[FM20] Taming the North East

[cafcrocky]

Where Lee Clark couldn't cut it, a new man has been brought into the fold at Croft Park. 

Blyth Spartans is a proud club with a history stretching back to the 19th century. But for too long have the Green Army been in the shadows of their northerly neighbours.

Rocke joins this club with a clear vision. To build a dynasty at Blyth Spartans and become the most reputable club in North East England. It will be a long road.

And there's a strategy that underpins the vision too. Not only does Rocke intend to reach the top with the club, he plans to do it with a core of local lads.

He will develop ties with clubs in the area - stretching south towards York and up into the Scottish Borders and Dumfries - and showcase the best of the talent from across the north.

Hold on to your hats Blythmen - you're in for a ride.

Rules of the save:

• All players and staff signed must have a place of birth within 100 miles of Blyth according to Google Maps.
• If a player or staff doesn't have a place of birth, then their first club side must have been from the same area.
• Any players or staff not brought to the club by the manager (e.g. already at club or signed directly by the board) can be played but cannot extend contracts at the club.
• Save ends when Blyth become most reputable team in North East England or when the manager is sacked!

Edited April 28, 2020 by cafcrocky
Added rules for the save

[cafcrocky]

Taking charge of his first training session, the issues within the squad quickly became apparent. The star man - former Bury and Hartlepool man Michael Nelson - is 39 years old with barely any legs left.

Club legend Robbie Dale is similarly afflicted by age, though the Green Army supporters will want to see their idol notch up a few more appearances for the Spartans yet.

Blyth do boast a small number of excellent loanees, including local keeper Zach Hemming from Middlesbrough. Rocke will look to be active in the loan market to further supplement a squad that doesn't yet cut the mustard at the level of Vanarama North.

[cafcrocky]

A packed pre-season comes to an end, and the squad has taken shape with a number of new additions.

All new signings - including the odd staff member - were born and bred within 100 miles of Blyth. The new boys include:

Tyler Brownsword (born in South Shields)

Lewis McNall (Gateshead)

Fergus McAughtrie (unknown, came through Sunderland youth)

Sonny Best (Sunderland)

The team is learning two tactics for the season: a fairly basic 4-4-2 and a 4-1-3-2. We will be looking to play attacking football, hoping to score more than we concede.

The full squad, with a custom view for the challenge:

[cafcrocky]

Season One: August 2019

The rules of this challenge require a somewhat tailored approach to player search filters...

A packed early season league schedule saw seven National League North fixtures completed by the end of August.

The Green Army kicked things off with a tricky away game at AFC Telford, and would have been devastated to throw a two-goal lead away against ten men, particularly given how late in the game the goals came. A goal on his debut for striker Scott Fenwick would be a sign of things to come, although he wouldn't score again until the end of August.

Matchday two saw the first competitive home game of the season, with 1,322 fans heading to Croft Park for the fixture versus fierce local rivals Spennymoor Town. The majority would leave downtrodden, as the visitors eased to a 2-0 win.

 

Next up was a trip to Norfolk and King's Lynn. Blyth did not make it easy, but earned their first win of the season thanks to a Michael Sweet brace, despite a late red card for his strike partner Fenwick.

 

Matchday four saw the Spartans win at home for the first time this season, as they put Farsley Celtic to the sword. A first club goal for Fergus McAughtrie was enough to earn all three points.

Both Blyth and York City had to settle for a point in a dour nil-nil affair at Croft Park. A second consecutive clean sheet for loan keeper Zach Hemming and his defence was the biggest positive.

It was late relief for the Green Army, as Michael Sweet snatched a point with a 86th minute penalty after a red card for Southport defender Oliver.

And finally, it was back to winning ways - and extending an unbeaten run to five - away at Alfreton Town. An early penalty from Scott Fenwick made the difference, although a late red card for Sonny Best made the visitors sweat towards the end.

The rather surprising outcome of all the early league action is that relegation candidates Blyth Spartans find themselves sitting pretty in the playoffs after the first tranche of games. September would bring five more league fixtures and a first FA Cup outing; could the Green Army keep up the early momentum?

 

[cafcrocky]

Season One: September 2019

The financial situation at the club is seemingly well under control...

September brought with it five league games, plus an FA Cup qualifier against minnow opposition.

Blyth kicked off the month with a home tie against strugglers Bradford Park Avenue, who had only picked up one point in August and found themselves rooted to the foot of the table. The Green Army went behind very early in this one, before scoring three of their own: a first for the club for right back Rhys Evans and a brace from Scott Fenwick.

Four days later and the Blyth boys were at Gloucester City and the goals were flowing again. Journeyman Marlon Jackson seemed to have won the game for the home side, but second half goals from Tyler Brownsword and Michael Sweet rescued a deserved point on the road.

Then it was back up north for the visit of Curzon Ashton who had started the campaign with three consecutive wins but quickly fallen away. They were comfortably put to the sword by the Green Army, with Fergus McAughtrie and Scott Fenwick adding to their season's tally. The game was chosen by the Board as a fans' day, and was deemed to be a success.

Next the boys travelled to Latimer Park, home of Kettering Town, and tasted victory once more. Sonny Best was on target for the first time in a Blyth shirt, and Michael Sweet and Lewis Hawkins notched too. The win propelled the Spartans to the top of the National League North table for the first time this campaign, a far cry from the media prediction.

A pause from a hectic league schedule saw the Blyth boys travel to Leiston in Suffolk to take on the Southern Premier Central outfit in the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round. Leiston put up stern opposition, and only an early goal from veteran centre back Michael Nelson could separate the sides. Blyth move on in the cup.

 

The final game of the month was a return to league action at home against mid-table Altrincham. Fenwick found the goals easy to come by once more with a handy brace, and Hawkins scored for the second consecutive game, a thumping effort from distance by the central midfielder. The win meant an unbeaten month for the Green Army, with four wins from five league games.

Blyth ended September top of the league, a position few would have expected them to reach in their pre-season predictions. Another tough month lay ahead in October; would the opposition begin to figure them out and manage to remove them from their perch?

Edited April 24, 2020 by cafcrocky

[cafcrocky]

Season One: October 2019

A successful September brought personal award...

After a non-stop schedule in August and September, October offered a welcome change of pace with only four league games scheduled, plus the next round of the FA Cup.

First up this month, Blyth welcomed local rivals Darlington to Croft Park. Michael Sweet gave the Green Army an early lead, before centre back Tyler Brownsword leathered a free kick into the top corner to seal the three points. A late revival for the away side was not enough.

 

A trip to Southern Premier Central outfit Stourbridge was the task awaiting Blyth in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round. The Spartans would have been expected to progress, but the less said the better about the outcome. Only a 94th minute consolation from Mark Waddington gave the travelling faithful anything to cheer about.

 

A return to league action brought a return to form, as Brackley Town were overcome in dramatic circumstances. Holman may well have though his 84th minute strike had won the game for the hosts, but injury time goals from Lewis Hawkins and Scott Fenwick turned the match on its head late on.

 

Ahead of the next game there was some bad news, as undisputed number one Zach Hemming pulled a calf muscle in training, ruling him out for a number of weeks. Blyth acted quickly by bringing in a new keeper to deputise. Regan Ward was that man, from Durham. Frankly, there were very few options given the restrictions on only bringing in local talent.

Regan Ward's debut came at home to Hereford. Two goals found their way past the new man, but twice the Spartans recovered through Scott Fenwick to earn another valuable point.

The final game of the month was a top-of-the-table clash away at Kidderminster Harriers that fully lived up to the pre-match billing. Blyth found themselves on the wrong end of a nine-goal thriller, and this time it was the Spartans who were the victims of a last-gasp strike. Blyth never led in the game, but had notched four times through Michael Sweet, Lewis Hawkins, Robbie Dale and Sonny Best. But the Harriers had the last laugh when Correy Davidson scored the final of his incredible four goal haul on 90+6 minutes.

That defeat meant that Kidderminster leapfrogged Blyth to the top of the league, which when coupled with cup exit makes October look a particularly disappointing month. However the more optimistic Blyth fans would recall seven points from four league games and form which sees them continue an unexpected promotion challenge.

 

Edited April 26, 2020 by cafcrocky

[Nobby_McDonald]

Brilliant start at Blyth.

[cafcrocky]

Season One: November 2019

A further four league games awaited in November, plus our first excursions in the FA Trophy.

First up was a trip to struggling Guiseley. Blyth were dominant for the best part of the game, and goals from left-back Anthony Callaghan and Lewis Hawkins meant an immediate return to the summit of the National League North.

Chester's league form marked them out as more capable opposition, as their early goal at Croft Park proved. But the Spartans came back strongly in the second half, and a brace from Michael Sweet - including a late and decisive penalty - ensured that the three points would remain in the north east.

 

Another home game in the league saw Leamington make the trip north, and the struggling Midlands outfit would meet the same fate as Chester. Another early goal conceded, another successful Blyth comeback, courtesy of goals from Scott Fenwick and Michael Sweet.

After 180 minutes of FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round action, the Green Army failed to score past FC United of Manchester from the Norther Premier League, and were dispatched by a single goal. It would appear that Blyth are not a team for the cups.

And that cup form persisted into the league. In the final game of the month Boston United overcame the Spartans thanks to goals from the Albanian Andi Thanoj and Martyn Woolford. For the second consecutive month, Blyth end the month with a defeat.

Still, not all bad news for the Green Army as they hold on to top spot at the end of the month, although Kidderminster sit just three points adrift with a game in hand. Now out of the cups, Blyth could focus on the league and target the unlikeliest of promotion charges. With just four games remaining in 2019, would Blyth be able to see in a new decade as the premiere team in the National League North?

[cafcrocky]

Season One: December 2019

The club is making a profit every month... the benefits of good wage control!

December is a strange month in the National League North. Only one game in the first three weeks of the season and then three games packed into the Christmas and New Year period. How would Blyth deal with the inevitable late month fatigue?

First up was a fierce local derby as the the Green Army hosted Gateshead, themselves going strongly in the league. By far the biggest gate of the season saw almost 2,500 fans pack into Croft Park to witness Blyth steal the three points with a late winner from Michael Sweet.

Next was another home game against another promotion challenger, as AFC Telford came to town. In the reverse fixture, Telford had scored twice in the final stages of the game to earn an unlikely point. This time, it was two early Telford goals that set the tone and - despite a Sonny Best response - the Green Army could not find a way back into the tie.

Two away games would conclude 2019, starting with a short Boxing Day trip to Spennymoor Town. In an ill-tempered match which saw both sides reduced to ten men, the Spartans twice came from behind to earn a point, which had looked unlikely after Mark Waddington's 23rd minute dismissal. First goals of the campaign for Jack Hunter and Adam Wrightson ensured Blyth did not leave empty handed.

Two days later and 90 miles down the A1(M), the Blyth boys faced Farsley Celtic and wrapped up their first double of the season with a comprehensive 4-0 victory. Veteran and club legend Robbie Dale scored a tremendous hat-trick from left midfield, and Lewis McNall put the icing on the cake late on. 

A mixed month for Blyth, book-ended with victories but with points dropped in the middle. The Green Army lose top spot again and Kidderminster's form appears relentless. Only one team will be promoted automatically; the tail-end of the season promises to be full of drama.

[cafcrocky]

Season One: January 2020

The Board is happy, so that's nice.

No transfer window this low down the pyramid, so no particular worries about strengthening the squad in January. Instead, attention is fully on the five league fixtures that the Spartans must tackle. 

King's Lynn were up first and travelled to Croft Park knowing that a win would significantly close the gap on Blyth. But the Green Army showed their strength in the second half - goals from Scott Fenwick, Michael Sweet and Adam Wrightson proved enough to dispatch the Linnets.

Next up was a short trip south to York City, themselves battling to join the playoff race. Lewis Hawkins scored the goal of the night with a thunderbolt from distance, after Scott Wilson had put the Green Army in front. Joel Rollinson pulled a goal back after half time, but there was not enough in the tank for the home side to find an equaliser.

Game three was a home tie against Southport, where all the action was contained within the opening ten minutes. Robbie Dale put the Spartans ahead only for Ryan Astles to equalise two minutes later. Despite dominating proceedings, Blyth could not find a winner and two dropped points was the result.

A trip to Horsfall Stadium to face Bradford Park Avenue followed, but another slip-up for the Spartans. George Danaher scored the only goal of the game straight after half-time, although Blyth may feel that they had the better of the game again.

The final game of January was the visit of Alfreton Town. Bottom-of-the-league Alfreton were expected to struggle against the Green Army, but Lee Clark's side stunned the home team by keeping Blyth at bay and scoring one themselves for an unlikely victory.

 

A disastrous end to the month for the Spartans, with back-to-back league defeats for the first time this season against sides they may have expected to do well against. Kidderminster are relentless, and have built up a healthy seven point lead at the summit. February brings us towards the business end of the season - will Blyth turn the form around?

[cafcrocky]

Season One: February 2020

The Blyth team is moulding into a tight-knit group of players

The first of five games in February was a tough home match against Gloucester City, the team just one place and one point below the Spartans in the table. Already down a goal, Blyth were reduced to ten men when Lewis Hawkins picked up two quick yellow cards. Blyth succumbed to subsequent Gloucester pressure, and a Lewis McNall goal wasn't enough to prevent a third consecutive defeat.

Desperate to end a terrible run of form, the Green Army travelled to Curzon Ashton. Blyth got the break they needed when Myrie-Williams turned into his own net to give the Spartans a first half lead, before Sonny Best wrapped up the victory in the second period. Huge relief for the travelling fans who saw their side return to winning ways.

A second consecutive away game saw Blyth travel to Altrincham's Moss Lane, and the outcome was much the same. A simple header from Scott Fenwick and an outrageous long-range effort from Lewis Hawkins made all the difference on this occasion.

Kettering Town were the next visitors to Croft Park, and extended Blyth's winless home run to four games in a dull nil-nil draw.

But that run was to come to an end in the final game of February, and the visit of Brackley Town. It was as comfortable as you like against the mid-table Saints, from the moment Scott Fenwick opened the scoring in the early stages. In the second half, Fenwick volleyed in his second via the post, before Lewis McNall wrapped things up with the third.

A month that started on a low but only got better from there, with ten points gained from the next twelve available. Kidderminster continue their rampant season and maintain a six point advantage, but a playoff place looks more and more likely for a Spartans side that were never expected to light any fires!

 

Edited May 2, 2020 by cafcrocky

[cafcrocky]

Season One: March 2020

The financial position of the club continues to subvert expectations...

Just the four league games in March, as Blyth looked to maintain the pressure on the leaders, and at least secure their position within the playoffs. In this league, the teams that finish in the top two playoff places receive a first round bye, so finishing position can prove very important.

The Spartans kicked off the month with a trip to local rivals Darlington, and the first half started with promise as captain Robbie Dale put the visitors ahead. However, the game turned in the space of two second half minutes as Darlington struck twice, the second an own-goal off the unfortunate Tyler Brownsword. Blyth drop to third - not the start to the month that the Green Army hoped for.

Next up was another away trip. This time the opposition was Hereford, but the outcome was identical. A late own goal - this time for keeper Zach Hemming - ensured the three points would be staying at Edgar Street, after Mark Waddington had been shown a red card moments earlier. Lewis Hawkins had evened the scores earlier, but there was no time for a second equaliser.

Desperate to find a way to turn the form around, the fixture list was cruel as it threw up a home tie against runaway leaders Kidderminster Harriers. In a surprise result, the Spartans earned a smash-and-grab victory, with Scott Fenwick and a last gasp goal from Lewis McNall either side of a solitary Kidderminster striker. Kiddie had by far the best of the game, but the Blyth fans would not care.

The final game of March was the only fixture not to end in a 2-1 victory for the hosts. In a topsy-turvy affair at Chester, both teams surrendered a lead in the game and shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw. Scott Fenwick was unsuccessful from the penalty spot and Zach Hemming scored another own goal, but the two Lewises McNall and Hawkins notched one each as Blyth took a point.

If Blyth fans were told that only one game in March would see a three-point return, few would have expected the win from the tie against Kidderminster, but that's football. Despite a slip, Blyth remain third and far above expectations, but the six point gap to Kiddie would appear insurmountable with only four league games remaining. With a seven point cushion inside the playoffs, the challenge for the Spartans looked to be just how high inside those places they could finish...

 

[cafcrocky]

Season One: April 2020

A contract extension for the man in charge...

The league proper concludes in April, with four games left to decide the destiny of the Green Army. Two wins would guarantee a playoff place for Blyth, whilst Kidderminster would be crowned league winners barring only the most catastrophic collapse.

In an inauspicious start to the month, struggling Guiseley made the trip to Croft Park and held Blyth to a 1-1 draw. Guiseley led for much of the game, but a second-half equaliser from Michael Sweet ensured that Blyth would at least escape with a point.

Next up was another home game, this time versus Boston United, and once again more points were dropped in a 2-1 reverse. Lewis Hawkins had thumped the Spartans ahead, but goals from Mulhern and Thanoj ensured an unhappy outcome for the Green Army. 

The penultimate league game saw Blyth travel to another struggling outfit in Leamington. A first clean sheet in seven saw Blyth pick up three points and secure a place in the promotion playoffs. Their task was made easier when Anderson was shown a first-half red card for a shocking lunge, before Fergus McAughtrie and a Scott Fenwick penalty ensured the win. Kidderminster secured the title.

Going into the final game, the Spartans could feasibly finish between 2nd (thus securing a first round bye and home draws all the way through the playoffs) to 6th (a much tougher route and an additional game). The opposition was local rivals Gateshead, themselves in the fight to secure the final playoff place. Blyth may have had the better of the game, but it would be Gateshead who came out on top by the single goal.

Another disappointing month for the Green Army, and in the end it would be a 4th placed finish meaning there would be no bye to the semi-final. Gateshead's win means that it is they who qualify as the last team, and will travel to Blyth for the first round game! 

[cafcrocky]

Season One: May 2020

The Playoffs

A season of success

A 4th place finish for Blyth may have been slightly disappointing for some fans after their excellent early and mid-season form and unlikely title challenge. But the playoffs still gave the Green Army plenty to fight for. In the National League North, the team finishing 4th host the 7th placed team over one leg. That meant that Gateshead would make the short trip to Croft Park to face off once more against their neighbours.

Unlike in the final game of the season, this one was comfortable for Blyth, showing their superiority throughout the game. The hosts raced into a three goal lead through a Mark Waddington spectacular free kick, Scott Fenwick's volley and Sonny Best. Jake Cooper's late header would be little consolation for the travelling fans, whose team's journey would stop here.

 

Into the semi-finals, and Blyth would face one of the teams to receive a bye. A one-off match away at York City would be the challenge, and Blyth would defy the odds to progress, courtesy of a Michael Sweet winner. The Green Army were in the playoff final!

Only one question remained: would Blyth have enough, or was it close but no cigar? The opposition would be Gloucester City at their 3,000 capacity Jubilee Stadium. The final was truly a game fitting the occasion, a five goal thriller that was only settled in the last few minutes of the game.

Free kick specialist Mark Waddington, a loanee from National League Barrow, fired the Spartans into the lead on 22 minutes. On the half hour, Gloucester were level after Mensah took advantage of a weak backpass by Brownsword. Veteran captain Robbie Dale restored Blyth's lead with a shot in off the post early in the second half, and in the closing stages Gloucester defender Josh Thomas turned into his own net for the third. Gloucester scored a consolation penalty with the final kick of the game, but the tie was already settled. Blyth Spartans are promoted!

An incredible moment and an incredible achievement from a side tipped to struggle for survival. A record high finish in the league, and promotion to the National League for the first time in the club's history. Pre-season would mean changes at the club; new faces from the region would be required if survival would be achieved. Would the manager be up to the next challenge?

 

 

 

[Nobby_McDonald]

Very well done fella.

[cafcrocky]

11 hours ago, Nobby_McDonald said:

Very well done fella.

Cheers, the National League is proving a different challenge altogether!

[cafcrocky]

Season One: Post Season Wrap

Success in the league in season one and a promotion at the first time of asking. Here's a look at the players who got us there, by way of an in depth look at the club's team of the season

GK: Zach Hemming (born in Bishop Auckland)

The loan signing from Middlesbrough impressed, conceding 46 in 43 league games, keeping 13 clean sheets. Could be set for a return to Blyth next season with his contract up at Boro.

RB: Rhys Evans (Newcastle)

A solid season for the right back, with a 6.74 average rating from 44 league appearances, including 6 assists and a goal. 

CB: Tyler Brownsword (South Shields)

A free signing from Morecambe, Brownsword was a rock at the back all season, and contributed 2 goals and 2 assists on the way to a 6.85 average rating from 42 league starts.

CB: Scott Wilson (Unknown)

One of two players to not meet the local requirement but was at the club at the start of the manager's tenure. Formed a great partnership with Brownsword, average of 6.83 from 40 league starts.

LB: Olly Scott (Sunderland)

The preferred left back for most of the season, Scott performed capably contributing 6 assists in 32 league appearances, and a 6.78 average rating.

RM: Sonny Best (Sunderland)

Young player of the season, contributing 5 goals and 13 assists in the league. Likely to be first in line for a contract extension.

CM: Lewis Hawkins (Middlesbrough)

Player of the season Hawkins contributed 11 goals - most screamers - from central midfield. Earning a 7.17 average rating along the way, he has quickly become a fan favourite.

CM: Mark Waddington (Wigan)

Loanee from National League Barrow played consistently as a BWM, contributing 2 goals and 2 assists in the league. Unlikely to return next year as the clubs now play in the same league.

LM: Robbie Dale (Newcastle)

Legend who has been at the club since 2004. Despite now being 35, still contributed 8 league goals and 4 assists from left wing. Rumoured to be considering his retirement.

ST: Scott Fenwick (Gateshead)

Blyth's top goalscorer in the league with 18 goals in 42 league starts, for a 7.03 average rating.

ST: Michael Sweet (Middlesbrough)

Formed a great partnership with Fenwick and ran him close on the goalscoring front, with 15 strikes in 36 league starts. Younger than his strike partner, perhaps with more potential for growth.

 

Team Records

Several team records were broken this season.

• Highest League Finish (4th in National League North)
• Most Clean Sheets (Zach Hemming: 15)
• Most Goals (Scott Fenwick: 18)
• Most Assists (Sonny Best: 13)
• Most Player of the Match awards (Michael Sweet: 6)

Other North East Clubs

Reminder that the point of this challenge is to become the most reputable club in the North East, so it's important to reflect on how our local rivals are performing. The three largest sides we are looking to overcome are Newcastle United, Middlesbrough and Sunderland.

• Newcastle Utd were the only North East club playing in the Premier League. They consolidated that position with a 14th placed finish, and pulled up no trees in the cups.
• Middlesbrough were competing in the Championship and will continue to do so, after they too achieved a 14th placed finish, some distance from either playoffs or relegation.
• Sunderland ply their trade in the third tier, but not for much longer. They strolled to the League One title and join Middlesbrough in the Championship from next year.

 

Edited May 5, 2020 by cafcrocky