Countylife

[andychar]

Ok so I started this on FM20 with the intention of not getting FM21. Then I remembered I’m an absolute sucker for the new games. I’ve had every FIFA since 2004 and every Football/Championship Manager game since Championship Manager 2. So here we are FM21 and its time. Thanks to the painstaking work by @lionel messi I have an England database which goes all the way down to Tier 11.

This was essential as once again I am going to try and win a competition with 1 team from every single English County.

Here they are in all their glory. When I was doing research for this challenge I uncovered a few things that surprised me. For starters Middlesbrough is classed as North Yorkshire.

So the rules for this are simple. Win a competition the board give me an expectation for in each of the English Counties. If the board don’t class it as important and I win the thing then it doesn’t matter.

My starting point will be Rutland and Oakham United. They currently play in the 11^th Tier of English football. From then on it will have to be a trip to the Isle of Wight who doesn’t have a team higher than the 8^th Tier. I will also have to make a stop at Fisher FC who will be representing the City of London as they don’t officially have a team in the County and Fisher FC are the closest as the crow flies.

I’m aware that there are a few English teams playing in Scotland and Wales who I could control and win thing with but right now I’m focusing on the English Tier System. This could be subject to change in the future.

I could easily spend this save going from Non-League team to Non-League team and it would be straight forward but really I want to be spending as much time as possible in the Top 6 Tiers. With plenty of Premier League seasons.

That’s the save really. No massive rules just win a competition and move to the next County. Ideally I want to manage Mansfield Town for Nottinghamshire as this is my home town, Rotherham United for South Yorkshire as its my currently home and Chelsea for Greater London because I have been a supporter since a young boy. But for now we start at Oakham United in the Peterborough and District Premier League. Lets get to it!

[lionel messi]

4 minutes ago, andychar said:

Ok so I started this on FM20 with the intention of not getting FM21. Then I remembered I’m an absolute sucker for the new games. I’ve had every FIFA since 2004 and every Football/Championship Manager game since Championship Manager 2. So here we are FM21 and its time. Thanks to the painstaking work by @lionel messi I have an England database which goes all the way down to Tier 11.

This was essential as once again I am going to try and win a competition with 1 team from every single English County.

Here they are in all their glory. When I was doing research for this challenge I uncovered a few things that surprised me. For starters Middlesbrough is classed as North Yorkshire.

So the rules for this are simple. Win a competition the board give me an expectation for in each of the English Counties. If the board don’t class it as important and I win the thing then it doesn’t matter.

My starting point will be Rutland and Oakham United. They currently play in the 11^th Tier of English football. From then on it will have to be a trip to the Isle of Wight who doesn’t have a team higher than the 8^th Tier. I will also have to make a stop at Fisher FC who will be representing the City of London as they don’t officially have a team in the County and Fisher FC are the closest as the crow flies.

I’m aware that there are a few English teams playing in Scotland and Wales who I could control and win thing with but right now I’m focusing on the English Tier System. This could be subject to change in the future.

I could easily spend this save going from Non-League team to Non-League team and it would be straight forward but really I want to be spending as much time as possible in the Top 6 Tiers. With plenty of Premier League seasons.

That’s the save really. No massive rules just win a competition and move to the next County. Ideally I want to manage Mansfield Town for Nottinghamshire as this is my home town, Rotherham United for South Yorkshire as its my currently home and Chelsea for Greater London because I have been a supporter since a young boy. But for now we start at Oakham United in the Peterborough and District Premier League. Lets get to it!

That sounds like a really interesting save, im from nottinghamshire too, Hucknall

[andychar]

County 1

Rutland

Pre-Season 2020/21

Its a job I've wanted my entire life. Its truely a dream come true, working for nothing.

What are my expectations?

High in the Cup but not so much in the League. 

The rule for cups is I have to play at least 3 games in order for it to count as a win. Here we enter the Quarters so before we even start we are only 3 games away from leaving...not that I hate Rutland...its a lovely place. Not a single McDonalds though. Got a long way to travel for a Big Mac.

Anybody who follows my careers (firstly what is wrong with you) you'll know I love seeing the odds.

Bottom is N/A. I assume its because they are a reserve team and can't go up. The other team being 14/1 is crazy. Its literally anybodies league.

Another thing you know I want to do is raid the Media Dream XI.

I managed to get 4. I already had 1 so things aren't looking too bad. You might be able to remember Will Bird (if you do I would seek help). He played for my Oakham side last time and I also bought him when I moved to Cowes. If he's as good as he was last season we have plenty of goals in our future.

Here's the staff we have inherited...

 

 

 

Yep thats it. 

I've put a ad in the paper for literally every single position.

I've actually heard of these teams. They are from my neck of the woods, well except Earlswood. Your guess is as good as mine!

We have 4 weeks to get a team together that I think can either win the league or fluke 3 wins the cup, I don't want to spend much time in Rutland....I'd miss nuggets to much. 

[andychar]

Just now, lionel messi said:

That sounds like a really interesting save, im from nottinghamshire too, Hucknall

Hucknall. Just down the road. Always kept my eye on their scores and was gutted with the FA Trophy Final loss. 

Thanks for this database, it looks great so far. Been waiting since the release of the game and appriciate the time and effort you have put into it 

[Jimbokav1971]

I've run out of likes. Apologies. Great idea for a thread. 

[andychar]

Running Around Rutland with a Net

I forgot the sheer joys of deeply lower league football. Sign everybody, you don't like them or they complain? Yeet them back to once they came!

My scouts have been sent out to view anybody kicking a ball in a field or a can down the street. If they look quarter decent they have been instructed to deploy the net!

Repeat after me. Its just a friendly. Its just a friendly. Its just a friendly.

I think we are going to need a bigger net!

Greg sees this as his one last shot at the big time. We are just happy he couldn't out run the tranq gun.

I mean as far as Pre-Seasons go...I've had better.

This Pre-Season seemed to fly by and suddenly its the night before the start of the season and honestly I have no idea where this is going to go. We are just as likely to finish bottom as we are top! The official odds have been released...

I mean no pressure there. This is our Starting Line up for the opening game.

I mean seriously if this team is 1/92 to win the league then how bad is everybody else. The interesting thing is the N/A team. I'm going to guess they can't go up meaning if they win they league and we come 2nd we will go up instead. This won't count. Promotion is one thing and the Championship is another. Just means there's a chance I could take this team to Tier 10 and have to stay put. But lets cross that bridge when we come to it eh!

Another great thing this low is no transfer window. My net is 24/7 baby!

[andychar]

40 minutes ago, Jimbokav1971 said:

I've run out of likes. Apologies. Great idea for a thread. 

Cheers Jimbo been waiting to get my teeth sunk into this save for ages now!

[andychar]

Keeping Feet on the Ground

Might be waiting a while.

Can we all take a moment to say how absolutely brilliant this is. 

I'm not going to post after every game but I just wanted to say...

Its important we keep our feet on the ground, we stay focused. That being said,

Andy's at the wheel, Will Bird is on fire and the World isn't ready for Rutland's finest!

Should be a good episode of Peterborough and District League Premier Division Match of the Day.

[lionel messi]

1 hour ago, andychar said:

Running Around Rutland with a Net

I forgot the sheer joys of deeply lower league football. Sign everybody, you don't like them or they complain? Yeet them back to once they came!

My scouts have been sent out to view anybody kicking a ball in a field or a can down the street. If they look quarter decent they have been instructed to deploy the net!

Repeat after me. Its just a friendly. Its just a friendly. Its just a friendly.

I think we are going to need a bigger net!

Greg sees this as his one last shot at the big time. We are just happy he couldn't out run the tranq gun.

I mean as far as Pre-Seasons go...I've had better.

This Pre-Season seemed to fly by and suddenly its the night before the start of the season and honestly I have no idea where this is going to go. We are just as likely to finish bottom as we are top! The official odds have been released...

I mean no pressure there. This is our Starting Line up for the opening game.

I mean seriously if this team is 1/92 to win the league then how bad is everybody else. The interesting thing is the N/A team. I'm going to guess they can't go up meaning if they win they league and we come 2nd we will go up instead. This won't count. Promotion is one thing and the Championship is another. Just means there's a chance I could take this team to Tier 10 and have to stay put. But lets cross that bridge when we come to it eh!

Another great thing this low is no transfer window. My net is 24/7 baby!

Reserve teams cant get promoted in tier 11 & tier 10.

[oriole01]

Glad to see you're giving this another go! Looking forward to seeing your (and maybe Will Bird's) journey around the counties and up the leagues.

Edited January 19, 2021 by oriole01

[jatko26]

13 hours ago, andychar said:

I don't want to spend much time in Rutland....I'd miss nuggets to much. 

If you're referencing the fact Rutland is the only county without a McDonalds.... your prayers have been answered!    

And the stadium is only round the corner!

As a born and bred Rutlander, this is fascinating

[andychar]

2 hours ago, jatko26 said:

If you're referencing the fact Rutland is the only county without a McDonalds.... your prayers have been answered!    

And the stadium is only round the corner!

As a born and bred Rutlander, this is fascinating

Oh Sweet Buttery Jesus! How did I miss this! Oakham United just got interesting! I joined a boy but left a 30st man!

[andychar]

The First 100 Days

Everybody knows the First 100 Days of a Presidency are one of the most important periods of the term. The same goes for when a new manager takes over at Oakham United....or so Dave down the pub told me.

Well I mean Big Dave will be happy.

We conceded late against Stamford then scored late against PNES so they evened out nicely. Fantastic from then on with plenty of goals.

Will Bird is still on fire and the only reason he isnt assisting is because he's on the other end!

So far so good. I don't want to get ahead of ourselves but I'm hoping my stay in Rutland is short and very sweet.

[andychar]

Anybody else!?

[lionel messi]

52 minutes ago, andychar said:

The First 100 Days

Everybody knows the First 100 Days of a Presidency are one of the most important periods of the term. The same goes for when a new manager takes over at Oakham United....or so Dave down the pub told me.

Well I mean Big Dave will be happy.

We conceded late against Stamford then scored late against PNES so they evened out nicely. Fantastic from then on with plenty of goals.

Will Bird is still on fire and the only reason he isnt assisting is because he's on the other end!

So far so good. I don't want to get ahead of ourselves but I'm hoping my stay in Rutland is short and very sweet.

Looking good for promotion.

I started my save and have made a good start, started unemployed.

 

[andychar]

2 hours ago, lionel messi said:

Looking good for promotion.

I started my save and have made a good start, started unemployed.

 

Bet it’s great to actually play the game and enjoy the fruits of your labours!

[lionel messi]

12 minutes ago, andychar said:

Bet it’s great to actually play the game and enjoy the fruits of your labours!

Yes this is the 1st time i have played the game lol.

[andychar]

Ringing in Another Year

18 people. 18 unfortunate souls. That's how many players we have signed since the start of my dictatorship...I mean management. Some have slotted into the side, some haven't seen the green green grass of Rutland.

One thing is for sure, if you come to my office asking for playing time I hope you bought your bags with you.

In the excitement of starting this save I forgot to ask for a qualification.

Luckily the Board see me as soon sort of God and granted my request. Despite the fact 600 quid could be enough to bankrupt them entirely.

We.....we have a youth intake? I can't wait to see this!

So here we are, bang on half way. We still haven't started in the Cup either.

Its been another couple of unbeaten months. We were a disallowed goal from being 100% as well. 

It means the league table looks like this in the New Year. 

We were suppose to play on Boxing Day. The offical line is it was a waterlogged pitched but the truth is one too many Bailey's on Christmas Day and honestly the last thing I wanted to do was manage a football game. A quick trip to McDonalds and then back to bed.

9 point clear with a game in hand and 15 games left to go. The title, promotion and freedom from Rutland is in our grasp.

With 26 goals in 15 games it appears Will Bird is a one man cheat code.

And with these stats is it any wonder!?

[andychar]

"Yes Im looking forward to my first game in charge of the Stamford Lions" - Jose Mourinho 2021

[andychar]

What do you mean if its a draw we have to play more?

February is late into the season for us to be playing our first Cup gmae of the season, but considering there's only 3 of them I kinda get it.

After spending the season watching the game I really hope we don't go to penalties because we are rubbish to say the least. 

Its basically a Cup version of the league.

We are at least at home. And FM being FM we will of course play this team back to back. Our only encounter previously was a 3-0 away win.

But before we get into the Cup hows the league gone since the turn of the year?

Wait what's that red thing? The game looks close but honestly Stilton briezed past us.....sorry. We bounced back with 2 unconvincing wins, but, we have reached the point of the season where we need results not performances.

It means with 7 games to go the league looks like this...

We are 15 points clear with 21 to play for.

So because the league look wrapped up (baring an absolute complete and utter collapse) I thought I'd look to the next step. I applied for 3 jobs. Fisher and 2 IOW jobs. All 3 came straight back to me saying that the interview process was over. I will have to keep an eye on that. I've seen it before where you can apply for a job but it never gets filled. This could be an issue down the line. If I have to work my way up the ladder and then come back so be it. I don't want to be sat waiting for years for a job that might not even come free.

Anyway back to the Cup. We are at home to 4th, so not completely straight forward but we have to be classed as the favourite, maybe for the whole competition.

Well as starts go we have had worse.

Much worse.

Will Bird nets his 42nd goal of the season. The man is a machine.

3-0 up and a man to the good. Gotta fancy our chances from here.

Flag denies Will Bird the hattrick but it was a boring second half! Either way got to be happy. Into the Semi we go and just in case we do blow the league we are only 2 wins away from Rutland being completed.

Leverington Sports stand in our way. They are currently 14th out of 16. Form goes out the window though in the cup.

[andychar]

Oooooo I love a Good Semi

2 wins stand between us and freedom from Rutland, although I'm not looking forward to paying my tab at McDonals, its almost like leading Oakham United to the 10th Tier of English Football means nothing to them.

We were due to play in the league but the game was postponed, this time it wasn't down to my heavy drinking.

We didnt play but it went our way with Eye United needing a last second goal to steal a point. It means they have 18 points to play for and we could be 17 clear with our game in hand. I think we could not play a game for the rest of the season and win the league.

Anyway onto the Cup. We were heavy favourites and for good reason. Just praying we weren't on the wrong end of a cupset.

Pfft took your time.

One foot in the final?

One foot and 4 toes in the final?

Me thinks we have a Cup Final to look forward too.

Will Bird isn't denied his hattrick this time.

Oooooo game on!

Jesus Will these people have families!

Oh you bad man.

Safe passage into the Final.

Will Bird is just absolutley on fire.

 

[andychar]

Rutland and Out

Anybody who is familiar with my previous saves I like to absolutely milk the end of the season and build it into this huge tense affair.

Even I couldn't do that this season. 

It wasn't even close.

We saw back to back defeats for the only time this season. Despite this we finished the season strong.

19 points in the end.

For the last game I played a full rotation apart from Will Bird because I wanted him more goals...

Yep that sounds about right. Luckily I stuck some needles in him. Told him it was a vaccine for Corona, he didn't ask questions.

I was able to get the first badge but the board weren't willing to give me another. Tight buggers.

Good news on the job front. They are filling up nicely which means I've just got to wait for firings.

One more game with Oakham United and Rutland, a nice Cup Final.

We play the same team we just beat 1-0 with a reserve team. I'm feeling confident. Lets leave on a high!

It may look like nothing has happened but Will Bird has the ball in the back of the net but its chalked off. We still wait for the breakthrough.

Its not been an exciting game of football by any means. Another 45. Can we grab the all important lead?

The ball hasn't hit the back of the net...yet. Its a penalty...to Oakham...historically we miss them...huge occasion...huge moment...

Oh its awful! Don't say I didn't warn you. We go on! 0-0.

There it is! The breakthrough! Stunning goal with a volley on the edge of the box. Is that enough for Oakham?

It was indeed enough. Nobody can argue we didn't deserve it. We have won the league and cup. Its a great season for Oakham and Rutland.

I'm not sure what's going to happen next. Do I stay at Oakham and wait for a job in the IOW or Fisher to come? Do I resign and wait for the job or do I go somewhere completely different and try and finish another County? Remember I don't want to spend this career pottering around the Non-League. Answers on a postcard please.

 

Edited January 22, 2021 by andychar

[andychar]

I present to you the best new feature of FM 21

We had 20 new signings these are the best ones. Will Bird obviously the cream of the crop.

We got 1k for winning the League and 10k for winning the Cup. Makes total sense but Im not complaining. I should have waited before asking for a new badge!

The fact only 3 players finished above 7.00 as an average rating show just how poor the league actually is!

It means after a good season we are off the mark.

Rutland turns green.

[andychar]

The decision everybody has to make at least once in their life. Cowes or Oakham?

The job isn't even avaliable but I've declared interest. I've also done the same for Newport (IOW). 

If I do get to Cowes I will have followed the same path as I did when I briefly tried this last year.

I am spreading myself though. Ive accepted a new contract at Oakham as they have turned Semi Pro. Getting big boots on now they are Tier 10.

I mean lets face it. 1m takeover and this turns into the Oakham United from Tier 11 to Champions League save.

Ive also now declared interest in the East Cowes job. They have dropped down to Tier 11. It should technically be the easier way of finishing the Isle of Wight and then onto Fisher at some point. The Oakham board aren't happy I'm offering my very good services elsewhere.

I have to rememer these jobs aren't actually there. Im just trying to shoehorn my way in!

I think I might have to be patient here. I've decided I'm going to stay at Oakham until an IOW or Fisher job comes up. There are only 4 Counties I need Non-League for and I want to make sure it's only 4 and only using a 5th as a stop gap between Fisher and Truro.

Or not....

Its all kicking off!

Oh Sweet Jesus.

Well that was ruddy quick.

Oh man I forgot with Semi-Pro status comes a Wage Budget! Looks like I'll be retiring the net.

The Fisher job has become insecure so I've now declared interest in that. Not going to lie I'm all over the place at the moment.

I'm not the favourite but lets see what happens!

If I do stay with Oakham United these are my expectations. Back to back promotions from the looks!

Don't know what's going to happen but might as well rinse them.

So a little update. Cowes, Fisher and East Cowes were all relegated last season meaning Cowes and Fisher are Tier 10 and East Cowes are Tier 11. Truro got promoted to the National League South which is a very good thing. It does mean we are probably going to have to go through another County or two to get to the "out of box" divisions.

I'm still waiting to hear back from Cowes but the Friendlies are fast approaching in preparation for the new season and I have to get an Oakham team ready to take on Tier 10. I can see me staying for the season, getting promotion to Tier 9 then having to go backwards to join Fisher or a IOW team!

Ok I'm going to post this and then post like I'm staying at Oakham...

[andychar]

Oakham United

Pre-Season 2021-22

Tier 10

The expectations have been made very clear. Back to back promotions.

Despite wanting out and wanting to move to the Isle or Wight I'm commited to this team until this happens. Another promotion will look good on the old CV.

The good news is we only have to pay Apperance Fees. It means the big net is out and Rutland is once against being raided!

We start the usual way. By looking at the Media Dream XI and poaching as many of them as possible.

We have 9 out of the 11. The other two didn't want to come....losers.

There maybe a reason why we are expected to go back to back. It will be an interesting season because other than the league we will have to beat teams above us if we are to take home a cup.

And just like that another season in Rutland is all but confirmed. 

Lets see what happens during the season. 

I think I'm doing the right thing. Slow and steady potentially get another promotion on the CV get the Isle or Wight and Fisher jobs out the way and then see where we can go from there. By then hopefully we will have promotions and badges and can look at getting a Tier 6/7 job.

I mean it was a much better Pre-Season than last season. Good results against AFC Mansfield and Parkgate who are above us by a tier or 2.

Just the 7 transfers in this season. People are hiding much better than they did last season.

This is what our strongest team looks like at the start of the season. The first thing you'll notice is the lack of 43 year olds. This team has the ability to do well again and its pretty much expected.

So without further ado lets get back to it, with one eye firmly on how Fisher, Newport (IOW), Cowes and East Cowes fair this season.

[scousevasey]

4 hours ago, andychar said:

Just the 7 transfers in this season. People are hiding much better than they did last season.

Rutland is the smallest county, so you have probably caught all of the footballers in the local area already...

[andychar]

FA Debut

The league has started and we have hit a milestone for the club. With the participation in the 1st Qualifying Round of the FA Vase we are playing in an FA organised game!

I mean its not that big of a deal but it seemed like a good place to update everybody.

8 league games have been played and we are currently in the Middle of September. 

Played 8. Won 8. Scored 25. Conceded 0.

I mean I've had worse starts to a season.

We are sitting pretty and already 8 points clear. Long season though still 30 games left.

No movement at Cowes, East Cowes Athletic, Fisher or Newport (IOW) yet. Somebody was fired in the same league as FIsher and the guy popped up in the Sack Race...but I've been top before and been in that so really its taken with a pinch of salt. Its looking increasing likely that any move away from Oakham is going to be seen as a step backwards!

Newport going one way and Cowes the other it seems. Hopefully that Cowes job will come up sooner rather than later.

Fisher smack bang in the middle. Looks like 3rd might be enough to get Promoted.

Looking good for a bounce back promotion for East Cowes. Not looking good for a firing!

We play a team called Daten in the FA Vase. They are a Tier 10 team as well. Looking at the league they are in they are in and around Liverpool.

We are home at home and it has to be said, we are favourites.

First shot. First goal. Flying.

I looked away and missed a goal. 2-0 at half time and we are on top. Next goal will kill it.

54th minute and they are reduced to 10 men. I think this one is in the bag.

Boring second half but job done. 

In the 2nd Qualifying Round we go.

We have been drawn away to a Tier 9 team. Be a great test for the team. 

See you all then!

[lionel messi]

You could be in the FA Cup too

[andychar]

5 minutes ago, lionel messi said:

You could be in the FA Cup too

Not this season. It's only certain teams from Tier 10 in the FA Cup. I imagine it will be if you finish a certain position from the previous season. I'm happy to make do with FA Vase this season!

[lionel messi]

3 minutes ago, andychar said:

Not this season. It's only certain teams from Tier 10 in the FA Cup. I imagine it will be if you finish a certain position from the previous season. I'm happy to make do with FA Vase this season!

Yes could generate some income if you get through a few rounds.

[andychar]

Can you just let one in? I'm spending a fortune on Clean Sheet Bonuses

So safe to say its been a good start to the season. Its weird having a really good season yet casting one eye on a team who is in the relegation zone....soon!

More of the same really. Pinchbeck United is significant as the first time this season we fell behind in a game. We were behind for 3 minutes. We have been behind for 3 minutes this entire season so far. 

I think when the time comes I'm 100% splitting this save up and keep Oakham United on the back burner. Just to see how far I can go.

Things are looking pretty rosey. I'm going to play the old "there's a long way to go yet" card. You dont get promoted in October and all the other cliches you can think of. EIther way I'm glad we aren't Huntingdon Town whose only win this season came at home where they won 4-0. I mean if you are gonna do it!

Anyway onto the FA Vase. We are still technically trying to Qualify for the main thing. We play a Tier 9 team away from home so its going to be a great test of where we are ahead of next season in Tier 9 (even though I really hope not to see it in this save).

Its against the run of play it has to be said but honestly I don't care!

Ah sucker punch. Keeper punched it but not very far and its volley home from outside the box into an unguarded net. 

Its raining goals and we have our own thunderbolt. Brilliant goal and once again we lead. Lets hold it for longer than it takes to make toast this time eh. (If you have your toaster to anything less than 3 then I'm sorry you don't have toast, you have warm bread).

The excitment of the half compressed into 6 minutes. We have the lead, its a tight game. Next goal you feel is cruical.

Nothing doing in the second half, we looked more likely to increase the lead but it didn't happen. Not to worry into the next round we go. Great result.

The Milky Bars are on me!

Its worth pointing out the Board expect me to get to the 2nd Round so at this point they aren't even impressed.

No way I'm losing my Starting GK to an Abbey.

We get a home draw which is nice. Be interesting to see what crowd we get. 

I've actually heard of Westfields. They are a Tier 9 team currently top of the league. So this will be a very interesting tie.

[andychar]

Badges...you don't need no stinking badges

I have 1 more badge but I won't be allowed to go for another because they are worried I'm going to leave them for a better club. When the truth is I'm going to be leaving them for a much worse club the way this is going!

Only the 3 games between Cup games this time...

Wait what's that Yellow thing?!

Still sitting pretty. Nearing the half way mark of the season.

We lost two starters to injury and it took all of my energy not to release them straight away.

Quick look at the other teams...

Isle of Wight teams bookend this league. What's the Cowes manager gotta do to get sacked? They are heading to Tier 11 and I still can't get the job!

East Cowes still fighting for promotion back to Tier 10. They are set to not be the worst Isle of Wight team soon!

Top 3 looking enough for Fisher but they are still a way behind, annoying not enough to put the manager in trouble.

Cowes is the best shout at the moment but for now the board are being patient!

Onto the FA Vase. We face our hardest task yet and off the back of us dropping points for the first time this season. 

Ouch. We had a good start but find ourselves behind. Lets see how we pick ourselves up.

Can argue we have been the better team but it means nothing at the moment. 

2 shots on target 2 goals. Clinical.

Disappointment really. We had plenty of chances but didn't take of them. They had 2 decent ones and took them. The difference between the two teams was 1 player. 

Right that's that for a season. I've got one more cup but I'm not that fussed about it. I just want to move on as quickly as possible. 

[andychar]

So for the first time this season the Cowes job is insecure. I've jumped on it! They are currently in relegation zone so fingers crossed they fire the chump and hire me!

If they are quick they are still in a Cup as well!

[andychar]

No chance!

Really?

You know what I hope I get the East Cowes job so I can crush you.

[andychar]

Cowes 2: Cowes Harder

Here we go...

This guy is the favourite. If he gets it I've made an enemy for life.

Second time I've been in this board room. Make the right choice this time yeah?

I didnt get that after the first interview!

I was going to wait unti, the new year to update but with my future unknown (and the fact we played our final game of the year) here it is.

We once again crashed out of the laptop at home against a team one tier ahead of us. We once again gave it our all but just lacked the quality. 

In the league its been business as usual. We still have only dropped 2 points all season.

I think the Promotion and the League is in the bag.

Will I be around to see us lift the trophy though?

Well didn't think we would squeeze another game in before a decision was made but here we are. The gap at the stays the same. One game closer.

Death to Cowes.

 

[andychar]

This is the record of the guy who got the job ahead of me. I really REALLY hope they go down.

[Mandy42]

they do know it's about scoring goals? not conceding them? they are funny on that there island

[andychar]

1 hour ago, Mandy42 said:

they do know it's about scoring goals? not conceding them? they are funny on that there island

I'm not bitter or twisted or emotionally scared by the whole thing. I just want pain to come to the Cowes board.

[andychar]

No doubt about it. I'm ready to get hurt again.

[andychar]

Cowes 3: East Cowes with a Vengence

Did I do that? Who knows. All I know is...

I really want it. Despite the fact I'm dropping down pretty much 2 divisions. I need to get Isle of Wight finished so I can then move to Fisher! Then this save can really open up.

Only 5 games to go in the season but its not like winning the league is an impossibility. Tell you what Tier 11. New County. No Wages to pay. I could have some fun next season (like this season has been tricky).

Worrying. Is this why Cowes didn't want me? They couldn't afford me?

If I don't get this one I might have to look at leaving Oakham.

Not the first choice. I wanna know who I annoyed on the Isle of Wight.

So I didn't get this message with Cowes Sport so I didn't get that job just because. I will try to waive the compensation if not then I'm resigning. Big moment.

The board didnt like it but managed to convince them to reduce compensation. Lets see what happens now!

Still don't like the sound of this. Resigning might still be on the cards.

Well its one step closer!

I've done all I can. Its up to the hand of fate now!

This is huge. Bath City are in the National League North. The 6th Tier. I'm obviously not going to take it but if I could get an interview now for this club it bodes well for the future.

[andychar]

While We Wait

So during all this saga there was actually football to play.

This has been a foregone conclusion for a while.

Nothing changes budget wise for next season.

You are all most certainly welcome.

Be interesting to see what the expectation would be next season.

We are currently 22 points clear of 2nd with 24 to play for. Basically we win our next game we are Champions. Question is will I be there to celebrate?

The answer is no!

[andychar]

Finally Moving On

So where did we leave Oakham?

I honestly didn't notice we didn't concede a goal for so long!

We miss out on lifting the Trophy but we bagged Promotion before leaving.

Its a long ass drive and Ferry but finally we have arrived on the Isle of Wight.

I don't think we can win the league this season but I'm going to give it a real go good next season. If we do somehow manage to win the league this season I am 100% counting it, as it will take a bit of a miracle and 100% record from me. Change my mind! I will be here until Fisher come A) I win a cup and B) Fisher come knocking so I think I might have to settle in.

We still are in a Cup but because its a Semi if we win it it won't count. Minimum for a Cup is 3 games. Would be nice to win it though!

First game of the Season is tomorrow and we have no staff. Lets get to it!

This is where we stand at the moment.

 

[andychar]

So Lonely

So with no staff and the adverts placed I had 24 hours to figure out who was going to start in my Debut. 

I just have to remember this isn't about this season its about next season. I'll get my net ready for the Summer.

Always a good start when, in your first game in charge you see the stat "7 changes made from the last game".

The first game could literally go either way.

I will 100% take it!

It means with 4 games to go the League Table looks like this...

3 points between 1st and 6th. Only 6 covering the Top 8. It's literally anybodies. 

Hahaha thats the most I've ever seen in this.

We have a Cup Final to look forward to. This won't count as mentioned before. I'm having second thoughts about the League counting as well. Let me know what you all think. 

[Mandy42]

If the rule is 3 games minimum in the cup, then you've played more than that in the league.

If they had taken you for the job the 1st time you went for interview, and you won the league, would you have counted it then? As then surely it's not your fault they didn't capitulate to your stalking sooner.

However whether you win or lose, are you going to be stuck there waiting for the Fisher position to come up? If so, you can make this decision at the point you are going to move on. 

IE if you feel winning the league this year was not down to you, but you are 10-15 points clear next season when it comes time to move on, I think on balance that would even itself out.

[andychar]

15 hours ago, Mandy42 said:

If the rule is 3 games minimum in the cup, then you've played more than that in the league.

If they had taken you for the job the 1st time you went for interview, and you won the league, would you have counted it then? As then surely it's not your fault they didn't capitulate to your stalking sooner.

However whether you win or lose, are you going to be stuck there waiting for the Fisher position to come up? If so, you can make this decision at the point you are going to move on. 

IE if you feel winning the league this year was not down to you, but you are 10-15 points clear next season when it comes time to move on, I think on balance that would even itself out.

I lost the next game after I posted . Too much to do now. I am going to stay till Fisher come knocking. I will 100% be shocked if I don't win the League before then!

[andychar]

End Of Season 2021-22

I had 5 games to win the league for East Cowes. Spoiler alert...we didn't.

Two disappointing results in a row lost us touch at the top. 

I signed an absolulte boat load of players but it was too little too late. We will however be there challenging next season and I'll be surprised if we don't walk away with Promotion and the Title!

First up I wanted to show this guy. Our new Chief Scout. How we managed to get him at Tier 11 level is beyond me. He must be doing his own version of the Scouting County challenge.

Next up the Intake. No idea obviously what the prediction was but...

It wasn't too bad. This was before I bought new signings in however so those predicted abilities are subject to change!

I managed to bring in a total of 8 players before the Transfer Window actually closed so we have a base to finish the season and we have a squad for the Cup Final!

Newport IOW managed to win Promotion to Tier 9. Well done to them while the new manager at Cowes did well to steer them clear of relegation.

Our season finished like this...

2 bad results knocked us out the race but we finished strong.

Board wanted top 3 I finished 4th. I can win the league next season. 

We still have a nice Cup Final to play as well.

[andychar]

Stealing a Trophy

The rule was I have to play 3 games in a cup for it to count. If we win here today we will win the Cup and I will have taken charge of 2 out of the other 3 games they played and they were managerless for the other game!

Fingers crossed we can finish the season on a high and give us something to build on for next season.

We kicked off. Jeez I thought it was the warm up still.

We did it! We had a shot! Free in the box and the header finds the back of the net.

70th minute - The ball hits the back of the net but its chalked off for offside. That would have made it 2 and surely the game would have been over. As it stands its still game on.

This one counts. Game over?

Yep game over. 

Too little too late?

There were 2 shots in 45 minutes in the first half. There have been 3 goals in 4 minutes here.

Wooooo makes up for the lack of League Title with Oakham.

We need to kick on from here and take it into next season. I'm confident.

I'm ready!

There's an End of Season Review but honestly I wasn't here long enough to really care.

Edited January 29, 2021 by andychar

[Mandy42]

looking at that sponsorship hording for the cup win photo makes me feel ill!

Also, seen as you are on the IOW, wouldn't you need a boat to get most of your signings to the club anyway? 

[andychar]

13 minutes ago, Mandy42 said:

looking at that sponsorship hording for the cup win photo makes me feel ill!

Also, seen as you are on the IOW, wouldn't you need a boat to get most of your signings to the club anyway? 

Its made things so much easier. "Would you like to take a trip on my boat?" Should see the look on their faces when P&O turn up.

[andychar]

Pre-Season 2022/23

Pre-Season was very simple really. Just get as many people in as possible.

Between the end of last season and the start of this one we have bought 12 new players in. By the time I finished the first season with Oakham at Tier 11 it was 20 so lets see if I can break that.

The board have thought long and hard about what they want out of this season and they have decided...

Everything. They want everything.

We are largely expected to do well this season. We have 9 out of 11 of the Media Dream XI. 

We need to be there or thereabouts otherwise its the chop and there's only 2 more Isle of Wight teams left!

The slow climb to the top continues.

Good old East Cowes.

Big pre-season with a lot of better teams than us. I went for money rather than wins. Mistake? We shall see.

Hehehehehehehehehehe

This is my strongest XI. It doesn't look much but if you remember neither did the Oakham one really. I'm confident I can get promotion. Lets get cracking and see what happens. I have a feeling its either promoted or fired.