[FM17] What's Gone Wrong This Time? The tale of the fail.

[BadManager]

November - December 2026

Stranraer

Scottish League Two

 

Stranraer (6th, 4-2-5, 14points -4) v Dumbarton (9th, 2-3-5, 9points -6) – Scottish League Two, Match 12 of 36

Game 3: Lost 4-2

Things started badly. While Chris Brown was perhaps unlucky to be “awarded” the own goal, to be behind after three minutes was not what we wanted. The struggles against lower teams looked set to continue. And, wow, did they continue. Throughout the matchwe barely took a shot, but by half time we were 5-0 down with two own goals in the mix. The second half wasn't quite so terrrible defensively, but a 4-0 loss at home top second last on the table suggests things are bad.

 

Vale of Leithen (League Two) v Stranraer – Scottish league Challenge Cup, Quarter Final

It was another Brown to open the scoring early this time around. Scott Brown ten minutes in, with good placement from the edge of the area. A penalty saw the Vale level before half time. They then went two ahead late in the game, as we could not keep hold of the ball at any stage. Loanee Grant Smith pulled one back on the 90 minute mark, but it was clearly too late. A 3-2 quarter-final loss doesn't seem that bad, but going further in this competition would have been handy when it comes to board happiness; because the league looks like being a major disappointment.

 

During the week Southend, struggling at the bottom end of England's League One, offered in an interview. Given the circumstance and being a bigger club, I felt compelled to attend.

In the end, I don't think it went well. There were some club philosophies I couldn't agree to.

 

Cove Rangers (8th, 3-2-7, 11points -5) v Stranraer (6th, 4-2-6, 14points -8) – Scottish League Two, Match 13 of 36

Game 4: Won 2-1

Lamont had come in to start as Donaldson was not fit. Cove controlled the ball, though the shot count was even early on. We moved to a more possession based game in order to stop Cove's run a little. But it was quick movement that got us a goal, Scott Brown centring from quite deep and Lamont got a glancing header which was just enough to allow the flattish ball to defelct past the keeper for a score. Sean Smith levelled for Cove not long after, one of about four players they have who always give us some sort of trouble. Armour was not as good as Lamont when he got a chance with the head, the ball came our to MacIver who had cut into the box. He found Lamont, who held the ball up and then fired at the top right corner of the net for a second. Obviously it was Lamont who stayed on and Armour who came off for Donaldson. That was not the plan at the beginning. A badly needed, unconvincing, win.

 

As expected, Southend gave the job to somebody else.

 

Two games against top of the table this week, Tuesday at home in the league, and Saturday away in the Cup.

 

Stranraer (6th, 5-2-6, 17points -7) v Stenhousemuir (1st, 9-0-4, 27points +12) – Scottish League Two, Match 14 of 36

Game 5: Lost 4-1

We looked to have the opener after 12 minutes, berry's shot off the inside of the left post looked to have gone over the line but apparently not entirely, before being cleared back out. Five minutes later MacIver found himself in an unusual position, having cut inside to almost be exactly halfway across the pitch when he shot for his first goal of the season. Stenhousemuir are top of the table for a reason, the equaliser almost on the break being part of that. A good finish, but we should have stopped the move three times before they got near the area. The goal they scored after the break was even better, and that time we had no chance to do anything about it. That was all the action, an early lead, a deserved loss.

 

MacIver will miss the cup game with injury.

 

Stenhousemuir (League 2 1st, 10-0-4, 27points +13) v Stranraer (League 2 7th, 5-2-7, 17points -8) – Scottish Cup, Third Round

This was far worse. By the time we got our first, very poor, shot away Stenhousemuir had two goals on the board. The first via a penalty, I can't really blame Langan for it – things were desperate at that moment. The second was an excellent finish, maybe it should have ben stopped but for a goalie at this level it was too much to expect. My job really needed to win that, we fall short in Cup expectations as well as the league.

 

An interview at Oxford United, also near the foot of England's League One. That one seemed to go a little better, but I shouldn't be favourite for the job.

 

Peterhead (3rd, 6-7-1, 25points, +9) v Stranraer (7th, 5-2-7, 17points -8) – Scottish League Two, Match 15 of 36

Game 6: Drew 0-0

I probably should have brought MacIver back, but gave him the extra game to rest. That did not go well. We were already a goal down when Meldrum got injured and had to come off. At that point we switched to a narrow 4-3-1-2, and hadn't had a shot in the game. By 35 minutes we were two down, and all was clearly lost. We tried to go more attacking, but while the shot count got all the way up to the lofty heights of seven, zero of those were on target and none made the highlights (set to Key).

 

We are now in a relegation battle, rather than winning the league.

 

With a short-turnaround for Tuesday game and coming off some terrible performances, a couple of changes were made.

 

Stranraer (8th, 5-2-8, 17points -10) v East Fife (9th, 3-3-9, 12points -10) – Scottish League Two, Match 16 of 36

We got an early lead through luck. MacIver was trying to do the right thing and cross to Lamont, thyankfully a defender got in the way and scored for us. After that it was all East Fife. They levelled before the break, and took a lead 75 minutes in. The second was disallowed for a dubious offside. I don't think I'll be keeping this job into the next update.

 

East Kilbride (2nd, 8-5-3, 29points +4) v Stranraer (7th, 5-3-8, 18points -10) – Scottish League Two, Match 17 of 36

Game 8: Won 1-0

We started with the 4-4-1-1 again, with Hay going to the attacking mid spot as a shadow striker. It was Berry who almost provided the first goal, forcing a very good save. From then on, East Kilbride had most of the attack but didn't score for a while. It wasn't until midway through the second half that we put any sustained pressure on, having gone back to 4-4-2 and brought Lamont off the bench. We entered their box four times in quick succession, eventually Lamont managed to put away the first score of the game. 81 minutes in, and it was level again. McGinn's free kick instantly being sent back over his head from a little over the halfway line. That was quickly follow by a winner for East Kilbride. Even more of a winner as we barely touched the ball for the final ten minutes.

 

And again, a board meeting just before the transfer window. Not that transfers would change much now. Even points in five matches. I had no choice but to agree with it, but its isn't possible.

 

Stranraer (8th, 5-3-9, 18points -11) v Airdrie (4th, 7-7-3, 28points +9) – Scottish League Two, Match 18 of 36

Game 1: Won 1-0, Game 9: Drew 1-1

We fell behind inside four minutes, a ball straight up the guts to a player too quick for our out of position defence. And that looked like being all the action for the match. That was, until Airdrie started pressing again and broke through easily for a second. I will play the next game, to start January, and resign I think. Nothing can be done by me here.

 

I think its pretty obvious why the board are unhappy.

 

What I really can't comprehend is how we have gone so far backwards defensively. We weren't trying to play with a defence focus last season either. And in attack, we have scored once for ourselves in five games; plus an own goal.

 

I seem to either struggle from the start, or get one decent season in and then it all falls apart. Partly that is a lack of tactical change and awareness I expect. But to fall so badly again, and when I do tweak things it seems to mostly only get worse.

 

[BadManager]

January – (unlikely) February 2027

Stranraer

Scottish League Two

 

Albion Rovers (10th, 2-6-10, 12points -14) v Stranraer (8th, 5-3-10, 18points -13) – Scottish League Two, Match 19 of 36

Game 10: Lost 2-1

Twenty one seconds. That's how long we held on with scores level against last place. Within 15 minutes, there was a second against us. Both had come with little pressure applied, we basically handed them the match. While Hay did draw one back in the second half through a series of ricochets, we never managed to get into things at all. Time to leave. The board thought so too.

 

One point in five league games.

 

A few interviews, but no job. I was considered favourite for FC Paris, as February ended.

[BadManager]

March – April 2027

Part One?

Maybe I will stay in Scotland. The Partick Thistle job came up in the Championship, and media said I might have a slight edge. I think its a bit unrealistic though, to be sacked from League Two into Championship.

 

I didn't end up with the Paris job, there were a couple of requests I could not stick to. Anything that says “sign high profile players” probably isn't going to work out for me. For some reason I didn't get the ManU job either. Shocked at that. I did get an interview at Ebbsfleet, who look like dropping out of England's League One. Again, even that just feels too bit for someone that got sacked in the Scottish fourth tier. Or maybe back to Italy, Catanzaro interview apparently went well according to leaks to the media.

 

Catanzaro, back in SerieC/C, or Vendee Herbiers likely to get the drop in the French third tier? They both came back on the same day. Catanzaro are the bigger club, and not only safe in their division but ripe for getting knocked out in the first round of the extended playoffs. Logic dictates them, but realism sort of suggests the other way – not because that would be the real life choice, but because the job would not be offered.

 

I really don't know.

[BadManager]

And the decision was made to take the low paying tougher job.

 

Don't worry, the logo isn't staying that big for all the reports. The situation as I join is not great, relegation beckons with four games to go.

 

Located in the west of France, south-east of Nantes, the club's history is not spectacular. Although in real life they are now in ligue 2 for the second time in their history. In FM “no honours won”, presumably since their founding in 1949. The 1750 capacity, according to FM, Stade Massaibielle is not going to make the club rich. (5000 capacity according to Wikipedia)

 

I'm not sure how good these players really are, one would think they are underperforming but star ratings are often unreliable. There seem to be some options regarding formations, but for thie rest of this season the only thing I want to change is the form line of five losses. Games two and three are against teams below us, in theory where the points to escape might come from. However, games that are winnable are certain losses for me, and games that aren't winnable are possible draws and probable losses.

 

To be honest, I didn't look too much at the players before the first game. I just picked a formation that seemed to suit the squad and ran with it. What's the worst that could happen?

 

Probably this.

 

A.S. Beziers (6th, 14-6-10, 48points +10) v Vendee Herbiers (16th, 7-8-15, 29points -12) – Match 31 of 34

Well, we didn't start like a relegation threatened side, after 61 seconds an end to end goal with some good (not spectacular) passing and smarts on when to hold the ball up. Benkada finished with a good run for his first goal of the season, in over 20 appearances. A little later I could see why there are problems. Defence caught out of position easily, that may be partly a new structure though, and while Blin does get involved up front he might be a bit too trigger happy when nothing much is on.

Half time in one game. Early signs are Blin could be one of those problem children who does enough to keep his spot, and does enough wrng not to deserve it. Andre has been handy, particularly further back than his selected position suggests but also with some creativity. He can play wing, I wonder if an inside forward on the left might be his future. At the back Yattabare has been good on the break, I haven't seen him much actually defensively yet though.

Oh, a wonderful trap and finish from Blin after a very good cross from Paye on the right. He could so easily have blazed away but knocked the ball down to his own advantage and carefully placed the shot. And he came so close to a second, a out-pacing his man on a long ball and the left foot from the angle forcing a very good one-handed save for us to take a corner. A 2-0 win is a solid enough start. There were moments were the defence was tested, they mostly did quite well in blocking shots without relying on goalkeeping.

 

We didn't move up the table, but the gap to safety reduced from four points to two. Goal difference is basically a point – at least against Chasselay.

 

Vendee Herbiers (16th, 7-8-15, 29points -12) v USBCO (18th, 5-11-15, 26points -21) – Match 32 of 34

El Amrani asked for more first team football during the week, which was fine as I was startiung with a DM and he is the only real option for the role. He got on the board for the first time all season with a nice free kick that just scraped in. It hit the cross bar pretty hard, but just low enough to go in, and we had an early lead. USBCO were being a bit more careful with the ball, not so many intercepts early on. USBCO made one dangerous looking move in stoppage time, but thankfully offisde was called. Stats said they had more chances, but really only one looked at all like a true opportunity.

USBCO are now relegated, and their manager is gone.

 

More importantly, we jumped two spots and are now out of the drop zone. Staying there for two more games is the trick.

 

Edited August 25, 2020 by BadManager

[BadManager]

May-June 2027

Vendee Herbiers Football

French National

FC Gueungon (17th, 7-10-15, 31points -11) v Vendee Herbiers (14th, 9-8-15, 35points -9) – Match 33 of 34

This game did not start well. Right from the beginning we were on the back foot. While the defence scrambled hard, we were broken on 15 minutes. Butez managed to parry a shot from close range, but only straight to another striker who put it past him easily. And then minutes later we were two down, until the offside flag was seen. 11 shots to 0 at that stage. We were actually two down on the half hour mark. And three before half time.

It was all too late but we started a bit brighter in the second half. After shots being 16-0 at one point, we scored through some good lateral play, with the shot count at 17-3. On the hour mark, 4-1. I can't fault the effort from the defence, but they are getting carved up as is the light-on-manpower midfield. Blin did his thing again to get us a second, a really good goal after some nice vision by Andre. The chance to secure a spot in this division was never really a chance as things turned out.

 

Vendee Herbiers (14th, 9-8-16, 35points -11) v JA Drancy (9th, 14-6-13, 48points +6) – Match 34 of 34

End to end stuff early on, both sides almost scored in the opening minute. Andre looked in after seven, but put in the first wide shot of the game. While there was a brief respite, the chances at both ends kept coming. But it took until the 41st minute for a score. It went the right away, Andre correcting his earlier error by sliding one across the keeper on a tightish anglefrom the left.

El Amanri had to come off injured after 70 minutes, necessitating pulling out of having a defensive mid. That could prove troublesome. Andre had to come off late as well, bringing Bey on as a second forward but I gave him a more defensive role. Despite the setbacks, we held on to secure a spot next season.

 

And that ended the season, my involvement here wasn't much.

Centre-back Le Labourier was the fans player of the season, I wasn't surprised to see winger Paye second. Boris Popovic third, who barely played in my tenure. Blin's goal in the loss to Gueungon was voted the club's best of the season, and (at 24, a bit suspect) he also won the young player award.

Next up was the hard part of deciding who try to keep, and actually keeping them when they want to leave. Replacing, or extending loanees, will also be important to survive next season.

 

That season was a shock. I really though Stranraer were ready to push for at least a playoff spot. They remained eighth. The only other former club still in the game was Achilles '29, they struggled again finishing 17th. Mind you, that was 18 points clear of the 20th placed drop.

 

Season|Team              |Competition         |  W|  D|  L|  GF|  GA|  GD|Posn  | Notes

20/21 |Sarnese           |SerieC Cup          |  0|  1|  1|   1|   2|  -1|Group |                     
      |                  |SerieC/C            |  7|  7| 26|  16|  79| -63|19th  |Playouts

21/22 |Sarnese           |SerieC Cup          |  0|  2|  0|   0|   0|   0|Group |
      |                  |SerieC/C            |  3|  7| 17|  25|  66| -41|20th  |Resigned 37 of 38 games
  
22/23 |Melfi             |SerieC Cup          |  0|  1|  0|   2|   2|   0|Rnd 2 |
      |                  |Italian Cup         |  0|  0|  1|   0|   2|  -2|      |2nd Qual Rd
      |                  |Serie C/C           | 13| 13| 11|  47|  41|  +6|11th  |

23/24 |Melfi             |SerieC Cup          |  0|  1|  1|   1|   2|  -1|Group |
      |                  |SerieC/C            |  6|  5| 10|  20|  27|  -7|14th  |Sacked 21 of 28 games

23/24 |Achilles '29      |Jupiler League      |  0|  6|  7|  10|  16|  -6|14th  |Playoff round 1

24/25 |Achilles '29      |Jupiler League      |  1|  7|  8|  11|  25| -14|16th  |Sacked after 16 of 38 games

24/25 |Stranraer         |Scottish League 2   |  8|  2|  2|  21|  10| +11|6th   |Took over 10th, after 24 of 36

25/26 |Stranraer         |Betfred Cup         |  2|  1|  1|   6|   4|  +2|Group | 2nd in Group
      |                  |Challenge Cup       |  1|  0|  1|   4|   5|  -1|2nd Rd|
      |                  |Scottish Cup        |  1|  0|  1|   3|   2|  +1|3rd Rd|
      |                  |Scottish league 2   | 15| 11| 10|  44|  37|  +7|4th   |Lost playoff semi

26/27 |Stranraer         |Betfred Cup         |  1|  0|  3|   6|   7|  -1|Group |4th in Group
      |                  |Challenge Cup       |  4|  0|  1|  12|   5|  +7|QtrFin|
      |                  |Scottish Cup        |  1|  0|  1|   2|   2|  +1|3rd Rd|
      |                  |Scottish league 2   |  5|  3| 11|  17|  32| -15|8th   |Lost playoff semi

26/27 |Vendee Herbiers   |French National     |  3|  0|  1|   6|   4|  +2|13th  |Took over 16th, after 30 of 34
================================================================================================================
Total  Games 252                                71  67 114  254  370 -116
                                               28% 27% 45% 1.01 1.47 -0.460per game

================================================================================================================
Titles
Nil

Awards
    Manager of the Month
    Stranraer               Scottish League 2       2025/26     April, 2025
                                                    2026/27     October, 2025

 

Around the leagues, Manchester United drew on the last day and that was enough to secure the English title by three points from Liverpool and Chelsea, then a gap. Tottenham claimed the cup. Real Madrid's 102 points only gave them victory by three points over Barcelona, the top two were dominant with third placed Atletico Madrid were another 17 points adrift and Valencia nine behind them. Milan 1-2 in Italy, Inter then AC, Juventus not far behind for third. Paris Saint-Germain beat Barcelona in the Champions League final for the third time running, completing a France-Europe double.

 

Which led into the off-season.

Very few moves to start the summer, we ended up resigning almost everyone and could not fiund anyone to bring in. Given that simply avoiding the drop is still in question with this side that is not a good sign. We did lose Kevin Le Labourier as well, making a big hold in defence. I expected the fans not to be too happy with the £85k pricetag that could reach over 100k with bonuses. As expected, the fans were livid. He goes up a league joining Amiens after the promoted from our league last season.

[BadManager]

July - August 2027

Vendee Herbiers Football

French National

The rest of the pre-season really was not much more fruitful. Players that came in wil be more depth and bench-warmers than improving the team.

We needed another option up front, mostly as injury cover. Varez may be a decent player one day, this season is not that day.

Dupuis probably will start, and hopefully those starts will allow him to quickly improve. He's not bad for this level, but not good yet either.

And they are the best of the few that came in before the league opener.

 

Friendlies were not good. We didn't play anyone above us, well reserves from much larger sides. The first game looks good, but two of those goals were penalties.

The activity was enough for the bookmakers to push us from 17th of 18, up to 12th. I am not so sure about that.

 

And so, without a full bench, and lacking a contingent of midfielders, the season began. We really need a good start to the season, I don't see we are in any sort of position for that.

 

Vendee Herbiers (Predicted 12th) v SAS Epinal (Predicted 9th, Last season 12th) – French National, Match 1 of 34

We got the first goal, I had been a little disappointed with Sauvage trying to do the tricky thing when the standard would do. But a couple of minutes later he did manage the opening goal of the season, so fair play to him I guess. We were even loking the better side of the two and when Bey slipped past his man and around a sliding tackle to wrongfoot the goalkeeper, he shot wide. Almost immediately afterwards we conceded, a pretty well hit shot, even if the man should have had more pressure on him at the time.

On the hour mark we had to make subs, basically using up the whole available bench and playing three players out of position. It almost worked, Vincent for the second time look like he had found a way in from the right only to miss the target. With 15 to play, he got his first. Sauvage's corner went straight back to him, and he crossed to Vincent and stood and delivered from just inside the box. Colour me stunned, a 2-1 home win to open up.

 

Louhans-Cuiseaux (Predicted 10th, Last season CFA-A 4th) v Vendee Herbiers – French National, Match 2 of 34

There isn't much to report about this game. Varez came off the bench for his debut. Bey, starting for now with Varez likely to replace him in a few games, had the bext chance of the match but put the ball just over the bar arounbd 20 minutes in. Both sides took a decent number of shots, but all low percentage chances. We were pressured in the final minutes but held out for nil all. After what has happened through this save, draws concern me. They eventually start becoming losses.

 

Vendee Herbiers v FC Villefranche (Predicted 18th, Last season CFA-C 6th) – French National, Match 3 of 34

We aren't going to be entering many games as favourites, and I have a horrible record when we do. That looked set to continue early on, Villefranche certainly having the better of a dour start. Leading into the break, I told the boys to try going longer to see if we could create anything that way. We were still second best, but did create a break that saw Bey chase down a loose ball and find Vincent who found Sauvage steaming in from the left wing for a simple tap in. The build up was not scientific, but the final bits of work were pretty tidy. Just after the hour mark, a very odd penalty was awarded our way. We were actually playing the ball backwards to centre it when the whistle went for something going on in the box. Benkada was the one to take it, and slide it home low to the left. He has been hit and miss so far this season, not so much between matches bur during them. Some good play, and some horrendously easy intercepts given up. By that stage we were on a defensive footing, I don't care about burying side I just want any points we can scrounge. We did manage another quick counter though, Blin centring from the lift and Bey finally finishing one for his first goal in eleven games apparently. Seventy minutes in we conceded, disappointing because our focus was really on defence and we didn't make it difficult. And 3-1 it was.

 

Jeanne d'Arc de Drancy (Predicetd 7th, Last season 9th)v Vendee Herbiers – French National, Match 4 of 34

I was hoping their three man forward set-up would make the vu7lnerable to a counter, that didn't work. On fact we hadn';t magaed to get the ball into the forward third of the pitch at all before Drancy scored with their tenth effort on our goal. A couple opf minutes later we had one goal from one shot, Bey was credited with it but it was really defnder's deflection that put an innocuous shot wide of the goalie. Not long after the break, Martineau made a timely intercept and went up the middle. He found Bey just forward of half way, who went over the top for Blin to run on to. Blin completed the one on one and we had the lead. The stats said we were very lucky to have that lead, so when we conceded again after 78 minutes it was no surprise and not even that big a disappointment. A nicely timed cross just split our defence trying to find position or a man. The third a minute later was also not that bad in isolation, but hit hard because it meant probably zero points. And a fourth was just poor, Butez made the biggest of a series of mistakes. A 2-1 lead (and temporary top of the table) went to a 4-2 deficit in the space of 11 minutes. Stoppage time saw it come back to 4-3, Bey with the late goal after Blin and Sauvage were involved.

 

We were so close to finishing the season's first update unbeaten. The loss was a fair reflection of that game though, so the complaints are not too many.

[BadManager]

September - October 2027

Vendee Herbiers Football

French National

 

AS Beziers (9th, 2-0-2, 6points +1) v Vendee Herbiers (6th, 2-1-1, 7points +2) – French National, Match 5 of 34

First choice left back was off with Togo, losing to Tanzania.

Absolutely nothing happened for a half, but that changed early in the second. Vincent was bit lucky to get around his man, but the cross onto Bey's head was very well played and we went in front. On 70 minutes Benkada showed his penchant for the terribkle intercept, leaviunbg Beziers best stroker of three one on one with Butez. It was quite the acrobatic save to tap it our for a corner. That started a series of presses by Beziers which we held out well before finally clearing. The blow came on 84 minutes, a minor deflection off one of our defenders allowed the ball to fall to an unmarked man who slammed home hard into the top left of the goal. That was unfortunate, we were probably the better team for 60 minutes though without much in it really.

 

Vendee Herbiers (6th, 2-2-1, 8points +2) v GFC Ajaccio (14th, 1-1-3, 4points -4) – French National, Match 6 of 34

back to normal. The sides we should beat slaughter us. A superb goal after 21 minutes, before we really looked like taking the ball forward at all. After the break, our first real move of the gamre result in a Blin goal. Bey with the assist, a stock standard one striker running into the channel ahead of the other. Ajaccio continued dominating us all over the pitch. After about 65 minutes they seemed to have the game sown up, but somehow contrived to not actually finish the move. A team we should beat, we get outplayed and escape with a draw. Its like that again.

 

Tours FC (11th, 1-4-1, 7points 0) v Vendee Herbiers (6th, 2-3-1, 9points +2) – French National, Match 7 of 34

We did a marvellous job of holding off Tours pressure. Thirty three seconds we held out. Amazing stuff. A second cvame 35 minutes in and we staiull hadn;t started playing. A quick move after that saw us pull one back, very much against everything that had happened to that point and thanks to a blind hack long ball. A third came for Tours midway through the second half, with very little to stop them. The good news from the first few game sis over. This team is going down.

 

Vendee Herbiers (8th, 2-3-2, 9points 0) v ASM Belfort (16th, 1-3-3, 4points -7) – French National, Match 8 of 34

Another game where no matter what we did, we got smashed on every blade of grass. It took 36 minutes for Belfort to score, but that was only because they are rubbish. They could have had double figures at that point. Bey pulled us level on 64 minutes, by this time we were playing “hack and hope” because there was no point trying to play football. A few minutes later it worked again, Blin was way offside but not called when Bey put one of the defenders to him and we had a lead. At least we got points, but that was terrible stuff.

 

RC Strasbourg Alsace (13th, 2-3-3, 9points -1) v Vendee Herbiers (9th, 3-3-2, 12points +1) – French National, Match 9 of 34

The Saturday game, in a league where most games are Friday night.

Both sides were testing each other, but we were the first to find a way through – despite looking the less likely to do so. Vincent finished the move and the ever-dubious Benkada providing the assist. Most of the side was involved in the build-up, which was quite flaky at times. Five minutes later, and the defence was equally flaky in allowing in a simple equaliser. Not long after, the same thing, a cross, two defensive headers, the second straight to an unmarked opponent, slammed home no pressure goal. As the game wore on, we got worse. From competitive to abysmal.

 

Vendee Herbiers (11th, 3-3-3, 12points 0) v FC Montceau Bourgogne (7th, 4-1-4, 13points -2) – French National, Match 10 of 34

With Blin copping a knock in the last game, Varez made a start for this one.

I expected them to come at us pretty hard and started with a counter mentality. They weren't really pressing much, and after switching to a more balanced approach we started making a few moves. Wolf, playing in a less familiar central defence spot, forced a top quaoity save from their goalie. But after half an hour we took the lead, the ball fell to Benkada who hit truly from just outside the area. That was almost immediately nullified, again we proved vulnerable in the air, getting heads to the ball but failing to do any more than knock to an opponent. Bey puit us in front after 70 minutes, one of those rare times when it looks like there are good players in this team. Despite pressure four of them managed to build a set of passes, all heading toward goal and working angles, resulting a shot setup from near the spot. On the 77th Benkada got a second, a cross from Vincent allowing him to head home from about a metre out. Boris Popovic missed the early games, and the captain got injured again late in this one. In the end, the stats said we were second best but the way the game was played I thought we deserved the win.

 

Stade Olennais (Regional Leagues) v Vendee Herbiers – French Cup, Fifth round

Olonnais were doing pretty well for a team at least two tiers below us. While we were having most of the play, we had to be on our guard. Bey made the breakthrough on the half hour mark to give us a lead, a solo run then beating the keeper on the near side. Varez got our second shortly before the break, his first competition goal for the club. He needed something with a deft touch close in to get on the board, he likes to hit hard and over the car park from more than a few metres out. Then Wolf got one 80 seconds later, a cross from the left and he hit from the right corner of the box. The scoreboard was starting to look more like it should in this sort of game. After the break a horrible bit of defending, again in the air. We got heads on a corner, but somehow managed to just leave it to two men on the far post to raffle which would get the easy tap in. Benkada may give up the odd ridiculous intercept, but he scores from the D pretty well too which is how we went 4-1. That sort of lead allowed me to give our backup goalkeeper some game time.

 

Stade Brestois 29 (3rd, 5-4-1, 19points +10) v Vendee Herbiers (8th, 4-3-3, 15points +2) – French National, Match 11 of 34

The pundits expected us to get whalloped. I couldn';t disagree, if we could somehope scrounge a draw that would be a nice surprise. At least we kept Brestois honest for a while. We weren't really tring to attack, but both sides only had one real opportunity in the first half. I was happy with that – if we could keep it up. We picked up a few cards doing it, and went shotless in the second half (20 to 1 the match shot count) but took away a scoreless draw.

 

Vendee Herbiers (8th, 4-4-3, 16points +2) v Paris FC (17th, 2-3-6, 9points -6) – French National, Match 12 of 34

A good start for us, Vincent hitting a free kick hard and true beating the wall and adding a little curl for measure to give us an 8th minute lead. That lead only lasted ten minutes though, the defence lost shape a little opening up some easy passes in dangerous places. But on 22 minutes we had the lead back, Bey being played on though possibly offside. As the game was drawing to a close Vincent was involved again, from the right on the end line cutting the ball inboard and Varez, who was on as a sub, could tap home from under a metre out.

 

After the Friday league game, another short turnaround for a Monday cup game.

AS Le Mans Villaret (Regional Leagues) v Vendee Herbiers – French Cup, 6th Round

We need to put these sorts of teams away to really break even. And Vincent did get us an early goal, not the sort of strike that would often score in the league but good enough against these guys. We did get forced to defend far more than should be the case against teams two divisions down. Varez doubled our lead midway through the first half. And then headed home a Vincent cross a few minutes later, the next round was surely reached. Even if we did then give up an easy one, Butez too late to dive on one that frankly should have been cut out two of the three preceding passes. The three goal lead was regained after break, Vincent hitting a free kick nicely enough. Not his best but hard and straight. Vincent was involved again, a run up the right and crossing in for Varez' hattrick. Paye had come on as a sub, just to get some game time and got our sixth just before the end. Comfortable advancement.

 

League Two teams seem to be in the next round of the cup, but we got another regional league team.

 

Stade Lavallois MFC (2nd, 8-2-2, 26points +6) v Vendee Herbiers (6th, 5-4-3, 19points +4) – French National, Match 13 of 34

This looked like opne of those games where the best we could hope for was a complete non-event. Unfortunately Butez made a mistake after about 20 minutes, which meant we fell behind. Not long after a second cane for Lavallois, this one simply through them being a far better team. There wa slittle our side could do about that. Towards they end seemed to sit back a bit more, just protecting the points. We pressured their area in the final ten minutes or so, including Benkada getting on the board from the D. In stoppage time Blin was given a half chance running onto to a Bey long ball, but put the shot a little high and wide just before the pressuring man arrived. A draw would have been a steal to be honest, 2-1 defeat not too bad.

 

A mixed bag over the two months, at times it seemed destined for worse. So far, for a side expected to be in the relegation battle I'll take what we have been doing. Boris Popovic will be back soon hopefully, adding the best central midfielder we have into the side. Although, despite his blunders, maybe Benkada is the better player now.

There is still plenty of time for things to fall apart, seven points is not a huge buffer with a bit over half the season to run. And the board expect us to get a minimum of two more wins in the cup, may the draw be kind.

[BadManager]

November – December 2027

Vendee Herbiers Football

French National

 

Vendee Herbiers (8th, 5-4-4, 19points +3) v ES Wasaquehal (4th, 6-4-3, 22points +6) – French National, Match 14 of 34

A good start for Bey, scoring after 15 minutes with a very hard shot that the goalie got two hands to but could only parry into the side netting. That was on the rebound from another hard hit shot, Vincent involved along the way as well. A second came on 23 minutes, Vincent's free kick skimmed off the head of Yattabare and with the goalie off his line trying to get to that ball Wolf had an open goal to head into. Wolf scored again a few minutes later, at the wrong end this time. His deflection wrong-footed Butez and our lead was back to 2-1. Bey almost hit himr again with a blasted shot from fairly close range, their goalie did very well to get to that. 2-2 straiught after the break, sheer acceleration provided the finishing touch for them. We do provide entertainment for the TV games, at least. Vincent from a very tight angle managed to force their keeper to jam the ball between himself and the post ten minutes into the second half, it looked over. And then it was when the goalie accidentally knocked it backwards as he got up. And Popovic returned to the side with half an hour to play. I'm not sure we deserved them, but we will take the three points. It looked like there might have been more people in the stands too, turns out their weren't.

 

FC Ploemeur (Regional Leagues) v Vendee Herbiers - French Cup, 7th Round

We were without two players, off on international duty in African world Cup qualifiers. Yattabare's Mali had a tough one, Cameroon. Segbefia good in a win for Togo over Burundi.

It took us 26 minutes to get on the board, and it was simple when it came; corner, knock on, defender Wolf hitting from close range. It looked like a bit of complacency might have set in, but we still scored a second quickly enough. Sauvage was expected to be the threat on the wing this season, but hasn't been sighted much. So it was good to see him get the goal. Blin has also been quiet this season, so for him to get a goal as well before the break was no bad thing. On 70 minutes Blin got a second after a long ball anda run from Bey who crossed to Blin's head. 4-0 probably wasn't good enough, but we got what we wanted from the game.

The eighth round draw sees us home to league rivals UC Concerneau. If we win that, we meet the board's cup expectation.

 

FC Chambly-Oise (13th, 4-2-8, 14points -13) v Vendee Herbiers (7th 6-4-4, 22points +4) – French National, Match 15 of 34

The game started with a few chances but nothing of note, until we managed a counter on the half hour mark. Bey was found on a clearance and did what Vincent often does on the right, running a little inboard, and his cross found Blin just getting in behind the last man. We went one up. We almost went two up heading to the half, Flores corner had Yattabare running onto it, but the direction wasn't quite right. Right towards the end we got pushed hard in defence, but nothing came of it and we got the three points. Maybe the result was a bit lucky, I couldn't have complained about a draw.

 

Vendee Herbiers (5th, 7-4-4, 25points +5) v US Orleans (3rd, 8-5-2, 29points +17) – French National, Match 16 of 34

We actually made three changes for this game, giving Varez another start after being on the bench for a couple of games and Popovic finally starting rather than coming on as a sub. We had the first good chance, Blin fed Benkada who shot horribly wide. Varez had our next opportunity, and hit home in the top right from just outside the box. A very good finish, nine minutes in. Twenty minutes later our defence got lucky, the crossbar saving the day – or at least moment. Varez got a second goal 23 seconds into the second half. Vincent skipped over a sliding tackle from near the end line, and crossed in for Varez to finish from about two metres out on the near post. On the final whistle he got on the end of an airball for a solo run up the middle, but defenders caught up, he went wide and tried to cross just as the whistle went.

 

Midweek, a new contract signed to keep me here until the end of the 2028-29 season.

 

Vendee Herbiers v US Concerneau (National 12th) - French Cup, 8th Round

Saturday at home, and then the same opponents in the league away on Friday to start December.

This was an extraordinarily disappointing game. We fell behind midway through the first half, with some solid passing brining us undone at the back and a sparkling finish. Despite 17 attempts on goal, most of them on target, we never actually created a true opportunity. The shots were all rather weak efforts from distance and easily stopped. The board will not be happy with thatm we bow out of the cup a round early against very beatable opponents.

 

US Concerneau (12th, 5-4-7, 19points -7) v Vendee Herbiers (5th, 8-4-4, 28points +7) – French National, Match 17 of 34

Their one striker is quick, too quick. And we saw last game can be quite deadly. I pushed the defence deeper to try and stop the one over the top he can get in behind on. But again the supposedly lesser team was looking marginally more likely. We did get the first goal though, against the run of play. Varez got in behind a ball of his own, straight up the guts, and despite not having the speed to break away put the shot home. Somehow it stayed that way, Concerneau this time making no impact for all their control. Three points from a deserved zero.

 

Mid-December, the midway point of the league we sit fifth. Somewhere around 35 points would probably ensure safety this season, so we should achieve that. Top half will require form to hold up, promotion is a dream even if we are currently just two points from the third place playoff spot.

 

Vendee Herbiers (5th, 9-4-4, 31points +8) v Louhans-Cuiseauc FC (6th, 6-8-3, 26points +3) – French National, Match 18 of 34

Game 2 : Drew 0-0

Oh, this went bad. Two down inside seven minutes. Two quite different goals, one via a quick few passes followed by a very good little placed touch. The second corner header, goal, Butez really could have got to that one it was pretty obvious from well before the head hit the ball. We did drag one back on 32 minutes, Blin with the goal although again the goalie possibly should have stopped it. Vincent the assist, after being dispossessed three times in two minutes. We couldn't find a regular way forward, with only five shots for the match.

 

And that led into a short Christmas break. Its a little worrying that we have lost two of our last three games, but a slip to mid-table would still be a success compared to pre-season expectations. Before the window opened we looked at signing 20 year old Dylan Thomas, 33 year old Mour Paye will depart either in this window or next summer and Thomas should prove an adequate back-up and eventual replacement for Vincent.

[BadManager]

January – February 2028

Vendee Herbiers Football

French National

FC Vilefranche (18th, 2-6-10, 12points -13) v Vendee Herbiers (5th, 9-4-5, 31points +7) – French National, Match 19 of 34

Game 3: Won 3-1

Bottom of the table Villefranche looked good early, we started to gain a bit more territorial control after about ten minutes. This was rewarded with a Blin goal after a push that was thwarted before a shot amybe five times. Unfortunately that lead lasted just eight minutes, again we proved vulnerable on the near post from a corner. And right on the half we fell behind, an unlucky deflection this time. Bey came on for Varez after 70 minues, and provided the assist for an equaliser, with a recently under-performing Benkada on the end of it. And he also ran hard, hast, and a bit to the right to cross to Blin for a 3-2 lead with just over ten minutes remaining. It stayed that way, we got the points hardly in convincing style again last place.

 

Vendee Herbiers (5th, 10-4-5, 34points +8) v JA Drancy (3rd, 10-6-3, 36points +9) – French National, Match 20 of 34

Game 4: Lost 4-3, having led 2-1 early, and then trailed 4-2 in stoppage time

Drancy created the better chances early on, and it was no surprise when they got the opening goal. A cross from deep that required just the slightest touch almost on the goal line. Very well done really, and with a bit more science than our equaliser that Varez scored by hitting just a bit too hard for the goalkeeper's outstretched hand to stop. Again a corner proved our undoing, this time the far post and from the right and two heads of opponents involved rather than just the one. It was shaping as another high scoring affair, Varez with a second after a long ball from Segbefia found Blin to run wide to the left and provide a well timed cross. Four goals had been scored in under half an hour. The second half began with Varez hitting straight and true from just outside the area, his eleventh goal of the season – though obviously not all in the league, it is his first hattrick in the league. Seventy minutes and Drancy provide an equally well struck shoit from similar distance to equalise. Four minutes later, Blin joined the scoring. Vincent's cross should have been cut off put somehow found its way past the defender in the way for Blin to tap in for 4-3. Yattabare did very well to get back and stopped what looked like a certain one on one for yet another equaliser in a see-sawing match. That equaliser almost came a couple of minutes later, Butez diving wide but beaten only for the ball to strike the post. There were no more twists, head to head it was 4-3 for the home side in each game against Drancy.

 

That put us into 3rd, and a promotion playoff position. I don't think we can stay there, but prize money in the top few places is significantly better than falling into the bottom half. We can break even financially if we finish high enough, maybe top six.

 

Vendee Herbiers (3rd, 11-4-5, 37points +9) v AS Beziers (11th, 6-5-3, 23points -3) – French National, Match 21 of 34

Game 5: Drew 1-1

The early goal went against us, a free kick falling for an easy rebound off the crossbar. And a second came for them midway through the opening half, some scrambling defence but they found a way through with a smart pass in the end. Meanwhile we were creating decent chances but applying poor finishes. Late in the second half we pulled one back, Blin tending to fire too early this game but it paid off this time thanks to a ricochet. A very disappointing game, both from the defence and the wasted opportunities up front.

 

GFC Ajaccio (16th, 5-5-11, 20points -11) v Vendee Herbiers(5th, 11-4-6, 37points +7) – French National, Match 22 of 34

Game 6: Drew 1-1

Vincent sat this one with food poisonong, but it wasn't him we missed. It was everything. Ajaccio were all over us, we were very lucky to sytill be nil all at 16 shots to 3 against. It took until the final ten minutes for us to finally lose the game and when we did we lost it twice with the second headed in in the 93rd minute.

 

Vendee Herbiers(5th, 11-4-7, 37points +5) v Tours FC (14th, 5-9-8, 24points -7) – French National, Match 23 of 34

Game 6: Lost 3-1

The first real chance of the match came with a long Tours ball, their striker Aziz showed great composure to knock the ball round a man and slide home to the left post. Other than thatw e dominated the game without looking like scoring. On 82 minutes, the corner problem showed itself again and we fell two behind. Any hole of sneaking back to the playoff spot was gone. Six points behind now.

 

Oddly enough we climbed back to fourth.

 

ASM Belfort (17th, 6-5-12, 23points -11) v Vendee Herbiers(4th, 11-4-8, 37points +3) – French National, Match 24 of 34

Game 8: Won 2-1

Another game which ended up being highly disdappointing. At least this time we managed a point, but we were found out yet again across almost the whole field. I can't pinpoint what ahs gone wrong, but it certainly has. Belfort created the only two realistic chances of the game, but thankfully somehow decided to miss the target.

 

Vendee Herbiers (6th, 11-5-8, 38points +3) v RC Strasbourg Alsace (7th, 9-9-6, 36points +4) – French National, Match 25 of 34

We needed some luck to end a horror run through February, it didn;t come with our first real chance. Varez couldn't quite get a clean shot away to an open goal before being challenged. Vincent was the recipient of the next chance we created, and he did hit home running on off his wing. We had an eleventh minute lead. Which lasted twenty minutes, again failure to clear after a corner proved costly. The second goal we conceded was just horrible. Yattabare was “credited” with an own goal, his challenge failed to arrive in time and the ball flicked him on the way. Butez had plenty of time to correct his footing and get to a slowly rolling ball but failed to bother trying. The second hgalf proved this was a game of own goals. Popovic got the ball, controlled it to himself, then fired wide, only for a defender to be in the way and straighten the shot up for us. On 70 minutes, Blin turned and fired from range, the ball struck the bottom of the crossbar, but didn't go in. On 90 minutes, another one. Again in our favour, and again Popovic shooting from outside the area only for a deflection to send it home. This one at least seemed on target off the boot. That luck we needed to get something out of February may have arrived, and again a TV game provided entertainment (but not quality). And that turned out to be enough for their manager to be sacked.

 

 

January was fine, February not so much.

We now have enough points to be considered clear of relegation threats, indeed if we can regain some form maybe the run home will be interesting.

I really need to look at the defence in the summer, our scouts are not finding much at the moment though.

[BadManager]

March – April 2028

Vendee Herbiers Football

French National

March began with the last team from our division booted from the cup. I daresay they would have made some money hosting Olymipue de Marseilles.

 

FC Montceau Bourgogne (10th, 9-5-11, 32points -4) v Vendee Herbiers (5th, 12-5-8, 41points +5) – French National, Match 26 of 34

Game 10: Won 3-1

Under the pump early, we had to concede three corners inside the first two minutes. And were lucky to only concede that. We man marked one player, a lone striker with quite some height that was causing problems even at that point. After that we were still second best, but at least occasionally got the ball into the opposition's half. It took a long time for us to get a good chance, 88 minutes. The shot was blocked though, and quickly countered to give up an 89th minute goal. The man we had marked was critical in the move, dictating play from the half way line. A minute later and we had a one man advantage, but even then couldn't find a way to create a real chance in the final minutes.

 

Vendee Herbiers (5th, 12-5-9, 41points +4) v Stade Brestois 29 (3rd, 13-7-6, 46points +17) - French National, Match 27 of 34

Game 11: Drew 0-0

Again we were forced to cling on as the second best team for thew whole match, and again only to lose it late. We perhaps had better chances, if far fewer, for most of it. But an 85th minute header by a man who seemed to jump about twice the height of any player on the field saw any hope of gaining lost ground on the top three disappear. And a minute later we tripped the same man up in the box, Butez held the spot kick. Now it is just a case of hoping to scrape some points and not drop too far down the table.

 

Paris FC (14th, 8-7-12, 31points -4) v Vendee Herbiers (6th, 12-5-10, 41points +3) - French National, Match 28 of 34

Game 12: Won 3-1

Things had not been going well, so we changed it up a bit with the formation. At they very least the hope was sure up the defence slightly. Things got far worse, Paris looked much better than a 14th placed side to be fair. All three of their first half goals were really something top drawer (fort his league). Needless to say there was no coming back from there, even if we did win the second half 2-1. Both of our goals were scrambled, each was saved on the line at least twice before we managed to get something. 4-2 loss and a terrible performance to go with it.

 

Vendee Herbiers (6th, 12-5-11, 41points +1) v Stade Lavallois (3rd, 14-7-7, 49points +8) - French National, Match 29 of 34

Game 13: Lost 2-1

Segbefia scored his first goal of the season last game, after two attempts right on the line, and missed this game on qualifying duty with Togo.

Sometimes its the little things that seem to make all the difference. Lvallois clearly had control of the game, but it seemed like every time we got a foot in on their passing or blocked a shot it didn't matter what the numbers were any uncontrolled ball fell to one of their players. Similar if they did the same on our, less frequent, plays. To go in level at half time was a welcome surprise. After the break, we got a bigger surprise. Bey, in his thirteenth straight game without a goal, ran across the goal line on the left and found Vincent coming in from the right who tapped home. Since Vincent stoipped pushing any claim for league player of the season, we really have struggled – surprisingly making as much difference at the back as in scoring. Blin had hurt his ankle in the first half, and it didn't heal. That forced me to play Bey and Varez as the front pairing, both out of sorts in recent times. Varez scored coming off the bench though, Vincent with the assist this time. We lost the chance of an all too-rare clean sheet on 91 minutes, a blasted shot going through Butez' hands.

 

ES Wasquehal (13th, 9-9-11, 36points +2) v Vendee Herbiers (6th, 13-5-11, 44points +2) - French National, Match 30 of 34

Game 14: Won 3-2

David Blin provided us with the bets two chances of the opening 25 minutes or so. One went wide, and one was struck from range. An incisive pass from deep and on the angle left Blin alone and able to size up the shot. Blin got a second with 32 gone, a deep cross from Vincent meeting a well timed run to get in behind the defence and score from close with two touches and barely breaking stride. Shortly before the break, Vincent's corner was met by Bey's head to give us a third. Bey's drought is broken. But even then, there was time for Blin to finish his hattrick. Everyone was involved in the build-up, Benkada, Bey, Vincent with the assist and Blin's head. What a goalfeast, three between 40 minutes and the half – the third going against us right on the whistle. Defence was caught out of position a little. The hope was that during the second half we could bring on some players who need the game time. Nothing happened for half an hour, then on the first highlight direct long play put us back to 4-2 lead. After leading 4-0 to only win by two was a little disappointing but overall there are no complaints.

 

Bonuses for avoiding relegation were paid out after the match. Well, a bonus. Popovic was the only one to have that in his contract. It was probably also the trigger for Bey, Yattabarre and Segbefia extending their contracts.

 

Vendee Herbiers (5th, 14-5-11, 47points +4) v FC Chamby-Oise (17th, 8-6-16, 30points, -16) - French National, Match 31 of 34

Game 15: Won 1-0

I had hoped we could really put the second placed team to the sword. Instead the first half went by without a single highlight from either team. We barely edged the stats at that point. It took a free kick with a deflection off the wall to break the impasse, Vincent the scorer. Cahmby-Oise stopped being so defensive once they fell behind. I decided to draw back and try to hold on to the lead, much more important than goal difference. This time, it seemed to work. They took more shots, but nothing particularly likely to score. Apparently it was only at this point that our theoretical title chance was gone.

 

US Orleans (2nd, 16-8-7, 56points +22) v Vendee Herbiers (5th, 15-5-11, 50points +5) - French National, Match 32 of 34

Game 16: Won 2-0

The end of the season is all two week breaks, so the first team should be fit. Game freshness for subs might be a little off. Digol was back in the side after a long absence, right back having again become a bit of a weakness for us. He provided the first real attacking moment, over the top onto the head of Bey on a run and we had a lead in the 7th minute. We switched from a counter to defensive mentality at that point, and the rest of the half played out with few real prospects of a goal for either side. Bey came close to a second and that was it. Orelans had plenty of shots but the closest they came to a real chance was skimming the top of the crossbar with an attempted chip in stoppage time.

And the third placed team had a loss, opening up the tail end of the season for all sorts of possibilities.

That string of defeats will probably not prove all that costly, we won't do well enough in the final two games for it to count. And yet, things look tantalising.

As an aside, if anyone has any requests for brief updates on certain teams, competitions, etc, since the save started it has been a few years now; so I will try to get them in between seasons.

[BadManager]

May – June 2028

Vendee Herbiers Football

French National

Will the final update of the season have two games or four? I expect two.

 

Vendee Herbiers (5th, 16-5-11, 53points +6) v US Cocarneau (9th, 11-10-11, 43points -3) - French National, Match 33 of 34

Cup 8th Round: Lost 1-0, Game 17: Won 1-0

We went down a goal early, Butez could only parry the free kick and a striker was there to mop up. That was very quickly followed by a second, this one well placed but should have been cut off way before it reached any player in an attacking poisition. One was pulled back on 35 minutes, a longish ball that their defence got a head to but only just. It fell over the back and Bey was first to run on to it, just ahead of their goalie. Bey got us level after the break, Vincent beating a sliding challenge, looking up and putting in the perfect cross for Bey to volley home. And on 77 minutes, he got his hattrick. All our strikers managed one league hattrick this season. The ball went all the way back to Butez, who just booted blindly, Blin got there and went over the top for Bey to trap and push home from close range. Concarneau broke through late for the equaliser, sliding the ball toward the right hand upright. And thankfully to the outside of it. We should never have needed to come back, but at least when required we did so.

 

Orleans won their game, so an automatic promotion spot is not a realistic proposition. A goal difference of 16 would require two thrashings going our way. What a final game was in store though. The winner gets a playoff, a draw and our opponents get a playoff only if 5th placed Stade Lavallois don't win. Or the opposition promotes if Orleans lose. All thanks to a quirk of fixturing, we played these guys in the opening game.

 

SAS Epinal (3rd, 17-6-10, 57points +14) v Vendee Herbiers (4th, 17-5-11, 56points +7) - French National, Match 34 of 34

Game 1: Won 2-1

4th minute: Bey and Blin combine but can't get a shot away. The ball goes out to Vincent who cuts inboard and finds Blin's run to goal. Blin fires and hits the cross bar. The ball rebounds back to Blin, this time. 1-0. We move to third.

Half time: Epinal have had m,ost of the play, most of the shots, but nothing yet that was a real chance. We're playing with a defensive mindset, hoping to hold out. If we snare another, then great.

51st minute: Bey forced to hold the ball up and wait, get dispossessed. The long ball forward sees an Epinal player beat our defence. The shot is weak and Butez holds.

73rd minute: Blin dispossessed with a sliding tackle while ambling forward. Again its the long ball over our defence. Butez was caught out of position slightly, but the shot went off the upright. Another Epinal player ran on, but we challenged and put the ball over the side line.

80th minute: Epinal corner. Butez dropped it. We failed to clear, the Epinal striker had to hurry the shot on open goal. Off the upright and cleared again.

82nd minute: We avoided a couple of close calls of turning the ball over again. The long ball to nobody was cleaned up by Epinal defenders. Except it wasn't. A complete lack of awareness allowed Bey to strip the man of the ball near the penalty spot and put us up 2-0.

93rd minute: Final whistle. Promotion Playoff.

 

Orleans took the title on the final day, Stade Brestois 29 were trounced 4-0 to lose top spot.

Vendee Herbiers v Dijon FCO – Ligue 2 Playoff, Leg 1

The early going was all with Dijon, on eleven minutes we were lucky to survive one that came off the crossbar and we could only scramble away for a corner. Two minutes later we didn't survive a curling free kick. Having started cautiously to see what they had, we were forced to take a bit more initiative. That could backfire spectacularly, but a deficit going into the away leg would be hard to pin back. The goalscorer almost got another with less than twenty played, just beating Butez but hitting the upright square on. Ten minutes later, despite now being marked he did get a second. The passing is too clean and too quick for us to stop any moves. The second half wasn't any better, we fell three down insiode the hour mark. And Maria completed his hattrick by 67 minutes. I knew we weren't cut out for Ligue Two but this was embarrassing. The defence was cut up yet again, as Maria got four and there was nothing we could do about any of it. If you looked at just the stats and not the scoreboard, we weren't that far off them. Shots, and even shots on targer were not that different. What the stats don't show is the quality. Even on things like pass completion there wasn't that much difference.

 

Dijon FCO v Vendee Herbiers – Ligue 2 Playoff, Leg 2, Down 5-0 in the tie

This match was not about qualifying, just trying to avoid another humiliation. Only one man up forward, and brining in a defensive mid to try limit the damage.

We actually got the first couple of shots in the game, but they were pretty weak efforts. After that it was all Dijon, and this time the scoreboard said nothing for a half but the stats said a lot about the game. We went a man down before going any goals down, Flores brought in to play the defensive mid role off in the opening stages of the second half. It tok until the 87th minute for Dijon to score this time. We had to go defensive, and it didn't cut down our chances. We had less, but better. A 1-0 loss away was a better result. A 6-0 aggregate loss, still quite poor.

 

Squad payout, prize money, etc. £99k paid to the squad for the third palsced finish while we received £550k for the result and surprisingly (to me) £32k for participating in Ligue 2 – the playoff counted as that. That put us into profit for the season, though the board chipped in £100k at one point and we did sell a player at the start for £90k so the real operating profit was much smaller than the £315k reported.

 

For next season, I think this squad performed well above what could be expected. High expectations combined with my bow traditional “second full season fail and sacking”, things are looking somewhat dodgy.

 

League awards night, and I was not surprised by the league player of the season. Sofian Clement of Football Club Montceau Bourgogne was relly good when we played them. I was second in manager of the season, fourth placed SAS Epinal's magare taking the prize. Quentin Vincent only made the bench for the team of the season, nobody else featured.

 

At the club awards, benkand and Blin joined Vincent, Yattabare, Popovic and the departing Paye in the all time eleven. Vincent won player and young player of the season, 24 is surely a bit old for young, but OK. Blin and Sauvage, on the other wing from Vincent, second and third. Sauvage had less impact (at least on the highlights) over the season than hoped for but still performed well enough. And I would like to turn his loan to a permanent spot. Varez was the signing of the season, at times a starter mostly the third forward.

 

That took us to the end of season break, a few players are set to depart but not enough perhaps and nobody who was getting regular game time.

 

And a quick look around the leagues. England's Premierhip was Manchester City's, just ahead of Chelsea and a large gap back to United and Liverpool. City also claimed the Cup. In Spain, Real Madrid secured a third straight title by two games over Barcelona, a smilar gap to Valencia and Atletico Madrid. Barcelona cup winners. Napoli took Serie A, second to fourth were close with Juventus, Roma and AC Milan in that order. Napoli missed the double, losing the cup final to Inter who had some consolation for a fifth placed finish after four league titles. Valencia were European champions.

 

As June was ending, I was offered an interview at Ligue 2 club CS Sedan Ardennes. The step up was interesting, although the club looked in a bit of danger. I attended anyway. And mis-clicked on a question, ruling me out.

Apparently there is a league cup that we qualify for this season as well. Presumably due to last season's league finishing position.

 

Season|Team              |Competition         |  W|  D|  L|  GF|  GA|  GD|Posn  | Notes

20/21 |Sarnese           |SerieC Cup          |  0|  1|  1|   1|   2|  -1|Group |                     
      |                  |SerieC/C            |  7|  7| 26|  16|  79| -63|19th  |Playouts

21/22 |Sarnese           |SerieC Cup          |  0|  2|  0|   0|   0|   0|Group |
      |                  |SerieC/C            |  3|  7| 17|  25|  66| -41|20th  |Resigned 37 of 38 games
  
22/23 |Melfi             |SerieC Cup          |  0|  1|  0|   2|   2|   0|Rnd 2 |
      |                  |Italian Cup         |  0|  0|  1|   0|   2|  -2|      |2nd Qual Rd
      |                  |Serie C/C           | 13| 13| 11|  47|  41|  +6|11th  |

23/24 |Melfi             |SerieC Cup          |  0|  1|  1|   1|   2|  -1|Group |
      |                  |SerieC/C            |  6|  5| 10|  20|  27|  -7|14th  |Sacked 21 of 28 games

23/24 |Achilles '29      |Jupiler League      |  0|  6|  7|  10|  16|  -6|14th  |Playoff round 1

24/25 |Achilles '29      |Jupiler League      |  1|  7|  8|  11|  25| -14|16th  |Sacked after 16 of 38 games

24/25 |Stranraer         |Scottish League 2   |  8|  2|  2|  21|  10| +11|6th   |Took over 10th, after 24 of 36

25/26 |Stranraer         |Betfred Cup         |  2|  1|  1|   6|   4|  +2|Group | 2nd in Group
      |                  |Challenge Cup       |  1|  0|  1|   4|   5|  -1|2nd Rd|
      |                  |Scottish Cup        |  1|  0|  1|   3|   2|  +1|3rd Rd|
      |                  |Scottish league 2   | 15| 11| 10|  44|  37|  +7|4th   |Lost playoff semi

26/27 |Stranraer         |Betfred Cup         |  1|  0|  3|   6|   7|  -1|Group |4th in Group
      |                  |Challenge Cup       |  4|  0|  1|  12|   5|  +7|QtrFin|
      |                  |Scottish Cup        |  1|  0|  1|   2|   2|  +1|3rd Rd|
      |                  |Scottish league 2   |  5|  3| 11|  17|  32| -15|8th   |Lost playoff semi

26/27 |Vendee Herbiers   |French National     |  3|  0|  1|   6|   4|  +2|13th  |Took over 16th, after 30 of 34

2728  |Vendee Herbiers   |French National     | 18|  5| 11|  55|  46|  +9|3rd   |Playoff
      |                  |French Cup          |  3|  0|  1|  14|   3| +11|8th Rd|
      |                  |Ligue 2 Playoff     |  0|  0|  2|   0|   6|  -6|      |
================================================================================================================
Total  Games 292                                92  72 128  323  425 -102
                                               32% 25% 44% 1.11 1.45 -0.460per game
================================================================================================================
Titles
Nil

Awards
    Manager of the Month
    Stranraer               Scottish League 2       2025/26     April, 2025
                                                    2026/27     October, 2025

 

Edited October 6, 2020 by BadManager

[BadManager]

July – August 2028

Vendee Herbiers Football

French National

 

Euro 2028, and a win on penalties for Germany over Spain.

 

After a poor set of friendlies, things were not looking that good coming into the season. We started with the match-up we ended last season, away to SAS Epinal. After finishing 3rd and 4th, we are expected to finish 9th and 8th this season. Pre-season the media and bookmakers have things looking like this:

 

SAS Epinal (predicted 8th, last season 4th) v Vendee Herbiers (predicted 9th) – French National, Match 1 of 34

Not much change since last season, a new right-back was about it. And he made an impact early, giving up a penalty 14 minutes in. At least Butez started well, saving the penalty. Epinal were clearly the better side, as we failed to string together anything in their third. Yet we got the opener, Varez somehow squeezing one in at the near post from about 10 metres. Early in the second half Epinal's equaliser came from a pretty standard run wide, cross back in, goal. And then on the end of the half, we fell behind. High tempo and clever movement our undoing.

 

Vendee Herbiers v Stade de Reims (Ligue 2) – Coupe de la Ligue, First Round

I can't say we went into this match with any high hopes. And an end to end move from the visitors proved why. Their first goal coming with simple but well placed passing straight through the middle. We could perhaps have stopped their second, Butez diving over the top but it could have been cut off before the final pass. Still, that was 62 minutes in against one the favourites for the league above. We were completely outplayed, but no more than is to be expected in the circumstance.

 

Vendee Herbiers v UC Concerneau (predicted 7th) – French National, Match 2 of 34

Time to leave this club. Fifteen minutes and the complete inability for anyone to retain the ball saw us punished. Concerneau won the ball far too easily and did as they pleased, and the opening goal came with us running past and powerless to actually impact the opponent's game. While the second half wasn't quite so rubbish defensively, we still had no way into the opponent's half of the pitch. Its early, but this is very much looking like “second season sacking”.

 

And I was doing other things, so didn't get back to the save for a long time.

 

Rodez Averyon Football (predicted 17th) v Vendee Herbiers – French National, Match 3 of 34

Things are not starting well this season. Six minutes in we conceded, unable to get anything on about five good chances to intercept before giving up a free run from the edge of the area. Six minute slater, Butez broke his arm – leaving us wioth zero goalkeepers in the squad. Ten minutes after the break, Etienne Adam hit home from a free kick to draw level. Nicely taken by the defender, a little bit of curl and into the top left corner. On 66 minutes Blin was brought down right on the edge of the area, the referee decided it was outside. But it was the last defender, and a straight red card. This time it was Sauvage to take the kick, a little bit high. We did geta lead though, 77 minutes in Yattabre was on the far post from a corner. It skimmed off Adam first, not controlled, and a left foot tap in resulted. It very much looked like a third immediately afterwards, but Bey's shot went wide. We built that up well, starting out right and with a wave of runners creating inboard options for each other. Blion got injured late in the piece, but after going a goal and a goalkeeper fdown we did take the three points. Helped by being a man up for half an hour. Cadiou even got a save to his name as an unexpected sub goalkeeper.

 

Six weeks seems short for a broken arm, but that's how long Butez is expected to be out for. Blin's cut leg will be 5-6 days, probably not playing for a week. And Popovic will miss up to two weeks. The points came with a cost.

 

During the week we did bring in a back-up goalkeeper. Jean-Michael Barbier comesin without a very promising history, mostly playing for Loriernt reserves. He should be OK as back-up though, its just a pity he has to start straight away.

 

Vendee Herbiers v JA Drancy (predicted 13th) – French National, Match 4 of 34

With Popovic injured, Martineau's complaining about a lack of match time was answered. And he provided something of a precision long ball to Varez, not really the tactic but nicely delivered. Varez had to then hold the ball up for a target to present, somehow Bey's volley from a metre out was tipped wide. It was Drancy who got the opener though. It looked like we had cleared up the move, but it came back at us and while we had the man double-teamed but Boutin got the shot away well. Shortly before the break, Drancy's keeper made another good save. This one was a bit more predictable, but still well done for this level. We were getting nothing out of Bey, and Varez was providing links but not scoring chances, so I brought Blin on. Fresh legs probably helped, but he got us on the board via 1-2 in the box with Vincent who had come in off his right wing role. He then got us the lead, Vincent up the right, long to Varez who seems to be getting on the end of a lot over the top this match, and inboard to Blin with about 80 minutes played. And it became a sub hat-trick on 83 minutes, left foot from the edge of the area after Martineau put him into plenty of space. 89th minute and four to Blin, again down the right, to Varez, and gut in for Blin to finish. He only came on in the 75th minute. I think he starts ahead of Bey next match now.

 

Somewhat surprisingly for this time of the season, Amiens offered an interview. Its a league up, so I had to at least attend. In the end, some of the club philosophies don't fit my style. But it did at least force the board here into agreeing to a slightly larger wage budget. Not that I expect to use it, but it means we are no longer right on the edge of the budget.

A bad start, but in the end a mixed bag for opening up the season.

 

The first match of the next update see two players off in African Cup of Nations qualifying. One of the reasons we have a large set of defenders is for this scenario.

Segbelfia's Togo lost 1-0 to Ghana. Yattabare's Mali could not even beat Zimbabwe.

[BadManager]

September – October 2028

Vendee Herbiers Football

French National

 

Luhans-Cuiseaux FC (predicted 15th) v Vendee Herbiers – French National, Match 5 of 34

The home side created less chances than us early on, but better ones. And so it was no surprise when they defied the stats to get the game's opening goal just inside the first half hour. A nicely hit finish, but maybe it could have been kept out with Butez fit and in form. A second came around 15 minutes from the end, blasted hard despite two men on him and Barbier could do little more than get a hand on it, but not enough to push it wide or high. We didn;t doa real lot wrong, but could not put together any meaningful move at any point.

 

In Africa, Yattabare picked up a red card in Mali's 4-1 loss to Gabon. Segbelfia captained Togo to 3-0 over Malawi.

 

Vendee Herbiers v Lyon-Duchere (predicted 3rd) – French National, Match 6 of 34

Our passing was well off early on, nothing connecting. We were also not getting anyone forward to provide support, with Popovoc back in the side one of the midfielders needs to be getting up the pitch a bit from, time to time. We had a strokje of luck with a disallowed goal, and followed it up by a Baron own goal. He should be good, but so far has not gelled at right back. We should have had the equaliser on 38 minutes. Varez was again fed the ball well in front of him, the crossed into benkada who only had the already committed goalkeeper to beat. The shot went the same direction the goalie was already heading, when 90% of the goalmouth was completely open from almost right on the penalty spot. We got lucky again right at the end, Sauvage providing a rare – this season – ball from the left to a clearly offside Varez. But the shot and goal counted. 1-1, not good enough at home, but at least we got something.

 

As the table starts to take shape, we're on the wrong side of the midpoint.

 

Stade Lavallois MFC (predicted 6th) v Vendee Herbiers – French National, Match 7 of 34

With Auvage unable to play the full game, we started with a slightly changed formation. Caidou started as a left back. The match itself was not an exciting one. Neither side pushed much, leaving us to take some initiative later in the game. After moving to a more attacking stance we finally made our first real move after an hour's play. Blin finished the move, Varez making the play to give us the lead after a few intercepted attempts at a final pass. There was a late scare, but we took the win despite perhaps not being the better team – just the one who eventually decided to try to win.

 

The table was starting to take shape, at least at either end, by this point. It was not so clear around our area.

 

Vendee Herbiers (7th, 3-1-3, 10points +1) v AS Beziers (2nd, 5-1-1, 16points +5) – French National, Match 8 of 34

I'm not sure it was Blin chasing down the ball very wide on the left, but his somewhat sloppy cross found Varez. The latter did enough to hald the ball up and feed Popovic coming up from the middle and we had the opening goal. It had taken 35 minutes, after Blin's head had failed us earlier. The half was closed out by Beziers putting on some pressure looking for an equaliser. Thankfully a couple of interecepts at key moments saw us take a lead to the break. The equaliser came for them in the 93rd minute. A free kick from a few metres outside the area, and almost training drill like, a clean header home. Maybe we were a touch unfortunate, or maybe its just the timing of the goal that made it seem that way.

 

Jura-Sud Football (5th, 4-2-2, 14points +1) v Vendee Herbiers (7th, 3-2-3, 11points +1) – French National, Match 9 of 34

Jura-Sud started as relegation candidates, but were doing well early season. Almost on half time we fell behind, a few good passes creating angles after a free kick finished with a short cross to a clean header. Barbier, still in goal with Buez now making it back to the bench, maybe could have got there. But he's been OK since coming in, and really there should have been someone getting to the clear player. Early in the second half we should have gone two down, instead Blin got us level with a volley that the opposing goalkeeper failed to hold cleanly after getting across to it easily.

 

Segebfia away again for internationals for the next game.

 

Vendee Herbiers (11th, 3-3-3, 12points +1) v FC Siant-Louis Neuweg (18th, 0-3-6, 3points -8) – French National, Match 10 of 34

As usual against bottom teams, we struggled badly. In the first two minutes we should have been two down. Completely against the run of play, we pushed forward for the first time and Varez got the opening score. It was scrappy, cut off about five times, before the ball through no ability of our own fell to Vincent. He provided a clean cross, maybe our first completed pass of the game, for the goal. Vincent was instrumental again for the second, running up the right, crossing along the ground to Varez who gave off to Blin for a tap in. Varez got a second on 35 minutes and it was clear why our opponents were sitting at the bottom of the table. They can be the better team overall, but still give up three goals inside a half. An hour played and we extended out to four, Blin and Varez now competing for first to the hat-trick. Neither got there, and that may be the worst 4-0 win any team has ever had. We deserved a loss, I'm not even sure they deserved it more.

 

FC Essartais (Regional Leagues) v Vendee Herbiers – French Cup, Fifth Round

Very much the type of game to expect against a side two tiers below. In hindsight maybe more players outside the first team could have made a start. We go through after a 5-0 win, which could have been more. Vincent's eventual replacement on the right win, Dylan Thomas, made his debut and did well enough. Segbefia was rested having come back from Togo's 2-0 win over Angola.

 

Vendee Herbiers (10th, 4-3-3, 15points +5) v RC Strasbourg Alsace (12th, 4-1-4, 13points +1) – French National, Match 11 of 34

Just befaire half time Strasbourg got the lead with the first highlight of the match. We didn't do much wrong defensively, but didn't do a lot right either. We put pressure on most of the time, but there was just enough left open for them to find a way. It took until the 80th minute before we even had a chance at equalising. Thankfully, Benkada's long range free kick found Blin's head and while it was not controlled at all he got enough on it to almost accidentally deflect it in. That was disappointing overall, showing a real lack of proficiency in getting the ball to dangerous areas.

 

Tours FC (10th, 5-1-5, 16points -5) v Vendee Herbiers (8th, 4-4-3, 16points +5) – French National, Match 12 of 34

Down one early on, a bit of a scramble after a corner but it fell to a Tours player on the far post with everyone out of position. Blin pulled it back on 27 minutes, a hard strike from the edge of the area. Their goalkeeper got a left hand to it, but failed to change the trajectory. We needed it, as we were being outplayed everywhere. Tours were having the better chances, if less of them. Our only hopes fell to Blin from range, and he did come very close to giving us a lead 53 minutes in. Vincent was brought down, a Benkada pass feeding his run in and the penalty was given. Which benkada put away for 2-1. One late scare but we held out the final 30 minutes and took the points in arm wrestle.

 

CS Mainvilliers (Regional Leagues) v Vendee Herbiers – French Cup, Sixth Round

We mixed the starting eleven up a bit. Blin still started though, and was on the board ten minutes in. And a second fifteen after that, Bey had two assists playing in Varez' place. Sauvage made it three after a little more than half an hour. And Blin completed a hat-trick a few minutes after that, with a bit opf a scramble and tap in. It was six by half time, Blin playing Bey in and Flores from range in one of his rare appearances just getting some game time. Bey got his second just after resumption, and a hat-trick with fifteen to play. We missed a clean sheet though, conceding after 82 minutes. And again after 87. Jehl also got injured in stoppage time, giving us two injured centre backs. 8-2 the end result, I was hoping for 10-0. Another lower league team awaits in the seventh round.

 

Vendee Herbiers (7th, 5-4-3, 19points +6) v US Boulogne Cote d'Opale (15th, 2-4-6, 10points -3) – French National, Match 13 of 34

After Bey's cup game, and Varez decline in form, Bey was retained up front. We couldn't quite get going at any point in the game. Passes were just a little off and the intended target not reading things correctly. At the back we weren't holding shape, and despite coming at them we were allowing them one unmarked player at all times. We were not bad, but not good, and it was nor surprise when we went behind on 40 minutes through the defence neither properly covering space or an opponent. We didn't create a real chance all game, even though I didn't think we were that bad. We certainly were the second best side though.

 

Not a bad two months, book-ended with disappointment.

 

 

[BadManager]

November – December 2028

Vendee Herbiers Football

French National

Red Star FC (13th, 4-1-8, 13points -2) v Vendee Herbiers (9th, 5-4-4, 19points +5) – French National, Match 14 of 34

Yep, things are falling apart again. We could not hit a pass to start this game. And when we fell behind it was all so predictable. A turnover, followed by ball watching. The game was gone early in the second half when the same happened again. And by the end we went down by three, without taking a shot. Complete trash at the back, the ball never got to the others to find out if they were also trash.

 

FC Drouais (CFA 2) v Vendee Herbiers – French Cup, 7th Round

We needed the game against a lower division side, to hopefully get back among the winners and get a bit of confidence back. We had to do it with three defenders out, forcing a back-up left back in Digol to play central.

We were by far the better side, except never testing their goalkeeper. Time after time we had the ball clear and sprayed the unmissable. By the time an hour had been played we had three shots on target from 15, and few of those were from long range or under any pressure. It was therefore totally expected when Drouais took a lead with 82 minutes gone. Exactly how a player found space was not clear, a little bit of luck with the way intercepts fell. It was Bey who equalised just before full time, a floated ball from Vincent fell at his feet and for the only time in the match a simple put-away was actually put away. Just before half of extra time Bey got another, this time Vincent's cross had a bit more science behind it. We got away with that, but it was not the sort of performance a top-half National side should be putting out against a lower league one.

 

An interview with Sheffield United, currently toward the bottom of League One. They still expect a mid-table result, that might be beyond my meagre capabilities. But if things are falling apart here, maybe it needs to be considered if offered. Later in the week, news came that the option was not available.

 

Vendee Herbiers (12th, 5-4-5, 19points +2) v Paris FC (10th, 5-5-4, 20points +2) – French National, Match 15 of 34

A couple of players came back from injury and suspension at the back, maybe that will stabilise things a little. Thirty five seconds in and Bey had a goal, his cup efforts got him another chance to show something in the league and this time he at least started well. Sauvage claimed the assist, but it was really a hack-and-hope over the top to him that did the damage. We were put under pressure from that point on, Paris taking just five minutes to get an equaliser as they easily intercepted every pass we tried. A somewhat dubious penalty on the half hour mark had us back in deep, but Butez somehow made the save. At about the same time Bey picked up a thigh strain. On 85 minutes we gave up another penalty, Baron the culprit and I couldn't complain about the referee this time. Butez again saved at full stretch. After the perfect start, a disappointing effort and very lucky to escape with a draw.

 

This time Bristol Rovers offered an interview, almost right at the bottom of League One.

 

FC Montceau Bourgogne (7th, 6-5-4, 23points +3) v Vendee Herbiers (11th, 5-5-5, 20points +2) – French National, Match 16 of 34

Blin put one in the back of the net after 16 seconds, but it was called offside. A close call, and on replay … probably correct. Instead we went a goal down courtesy of a corner with just under half an hour played. Our defenders just never got out to it, and the header was cleanly put away. That was two doewn shortly after half time, this time the defecne did the right hing to an extent. A good challenge, but it just fell to an opponent in open space to put away. The game just got worse. Sauvage picked up an injury, quickly followed by Varez. And then in stoppage time we conceded a third.

 

No Rovers job either. Instead interviews with MK Dons and Nottingham Forest. Forest are in the Championship (barely), so even if offered it seems unrealistic and I might not take it.

 

AS Yzeure (16th, CFA B) v Vendee Herbiers – French Cup, 8th Round

The match was postponed, leaving a short break before the next league game. If we get through, FC Nantes awaits. They are currently hovering just below promotion places in Ligue 2. The postponement at least allowed us to start Sauvage, if not fully fit. After one brief Vincent inspired foray, nothing happened for either team in the opening half. We had less of the ball, but maybe more control of the game. No sign of scoring though. An opener came ten minutes into the second half. Bey playing a slow version of a Vincent role, on the end of the ball up the right sideline before coming inwards slightly and crossing to Blin's head. Vincent scored himself a few minutes later, Blin out near the corner flag finding bey who pushed it further right before the winger used his left boot for a well placed goal. Vincent did a slow Vincent himself with about 15 to play, beating a man in the process and finding Blin's head from out wide with a lopping cross. The header was just as slow and lobbed but found its way home. Blin started and finished our fourth, sending the ball out wide to Vincent who saw off two defenders and made the pass inwards for Bey to flick on. Blin got man of the match with his hat-trick but Vincent or Bey were equally worthy.

 

Vendee Herbiers (12th, 5-5-6, 20points -1) v ES Wasquehal (7th, 7-5-4, 26points +5) – French National, Match 17 of 34

We were outplayed everywhere, and started giving up fouls all over the place. Thankfully not many cards in that, before I asked them to calm down and lay off the tackles a little. That seemed to stop the fouls, or at least slow them down, but did nothing to stop being dominated. Yet it was Popovic who opened the scoring shortly before half time, a corner which had been intercepted, not quite cleared, we set up again, only for an intercept and not quite clearance, a few times before Popvic got a shot away which a defender deflected past his own keeper. It took almost until normal time was up for the equaliser to come, a good string of passes resulting a shot that maybe Butez could have stopped. Our defence did the right thing, put pressure on, but there was too much class. We got lucky again two minutes later, a Vincent free kick coming off the wall and falling to Benkada who regained a lead.

 

Vendee Herbiers (12th, 6-5-6, 23points 0) v SAS Epinal (4th, 8-4-5, 28points +6) – French National, Match 18 of 34

Match 1: Lost 2-1

A good counter moive on eight minutes gave us an early lead. Popovic started it with an intercept in the middle of the pitch, but it was a Sauvage, Blin combination to finish it. A well placed shot too. An end to end move saw the equaliser come, Epinal gave us chances to stop it but we just couldn't quite take the ball at any point. Popovic was forced off with ten minutes remaining in the first half. With defenders not fully fit, we didn;'t have a central midfielder on the bench. Etienne Adam had to fill in. Vincent made a mark in his 150th, a deep cross to Blin who provided a subtle touch to guide the ball home with just over twenty to play. That was quickly nullified via a corner, 2-2. And that was how it stayed. The stats suggested Epinal were the far superior team, I'm not so sure what happened on the pitch was in line with that. If nothing else, Blin's finishing was more clinical when provided a decent chance. Speaking of which, Blin's 20 goals is already a new season record for the club (since 2016/17 anyway).

 

And that was the last match of 2028, leaving us just outside the top half as the year ends.

 

Our under19s coach has been offered a managerial job in Ligue 2. Really.

 

November wrecked any hope of climbing the table and achieving anything this season. December didn't improve the chances of doing that much either. And the cup will come to an end in the first game of 2029.

 

[BadManager]

January - February 2029

Vendee Herbiers Football

French National

This will be my last season at this club, a move to Dijon FCO has been agreed. They sit mid-table in Ligue 2 and so it should provide a small step up. I think I will leave this club reasonably well set. The squad is mostly young and hopefully improving, I think medium to long term its in decent enough shape. Really, there is a little under-achieving going on and anew manager should get them top half next season if they don't do too much.

 

Vendee Herbiers v FC Nantes (Ligue 2, 3rd) – French Cup, 9th Round

If we were in top form I might give a chance of causing a cupset here, but as things stand I came in thinking we were rank underdogs and simple avoiding a belting would be tough. A sensational opening minute, Nantes showing why they are a level above with the way they run down players, yet we still got a ball out to Vincent who crossed into Blin for a blasted volley almost on the line. Only for Vincent go down injured having twisted himself and done a mischief making the cross. Vincent managed to stay on the pitch but was not in full health. The next 45 minutes produced nothing of note after that start. A deep floating cross brought us undone midway through the second half, Butez rushed out to meet but didn't quite make it, Yattabare rushed back and likewise was just beaten, and the floating cross was followed by a lobbed head and 1-1. Thomas had come on to replace the injured Vincent prior to that goal and in stoppage time provided hos own Vincent-like cross to Blin who headed home with half a minute of stoppage time played. A 2-1 win for us, with some luck involved but while they outclassed us I think we were on level terms in other ways. Vincent will miss three weeks, giving Thomas some starting time. Our win was far from the biggest shock of the round. Paris Saint-Germain, current seven times straight league winners looking certain for an eighth, were knocked out by our league opponents JA Drancy; who sit second last at that.

 

Blin has a new cup record ten goals.

 

US Concarneau (1st, 11-4-3, 37points +13) v Vendee Herbiers (11th, 6-6-6, 24points 0) – French National, Match 19 of 34

Match 2: Lost 1-0

A goal conceded early with Popovic running clean under the ball from the corner, and somehow there were no defenders to put pressure on. Another came with ten to play before the break, through just straight out poor defence allowing simple passing and finish. And then the worst one almost immediately after. An undirected, long high ball to nobody and Yattabare just pulled a man down in the box who was no immediate threat even if he did take possession. We were three down in 36 minutes. By the break it was four, and ten looked likely. Fopr some reason they sat back in the second half, and it got no worse than four. But that's pretty bad.

 

Vendee Herbiers (11th, 6-6-7, 24points -4) v Rodez Averyon Football (14th, 6-5-8, 23 points -5) – French National, Match 20 of 34

Match 3: Won 2-1

Within ten minutes we were two goals down, and I could not see why other than the obvious fact that we didn't seem to be touching the ball. The defence was pressing them well, in the right positions, etc, but somehow a poor team was jusy putting together the right pass at the right time and connecting. A few minutes later we got very lucky, out first time forward resulted in a dubious penalty. Benkada hit it weakly straight at the goalkeeper. But he managed to fumble it in. By half time it was 3-1, again we seemed to have things covered but a way was found through. It did come back to 3-2, Varez getting a lucky goal as a sub. I'm not sure what is going on, other than second full season and being found out.

 

JA Drancy (16th, 5-5-10, 20points -16) v Vendee Herbiers (14th, 6-6-8, 24points -5) – French National, Match 21 of 34

Match 4: Won 4-1 (Blin 4)

Drancy played a very controlled possession game, which allowed me to push more with a changed line-up. All to no avail, both sides had chances but it was only when we went back to our old style that we looked better – but conceded on a corner late in the piece. Vincent made a sub appearance and is nearing full fitness again but the season is over.

 

Amiens SC (Ligue 2, 7th) v Vendee Herbiers – French Cup, 10th Round

Amiens started just feeling us out, and we were level for a half. But after the break they started to press more and it took ten minutes for the opening goal. The far superior team won 1-0. They could have won 5-0 if they bothered putting in an effort, the narrow loss flattered.

 

Vendee Herbiers (14th, 6-6-9, 24points -6) v Lohans-Cuiseaux (10th, 8-5-8, 29points -2) – French National, Match 22 of 34

Match 5: Lost 2-0

Vincent made his first start since injury, and Yattabare came back into the defence. Despite everything we were sticking with the new sole striker line-up for one or two more games. Sauvage gave us a lead midway through the first half, the original shot blocked but fell to him at the left post. And that took us to the break, outplayed but in front. Sauvage got injured later and we had to change formations again as Flores, not getting much game time until now, tired quickly. With about ten to play Blin beat three players and was fouled by a fourth, to put us a man up. Yattabare provied worth haviung right at the end, a free kick into the box and he was our ponly defender to look like clearing with the head as three opposition players looked set to pounce. An unconvincing win, but three much needed points.

 

Lyon-Ducheres AS (3rd, 10-8-4, 38points, +10) v Vendee Herbiers (14th, 7-6-9, 27points -5) – French National, Match 23 of 34

Match 6: Drew 1-1

Blitzed early on, and the almost immediate goal conceded was already clearly a result of one side being much better. We drew level again in the 14th minute, Vincent found on the right and feeding Blin. As the game wore on, Blin created a couple opf half-chances for himself without being able to finish any. The final 15 minutes we were under pressure again, having changed things looking for a second goal. In the end, a draw.

 

Vendee Herbiers (14th, 7-7-9, 28points -5) v Stade Lavallois (17th, 6-4-3, 22points -8) – French National, Match 24 of 34

Match 7: Won 1-0

The visitors started out strongly, and scored within two minutes. They managed to play a careful passing game while opening up angles. It took us half an hour to get a shot away, and that was a long range free kick. Somewhat surprisingly, it went in. Quite the strike from Flores, who had started getting some game time as a DM while playing a one striker formation. The second half began much like the first, two minutes in we fell behind again with our defence not bad but well outplayed. Ten minutes from the end, Vincent and Blin combined for the equaliser. We were still the second best team out there, but at least on level terms.

 

AS Beziers (5th, 11-4-9, 37points +4) v Vendee Herbiers (15th, 7-8-9, 29points -5) – French National, Match 25 of 34

Match 8: Drew 1-1

We went back to the 4-4-2 for this game, we weren't getting any better results after the change. And the change back produced nothing either. Three down at the break, all thoroughly deserved. It is isn't like we are making a heap of mistakes, we just keep getting outdone a little in every area which adds up to complete thumpings. One scrambled second half goal does not make up for anything. And the media talk is starting about my position. I can't say I am surprised.

 

Another horror show of an update.

 

[BadManager]

March - April 2029

Vendee Herbiers Football

French National

 

 

I completely forgot this existed, starting to get back into it a little. Things in this update were played a long time ago.

 

Vendee Herbiers (15th, 7-8-10, 29points -7) v Jura-Sud Football (10th, 9-7-9, 34points -4) – French National, Match 26 of 34

Match 9: Drew 1-1

We dropped the 4-4-2 again, the formation was defensive but I wanted a more attacking approach. The first half went through without any real chance of a goal from either side. A Flores free kick eventually broke the deadlock, after an hour's play. Blin had a chance to increase the lead and probably seal the game within around 15 minutes to play. He tapped the ball into the post, then had the rebound shot blocked and cleared. Nevertheless, we held on for the win.

 

FC Saint-Louis Neuweg (18th, 4-8-14, 20points -13) v Vendee Herbiers (14th, 8-8-10, 32points -6) – French National, Match 27 of 34

Match 10: Won 4-0

The first ten minutes was all played in our defensive third, we couldn't get the ball out for more than a few seconds. It was only a matter of time before the pressure broke into a goal. That goal came on twenty minutes, I tried a few changes to our style but nothing was having any impact on the game. We did draw level, a solo run from Blin up the middle providing the only outlet in 40 minutes of play at the wrong end of the pitch. The second half continued with us being outplayed but the scores not coming. Against all odds we got the ball forward again and this time got a corner. Sauvage was awarded a penalty as the ball came in, which Benkada took and gave us a lead with. Patrice Marceau, who would not be playing if everyone's form was holding up, got us a third when a free kick bouced around the area and fell to him on the far post. I can see why Saint-Louis Neuweg are bottom of the table, even on the occasion they are the better team they manage to lose.

 

RC Strasbourg Alsace (9th, 11-5-11, 38points +2) v Vendee Herbiers (12th, 9-8-10, 35points -4) – French National, Match 28 of 34

Match 11: Drew 1-1

We absorbed some early pressure, this time without giving up a goal. The goal, instead, came from nowhere. Butez, back in the team after being dropped for form reason, put in an absolute howler to miss a softly hit straight one from twenty metres. And then did similar a few minutes later to ensure we were two down, although most of the blame was with Yattabare running under the ball. Vincent had also picked up a knock, so were using the middle of the field more with there not being a replacement on the bench. He was involved in our only good chance though, Benkada's central tun finding him out wide and Blin heading over the top on one he would normally score from. The stats suggested we had the better of the game that was a lie. Sometimes the quality of the chances is far more important than possession or shot counts, even shots on target. The two games prior to this might just have given me a chance to see out the season, but that is still going to require a few good results.

 

Vendee Herbiers (12th, 9-8-11, 35points -6) v Tours FC (13th, 10-5-13, 35points -9) – French National, Match 29 of 34

Match 12: Won 2-1

We had the better of the game from the start, although failed to capitalise. By half time the scoreres had not been bothered, despite our 14 shotes to 3. Shortly after resumption Sauvage, completely out of position on the wrong side of the box, managed to steer something home. Well placed I guess, but easily stoppable. Still, it counted and we had a lead. A second came with Sauvage's involvement, a cross headed home with authorityu by an opposiiton defender just before Blin could get to it. So we were two up. Blin has not been so effective without forward support, but our third came through him firing from just inside the area after some clever footwork by Benkada to get around a man and feed the assist.

 

US Boulogne Cote d'Opale (8th, 10-10-9, 40points +5) v Vendee Herbiers (12th, 10-8-11, 38points -3) – French National, Match 30 of 34

Match 13: Lost 1-0

We were not given a chance coming into this game, but as it unfolded both sides seemed to be on equal terms with neither making any sort of move likely to produce a chance. USBCO always seemed more likely to be able to make that move though. Late in the piece, with Flores tiring, we swapped back to the 4-4-2 bringing Bey on. He had the closest thing to a score for the match, slamming the woodwork. A scoreless draw. With four matches to play US Concarneau secured the title.

 

Vendee Herbiers (12th, 10-9-11, 39points -3) v Red Star FC (4th, 14-6-10, 48points +12) – French National, Match 31 of 34

Match 14: Lost 3-0

Red Star simply dominated, we could not string anything together when we got the ball and they had no problems piercing our defence with through balls. One player in particular was too quick for us to mark, or to get back and close down. It was purely luck that saw only go two down early ikn the second half. We did swap things around a little going back to the 4-4-2 and just playing route one in the hope we could create something. It made the game more entertaining, both teams had chances rather than only Red Star, and did result in one goal with Benkada mopping up the chance that spilled on the line. So, I guess it worked to an extent. But not enough to get us an unlikely point.

 

Paris FC (4th, 13-11-7, 50points +9) v Vendee Herbiers (12th, 10-9-12, 39points -4) – French National, Match 32 of 34

Match 15: Drew 1-1

We mixed things up again with the formation, everything appear to show they were most vulnerable to something a little different to what we were playing. But all that really resulted was the defence being even more disorganised than it has been for the last half-season or so – pretty terrible. Two minutes, a very poor goal down. Things didn't really settle as the game progressed and we soon reverted to the formation of the last two months, but playing wider and with the wings given more explicit attack orders. We were still outgunned in every part of the field, but at least the defence was holding some sort of shape even when beaten for a second goal two minutes into the second half. The promised vulnerabilities out wide were not showing though, even when Vincent got a run. Right at the end, he did get an assist for a Blin header. The first cross was rebounded straight back to Vincent, who basically repeated the original except this time Blin was in better position. And that was it, Red Star just knocked the ball around to see out stoppage time.

 

We finish with fourth (for the third time running) and sixth, so avoiding relegation is still tricky.

 

[BadManager]

May - June 2029

Vendee Herbiers Football

French National

 

Vendee Herbiers (13th, 10-9-13, 39points -5) v FC Montceau Bourgogne (4th, 14-10-8, 52points +12) – French National, Match 33 of 34

Match 16: Lost 3-0

We reverted back to 4-4-2 and put Baron in at right back, an area that had fallen away badly. He is not yet a player of sufficient quality, but right now the other options aren't either. Early success, as he sent the ball in to Blin after around ten minutes for Blin to take the new club league goalscoring record (the game only has records since the start of the save). We looked to have a second, Flores playing in central midfield with Popovic benched had his free kick sent back to him and with that he crossed in to Benkada who had the goalkeeper beaten but a defender got a last metre touch to nudge it out for a corner. Early in the second half the ball out wide to Vincent had its hoped for result, a cross in to a striker – this time Bey, right on the line for a goal. On the hour mark we conceded in similar fashion, their sole striker – with a broken nose – heading home from a cross from the right. Late in the day, a long shot against us was parried for a corner. The resulting kick led to a mad scramble on the line, and I thought over it but thankfully that wasn't how it was seen by the match officials. We held on for the win, and relegation avoidance. Relegation should not have been in the picture, but when things start going wrong I have no idea how to turn them around.

 

ES Wasquehal (8th, v Vendee Herbiers (13th, 11-9-13, 42points -4) – French National, Match 34 of 34

Match 17: Won 2-1

Baron was not so successful to start his second game back in the side, giving up a penalty after eight minutes when the ball was already going to go out for a goal kick. The kick was hit true enough, with Barbier going the wrong way. A second came after a long free kick on the hour mark, three opposition players went up for the header, and none of ours. One got it cleanly enough to score. We were just put to the sword, and the 75th minute third goal capped off a calamitous performance. I don't understand how the defence crumbled so badly for so much of this season, but they definitely did.

 

An ugly season all up, particularly in the second half but the first was disappointing in itself.

 

Previous clubs

Sarnese (Italy) – Still Serie D, an unplayable league

Melfi (Italy) – Serie C/C, 7th, lost first round of playoffs, nobody of note still there from my day

Achilles '29 (Holland) – Jupiler League, 6th, lost first round of playoffs, highest finish in (in game) club history

Stranraer (Scotland) – League Two, 10th of 10, survived a relegation playoff, poor returns from most players still there from my time, my signing Donaldson topped the goalscoring

Season|Team              |Competition         |  W|  D|  L|  GF|  GA|  GD|Posn  | Notes

20/21 |Sarnese           |SerieC Cup          |  0|  1|  1|   1|   2|  -1|Group |                     
      |                  |SerieC/C            |  7|  7| 26|  16|  79| -63|19th  |Playouts

21/22 |Sarnese           |SerieC Cup          |  0|  2|  0|   0|   0|   0|Group |
      |                  |SerieC/C            |  3|  7| 17|  25|  66| -41|20th  |Resigned 37 of 38 games
  
22/23 |Melfi             |SerieC Cup          |  0|  1|  0|   2|   2|   0|Rnd 2 |
      |                  |Italian Cup         |  0|  0|  1|   0|   2|  -2|      |2nd Qual Rd
      |                  |Serie C/C           | 13| 13| 11|  47|  41|  +6|11th  |

23/24 |Melfi             |SerieC Cup          |  0|  1|  1|   1|   2|  -1|Group |
      |                  |SerieC/C            |  6|  5| 10|  20|  27|  -7|14th  |Sacked 21 of 28 games

23/24 |Achilles '29      |Jupiler League      |  0|  6|  7|  10|  16|  -6|14th  |Playoff round 1

24/25 |Achilles '29      |Jupiler League      |  1|  7|  8|  11|  25| -14|16th  |Sacked after 16 of 38 games

24/25 |Stranraer         |Scottish League 2   |  8|  2|  2|  21|  10| +11|6th   |Took over 10th, after 24 of 36

25/26 |Stranraer         |Betfred Cup         |  2|  1|  1|   6|   4|  +2|Group | 2nd in Group
      |                  |Challenge Cup       |  1|  0|  1|   4|   5|  -1|2nd Rd|
      |                  |Scottish Cup        |  1|  0|  1|   3|   2|  +1|3rd Rd|
      |                  |Scottish league 2   | 15| 11| 10|  44|  37|  +7|4th   |Lost playoff semi

26/27 |Stranraer         |Betfred Cup         |  1|  0|  3|   6|   7|  -1|Group |4th in Group
      |                  |Challenge Cup       |  4|  0|  1|  12|   5|  +7|QtrFin|
      |                  |Scottish Cup        |  1|  0|  1|   2|   2|  +1|3rd Rd|
      |                  |Scottish league 2   |  5|  3| 11|  17|  32| -15|8th   |Lost playoff semi

26/27 |Vendee Herbiers   |French National     |  3|  0|  1|   6|   4|  +2|13th  |Took over 16th, after 30 of 34

27/28 |Vendee Herbiers   |French National     | 18|  5| 11|  55|  46|  +9|3rd   |Playoff
      |                  |French Cup          |  3|  0|  1|  14|   3| +11|8th Rd|
      |                  |Ligue 2 Playoff     |  0|  0|  2|   0|   6|  -6|      |

28/29 |Vendee Herbiers   |French National     | 11|  9| 14|  41|  48|  -7|13th  |
      |                  |French Cup          |  5|  0|  1|  21|   5| +11|10thRd|One win in extra time
      |                  |Coupe de la Ligue   |  0|  0|  1|   0|   2|  -2|      |
================================================================================================================
Total  Games 343                               108  81 144  385  480  -95
                                               32% 24% 43% 1.16 1.44 -0.285per game

================================================================================================================
Titles
Nil

Awards
    Manager of the Month
    Stranraer               Scottish League 2       2024/25     April, 2025
                                                    2025/26     October, 2025

 

[BadManager]

FCO Dijon

 

The first job is to clear out some wage budget. Wages are way over the allowed budget, spending £156k a week of the permitted £113k. As I write this I haven't yet really looked at the players. The squad start out as follows.

O'Neill was immediately put on the transfer list due to his wages, but his contract is almost up and he will probably leave for free. Ideally, Hendriks loan from Ajax would be extended. That remains to be seen on day one.

Edited November 24, 2021 by BadManager

[BadManager]

July – August 2029

Dijon FCO

Ligue Two

As June ended, Hendriks loan was not yet extended and Steinmann's was not available for extension. In addition, we were unable to meet terms for the two guys I had as our starting centre backs and as expected O'Niell had departed from the starting midfield. The latter was costing a lot, and taking up a valuable non-EU position so I was not that upset with his departure. Finding someone of equal ability won't be easy but finances dictate certain things.

 

Even with those losses, we remained over the wage budget by 8k as the year turned over. The trimmed down senior squad as at 1 July is shown below. The selections show the formation that was chosen based on the initial squad, it would seem that a one striker formation will be used now, which should allow Kouassi to play in his preferred attacking midfield position. His is one of the higher wages, so if it turns out he doesn't fit in a tactic he may be sold – or preferably loaned out if someone is prepared to pay a large chunk of his wage in the process, he needs first team time either way. Autret and Nordin could also both be sold for the right offer. Herve, in on trial, will not be signed.

 

 

The Hendriks loan extension went ahead, and a £3.6m offer came in for Bony. That is tempting, as it would bring the wages down to just under the budget and potentially boost possible transfer spend.

We are short on left-backs, so Breton going to the media and formally handing in a transfer request was not great. I will sell him if we get a good price, but I don't really want to leave another hole in what is now a thin squad.

 

Bookmakers had us as 8th favourites to promote, I think anything near the top half (of 20) will be a decent enough result.

 

I forgot I had friendlies set to be automatically played, they began with 1-0 home defeat to Swiss top tier side St Gallen. Statistically, some very poor passing percentages in defence but we did have more shots even if few were on target. Olaya credited (debited?) with 11 mistakes. That is also a concern, but may just be early pre-season rustiness. Second up, a 2-0 win over top flight Belgians Charleroi. Then Breton's whinging forced my hand, he left, and of course we drew his new club in the Coupe de la Ligue. The final two friendlies were both win, but against lesser opposition without a lot to learn.

 

 

La Berrichonne (Ligue 2) v Dijon FCO – Coupe de la Ligue Preliminary Round

Well, there's something I didn't look for. Mbaye is suspended for the cup match and Durand was injured, bringing in a bad reserves goalkeeper. Thee opening goal wasn't really his fault, but a first choice keeper would have either got the floated pass or stopped the header rather than being out of position for both. The two defenders waiting under the ball should have done much better though. After the break, we pulled it back. A slow, patient, at times dubious build-up that Devarraewarre was on the end of. Only for a second to come a little unluckily, there was plenty of pressure on the crossing player, even a little deflection, but it fell perfectly for their striker. Hendricks managed an equaliser, with a well placed but really quite inadequate strike. It should have been stopped but got the game to penalties. Which we lost 4-2 after having two saved in a row.

 

Dijon FCO v FC Lorient (Last season 6th; Predicted 2nd) – Ligue 2, Match 1 of 38

Our defence had to do a lot of early work, but never got penetrated in any dangerous fashion through the first half. Indeed, the stats suggested roughly equal possession and shots although the highlights were largely one way. Not long after the break, Lorient's better chances paid dividends, a top quality through ball and a blasting shot just inside goalmouth did for us. We got level again ten minutes later, some indecision in their defence resulted in them feeding Bisson charging up from the middle. He would have been offside if we had made the pass, as it was he took the ball goalside of the penalty spot and beat the keeper one on one. With three defenders on him Hendricks forced their goalie into a diving save in the final minute. Result: 1-1. Both sides might be counting the injury toll. For us, it turned out only left back Joubert would miss time. Up to two weeks.

 

ESTAC Troyes (Last season Ligue1 19th; Predicted 1st) v Dijon FC – Ligue 2, Match 2 of 38

A tough game for Thomas Planche to be brought up from the youth squad and fill the left-back gap in. Things were not looking good werhn hendricks twisted his knee in the ninth minute. He stayed on the pitch, at least. And even got involved, managing to be in the right place for an assist to open the scoring through Ansudane. His soreness was showing though, when he tried to take off on a run and just couldn't. He ended up just lumping a weak long shot from close to the half way line. We took that lead to the break, Kouassi playing as attacking mid having provided some of the better looking moves. After an hour Hendricks came off, and the yellow carded Bony. Hendricks' replacement was Sarr, and he gave us our second goal. Again Kouassi controlled the build-up, slowly and carefully. Troyes got themselves back into it on 81 minutes, a cross from the right met with a good header. Planche maybe caught out of position a little, hardly a surprise. A second in the 91st was a bit more disappointing. Again it came from the right (our left), but there were chances to cut off an angled cross. Instead the striker was allowed to run on unmarked. Maybe there was a hint offside, some of our players thought so but it looked fine to me. And it wasn't over, 93rd minute and we had the lead again, a simple tap in by Ansudane after Sarr provided a ball through the defence. Result: Won 3-2. We did have the better chances, if less of them; a draw wouild maybe have been a better reflection of the game. Hendricks will miss up to 12 days, there's an eight day break before the next game so not too costly.

 

FC Nantes (Last season 7th; Predicted 3rd) v Dijon FC – Ligue 2, Match 3 of 38

We were content with sitting back and soaking up pressure for this game. The pitfall of that is if things fall apart. Somehow just shy of 40 minutes in, we faced a four on zero situation in the right of our own area. It was hardly a surprise that led to a goal. They probably could have played the percentages and taken a more sure shot, but it was good enough. A second came after the break with a glorious ground level cross. Our defence got back, but the combination was too good as we had just changed attitude to find a goal. We did create two good chances, one required a solid save, the other squandered. Result: Lost 2-0.

 

Dijon FC v Valenciennes FC (Last season 10th : Currently 18th 0-2-1 GD -1) – Ligue 2, Match 4 of 38

Hendricks was back, and the victim of a sliding tackle in the third minute. While he was getting up we got the ball into the box, but Ansudane had nobody to play to. He was brought down, and took the resulting penalty, hitting straight at the goalkeeper. Thankfully the goalkeeper guessed to his right, so the straight one put us a goal up. By the break, both sides had hit the woodwork. Kouassi was unusually quiet, but when he did show up a few minutes into the second half he made it count. A perfectly weighted ball for Ansudane to run onto – even if it should have been called offside it was enough to double the lead. No doubt about our third, as Kouassi got in the action again. As the scorer this time. Result : Won. 3-0

 

I am making this squad weaker all the time. Full back Emilio Olaya, who hasn't played yet due to injury is leaving for £500k. That may reach 650k in the end. We picked up Congolese international Michel Gossama to play right back in his place, on a free and at a quarter of the wage. And 16 year old striker Thomas Bouillaguet came in for £40k. He won't play this season, depending on other injury but comes for three years and so could well be first team in that time. The last match of this update happens to also be the closing date of the transfer window.

 

 

 

US Creteil-Lustinas (Last season 18th : Currently 16th 1-1-2 GD -3) v Dijon FC – Ligue 2, Match 5 of 38

All three of the attacking players were involved in short passes around the penalty spot, before Hendricks put in a weak shot, that the goalkeeper failed to lay a glove on. So, we went up after messing about and not taking the higher percentage chance. Still, we need Hendricks to get scoring. After being lucky to survive being ripped to shreds on our right hand side, we weren't so lucky a little later. Mbaye parried the first shot, and was in good position when the rebound came back at him. But he wasn't up to it, and 1-1 less than half an hour in. It stayed that way until the break, and we started trying to push al9ittle in the second half. We did manage a few more chances but were still being outplayed, and as players tired we went back into our shells. Only to concede after 85 minutes. There was an unlucky deflection, but that's the risk that comes with sitting back when being the second best team. Result : Lost 2-1

 

A disappointing way to finish what was a reasonable very early start part of the season.

 

The squad has a few injuries, etc. Getting Nordin involved might be important, he doesn't fit into the very narrowly focussed formation we are playing at the moment.

 

[BadManager]

 

 

September – October 2029

Dijon FCO

Ligue Two

 

Four players went on international duty, with Mbaye making his senior debut for Senegal.

Thankfully there was a slightly longer gap than usual, everyone except Hendricks (Dutch under 21s) would be back unless injury struck.

 

Dijon FCO v Amiens SC (20th, 0-2-3 GD -3) – Ligue 2, Match 6 of 38

As can be seen above, we had two suspensions to deal with coming into this match. Mbyae got injured in training, and started on the bench. We only had a two man bench. Not ideal for a game we should be looking to win. After a start where both sides created chances, and we looked very shaky, the game settled into a pattern of boredom. We made a change early in the second half, and used our one outfield bench player. Whether it was the change or not, who knows, but a minute later we had a score on the board through slow play and a Kouassi finish. Kouassi then picked up a knock, but had to play it out. We pulled back in the final minutes, and held on. Result : Won 1-0.

After the game the news on Kouassi was that he would miss 2-3 weeks.

 

US Concarneau (9th, 2-1-3 GD -1) v Dijon FCO – Ligue 2, Match 7 of 38

Concarneau were apparently among the relegation favourites, but we struggled to break them down. Eventually we got a ball to Ruiz, taking the attacking mid spot Kouassi usually holds, and he got through to Hendricks – only because the defender was amazingly slow. Hendricks put away a simple enough finish from there. A couple of minutes later a floated cross at our defensive end eluded everyone and ended up in the goalmouth. The goal was disallowed as a Corncarneau player tugged Mbaye's shirt. It wasn't the greatest game, but we held on. Result : Won 1-0.

 

Dijon FCO v Bourg-en-Bresse 01 (14th, 2-2-3 GD -1) – Ligue 2, Match 8 of 38

Injuries were still a concern, and we didn't quite have a full bench heading into this match. Other than what was necessary, we didn't change anything. While being the dominant team, we were not creating good chances. The first real chance should have been called offside, Hendricks telegraphed his attempt to place the shot and it was easily stopped. And that took 40 minutes. We did get on before the break though, Ansudane firing from just inside the area. Half an hour in top the second half it all went wrong. Precision passing saw our defence out of position, get back and get a deflection on a close range shot. Mbaye got a hand on it, but not enough. Then three minutes later the repeat was applied, thius time without us laying anything on it. Shortly before time, a final insult with a well placed longer range third to truly sink us. I'm not sure what they changed, but it worked for them. Result : Lost 3-1.

 

CS Sedan Ardennes (14th, 3-1-4 GD -4) v Dijon FCO – Ligue 2, Match 9 of 38

Both teams came into this off disappointing losses. We elected not to risk Kouassi, who was back in part-time training. James Fofana was almost ready as well, but not quite for this match and possibly not the next as there was a short break. Hendricks was supposed to be the hero of the season, he is rapidly coming close to getting his loan cancelled. Early in the game he missed an open header, deciding to test his skill by seeing how square on he could hit the crossbar. That looked like being the only decent chance form either side in the opening half, until a through ball found Ansudane. His shot probably should have been better, but it was good enough to get us a lead we probably didn't deserve. Just after the break, in what was not a surprise move we got caught out with an early cross. Their sole striker was on it before anyone else and despite some pressure found the goal quite easily to draw level. Autret was getting very tired, and had been a midfield weak point, which left little choice but to debut 16 year old Robert Joly off the bench. Thankfully it didn't cost us. Result : Drew 1-1. Two games we should have won, and we get a combined one point.

 

Dijon FCO v Clement Foot (17th, 2-4-3 GD -3) – Ligue 2, Match 10 of 38

Again, the defensive side of our midfield was non-existent with the opposition able to knock the ball around as they pleased. That ledt to the opening goal, when they found a man on a break. That was very quickly followed by a second. There is no reason we shoukld be so bad up the middle. We don't have numbers out wide, so the occasional cross is expected to bring trouble but not passing up the centre. We didn't vreate a chance of note until the 90th minute, and Kouassi hit the crossbar with that. After the game, Hendricks and Gassama both got a rocket for their recent form.

 

Paris FC (16th, 2-5-3 GD -1) v Dijon FCO – Ligue 2, Match 11 of 38

Hendricks got dropped as we moved to a single striker formation and played a defensive mid aftger the way we got cut up the middle in the previous games. I was not happy with that move, but things were looking very grim in those games. No difference, completely cut apart up the guts again early on. And we did nothing for the first half, except get away with a few close scrapes. The only chances we had for 70 minutes came from one corner, which the opposition got to but failed to clear. The ball fell to us three times, each time the shot was blocked. Late in the game we tried to make something of it, going back to the usual formation. Hendricks came on and completely fluffed a simple chance yet again. Result : Drew 0-0. And Kouassi got injured again, another 2-3 weeks.

 

Things were so bad, we had to have a team meeting. We also got a bit of a break after that string of bad results, a few players headed off for internationals at various levels and all performed poorly there too.

 

Dijon FCO v AC Ajaccio (5th, 4-4-3 GD +4) – Ligue 2, Match 12 of 38

A new formation again, Sarr comes back and plays right wing with Nordin on the left. A mix of injury and panic causing the changes. Things didn;'t seem to be a lot better. While maybe we weren't looking as poor defensively, we were producing nothing. The fact that it took until quite late, and a very good strike, for us to concede was a surprise. That Ruiz drew us level again with a pretty good hit of his own, after having tried something similar before and it being decidedly poor, was a bigger surprise. Result : Drew 1-1 in a game where we deserved nothing, even if the stats suggest we were fairly closely matched.

 

Stade Malherbe Caen (4t, 5-4-3 GD +6) v Dijon FCO – Ligue 2, Match 13 of 38

While both sides were creating half chances, the only true chance of the opening half fell to Ansudane. He hasn't looked so good as a sole striker, so needed the goal to get going again. He missed it. The opener came with the angles again too much for defence and Mbaye out of posiiton expecting the cross was beaten at the near post. Another cross a few minutes later was worse. With no attacking player coming onto it, Lischi slipped it into our own net just inside the upright with Mbaye no chance. We went from being marginally on top in a scoreless 60 minutes, to being two down inside 63. The third, very late in the piece, was perhaps the worst of the lot. In some ways, the worst goal we have conceded all season. We left three of their players unmarked streaming forward, with plenty of time to get back and nobody within twenty metres except a stranded Mbaye. Result : Lost 3-0.

 

Two matches into this update we were sitting third. Since then, things have been the bad run typical of all my FM careers.

 

 

 

At least a few players are coming back from injury, the squad was full of little red rectangles for a while. Planche, Joly, Leymarie, and even Joachim have no right being near a senior squad at this point. I think we will swap our setup back to start with two strikers again, just to help Ansudane and not because we have a second forward who is performing. First though, I will try one striker with Kouassi fit for an attacking mid role. We do have that among our trained options, again very narrow in the midfield with no wings.

 

 

[BadManager]

November – December 2029

Dijon FCO

Ligue Two

Dijon FCO v Quevilly Rouen Metropole (9th, 4-6-3 GD +1) – Ligue 2, Match 14of 38

The game started in terrible fashion. We had a free kick in a dnagerous spot, did nothing and were brutalised on the counter. Mbaye got both hands to what was an eventual weak shot, but did little more than slap in toward the centre of the goal and we were down after 15 minutes. We had been winning a few free kicks, though doing nothing with them. After a change of formation, Kouassi and Hendriks coming on for the final twenty minutes, we finally got something out of one. Lischi scoring at the right end, though we do we seem to have too many defenders forward for free kicks. The substitutes combined through luck right on the 90 minute mark. Kouassi dispossessed from behind, but the ball spilled to Hendriks. The goalkeeper could have had an easy clean up but failed to leave his line by the necessary three or four steps and Hendriks put us in front. Kouassi's failure to control the ball helped again in the final minute of stoppage time. Again, the ball fell to Hendriks. This time he found Ruiz open on the edge of the area. Result : Won 3-1. It was far from a good game, but the result might lift morale a little.

 

Havre Athletic Club (7th, 6-2-6 GD -1) v Dijon FCO – Ligue 2, Match 15 of 38

An early corner for Havre provided some problems. We got first head on it, but it fell toward opponents. The shot went just a touch wide, at first I thought it went in. Not much else happened until well into the second half. Nordin, getting a game because we still have to nurse Kouassi and Bony so started with wings, was having a quiet game but almost played Ansudane in. A superb stop by the goalkeeper being the only thing to ensure the scoring didn't start. The goalie also cleaned up the resulting corner. When Havre next advanced, they did the slow, short, play the angle passing that we struggle with so much. And sure enough got to an easy goalscoring position, but only managed to clip the outside of the upright. Both sides had one more simple shot each before the end, and managed to fluff it entirely. The way the game was played it did not look like a scoreless match. Yet, the result : Drew 0-0.

 

Iris Club Croix (CFA 2, unplayable league) v Dijon FCO – French Cup 7th Round

We really did not dominate like should be done against a team in a much lower division. In fact, we barely had a shot for 40 minutes. Kamissoko who had come forward broke the drought with a little bit of luck involved, truly unconvincing. For most of the second half, we could not even claim to be the better side and should have been behind by about 80 minutes. Thankfully, poor finishing meant we still had the lead. Result : Won 1-0

 

Dijon FCO v Nimes Olypique (7th, 6-3-6 GD +5) – Ligue 2, Match 16 of 38

Neither side was making moves of any note, untyil Mbaye got himself out of position going after the ball and beaten to it. The Nimes player had a very simple pass to make and the goal came from about a metre out. We had started Hendriks with Ansudane being ineffective as a sole forward. That didn't work either, so Ansudane came on early in the second half. A blind hoof forward from Ruiz found him coming forward, and he equalised with twenty to play. The other news was that Bony was able to play a part late in the game, and start on gaining some match fitness. Result : Drew 1-1.

 

US Orleans (15th, 4-7-5 GD -6) v Dijon FCO – Ligue 2, Match 17 of 38

Back to the 4-3-1-2 for this one. We really need to find a way to get Kouassi and Nordin to play together, this isn't it. Eight minutes in we had the lead, and some of the thumped long balls before that we actually had a cjance of winning. The goal came that way, Ansudane on the end of it and getting a short tun in before placing the shot. On half an hour we almost had a second, Hendriks stripping his defender of the ball but failing to take the resulting open shot. Ansudane instead put it wide. Knocking it around on the edge of their area, I was expecting an intercept and to be hit on the counter. Instead we managed to control the ball. Kouassi provided the moment, a backheel letting Ansudane for a second. We came very close to an instant concession, firstly a corner than almost found a target, then the lack of platers out wide was exposed in the clearance and a cross came in and met solidy but into the cross-bar. Inm the final ten, Kouassi scored a goal of his own, one which made me wonder why he takes so many weak shots. This wasn't blasted but it had enough on it and was perfectly placed. 85th minute and we conceded, partly the lack of wide players, partly just a mix in defence where nobody got anything on an air ball where we outnumbered them three to one. Which was the final score. Result : Won 3-1.

 

Dijon FCO v La Berrichomme (2nd, 9-3-5 GD +9) – Ligue 2, Match 18 of 38

The stats sheet said we had an eleven shot to two first half. It really hadn't seemed that way, barely a highlight to be seen and the shots were all low quality. The second half produced something early on. Again it seemed we were determined to not make a move and wait for the ball to be stolen, but Hendriks eventually played the ball for Ansudane to make a break onto and he put it past the goalie's left hand. A corner was not properly cleared by La Berrichomme, and Kouassi found himself in the open with the ball. He fired but hit the upright. After almost being hit on the counter ourselves, we broke up the middle through Kouassi. He evaded one man, then put the ball infor for Hendriks and the lead was doubled on 82 minutes. Then Ansudane came off injured, the medical report after the game looked likely to be bad. Two minutes into stoppage time, a cross came in to where our defence should have been and was headed truly. Mbaye did enough to tip it over. We almost cleared the corner, but it came straight back in and the took a deflection to wrong-foot everyone and go in. Result : Won 2-1.

 

Ansudane would miss 5-6 days according to the medicos. That would mean the next game, but he should be available after that.

 

SAS Espinal (National, 5th) v Dijon FCO – French Cup, 8th Round

As is so often the way when we are narrow favourites, we were controlling the game without creating chances. Nothing of significance came until 60 minutes in, and that was Espinal with a rare attacking move that left our defence flat footed. The shot was saved, but should never have occurred. The deadlock was finally broken a couple of minutes later, Bisson firing from just outside the area to give us a lead. Our back half was consistently turning the ball over, going for the quick release when they had time to assess options. A couple of times it looked like costing us. But we scored the second on 70 minutes, Bisson with the assist this time. He looked like trying to repeat the dose, but just dabbed off to Kouassi who scored. Result : Won 2-0. A few shakes, but certainly the better side overall.

 

US Avranches (12th, 7-3-8 GD -4) v Dijon FCO – Ligue 2, Match 19 of 38

A struggle to break their defences early, the one man attack in Ansudane not getting the support needed and resulting in some wasteful long shots. It did only take 15 minutes for a score to come, from looked like another wasted move but the goalkeeper failed to stop what he got to easily. Things stayed much the same, we got a few chances and wasted them. The in the 84th minute a run up the right saw a cross come in that should have been easily picked off. Instead we allowed their striker the shot, which was parried. But the rebound was tapped in. Directly after the kick-off we got forward, the ball was met by Ansudane on the half-volley and the shot was on target. But stopped. As the final whistle went, Ansudane was heading for the attacking area as the ball was coming in loose and ready to be swooped on. Result : 1-1. Not good enough.

 

Dijon FCO v ESTAC Troyes (1st, 11-4-4 GD +11) – Ligue 2, Match 20 of 38 [In match 2, Won 3-2]

The last game of 2029, as we start the turn for home. Joubert was missing through suspension, leaving the underskilled, underdeveloped, underwhelming Planche to start at left back. We were under siege from the opening minute. Mbaye fumbling a take over the line for a corner, which resulted in attack after attack in our area. Any one of which could easily have been a goal, until we finally made a short-lived longer clearance three minutes later. Our brief move from there was cut short by Planche not running on to an open ball, and then not getting back as Troyes came at us again. Eight minutes in, another corner, this time we didn't get any sort of clearance and were one down. Half an hour in and the pressure was too much, there was nothing special about their second goal but it was inevitable. On 40 minutes we did get one back. After a quick break we were held at the edge of the area. Unable to advance, the ball slipped sideways to Ruiz who had enough time to take a shot and managed to put it across the goal keeper into the top right corner. And shortly before the half, we finally found a way through. Bony playing the angle, managing to thread two defenders and Ansudane – from almost offside – managed to get to it first and a little touch just beat the goalie.

Somehow we got to a lead early in the second half. Bony did well to ignore the offside Kouassi, Ansudane ran inside for the pass and again narrowly evaded the keeper with the shot. Five minutes later and we a fourth, Bisson this time from just inside the area. Devarreware's two interceptions in quick succession were instrumental in allowing our forward players to stay forward. Twice we came very close to a fifth, one off the inside of the woodwork and one only because sloppy goalkeeping almost allowed a straight forward shot to go in. Result : Won 4-2. That should keep the fans happy over Christmas.

 

That finished off a much better string of results than in the previous update, and put us in a position to challenge for promotion if form can be reatined.

As the month and year ticked over Ansudane was runner-up in player of the month.

The squad list shows the line-up for that last match. Joubert normally replaces Planche, but we still need a left back and a better back-up centre back than Kamissoko. We could recall Lamboley from loan to take that bench spot and fill in sometimes here. He is saying he feels the loan is no longer helping him.

A new right winger is arriving early in January to allow for a formation using wings more. We might give that, and him, a run in the friendly and every now and then if match situations permit.

I don't want to break up the Ruiz, Bony, Bisson midfield though. They seem to be working well as a unit. One player who doesn't get much mention in the matches is Alberto Lischi, he has been great in defence.

Six months ago, Andudane had a valuation of £650k, mind you a few other have dropped even if they have been playing well.

[BadManager]

January – February 2030

Dijon FCO

Ligue Two

FC Hegenheim (Regional leagues) v Dijon FCO – French Cup, 9th Round

I probably should not have done so, but we started virtually our full starting eleven in this game. Thirteen seconds in Ruiz almost gave us the the lead. Kouassi did so seven minutes later, following a corner which had the ball pinging around in the area. He was the first to control it, held it up and turned before putting away a shot that would never have been allowed against better opponents. A minute later, Ruiz curkled in a free kick for 2-0. Another corner, this time defended well to put the ball out wide. But it came back in, and Ruiz and Kouassi combined for a third. Bony added to the party after 25, a little bit of a run and a shot from just outside the area. With our new winger having arrived, it was starting to be time to bring him on and try out a new formation. Ansudane tried to get involved, was forced out wide and twice dispossessed. But the ball fell to Ruiz and we had five inside 35 minutes. Kouassi's hattrick was complete before half time, a ball in from the left that he just helped on its way. 23 shoits to zero and the half, and this was when I swapped things around. We didn't look anywhere near as composed after the break, but we still had a seventh just seven minutes in. Ansudane on the end of some clumsy play for a cheap one. It only took 68 seconds for his next. An hour in, they had their first shot. It was terrible, a wild hack way from way on the wing, across and almost to the corner flag on the other side of the pitch. Ansudane's hattrick came after 85 minutes, and we had nine. A tenth didn't come. Had I known it would be so easy, the starting team would have looked quite different.

 

The new signing came in from Livorno, in Italy's Serie B. We overpaid for him, but I am really struggling to bring in first team options and he allows Nordin to play on the left in a wing based formation. I think he will prove worthwhile.

 

Dijon FCO (6th, 8-7-5, 31pts, GD +3) v FC Nantes (16th, 5-7-8, 22pts, GD -8) – Ligue 2, Match 21 of 38 [In match 3, Lost 2-0]

Nantes started the stronger side, and they finished one off after 15 minutes. Quite a magnificently hit long shot into the bottom corner. I can't really fault anyone for that, it was just too good. As the gamew ent on we couldn't do anything to get going. In the second half we threw things around a bit, nothing changed. Nantes were slightly on top, and that early strike proved the difference. Result : Lost 1-0.

 

And Ansudane picked up a 2-3 week injury, giving Hendriks a chance to force his way back in.

 

Vallenciences (13th, 6-8-7, 26pts, GD 0) v Dijon FCO (8th, 8-7-6, 31pts, GD +2) – Ligue 2, Match 22 of 38 [In match 4, Won 3-0]

A cracking start for us, a throw in froim the right just passed left across the edge of the area before Bisson (third in line) took the shot and hammered home. Hendriks caused dome issues six mionutes later, a solo run with four pressuring him. He hit the shot fairly well, but the goalkeeper parried for a corner. We were looking the better team, but failed to deliver anything else in the half. A second came shortly after resumption. Lischi rising above the pack having come forward for a corner, and heading home from about six metres. An excellent bit of holding up the ball by Ruiz allowed Hendriks to time a run and score our third late in the piece. Yellow cards galore, but no reds at 86 minutes. And Lischi again from a corner, this time volleying home from almost chest high at the far post after Fofana got a head on it. Result : Won 4-0

 

Two players reached their yellow card limit, Bony and Devarrwaere missed the next match.

 

Dijon FCO (6th, 9-7-6, 34pts, GD +6) v US Creteil-Lusitanos (2nd, 12-4-6, 40pts, GD +7) – Ligue 2, Match 23 of 38 [In match 5, Lost 2-1]

Creteil-Lusitanos feature the league's top goalscorer, and generally play a 4-2-3-1 formation which I planned use ourselves at some point in the game. Partly due to the central midfield suspensions, and partly to ensure more players meet the cup eligibility rules of having played a part in the preceding two competitive matches (the cup was next up). We didn't start that way , switching instead to 4-3-1-2 without the defensive mid. Early on it seemed like we were playing against one man, but that man was too good for us – no wonder he heads the goalscoring. They just lump it to him regularly, but when he scored it was from a little (not much) more science. A corss on the 45 frm very deep and he just sailed through to head home. We were really missing having a DM in position, as not only did we lack the man staying back we looked incredibly slow to go with it. We made the previously mentioned changes at the 55 minute mark, it seemed like it could do no harm and allowed two sub-standard players to leave the picth. Maybe it improved things a little, we cam close to equalising twice but thoroughly deserved the loss. Result : Lost 1-0 Any match without points hurts a lot in this league right now.

 

Dijon FCO v SC Bastia (Ligue 1, 11th) – French Cup, 10th Round

We were holding our own against superior opposition, but struggling to move forward much. Bastia were not doing a lot either and it was becoming a bit of a holding pattern. Then the backpass from hell. The ball played back slowly from about a quarter of the way up the pitch, the goalkeeper slow to come out and meet it. Ansudane, back to near full fitness, pounced. We had a lead after 35 minutes. There was very nearly a second, I was waiting for Ruiz to shoot but he didn't and was dispossessed. Gassama sent it back in, the ball bounced of Kouassi almost blind to it and ricocheted into the right upright. In some ways we were unlucky to only be one up at the break, after the opener we had made all the running in the next ten minutes. A Bisson free kick from a little outside the area curled toward the top corner, the opposing goalkeeper got a glove on. And kept it out, or so it seemed but it forced through to double our lead. In the end, 55% possession, 21 shots to 10, and Result : Won 2-0.

 

Amiens SC (13th, 7-7-9, 28pts, GD 0) v Dijon FCO (8th, 9-7-7, 34pts, GD +5) – Ligue 2, Match 24 of 38 [In match 6, Won 1-0]

One of the luckiest goals going around. From a corner the ball was rebounded, for some reasin Ansudane was on the edge of the area and passed back into a mess. Fofana had no idea the ball hit him and driblled off to just make it over the line. Except it was disallowed through a dodgy offside call. Probably justice, but the call did not look right. Other than that non-event, not much was going on. We had most of the chances, but they weren't meaningful in any way. In the end an Amiens chance broke the deadlock, in our favour. A corner was cleared long and found Ansudane, who was immediately tackled but the ball fell to a steaming Bisson, who put the ball out in front and Ansudane ran on to cross for a simple Kouassi goal. In the remaining few minutes of the half, Ansudane came close to scoring one of his own. Bony getting the way of corners and clearing long to find him was becoming a theme of the match. A splendid run from Tissier up the left wing for Amiens left us vulnerable, and the angled cross was volleyed home with authority to level the game up on 66 minutes. And that was not a good result for a game where we dominated the stats sheet. We just could not force our way to another goal, very disappointing up front. Result : Drew 1-1.

 

Dijon FCO (7th, 9-8-7, 35pts, GD +5) v US Concarneau (9th, 10-5-9. 35pts, GD +2) – Ligue 2, Match 25 of 38 [In match 7, Won 1-0]

With the struggles to score, we started a two man striker formation and much to my own surprise Bony started on the bench. Largely because I wanted a ball winning midfielder with no defensive mid. Ten minutes, and Bisson was brought down in the area after taking the ball from a throw. Ansudane's penalty was almost stopped, but we took a lead. In fstoppage time of the first half, we were forced back to the one striker system, Hendriks forced off through injury. We were getting little of the ball, Concerneau essentially none of the chances as the teams went into the sheds for oranges and illegal betting on the match. Luck is running against us now, Ruiz getting a clear head to a Concerneau corner and somehow managing on the barest touch to score for them early in the second half. He almost got it back ten minutes later, but once things start running against you the woodwork gets a lot wider. Any slim hope of making a playoff spot was gone, an utter disgrace of a game. Result : Drew 1-1.

 

Hendriks will very probably not play again this season, 4-5 month estimated on an achilles tear.

 

Bourg-en-Bresse Peronnas 01 (17th, 8-4-13, 28pts, GD -8) v Dijon FCO (10th, 9-9-7, 36pts, GD +5) – Ligue 2, Match 26 of 38 [In match 8, Lost 3-1]

A secondary feature of interest in this match was that they would likely be starting two of our players on loan to them. Kouassi went ona run up the middle with Ansudane not bothering to provide any support. The resulting wild shot was put out for a corner, which was wasted with a little chip straight to an opponent. Apart from that, Ansudane missed an absolute sitter from two metres out after yet another shot that looked like going in but struck the woodowrk. The keeper was on the ground following a dive, there was no defence and the team's only striker managed to shove it wide when a hefty airswing might have been enough to blow it in. Apparently Dmitri Guise wants to come back to his home club and take a midfield spot, by killing any competition for the role. His challenge to bring down Kouassi – also showing laziness later in the half – was ugly. We did finally score after 47 minutes, Ansudane managed to save himself a few minutes on the pitch with a touch to Bony. Then he was brought down by Guise and finally got the red he probably should have got the first time. The guy who scored a hattrick against us in the earlier match had a solo run unchallenged down the right and put in a cross for the equaliser on 80 minutes. A quick break after we squandered chances at the other end and defence was caught out. Result : Drew 1-1 giving up the equaliser ten men. Its fair to say I was not happy with the lads after the game.

 

I think we threw away six points in those last three games, without actually losing. Look what a difference that would have made to the table. We can almost be a good team, but we are not quite there.

 

Not accounting for injury and suspension, this is essentially the formations we are training in, in order of most to least used. With Hendriks no longer a second option up front, the use of wings will be more common.

 

[BadManager]

March - April 2030

Dijon FCO

Ligue Two

Dijon FCO (8th, 9-10-7, 37pts, GD +5) v CS Sedan Ardennes (19th, 7-5-14, 26pts, GD -15) – Ligue 2, Match 27 of 38 [In match 9, Drew 1-1]

We really had to show some form against the lower opposition. And didn't. It took half an hour to get a decent chance, and Ansudane flicked it up into the crossbar for no reason othert than to show he can be a complete failure when he wants. And things never got any better, I can't even honestly say we were the better team. We were just as inept as they were. Result : Drew 0-0.

 

LOSC Lille (Ligue 1, 17th) v Dijon FCO – French Cup, 11th Round

The short time between matches meant we basically conceded this match to snure some players had fitness for the league game two days later. We started most of a first team, more than I hoped for to be honest. And started the better side, Ansudane missed a chance in th opening thirty seconds and from a free kick the underdone, underskilled Kamissoko; who came in to rest Fofana; managed to weakly direct a header the right way. It barely made the distance but somehow bounced in for us to lead. LOSC replied quickly, this time Kamissoko's defensive skills were shown up as he was easily rounded allowing for a clinical finish. In under nine minutes, three goals had been scored in the match. Ullivi controlled the ball well and got it to Kouassi inboard. He only just got it off in time, but fed Ansudane expertly in doing so and we had a lead again. Just before half time and LOSC grabbed a second equaliser. We cleared but only to two waiting opponents. Some very nice, quick, precision passing and we were toast at the back. The better side took the lead on the hour mark, again it was the way they fed the ball sideways with precision and created gaps in our back-line that proved so fruitful. We tried pushing forward to grab a third, but overall we were outplayed despite taking advantage of our very few chances early in the game. Only 29k at a 50k stadium, so not even the cash injection it could have been (I presume gates are shared in this cup). Result : Lost 3-2.

 

Clermont Foot (20th, 6-7-14, 25pts, GD -16) v Dijon FCO (10th, 9-11-7, 38pts, GD +5) – Ligue 2, Match 28 of 38 [In match 10, Lost 2-0]

We looked by far the beter side in the opening half hour, but probably our best chance didn't even result in a shot. We were back in the formation we have played almost all season, yet a complete breakdown saw Ruiz not have a clue where Ansudane was running for the open chance and instead he sent it to a gaggle of defenders instead of the clear man. Then followed a succession of four corners, with three blocked shots before the goalkeeper caught the fourth. Of course, when Clermont finally came to our end they scored immediately. We just could not get a good chance away, while the far inferior side the one thing Clermont were doing was blocking everything. Finally, in the 89th minute, Ansudane was awarded a penalty. Undeserved, but at least he put it away after “winning” it. And so we escaped with a draw in a game we controlled, and yet an escape it was. Result : Drew 1-1.

 

Dijon FCO (10th, 9-12-7, 39pts, GD +5) v Paris FC (19th, 6-9-13, 27pts, GD -13) – Ligue 2, Match 29 of 38 [In match 11, Drew 0-0]

We really are bad against poor teams. Ruiz missed through suspension, giving Autret a rare start. But it was panic in defence that gave up the first real chance of the game, Paris are better in the air and we panicked on a cross from a free kick giving up a penalty. Mbaye saved, damned good save too. I thre everything forward toward then trying to get a winner, but the lads still just slowly knocked it around the middle of the park with no urgency at all. Frustrating. Result : Drew 0-0.

 

That made it six league draws in a row, it probably should have been 4-1-1 in that period – seven points missing from our tally.

 

AC Ajaccio (3rd, 14-9-6, 51pts, GD +15) v Dijon FCO (9th, 9-13-7, 40pts, GD +5) – Ligue 2, Match 30 of 38 [In match 12, Drew 1-1]

This one was a real snorefest for the fans. Nothing happened at all. Ajaccio had one decent chance that they failed to get on target. It was the 90th minute before we got anything vaguely realistic. I think even the players were falling asleep, Kouassi slipped in a lazy short pass to Ansudane who found the goal opening. Result : Won 1-0. Of all the matches, this is the one that should have been a draw, and a scoreless one at that.

 

Dijon FCO (9th, 10-13-7, 43pts, GD +6) v Stade Malherbe Caen (6th, 12-10-8, 46pts, GD +10) – Ligue 2, Match 31 of 38 [In match 13, Lost 3-0]

We were c9ntrolling the match, without getting a score. Plenty of shots, some of them decent percentage chances, but no goal. By half time we had 60% of the ball, and 13 shots to 4. Yet no goals, Ansudane came close once and Kouassi looked certain but a diving save prevented the score. As the second half wore on, much of the same. The first really dangerous opportunity our opponents got was in the 86th minute, which resulted in a goalmouth scramble and corner. The corner resulted in a corner, which Mbaye got to and held. They got their second shot on target for the match as the final whistle blew. Result : Drew 0-0, after 10 on target shots to 2 (the stats show one, but that last shot was taken just before the whistle).

 

Quivelly Rouen Metropole (15th, 9-9-13, 36pts, GD -3) v Dijon FCO (8th, 10-14-7, 44pts, GD +6) – Ligue 2, Match 32 of 38 [In match 14, Won 3-1]

It looked like being another game of dominance without scoring. For ten minutes anyway, then a lucky one. Kouassi shot from the edge of the area without much power or placement. The goalkeeper got to it, but the stop wasn't clean. It went into the right hand upright, rolled slowly the whole goal-width before resting against the back of the left upright apparently fully over the line. Ansudane had two more really good chances in the next ten minutes, one from a solo run, one from a nice bit of passing play, but shot both directly at the keeper. And another ten short of the half, where he beat the keeper but not the crossbar. The ball almost punctured with the power it struck the woodwork. For all that we looked the more likely, Rouen were creating their own chances. They were just lower percentage shots most of the time. Result : Won 1-0.

 

Dijon FCO (8th, 11-14-7, 47pts, GD +7) v Havre Athletic Club (3rd, 15-9-8, 54pts, GD + 10) – Ligue 2, Match 33 of 38 [In match 15, Drew 0-0]

An early-ish goal for Kouassi took some nerves out of the game, we had been second to the ball a lot before that move up the middle. Even that started with Bony seemingly out of position to take a pass meant for him. We ned a bit more of that from Kouassi, prepared to run forward of Ansudane to provide another option. A few minutes later some missed opportunities to challenge cost us, a well hit shot beating Mbaye for the first time in a while. From then on, the game played out in familiar fashion. We were the better side with the better chances, Ansudane chipped everything directly at the goalkeeper. Result : Drew 1-1.

 

On the eve of the following game, news that Joubert would very likely miss the rest of the season. His is one position we really will be looking to upgrade, for now we have to downgrade for five games.

 

Nimes Olympique (9th, 12-10-11, 46pts GD +4) v Dijon FCO (8th, 11-15-7, 48pts, GD +7) – Ligue 2, Match 34 of 38 [In match 16, Drew 1-1]

Joubert was injured between games, and the likely replacement Planche was also injured. This meant playing Fofana out of position, and Kamissoko playing. Neither are good choices. A bit of a low skill slog early on, but at least we got a goal after 13 minutes. Ansudane was brought down in the box, fairly apparently, but a shot got away and rebounded to Bony just inside the area who managed to just evade the keeper. Our weakness on the left was exposed via a corner, Nimes players able to get the ball out to a clear man who fired hard and true. Both Bony and Ruiz came close late in the first half, but no further score. Seventy minutes in Ansudane was on the end of some good work from Ruiz and Bony, and slid it under the goalkeeper's right. Lischi saved us late in the game when the left side was again exposed, getting back and stopping what looked certain to be a run onto a loose ball by two Nimes players. Result : Won 2-1.

 

Dijon FCO (8th, 12-15-7, 51pts, GD +8) v US Orleans (13th, 10-11-13, 41pts, GD -3) – Ligue 2, Match 35 of 38 [In match 17, Won 3-1]

Fofana, already playing out of position as left full back, started this game with a minor injury. Planche returned to the bench, the plan being for each to probably play around a half each. Shortly before the break, we got a quick counter begun by a header from the injured Fofana. Ruiz ran up the middle with only Ansudane ahead, evaded the couple of defenders who had stayed back and Ansudane put away the one on one. In doing so, he claimed a new club season goal scoring record. We didn't even hold the lea duntil the break, a stoppage time Orleans goal coming from a cross where Fofoana just wasn't fit enough to go with the man and put pressure on the crosser. And Kamissoko not to be seen where he should have been, allowing a clean pressure free volley. Straight after resumption, Orleans took the lead. We did a better job of harassing them this time, but eventually they managed to centre the ball to a main in the clear. We barely gave ourselves a chance in the second half, despite what the stats sheet said. There were shots, sort of, but nothing that looked like it could actually result in scoring.

 

That match was disappointing, but is not the reason we are not in the promotion hunt. The poor run through October and the run of draws in games we were the better side and should have easily had wins is what ensured we stay in this division. That was our first league loss in twelve games, but only three wins in that stretch. Going back to the start of the run of draws, including matches before this update.

Clearly, we haven't scored enough goals. Crucially, we haven't scored when we really needed to.

Joubert may be back before the season's end after all, but I might throw a few things around for the final three games.

[BadManager]

May - June 2030

Dijon FCO

Ligue Two

 

It looks as though Nice might be coming for Mbaye, and I won't be able to get a decent price for him if they do. I had to promise to sell him for far less than he is worth to us, although above his valuation, if a bid comes in.

 

La Berrichonne (5th, 16-7-12, 55pts, GD +8) v Dijon FCO (8th, 12-15-8, 51pts, GD +7) – Ligue 2, Match 36 of 38 [In match 18, Won 2-1]

By the time we kicked off, Havre had already won their 36th match. That left us nine points behind with three games to play. Basically, if Havre get another point or we drop one the already out of contention playoff spot would become mathematically impossible. Just position and prize money to play for. We hadn't started with any playing around with the side, but I certainly was planning on playing the wings at some point. A Ruiz free kick got us the game opener seventeen minutes in. Straight up the middle after winning the ball mid-pitch seemed a good way to go, and some poor goalkeeping allowed Ansudane's shot under the hands and between the legs for two-nil. The goalkeeper did far better with Ansudane's next shot, just before the half. He got body and hands beghind a well hit one and we received a corner from which we did nothing. Just after the break, again up the middle proved fruitful. Starting from a free kick just shy of half way, five passes, Kouassi with an assist and Ansudane had the whole goalmouth to go for without pressure. Then he got injured. Ryan Joachim got a rare chance to come on. Planche was also forced off, meaning I would not be able to bring both wings on. And on 65 minutes, poor defending on a corner allowed an open ground level strike fore the home side to make it 3-1. Joachim showed a little bit in this time on the pitch, but no further score. Result : Won 3-1.

 

Planche might be back for the final game, Ansudane should be back to start the new season.

 

Dijon FCO (6th, 13-15-8, 54pts, GD +9) v US Avranches (12th, 13-7-16, 46pts, GD -10) – Ligue 2, Match 37 of 38 [In match 19, Drew 1-1]

The first half went by without incident, or a chance form either side. I had to give the boys a blast at half time and hope they would come out fired up a bit and push forward. Five minutes into the second half, it seemed to have worked. Joachim, carrying a sore ankle, got off the mark for the club with a vicious strike. He was well fed as well as in good position. He came off a bit later due to the injury. On 70 minutes, Ruiz was finding his way into the area when he was brought down. The ref correctly pointed to the spot. And Bony scored it. The had to come off injured, we took that time to change to the wing system and get a little bit of game time for those players. The changes brought about Avranches' best two chances, but neither really came close. Result : Won 2-0.

 

Bony's injury is a big one and will go well into next season, up to eight months. His one match suspension probably won't have a lot of impact.

Other results largely went our way, if we win and both Havre and Caen lose we could still make the playoff position. Its a long shot, but I did not expect it to still even be mathematically possible at this point. We have the hardest of the games.

 

FC Lorient (6th, 15-11-11, 56pts, GD +8) v Dijon FCO (5th, 14-15-8, 57pts, GD +11) – Ligue 2, Match 38 of 38 [In match 1, Drew 1-1]

This was another game with nothing going on in the opening half. At half time the other games were not going our way with both sides ahead of us ahead in their matches. The second half began a bit more brightly, a few half chances created at least. On the hour we came very close to conceding, a Lorient player skipping by his man on the wing and putting a cross in that was met by a clean head onto the underneath of the crossbar. And with 15b to play we did concede. A dippy little free kick with just the barest touch on it proving too much. Five minutes later and a reply, we had switched to using wings a little earlier and Ullivi made a dashing run down the right before crossing to Leymarie for the put-away. Its good to see both young back-up strikers get a goal at the end of the season. It was 88 minutes gone when we went in front. Kouassi finishing a move involving Bisson and Leymarie around the area. And that was nullified three minutes into stoppage time, Mbaye looked to have it covered except for an unlucky deflection. Just when I was about to have a look at the other scores. Result : Drew 2-2. And so the season ends. Stade Malhebre Caen won anyway, so the stoppage time equaliser didn't cost us a playoff chance.

 

Quite a few players are looking to leave, as they are expecting bids from top flight clubs. Mbaye, Bisson and Kouassi amongst them. Kouassi is in Ivory Coasts' preliminary World Cup squad, a good performance there might up his value. And I would expect bids for Ansudane. If they all end up forcing their way out, that's quite a hole to fill with very few decent players being found by my scouts. There are some decisions to be made with reserves too, not all of those currently on the books can be retained if we are to spend money on depth of the first team squad. I was expecting the fans to nominate Ansudane to be the player of the season. I would probably give it to Kouassi or Lischi.

Its not really clear yet who will be retained and who will be sold. Sarr's contract is up and he will be departing. We still need a left back, Lamboley won't be on loan again next season but may not be retained. We do need to have a good central defender ready in case Lischi declines. Similar with Devarrewarre, age means we need replacement ready. Kamissoko might be that player, or could be sold. Most others I would like to retain if we can but I doubt we will be able to keep them all. Some might need to be sold this of-season so they don't walk for nothing next time. Plus, I will be facing my now traditional second season failure.

In the end, Ruiz cleaned up on club awards night. Fans player of the year, young player of the year and goal of the season. Joly got signing of the season, largely on promise and only costing £3k. Kouassi and Ansudane rounded out the top three for fans player of the year.

 

In addition to the above, some promising players are coming back from loan. Some will definitely be on the chopping block. Some probably will go out on loan again.

 

Initial budgets came through for next season and there was not much change. As the players went off on their break, they seemed happy enough in the team meeting to aim for top half again. Obviously I am hoping to promote, but top half would at least avoid the year two disaster.

 

 

Around the leagues:

Here in France, Paris Saint-Germain took out their ninth consecutive title.

Across the big leagues :

England – Chelsea had the title won before losing on the last day, leading Liverpool, Man City and Man U

Italy – All Milan of course, Inter ten points clear or AC Milan with Roma making the champions league

Spain – Real Madrid well clear on top from Barelona, solid gap back to Valencia who streets ahead of Atletico Madrid

Champions League – Chelsea beat PSG in the final, semi-finalists Barcelona and Man City

 

Midway through June, I was offered an unexpected job interview at Stade de Reims, who narrowly avoided relegation from the top flight. But wasn't the big news, a £5.25m offer came in for Ruiz. SC Bastia also narrowly avoided the drop. Reluctantly, I felt I had to accept. That sort of money is big for this club. Its fair to say the fans were more than a little miffed. Unfortunately, we still weren't able to bring in anybody to fill the gaps we have.

 

The next update will include a World Cup wrap. Potentially including Kouassi's games, if he played any.

 

Previous clubs

Sarnese (Italy) – Still Serie D, an unplayable league

Melfi (Italy) – Serie C/C, 14th, nobody of note still there from my day

Achilles '29 (Holland) – Jupiler League, 19th, big drop from previous season

Stranraer (Scotland) – League Two, Promoted as Champions, after last place last season, my signing Donaldson topped the goalscoring again

Vendee Herbiers Football (France) – National, 14th, barely survived, Blin top scored, Popovic best player

Season|Team              |Competition         |  W|  D|  L|  GF|  GA|  GD|Posn  | Notes

20/21 |Sarnese           |SerieC Cup          |  0|  1|  1|   1|   2|  -1|Group |                     
      |                  |SerieC/C            |  7|  7| 26|  16|  79| -63|19th  |Playouts

21/22 |Sarnese           |SerieC Cup          |  0|  2|  0|   0|   0|   0|Group |
      |                  |SerieC/C            |  3|  7| 17|  25|  66| -41|20th  |Resigned 37 of 38 games
  
22/23 |Melfi             |SerieC Cup          |  0|  1|  0|   2|   2|   0|Rnd 2 |
      |                  |Italian Cup         |  0|  0|  1|   0|   2|  -2|      |2nd Qual Rd
      |                  |Serie C/C           | 13| 13| 11|  47|  41|  +6|11th  |

23/24 |Melfi             |SerieC Cup          |  0|  1|  1|   1|   2|  -1|Group |
      |                  |SerieC/C            |  6|  5| 10|  20|  27|  -7|14th  |Sacked 21 of 28 games

23/24 |Achilles '29      |Jupiler League      |  0|  6|  7|  10|  16|  -6|14th  |Playoff round 1

24/25 |Achilles '29      |Jupiler League      |  1|  7|  8|  11|  25| -14|16th  |Sacked after 16 of 38 games

24/25 |Stranraer         |Scottish League 2   |  8|  2|  2|  21|  10| +11|6th   |Took over 10th, after 24 of 36

25/26 |Stranraer         |Betfred Cup         |  2|  1|  1|   6|   4|  +2|Group | 2nd in Group
      |                  |Challenge Cup       |  1|  0|  1|   4|   5|  -1|2nd Rd|
      |                  |Scottish Cup        |  1|  0|  1|   3|   2|  +1|3rd Rd|
      |                  |Scottish league 2   | 15| 11| 10|  44|  37|  +7|4th   |Lost playoff semi

26/27 |Stranraer         |Betfred Cup         |  1|  0|  3|   6|   7|  -1|Group |4th in Group
      |                  |Challenge Cup       |  4|  0|  1|  12|   5|  +7|QtrFin|
      |                  |Scottish Cup        |  1|  0|  1|   2|   2|  +1|3rd Rd|
      |                  |Scottish league 2   |  5|  3| 11|  17|  32| -15|8th   |Lost playoff semi

26/27 |Vendee Herbiers   |French National     |  3|  0|  1|   6|   4|  +2|13th  |Took over 16th, after 30 of 34

27/28 |Vendee Herbiers   |French National     | 18|  5| 11|  55|  46|  +9|3rd   |Playoff
      |                  |French Cup          |  3|  0|  1|  14|   3| +11|8th Rd|
      |                  |Ligue 2 Playoff     |  0|  0|  2|   0|   6|  -6|      |

28/29 |Vendee Herbiers   |French National     | 11|  9| 14|  41|  48|  -7|13th  |
      |                  |French Cup          |  5|  0|  1|  21|   5| +11|10thRd|One win in extra time
      |                  |Coupe de la Ligue   |  0|  0|  1|   0|   2|  -2|      |

29/30 |Dijon FCO         |French Ligue 2      | 14| 16|  8|  48|  37| +11|5th   |
      |                  |French Cup          |  4|  0|  1|  16|   3| +13|11thRd|
      |                  |Coupe de la Ligue   |  0|  1|  0|   2|   2|   0|Prelim|Penalty loss
================================================================================================================
Total  Games 376                               126  97 153  452  522  -70
                                               34% 26% 41% 1.20 1.39 -0.186per game

================================================================================================================
Titles
Nil

Awards
    Manager of the Month
    Stranraer               Scottish League 2       2024/25     April, 2025
                                                    2025/26     October, 2025

 

[BadManager]

Italy 2030 – World Cup

 

My only player was Kouassi at Ivory Coast, who made his international debut coming off the bench for a couple of minutes in a warm-up friendly. Group A looks like it was brutal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kouassi only came off the bench twice for Ivory Coast. He went on at half time against Colombia, and almost immediately scored the equaliser in that draw. In the loss to France he was on early in the second half without making much impact, forcing one save.

[BadManager]

July - August 2030

Dijon FCO

Ligue Two

 

Back to the club. July was all bout fending of bids for Mbaye and Lischi, neither of whom we can afford to let go and be competitive; and trying to work out how and who we could sell to free up wage budget. Obviously the Ruiz sale, which I still regret but could not refuse, allows plenty of transfer budget which can be reallocated to wages if necessary. The squad is getting large though, not huge but a little bloated with not good enough depth players, so we need to offload a few. Clearly some of those not up to the mark aren't getting bids on them and despite the size of the squad we don't have depth.

Eventually, Lischi handed in a transfer request to try and force his move. I still could not do it. Despite having some money, a situation I am not used to, there doesn't seem to be a good way to spend it.

So, once we got to the first match our first team had been weakened. Not one player on the starting side who was not with us last season. A poor return.

FC Metz (Ligue 2) v Dijon FCO – Coupe de al Ligue, Preliminary Round

Of course, Ansudane picked up a minor injury two days before the opening game. He should be fine shortly afterwards, but this cup is not important enough to risk him. The first chance fell to his placement, Joachim. Frustrating he could have easily just flicked it in, but instead trapped it, shot from about three metres dead in front, and decided the goalkeeper was a great target to go for rather than any of the open goal either side. It was Kouassi who got us of the mark, a nice little solo run and a strike that at first I thought would be saved but just evaded the goalie. The equaliser was almost immediate, except it didn't quite come. A flick-on header from a free that came off the crossbar and we scrambled clear. Ten minutes after the restart, Hendriks showed great awareness to almost walk to position and after starting the move he finished it with aplomb. Bison almost as good to pick him out. Some high quality stuff with a deft little touch for a chipped assist showed why Metz were in the top flight, and really maybe should not have relegated. I can't blame our guys for that, too good. The second was good, but should have been stopped. Mbaye saved the first Metz penalty, giving us an advantage. And their second. But our third, Hendriks, was saved. After four, we led 3-2. But Fofana's was saved too. It took until the seventh penalty, but we went through.

 

The league began just a few days later. The bookmakers didn't think we were shaping to be a great team. Yes, FC Nantes are in Europe and Ligue 2, they won the cup last season.

One player we did bring in before the league started is a 21 year old left wing on loan from Juventus, Ante Paleka.

 

Dijon FCO v AC Ajaccio (Last season 8th) – Ligue 2, Match 1 of 38

36 seconds the league season lasted. 36 seconds. Good passing play, a simple short cross and a slam home and it was clear this team was done. Eleven minutes later another very similar with a slightly more direct build-up. While Ajaccio didn;lt score again, they remained in control of the game throughout and we never seemed to touch the ball except for the three times we kicked off. Result : Lost 2-0.

 

Nimes Olypique (Last season 11th) v Dijon FCO – Ligue 2, Match 2 of 38

With Ansudane fit and such a bad first game we switch the the advanced wing setup, and it sort of did something less embarrassing I guess. We had possession early, but not a single shot in the first half. Second season strikes again. A penalty given up for no reason after 51 minutes and we fall behind. On 78 minutes Ansudane decided to go ground in a flop, almost Italian in its obvious fakery. But the penalty was awarded. He took it himself and of course chipped it with no power straight at the goalkeeper. Nimes took the ball down the otjher end immediately scored their second. Things are looking truly ominous early on. Result : Lost 2-0.

 

Dijon FCO v Red Star FC (Ligue 2, 7th Last season Nation 1st) – Coupe de la Ligue, First Round

Red star had two really good chances in the first three minutes, and scored the second of those. It started with a solo run up the wing, and the man had three targets to go for. We did pressure them but numbers and a tight angle finish won out. The same man looked like breaking away again, but we got in his way this time. And the ball returned into the attacking area, eventually finding its way to Hendriks and he slipped the ball low just inside the left post. It was a bit of a concern that we scored with our only shot, compared to 17 by Red Star. They kept pushing hard after the break, and it was just a matter of time before they got a second. They seemed to have it, but we managed a hacked clearance that fell to Ansudane. He skipped two men and handed Hendriks a second. Red Star immediately responded, a throw on the left led to a scintillating short weaving run and Mbaye fumbled the save. Six shots to 27, and a shoot out. Neither side with a mistake in the first four, Paleka scored our fifth, and Mbaye came close to saving theirs. Ullivi's was saved, and we went out 6-5. Result : 2-2 lost on penalties

 

Dijon FCO (20th, 0-0-2, 0pts, GD -4) v La Berrichonne (16th, 0-1-1, 1pt, GD +1; Last season 6th) – Ligue 2, Match 3 of 38

We got the early(osh) one. Palka coming in off the left and scoring when it looked like Hendriks would take the shot. A good decision not to, and lay off to change the angle. From then on it was fairly even, and fairly low in chances created. Paleka was involved again early in the second half, this time doing more of a winger's role. He cut inside a little but delivered a cross to Ansudane at the near post for a simple volley home. We should have conceded ten minutes later, but there was just enough pressure for their best striker to be hurried at the final moments and push it wide. A bit of a scramble as they tried to clear after a free kick but we kept returning it into a danger area. Then Ansudane turned and put in an absolute beauty of. Right at the death Kouassi looked to have set Hendriks up, but the goalie just managed to get across. A penalty from the resulting free kick, very lucky as the ball was going well over the gaggle of players. Ansudane took the kick, and secured a hattrick.

 

In between we sold Dmitri Guise. He will be a decent player at this level but £155k for someone who won't be getting much game time in the next season or two was something worth taking in my opinion. And brought in central defender Keon Lashley on loan from West Ham. If he and Lischi can play together once Lischi is over the sulks they should make a very good pairing.

A bid came in for Gassama which I rejected. His agent then started trying to force a new contract, with a 150% wage rise. I asked Gassama to sack his agent, and surprisingly it happened.

 

En Avant de Guingamp (7th, 1-2-0, 5pts, GD +1; Last season Ligue 1, 20th) v Dijon FCO (13th, 1-0-2, 3pts, GD 0) – Ligue 2 Match 4 of 38

There were not many highlights to be seen in the first half, the only main one saw us struggle to get the ball into a dangerous position. And then disaster on the counter. Defence out of position, Mbaye came out to meet the ball but was beaten to it and forced to watch on from the edge of the area as the ball went past him and into the net. The second goal was even poorer defensively, the new central pairing both nowhere near the play and an easy shot given up. Generally the game was almost evenly balanced, but we had those two bad lapses that cost. Result : Lost 2-0.

 

Dijon FCO (15th, 1-0-3, 3pts, GD -2) v CS Sedan Ardennes (19th, 0-2-2, 2pts, GD-6; Last season 17th) – Ligue 2 Match 5 of 38

We were creating nothing early, so switched to a more direct – almost route one – approach. Whether it paid off or not I'm not sure, but very soon after there was a very long ball put up for Hendriks to run on to. And after being pumped for 40 minutes we took an unlikely lead. A free kick with 66 played saw us rewardded with a penalty as about six players tried to get their head to the ball. With Ansudane sitting this one out, Bisson scored from the spot. Ansudane did come on, and then got injured. We did look better after the tactical switch, but its not a way that will bring results often. Result : Won 2-0. A crowd of 20000 for the fan day, so hopefully we'll see decent attendances despite our overall form.

 

Ansudane will miss about a month.

 

We really need points out of the next three games, fellow struggling clubs. If we get through those with at least 7 points, morale might improve a bit and maybe we can get some form again.

[BadManager]

September - October 2030

Dijon FCO

Ligue Two

The transfer window closed without any further action on our part. There is still a “joker” window that will allow for one purchase from a French club if something appropriate shows up.

Thanks to internationals and Nantes European commitments, we had two games postponed and a two week break heading into the first match of this update. Mbaye and Gassama had two good games each in the qualifiers for the African Cup of nations, and Hendriks scored a hat-trick for the Dutch under 21s in European qualifying.

 

Dijon FCO (12th, 2-0-3, 6pts, GD 0) v US Concerneau (14th, 1-2-2, 5pts, GD -3; Last season 9th) – Ligue 2 Match 6 of 38

A horrible start for Mbaye, a very simple save straight through the arms. And while he made brilliant save six minutes later that doesn't make up dor mistakes like that. The ball was at our end the whole time, Concerneau were giving us time to set up but we failed to either do that or pressure the ball player. Just terrible stuff all round. Mbaye's next mistake was even worse. He held the ball, dropped it at his feet, then just stood there while an opponent ran ten metres to claim the ball. At least the third one, right on half time, was almost forgiveable blasted to his left. The second half wasn't so one sided, but the stats showed 27 shots to 5 and that and the scoreboard were a fair reflection of the game. Result : Lost 3-0.

 

It is just about time for me to resign.

And just as second choice keeper Loic Noel was about to come into the side he got another injury. It does seem to be a problem, that's his second already this season and this time a month. It means Emannuel Mbamba will get his first start, having debuted last match as a half time sub. He really is no good, but the third best we have and maybe one day a decent player.

 

Paris FC (19th, 0-2-4, 2pts, GD -11) v Dijon FCO (14th, 2-0-4, 6pts, GD -3) – Ligue 2 Match 7 of 38

We made quite a few changes heading into this match, including bringing in a couple of people I didn't expect to play at all this season. Nothing made any difference, in a very poor match we were completely outgunned in every area of the pitch. Thankfully Paris were poor enough that they could not do much with their dominance. It looked very much like a nil-all draw was on the way, the only thing likely to break it was one surprisingly good moment or one predictably bad one. More likely either would fall in Paris' favour. On 85 minutes, it went our way. Hendriks dragged down in the box when not looking likely to get the ball, much less look dangerous with it. Bisson's kick held true. Result : Won 1-0.

 

And the media speculation begins on when I will get sacked. I could not blame the board if it happened right now.

 

Amiens SC (19th, 0-2-5, 2pts, GD -12) v Dijon FCO (12th, 3-0-4, 9pts, GD -2) – Ligue 2 Match 8 of 38

We had a bit more luck ten minutes into this match, Bisson almost trippe over his own feet a couple of times before passing into Kouassi. His shot looked to be covered, but went in anyway. A second came just after half an hour was gone, almos a lucky Kouassi shot. It deflected off a defender, the goalkeper still had it covered, but let it through with barely a touch on it. We were still being outplayed, possession, shot count, on target, everything pointed to Amiens being the better side. Except we had a tow goal lead, that wasn't even cut when they took a shot from almost the centre of the goal line and somehow managed to hit the outside of the woodwork. This can be a strange game at times. We evened up the stats sheet and looked less overwhelmed in the second half, but didn;'t score. Instead, it was when we conceded. Another horrible one. Lashey trying to head clear gotr the slightest glancing blow to leave Mbamba unable to recover and Amiens were back in the game as the ball dribbled in. Things ere not good, but we held on. Result : Won 2-1.

 

Dijon FCO (10th, 4-0-4, 12pts, GD -1) v Valenciennes FC(15th, 1-3-4, 7pts, GD -3) – Ligue 2 Match 9 of 38

For the first time in a long time we actualy looked the second worst team on the pitch early on. It came to nothing, and the gap between the sides became less as time progressed but we perhaps deserved a half time lead instead of the scoreless 45 minutes that ensued. By midway through the second half Valenciennes had taken control of the game. When they scored the only surprise was that it came via a set piece. That the set piece was a corner was not a shock. The second, just seconds later, was a joke. Utter joke. That's not defending in anyone;'s language. Result : Lost 2-0. At least we aren't getting frustrating draws this season.

 

FC Lorient (2nd, 5-3-1, 18pts, GD +8) v Dijon FCO (11th, 4-0-5, 12pts, GD -3) – Ligue 2 Match 10 of 38

With the table taking shape and a relatively easy run ending without the points to show for it, the season is shaping to be a long one – at least for as long as I keep my job, which I don't see being anything beyond November. It wasn't really the plan, but we started knocking the ball around a little and at least controlling it for more than ten seconds at a stretch. While we were constantly forced backwards, Fofana ended up almost as far advanced as the forwards and the sole player on the right. He advanced and with a bit of luck the ball fell to Kouassi, who seems on a bit of a fluke run and gave us an unlikely lead. Hendriks perhaps should have had a second, after running two-thirds of the pitch solo for a one-on-one. Devarrewaere brought down an opponent just outside our box, at least he targeted a player already carrying a knock; and the free kick apparently amounted to nothing. Unlike Bisson's free kick at the other end which beat a five man wall to skim the underneath of the crossbar and put us two up. The second half began with Lorient's most potent striker on a steaming run up the middle, like Hendriks missed earlier, except Lischi got back onto him. But that didn't stop the goal. Kouassi came off with a twisted ankle, leaving me in a position where Ansudane had to come back from his injury via the bench into an unfamiliar position. With injury and tiredness we had a few out of position, but somehow we got a third on 80 minutes with third or fourth choice striker Joachim scoring his first of the season. Result : Won 3-1.

 

After five games in fifteen days, we then entered a stretch of three in thirty-four. Kouassi would not miss as many matches as may have otherwise been the case, two weeks the prognosis.

Apparently Joachim's goal was enough for goal of the month. It was a tidy little lob of the keeper, but nothing special.

 

Dijon FCO (12th, 5-0-5, 15pts, GD-1) v Havre FC (5th, 6-1-3, 19pts, GD +11) – Ligue 2 Match 11 of 38

We left Hendriks out to allow Joachim another chance as Ansudane came back and Bisson went to the attacking mid position with Kouassi missing. Ansudane almost scored twice in the first half, the second in particular took a quality reflex save to stop us scoring. Hendriks came on with around 20 to play, and we ant more direct to try and take advantage of his fresher legs. Immediately he had two close calls, one stopped and a header just over after the corner resulting from that first effort. His head came into play again, a Bisson free kick which he tried to head home but didn';t get enough on. Surprisingly Autret recovered first and beat three defenders closer to the ball to slide it in from almost no distance but a tight angle. Havre had chances but nothing much that was a realistic prospect and we probably edged them in general play. Result : Won 1-0. And I think that was probably a fair result.

 

During the 13 days off we had as many as seven players in carious levels of international squads. Admittedly, not in senior teams of football powerhouses. African Cup of Nations qualifiers: Fofana good for Sieraa Leone, Ansudane scored four for Comoros in his his international debut against Chad but not so good in the next game, Mbaye one clean sheet as Senegal scored four times in each of two games, Gassama decent games against Ghana and Zimbabwe. At under 21 level, Hendriks was a mixed bag in two games for Netherlands, Paleka scored in Croatia's win, and finally Kimissoko was good in Cape Verde's under 20s loss.

 

US Avranches (12th 3-6-2, 15pts, GD 0) v Dijon FCO (7th, 6-0-5, 18pts, GD 0) – Ligue 2 Match 12 of 38

Both sides struggles to make anything happen, so at half time we changed to a bit more of a direct approach. Yet went wide anyway. And going wide produced the goial, albeit an own goal from a cross aimed at nobody. Fifteen minutes later, after it looked like we were putting off all their moves, one did come back to bite. We had blocked, stopped, rebounded, and seemed top have the next attack covered. But a challenge went slightly wroing and ended up just getting delivered to an open striker. Result : Drew 1-1. The first draw of the season. We were the slightly better team before we scored, and the worst team after, so fair result. With Mbaye out with food poisoning, Mbamba did a fine job in goal.

 

And we have signed someone we can't come close to affording. If he stays fit, he should be a game-changer. Joseba Goni has played in Ligue 1 and played about half the games in a season with Atalanta in Serie A. He comes in on a free from West Brom in the EPL where he wasn't getting games. And by far the highest wage at the club. He will likely slot straight into the attacking midfield slot, with Kouassi to central midfield but with an attacking role.

Dijon FCO (10th, 6-1-5, 19pts, GD 0) v Quevilly Rouen Metropole (15th, 2-7-3, 13pts, GD 0) – Ligue 2 Match 13 of 38

The game started brightly, but soon became a problem match. Two big mistakes in goal in the opening 20 minutes and we were behind by one. A terrible failure to get to corner nobody else was near, and then positioning where there was no chance tpo get to the ball almost no matter what happened. And it left an opponent to slam home from the goal line after a slow, short, lob. It was two after 35 minutes, a fast tun and reasonable but not high quality finish. But it really should have been stopped, but intercepted before the run and pressure applied later. Or better in goal. Meanwhile, we were taking some shots but even open chances were not going near the target. Almost on the hour mark, Kouassi got us back into it. He almost seemed static and then fired from range, low and inside the right post. Kouassi was involved again, heeding Hendriks who was running wide down the left. He crossed into Ansudane on a rapid run and barely had to change stride to hit home. On 77 minutes it looked like we had a third, but Hendriks shot across the goalie came off the underside of the crossbar and out. Result : Drew 2-2.

 

 

[BadManager]

November - December 2030

Dijon FCO

Ligue Two

FC Metz (2nd, 6-6-1, 24pts, GD+10) v Dijon FCO (8th, 6-2-5, 20pts, GD 0) – Ligue 2, Match 14 of 38

The first half went by without a highlight being shown. Statistically we were the better team, but clearly not in any way that was going to count for anything. After the break, we came close to opening things up but the final header of three after a free kick went a little wide. Lischi up front with that last touch. Metz came even closer. It seemed the ball was in, but after Mbaye was beaten we had a defender able to clear off the line. It was the 88th minute that saw the goal come. Kouassi put the ball out wide for Rolland who came back in and got the ball to Hendriks on the near post. As the goalkeeper approached Hendriks the ball was knocked over to Bisson on the other post, he couldn't miss and surprisingly he didn't. Result : Won 1-0.

 

Dijon FCO (4th, 7-2-5, 23pts, GD +1) v Red Star FC (12th, 4-6-4, 18pts, GD +3) – Ligue 2, Match 15 of 38 [Previous: Coupe de la Ligue, Lost on penalties]

A goal in the opening minute. Kouassi brought down, too far out for Bisson to try a shot from the free. We knocked it around a little, eventually ending up with Bisson almost as unmarked as for a free kick and in a bit closer. He curled it in from a few metres outside the area. After that Red Star were perhaps the slightly better side, until the second half began where we started brightly again. Ansudane was forced off early in the second half, after we spend a few minutes pressuring their goal to no avail. With fifteen to Red Star kept the ball for a few minutes advancing slowly most of the time, before a rapid run up the right and well met cross. The resulting header thundered into the cross bar and was cleared. Result : Won 1-0. Maybe we were a bit lucky. Ansudane's injury is thankfully short term, around a week – and we have a break due to internationals.

 

Ansudane played, and scored in an upset win for Comoros over Cameroon and again in a win over Chad. Fofana was very good for Sierra Leone, Mbaye let two in against Mozambique which doesn't seem great and another one against Lesotho. Gassama was OK in Congo's loss to Ghana and good in their win over Seychelles. At under 21 level Hendriks scored, something he hadn't done for nine games at club level. Paleka has not been getting game time I expected, and didn't do much for Croatia under21.

 

Dijon FCO v AC Ajaccio (Ligue 2, 5th) – French Cup, 7th Round

The cup draw had not been especially kind, pitting us against one of the better sides in our own league. Goni has not started like his salary demands, too often he is easily stripped of possession and it showed again early in this game. It is a concern, and he isn't providing the drive I expected at other times either. A boring first half, except that Ajaccio seems to be targeting Goni and Kouassi in the tackles. I had actually swapped those two around to try to give Goni support rather than playing advanced mid on his own. It didn't rally help matters, so I swapped them back after about an hour's play. Still, not much was happening and we went into extra time having been the team with more chances but few realistic ones. Fifteen minutes without incident, and its almost time to start loking at the penalty takers. Except Bony, who had come on as a sub in his return after six months, made the difference after 107 minutes. Doing what Goni does not, he got into an attacking position and when fed the ball fired home. Job done, but its going to leave some very tired players for the league game not far away.

 

US Orleans (16th, 3-6-6, 15pts, GD -7) v Dijon FCO (2nd, 8-2-5, 26pts, GD +2) – Ligue 2, Match 16 of 38

I didn't end up rotating as many players as I would have liked, after all we still had to try to win the game. In a bit of a concerning sign in one of our better moves, all our midfielders got dispossessed cleanly at times. Someone else was there to recover, but it is not a good look. That move ended with Kouassi runing out wide, crossing back in and Goni delivering a finish for his first goal at the club. He very nearly fluffed it, but just kept it under the crossbar despite leaning back further than a champion limbo dancer. Despite complete dominance it took until the 75th minute to put away a second. Kouassi again the architect, firstly a 1-2, and then feeding Ansudane's run when getting the ball back. We needed that, as legs were tiring badly. There was very nearly a third moments later, Hendriks missing a very simple finish after substitute Rolland had set him up. After that we went with wings, as a way of getting game time for those players and to rest Kouassi. Result: Won 2-0.

 

LOSC Lille (4th, 8-3-5, 27pts GD +6) v Dijon FCO (2nd, 9-2-5, 29pts, GD +4) – Ligue 2, Match 17 of 38

Again, hendriks came very close without actually scoring. A good piece of ball movement up the middle ended with him firing with the left foot, but a brilliant save denying his effort just inside the upright. Instead, on seven minutes we went a goal down. We were brought undone by a nice little cross behind our men. And there was a second after around 35 minutes, the man we are set to mark broke free and this time from the right hand side the ball came in too well directed for us to recover. Mbaye got a glove on it but had no chance really. And right on half time, after Ansudane had again been stripped of the ball attempting a run Lille went end to end to get a third. I'm not sure we are playing that bad, we have just come up against a team that matches up well against us and is better. Finally, Hendriks scores. It took until the 55th minute and his third simple chance; and then required a mix up between goalkeeper and defender to give him an unmissable one. A minute later and it was 3-2, going to a quicker tempo may have helped a bit. Leymarie had come on as a sub after it was clear they had targeted Ansudane and had his measure. The sub's first chance was a one on one he sent straight at the goalkeeper, who only parried back to Leymarie for the second chance finish. And just as we had got some hope back, we conceded a fourth. Down the right, evading two tackles and despite marking our man this time the £5.3m rated Anderson proved too good. Result : Lost 4-2. The first loss for a while, but with so few promotion spots and it being so tight any loss is very costly.

 

Dijon FCO (4th, 9-2-6, 29pts, GD +2) v RC Strasbourg Alsace (15th, 4-6-7, 18pts, GD -8) – Ligue 2, Match 18 of 38

I had palnned for Kouassi to drop back to central midfield and Goni to play as the attacking mid when he arrived, but Kouassi as the attacking mid is still much better. And he got the opening goal after being involved in much of the lead up play. Gassama retutning as right back played in the perfect assist-cross. Lischi was the one benched with Fofana going into central defence and taking his place. In the first three minutes the moves seemed to be working. Ansudane's secondary position as left wing, and while he wasn't playing there his run out wide to receive almost looked like it. The cross that hit Kouassi's head for our second goal showed Ansudane definitely could play there if called on, and how valuable Kouassi is even when a theoretically better player exists for his place. We had three with just over half an hour played, Hendriks tried toi hit the goalkeeper from two metres out, but missed and scored a goal instead. For all that Goni has been disappointing relative to his cost, his good play there set that one up. With the game set, I planned to make changes in the second half to get game time into people again. A fourth came reasonably late, Hendriks missed his cross but the defender turned it in for us. Result : Won 4-0. With Lille and US Concerneau both losing, we regained second place we lot to Lille the previous game.

 

Before the cup game, FC Nantes approached a possible interview. I don't see the point of going to a club below us at this stage, even if they should have some money from their European experience. Their manager apparently left for a struggling Ligue 1 team.

 

FC Chambly-Oise (National 7th) v Dijon FCO – French Cup, 8th Round

We were probably looking the better side throughout the first half, but produced no real chances. It took 61 minutes before the first p-roper chance of the match, the Chambly-Oise player all the lead-up was warning me about got free and Mbaye could only just lay a glove on the resulting shot. Thankfully it was enough to push into the upright and we got back to clear. And that was it for 90 minutes. We doubled the total shots, shots on target and had the bulk of possession but not a single highlight. Hendriks picked up an injury the first half of extra time, and we had to make some unorthodox substitutions partly to cover and partly because we were heading towards penalties. If Chambly-Oise didn't take advantage in the final two minutes, when they pressured us relentlessly. 26 shots to 13, 9 on target to 4, and after 120 minutes, penalties. Very disappointing stuff. Mbaye saved the first, so we did have that advantage. But our third was saved. Four-all after the five. And Ullivi missed the sixth, to put us out of the cup. Result : Drew 0-0, lost 5-4 on penalties.

 

FC Nantes (5th, 8-6-4, 30pts, GD +7) v Dijon FCO (3rd, 10-2-6, 32pts, GD +6) – Ligue 2, Match 19 of 38

Just days after a declined an interview there, we hosted Nantes. They were seventh when I declined the interview, and it was 2nd v 3rd before the earlier matches. They could overtake us in this game. Ansudane injured his back at training, and will miss 3-4 weeks, with games against third and first. For most of the match Nantes looked the more likely side, though they didn't look that likely. We tried a few things, changing tempo, etc, and eventually brought on the wings and changed formation with Hendriks the sole forward. It didn't help or hurt. Result : Drew 0-0.

 

There is more interest in Mbaye, this time Racing Club de Lens who sit sixth in Ligue 1. While he's happy enough to stay for now, based on our form and promising youth talent its surely not much longer before we lose him.

 

Dijon FCO (3rd, 10-3-6, 33pts, GD +6) v Nimes Olympique (1st, 11-4-4, 37pts, GD +15; Match2 Lost 2-0) – Ligue 2, Match 20 of 38

Things did not start well, we missed an easy intercept and Nimes just waltzed straight up the middle feeding one of their many goal threats. The shot wasn't high percentage, but it was high class. We did it get it back. A long ball to a surely offside Hendriks, who then ran straight at the goalkeeper before flicking over to Leymarie with an open net. There had only been three shots in the match after 18 minutes, two resulting in goals. Leymarie tried to return the favour, but that wasn't ona clean break and a defender got in the way for a corner. Bisson put in a very long angled free kick which the Nimes goalkeper caught. However, one of their defenders brought down Leymarie and Bony put away the spot kick. Hendriks came close twice early in the second half. One seemed very easy, the second a more difficult with the goalkeper able to cpver. Yet it was that one that was not only close, but close enough. After that Nimes pressed very hard, forcing two very good saves from Mbaye in the next ten minutes. We pulled back a little and slowed the tempt at that point, which seemed to stop the flood. So we held on. Result : Won 3-1. I'm not sure we deserved all three points, but I won't be going to the FA asking for the game to be called a draw either.

 

Six minutes into that match it looked as though we would hit the new year in poor form, given the cup result as well. By the end that had turned around, and maybe we have just hit another blip. We didn't gain a position but suddenly the gap to the top is very narrow. A quick reminder on the table, two go up and third place goes to a playoff.

 

I don't really have specific business in mind for the January window. If anyone is to come in, someone will have to go out.

 

[BadManager]

January - February 2031

Dijon FCO

Ligue Two

La Berrichonne (15th, 6-6-8, 24pts, GD -10) v Dijon FCO (3rd, 11-3-6, 34pts, GD +8) – Ligue 2, Match 21 of 38 [Match 3, Won 4-0]

With two out on international duty, Noel gets a chance in goal. I forgot to swap things back after a friendly in the break, so we started with our wing play formation. A terrible error from their goalkeeper saw us go one up, after we had lumped the ball forward to Hendriks a few times early we we did so again and the goalkeeper neither stayed back nor came to meet the ball. Hendriks got onto it and beat the indecisive man comfortably. Shortly before half time Berrichonne took the ball forward on a rare foray, and the man we had been warned about pre-match was clear despite us setting to mark him. He took control of an awkward ball, then set himself and fired truly. A very good finisjh, but we should never have allowed him the time. Immediately after the break an almost equally good strike from them, a different player this time and the delivery was better. I was forced into an early substitution, Kamissoko coming on as a midfielder specifically to man-mark their key play-maker. While organising that, Kouassi brought us back on level terms. They managed a quick break, which we appeared to have cut down twice but they still had players streaming forward and each time we tackled and created a loose ball it was one of theirs players there to not break stride and collect. It was finished with a hard struck flourish that broke through Noel's hands. There is a very big difference between teams, after that early set of lumps to Hendriks our goals have come from one incisive pass and then good short moves to create angles. Their have come from blasts, our third was to Kouassi who did a one-two before finding a path for Ansudane to stroll into and carefully place. A frustrating game for both managers, but one neutral followers may have enjoyed. Result : Drew 3-3.

 

We rejected a near £5m offer for Ansudane, and had a £1.2m offer for Ansudane rejected. We were looking at bringing in Carlos Ansudane to join Steve. I'm not sure if they are related, they both form part of a front three for Comoros  fairly regularly. Speaking of African internataionals, Mbaye had a good game for Senegal, and Fofana was alright for Sierra Leone as the African Cup of Nations finals got underway.

 

Dijon FCO (2nd, 11-3-6, 34pts, GD +8) v En Avant de Guingcamp (11th, 7-8-6, 29pts, GD 0) – Ligue 2, Match 22 of 38 [Match 4, Lost 2-0]

Noel picked up a knock and wasn't fully fit, so Mbamba went into goal to begin with. We also reverted to our more normal 4-3-1-2 centrally focussed mode. Having Bisson back from suspension certainly made that a necessity, and he was involved in creating the opener. Hendriks was the finisher, Devarrawaere credited with the assist as we broke up the centre with some excellent passing football. Ansudane did not start well, after forcing a new contract after the big came in. He did get a goal just short of 70 minutes in though, again some good central link play leading in and Hendriks target man role proving pivotal. The problem with this formation is that we are very vulnerable to quick breaks down the wings, and we were exposed after about 80 minutes following almost going three up. Thankfully, Lischi got back to cover and we managed to clear the threat. Apart from that, we looked by far the better team – which I guess e should at home against a mid-table side. Result : Won 2-0.

 

Lille obviously entered the season with high expectations, sitting in third their manager got sacked. Fofana had a poor game as Sierra Leone were overwhelmed, Mbaye did well to keep a clean sheet in Senegal's second straight win, and while conceding did well again in somewhat of an upset as Senegal defeated Cameroon to top the group.

 

CS Sedan Ardennes (19th, 4-8-10, 20pts, GD -15) v Dijon FCO (2nd, 12-4-6, 40pts, GD +10) – Ligue 2, Match 23 of 38 [Match 5, Won 2-0]

Early long ball over the top, Bony to Ansudane, one-on-one, goal after 10 minutes. We sometimes trsuggle to create channces against lower sides who defend against us, so a handy start. A second came on half an hour, this one had a bit more of our preferred short passing until a man makes a run, Ansudane almost playing the target man role this time for Hendriks to score. It was three before the break, we missed an open chance but in a sign that we do use him as a defensive player in the midfield Devarrewaere managed to clean up the spillage for his first goal of the season. We were not as good in the second half, but did add a fourth right at the end. Lischi on the near post from a corner flicked it on to Lashley on the far post who headed home. A second player got their first goal of the season. Result : Won 4-0.

 

Mbaye will be back, after Senegal lost to Ivory Coast.

 

Dijon FCO (2nd, 13-4-6, 43pts, GD +14) v Paris FC (20th, 3-5-15, 14pts, GD -26) – Ligue 2, Match 24 of 38 [Match 5, Won 2-0]

The match was frustrating. Sometimes you get well on top and don't score, and just know the counter is coming. The whole first half was like that. Ywt when the goal came it was our way. Ansudane almost took the ball over the end line before a short cross to Hendriks who volleyed hard and true from well inside the six yard box. Hendriks made sure of it late, from just outside the box with Ansudane again feeding it laterally to him. It was not the complete display that is wanted at home to last place, but we did the job of securing the six point against the table's two bottom sides. Result : Won 2-0. Nimes Olympique had their game the next day, meaning we sat on top for less than 24 hours.

 

US Concerneau (13th, 8-8-8, 32pts, GD -3) v Dijon FCO (2nd, 14-4-6, 46pts, GD +16) – Ligue 2, Match 25 of 38 [Match 6, Lost 3-0]

There was an early yellow card to Hendriks, but also an early goal to Ansudane. Some very prro goalkeeping involved in that, Bisson's floated free kick turned into a slow header that the goalkeeper should have easily held but just knocked to the underside of the netting. The goalkeeper redeemed himself a little on the hour mark, saving an Ansudane penalty. It was probably justice, a clearance ricocheted back into the area and Hendriks was there first but seemed to go down before being touched. A corner about 15 from the end saw us go behind. It wasn't particularly well taken, or particularly poorly defended, though poorly enough. Just one of those things that happens when a side doesn't take toll of dominating a game, the opposition finds a way. And somewhoe they got a second. Their only good looking move of the match, and it was good clean central passing. We fell apart totally looking for an equaliser, utterly terrible when we have to try to push for a goal. Result : Lost 2-1.

 

Dijon FCO (2nd, 14-4-7, 46pts, GD +15) v Amiens SC (18th, 5-8-12, 23pts GD -11) – Ligue 2, Match 26 of 38 [Match 8, Won 2-1]

This was developing into anotjher disappointing game. The first half delivered absolutely nothing except a cut to Hendriks. I tried toying with our way of playing, but it made no difference. Thankfully Ansudane scored early in the second half, at least we had a highly unconvincing lead. Probably the highlight of the match was a little skip Bony did to evade a tackle. It was really that sort of dreary game. Result : Won 1-0.

 

Valenciennes FC (5th,) v Dijon FCO (2nd, 15-4-7, 49pts, GD +16) – Ligue 2, Match 27 of 38 [Match 9, Lost 2-0]

We had a free kick awarded just outside the area after 15 seconds, but that went straight into the wall and back out. Seven minutes later, a corner at our defensive end wasn't wasted. Send it to the bug guy, let him head it. Simple stuff, enough to put us a goal down. Leymarie started due to hendriks not being fully fit, no sooner had I decided it was time to sub Hendriks on than the former put away a scorcher into the top left of the goal. Hendriks still came on immediately after. We got undone in the air again around 82 minutes in, Fofana was left on our right to defend against two. The second player and aerial touch was too good for him and Mbaye. Result : Lost 2-1.

 

Leymarie's goal was goal of the month, on the last day.

Indifferent form from all the teams at the top saw a change of 3rd and 4th, and it turned out we had thrown chances to go on top. Any of the top four can finish anywhere now.

 

Edited September 17, 2023 by BadManager

[BadManager]

March - April 2031

Dijon FCO

Ligue Two

The new youth intake arrived at the start of March, with some promising players among them. Obviously it will be quite a few seasons before any of them start getting games in the main team, but there is something there for the club to work from.

 

Dijon FCO (2nd, 15-4-8, 53pts, GD +15) v FC Lorient (5th, 12-5-10, 41pts, GD +9) – Ligue 2, Match 28 of 38 [Match 10, Won 3-1]

Hendriks got another injury in the lead-up to this match, Leymarie would start again. We had the Saturday kick-off after both Nimes and Havre had played, and neither had won. If we win, we got top. If we lose, we invite Lorient into the promotion race even if the title might be out of their reach still. The early signs were not good, with free kicks being given up and an inability to keep the ball when we won it. Lorient were pressing us hard, so I tried upping the tempo to see if we could get passed the press. It didn't really seem to work, but we did at least keep the ball a little longer sometimes. We had not been getting the drive out of Kouassi in the previous few games, so fe dropped back and Goni went into the position I bought him for. Kouassi then got the opening goal, after being the playmaker for the original move in which a penalty could have been awarded to Ansudane seconds before. After the break, Lorient pulled it back. We missed a tackle not far out, and that left the striker in a slight angle but in the clear to size the opportunity up. Overalll, after the tactical changes we did end up the better side. 29 shots to 9, 9 on target to 4, 53%possession, Result : Drew 1-1. We did commit 21 fouls though.

 

Havre Athletic Club (3rd, 14-5-9, 47pts, GD +18) v Dijon FCO (2nd, 15-5-8, 50pts, GD +15) – Ligue 2, Match 29 of 38 [Match 11, Won 1-0]

And a couple of days before the match, Mbaye got injured but at least it was expected to be very short term. Noel was injured the next day. First and second choice goalkeepers in two days, heading into a genuine six pointer. Mbamba started in goal, Hendriks started on the popitch despite not being fully fit, and the game started as a grind. Statistically it could be argued we were doing better, on the pitch neither side actually created anything nor controlled play. The game started to open up as Havre started playing wider, we could only get going if Ansudane got fed but he had to go on solo runs and was shooting from range. Six minutes into the second half, the deadlock was broken, Bisson hitting a free kick hard and true. Bisson's next free kick was from a lot further out and seemingly cleared easily enough. Except the ref saw something and awarded us a penalty. Ansudane scored it. In the final seconds Kouassi nearly added, driving the ball a bit over the top. Result : Won 2-0.

 

Dijon FCO (2nd, 16-5-8, 53pts, GD +17) v US Avranches (12th, 9-11-9, 38pts, GD -2) – Ligue 2, Match 30 of 38 [Match 12, Drew 1-1]

Third played fourth and sixth played seventh on the same day, things could really have shaped up; but if we won we could hopefully avoid the scrap. A golden opportunity went wasted on the half hour mark. Their goalkeeper dropped a corner he got both hands on and ended up on the ground. Left back Joubert took a shot that was blocked, and then another fell to Bony whose shot was also blocked and Avranches then cleared out wide. Shortly before half time we took our 20th shot of the game, and scored our first goal. Hendriks kept it low to the keeper's left, Ansudane providing the link up play. As players tired in the second half we switched things around a little, but despite that managed to hold off Avranches' attempts to salvage something. Result : Won 1-0.

 

Two players reached the card limit, Bony and Lischi each with a one match suspension. International break as march closes, with us top of the table. All friendlies and under age games, at least Paleka got game time. The highlight was probably Kamissoko making his debut for Mali.

 

Quevilly Rouen Metropole (9th, 9-14-7, 41pts, GD +3) v Dijon FCO (1st, 17-5-8, 56pts, GD +18) – Ligue 2, Match 31 of 38 [Match 13, Drew 2-2]

We started on top, despite missing a lot of passes and having to take a less expansive approach in that respect. Eventually a bad pass from us allowed an intercept, but we soon won that back and cleared to Ansudane on the right. He ran down the win, cut in, and then placed a left hand shot across the keeper and into the net. It wasn't the cleanest piece of play, but the lead we arguably deserved. Ansdane was again involved in our second, which started with a deft touch from Hendriks' head on the end of a long clearance. Ansudane was on the end of that and weaved a way through the middle to find Kouassi. His effort from just outside the area was good – although a goalkeeper at this level perhaps should have got near it. Late ij the piece we conceded from a corner. We had been successful in cutting off almost everything Metropole had begun, so a set [iece did seemt eh most likely way to concede. Both teams had been sloppy with the ball, but it worked in our favour for the sealer. Hendriks missing a simple pass, but Devarrewaere immiediately winning it back, fiunding a gap and going from the edge of the box. We dominated, and played well in some regards but not others. Result : Won 3-1. And second placed Nimes Olympique only managed a draw.

 

Dijon FCO (1st, 18-5-8, 59pts, GD +20) v FC Metz (9th, 11-10-10, 43pts, GD +7) – Ligue 2, Match 32 of 38 [Match 14, Won 1-0]

A free kick in the D in the opening minute, and Bisson put is …. a touch high. An excellent bit of vision by Hendriks laid Goni in for a one on one, and he broke the deadlock seven minutes into the second half. We were looking the better side, but not creating enough chances so that was really needed. Five minutes later things took a tuen for the worse as Joubert went in hard and unfair to earn an immediate red. Metz never looked much like taking advantage of being a man up, but it did stop us pushing for anything further. Still, we had a lead and held on. Result : Won 1-0.

 

Red Star FC (10th, 11-10-11, 43pts, GD +7) v Dijon FCO (1st, 19-5-8, 62pts, GD +21) – Ligue 2, Match 33 of 38 [Match 15, Won 1-0]

An early goal against us, and not really against the run of play. It started with a corner, but was more just that we don't have much out wide. Joubert being out may have made us a bit more vulnerable from the left but the final mistakes were central. I said the goal wasn;t against the run of play, the stats tole otherwise. Statistically we controlled the game, but the highlights did not really suggest so. Result : Lost 1-0.

 

Dijon FCO (1st, 19-5-9, 62pts, GD +20) v US Orleans (12th, 11-10-12, 43pts GD 0) – Ligue 2, Match 34 of 38 [Match 16, Won 2-0]

Orleans were coming at us hard when we went forward, but somehow Bisson found time to hold the ball just inside the area just long enough for Kouassi to make a run. The latter fired hard and true. Very hard, we had a lead in the 25th minute. Bisson was the pivot point in our second as well, one touch on to find Ansudane to his right who hit the ball home to double the lead early in the second. We didn't play the complete game, but we were solid enough against yet another mid-table side we should comfortably beat. Result : Won 2-0. While not confirmed, realistically we are now promoted. Kamissoko had been absent, scoring one of eight goals for Mail's under 23s.

 

From here we just need to be average to take the title, even if we do miss that we still would need an almighty balls-up to miss promotion. I just don't know how we can afford a squad that could avoid relegation from the top flight.

[BadManager]

May - June 2031

Dijon FCO

Ligue Two

Dijon FCO (1st, 20-5-9, 65pts, GD +22) v LOSC Lille (6th, 16-5-13, 53pts, GD +8) – Ligue 2, Match 35 of 38 [Match 17, Lost 4-2]

Goni suspended, Bony back into the starting lineup. Early on I could see why they put four past us last time, I still couldn't see what to do about it. But when the first goal came it was from one of our few true chances. Ansudane getting the scoreboard moving. From that poinmt until half time we started getting a bit more control over general play, LOSC were still threatening but so were we. Hendriks has been struggling to score, though doing other things well. We still subbed him off, putting Kouassi into the second striker role and allowing two more defensive midfielders. It sort of worked, Kouassi feeding Ansudane's second goal. And not long after that Kouassi won us a penalty. Ansudane took the kick and completed his hattrick. Result : 3-0. Promotion secured with three games to play. Two points for the title.

 

Early wage budget for next season is at £160k a week, up £50k. But most of that will get eaten up by promotion wage rises in most player contracts. A £4.7m transfer budget comes with that, I have no idea how to spend that money wisely. Thos ebudgets would put us right at the lowest end of Ligue 1 spending.

 

It turned out we would need to get through the next game, possibly two, without Ansudane. A chance for Leymarie or Joachim to have an impact.

RC Strasbourg Alsace (17th, 10-9-16, 39pts, GD -15) v Dijon FCO (1st, 21-5-9, 68pts, GD +25) – Ligue 2, Match 36 of 38 [Match 18, Won 4-0]

Things did not start well, our best bit of play was Bisson getting back to lay important tackles. But that didn't stop the opening goal when the left side of our defensive line fell to bits. By the time we gave up a penalty early in the second half we had not prodiced anything. The highlights had not even shown the ball get into the opposition's half. And that didn't change, even though the line-up did. That was a truly disgusting loss. Result : Lost 2-0.

 

Dijon FCO (1st, 21-5-10, 68pts, GD +23) v FC Nantes (10th, 14-9-13, 51pts, GD +1) – Ligue 2, Match 37 of 38 [Match 19, Drew 0-0]

With the second striker a wasted position last game, we went for our wing formation this time and Hendriks alone up front. We still weren;'t controlling this match, but a bit more like a team that actually knew what a ball was for. Both sides came close, through moves that ended up almost scrambled home after falling apart, in the opening half hour. Not long after that point we fell behind. We missed a simple interception on the right, which caught a few players out of position and Nantes made the most of the opening. We looked like going in one down at the half, however a long floated free kick was met by Fofana's head and he managed to evade the keeper to draw level. The second half was a whole bunch of nothing. Goni had a chance to seal the title very late, but hit his shot meekly. Result : Drew 1-1. Nimes Olympique had a loss, and we claimed the title in a manner not befitting champions.

AC Ajaccio (12th, 14-8-15, 50pts, GD -5) v Dijon FCO (1st, 21-6-10, 69ts, GD +23) – Ligue 2, Match 38 of 38 [Match 1, Lost 2-0]

Ansudane came back for the final game, and the young midfielder Rolland got a start. Not that we got a start. Seven minutes and an incredibly well placed shot from just outside the area put us one down. I really thought Mbaye would cover it easily, but he actually had no chance. And within half an hour, Bisson had two yellow cards. Hendriks subbed off to get midfielder in alongside Rolland. Well for five minutes, Rolland got a straight red himself. We were down to nine men after 36 minutes, as well as being down a goal. On the plus side, we didn't concede again. Nor did we look like dragging the goal back somehow. That's a bad run to finish the season with. Result : Lost 1-0.

 

We are not carrying momentum to the new season.

Some good performances throughout the squad, but its not good enough for Ligue 1.

 

[BadManager]

End of season, continued

 

Before the end of season awards, I probably would have regarded Kouassi as our most important player. I can't argue with the fans though, Ansudane definitely one of the top couple.

Of that side, Lashley has already agreed a move elsewhere. Devarrewaere is at an age where their time next season will be limited at best, Lischi in decline, and Hendriks is always a question mark. Ajax have not yet extended his contract, so things remain to be seen. We probably need to find four players just to keep ourselves at the same level. Players that would be Ligue 1 standard are all well beyond our budget, so things are looking tough for the step up.

 

As the end of May ticked over, the player divisional awards were handed out. There are two separate sets of awards. Ansudane came second in Star of the Season, Mbaye won the Star Goalkeeper award. This isn't where we play Ansudane, but I guess they had to fit him into the Star team.

 

In the other eleven, the other Ansudane (not ours) made an appearance. Kouassi and Fofana our players to make it. I wouldn't have minded making a bid for Carlos, who has now moved to Bastia in Ligue 1, although it would be a pain at international time to lose two Ansudanes to Comoros.

Finally, manager of the season. US Orleans' Hugo Lloris. I admit to being a bit miffed by that.

 

As July rolled around, we hadn't managed any business. One right back coming in which had been arranged a while back, and a few players left at the end of contract. Michael Gassama and the club could not agree to terms, he starts July on a non-contract and likely to leave at any moment. So, its a good thing a new right back is arriving. Fabio Miranda is still a work in progress, at 19 and comes in from Portugal's Naciomal de Madiera although he had been on loan in Ligue 2. I think he did alright against us actually. By star rating he is supposedly the best right back already, but on attributes his technical skills are still down a bit on Fofana and Gassama. Still, he's very cheap at £170 a week and even the £180k transfer fee seems a bargain for a £500k rated player. I was really expecting him to be in the reserves for a year, we will see.

Season|Team              |Competition         |  W|  D|  L|  GF|  GA|  GD|Posn  | Notes

20/21 |Sarnese           |SerieC Cup          |  0|  1|  1|   1|   2|  -1|Group |                     
      |                  |SerieC/C            |  7|  7| 26|  16|  79| -63|19th  |Playouts

21/22 |Sarnese           |SerieC Cup          |  0|  2|  0|   0|   0|   0|Group |
      |                  |SerieC/C            |  3|  7| 17|  25|  66| -41|20th  |Resigned 37 of 38 games
  
22/23 |Melfi             |SerieC Cup          |  0|  1|  0|   2|   2|   0|Rnd 2 |
      |                  |Italian Cup         |  0|  0|  1|   0|   2|  -2|      |2nd Qual Rd
      |                  |Serie C/C           | 13| 13| 11|  47|  41|  +6|11th  |

23/24 |Melfi             |SerieC Cup          |  0|  1|  1|   1|   2|  -1|Group |
      |                  |SerieC/C            |  6|  5| 10|  20|  27|  -7|14th  |Sacked 21 of 28 games

23/24 |Achilles '29      |Jupiler League      |  0|  6|  7|  10|  16|  -6|14th  |Playoff round 1

24/25 |Achilles '29      |Jupiler League      |  1|  7|  8|  11|  25| -14|16th  |Sacked after 16 of 38 games

24/25 |Stranraer         |Scottish League 2   |  8|  2|  2|  21|  10| +11|6th   |Took over 10th, after 24 of 36

25/26 |Stranraer         |Betfred Cup         |  2|  1|  1|   6|   4|  +2|Group | 2nd in Group
      |                  |Challenge Cup       |  1|  0|  1|   4|   5|  -1|2nd Rd|
      |                  |Scottish Cup        |  1|  0|  1|   3|   2|  +1|3rd Rd|
      |                  |Scottish league 2   | 15| 11| 10|  44|  37|  +7|4th   |Lost playoff semi

26/27 |Stranraer         |Betfred Cup         |  1|  0|  3|   6|   7|  -1|Group |4th in Group
      |                  |Challenge Cup       |  4|  0|  1|  12|   5|  +7|QtrFin|
      |                  |Scottish Cup        |  1|  0|  1|   2|   2|  +1|3rd Rd|
      |                  |Scottish league 2   |  5|  3| 11|  17|  32| -15|8th   |Lost playoff semi

26/27 |Vendee Herbiers   |French National     |  3|  0|  1|   6|   4|  +2|13th  |Took over 16th, after 30 of 34

27/28 |Vendee Herbiers   |French National     | 18|  5| 11|  55|  46|  +9|3rd   |Playoff
      |                  |French Cup          |  3|  0|  1|  14|   3| +11|8th Rd|
      |                  |Ligue 2 Playoff     |  0|  0|  2|   0|   6|  -6|      |

28/29 |Vendee Herbiers   |French National     | 11|  9| 14|  41|  48|  -7|13th  |
      |                  |French Cup          |  5|  0|  1|  21|   5| +11|10thRd|One win in extra time
      |                  |Coupe de la Ligue   |  0|  0|  1|   0|   2|  -2|      |

29/30 |Dijon FCO         |French Ligue 2      | 14| 16|  8|  48|  37| +11|5th   |
      |                  |French Cup          |  4|  0|  1|  16|   3| +13|11thRd|
      |                  |Coupe de la Ligue   |  0|  1|  0|   2|   2|   0|Prelim|Penalty loss

30/31 |Dijon FCO         |French Ligue 2      | 21|  6| 11|  57|  35| +22|1st   |Promoted Champions
      |                  |French Cup          |  1|  1|  0|   1|   0|  +1|8th Rd|Penalty loss
      |                  |Coupe de la Ligue   |  0|  2|  0|   4|   4|   0|1st Rd|1 pen win, 1 pen loss
================================================================================================================
Total  Games 419                               148 107 164  513  561  -48
                                               35% 26% 39% 1.22 1.34 -0.115per game

================================================================================================================
Titles
    Dijon FCO               French Ligue 2          2030/31

Awards
    Manager of the Month
    Stranraer               Scottish League 2       2024/25     April, 2025
                                                    2025/26     October, 2025

 

And finally, a look at previous clubs and the results in the major leagues.

 

Previous clubs

Sarnese (Italy) – Still Serie D, an unplayable league

Melfi (Italy) – Serie C/C, 10th, nobody of note still there from my day

Achilles '29 (Holland) – Jupiler League, 16th

Stranraer (Scotland) – League One, lasted one season and dropped again. No major names remaining from my time.

Vendee Herbiers Football (France) – National, 14th again, barely survived, Blin top scored again, Popovic has left the club and unemployed, Vincent was best player

 

Here in France, PSG did the treble and made Champions League semis.

The big three leagues

England : Liverpool win with six points back to Man U and six from there to Chelsea's

Italy : Napoli ran away with Serie A, 13 points clear of Roma who were trailed by Inter and another gap to the other Milan

Spain : Barcelona by two point over Real Madrid in a two horse race. Ten points back to Atletico and Velencia one behind them.

Edited January 20, 2022 by BadManager

[BadManager]

July - August 2031

Dijon FCO

Ligue One

It is taking me too long to get through two months, so once the season start I will switch to monthly updates and see how that works out.

There wasn't much time to rest with the first friendly on the fifth. Trying to get some players in, and out I guess, was the priority but not one working out too well.

 

We could not get a single player in that was any better than what we had with the budget available. Even if I spent whole transfer budget on one player, there simply isn't a player in the world that our scouts have found.

 

As the league season we began, we did manage to bring in one signing the day before the first game. He does not come in to a required position and the wage budget is blown to hell.

We really don't need a striker with Ansudane around, unless we end up playing two strikers. But he is a step up, or better be. We didn't pay £2.2m either, but that wage is too high for us – quite reasonable for anybody else in the league and cheap for some.

We haven't been able to secure a left back or centre back, which along with right wing were the places we really needed to fill as they weren't Ligue 2 standard. The new right back, Miranda, starts the season suspended along with new captain Bisson. Kamissoko starts the season at defensive mid, replacing former captain Devarrewaere.

So, we start the season as below. Ansudane not playing his usual role, and with us favoured to go back down without a fight. We are also training our old 4-3-1-2 which would have Ansudane line up alongside Kabangu, but I think we need the DM and some wingers in most games.

Girondins de Bordeaux (Last season: 12th) v Dijon FCO – Ligue 1, Match 1 of 38

We created the first close call of the season. Kabangu was back a bit to take a clearance and held it up enough for Ansudane to run on, take it down the left and cross into Kouassi. His header was saved, and probably should have got onto the rebound but didn't quite react quick enough. Mind you, it was very much against the run of play so not unlucky. So much against the run of play we had 30% possession after 20 minutes. Just short of half an hour gone, and something similar though started on the right hand side. Kabangu across to Ansudane, crossing into Kouassi who this time scored. A piece of utter class from Bordeaux brought us undone on 59 minutes. A lovely weighted and timed ball to get their striker in behind but just beyond what Mbaye could get to. The header left Mbaye with no chance, brilliant assist with an almost equal finish. Right on the final whistle we had a corner which was delivered well into the middle of the box, but Bordeaux handled well enough. Result : Drew 1-1. That was an unexpected point.

 

Dijon FCO v Nimes Olympique (Last season: Ligue2 2nd) – Ligue 1, Match 2 of 38

This match was probably the only game we could go in with confidence that we might be able to win. So, I came in expecting us to be horrid as is normally the case when we have a relatively easy game. The game started in dull fahsion, the whole first half prodiced no close chances at all. The few half chances were mostly ours as was the possession, and we had control of the game if unable to look like breaking through. The breakthrough came ten minutes into the second half, through a long range direct Nimes free kick. It had some nice curl but there was no reason it should have been allowed in. And ten minutes after that, Kamissoko gave up a penalty as another long ball caused havoc in the area. The easiest three points of the season. Result : Lost 2-0.

 

Olympique Lyonnais (Last season: 7th) v Dijon FCO – Ligue 1, Match 3 of 38

This was how the season was expected to go. We outnumbered them around the ball, but within two minutes class won out and quick finesse passing play under pressure that we can only dream of put us down a goal. Paleka started on the left rather than Ansudane, partly because that is his position and partly just to cycle a bit of match fitness into players. He weaved his way into the box and narrowly avoided a sliding tackle, I almost wanted him not to avoid it as there may have been a penalty. It wasn't required though as he knocked across to Kabangu for his first with us. We fell behind again courtesy of a corner, straight on to the head of the attacker on the far post and floated over the goalkeeper and in. Already the air ball is proving a particular weakness again in defence, as if simply being outclassed on every blade of grass wasn't enough. A third came after around 72 minutes, quite poor in defence and Lyons did not need to show Ligue 1 qualities. From there we completely crumbled to an absolute mess, and may as well not have been on the pitch when the fourth was given away. We did pull one back in the 90th, and the move actually looked decent even if the final goal was quite lucky. Result : Lost 4-2. 28 shots to 7 tells a story, it had been 17-2 with the score 1-1.

 

And another big (by our standard spend). This time on a Norewgian international central defender coming in from Molde. He probably pushes Fofana to the bench, to come on for Lischi from time to time and the two older players can share a position. Or Fofana can go out right, with Miranda underwhelming so far.

Dijon FCO v Montpellier Herault SC (Last seson : 18th) – Ligue 1, Match 4 of 38

Looking over it, we are probably in the easy part of the draw and so need points here to push for survival. Farstad didn't start, just due to wanting him to acclimatise. Both teams started slowly, and given Montpellier were not pushing we went to a less defensive stance looking to see if we could push something. On 35 minutes, Kabangu opened the scoring against his old club. Kouassi created the opportunity pouncing on an indecisive moment from a Montpellier player and then making a run and creative pass. Ansudane came on late, replacing Paleka on the left wing and taking an inside forward role. He was the recipient of a long ball from the right, cutting in from the left and beating the keeper on the near post for a second and his first this season. That was late enough to ensure the points, and it turned out the final score of the game. Result : Won 2-0.

 

AJ Auxerre (Last season : 10th) v Dijon FCO – Ligue 1, Match 5 of 38

Auxerre were clearly the better side, but their opening goal was one we should have avoided. Having cleared from a corner we had nobody up the pitch to clean up, it came back at us. We were slow to get onto the man driving forward, or to man up two prime targets for a pass. As it was he ran to the edge if the area and took the shot himself, Mbaye failing to lay a glove on something he should have got to - even with everything else that went wrong. It was two inside half an hour, a scorcher of a warm-burner from 20 yards. This time Mbaye could not have done a lot. We tried shuffling a few things around, and sort of stemmed the tide a bit but could never get a thing going ourselves. I am really worried about Fabio Miranda, who is starting to look like a bad pick-up. Result : Lost 2-0.

 

Things are going pretty much as expected, but not good enough for a fairly easy stage of the draw. Generally speaking, around 36 points would be enough to avoid the drop; but the relegation playout has been as many as 40 points. We don't have cattle, I don't have the strategy, but wins have to come from somewhere.

[BadManager]

September 2031

Dijon FCO

Ligue One

September began with an international window. One of our under 19s made his senior international debut, for Madagascar. Noah Rajaoniasy might never get mentioned again. Kabangu and Farstad both had two average games for their countries, Ansudane one as he got injured in our last league match of August.

 

Dijon FCO (17th, 1-1-3, 4pts, GD -4) v Angers SCO (13th, 1-2-2, 5pts, GD +1) – Ligue 1, Match 6 of 38

We looked to be on in the sixth minute, Kabangu seemed to have the keeper beaten and was on target but an excellent save just did enough to tip it over. Lischi got his head on the resulting corner but well held. Kabangu came close again just a couple of minutes later, but pushed the shot wide. It was probably covered if on target anyway. Both teams were creating chances early. It was becoming clear that Kabangu had noit yet gelled with teammates other than Ansudane, passes from and for Kabangu keep going far too in front of their man. Anyway, we were playing Bisson in order to have a slightly less attacking central midfielder in position. He took a free kick almost an hour in, which found Lischi's head well outside the six yard box for the opening goal. Towards the end Angers got through, it probably should have been saved but was looking a goal for a long time befiore they even got the ball forward. We just had the look of a team not getting back to cover, and made it too easy. And a couple of minutes later it got really sloppy, Kouassi missed Bisson openijng up the whole centre of the field, and then when a weak shot came in Mbaye did nothing but watch it roll in. Result : Lost 2-1. I really don't think we deserved a loss, probably a draw.

 

Racing Club de Lens (11th, 2-1-3, 7pts, GD -2) v Dijon FCO (18th, 1-1-4, 4pts, GD -5) – Ligue 1, Match 7 of 38

Early trouble with Miranda getting sdent off after a touch more than twenty minutes played. It was not a nice challenge, but instant red seemed a little harsh. I don't often sign guys and look to sell them so quickly, but that might be about to happen with Miranda. Fofana, who came on to fill the hole with Bisson subbed out, actually put us in front. A corner came back out ansudane who headed it toward the penalty spot, Fofana got his head to it first. We had a lead with ten men, short-lived no doubt as we were getting well outplayed even when we had eleven and that score was very much against the way the match was going. Shortly after the restart quality showed, Lens just passing around us and creating the simplest of opening to equalise. And on 809 minutes we fell behind, never leave a man unmarked from a free kick wide and just outside the area. Volley hammered home. Straight from the kick off we got back level, careful simple passes all the way and Kabangu - who started the move - ended up just a couple of metres out to narrowly evade the goalkeeper. Kouassi, sub on the right win, and Ansudane on the left involved. It was ten-on-ten for the final minutes with a Lens midfielder receiving his second card. We genuinely stole a point there, 20 shots to 4. Result : Drew 2-2.

 

Dijon FCO (18th, 1-2-4, 5pts, GD -5) v OGC Nice (2nd, 5-1-1, 16pts, GD +8) – Ligue 1, Match 8 of 38

The defence was largley unavailable. In addition to Miranda, Joubert at left back was suspended through reaching the yellow card limit as was Kamissoko as defensive mid. He, at least, has a more senior player in Devarrewaere as replacement. And Fofana or Gassama can fill right back probably better than Miranda. This begins a really tough stretch of four games, from which we are guaranteed zero points. It took us 23 minutes to give up a penalty, we panicked as a corner came in and it was fair call; well put away too. Five minutes later we had our first shot of the match, and Bisson's free kick abilities were on show to equalise. Nice's Marco Lombardi had been let off with a few warnings before finally receiving a yellow early in the second half. He then was deemed to have used his arm to control the ball, and it was eleven on ten. Ten of their players still are way better than eleven of ours, but not by quite as much perhaps. Bisson was instrumental in us grabbing a second, again via free kick though this time not directly. He found Lischi's head, about half a metre above all those around him and somehow directed well enough. That seemed to panic the Nice defence and they started fouling us even more in their attempts to get the ball back. Result : Won 2-1. Again, we did not deserve a point, but I will happily take three.

 

AS Monaco (1st, 6-0-1, 18pts, GD +15) v Dijon FCO (14th, 2-2-4, 8pts, GD -4) – Ligue 1, Match 9 of 38

It took 25 minutes for the opener to come, a well weighted corner allowing one of their players to trap, turn and shoot. We almost conceded a couple of minutes earlier, some lucky blocks and rebounds had saved us. Towards half time we were awarded a penalty, Bisson's kick was into the cornerof the net but still saved. That was our only shot of the half. The deficit doubled after the break, unrelenting pressure from Monaco and a nice finish sliding past Mbaye. The third was disappointing, a free kick off the upright that we had players react to first but then stop and with Mbaye on the ground a simple tap-in ensued. Result : Lost 3-0. That sort of result is never good, but it is hardly unexpected away to one of the teams expected to challenge PSG for the title.

 

In the end we got four points for the month, which was probably roughly what was hoped for coming into it. One or two points was maybe more a realistic expectation. Nothing against Angers was made up for with the steal against Nice, the final game showing where we are really at – and maybe flattering us a little.

Edited January 24, 2022 by BadManager

[BadManager]

October 2031

Dijon FCO

Ligue One

Dijon FCO (15th, 2-2-5, 8pts, GD -7) v Olympique de Marseilles (3rd, 6-2-1, 20pts, GD +14) – Ligue 1, Match 10 of 38

Well, that didn;t start well. Three minutes in, Mbaye basically took the ball over the line as he picked it up for us to go a goal down. After an hour so, we mixed things up a little, removed the wings and went back to the type of formation that got us to the top flight. It even sort of worked, Kouassi played in with him back to an attacking mid role. He hit the upright from a hugely offside position, then put the rebound in. Somehow, it was allowed to count. We were not even outplayed as badly as was expected. We certainly didn't deserve a goal, or a point, but not far off. Result : Drew 1-1.

 

Then followed an international break before what looked like the hardest game of the season. At the peak, we had eight players at various age levels of internationals.

 

Paris Saint-Germain (3rd, 7-2-0, 23pts, GD +17) v Dijon FCO (16th, 2-3-5, 9pts, GD -7) – Ligue 1, Match 11 of 38

Right from the pre-match shot of the stadium, this was just plain intimidating. The way the PSG players could read any slight move we made was disturbing, showing that despite being in the same league we were way out of our league. It did take 40 minutes for PSG to score, but only because they were cruising and possibly drunk. Every now and then we did something decent, not good, and mostly defensively. But when the second inevitably came the floodgates started to open, the third was duew to some sloppy work at the back. Unlike the other two, PSG didn't have to show anything much for that one. A fourth, right toward the end of regular time was a very nice cross indeed, after we got opened up on our left. Result : Lost 4-0.

 

That final game of the horror stretch completely depleted morale as well, leaving us very vulnerable to even other low positioned clubs. PSG went to the top of the table with a game in hand on almost all the league.

 

Dijon FCO (19th, 2-3-6, 9pts, GD -11) v Stade de Reims (10th, 3-4-4, 13pts, GD -2) – Ligue 1, Match 12 of 38

With morale nearing rock-bottom we needed to start well in this one. Two minutes in, Goni gave us that hope. From just outside the area, a little push into the top right corner which somehow their keeper never got across to. And 25 minutes later he got a second, going on the sort of run and finish he always looked like he should have in him. A third came a few minutes later, the move began by Kouassi on the right. Ansudane went well offside, breaking the move up initially, and a hurried shot was blocked and luckily fell to Kabangu to apply the finish. Its a good thing we finished well, because on the statistics we were outplayed. But we got the points. Result : Won 3-0.

 

Dijon FCO v AJ Auxerre (Ligue 1, 4th) – Coupe de la Ligue, 3rd Round

Another bright start, Kouassi and Ansudane combining in different positions to last season. Kouassi on the right, Ansudane coming as inside forward from the left to open scoring in two minutes. In the next five minutes, Kouassi hurt himself and Mbaye had to pull out a spectacular save to keep our lead. Fifteen minutes in, Ansudane's ability to keep the ball around traffic was rewarded as his play eventually led to Kabangu getting an opening and taking advantage from close range. A lot of luck was required as the half ended, twice Auxerre hit the woodwork with one of those almost unmissable. We put in a third ten minutes into the second half, Ansudane again coming from the left to receive but this time found to be offside. Again, statistically we don't look the better side, but we were probably better at each end. Result : Won 2-0.

 

If all goes well, next month could be a time to break away from the relegation battle. If all goes well.

[BadManager]

November 2031

Dijon FCO

Ligue One

AS Saint-Etienne (19th, 3-1-8, 10pts, GD -10) v Dijon FCO (14th, 3-3-6, 12pts, GD -8) – Ligue 1, Match 13 of 38

It was all Saint-Ettienne in the opening 20 minutes, we were definding the whole time and then they broke through twice in quick succession. At that stage we had not had a shot, as everything was getting picked almost as easily as PSG did. We made a couple of changes to get things right and adapt. Nothing seemed to be working though, and eventually had to change shape entirely. That still did not work. I don't know what happened, we showed nothing for 90 minutes. Result : Lost 2-0. This was supposed to be the start of getting away from the bottom, not meekly letting a bottom team go ahead of us.

 

Dijon FCO (17th, 3-3-7, 12pts, GD -10) v SC Bastia (12th, 4-3-6, 15pts, GD -5) – Ligue 1, Match 14 of 38

The match was realy quite even throughout, although Bastia were directing shots better and testing Mbaye more. The best opportunities did not come until around 70 minutes in, where Mbaye twice had to make reflex saves inside five seconds and a third shot a little after that was pushed wide to keep us luckily level. We had a bit of a make-shift midfield with Bisson on the bench after suffering food poisoning during the week and Bony suspended only one of the three who fill those two spots was available. Kouassi moved in there to fill the second spot. With Bastia having the other Ansudane and ever-dangerous Bilal Ruiz things were never looking easy as the game progressed. But after substitution and Kouassi moving back to right wing, he delivered a run and cross from the end line to our Ansudane on 83 minutes. In the end, that was the difference. Result : Won 1-0.

 

Then followed another international break. Miranda seems to play well in Portugal's under 21s, he's just not yet consistent at league level. Highlight of the break was Ansudane's hattrick, albeit against Mauritius, in Comoros' World Cup qualifying game. Mbaye kept a clean sheet, but against Zimbabwe most goalkeepers should. The Coupe de la Ligue 4th round draw took place and was not kind to us.

 

Stade Rennais FC (4th, 9-2-3, 29points GD +8) v Dijon FCO (15th, 4-3-7, 15pts, GD -9) – Ligue 1, Match 15 of 38

I think it could be said that this game had an interesting start. Ullivi crossed in to nobody, their goalkeeper let it go for a defender to clean up. He tapped it goalward, and it looked over the line, The referee was not convinced, and in his gaste to clear the same player's second attempt went into the upright and into the back of the net. We were up by an own goal that took attempts. Neither team had taken a shot as the match restarted. Ten minutes later we looked to have blown a move, Kanbangu getting it forward for Ansudane who was outnumbered and out-positioned. He took the only option he had, kept going forward and took the shot from a tight, easily covered angle. Somehow the goalkeeper merely managed to tap it on its way in. And 15 minutes in we had two on the board, with still only one shot for either side. The got one back woth half an hour played, Lischi jumping under a cross leaving an open chance for a Rennais player to head in. Thirty minutes in, 2-2. This time a deep cross from the other side, but again the head. The Rennais comeback looked complete when they streamed up the middle with quick precide passing and a very good player on the end to finish. It wasn't quite complete, a stunner from the same guy on 92 minutes rounded out the game. Result : Lost 4-2. I probably would have taken that at the start of the game, but after being up by two (lucky) goals it was very disappointing.

 

We have the worst away record in the league, no wins and only two draws with zero clean sheets in eight starts.

 

Dijon FCO (17th, 4-3-8, 15pts, GD -11) v AS Nancy Lorraine (13th, 4-4-7, 16pts, GD -13) – Ligue 1, Match 16 of 38

OK, I think this match prved we are getting relegated. Utterly outclassed early at home, and an early injury. Going one down inside 15 minutes was inevitable, Mbaye had already been called on a few times but this time the rest of the defence made it too hard for him. Our left, in particular, was being regularly exposed. Mind you, the second came on our right. It was not anyone on plauyer's fault. The cross was in the clear, the targted player well in the clear, and we were falling apart. The third came via a free kick early in the second half, deflected in the wall and leaving Mbaye with no hope. And a fourth came after changing everyting around, again the move came from our left hand side being rubbish. To get things really going, Kamissoko got his second yellow with 15 to play. Result : Lost 4-0. Miranda's injury will keep him out perhaps as long as two months.

 

That was supposed to be the month we broke out of the relegation battle. Instead, we have essentially confirmed relegation. And that defensive fall-off is something to behold. Mbaye is one of the better goalkeepers in the league, yet we still leak goals in terrible fashion.

[BadManager]

December 2031

Dijon FCO

Ligue One

Stade Malherbe Caen (20th, 3-2-11, 11pts, GD -17) v Dijon FCO (18th, 4-3-9, 15pts, GD -15) – Ligue 1, Match 17 of 38

Again, we started terribly. Only the lack of quality in the opposition was keeping the game in doubt by the ten minute mark. On they very rare occasion we did get the ball forward, we just hoofed it high and wide for a goal kick without seemingly attempting a pass or miracle shot, even if we had three players ahead onside and clear. When we did finally attempt to pass the ball into the area, Ansudane hit hard straight at the goalkeeper. And it deflected in. We needed the goal but certainly did not deserve it. Twice in consecutive matches our defensive mid got sent off, Devawaerre ten minutes into the second half. By the time 70 minutes had been reached we were down to nine via double-yellow, Farstad would also miss the next match. Given that, the equalising cross on 81 minutes was a shock to nobody. Result : Drew 1-1.

 

Suspensions and everybody tired, things are not looking good for the next “must win” game.

 

Dijon FCO (17th, 4-4-9, 16pts, GD -15) v FC Sochaux-Montbe (19th, 3-5-9, 14pts, GD -12) – Ligue 1, Match 18 of 38

Oh, its so tempting to just resign right now. Eighteen minutes in, we cleared a header but straight to a man with plenty of time to just fire hard and true from well outside the area. Nobody even started trying to get to him. This side is beyond all help now. We did a get a few shots, pretty much all blocked. Although when in a position to shoot we were more likely to just stand and wait for the opposition to take the ball. We did actually draw level early in the second half, but not in a way that showed anyone knew how to actually devise and score a goal. It was more hack toward the net, hack the rebound toward the net, until eventually there was no rebound. Result : Drew 1-1.

 

Toulouse FC (6th, 9-2-7, 29pts, GD +2) v Dijon FCO (18th, 4-5-9, 17pts, GD -5) – Ligue 1, Match 19 of 38

An early goal for us. Lischi's decline is starting to show, but he still can occasionally rise above the pack and head home a corner. It was inevitable that Toulouse would go on to win the game, and two came in very quick succession after the break. Both in more or less the same style, cut across the middle, angled shot from slightly on the left just inside the area. Despite the score that was one of our better games in four or five weeks. And it wasn't good. Result : Lost 2-1.

 

So, its the halfway point. We sit in relegation, having played our best football in the opening months of the season and now on a serious decline. The questions were starting to come up in my mind. Do we spend and try to avoid relegation, or sell, get hammered but hopefully have money to come up stronger in a couple of years. Given my scouts can never find a player, probably neither will actually be options.

 

Hmmm, an interview offer for the Girondins de Bordeaux job. Their salary spend is about five times ours, they spend around the median of the league. For all that, it wouldn't take many mis-steps to send them into the relegation battle. They are only three points ahead of us.

I guess I should at least attend …. not sure if I would take it if offered, its not really a big jump up or much more certainty of survival.

To be continued - will revisit in a couple of days, feel free to add thoughts, jump ship (should the interview go well) or stay and fail?

[bigmattb28]

Leave.

[BadManager]

On 08/02/2022 at 17:00, bigmattb28 said:

Leave.

I have played on a little bit since then, and did not leave. There really seemed little point. Update soon.

 

edit: update for the rest of December

…. after a few days break …..

 

I attended the interview, but some of the philosophies were not things I was prepare to agree to, so left without expecting a job offer to come my way.

 

Dijon FCO v Paris Saint-Germain (Ligue1, 1st) – Coupe de la Ligue, 4th Round

We actually looked bright early around the middle, some poor choices stopped any moves to see what PSG had in defence. And when they did come at us, it was clinical. So despite having more of the ball and largely being in controle, we still conceded very early. On half an hour, PSG got sloppy at the back and a lazy back-pass with too much on it for the defender and not enough to allow the goalkeeper out to meet it allowed Kabangu in to equalise. The speed at whioch PSG transiaiotn when we got attacking corners was a serious concern. We were outdone physically and on skill, allowing them to rebound with confidence every time. The next two PSG goals came within 15 seconds of us taking corners, and another couple of chances before the break. A scramble just inside the PSG area, with Kouassi's passes continually blocked, eventually saw him provide Kabangu with a chance. He had to hold composure anmd one-strike it, which he did. A couple of minutes later, PSG got the lead back out to two. We seemed to have things covered, but the shot from tight was just too good. And a final free kick made it the sort of bad defeat expected. I didn';t think we were that bad, but we simnply cannot complete at that level. Result : Lost 5-2.

 

Nimes Olympique (11th, 5-7-7, 22pts, GD -7) v Dijon FCO (18th, 4-5-10, 17pts, GD -16) – Ligue 1, Match 20 of 38 [in match 2, Lost 2-0]

A Bisson free kick gave us an early lead, two minutes in. As has been mentioned before, he really is our best threat from set pieces; and they largely keep him in the team, along with him being able to play more of a ball-winning role alongside Goni or Bony. Goni is more an attacking threat in free play, and got in the end if both sides intercepting each other to chip across the goalkeeper onto Kouassi's head for the latter to make it 2-0. On the hour, we were very lucky to keep that lead, Nimes were let ij but hammered the ball into the upright and we managed to clear. Ansudane was lucky humself on 75 minutes, a poorly hit shoit deflecting off a defender to beat the keep and make us three up. Nimes immedlately pulled one back, Fofana just on as sub perhaps not adjusting to the game and leaving a small opening. As time was being reached, Nimes got a second. Farstad jumping unde rthe ball and allowing three players to run in behind him. With evberyone out of position it was a scramble to get back but to no avail. With Nimes on the attack again, the whistle went. Result : Won 3-2. Those final fifteen minutes were horrid, but we escaped.

 

With the transfer window coming up, rumours abound that Goni will be the subject to at least one bid. He's not someone I want to sell, but we have another midfielder arriving on a free to cover in case he or Bony get sold. And as expected the Bordeaux job went to someone else, which opens up another Ligue1 job.

 

Racing Club de Lens offered a Christmas Day interview, that would be a slight step up. But if offered I don't think I will accept at this stage.

 

Clearly this award works on calendar year rather than season, although 38 games in the calendar year? Anyway, 30 December news:

Dominating the league we aren't in

 

Not so good in the league we are (temporarily?) in. It still surprises me how bad we are defensively.

Edited February 9, 2022 by BadManager

[BadManager]

January 2032

Dijon FCO

Ligue One

Stade Reunis Deodatiens Saint-Die (Regional leagues) v Dijon FCO – French Cup, 9th Round

We mixed things up a bit up front, but largely this was still a furst team side,. Especially in defence, where don't have many options to swap in and out. And Lischi is on a month's leave. As expected we dominated the start, even oif it did take a disappointingly long time to score. And Mbamba was beaten early in the second half, a long ball in that our first team defence failed abysmally with. In the end, we had 30 shots to 2 but it wasn't what I wanted to see at either end. Paleka scored twice, he hasn't been getting the game time I thought he would largely because Ansudane has been filling that role on the left most of the time and trying to get some minutes into youngster Locatelli. Result : Won 3-1.

The next day, the next round of the cup was drawn. It was kind to us again FC Tours from the fourth tier.

 

The next few games were not going to be easy ones, although not the biggest clubs in the league.

 

Montpellier HSC (8th, 7-6-7, 27pts, GD -3) v Dijon FCO (18th, 5-5-10, 20pts, GD -15) – Ligue 1, Match 21 of 38 [in match 4, win 2-0]

Clearly January is going to be about hoping the couple of teams below us don't get points either. After twenty minutes we conceded two ion very quick succession, Montpellier not seeming to be extending themselves but still able to comfortably play as though we weren't there. Thins got worse after an hour when Fofana missed an easy clearance and instead turned it into our own net. That might have been the easiest match of the immediate stretch. Result : Lost 3-0.

 

 

Dijon FCO (18th, 5-5-11, 20pts, GD -18) v Olympique Lyonnais (4th, 11-6-4, 39pts, GD +20) – Ligue 1, Match 22 of 38 [in match 3, lost 4-2]

Twenty minutes seems to be a danger period, we held on for that long again before conceding in pretty weak fashion. And another twenty minutes later, Goni got a straight red for a nasty looking two-footed sliding challenge from the side. We went into our shell, not that we had been doing anything before, at that stage. In the final few minutes I rolled the dice and tried to see if we could pull the goal back through a miracle. Obviously, that didn't happen but we did have a chance or two finally. Result : Lost 1-0.

 

Dijon FCO (18th, 5-5-12, 20pts, GD -19) v AJ Auxerre (8th, 8-6-8, 30pts, GD +3) – Ligue 1, Match 23 of 38 [in match 5, lost 2-0]

We looked really shaky yet again, and this time it took half an hour to concede. A well taken free kick proving too good for the wall and Mbaye. From then on, again we tried a few things but could never manage to get the ball forward under any circumstance or tactic. Result : Lost 1-0.

 

Angers SCO (8th, 9-6-8, 33pts, GD -2) v Dijon FCO (18th, 5-5-13, 20pts, GD -20) – Ligue 1, Match 24 of 38 [in match 6, lost 2-1]

We looked like getting a good early chance, but three players failed to make an attempt from high percentage positions. I guess that's how FM shows confidence at times. Missed penalties another, Ansudane's spot kick on 12 minutes easily saved. We probably edged the game for 70 minutes, but to no avail. As Angers got on top late they didn't really look to score either. So, we got just our sixth point since mid-November. Result : Drew 0-0.

 

One little burst of good form might be enough to keep us safe. Or sink us if it comes from another bottom team.

[BadManager]

February 2032

Dijon FCO

Ligue One

Tours FC (FCA -D) v Dijon FCO – French Cup, 10th Round

With the form we were in, we couldn't really bring out too much of a secondary team even against a side three divisions below. One of those who isn't a regular starter, despite him being bought with high expectation, got the opener after 24 minutes. Ullivi's first goal for us was quite lucky. We continued controlling the game but the hoped for improvement and confidence boost did not come. Very few chances for our strikers, and both wasted the time they get did spraying the ball when they did get a touch. A highly underwhelming game. Result : Won 1-0. A Ligue 1 team in the round of 16, that will probably bring the Cup to an end.

 

Dijon FCO (18th, 5-6-13, 21pts, GD -20) v Racing Club de Lens (12rh, 7-7-10, 28pts, GD -9) – Ligue 1, Match 25 of 38 [in match 7, drew 2-2]

We need points here, another mid-table team away to follow and then the top three. Zero points is basically guaranteed over those four matches. Seventeen minutes in, Kabangu was on the end of an Ansudane cross and opened the scoring. Their goalkeeper had looked shaky once before, but this time was well beaten. I had started to regret not starting Bisson, Goni had not been as good in taking set pieces. Kabangu took the next set piece, a direct free kick that deflected off the wall just enough to evade the keeper and put us two up. We went into the break with that scoreline, and came out thankful for one of the most horrible misses of all time. The Lens player one on one just a few metres out sent it high and wide and almost over the corner flag from dead in front. After that, few chances for either team and we did what was desperately needed. Result : Won 2-0. But Ansudane will miss 2-3 weeks.

 

OGC Nice (9th, 10-4-11, 34pts, GD +1) v Dijon FCO (16th, 6-6-13, 24pts, GD -18) – Ligue 1, Match 26 of 38 [in match 8, won 2-1]

Earlier in the season I might have given us a chance of getting something from this game, even away. As things stood at this point, not so much. We had less chances early, but better one seven if they fell to unlikely players. Quite why Kamissoko was alone up front is anyone's guess. He and Goni wasted very good chances. And then Miranda tugged a shirt in the area to give up a penalty, which was missed. A missed tackle by Joubert opened things up for Nice and this time there was no mistake. The move having begun with a pinpoint long ball from their keeper. Lucj fell our way late in the first half. A terrible decision to lump the ball forward to nobody came off,as it was blocked by a Nice player and rebounded to Kabangu to run forward with. He beat the goalie and sloyyed into the top right. Speaking of lucky rebounds, Nice got the lead back in the opening minutes of the second half with a sprayed cross blocked by the had of Kamissoko falling to a striker who turned and shot wide, only for that to be deflected in. That made it 1-1 on the luck front, but 2-1 against us where it counts. Nice were down to ten men with 25 to play when Kouassi was brought down, but that didn't stop them immediately making it 3-1 with some of the best play of the game. Result : Lost 3-1. We deserved the loss, even outplayed when a man up. Unfortunately, AS Saint-Etienne got a draw; staying out of the drop zone is not going to happen in the next three games.

 

Dijon FCO (16th, 6-6-14, 24pts, GD -20) v AS Monaco (2nd, 18-4-4, 58pts, GD +41) – Ligue 1, Match 27 of 38 [in match 9, lost 3-0]

Another three day break, but it wouldn't really matter against Monaco. We didn't have any chance, so mixed things up a bit formation wise. Forward Nucci in, Miranda over to the left in defence and only one central midfielder. The board are not happy about the purchase of Nucci, but he was instrumental in us getting a shock lead. Crossing from the near the right corner, we got a header on it with the goalkeeper approaching, it went down to Goni and with nobody in front of him he found the open target. Goni was playing on the right today, as a right midfielder rather than a more advanced winger. And went for a run up the side, before crossing and returning the favour to Nucci. After half an hour we were two up. It was only a matter of time before Monaco scored, but at least we made them wait until the second half. It took 85 minutes in fact, a thunderously brilliant free kick leaving the defence and Mbaye with no hope. 902Nd minute, Bony with a rough challenge and instant red, the ball about 35 metres from our goal. The free kick floats into the area, Mbaye beaten to it by a Nice attacker, but we get back to clear. The ball comes back into our area again, and the whistle blows. Result : Won 2-1.

 

After the game, we lost our under 19s manager to the Spanish third tier. A job ad was already in place.

 

Olympique de Marseilles (3rd, 16-8-3, 56pts GD +30) v Dijon FCO (15th, 7-6-14, 27pts, GD -19) – Ligue 1, Match 27 of 38 [in match 10, drew 1-1]

The silly worked last time, so we stuck with it for one more. No surprises when Marseilles opened with a blasted free kick, half an hour gone was perhaps later than expected. The next ten minutes saw Mbaye make five saves, and that was just on the key highlights. Fair to say, the game was not being played on terms we would prefer. In stoppage time, a length of the field goalkeeper clearance over our defence and a very quick Marseilles player made it two right on the whistle. The same man got their third shortly after resumption, by that point we had not taken three shots. In the end it was 13 shots on target to 1. Result : Lost 3-0.

 

Goni and Farstad will be suspended for the final game of the month, after reaching yellow card limits. Its probably not a bad time, heading into a game where repeating a 3-0 loss is almost a win.

 

Dijon FCO (15th, 7-6-15, 27pts, GD -22) v Paris Saint-Germain (1st, 22-4-2, 70pts GD +50) – Ligue 1, Match 28 of 38 [in match 11, lost 4-0; in coupe de la league, lost 5-2]

For half a match, nothing happened. We even edged the shot count, but only because we are shooting on sight. After 85 minutes we started dreaming of a draw, until PSG got an incisive breakaway up the right, passed the ball simply to the ball into the middle with no defence remaining and fired. Mbaye parried for a corner. Which we cleared. Another corner, 92 gone and the PSG player got a head on it. Only to push wide. A point nobody saw coming. Result : Drew 0-0.

 

The true horror stretch of the fixture is over, with us somehow not losing either of the home games. We still need to get points regularly, somehow, from the remaining games and hope for other results to go our way. We still play most the teams below us, not losing those games will be critical to survival. Wins would be great to open gaps.

[BadManager]

March 2032

Dijon FCO

Ligue One

Dijon FCO v Stade de Reims (Ligue 1, 8th) – French Cup, 11th Round

Both teams started pressing hard, and making a lot of tackles as a result. The dribbling looked poor, but part of that was simply a result of pressure. As the first half wore opn, we were looking the better team but half an hour in only one real chance had come in the match. An excellent save stopped Kabangu opening the scoring. It took until right on the half time whistle for a score to come. Kouassi, back at central attacking mid while we are in the formation we played in Ligue 2, coming through at hitting home. 12 shots 0 at the break, but only four on target and one goal. A very sloppy piece of work in their defence gifted us a second. The ball was well out in front of Kabangu, and the defender was there easily. He then failked to make a decision, simply knocking it two metres in front of himself. Kabangu got to is Ansudane steamed in, the ball a little in front of the the goalkeeper who seemed to get hands to it but not on it, for a simple Ansudane tap in. A Bisson strike on 82 minutes was somehow allowed in as well. It was not the sort of thing I expect from him, the long range shot that actually works. His goalscoring is free kick based. I was planning on using that as a learning game for the league match, we dominated to the point there wasn't much to learn. Result : Won 3-0.

 

Stade de Reims (8th, 11-9-9, 42pts, GD +3) v Dijon FCO (15th, 7-7-15, 28pts, GD -22) – Ligue 1, Match 30 of 38 [in match 12, won 3-0; in cup, won 3-0]

Would this be a match to show up the difference between us at home and us away? Pretty much, at least early on. Very little possession, although one of our few moves provied twice unluckly. Kabangu appeared to be fouled in the area, the ref didn't think so. We still got a shot away, into the woodwork. On 18 minutes we fell behind from a corner, two contested but lost headers and that was it. Midway through the second half we were actually leading the shot count, but that was largely because Reims were being much more careful with when to take a shot. Their goalkeeper is not a bad shot-stopper either. Kouassi looked to have him beaten, but somehow it was tipped over for a corner. He did prove poor in other areas in the cup game; so we still had a chance. Away games are a ruin. We had got well on top, to the point where we would be considered unlucky to have lost - yet right toward the end conceded a second. Result : Lost 2-0.

 

According to the media, I'm being linked with the Everton job. I wouldn't expect anything to come from that, it seems quite a leap. I genuinely would not know what to do with real money.

 

Dijon FCO (15th, 7-7-16, 28pts, GD -24) v AS Saint-Etienne (17th, 7-6-17, 27pts, GD -26) – Ligue 1, Match 31 of 38 [in match 14, lost 2-0]

This was not in the plan. Saint-Etienne winning the ball off ouyr play-makers far too easily, our chances numerous but scrambled and wasted. Our opponents, howeverm clinical whenever the approach our goal. We went into the break controlling 95% of the pitch, but two goals down. A Bisson free kick early in the second gave us some hope. Every time I think he's gone, he does that just to tease me. Ten minutes later, he takes another free. This one is just lobbed toward the spot, before the ref points to the spot. Bony tucks it home. And we finally score a goal from open play when Nucci, in for a disappointing Ansudane, gets fed nicely by Kabangu and slides one past the keeper. Suddenly we had a lead 15 minutes after the break. Saint-Etieene immediately came back at us, and an extended spell near our goal resulted in them gaining an equaliser. Not good enough. Result : Drew 3-3.

 

News from Everton, no surprise that I didn't make their shortlist.

In positive signs for the future, four players made various underage squads. Two are curently out on loan.

And with an intyernational break coming up, news the next day that six are in senior squads. African Nations qualifiers being the bulk, Farstad to play in Euro qualifying playoff.

 

SC Bastia (13th, 10-7-14, 37pts, GD -7) v Dijon FCO (15th, 7-8-16, 29pts, GD -24) – Ligue 1, Match 32 of 38 [in match 15, won 1-0]

Back to 4-1-2-2-1 with wingers, partly just as a rotation and partly due to injury in the central midfield cutting back the number of bench options we would have with three central mids. Well, at least I knew who was going to carve up this match. Bilal Ruiz, who I sold to get much needed money when I first arrived. Yet again, crosses bring us undone. Thirty minutes in, we can't clear, it goes to the edge of the area and very good (if standard) finish beast Mbaye comfortably. And, yes, Ruiz got the second. Terrible lack of defending from Farstad, who got to the ball much earlier and then just ran away from it to give Ruiz a free run. 75 minutes in, Kouassi got the perfect low cross into Kabangu a metre from the left upright with the goalkeeper well beaten. It hit the woodwork very hard and bounced back well outside the area. Bastia were never stretched by us really, that one totally squandered chance was it. Result : Lost 2-0.

 

Kamissoko and Miranda suspended for the next game. Ion some ways, not such bad timing. Even at this point, another round of the cup is less important than finding some league points from somewhere, somehow.

I am struggling to see how we survive. We have still won just one away game all season, and will need to get one as well as an upset at home and not drop points in those home games we might be slight favourites in.

 

International break:

Malndain and Rolland, poor and respectable for France under 20s against Egypt. Only roland played the second game, poor against Scotland. Miranda OK twice for Portugal's under 21s.

Kabangu set up one of the two goals for DR Congo to beat Nigeria, Mbaye let in five against Denmark, Gassama OK in Congo's loss to Comoros where Steve Ansudane got the assist for Bastia's Carlos Ansudane to score the only goal, Farstad poor in Norway's loss to Bulgaria, Kamissoko barely played for Mali.

[BadManager]

April 2032

Dijon FCO

Ligue One

 

US Avranches (Ligue 2, 13th) v Dijon FCO – French Cup, Quarter Final

With our form, and especially away form, as it was we didn't even enter this game as favourites. And early on, the bookies looked to eb correct. We could not maintain possession. But we did get the bets early chance, Locatelli playing on the right wing with a perfect cross to Kabangu. The shot was unmissable, but of course missed. Hammered up and into the crossbar from a position where it had to go almost vertical to do so. We did the get the opening goal though, on thirsty minutes with some dirty lower league long ball down the line stuff. Bisson the blind hoof, Kabangu well in behind the defenders and just sliding to the goalkeeper's right. We should have got a second on the hour mark, but the inability to put away the simple chance is something incredible in this side with form and confidence so low. Right on 93 minutes with 3 minutes of stoppage time, Avranches took a corner from our left and floated in dangerously. Thankfully Mbaye got to it, I was certain that we would concede. Result : Won 1-0.

 

The win comes at a big cost, Kouassi to miss four weeks. Away to Monaco for the semi.

 

Dijon FCO (17th, 7-8-17, 29pts, GD -26) v Stade Rennais FC (5th, 15-7-10, 52pts, GD +9) – Ligue 1, Match 33 of 38 [in match 15, lost 4-2]

Joubert and Bisson were suspended, Miranda went to the left and Dean is the obvious Bisson replacement. And it was Dean who got us a lead, ten minutes a fabulous left footed strike. His next effort, two minutes later, was somewhat poorer. He seemed much better when he could stop and prop, than shooting on the move. Dean was having a game, brought down in the box on fifteen minutes for Ansudane to step up and give us a second. Ansudane was preferred because Kabanga, despite scoring in the cup, has not been firing. And five minutes later, we had three on the board. Goni got the finishing header to work from Ullivi; supposedly our senior right winger but disappointing for most of time here; and Ansudane. With half an hour gone, Ullivi got a goal of his own, cutting in like when Ansudane is played on the left as an inside forward. His run was timed well, the pass to find him was weighted well, and allowed him to run on and steady. It was bought a little undone late in the first half, a somewhat meek concession with three chances to clear not taken. Early oin the second half, and Rennais were back in the hunt,, afree kick handing them all the momentum and [plenty of time to score again. Rennais definitely had the better of the second half, and Ullivi finally showing something picked up an injury. But after that scare we at least didn't concede again. Result : Won 4-2.

 

AS Nancy Lorraine (19th, 7-6-20, 27pts, GD -35) v Dijon FCO (14th, 8-8-17, 32pts, GD -24) – Ligue 1, Match 34 of 38 [in match 16, lost 4-0]

Wow, that was a disaster when we first played them. If we don't lose here, we are probably (not certainly) safe from the automatic relegation spots. But we're still well in the danger zone for the playoff if we don't win. At the other end, PSG played the early game and of Monaco and Marseilles both fail to win could claim the title with four games remaining. Locatelli starts on the wing, with Ullivi and Kouassi out and Landeta not to play 90 minutes. Goni suspended, Bony in.

End to end close calls very early on, Locatelli seemed to have Ansudane in but just as the ball arrived so did two defenders to up-end him apparently legally. With us caught out of position, Lorraine ran their left wing before going inboard and only a Mbaye save kept it level. No such luck a few minutes later, a hich corner sent in, Mbaye got a hand on the resulting header but only to a stiker. And by 40 minutes in we were three down, every high ball resulting in a Lorraine goal. We did pull one back after an hour, Kabangu having been brought on with Ansudane put out left, took one from range and got lucky. We had gone to just hoof and hope because trying to play football was failing dismally. 4-1 in the dying minutes, I don't know why we get belted by such a poor side. Result : Lost 4-1 and that puts back in the mix for auto-relegation.

 

Dijon FCO (14th, 8-8-18, 32pts, GD -37) v Stade Malherbe Caen (17th, 8-6-20, 30pts, GD -27) – Ligue 1, Match 35 of 38 [in match 17, drew 1-1]

A couple of changes in defence; Joubert back to the left, Fofana dropped, Gassama in and Miranda benched. An early goal for Kabangu, Dean feeding him well. The goalkeeper did get to it, and probably should have stopped it to be honest. Inside fifteen minutes he had a second, that run of goalless games looked over. Sometimes, at home, we don't look like a terrible team. He fired a free kick on 35 minutes, the goalkeeper doing well to hold it an deny a hattrick. Again their goalkeeper did well to deny Kabangu, this time only to deflect it to Landeta for a fairly simple goal. At home, we're almost a mid-table team. Away, we are just terrible. Result : Won 3-0.

 

AS Monaco (Ligue 1, 3rd) v Dijon FCO – French Cup, Semi Final [In the league, lost 3-0 away, won 2-1 home]

It came as no great shock that Monaco were all over us from the start. We could barely string one pass together, much less two. It took 35 minutes before they scored though, and it was disappointing. Mbaye looked to have held it, but somehow it squeezed through just as I was setting tactics to mark the better man the who got the assist (possible player of the league winner). Monaco got the sealer on 88 minutes, again it could perhaps have been stopped but he way they worked it behind our defence meant they really deserved it. Result : Lost 2-0, overall we were lucky to keep it to two, and yet probably could have stopped both.

 

In theory, we have one easy game left. But its away. If we get a win in the final games we should be safe. Without that, who knows.

 

Edited February 22, 2022 by BadManager

[BadManager]

May - June 2032

Dijon FCO

Ligue One

FC Sochaux-Montbe (20th, 6-10-18, 28pts, GD -30) v Dijon FCO (14th, 9-8-18, 35pts, GD -24) – Ligue 1, Match 36 of 38 [in match 18, drew 1-1]

Once again in away game, we were outplayed completely. And fully deserved to fall behind after twenty minutes from a corner that they really did not take all that well, but still scored from. Except somehow it was called offside, I don't quite get how corner, head, goal can be offside. I don;t get it. Anyway, we fell behind for just before half time. An easily cut off floated long ball and nobody went for it. The defence just stood around waiting for the opposing ateackers to run past before moving. We had to change everything early in the second half, as nothing was working. Back to the two striker, no wings, with Kabangu having fluffed the few times he got the ball in decent position. And it was Ansudane who got a lucky goal, very bad goalkeeping to get beaten by a dribbler on the near post. Shocking connection but at least it was on target. We started to at least make some play, with some terrible passing in the final third killing every move and leaving the whole team out of position on the counter. This is the sort of game that shows not only should be getting relegated, but we should relegate from Ligue 2 as well. Result : Drew 1-1. Utterly disgraceful. And yet at home sometimes we look mid-table. We better look good in one of the final two games. At least Stade Malhebre Caen also only managed a draw, so we keep a five point buffer. Surely they won't win both their final games.

 

Dijon FCO (14th, 9-9-18, 36pts, GD-24) v Toulouse FC (5th, 15-11-10, 56pts, GD +9) – Ligue 1, Match 37 of 38 [in match 19, lost 2-1]

Our first move of the match came back and bit us immediately, goalkeeper got hold of it and straight up the guts. The finish was moderately difficult but with no pressure being applied. The fans had something to cheer just short of half an hour in, Kouassi on the board thanls to Ansudane playing him through. And they were still celebrating five minutes later when Bisson put in a free kick from around 25 metres. From the kick off Toulouse threatened our are for a couple of minutes non-stop. A very short range effort resulted, which Mbaye managed to swat away and the pressure continued until eventually cleared. Things held steady, with us looking slightly more likely for some time after that, but after 84 minutes the Toulouse right back came forward and put in a gem of an angled cross which was perfectly met and they equalised. A final foray with a ball over the top from Dean, but Kabangu tackled as he met the ball. Corner. Cleared and before we could bring it back in Miranda was tackled and Toulouse cleared in surely the final minute. We were safe anyway, with Stade Malherbe Caen three down. Result : Drew 2-2.

 

Dijon FCO (15th, 9-10-18, 37pts, GD -24) v Girondins de Bordeaux (17th, 5-18-14, 33pts, GD -15) – Ligue 1, Match 38 of 38 [in match 1, drew 2-1]

A couple of ageing players get a start, maybe as a send off for the fans. Not good early, conceding from a corner again. This time it came in low and wasn't an aerial loss. As half time approached things just got worse. Our defence failed to really put much pressure on and their one good player punished us with a blast from range. Some hope was found later on, Paleka brought on as we moved things around was brought down in the box. Kouassi took the sport kick to pull us back in touch. While we played better than Bordeaux almost throughout, we didn't make anything of our many chances. Next season is going to be at least as rough as this one. Result : Lost 2-1.

 

Club end of season wrap-up followed immediately. I really didn't have a clue who I would pick as our player of the season. Possibly Kabangu, maybe Mbaye (hey, an anagram). Nobody really stood out for me. The fans gave it to Goni, fair enough, ahead of Bisson and Ansudane. Dean got signing of the season, largely because of being free. With things as they sit, simply avoiding relegation again next season is as much as we can target. There is a much improved wage budget to work with, and roughly the same transfer budget. To improve, we will still need to be bargain hunting. That extra wage spend is still very little compared to most clubs, even at the lower end.

 

That was very poor way to end the season.

Saint-Etienne did not survive the playoff. Only two teams had representation in the league's team of the season, PSG and Monaco.

PSG get their eleventh consecutive league title, in 16 years of the save they have won thirteen times and finished second the other three.

And 15th in Ligue 1 is the equal best finish in Dijon's history. The have made the cup final twice, so the relatively easy run to the semi is not a best finish there.

When you bleed goals, the defence isn't going to have high ratings and reputation. I think we need to offload some older players, not because they will sell for anything but in an attempt to free up wage budget. Rolland was out on loan all season, the only loan player to have returned when this was taken. He probably needs another season out on loan, but might find himself staying here and coming off the bench a lot depending how the summer goes.

Around the big leagues:

England – Chelsea 86, Man U 80, Man C 75, Liverpool 74

Italy – A bit of a surprise : Roma 88, Napoli 86, Inter 84, AC Milan 71

Spain – Back to back for Barcelona 103, Real Madrid 94, Atletico Madrid 92, Valencia 88

European Champions League Final – Manchester United 3, Valencia 0

 

We entered June with no transfers confirmed, other than a winger who won't make it leaving at the end of his contract. As the window opens, there are rumours that Nice are circling for Goni.

Lischi came to me complaining about homesickness, he agreed to be transfer listed. With any luck an Italian side will pick him up and he can finish his career with one last season at home.

As a slightly interesting thing to see where the gaps are, I looked at what a tactic would look like if the best players (by star rating) played in their best positions. Stars are only a loose guide, but even so it shows a story.

 

Obviously, I would never play that and its just an exercise to show the glaring weaknesses on the wings and defence. It is interesting that Miranda, who made so many sloppy errors early, at twenty years old is now among our top three on star rating; and Joubert makes the team despite clearly not being made for this level. Lischi's decline shows, and that defence is weak. Ansudane and Kouassi getting pushed out to the wings happened for a reason. We have been looking at an Ullivi replacement on the right, but he would be coming from Ligue2 and probably not really any better for more money. I am a little surprised to see only Dean as a central mid. Goni often drops back there, with Kouassi either on a wing or taking the attacking mid spot. Goni is just about as good playing in attacking role as central mid. Rolland being there means maybe he shouldn't go out on loan again, it remains a line-ball decision.

 

International watch:

Kabangu (Democratic Republic of Congo) : An assist in a win over Nigeria, subbed off after a poor showing in a scoreless draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina

Mbaye (Senegal) : Let in 4 against Bosnia-Herzegovina in a draw, solid but not solid enough in 2-1 loss to Uruguay

Farstad (Norway) : Alright in a loss to South Korea, excellent in 3-0 over Luxembourg

Ansudane (Cpmoros) : Poor in a 4-1 loss to Zambia

Gassama (Congo) : Also in a 4-1 loss, this to Gabon

Joly (France U21) : Barely played in win over Ukraine

Miranda (Portugal U21s) : Didn't play much but did well in a big win over Austria

Landeta (Spain U21s) : Just as we extended his loan, he played half an hour against Croatia

 

A few fringe and reserve players departed at the end of June. By that point we had only secured one new player, an Ecuadorian left back no better than Joubert but should get better as the season progresses.

 

Season|Team              |Competition         |  W|  D|  L|  GF|  GA|  GD|Posn  | Notes

20/21 |Sarnese           |SerieC Cup          |  0|  1|  1|   1|   2|  -1|Group |                     
      |                  |SerieC/C            |  7|  7| 26|  16|  79| -63|19th  |Playouts

21/22 |Sarnese           |SerieC Cup          |  0|  2|  0|   0|   0|   0|Group |
      |                  |SerieC/C            |  3|  7| 17|  25|  66| -41|20th  |Resigned 37 of 38 games
  
22/23 |Melfi             |SerieC Cup          |  0|  1|  0|   2|   2|   0|Rnd 2 |
      |                  |Italian Cup         |  0|  0|  1|   0|   2|  -2|      |2nd Qual Rd
      |                  |Serie C/C           | 13| 13| 11|  47|  41|  +6|11th  |

23/24 |Melfi             |SerieC Cup          |  0|  1|  1|   1|   2|  -1|Group |
      |                  |SerieC/C            |  6|  5| 10|  20|  27|  -7|14th  |Sacked 21 of 28 games

23/24 |Achilles '29      |Jupiler League      |  0|  6|  7|  10|  16|  -6|14th  |Playoff round 1

24/25 |Achilles '29      |Jupiler League      |  1|  7|  8|  11|  25| -14|16th  |Sacked after 16 of 38 games

24/25 |Stranraer         |Scottish League 2   |  8|  2|  2|  21|  10| +11|6th   |Took over 10th, after 24 of 36

25/26 |Stranraer         |Betfred Cup         |  2|  1|  1|   6|   4|  +2|Group | 2nd in Group
      |                  |Challenge Cup       |  1|  0|  1|   4|   5|  -1|2nd Rd|
      |                  |Scottish Cup        |  1|  0|  1|   3|   2|  +1|3rd Rd|
      |                  |Scottish league 2   | 15| 11| 10|  44|  37|  +7|4th   |Lost playoff semi

26/27 |Stranraer         |Betfred Cup         |  1|  0|  3|   6|   7|  -1|Group |4th in Group
      |                  |Challenge Cup       |  4|  0|  1|  12|   5|  +7|QtrFin|
      |                  |Scottish Cup        |  1|  0|  1|   2|   2|  +1|3rd Rd|
      |                  |Scottish league 2   |  5|  3| 11|  17|  32| -15|8th   |Lost playoff semi

26/27 |Vendee Herbiers   |French National     |  3|  0|  1|   6|   4|  +2|13th  |Took over 16th, after 30 of 34

27/28 |Vendee Herbiers   |French National     | 18|  5| 11|  55|  46|  +9|3rd   |Playoff
      |                  |French Cup          |  3|  0|  1|  14|   3| +11|8th Rd|
      |                  |Ligue 2 Playoff     |  0|  0|  2|   0|   6|  -6|      |

28/29 |Vendee Herbiers   |French National     | 11|  9| 14|  41|  48|  -7|13th  |
      |                  |French Cup          |  5|  0|  1|  21|   5| +11|10thRd|One win in extra time
      |                  |Coupe de la Ligue   |  0|  0|  1|   0|   2|  -2|      |

29/30 |Dijon FCO         |French Ligue 2      | 14| 16|  8|  48|  37| +11|5th   |
      |                  |French Cup          |  4|  0|  1|  16|   3| +13|11thRd|
      |                  |Coupe de la Ligue   |  0|  1|  0|   2|   2|   0|Prelim|Penalty loss

30/31 |Dijon FCO         |French Ligue 2      | 21|  6| 11|  57|  35| +22|1st   |Promoted Championship
      |                  |French Cup          |  1|  1|  0|   1|   0|  +1|8th Rd|Penalty loss
      |                  |Coupe de la Ligue   |  0|  2|  0|   4|   4|   0|1st Rd|1 pen win, 1 pen loss

31/32 |Dijon FCO         |French Ligue 1      |  9| 10| 19|  43|  68| -25|15th  |
      |                  |French Cup          |  4|  0|  1|   8|   3|  +5|Semis |
      |                  |Coupe de la Ligue   |  1|  0|  1|   4|   5|  -1|4th Rd|
================================================================================================================
Total  Games 464                               162 117 185  568  637  -69
                                               35% 25% 40% 1.22 1.37 -0.149per game

================================================================================================================
Titles
    Dijon FCO               French Ligue 2          2030/31

Awards
    Manager of the Month
    Stranraer               Scottish League 2       2024/25     April, 2025
                                                    2025/26     October, 2025
    Manager of the Month    French Ligue 2          2031

And finally, my former clubs. It might be the last time I report on those prior to Stranraer, hardly anyone remains from my time.

Sarnese (Italy) – Serie D still

Melfi (Italy) – Serie C/C, 9th

Achilles '29 (Holland) – 18th narrowly avoiding relegation

Stranraer (Scotland) – League 2, 7th

Vendee Herbiers Football (France) – National, 16th, and relegated to CFA-D

[BadManager]

July - August 2032

Dijon FCO

Ligue One

Not a lot happening in terms of player movements in July, so this is a two month update again. Devawaerre leaves, at age 33 clearing out his wages is a bonus. Some £5m+ offers came in for Goni, but we're instead trying to sign him on a five year deal. I expect by the end most of the wage budget will be used up, maybe some of the transfer budget will remain. I am just not used to having a budget to spend, and no idea how to do it effectively. I am sort of hoping an offer will come in for Bisson, Roland should largely be taking on his role. I tested the waters by offering him around, and he got very unhappy.

 

We have strengthened the one part of the team that probably didn't need it, central midfield players who can attack and do playmaking roles.

So, we are overloaded with midfielders, Dean will make some starts but might not be a first team starter any more. Or Vidal may play more on the wing. No offers yet for Bisson or Joly, who we have offered around. Or for Lischi, who it would be handy to get off the books even while we struggle to get a fresh centre back in. Senechal might fill that role from time to time, which would allow Kamissoko to stay at DM when we use one.

 

Days before the season began we overpaid for a central defender, Elimane Seck was at the Olympics with Senegal when we signed him from La Berrichonne in Ligue 2. And then Miranda came and complained about a non-existent offer, wanting to move to Chelsea. If they make a decent big, I think I would have to let him go. But I am finding it very hard to fill anything except midfield roles straight up the spine.

 

As the season begins, I can't blame the bookmakers for having us in the relegation playoff spot. I hope we can prove them wrong again – this time a bit more comfortably perhaps. But I would say our defence starts weaker than last season, the attack hasn't improved, the wings perhaps a slight decline the midfield is a bit better. I do still have budget available, but we need to find and attract the right players. We struggle on both, even loans are hard to come by. I thought with a second top flight season we might be a bit more attractive than last season, not so.

And with that, the season begins. Except Chelsea do make an offer for Miranda on match day. From a pure game perspective I should not accept, from a part “role play” perspective to not allow a 20 year old to move to Chelsea seems harsh. I delayed, but he is very unhappy and I think I may be forced into the sale at a bit under what we could have got.

 

Its the middle of August and the league begins with the below line up selected. Senechal is injured, but otherwise we have everyone available.

Dijon FCO v Montpellier HSC (Last season 11th, Predicted 11th) – Ligue 1, Match 1 of 38

Goni gets the first goal of the new season, a free kick curling into the top corner after 27 minutes. Statistically we were marginally the better team to that point, but not looking like making a goal out of it. Just before the half Kabangu was fed an excellent through ball and left four defenders in his wake. However, the goalkeeper came out ot meet him and cut the angle enough to block the shot. And nobody was running in behind, five Monpellier players cleared it easily. Landeta was also carrying a knock by that stage. With just under an hour played, Mbaye did likewise except his decision was harder as more players were coming at him and it was possible our defence would chop things off first. Good save in the end. Kabangu moved to the right, Ansudane to the striker role, and Vidal to the left wing to cover Landeta's knock with about 65 played. It nearly got us a second, Kabangu as an inside forward fed off Ansudane's header but straight at the keeper. And that was the way it stayed. Result : Won 1-0. Landeta to miss up to two weeksand Rolland will be out for a couple of days but should be available for the next game.

 

Miranda negotiations continue, and he will go either if we sign a replacement right back or at the end of the transfer window. £4.5m up front in a deal potentially worth £7.5m all up. It might not be a good football move, depending on the when and who of a replacement, but for this club that's decent money (even if its nothing to the likes of Chelsea).

 

AS Nancy Lorraine (Last season 16th, Predicted 12th) v Dijon FCO – Ligue 2, Match 2 of 38

With Landeta injured, Kouassi starts on the right wing. No other changes at this stage. Not a great start, Lorraine made all the forays in the opening half hour. We weren't playing defensively at all, but couldn;t find a way through. But in maybe our first time in their area, Kouassi found himself on the end of a scramble and a bit of a mis-kick found its was under the left glove and into the net. Minutes later, Nancy equalised. Except it was somewhat dubiously called offside, the play leading was far too good for the likes of us. With an hour gone we took a bit of risk to get players into preferred position, abandoning the wings moving Ansudane to second striker and Kouassi as central attacking mid. It seemed the better avenue to goal, but leaves any wide play exposed. To that point they had largely been going up the middle anyway. It seemed to work, if not lead to another goal. We controlled the ball a lot more, and when they did come at us it was still in the middle. That included one very late chance which wne just over. Result : Won 1-0. An away win, from memory we had one of those all last season. That came early as well, so no change on that front yet.

 

And among all that, Miranda will miss up to eight weeks following a training injury. That might put a crimp on things. It leaves us starting Fofana for now at right back. Well, it would have done if Fofana had not got injured the next day.

 

Dijon FCO v AS Monaco (Last season 2nd, Predicted 3rd) – Ligue 2, Match 3 of 38

A few changes made just to get match fitness up, Dean and Kamissoko in. Ansudane takes the striker role with Vidal starting on the left. We have had wins but no early goals form the players who should be scoring them. Monaco is not the side to experiment against, but it doesn't seem to be any weaker. Four minutes in, and it worked. Dean evading two challenges and feeding in Ansudane. Sadly, the shot was all woodwork. We need to work on our corners, but at least one of them Dean picked up the clearance, ran in, and found a path to a clear shot which was hit truly to take an early lead. And I'm not quite sure how we didn't have a second on around 35 minutes. Ansudane did the right thing when he could have taken a shot, but the keeper would have covered it. He slotted it over to Seck, not the ideal man that far forward, but somehow a player came from nowhere to block what seemed a certain goal. The second half began with an absolute scorcher of a goal. We looked to have cleared our area but Monaco have real class in their team, clearing to a player on his own on the edge of the area is dangerous. An amazing volleyed goal. Late in the game, we had three on one but failed to execute a tackle and that left one on one in our area with Mbaye out of position. We fell behind, its moments that cost points when the teams are level in general play. Moments like a goalkeeper coming for a ball from a long free kick and not getting anywhere it, on the ground as Seck headed home for us to equalise. Another Goni free kick, Seck again gets a head on it, this time the second head and over the top. Seconds from the end we lost, Monaco just did the dimple thing too well. A run up the middle, short sideways pass, tap in. Result : Lost 3-2. I still think we played well enough to deserve a point, but its the goals that matter.

 

The month ended with an international window and the closing of the transfer window. We got no business done despite trying to find a right back, putting in bids for an Argentinan striker as backup and a future player, and a few more minor things. And in the end, Chelsea refused to wait until the end of the day and cancelled the Miranda deal. I'm sort of relieved, but also worried about the morale effect.

 

The friendlies did not instil confidence, but the season began alright. Keeping decent form over the long haul is a challenge.

The table doesn't mean anything yet, though the away win is looking less impressive.

And our squad really has not changed much, despite looking to move on and Miranda looking to have been lost for some time. We definitely lack a back-up striker and still want a decent Miranda replacement as I assume other offers will come in again. Farstad and Goni also look likely to attract interest either mid-season or next summer, there are already rumours.

[BadManager]

September 2032

Dijon FCO

Ligue One

Starting with the internationals:

African Cup nations qualifiers, we have a few involved here.

Michael Gassama : Congo – solid game in a win over Niger, decent enough in a draw with Mozambique

Steve Ansudane : Comoros – scored twice against Djibouti; minory injury after scoring in 6-4 loss to Angola, may be available for the next league game

Screve Kabangu : Democratic Republic of Congo – one goal in a draw v Mali, not great in a win over Chad

Mandiou Kamissoko : Mali – played alright in that same game against DRC

Mostaphe Mbaye : Senegal – solid game, letting in one in a 3-1 win over Mozambique; clean sheet in a 1-0 over Niger

 

World Cup qualifiers

Angel Castro : Ecuador – decent performance against Peru, poor as Paraguay ran rampant 4-0

 

European league

Asbjorn Farstad : Norway (division b) – average against Romania in 2-2 draw; similar in a loss to Portugal

Izmir Curri : Kosovo (division d) – Good game and an assist, but only against San Marino; decent but lost against Montonegro

 

Robert Joly (on loan in Ligue2) : France U20 – played as a sub forward and did little against Finland

Tiago Neves : France U19 – decent enough in a 3-1 over Bulgaria

 

Oh, and rumours abound that Miranda may head elsewhere. Maybe to Spain. Maybe at £25m+. We'll see if an offer comes in. Anything anywhere near that size, we take.

France has a strange little period where players may make one more domestic signing, it doesn't seem anything will come of that but its an interesting one.

 

Stade de Reims (Last season 9th, Predicted 16th) v Dijon FCO – Ligue 1, Match 4 of 38

Not much happened for an hour, except both Ansudane and Kouassi had tom come off early after picking up knocks. Neither side were making chances, until Kabangu got through three and put in a weakish effort. That was punished at the other end quickly, we seemed to have a corner cleared but it came back in and after about five touches fell to a Reims player. The shot was almost blocked, but the deflection wasn't enough. And then a 90th minute penalty conceded, which gets Goni suspended. We deserve the loss, they don't deserve the win. Horror show match. Result : Lost 2-0.

 

AJ Auxerre (Last season 8th, Predicted 13th) v Dijon FCO – Ligue 1, Match 5 of 38

Local rivals, no goals yet from our two strikers, three of our more important players out – this was not looking good. Auxerre started much brighter, which was not a shock but was a concern. We escaped one certain gial, thanks to Mbaye's quick right hand managing to turn a close hit around the post. A few seconds after the break, Castro on his return from suspension, gave up a free just outside the area. Thankfully it came off the wall, but we can't defend (or score from) corners. Foul time, the corner got cleared, Seck fouled the Auxerre player set to send it back at us. And finally we relieved the pressure. For about five minutes. Seriously under the pump at the start of the second half. Auxerre did score from a corner of course, though we got the first head on it and it seemed solid contact. But straight into an Auxerre player. Apparently there was a foul, and we got away with it. 92 minutes in, and another close call. 19 shots to 4, we stole a point there. Result : Drew 1-1. Senechal made his club debut, and was not good.

 

Dijon FCO v LOSC Lille (Last season 1st in Ligue 2, Predicted 14th) – Ligue 1, Match 6 of 38

Problems early, LOSC's passing game looked good and got them a goal before we touched the ball. And earned them a penalty after 25 minutes. Two down and we had not fired a shot. Then Kabangu got injured. Not going to plan. Wehn we diod gett he ball forward, they closed dopwn well and seemed to always scramble clear to their men. Ansudane did get on the board on the hour mark but even when playing high tempo and attacking, we were constantly forced to stop, prop, go backwards, and then give the ball up. Result : Lost 2-1.

 

Olympique de Marseilles (Last season 3rd, Predicted 2nd) – Ligue 1, Match 7 of 38

There are some teams we simply do not have the quality to compete against. OM are definitely one of those. We were smashed from pillar to post for ninetly minutes. Yet it was only one piece of absolute top class that was the difference. Seeing off two men, putting in a pinpoint cross which was tapped on to a finisher. All too quick and precise for us to keep up with, much less stop. Result : Lost 1-0. Nineteen year old Morin made his debut, coming on for Ansudane. And got injured.

 

Those two wins look like an anomaly in what is shaping as a disaster season. As the month ends Kouassi, Kabangu and Miranda all are in the final stages of their recoveries and should become available again. Maybe that will provide something for us.

Edited March 19, 2022 by BadManager

[BadManager]

October 2032

Dijon FCO

Ligue One

Dijon FCO (14th, 2-1-4, 7pts, GD -3) v Stade Rennais (16th, 1-3-3, 6pts, GD -2) – Ligue 1, Match 8 of 38

Confidence at Rennais should be high, coming off a 4-0 over Spartak Moscow. A mad goal line scramble following a corner had us under the pump. But we cleared. Only for it come back, take an accidental ricochet and still put us a goal down inside three minutes. Four shots already, three on the goal line. That was quickly followed by a horrible mistake from Castro, failing to get anything on an easy intercepted cross and leaving the man and goal completely open as a result. We improved a bit after that, but the game was already lost. We changed things up, but again a bad defensive error when the ball could easily have been cut off allowed a simple goal. Seck jumping way under the ball this time to allow to men to run past him. Result : Lost 3-0.

 

Another international window. Maybe some players can find form there.
World Cup Qualifying
South America
Castro (Ecuador) : not the best of games as they lost 3-2 to Venezuela – not good at all, against Brazil not many are
Africa
Ansudane (Comoros) : man of the match, involved in both goals against Tanzania
Kabangu (Comgo) : non-descript performance in a 3-1 over Togo
Kamissoko (Mali) : Only got a few minutes against Ghana
Mbaye (Senegal) : average to poor in a loss to Benin

African Cup of Nations Qualifying
Ansudane (Comoros) : Average and go goals in a 1-1 draw with Uganda
Gassama (DR Congo) : Good, and an assist in 2-0 over Nigerian
Mbaye (Senegal) : Allowed in a goal against Mozambique won 3-1 – decent but allowed two in, losing to Tunisia
Kabangu (Comgo) : A goal and an assist in easy 5-1 win over Namibia

European League
Farstad (Norway, Division B) : poor as Portugal ran away 3-0
Curri (Kosovo, Division D) : Good, but only against Lichtenstein – a goal bur how much can be read into a game against San Marino

Friendlies
Farstad (Norway) : decent in a loss to USA
Gassama (DR Congo) : bog average in 3-1 over Togo

Under 21 Euro Qualifiers
Miranda (Portugal) : Two assists and dominant but only against Gibraltar – Another two assists and again a dominant player but in a 10-0 over San Marino at U9 level I'm again not sure it means much

Under19 Euro Qualifiers
Rolland (France) : solid in 3-0 over Bosnia-Herzegovina – subbed off in a 1-1 against Belgium
Neves (France) : decent against Belgium

 

And finally back to club games

 

Racing Club de Lens (19th, 2-0-6, 6pts, GD -6) v Dijon FCO (18th, 2-1-5, 7pts, GD -6) – Ligue 1, Match 9 of 38

Quite a few changes, personnel and formation, for this one. Morin in for the goalless Kabangu, Kouassi in as we start without wings, Kamissoko into defensive mid in a diamond central four. Statistically we had the better of the start, but the shots were uniformly horrid. Largely well wide from distance when another was on for simple passes to higher percentage zones. And of course, we paid the price. Everything they threw at us had been cut off in the first half, in the second they got one decent chance and it was way too good. They grabbed a second late, a very good ground level cross after we gave the ball away cheaply at the attacking end. Ansudna epulled one back on 87 minutes, very lucky and just our third on target shot despite leading the shot count. Result : Lost 2-1 and into the automatic drop zone.

 

Dijon FCO (19th, 2-1-6, 7pts, GD -7) v Nimes Olympique (18th, 2-1-6, 7pts, GD -6) – Ligue 1, Match 10 of 38

Finishing from the strikers was again a problem, although we were not really creating a lot of chances for our dominance anyway. Kabangu the main culprit, getting into scoring positions but with no confidence just toe-poking slow and wide. We were looking the better team except that final flourish. From a corner on 63 minutes, with no time to think, Kabangu maybe started the road back. The ball was almost cleared by Nimes players but Kabangu turned and fired on one step into the top corner for a much deserved – yet never likely – lead. We continued to be the better team without creating much more. The win might be very useful, but it feels more like a stay of execution. Result : 1-0.

 

Dijon FCO v Havre Athletic Club (2nd Ligue 2) – Coupe de la Ligue, 3rd Round

We started with the forward setup again not able to play for each other, yet still got an early goal. Kouassi crossing from the by-line and Kabangu scoring in consecutive matches after not scoring all season. The same two combined early in the second half, after we wasted so many first half moves. Ansudane is still giving us nothing, but swapping the roles around seems to have helped Kabangu at least (against weaker opposition, it must be admitted). We got the win, but there is a concern about thwe short turnaround before the next game. Nit that there would be points in it, but it has the potential to destroy any recovering morale. Result : Won 2-0.

 

Paris Saint-Germain (1st, 9-1-0, 28pts, GD +24) v Dijon FCO (15th, 3-1-6, 10pts, GD -6) – Ligue 1, Match 11 of 38

Things started very, vary badly. Two goals conceded in the opening five minutes, and I didn't feel we were doing much wrong. We simply cannot compete at this level, PSG are so good at running us down and retaining the ball around whatever pressure we can apply. That became three goals down inside six minutes, the a free kick made it four in nine. Changing things around didn't seem to fix anything, with half an hour gone PSG already had six. By half time it was already nine. When getting thumped, a few cards tend to get given away. Senechal got his second yellow after 68 minutes at 10-0 down. It ended up as eleven. I think I said this game had the potential to ruin any slight rebuild of morale. It did that. And I don't think we were that bad, although Mbaye was sloppier than normal. Result : Lost 11-0. Not surprisingly 11-0 is a new league record. One thing is sure, goal difference will not be in play this season.

[BadManager]

November 2032

Dijon FCO

Ligue One

Dijon FCO (15th, 3-1-7, 10pts, GD -27) v FC Metz (20th, 1-3-7, 6pts, GD -11) – Ligue 1, Match 12 of 38

Kamissoko was off on international duty a few days before the rest of the squad, and unavailable. With the suspensions and desperation, Lischi cames in for the first time this season. An early goal against us, despite us making more of the play. Metz were making space down the sides, but got the goal by walking through the middle. Kabangu pulled it back ten minutes later, still not a particularly well hit shot but it ended up good enough. We still were the better side for the remainder of the game, but never created another reasonable chance. Late in the game we went more attacking, but nothing came up except more intercepts. Result : Drew 1-1.

Then followed another international window, plenty of players away on various duties again. However, Miranda will miss via yellow card limit on return.

World Cup Qualifying

Steve Ansudane (Comoros) – a goal in 2-0 over Guinea

Angel Castro (Ecuador) – not great in 1-1 draw with Bolivia; poor in another draw, 2-2 against Ecuador

Screve Kabangu (DR Congo) – poor and subbed off in 2-0 loss to Ivory Coast

Moustafa Mbaye (Sengal) – solid but let in two a loss to Angola

African Cup of Nations Qualifying

Steve Ansudane (Comoros) – five goals out of 6-0 over Djibouti; poor in a 3-0 loss to Angola

James Fofana (Sierra Leone) – good but injured in win over Mauritius; subbed off as one of the lesser performing players against Central African Republic

Michel Gassama (Congo) – decent in 2-0 loss to Senegal; good in 3-2 over Mozambique

Screve Kabangu (DR Congo) – scored twice in 7-0 over Chad; good and goal in 2-2 with Mali; only called on twice in 5-0 over Niger

Moustafa Mbaye (Sengal) – solid, clean sheet in 2-0 over Congo

European nations league

Izmir Curri (Kosovo, division D) – average in nil-all with Montenegro; an assist and good against Liechtenstein

Friendlies

Fabio Miranda (Portugal U21) – MotM against Austria; very good against Slovakia

Tiego Neves (France U19) – the reserve goalkeeper was average against Switzerland

That five goal game makes it a bit harder to bench Ansudane, but club form has been poor.

Coupe de la Ligue draw. There are only two non-Ligue1 teams left in the last 16 so drawing a mid-table side at home isn't too bad.

 

SC Bastia (13th, 4-2-6, 14pts, GD 0) v Dijon FCO (15th, 3-2-7, 11pts, GD -17) – Ligue 1, Match 13 of 38

Bastia ran rings around our defence early, and while we managed to press their main attacking players a man streaming forward from a holding midfield role put in the opening goal from a long shot on eight minutes. Bastia kept pushing and could easily have had two more in the next fove minutes. Instead, on the only time we got the ball into their area Kouassi headed home a chip to equalise in his 250th. Some superb play from Bastia right on half time resulted in a close range volley and us falling behind again. Our only chance to stop that move would have been not to turn the ball over so easily to begin with. After the break, Curri got us back on level terms thanks to the goalkeeper missing one straight at his chest. We were not fluent in the build-up and the shot was not good – but good enough as it turned out. I didn't mean to keep Lischi in this game, but it was a good thing I did as he headed home from the near post on a corner to give us an unlikely lead 68 minutes in. 91st minute blast, and again we can't secure an away win. We were clearly second best, but to drop points with two long booms is still a disappointment. Result : Drew 3-3.

 

Kamissoko was OK in Mali's world cup qualifying win over Zambia

Seck joined Farstad on the sideline for a few weeks, further curtailing already thin options for centre-backs.

 

Dijon FCO (16th, 3-3-7, 12pts, GD -17) v OGC Nice (3rd, 7-5-1, 26pts, GD +11) – Ligue 1, Match 14 of 38

We had the opening goal secured on six minutes, Kabangu with the simplest of open shots from three metres out after a by-line cross. He spluttered it wide. Six minutes after that, Ansudane found himself with the ball and two of our players protecting him following a corner. He got his first club goal in some time, not the most convincing but maybe the start of regaining club form. A good save stopped Landeta, we are playing wings in some these games, from scoring after the goalkeeper appeared to get caught between staying on his line and coming off it. With around 35 played Kabangu managed to get past three tacklers in a 20 metre run for a one-on-one, but again the goalkeeper was up to the task. And Nice started pressing hard in response. Only for us to run one of their players down with three challengers, clear wide to Ansudane running up the wing and his cross to be hit home by Kabangu. A big mistake from their goalkeeper on 75 minutes, Castro seemed to have headed straight into his hands after a free kick. But the ball was dropped and as Kabangu ran in to tap home a sliding tackle from one of their defenders denied him but got just enough of the ball to put it over the line and send us 3-0 up anyway. The final whistle went as we were trying to find another way into their area. Result : Won 3-0. We really needed a win, I did not expect it come against Nice.

[BadManager]

December 2032

Dijon FCO

Ligue One

 

Angers SCO (9th, 6-2-6, 20pts, GD +1) v Dijon FCO (15th, 4-3-7, 15pts, GD -14) – Ligue 1, Match 15 of 38

Too much pace from Angers' striker Okoye. Seemingly hemmed in at the edge of the area he just took off like a rocket, ran around the gaggle and easily slotted home. That put us a goal down inside ten minutes. Right on half an hour we equalised through Ansudane, we looked like overplaying the ball with slow movement but eventually Dean got the through-ball in. Apparently Roland is taking out free kicks, some luck with the ball coming off the wall but he got credited with his first goal for the club. That took us to half time, in the lead despite being worse on every other measure. I was considering taking Kabangu off as the hour mark passed, but he got onto the end of a Castro long ball and managed to beat a pretty poor effort from their keeper. So, he stayed on. That was almost immediately nullified, a streaming run after we put in a bad throw and Mbaye was beaten by a well hit effort into the corner. With the final whistle coming close Angers stormed up the middle again, but were cut off. Result : Won 3-2.

 

Dijon FCO (13th, 5-3-7, 18pts, GD -13) v Girondins de Bordeaux (8th, 5-8-2, 23pts, GD +4) – Ligue 1, Match 16 of 38

The early signs were good for us, plenty of possession and Bordeaux forced into fouling regularly. We weren't turning that into chances though, other than long shots from free kicks. It took nearly 35 minutes to pay dividends, Ansudane cutting across from the wing and scoring from the other side. The half ended with Kabangu placing a shot carefully just inside the netting to give us two right on the break. Bony had come in just to get match fitness back, and had both assists. Bordeaux got back into the game after the break, some well worked play around the area proving too clever for our defence. Kouassi came onto the right wing as a sub and ran in to feed Kabangu, who managed to hit the post and have the ball come back at him before tapping home. Some luck there after the first, very simple, miss. Result : Won 3-1.

 

Olympique Lyonnais (3rd, 10-2-4, 32pts, GD +7) v Dijon FCO (13th, 6-3-7, 21pts, GD -11) – Ligue 1, Match 17 of 38

Forty two. It took the Adams number of seconds for Lyonnais to take the lead. And we had already cleared the ball three times by then. They kept utterly swaping us, non-stop pressure. On 42 minutes, a corner and direct header (by a partly injured player) put us down by two. On balance of play another 11-0 could have been happening, but the scoreline was not that bad. Things got worse late, it was still only two after 79 minutes but four just a couple of minutes later. We only took four shots for the game, none of which were on target. Result : Lost 4-0.

 

Dijon FCO v Girondins de Bordeaux (Ligue 1, 10th) – Coupe de la Ligue, 4th Round

After being good in the league game against Bordeaux, Bony was brought back in for this one. He seems keen to leave, I wouldn't necessarily be against that if the right offer came in. A poor clearance 27 minutes handed Bordeaux a chance they should never have got. They took it well, going down the right and crossing between two markers for a close range goal. After starting the better side we were being well outplayed by half time. After the break we tried a numberof things to change the game, but nothing worked and in the end we never had a proper chance. Result : Lost 1-0.

 

Dijon FCO (13th, 6-3-8, 21pts, GD -15) v FC Lorient (20th, 1-6-10, 9pts, GD -19) – Ligue 1, Match 18 of 38

The big worry was that Lorient would sit back and smack us on the counter. They instead came out playing and looking as though they were after the win by simply being better. And even then, we could create nothing against the bottom of the table team. In fact they were controlling possession, and the game. It took some luck for the deadlock to be broken early in the second half. Kabangu got through three defenders, but had his shot blocked. It ricocheted out to Ansudane coming in off the left wing and up against the left post leaving the keeper no time to adjust. Again a cross from the corner flag bnrought us undone, just as we seemed to be starting to get on top a missed tackle and failing to cover cost a goal. Result : Drew 1-1. And very lucky not toconcede again in stoppage time.

 

Tolouse FC (18th, 3-4-11, 13pts, GD -16) v Dijon FCO (13th, 6-4-8, 22pts, GD -15) – Ligue 1, Match 19 of 38

We started a little better this game, with Kabangu on the board in the opening minute. Kouassi on the right important in the build-up. Well, when I say started better – I do mean only the very start. It was equal 90 seconds later, the defence a little unlucky but allowed the shot to be taken with power so the deflection was unstoppable. With almost 70% possession, the vast bulk of shots, and everything else we should have done much better. Attack is almost as broken as defence currently. Result : Drew 1-1.

 

December ends with a little break, and the halfway point having been reached. That month was a bit of a let down really, especially as the last two games were against relegation possibles. Rolland signed a new long term deal, which will mean Juventus have to put in a solid offer to get him.

 

I'm not sure how this happened, I guess by beating expectations – or a code bug. PSG are far and away the best team.

Kabangu was named third in African Striker of the Year. Related to that, January and February are going to be a struggle with players away for the African Cup of Nations.

[BadManager]

January 2033

Dijon FCO

Ligue One

 

The day the window opens, offers came in for Miranda. But nothing like the ones kicking about in rumour. And it looks like the board are going to offer me a new deal in the coming days as well.

 

By the third of January a new deal was signed until 2036. Seeing that out is another matter, from both sides, but it gives me scope to look to some sort of future. On the same day a deal arranged earlier came to pass. We have a new central defender to play along Farstad, who himself started back in training just before the new year. He's not great for this level, but we still can't afford high level Ligue1 quality – we're still trying to fill out with low-level Ligue1 quality to be honest.

Dijon FCO v ESTAC Troyes (Ligue 2, 11th) – French Cup, 9th Round

Rolland picked up an early knock, whyile I kept him on for a while he would need to be an early sub. Before that happened Troyes came at us, but Landeta came back to win the ball while the defence stood back. Our dribbling was not good, we turned it over twice on the advance, But eventually, a lucky defelction from a Goni shot gave us a lead fifteen minutes in. By half time Ansudane had also got an injury, but worse than that Mbaye had been beaten by one he seemed to get both gloves on. We got the lead back on the hour mark, again the shot was partly blocked and the deflection was helped. Kabangu on the board. Some magnificent work from Ansudane, holding the ball up around two defenders, before Landeta put ina run and Ansudane found his head right on the line to surely make sure of it. That was the moment to take Ansudane off to not risk injury further. Result : Won 3-1. Board's cup target met.

 

Too late it turns out, Ansudane out for three but Rolland only misses a couple of days.

And the hard stuff begins, three players off to play in Africa though only Mbaye will miss the next match.

 

Dijon FCO (13th, 6-5-8, 23pts, GD -15) v AS Nancy Lorraine (14th, 6-3-10, 21pts, GD -11) – Ligue 1, Match 20 of 38 [Match 2, won 1-0]

Tiago Neves is not yet a goalkeeper, we do have one in Argentina being looked at but I can't spend that much money on someone who will spend 90% of the time on the bench. Oh, dear. He really isn't It took 40 seconds to prove that, not that the rest of the defence did enough given the tie they had to harass. But not picking up a slow ground ball when both gloves are on it, and just letting it roll through the hands into goal, is not a good look. That was get dropped from the under-9s material. Thankfully, another deflected shot got us level. Goni's shot was counted as an own goal. Half time, 1-1, and we haven't had a shot on target whyile our opposition hasn't had a shot off target – low counts on both sides to be fair. We upped the ante a little in the second half, but made no real in-roads. We almost lost in stoppage time, Neves well beaten but the shot went wide. In a bit of a rarity Dean came on late, but failed to make an impact in limited time. Result : Drew 1-1.

 

 

AS Monaco (5th, 10-4-6, 34pts, GD +2) v Dijon FCO (12th, 6-6-8, 24pts, GD -15) – Ligue 1, Match 21 of 38 [Match 3, lost 3-2]

Kabangu off for internationals, Ansudane recovering from a hamstring injury, We end up with 18 year old Morin as a lone striker. Fofana unavailable with national duty as well, and Rolland suspended. Farstad back, starting from the bench. We didn't do much right early on, the biggest threat to our defence came with a bad throw from Miranda but the weak shot was actually held by Neves. One shot for the half, a hail mary from near the halfway line, we weren't exactly looking like scoring. Farstad on with 30 to play, Seck getting an injury forced the change. The inevitable happened after 76 minutes, Neves again failing around his ankles. The second, fibe minutes into stoppage time, was less his fault. That was another case of us getting cut up by crosses from the by-line on our left. Result : Lost 2-0. 21 shots to 4, just outclassed.

 

Hmmmm ….. Real Madrid have come in with a guaranteed £18.5m with 13m of that up front for Miranda. He is really going to crack the sads if not allowed to speak to them. I think its time to say he's gone. Its a shame it was a non-negotiable offer, I think they would have paid a bit more – but that's three times their last offer. Of course, all the right backs on my shortlist have signed new deals recently. About 2m will go to his former club.

 

Dijon FCO (12th, 6-6-9, 24pts, GD -17) v Stade de Reims (8th, 10-2-9, 32pts, GD +8) – Ligue 1, Match 22 of 38 [Match 4, lost 2-0]

Not much happened for much of the game, so we went to a marginally more attacking mentality to see if we could be the ones that forced the issue. Stade de Reims started getting chances at that point, thankfully long shots well wide. It took until stoppage time in the second half befire we created anything we realistically could have scored from, but even then the final pass woeful and the ball was cleared without a shot. We sort of win the stats, and given the players out the result isn't so bad. We do need a win again soon though. Result : Drew 0-0.

 

Dijon FCO (13th, 6-7-9, 25pts, GD -17) v AJ Auxerres (10th, 7-10-5, 31pts, GD +5) – Ligue 1, Match 23 of 38 [Match 5, drew 0-0]

Ansudane started from the bench, with Farstad back to the starting lineup but not yet back to proper match fitness. Kabangu still in national duty, others return. I thoguht with the players back and the rain we might be a good chance here. Not to be, utterly smashed early and a free kick put us behind about ten minutes from the half. We ended up changing to a diamond, Morin as a target man along Ansudane when he came on. I amnot entirely sure it helped, but not longer after Kouassi scored via the head from a corner to get us level. That was almost immediately annulled as the defence collectively failed to quite do enough. In the end, Joubert made the final mistake but he had been good earlier and its hard to sy it was all him. Curri then got sent off late, to seal things. Result : Lost 2-1. Highly disappointing, and worrying four form and morale given the winless run. And the first three league matches in February are all very tough ones, 4th, 3rd and 6th.

 

As Miranda leaves, the squad is unhappy with me and the size of the squad itself. I can see sort of their point, at least in terms of genuine first team starters, but doing anything about it before the end of the transfer window will not be simple. Not surprisingly it was a new transfer record for the club, and new season record for sales also in that one sale.

As it turned out, we signed a new right back the following day. I think I am over-paying on wages, but that remains to be seen.

 

African Cup of Nations:

James Fofana (Sierra Leone) : played all three, all losses as his side went goalless

Moustaphe Mbaye (Senegal) : one good game and two moderate ones, Senegal won only against Kabangu's DR Congolese

Screve Kabangu (DR Congo) : played all three games but didn't score, only one poor game in a side who topped their group which included traditional continental powerhouse Nigeria