for - giving youth a chance to flourish. I’ll sell him over my dead body.

De Jong - Nigel was brought in to add competition and experience to DM. A great tackler, he battled with Kabore to play alongside Munoz.

Kabore - My biggest ever outlay at £20 million, Kabore didn’t totally justify his price tag often enough. Did well when he played and still happy to have signed him, I realise that he was over-priced.

Peltonen - A real game changer, Niko providing us with a lot of goals, whilst scoring regularly himself too. Another player I really don’t want to ever sell. One of the few players I’ve spent a lot on that have truly justified the fee. Made the Liga BBVA team of the season, our only representative.

Sanchez - Spanish international signed on a free from Villa to provide competition to Peltonen. Whether it was because he was being compared to Peltonen, Diego slightly disappointed for me. I think this might be a bit harsh though. I think a second season will do wonders for him and he’ll flourish.

Garcia Fernandez - came out of Garcia Arduras’ shadow to become 1st choice LM after Christmas. This surprised me somewhat as Ardura is a great player. Garcia Fernandez just managed to consistently put in good performances.

Garcia Ardura - I really do have good competition on the wings. Great ‘backup’ if you can call him that.

Strikers

Dixon - in some ways his most disappointing season. Had a couple of spells without a goal and unfortunately they affected the club. Even missed out on being the clubs top goalscorer. Still a class player though.

Gorrotxategi - possibly the best striker in 2018. came out of Jo’s shadow to partner Dixon upfront. Although not massively rated by Ass man, a key player for now. Top goalscorer for the season, finishing 2nd in the Liga BBVA top goalscorer awards.

Jo - partnered Dixon before Christmas and performed impressively, particularly given the fact he didn’t do much the previous season. Will be vulnerable if another striker comes in.

Villafane - the young Argentinean got more game time this season and scored a few vital goals. A massive star for the future, I just have to keep him happy with a few games here and there. Gained Spanish passport.

Adrian - Signed for £11 million from relegated Deportivo, Adrian disappointed. Then threw a strop when put to the bench. I’ve decided to cut my losses and i've agreed a £10 million deal with AC Milan. A great player who never did it for me and further proof I can’t sign strikers for large sums of money.

Best XI (to follow…)

Overall Best XI (to follow…)

I also thought I’d introduce you to a few of the ‘future stars’ who’ll be pulling on the famous blue jersey sooner rather than later:

Ismael - young Spanish CB signed from Sevilla. made his debut against Almeria on final day and, although his disappointed a little, he's got a big future.

Jorge - Spanish RB who is developing well. will hopefully get some first team experience out on loan next season.

Roberto - versatile Spanish youth international who has already got a number of appearances under his belt. best as a DM but can play RB or LB too.

Ignacio - RM with good potential

Lopez Alvarez - Potentially as good as Garcia Ardura. Needs game time out on loan.

Garmendia - Attacking midfielder who’s been sniffing round the first-team squad for a couple of seasons. Given a little game time this season and did well. Would play a lot more if I played with an Attacking midfielder, a tactic I’m considering for next season.

Parada - promising Spanish DM courted by At. Madrid amongst others already. A future partner for Munoz, providing he doesn’t get ideas above his station.

Santamaria - promising Spanish youth international. Made his debut as a second half sub in our final league game and scored a brace on his debut. Needs some 1st team football I think.

Iriondo - Along with Santamaria, Iriondo could lead the line for years to come.

Finances

Our finances were decent again this season, with our CL prize money seeing us turn a slight profit despite our transfer spending. Hopefully I get a chunk of the money to re-invest on getting the squad up to it’s winning potential.

Other news

A few famous names are now at the club coaching our players - notably Raul, Nakamura, Aron Winter and most recently Carles Puyol. I have also brought in a new Ass Man this summer to replace Cortes Inies, who had been with the club since i took over in 2009. it was a tough decision to make but i felt that with our increased stature in the game - 9th in the european rankings - it was time to improve the staff situation. Also, i have a new feeder club - Sheffield Wednesday!! i couldn't believe it when my beloved Owls came up on the options and although there was a slightly better option, i had to choose the Owls.

Targets for next season

- WIN SOMETHING. It’s long overdue now for my squad.

- keep the stars once more. I might be prepared to let one go.

- Qualify from CL group

- Rely on youth possibly a bit more again??

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Haha your transfer budget is 10 times mine, yet I can not find anything to buy worth even my 6mil current after a few sales. Tough season to fail at all your goals, hopefully you can improve in the next season and gain one of those trophies, it has been a long dry spell for my club as well. I think you have to accept that being placed 3rd-8th in the Premier League of any country means an extreme lack of trophies is likely.

[daemonic]

Getting closer rlipscombe.

Real and Barcelona have so much money it is very difficult to break their stranglehold in Spain.

After losing interest in my Spanish save immediately after completing the challenge I've started back into it...see if I can get my title back and defend my European crown.

[rlipscombe]

doesn't stop us dreaming Des!!

and good luck back into it daemonic...

[ghostwriter]

AD Universidad de Oviedo - Segunda Division B2 - 2015/16

A mildly unconvincing 6th place at Christmas

The first match of 2016 was a pretty dour home win over surprise package Fuenlabrada followed by the expected thrashing of Zalla. Next up we chucked away 2 more away points at Zaragoza B from 3-1 up. That will clearly cost us along the line. Gernika were dismissed before we got an acceptable point at Universidad LP, although these are the matches we need to win to get closer to the top 4. Unfortunately these last 2 matches put us into a deep selection crisis; no less than 7 of my first team were now out thru injury or suspension, that included 3 of my back 4 and the 2 attacking linchpins. And the next match was against one of our nemesises, Real Union who had won their last 3 matches against us. Thankfully our backup ST decided to show his worth and scored a goal after 30 seconds, they equalised but a 2nd half Bacci penalty gave us a very good win. We had closed to within 4 points of 4th.

Which soon became 7 as Castilla came from behind to continue our pretty average away form. We did get an away win next up but as it was at the horrible horrible Pena Sport and we needed 2 penalties to win, I was not that impressed.

Leaders Palencia then visited and it was a fantastic game that ended 2-2. We can't really complain but a win was needed. We surprisingly thrashed Alcorcon before Leganés came to our place. Our first encounter of the season had produced our only goalless match of the season, this second encounter produced our 2nd, and the 2nd 0-1 defeat. I don't like their formation .

That basically left our playoff hopes dangling by a very thin thread; we more or less needed win all our remaining 8 games and hope for dropped points from 2 of the above sides. And given our very difficult final 3 matches I was not hopeful. We had a fair stab at it by winning our next 4 matches but the above teams keep their form more than needed. A 1-1 draw at Sociedad B meant it was near impossibilty whilst a defeat at Ponferradina confirmed the impossibility. My sole objective from the final 2 games was to get Gutiérrez the divisional assist record (he needed 1 more). He failed in our win over Eibar which not only completed the double over them but destroyed their playoff aspirations. We more or less gave up in the final game but the one goal came from the usual Gutiérrez -> Muinos route so the record was his.

So, 6th place it was. Which was where we were since around the middle of October. From Christmas onwards we never got closer than 4 points to 4th, we played well but the others kept their form too well. The problem was the start of the season, what looked like an easy opening few games ended with 1 win in 5. From then on it was a struggle especially with our dodgy away form.

We got 6 less points than last season but even those 6 would not have changed much, think the division was a bit stronger this season, the top 2 were very good (Palencia very surprisingly so) which the next 3 were good sides. We scored less goals (fewer total thrashings) but conceded less as well (only 1 to Ponferradina instead of the 10 last season). As mentioned it was our away form that let us down. Definitely needs to be improved upon.

Squad

Summary

Finances - going down for the first time which is solely because of the increased wages from turning pro, no problems as we have enough and I am not going to go out and spend much (if any)

Transfers - the 2 defensive Perez's started dodgily but soon found their feet, Azcona hardly got a chance but did OK when asked upon, Pereda is just as good as Sebastian on the right (ie. very very good), Vidal is, in theory, our best MC but due to an addiction to injuries (2 x 3 months) he only played 10 games and was unable to show this, which meant Bacci played much more than intended but he played very well indeed, the other Italian was the backup GK who played principally in Cup matches

The better players were:

Best GK - Francisco Javier Verdejo - again solid, as mentioned several previous times he won't be the reason we go up but equally he won't be the reason we fail either, that said my search for a replacement intensified and I have a 23yo coming in on a Bosman from Lorca, he cost them £300k 2 years back but hardly played, he is much better than Verdejo who will become a very solid backup theoretically only playing in Cups and easier league matches

Best Defender - Antonio Rodríguez - first time it has not been a DC that has been noted, both of them were slightly disappointing this season, especially Daniel who had played well previously, Rodriguez, who is also the captain (albeit initially reluctantly), was very solid, kept quiet a fair few MLs and chucked in with a few assists as well, a good player who will hopefully get a bit better

Best Midfielder - Fabrizio Bacci - my first ever purchase and supposedly brought as a backup and for the future, but thanks for Vidal's injuries the future became the present, and boy, did he play well, goals galore for an MC, a few assists and overall some very promising performances, as Vidal will hopefully be less injury-prone, I suspect he may play less next season but he is definitely going to be a great player

Best Left Winger - Federico - played very well again, although that is based upon goals and average rating rather than assists as he was very disappointing in that aspect, only 6 is not an impressive haul for a winger, there was no difference in tactics so I just hope it was bad luck that most of his crosses got missed or saved and that the assists got "transferred" to Gutiérrez, am hoping for similar performances but more assists next season

Best Right Wingers - Sebastián and Alejandro Pereda - both as good as each other (ie. very very good), the former started off like last season but a couple of injuries let in Pereda (who had also started to moan about being a backup) and he played well enough to keep his place until the end of the season, again there were a few less assists from this wing as well, as they are 2 of the best MRs in the division it is a bit greedy for me to have both and I am mildly tempted to sell one as my 3rd choice is pretty good and can play in the U19s as well, if I do sell it would probably be Sebastián as I think Pereda is just a little better and has longer left on his contract, we shall see...

Best Attacking Midfielder - Aitor Gutiérrez - wow, he was even better this season, fewer goals but a lot more assists, broke the division record with 20 and as he missed a few weeks with injury that figure could have been higher, him and Muiños have a lethal partnership, and what is great is that he has shown absolutely zero desire to leave, happy to sign a new 3 year contract and very happy at the club, more of the same please

Best Striker - Javier Muiños - wow, wow, just as good as last season, 5 less goals but everything else was better, improved as a player as well, far far too good for this division, and probably too good for the division above as well as he is now rated as a good Primera Liga striker, yes, a good player for the top flight , a pity that due my managerial ineptitude he will never get the chance to play for us at a higher level, only has 1 year left on his contract and there is simply no chance at all that he will sign another one (and tbh I don't blame him), I hope he stays for next season but I am less confident than last year as there is interest even at my £3m asking price (that will be upped to £5m, his minimum release clause), if he does stay, then I am expecting a load of goals and an almighty Europe-wide scramble for his signature next Summer

7 years in this division is getting to be a bit embarrassing so next year we can surely make a concerted attempt to at least get to the playoffs, the title would help considerably. Ponferradina and, surprisingly 4th placed Real Union went up whilst we get Rayo back down again in return along with the champions of 2B1 who got transferred across, not ideal.

Like last year, the Summer will automatically be a success if the ML, MR (at least one of them), AMC and ST can stay. As mentioned I already have a better GK coming and also a useful looking experienced utility defender. And for the rest my main targets are:

DL - otherwise Ezequiel will get a new contract

ML - otherwise Walter will get a new contract

AMC - will attempt to sell Herrero as he is not really good enough

ST - Lozano will probably go as he has not stopped moaning about not playing, and, with Muiños here, playing is not something he will be doing much of

Hopefully some of those players might even be better than the first choices I already have. I shall also make sure that everyone is on a pro contract, several of the backup players with semi-pro will be leaving.

Best 11

Overall Best 11 - Gutiérrez and Verdejo come in for Ordonez and Chema which is about right

09/10 - Segunda Division B2 - 12th

10/11 - Segunda Division B2 - 7th

11/12 - Segunda Division B2 - 4th (lost in Second Phase Playoff First Round)

12/13 - Segunda Division B2 - 10th

13/14 - Segunda Division B2 - 10th

14/15 - Segunda Division B2 - 4th (lost in Second Phase Playoff First Round)

15/16 - Segunda Division B2 - 6th

Real Oviedo Watch - 8th in 2B1

Oviedo Derby Watch - P4 W0 D1 L3 F2 A7 (another cup defeat)

Team I Would Like To Play Every Week - Peña Sport - H8-0, A2-0 (last by a country mile, a horrible, horrible team)

Team I Would Not Like To Play Every Week - Leganés - A0-1, H0-1 (7th) (2 out of our 3 goalless matches last season, their tactic is seemingly very effective)

[rlipscombe]

given my record in splashing out big money on players, i've just blown £38 million one one player.... his name? Sergio Aguero. this best not backfire!!!!!

[Lower Leagues Rule]

*rofl* My biggest purchase is Sinisa Matic £8 million and he had a stunning first season and is performing well again the second time around, cannot question that it was worth the price tag. For £38m I would be expecting 50 goals in his first 25 games.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Well the Champs League Group didn't end so well. Dortmund came out on top with 14pts, CSKA Moscow 2nd with 10pts & Us third with 7pts.

I was pleased to get three good results as we defeated Moscow 3:1, Espanyol 3:0 & Drew 1:1 with Dortmund at home, three away losses 1:0 to Moscow & Espanyol and 2:1 to Dortmund. We only allowed 6 goals in our 6 games, but that was not enough as our strikers did not perform.

[daemonic]

Wow..thats a hell of a fee rlipscombe

My record is still 10m and after 3 seasons the 10m pound man is only now looking like a footballer...shame he's still being eclipsed by my first ever youth product, someone i picked up as a 16yr old for a pittance and is only just holding his own against another academy graduate.

Hopefully Aguero is the final piece of the puzzle for you

[rlipscombe]

tell me about it!!! it's a MASSIVE outlay for me. i thought i'd blown a lot of cash when i spent £20 million on Kabore, but this is mental... add to the transfer fee a WEEKLY wage of £105,000 and he better bloody win me the double!!! apparently shirt sales are going to rocket mind so looking for the 'galactico' effect a la Beckham, Kaka and C. Ronaldo.

in all honesty i know i have paid over the odds, but he's a great player and i REALLY need another consistent striker. hopefully he is that. i'm really making a push this season, and in addition to Aguero i've signed Igor Akinfeev (GK, £4.7m) and David Silva (AMC, £3m) bringing in some extra experience. i'm also debating over a couple of others, including Hatem Ben Arfa. i'm debating a formation tweak too to try and complete the challenge.

Going to be boom or bust this season!!

[daemonic]

tell me about it!!! it's a MASSIVE outlay for me. i thought i'd blown a lot of cash when i spent £20 million on Kabore, but this is mental... add to the transfer fee a WEEKLY wage of £105,000 and he better bloody win me the double!!! apparently shirt sales are going to rocket mind so looking for the 'galactico' effect a la Beckham, Kaka and C. Ronaldo.

in all honesty i know i have paid over the odds, but he's a great player and i REALLY need another consistent striker. hopefully he is that. i'm really making a push this season, and in addition to Aguero i've signed Igor Akinfeev (GK, £4.7m) and David Silva (AMC, £3m) bringing in some extra experience. i'm also debating over a couple of others, including Hatem Ben Arfa. i'm debating a formation tweak too to try and complete the challenge.

Going to be boom or bust this season!!

I play a very different game to you regarding transfers. I only sign kids, don't even have scouts looking for anyone over 21. Some great experienced signings though

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Most of my signings are kids, but I also bring in a few aged between 22 & 25 just for some solidarity while my kids improve, though now most of my top line players have been at the club a few years they are gelling pretty well, the deciding factor is when the kids take over Just sold Marcel this season as I have Radakovic & Maradona backed up be two Potential Superstars.

[PRDH]

I don't like signing players who are older than 25 as a rule but if the player is the guy to fix the problem position then I'll basically pay whatever I can afford.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

I have a couple of Positional Dilemmas I would like some help with guys. So you know the guy doing my Coach reports is Santos (AssMan) who has JA 20, JP 17, Att 20, Def 19. So he is well suited to make these claims.

Left Back - My Strongest postion for years with names such as Kipulo, Pants & The Monster. Now though I have three complete stars who could all play there, the last two seasons Pereira has been the back up to Paulo Sergio. Now I want to make a decision. All three are 20, so i think its going to just be one who gets picked and the other will be a back-up.

Jose Pereira - He is solid at both left back and left wing. He is completely solid across the board, current 5 stars, future 5 stars. He looks the business, but can he really compete. This season 5 (8) Assts: 3 Avg: 6.87

Paulo Sergio - He is a left back only, has played as the number one for two seasons and has 4 star current & 6 star Future. Is probably at first glance the number one pick. This Season 21 (4) Assts: 4 MoM: 1 Avg: 7.02

Mohamed Yakubu - This guy is too versatile for his own good. He has never made the step-up because he is good in every position across the back of the field. He is solid, but doesn't look amazing. Current 3 stars, Future 6 Stars. This Season 2 (7) Assts: 1 Avg: 6.89.

So I would love some advice on that dilemma guys, any help at all.

Attacking Mid - Now I also have a dilemma in this position as well. I currently have two who I would rank as starters and two I would rank as back-up, the decision really needs to be made as I am starting to have players become unhappy with bench sitting.

Pedro Rocha - The 24 year old has been the leader in this position for a few seasons, he is definitely a solid pick, but has Batista improved past him is my main problem. Current 4 Stars, Future 4 Stars. This Season 23 (2) Gls: 4 Asts: 4 Avg: 6.79.

Mauro Batista - At only 19 he has always been the back-up, but I think now he has come into his own and I need to make the decision right away to see who I should keep and who i should dump I believe. Current 4 Stars, Future 6 Stars. This Season 4 (1) Ast: 1 Avg: 6.50.

Fernando - New Signing, not much to say. 19 yrs old, Current 3 Star, Future 5 Star.

Iranilson - Also a new signing, 18 yrs old. Current 3 Star, Future 5 Star.

Any help would be appreciated guys.

[PRDH]

There are some solid players there LLR.

For the left-back position I think I'd plump for Paulo Sergio, he looks solid at the back, and he can really cross a ball. The main problem is obviously his poor close control, but he can get up and down the touchline well. Jose Pereira is conversely an excellent left-midfielder he can get up and down the touchline all day long, and could torment a left back. But, at left back, he may be somewhat of a liability, he can't really tackle, and his marking is terrible and his concentration isn't much to write home about. His one saving grace is his positioning which is adequate, but I can see him getting skinned all day long by a good right winger. As for Yakubu, well he is an excellent bench player, he could do a job across the back-four if someone gets injured, but I'm not sure he is of a standard to start in a Champions League team.

Conclusion - Paulo Sergio.

Attacking midfield - I'm going to discount the two young new signings initially. They have good potential, but I can't see them as starters yet. So, for the other two. Well Pedro Rocha looks to be a solid pair of hands, he probably won't let you down, but his one-footedness is a real draw back. Mauro Batista on the other hand, looks like that, with regular first team play, he could become a very good player. He has all the talent and is more balanced with either foot than Rocha.

Conclusion - Give Mauro Batista a go, he could well become a top player.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Thanks PRDH for the discussion on it. There is no way pereira will make it on the left wing, I have Tiago & Lung covering up there, so chances are he will go on sale. So I will continue with Sergio as my starter & Yakubu will take the spot on the bench. I will give a full rundown on the rest of the defense come end of this season so i can show the building of a squad I have back there.

As for AMC I have given Batista a shot, it seems he is not as good as Rocha right away, but he is definitely solid enough. Rocha is being tempted by a few other clubs outside of Portugal so if that big time offer comes he will be off. Right wing I have Matic the Superstar & Castillo the young gun so another position has been made solid. And my Strikers are all now a delight as we rip up the ground.

Oh and on another note Batista was a Youth Product for AD Fafe in 2023/24

[TaylorB]

LLR - for AMC, I'd also give Batista a long run in the team, as PRDH said, he could be a top player, Iranilson would be my second choice as he seems to have decent stats in key areas. And hopefully you can progress the two together because they both look like they could be quality players. I'd say have Pedro Rocha as backup for this season but if you could get a decent offer this summer or next and Iranilson and Batista have progressed, then I'd let him go.

I'm useless for defenders but I pretty much mimic everything PRDH said and I'd go for Paulo Sergio.

[PRDH]

Well, if Batista is a youth product then that seals the decision even more I'd say.

[edit] - my assistant has now decided that Cesare Peluso is now a leading Serie A player. It's amazing what some first team football can do. The season before my title winning season he got in through injuries and was considered a good Serie B player now after a season and a half as first team regular he's really progressed.

[rlipscombe]

as a final line on my spending, i too do buy youth a lot and give them plenty of chances where i can. However, i do now want to win the competitions and i am gambling on making this happen ASAP. youth will still play a major part in my squad.

[TaylorB]

as a final line on my spending, i too do buy youth a lot and give them plenty of chances where i can. However, i do now want to win the competitions and i am gambling on making this happen ASAP. youth will still play a major part in my squad.

Won't this mean that in the long run once you win the competitions, you'll fall back down the line whilst your youth are progressing and your experienced players have hung up their boots? It's the exact same thing I've done with Bradford PA in Dafuge's challenge.

[PRDH]

Won't this mean that in the long run once you win the competitions, you'll fall back down the line whilst your youth are progressing and your experienced players have hung up their boots? It's the exact same thing I've done with Bradford PA in Dafuge's challenge.

But the aim of the challenges is to win the competitions. You don't have to necessarily continue after you've done that. So, if you have the money, why not buy in some experience to give guidance to the youngsters. I would happily buy a 27/28/29 year old if I thought they would push me up to the Champions League trophy.

[TaylorB]

But the aim of the challenges is to win the competitions. You don't have to necessarily continue after you've done that. So, if you have the money, why not buy in some experience to give guidance to the youngsters. I would happily buy a 27/28/29 year old if I thought they would push me up to the Champions League trophy.

Yeah, I suppose, I'm always in the challenges for a long time even after it's completed really, always presumed people were the same tbh.

[PRDH]

I'm yet to complete a challenge so I can't say what I'll do once I finish (note the confidence). This is the first incarnation of the game when I've got involved in the forums. I had a go at dafuge's last year, but only got about 3 season in before the new game came out. I think I'll be back here as soon as the new game is released for next season.

[TaylorB]

LLR - Did you find that you lost a lot of money while you were in Liga Vitalis? I'm losing shedloads a month, and I was just wondering if it was me or something that happens? If its just me, what do you suggest doing in order to stop losing money? My wage bill is well under the limit so it's not that

[Lower Leagues Rule]

I wass still losing moey right up til 4th iin the Liga Sagres

[daemonic]

I won't be including as much waffle in my reports now I've completed

The Youth Watch section will however still be growing though as this is the bit thats interesting for me now.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Real S.D. Alcalá - Spanish LIGA BBVA 2021/22

Transfers

Europe

European Super Cup - Winners

Club World Championship - Winners

Champions League - Semi-Final

Spanish LIGA BBVA

Predicted: 3rd | Final Position: Winners | Graph

Spanish Cup - Semi-Final

Spanish Super Cup - Runner-Up

Other News

Finances

Rich List

Club Records

Awards

Spanish Young Player of the Year - Clean Sweep (4th year in a row): 1st Carlos Suárez Rodríguez | 2nd Giampaolo Cozzolino | 3rd Juan Antonio Grau

LIGA BBVA Goalkeeper of the Year - David Trigueros

Stars

Most Tackles: Axier Olaizola (DC) - 5.71 per game.

Most Assists: Rubén Porras (AMRL) - 11

Most Goals: Carlos Suárez Rodríguez (ST) - 22

Most MoM: Luis Fernando Pato (AMR) - 7

Youth Watch

Summer 2010 - Juan Antonio Álvarez (ST) | Initial Profile | Current Profile - Benefitted from the tactical change to 4-4-2. Played ok in spells but still struggles a bit at the very highest level.

Summer 2012 - Leandro Gutiérrez (MC) - Sold

Summer 2015 - Luis Manuel (ST) - Sold

Summer 2018 - Alfredo (AMC) | - Sold for 1.5m

Summer 2019 - Braulio Ortega (AMC) | Initial Profile | Current Profile - Continues to improve and impress with 8 assists. Great prospect.

Summer 2019 - Javier Aranguren (ST) | Initial Profile | Current Profile - Decent season in LIGA adelante with Real Sociedad. Will get a few pre-season friendly chances to see if he can impress.

Summer 2020 - Roberto Vicente (DC) | Initial Profile | Current Profile - Only got a few outings with DC being such a crucial position. One of only a few players in the team who have 5* potential so definetly one to watch.

Summer 2020 - Victor Palacios (DL) | Initial Profile | Current Profile - Did ok when called upon, probably more impressive going forward. Biggest problem is the wealth of young DL's who look to have more potential.

Summer 2020 - Juan José Rodríguez Contreras (DL) | Initial Profile | Current Profile - Ok season on loan at Second Division B3, Girona. A lot of work to do before he's close to the first team.

Summer 2021 - José Ignacio Marqués (MC) | Initial Profile | Current Profile - Very impressive season on loan in the 3rd tier of Spanish football as he scored 10 and created 8. Will get a run out in pre-season friendlies to see if he can be part of the 1st team squad.

Best Eleven: Season | Overall

European Co-efficients

Real S.D. Alcalá - 151.347 (1st up from 4th)

Real S.D. Alcalá Trophy Room

Champions League - 2020/21

LIGA BBVA x 2 - 2019/20, 2021/22

UEFA Cup - 2018/19

Club World Championship - 2021

European Super Cup - 2021

Spanish Cup - 2020/21

Spanish Super Cup - 2020

Second Division B1 x 2 - 2011/12, 2012/13

Career History

Season   League              Pos.   Cup         Europe         Achievements
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
2009/10  Second Division B1  7th    N/A         N/A            None
2010/11  Second Division B1  2nd    1st Rnd     N/A            None
2011/12  Second Division B1  1st    4th Rnd     N/A            Second Division B1 Champions
2012/13  Second Division B1  1st    2nd Rnd     N/A            Second Division B1 Champions, Promoted
2013/14  LIGA adelante       7th    2nd Rnd     N/A            None
2014/15  LIGA adelante       2nd    Qtr-Final   N/A            Promotion
2015/16  LIGA BBVA           10th   5th Rnd     N/A            None
2016/17  LIGA BBVA           4th    Semi-Final  N/A            None
2017/18  LIGA BBVA           4th    Qtr-Final   CL Qtr-Final   None
2018/19  LIGA BBVA           2nd    Semi-Final  CL Group 3rd   UEFA Cup Winners
                                               UEFA Cup Winner
2019/20  LIGA BBVA           1st    Qtr-Final   CL Semi-Final  Champions
2020/21  LIGA BBVA           2nd    Winners     CL Winners     Champions League Winners, 
                                                              Spanish Cup Winners 
          *************** Challenge Completed *****************
2021/22  LIGA BBVA           1st    Semi-Final  CL Semi-Final  Champions, Euro. Super Cup Winners, 
                                                              Club World Champions

Next Season...

Stop losing in Semi-Finals

[Ohanzee]

Oh big grats on finishing the challenge daemonic!! I must have missed a whole page of the thread or something, I completely missed you beeing done.

I'm gonna have a little go at my Spezia save, see if it can catch my interest again.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Very nice season there daemonic, I'm trucking along in Fafe and slowly getting towards the end of my 2026/27 season, keeping competitive and trying to prevent disharmony is the major issue. Having yelled at a player for getting sent-off and costing us the game and then fining him a weeks wages saw me vilified by the players haha.

[daemonic]

Very nice season there daemonic, I'm trucking along in Fafe and slowly getting towards the end of my 2026/27 season, keeping competitive and trying to prevent disharmony is the major issue. Having yelled at a player for getting sent-off and costing us the game and then fining him a weeks wages saw me vilified by the players haha.

I hate those Press Conference questions about rumours you've lost the dressing room and can you prevent players other than X throwing a hissy fit etc. etc.

They really need an option in player interaction for you to give a player an ear bashing for mouthing off to the press.

My current season is proving a struggle to keep up with Real. Other than a draw against us they haven't dropped a point in the first 18 games. I have a 15-3-0 record and still trail by 4 points

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Well having just spent 6 weeks with my 17 year old 1 star goalie in net has been interesting, just beat Feynoord 4:2 at home with him in net he got a 7.6 rating haha. Maradona also scored a goal 16s into the second half to grab the CSE Record haha.

As for the Harmony I have it back now. Pires in 3 games has conceded 5 and one clean sheet. 2 wins & a draw. Currently 4th in the league attempting to get past Benfica & Porto who are on 37 & 39pts respectively. I have 37 & Guimaraes is right behind on 37 & Maritimo on 36. Its an insanely close season and an absolute battle. Next up is Porto, Liexoes & Benfica.

[TaylorB]

TaylorB - Barreirense - 2011-12

'Forming A "Barrier" Infront Of Relegation.'

Predicted: 11th

Actual: 10th

Portuguese Cup: Fifth Round

League Cup: First Round

Early Season.

The aim for pre-season was finding fresh faces to add to a squad in order to avoid relegation. I signalled my intent during the first week as Toni, an experienced right-back joined the club. Over the follwing 8 weeks, I signed some impressive players to add to my already impressive squad. With my squad completed, we looked ahead to the season with three wins and two losses in pre-season friendlies, slightly dissapointgly the two losses came at home. My home form would need to be better to avoid the drop. The media prediction was 11th, yet I thought that was generous and was geard for a tough season.

Squad | Transfers

The League Graph

Staying up was the obvious priority this season, and we got off to a good start after ten games being half way up the table in 8th place. Much of this being down to new signing Saulo, who had settled into the team perfectly and was by far the bets player from my team, single handedly winning us games some times. This trend carried on throughout the season as we rairly moved from a mid-table position and despite an end of season drop we finished in 10th place. A very pleasing season and the media prediction was close after all. We will need to eradicate the odd horrific performance in order to improve next season.

The Cups

Strangely in the Portuguese Cup we fell to a fifth round defeat, two rounds earlier than last year. Guimaraes showed us how tough our journey to get to the top of domestic Portuguese football is going to be with a 4-1 demolition. The league cup was a similar story as we fell short of my expectations and the board expectations with a dissapointing first round loss against Naval, who we would go on to lose and draw against in the league aswell. A cup run will have to come next year instead.

The 'Barrier'ense to Glory?

Finances:

Cash Injection One, Two, Three.

Continued from last season:

Our Finances continued to plummet, and I can't see a way of raising funds, as none of my players are wanted or have big values. There was no further cash injections but it is inevitable for more to come soon. A takeover with plenty of money put into the club would be handy right about now.

Away Days

The Barreirense fans travelled all around Portugal again this season to support their team in the Liga Vitalis, clocking up well over 1000 miles in order to cheer on their team. Their team dissapointed on the road; not recording a single win and clocking up 6 draws and 9 wins from their 15 away games.

Map

League                               First Phase    Promotion Phase
Second Division Group D              [url="http://i41.tinypic.com/acyf89.jpg"]Second[/url]           [url="http://i41.tinypic.com/1zgw60l.jpg"]Second[/url]
Second Division Group D              [url="http://i40.tinypic.com/rgw2lv.jpg"]First [/url]           [url="http://i40.tinypic.com/2u712lc.jpg"]First[/url]

League           Position         League Cup       Portuguese Cup
Liga Vitalis      [url="http://s678.photobucket.com/albums/vv149/BenjaniT09/?action=view&current=Table.jpg"]10th[/url]            First Round      Fifth Round

Next Season:

Next season I'll be going for another mid-table position and anything else will be a bonus. I'll be trying to cement my place in the league and hope thats enough. I also have an exciting Spanish youngster joining who should help the team no end. Oh, a cup run would be nice too.

Previous Barreirense Reports:

1-'An English Manager At Our Club?'

2-'Glory, Glory Barreirense'.

3- 'Forming A "Barrier" Infront Of Relegation'.

[rlipscombe]

congrats on staying up TaylorB... realistically it was the only objective and mission accomplished. Exteberria looks a good prospect and could help with the goals.

and i'm loving the naming of the seasons....