[FM20] Stuniverse's FM20 Adventure

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 October 2019

STUNIVERSE WINS MANAGER OF THE MONTH

BairnsNews: Falkirk manager Stuniverse has won the Ladbrokes League 1 Manager of the Month award for September.

Interim chairman Lex Miller had this to say:

Edited November 21, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 October 2019

FALKIRK - OCTOBER FIXTURES

BairnsNews: Falkirk will play four league matches (two at home, two away) in October, plus the Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup 4th Round tie at Partick Thistle.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 October 2019

Monthly Reports

Managerial Review

Finances

Player Dynamics

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 5th October 2019

Pre-match v Montrose (a) - Ladbrokes League 1 (9)

Match Preview

BairnsNews: Congratulations on winning the Manager of the Month award.

Stuniverse: Thank you, although it's my players who deserve the credit for all the hard work and effort they've put in.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Denny Johnstone (knee)
Cammy Bell (dislocated shoulder)
Gary Miller (knee)

Doubtful:
Sam Dryden (hernia-45)
Calum Macdonald (ankle-45)

BairnsNews: An unchanged team today.

Stuniverse: That's correct. After the Raith game I saw no reason to change anything.

Post-match: Montrose (0) 1-4 (3) Falkirk

BairnsNews: Congratulations on another win and you're now unbeaten in five league matches.

Stuniverse: Thank you. We played very well today. Conor Sammon scored two penalties and also had a third one saved. Either side of Conor's penalties Aidan Connolly gave us the lead and Louis Longridge completed the scoring.

BairnsNews: East Fife lost to Airdrie meaning today's win puts you top of the league.

Stuniverse: We're a quarter of the way through the season, everybody has played everybody once, and it's very satisfying to know we've accumulated more points than anyone else. But you win nothing in October, it's where you finish in May that counts.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited November 21, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 12th October 2019

Pre-match v Partick Thistle (a) - Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup Round 4

Match Preview

BairnsNews: Another cup-tie. This time against a side who are 6th in the Championship. Can you produce another upset?

Stuniverse: We hope so. Our cup exploits so far this season have been incredible. We're prepared as always, the players have trained well, and we're confident. We're definitely going to The Energy Check Stadium to win but we're aware that Partick are a very good team and we won't be underestimating them.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Denny Johnstone (knee)
Cammy Bell (dislocated shoulder)
Gary Miller (knee)

Doubtful:
Sam Dryden (hernia-75)

BairnsNews: Same team again.

Stuniverse: Yes. That's correct. It's good that Calum Macdonald has healed after spraining ankle ligaments and he's back on the bench.

Post-match: Partick Thistle (2) 2-3 (1) Falkirk

BairnsNews: What an amazing comeback. Your incredible cup exploits continue.

Stuniverse: Thank you. Partick were very tough opposition today, as we expected, and we're delighted to have progressed to the Quarter-Finals.

Aidan Connolly gave us the lead but Penrice got them level with a sensational free-kick around the 40 minute mark. I think that stunned us and we were still looking shell-shocked when Cardle grabbed a halftime lead for them.

We had a constructive dialogue at the break and we looked more composed again after the restart. Conor Sammon headed us level and then, when Calum Macdonald hit the crossbar, Jahmal Hector-Ingram was quickest to react and scored from the rebound. We then had a fourth goal ruled out on a tight, marginal offside decision.

Patrick never gave up, pressed for an equaliser, and we were indebted to Robbie Mutch for some excellent saves in the closing minutes.

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[Stuniverse]

Game date: 12 October 2019

BAIRNS OFF TO WALES IN QUARTER-FINAL

BairnsNews: Falkirk will travel to Wales to play perennial JD Cymru Premier League winners The New Saints (TNS) in the Quarter-Final of the Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 19th October 2019

Pre-match v Dumbarton (a) - Ladbrokes League 1 (10)

Match Preview

BairnsNews: Back to league action against basement team Dumbarton, who are on a run of seven matches without a win.

Stuniverse: Yes. The cup-runs are great for the fans, and the morale of the squad, but we know that it's the league on which we're going to be judged this season. We all want to get this great club back into the Premiership and the road back starts with promotion to the Championship. I know the Board expect us to get promoted this season, to go up as Champions, and I'm under no illusions about that being what Lex Miller [Chairman] is going to assess me on. So, yes, this league match is far more important than any cup-tie.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Denny Johnstone (knee)
Cammy Bell (dislocated shoulder)

Doubtful:
Gary Miller (calf-90)

BairnsNews: Three changes today.

Stuniverse: Yes. Calum Macdonald (ankle) returns for Paul Dixon. Tom Grivosti comes back in for Mark Durnan. Charlie Telfer replaces Morgaro Gomis.

Post-match: Dumbarton (0) 0-1 (0) Falkirk

BairnsNews: You had another goal disallowed and left it late to grab the win. Did you think the goal would never come?

Stuniverse: Two things there. Firstly, I know I've been critical of the officials in previous games, but Jahmal Hector-Ingram was offside, no complaints there. Secondly, I believe in this squad and have confidence in whichever combination of 11 players are out on the pitch at any time. We've shown already this season, on numerous occasions that we're capable of scoring late goals so belief was always there. Credit to Dumbarton, they worked hard, closed us down, and made things difficult for us, but Conor Sammon won it for us with a late header. I won't lie though, it was a huge relief when the big man scored.

BairnsNews: That's five straight league wins and takes you three points clear at the top.

Stuniverse: We're in good form at the moment but, and I know you won't like me saying this, we're just taking things one game at a time and we'll see where we are at the end of the season.

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[Stuniverse]

Game date: 20 October 2019

QUEEN OF THE SOUTH IN THE CUP

BairnsNews: Falkirk will travel to Championship side Queen of the South in the Scottish Cup Third Round.

The Bairns have already beaten Queen of the South once this season, a 3-0 win at the Falkirk Stadium in the Group Stage of the Betfred Cup.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Sturday 26th October 2019

Pre-match v Peterhead (H) - Ladbrokes League 1 (11)

Match Preview

BairnsNews: Peterhead held you to a goalless draw at the Balmoor Stadium earlier in the season. Can you go one better at home and keep your winning streak going?

Stuniverse: We've prepared thoroughly for today's game against Peterhead because, as you quite rightly say, they made it very difficult for us at their place, but we go out looking to win every game we play and, with the Bairns fans behind us, we're confident of getting a good result today.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Denny Johnstone (knee)
Cammy Bell (dislocated shoulder)

Doubtful:
Gary Miller (calf-90)
Mark Durnan (hamstring-90)

BairnsNews: Two changes today.

Stuniverse: Yes. Nothing against the two players I've left out, because I thought indiviually they did ok against Dumbarton, but collectively we didn't click quite the same as we had in previous matches, so I'm hoping the changes provide a bit more cohesion. Morgaro Gomis returns for Charlie Telfer and Mark Durnan comes in for Tom Grivosti.

Post-match: Falkirk (1) 1-0 (0) Peterhead

BairnsNews: A narrow 1-0 win but you hit the woodwork three times.

Stuniverse: Yes. It wasn't a true 1-0 game as I thought we always looked like scoring a second goal and, like you say, we rattled the woodwork three times. We were actually down to ten men, with Aidan Connolly receiving treatment for a bruised knee, when Louis Longridge gave us an early league.

BairnsNews: Raith grabbed a late, late winner against Airdrie keeping your lead at the top to three points.

Stuniverse: Are we going to do this after every league game?

BairnsNews: Probably. Yes.

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[Stuniverse]

Game date: 26 October 2019

The Scottish Football Express:

FALKIRK ENJOYING LIFE WITH STUNIVERSE

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 26 October 2019

STUNIVERSE STARTS COACHING COURSE

BairnsNews understand from unnamed club sources that Chairman Lex Miller has given manager Stuniverse permission to study for his next coaching course.

Stuniverse, who has a Continental A licence will now begin his studies for a Continental Pro licence.

 

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Tuesday 29 October 2019

Pre-match v East Fife (H) - Ladbrokes League 1 (12)

Match Preview

BairnsNews: Your league match with East Fife has been brought forward because of your Betfred Semi-Final on Saturday. With the big Celtic match looming, will you be resting players tonight to keep them fresh for the semi-final?

Stuniverse: No. Absolutely not. It may be a semi-final but, as I keep saying, the league is more important and East Fife are third so we're determined to get a win against them tonight if we possibly can.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Denny Johnstone (knee)
Cammy Bell (dislocated shoulder)
Charlie Telfer (knee)

Doubtful:
Aidan Connolly (knee-90)

BairnsNews: Is that why you've gone for an unchanged team tonight?

Stuniverse: Yes. Aidan Connolly was a doubt, having bruised a knee against Peterhead, but our medical team have declared him fit to play.

Post-match: Falkirk (0) 2-0 (0) East Fife

BairnsNews: A big game and a big win. How do you sum it up?

Stuniverse: Yes it was. Much bigger than the Betfred semi-final against Celtic if I'm honest. East Fife gave it a good go, but defensively we stood up to them, and two goals in four minutes from Michael Tidser and Louis Longridge won it for us early in the second half.

BairnsNews: You played your game early and, by beating East Fife, you've opened up an eight point gap over them in third. You've also put pressure on second placed Raith by stretching the gap to six points, albeit Raith can reduce that to three on Saturday.

Stuniverse: With so many games still to play, I doubt Raith will be too concerned at this stage of the season. Like us, they're going to be trying to win as many points as they can between now and the end of the season and there's a lot of points left to play for yet.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 November 2019

FALKIRK - NOVEMBER FIXTURES

BairnsNews: Falkirk face a busy November schedule with three league matches and three cup-ties, starting with the Betfred Cup Semi-Final against Celtic on Saturday.

Edited November 22, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 NOVEMBER 2019

STUNIVERSE WINS MANAGER OF THE MONTH - OCTOBER

Chairman Lex Miller's comments:

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 November 2019

BAIRNS BOARD 'VERY PLEASED' WITH STUNIVERSE

BairnsNews understand from unnamed club sources that Chairman Lex Miller and the Board are 'very pleased' with manager Stuniverse.

Finances:

Player Dynamics:

Edited November 22, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 November 2019

BETFRED CUP SEMI-FINAL - FALKIRK FACE THE IMPOSSIBLE

--

LENNON V STUNIVERSE - WAR OF WORDS

Neil Lennon: looking forward to beating Stunivrse

Stuniverse: refuses to rule out Falkirk win

Edited November 22, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 2nd November 2019

Pre-match v Celtic (N) - Betfed Cup Semi-Final

Match Preview

BairnsNews: You seem to be having a war of words with Celtic manager Lennon. Would you care to comment?

Stuniverse: Look, you know, as well as I do, that Celtic should win this semi-final. But you also know, as well as I do, that cup upsets, cup giant killings, they do happen. If we're to have any chance against Celtic we need to be at our absolute best, and Celtic need to be some way off their best, but you just never know, that's why we love football so much.

What's great, for me, about this so-called 'war of words' is that our best chance is if Celtic underestimate us and, if Neil Lennon truly believes what's been spouting out of his mouth this week, then Celtic are underestimating us.

I'm so pleased our league game got brought forward. We played it, we won it, we got the three points. That allowed us to completely relax in the build-up to this semi-final. I don't need to motivate my players for this game, because if you can't motivate yourself for a semi-final against Celtic then you have no right being a professional football player.

We're ready. The question is, are Celtic ready?

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Calum Macdonald (suspended)
Denny Johnstone (knee)
Cammy Bell (dislocated shoulder)

Doubtful:
Charlie Telfer (knee-90)
Aidan Connolly (fatigued/knee-90)
Michael Doyle (fatigued)
Louis Longridge (fatgued)
Michael Tidser (fatigued)

BairnsNews: Three changes today. Was it more difficult than normal making this team selection?

Stuniverse: Yes. Of course. This is a game every one of my players wanted to play in and I can't pick them all. Ultimately, I had to make the decisions I considered best for the club and the team, and I have some disappointed players. Calum Macdonald is suspended so Paul Dixon starts. We've also got a few players looking tired after East Fife in midweek so Ian McShane comes in for Aidan Connolly and Declan McManus for Louis Longridge. 

BairnsNews: The line-up suggests a change of formation. Have you sprung a surprise on Neil Lennon?

Stuniverse: Wait and see.

Post-match: Celtic (1) 2-0 (0) Falkirk

BairnsNews: Commiserations. You're out the cup but can you hold your heads high after that?

Stuniverse: Yes. I think so. Celtic could only relax after a 92nd minute goal and in the last 20 minutes it was us taking the game to them.

Moritz Bauer was unbelievably good today and he epitomised the gulf between Celtic and Falkirk today. In the opening 10 minutes we couldn't get close to them, and couldn't get the ball out of our own half, and I was fearing the worst. Bauer gave them the lead with a sensational strike after four minutes and then came the penalty on 10 minutes. But Robbie Mutch saved Scott Sinclair's penalty and that seemed to give us a newfound belief. We got to half-time at 1-0 down.

We made a couple of subsitutions and a tactical switch at the break, going 4-4-2 as the 4-3-3 wasn't really working, and we felt if we could keep it at 1-0 we could give it a go in the final 20 minutes. Their red card, a professional foul by Kristoffer Ajer that denied Conor Sammon a clear chance on goal, changed that and we went for it earlier than planned. We created some chances and made Fraser Forster work very hard in their goal but, it wasn't to be, and Bauer killed the game for us with a 92nd minute goal on the break.

My players can definitely hold their heads high. They should be proud of this incredible cup-run and they should be immensely proud of their performance against Celtic this afternoon.

BairnsNews: Raith beat Dumbarton 4-1 today.

Stuniverse: OK. Thanks for telling me.

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Edited November 22, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 2 November 2019

LENNON TELLS STUNIVERSE TO SHUT UP!

Stuniverse: calls Lennon unprofessional

Lennon: tells Stuniverse to keep his mouth shut

[kidthekid]

The provocateur suddenly forgets he was the instigator. That is FM manager mind-games in a nutshell

Edited November 22, 2019 by kidthekid

[Stuniverse]

36 minutes ago, kidthekid said:

The provocateur suddenly forgets he was the instigator. That is FM manager mind-games in a nutshell

I know, @kidthekid. I wanted nothing more than to give him a metaphorical bloody nose by knocking Celtic out of the cup, but it wasn’t to be.

Rangers beat Kilmarnock so it’ll be an Old Firm Betfred Cup Final.

Edited November 22, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 9th November 2019

Pre-match v Clyde (a) - Ladbrokes League 1 (13)

Match Preview

BairnsNews: Is there a risk that disappointment from the Celtic semi-final defeat could spill over into today's match?

Stuniverse: No. I don't think so. Sure, it was disappointing to lose to Celtic but we all know the vital importance of the league games.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Gregor Buchanan (suspended)
Denny Johnstone (knee)
Cammy Bell (dislocated shoulder)

Doubtful:
Aidan Connolly (knee-90)
Charlie Telfer (knee-90)

BairnsNews: Five changes from the Celtic match.

Stuniverse: Yes. Tom Grivosti for our suspended captain Gregor Buchanan. Calum Macdonald returns after his own suspension for Paul Dixon. Aaron Connolly back in for Ian McShane, Louis Longridge also for Declan McManus, and Michael Doyle is match fit again and comes in for Lewis Toshney.

Post-match: Clyde (0) 0-5 (3) Falkirk

BairnsNews: That was a comprehensive win.

Stuniverse: Yes. No sign of a Celtic hangover at all. Conor Sammon scored two goals, one from the penalty spot, and three defenders chipped in with the others: Mark Durnan, Calum MacDonald and Michael Doyle. We thought we had a sixth, but Charlie Telfer's goal was ruled offside.

BairnsNews: Raith won 2-0 at Stranraer.

Stuniverse: OK. As we were then.

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[samboing]

Well played getting such a good result  against Clyde, bouncing straight back from the Celtic game, unlucky in that one by the way but at least you have the knowledge after these cup runs you can compete with the bigger sides! Keep it going 

[Stuniverse]

30 minutes ago, samboing said:

Well played getting such a good result  against Clyde, bouncing straight back from the Celtic game, unlucky in that one by the way but at least you have the knowledge after these cup runs you can compete with the bigger sides! Keep it going 

Thank you, @samboing. We'll do our best to keep it going...

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Tuesday 12th November 2019

Pre-match v Airdrieonians (a) - Ladbrokes League 1 (14)

Match Preview

BairnsNews: Away to third placed Airdrie. What sort of match are you expecting?

Stuniverse: I'm expecting a hard game, to be fair. I know we've already beaten them twice this season and I think they'll be determined not to lose a third time. If we do win, the gap will become 13 points and that would be huge at this stage of the season. Of course, we want to make it three out of three and we're confident of getting the result.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Denny Johnstone (knee)
Cammy Bell (dislocated shoulder)

Doubtful:
Aidan Connolly (knee-90)
Charlie Telfer (knee-90)

BairnsNews: Just one change today.

Stuniverse: Yes, I've decided to freshen it up a bit up front so Declan McManus gets a start ahead of Jahmal Hector-Ingram, who's very unfortunate to miss out, but he can still contribute off the bench.

Post-match: Airdrieonians (0) 0-0 (0) Falkirk

BairnsNews: I'm guessing that didn't quite go to plan.

Stuniverse: No. Airdrie are third mainly because of their strong defence. We knew they'd be difficult to break down and that's how it turned out. We created more than enough chances, with Calum Macdonald and Michael Tidser instrumental and deserving some assists, but we hadn't got our shooting boots on and once again didn't work the goalkeeper enough. We did think Jahmal Hector-Ingram had broken the deadlock but he probably was offside. Just.

BairnsNews: The draws opens the door tomorrow night for Raith to cut your lead to one point.

Stuniverse: We can't control what Raith do. We can only attempt to control what we do and, tonight, we're disappointed because we had the chances to win and didn't take them.

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Edited November 22, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 13 November 2019

BAIRNS LEAD CUT TO ONE POINT

Raith Rovers 1-0 Montrose

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Sunday 17th November 2019

Pre-match v The New Saints (a) - Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup Quarter-Final

Match Preview

BairnsNews: So you're off to Wales in a Scottish Cup competition. Do you know what to expect?

Stuniverse: No, not really. It's interesting and kind of quiant, to be honest.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Denny Johnstone (knee)
Cammy Bell (dislocated shoulder)

Doubtful:
Charlie Telfer (knee-90)

BairnsNews: Two changes.

Stuniverse: Yes, our captain Gregor Buchanan returns for Mark Durnan and Jahmal Hector-Ingram gets a start up front instead of Declan McManus.

Post-match: The New Saints (0) 0-4 (1) Falkirk

BairnsNews: That's a good win for Scotland over Wales.

Stuniverse: Come on, that's unfair. It's not the fault of Wales or The New Saints that clubs from other countries are invited to play in the Challenge Cup and, actually, I think it's pretty cool.

We were always in control today. Michael Tidser gave us the lead with a stunning free-kick. Conor Sammon added a second after the break. Jahmal Hector-Ingram rounded things off with a brace.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 18 November 2019

BRING ON DUNFERMLINE!

BairnsNews: Falkirk have been drawn against (competitive) rivals Dunfermline in the semi-final of the Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup.

[JaytheGreat]

It's an all rivalry Challenger Cup Semi Finals.

[Stuniverse]

4 minutes ago, JaytheGreat said:

It's an all rivalry Challenger Cup Semi Finals.

Yes, @JaytheGreat. The winners of our semi-final will meet either Dundee or Dundee United in the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup Final.

Here’s hoping for a big box of caramel wafers to go with a Challenge Cup Winners medal 🏅

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 19 November 2019

BAIRNS GOALKEEPER CRISIS

BairnsNews: Falkirk are facing a goalkeeper crisis ahead of their Scottish Cup 3rd Round tie with Queen of the South after Robbie Mutch sustained a tight calf in training. With number one goalkeeper Cammy Bell already out with a dislocated shoulder, 21 year-old Solal Pelmard-Bassi looks set to make his debut for Falkirk and his first ever competitive first-team start.

Edited November 22, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 22 November 2019

TIDSER EXTENDS BAIRNS STAY

BairnsNews: Falkirk's 29 year-old midfielder Michael Tidser has put pen-to-paper on a new contract until the summer of 2022.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 22 November 2019

FALKIRK'S AMBROSE DEAL HITS SNAG

BairnsNews: Although there's been no official announcement from Falkirk Football Club, an application for a work permit for 31 year-old centre-back Efe Ambrose has been rejected today.

Ambrose, who is no stranger to Scottish football after playing for Celtic and Hibs, is currently a free agent.

Falkirk are expected to appeal the decision.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 22 November 2019

REWARD FOR MUTCH

BairnsNews: Falkirk's 21 year-old goalkeeper Robbie Mutch has been rewarded for his impressive displays deputising for number one goalkeeper Cammy Bell (dislocated shoulder) with a new deal running until the summer of 2022. Mutch picked up a calf injury in training this week and Solal Pelmard-Bassi looks set to make his professional debut at the weekend.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 22 November 2019

SAMMON NETS NEW CONTRACT

BairnsNews: Falkirk's 33 year-old striker Conor Sammon has signed a new contract until the summer of 2021. Sammon is the top goal scorer for The Bairns this season with 12 goals and has also pitched in with five assists.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 23rd November 2019

Pre-match v Queen of the South (a) - Scottish Cup Third Round

Match Preview

BairnsNews: You beat Championship side Queen of the South 3-0 at Fakirk Stadium in the Betfred Cup. Can you beat them again in their own back yard at Palmerston Park?

Stuniverse: We played very well at home in that win. We're expecting a much tougher challenge this time with their fans behind them but, if we play to the levels we know we're capable of, we believe we can progress to the next round.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Denny Johnstone (knee)
Cammy Bell (dislocated shoulder)

Doubtful:
Robbie Mutch (calf-90)

BairnsNews: No changes which means Mutch plays with a calf injury, just how much of a risk is that?

Stuniverse: Our medical team have passed Robbie Mutch fit to play with minimal risk. The risk is minimal.

Post-match: Queen of the South (2) 3-3 (1) Falkirk

BairnsNews: That was an absolute epic... and you get to do it all over again at Falkirk Stadium next weekend.

Stuniverse: Yes. It was a little too close for comfort, I'll give you that. In the first-half we never really got to grips with them and it felt like we were forever chasing the game at 1-0 down and then again at 2-1 down after Conor Sammon had equalised from the penalty spot.

We pushed both wide-men further forward and went more attacking after the break and I thought we had the better of it then. Aidan Connolly made it 2-2 after an hour and, within a minute, Jahmal Hector-Ingram had given us the lead.  We probably should've gone more defensive, at the point, but things were pretty crazy and within three minutes it was all square again. The rest of the game was end-to-end, chances for both sides, but there was no further scoring.

BairnsNews: Sammon limped off looking in some discomfort. What can you tell us?

Stuniverse: It looks like Conor's got a groin strain, that's probably about four weeks out.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 29 November 2019

CELTIC, HIBS AND NOW... FALKIRK - AMBROSE SIGNS!

BairnsNews: Falkirk have confirmed the signing of 31 year-old centre-back Efe Ambrose, after a work permit was granted on appeal. Ambrose has signed for The Bairns until the summer of 2021.

Finances:

Edited November 22, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 30th November 2019

Pre-match v Queen of the South (H) - Scottish Cup Third Round Replay

Match Preview

BairnsNews: The first game was a goal scoring epic at Palmerston Park. Can we expect a repeat at Falkirk Stadium today?

Stuniverse: I don't know about that. I'd gladly take us scoring three again but I don't want to be conceding three. The big difference is we're at home today, with The Bairns fans behind us, we believe we can progress to play Partick Thistle in the next round.

BairnsNews: To tighten up defensively, is that why you've signed Ambrose?

Stuniverse: Yes. To be honest it's been a long courtship. We tried to sign Efe way back in July, when he first became a free agent, but he wasn't interested, wouldn't even allow his agent to begin preliminary negotiations. We were amazed when we were tipped off by @HarrisFFC that Efe (probably) still didn't have a club in November. We approached Efe and his people again and this time we got a deal done.

BairnsNews: What's the impact on your budget?

Stuniverse: It's stretched our wage budget, for sure, and we'll have to readdress that if we can in January, but Efe is a Premiership ability defender and we realised the opportunity to bring him in was something we had to find a way to make happen. I have to thank my Chairman Lex Miller for his support on this one.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Conor Sammon (groin)
Denny Johnstone (knee)
Cammy Bell (dislocated shoulder)

BairnsNews: And Ambrose goes straight into the starting line-up as one of three changes.

Stuniverse: Yes. I think Efe's ready and I've completely changed the centre-back pairing with Efe and Mark Durnan coming in for Gregor Buchanan and Tom Grivosti. Up front, David McMillan replaces Conor Sammon (groin).

Post-match: Falkirk (1) 1-0 (0) Queen of the South

BairnsNews: Congratulations on another cup upset. This was chalk and cheese compared to the first match, wasn't it?

Stuniverse: Yes. It was. We totally controlled the game and I don't think they had a single shot on target, did they?

BairnsNews: No, they didn't.

Stuniverse: Defensively we were immense. We created plenty of chances too. Morgaro Gomis gave us an early lead with a long range shot. We hit the woodwork twice so we could, probably should, have scored more, but one was enough in the end as they never looked like scoring.

BairnsNews: Raith won 2-1 at Forfar to go two points above you at the top of the table.

Stuniverse: We'll just have to win our game-in-hand then... but there's still a long way to go this season.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited November 24, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 December 2019

FALKIRK - DECEMBER FIXTURES

BairnsNews: December is a month with no cup-ties as Falkirk will play five league matches, including a top-of-the-table clash at Raith.

Edited November 22, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 December 2019

FALKIRK BOARD VERY PLEASED WITH STUNIVERSE

BairnsNews understand from club sources that Chairman Lex Miller and the Board remain 'very pleased' with manager Stuniverse.

 

Finances:

 

Player Dynamics:

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 2 December 2019

FALKIRK STRUGGLING TO MEET WAGE BUDGET

BairnsNews understand that the signing of 31 year-old centre-back Efe Ambrose (£1.4K per week) has taken The Bairns considerably over their wage budget. Unnamed club sources have informed us that manager Stuniverse has requested an increase in wage budget but was informed by Chaiman Lex Miller that the club's financial situation would not allow that. Stuniverse has already adjusted the transfer budget down to £0 to facilitate earlier free transfer signings.

It appears more likely than not that the focus for The Bairns in January will be offloading players rather than bringing players in.

One outgoing player will be 21 year-old midfielder Robbie Leitch, on £140 per week, who joins NK Zadar on 18th January.

 

Edited November 23, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 2 December 2019

FOUR BAIRNS PLAYERS TRANSFER LISTED

BairnsNews understand from unnamed club sources that four Bairns players have been transfer listed - Lewis Toshney (£750.00 p.w.), Gary Miller (£325.00 p.w.), Sam Dryden (£325.00 p.w.) and Denny Johnstone (£325.00 p.w.). If the Bairns  can offload all four of those players they would save £1,725.00 in wages which would bring them back within wage budget. Currently Falkirk are £1,515.00 over the wage budget, due to reduce to £1,375.00 when Robbie Leitch leaves in January.

Our sources inform us that another option being considered in January is cancelling some of the loans although manager Stuniverse would prefer to keep the loanees at the club. The current loan players are Declan McManus (£950.00 p.w), Tom Grivosti (£850.00 p.w.), Calum Macdonald (£800.00 p.w.), David McMillan (£300.00 p.w.) and Jahmal Hector-Ingram (£85.00 p.w.).

As a last resort, offloading 34 year-old Morgaro Gomis (£900.00 p.w.), who is out of contract at the end of the season, is also seen as a viable option we understand.

Edited November 23, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Tuesday 3rd December 2019

Pre-match v Stranraer (H) - Ladbrokes League 1 (15)

Match Preview

BairnsNews: You play your game-in-hand tonight against 5th placed Stranraer, who beat you 1-0 at Stair Park earlier in the season. Can you get the win that will take you back to the top?

Stuniverse: We believe so, and that's definitely our aim. We know it won't be easy as Stranraer played very well against us last time out. Win, lose or draw, there's still over half the season left to play including three games against the current leaders Raith.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Conor Sammon (groin)
Denny Johnstone (knee)
Cammy Bell (dislocated shoulder)

Doubtful:
Robbie Mutch (calf-90)

BairnsNews: You go with an unchanged team tonight.

Stuniverse: Yes. The team played very well against Championship Queen of the South last time out and I saw no reason to make any changes tonight.

Post-match: Falkirk (2) 4-1 (0) Stranraer

BairnsNews: Congratulations. A good win tonight.

Stuniverse: Thank you. I think we produced a good, all round performance, and Stranraer never really put us under pressure. Michael Tidser and Jahmal Hector-Ingram had given us a 2-0 lead by the break and then Charlie Telfer came on as a sub to add two more with a penalty and a long-range thunderbolt.

BairnsNews: Ambrose looked in some considerable pain. How is he?

Stuniverse: Efe took a very painful knock on the top of the foot, but we think it's only bruising so he should be ok for the weekend.

BairnsNews: The win lifts you back above Raith into top spot.

Stuniverse: You really are going to do this after every game, aren't you?

BairnsNews: [Nods]. That's eleven matches unbeaten in the league now. Can you keep it going?

Stuniverse: It's a great run, yes, and it gives us confidence, but it means nothing when we kick-off the next game. The longer the run goes on, the more we become a scalp, and everybody wants to beat us. We're on this run because of the hard work the players have put in on the training ground and they need to continue working hard and showing the effort and commitment they have been doing if we're to achieve our aim this season.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

[King Cactus]

Very confused as to how Efe can have a work permit rejected, half the reason he stayed with Hibs so long was to get UK citizenship - cracking signing either way. This has been a very good follow, I never quite kept pace with your Derby save, but have managed to with this one so far, keep up the good work.

[Stuniverse]

49 minutes ago, King Cactus said:

Very confused as to how Efe can have a work permit rejected, half the reason he stayed with Hibs so long was to get UK citizenship - cracking signing either way.

Thanks, @King Cactus, for third tier I think Efe is a cracking signing and that’s why I was prepared to push over the wage budget to get him in. Surprised the Board let me do that to be honest, but they did. I watch the games in Extended Highlights and Efe has been immense at the back so far. I just hope the Board don’t sack me for being over wage budget (the Club Vision shows me struggling in this area) in December before I have chance to rectify it in January.

If you think the work permit thing is a data issue or a bug, you should raise it in the relevant FM20 Feedback Thread on here.

49 minutes ago, King Cactus said:

This has been a very good follow, I never quite kept pace with your Derby save, but have managed to with this one so far, keep up the good work

Very kind of you to say, @King Cactus, I’m glad you’re enjoying it. The way I do the updates, particularly the game day ones, I’m hoping it’s a Career Update you can pop into at any point and quickly be up-to-speed with where we are in the Adventure.

Thanks for following and commenting - I really do appreciate it.

Edited November 23, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 7th December 2019

Pre-match v Montrose (H) - Ladbrokes League 1 (16)

Match Preview

BairnsNews: Home to bottom side Montrose who haven't won in their last 14 matches. This should be an easy three points, shouldn't it?

Stuniverse: I think that's being disrespectful to Montrose. We can't afford to think like that. If we underestimate Montrose, or anybody for that matter, that's when we're likely to receive a hefty kick up the backside.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Conor Sammon (groin)
Denny Johnstone (knee)
Cammy Bell (dislocated shoulder)

Doubtful:
Efe Ambrose (foot-90)

[Apologies, I forgot to screenshot the usual selection screen (no tactical changes from previous game though).]

BairnsNews: No changes again.

Stuniverse: Correct. I think we're starting to see the benefit of a settled side.

Post-match: Falkirk (1) 4-0 (0) Montrose

BairnsNews: A good win, but did the conditions play a part?

Stuniverse: I don't think so. It was the same for both teams. It was freezing cold though. It stopped snowing around the time Morgaro Gomis gave us the lead, and started again with about 20-odd minutes to go. A brace from David McMillan and a goal from Aidan Connolly made it a comfortable afternoon for us, though a bitterly cold one. Credit to the 4,500 supporters who turned up in this Arctic weather.

BairnsNews: Raith won 2-0 at Peterhead.

Stuniverse: That sets up our trip to their place next weekend very nicely then.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 7 December 2019

RANGERS WIN OLD FIRM FINAL ON PENALTIES

Falkirk were beaten in the semi-finals by losing finalists Celtic.

Edited November 23, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 11 December 2019

MILLER TO JOIN AYR

BairnsNews: Falkirk's 32 year-old right-back Gary Miller will join Ayr United on a free transfer in January. Miller is understood to be a reluctant sale as manager Stuniverse values him as a squad player but needs to reduce the wage bill following the arrival of Efe Ambrose. Miller is on £325 per week.

 

Edited November 23, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 12 December 2019

TOSHNEY HEADING TO AIRDRIE

BairnsNews: Falkirk's 27 year-old utility player Lewis Toshney will join Airdrie in January on a free transfer. Toshney is currently earning £750 per week and manager Stuniverse was under pressure to reduce the wage bill.

Unnamed sources at the club inform us that once Toshney (Airdrie), Gary Miller (Ayr) and Robbie Leitch (Zandar) have left the club in January, The Bairns will be very close to being back within their wage budget.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 14 Decmber 2019

Pre-match v Raith Rovers (a) - Ladbrokes League 1 (17)

Match Preview

BairnsNews: Well this is it. 1st versus 2nd at Stark's Park. Can you beat Raith in their own back yard?

Stuniverse: We hope so. That's what our focus has been on all week in training, but we know it won't be an easy game for us. We believe we can win though and we'l be trying our best to bring three points home with us.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Denny Johnstone (knee)
Cammy Bell (dislocated shoulder)

Doubtful:
Conor Sammon (groin-60)
Efe Ambrose (foot-90)

BairnsNews: You've resisted the temptation to make any changes.

Stuniverse: Yes. This 11 are settled now and been getting some good results. I'm pleased to have Conor Sammon (groin) available again after he passed his medical test, although he's some way off being able to play a full game.

Post-match: Raith Rovers (1) 1-4 (2) Falkirk

BairnsNews: That was a fantastic victory, after going a goal down. Congratulations.

Stuniverse: Thank you. I thought their goal was against the run of play but it would have been so easy for our heads to drop at 1-0 down but my players just grew in stature, picked up the gauntlet, and responded to the challenge in syle. I thought Efe Ambrose drove us forward from the back. Calum Macdonald drew us level. Jahmal Hector-Ingram put us ahead just before the break, then added a second shortly after the restart, and Michael Tidser made it 4-1 after 49 minutes. I think that knocked the stuffing out of Raith. I'm so proud of my players. They were magnificent.

Stuniverse: Are you going to tell me how Raith did now?

BairnsNews: Raith lost to Falkirk.

Stuniverse: Excellent.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

[Stuniverse]

On 23/11/2019 at 09:12, King Cactus said:

Very confused as to how Efe can have a work permit rejected, half the reason he stayed with Hibs so long was to get UK citizenship.

Hi @King Cactus, here's the Days at Club / Nation set for Efe in the pre-game Editor.

I'm not sure what the rules are for UK Citizenship but if you think there's an error with the data, or a bug in the game, please report it in the appropriate FM20 feedback forums on here. Many thanks.