smp20 Posted October 14, 2021 Author Share Posted October 14, 2021 Whoops Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 14, 2021 Author Share Posted October 14, 2021 Summer 2022 Transfer Window Update Transfers In A big transfer window as a whopping 9 players were signed if you include Smith Rowe's loan renewal. Most have been highlighted alreadt, but we also added loanees Todibo and Geubbels for depth and Pickford comes in as our new No. 1. Transfers Out A bit of a clear out of players that just weren't either up to the technical standard at the back or game changers in midfield, Traore the obvious exception. Results An early season start resulted in a win on the opening day, but August was a terrible month. Preferred XI When everyone's fit this is Anelka's preferred starting eleven as it stands. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 14, 2021 Author Share Posted October 14, 2021 That's more like it 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingjericho Posted October 14, 2021 Share Posted October 14, 2021 That's a solid upper table XI Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 14, 2021 Author Share Posted October 14, 2021 Winning was fun while it lasted... Results A fortunate run of fixtures, high morale and some nice fluid play on the pitch lead to five consecutive victories....followed by a slump of four straight defeats going into the Qatar WC break. Admittedly the run of games certainly didn't help us there. League Table The middle of the table is tight and we're clinging on top just outside the European places. Unless we have a shocking remainder of the season we shouldn't be drawn into a relegation battle, but we'll need to actually start beating some of the 'big 6' sides if we want to push on. Player Stats Podence, despite getting an early straight red against rivals Chelsea, has been the standout performer so far. Batshuayi has been hit and miss, while Dahoud has been poor. Our back line are doing pretty well, while Smith Rowe and Mitrovic are join top scorers with 7 each. ESR is either brilliant or rubbish. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 14, 2021 Author Share Posted October 14, 2021 27 minutes ago, kingjericho said: That's a solid upper table XI I'd like to think so, definitely built for the right now rather than the future Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 14, 2021 Author Share Posted October 14, 2021 Ermmm....what? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punch Posted October 14, 2021 Share Posted October 14, 2021 10 minutes ago, smp20 said: Ermmm....what? Hahaha Wow! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 14, 2021 Author Share Posted October 14, 2021 The France job has become available, but let's face it after his playing days controversy it's not a realistic target Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 14, 2021 Author Share Posted October 14, 2021 First game back after the World Cup break, our full strength side bar injuries and we lost at home to a struggling League One side despite dominating!!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punch Posted October 14, 2021 Share Posted October 14, 2021 It's a strange game sometimes! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 14, 2021 Author Share Posted October 14, 2021 1 minute ago, Punch said: It's a strange game sometimes! It certainly is Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
noikeee Posted October 14, 2021 Share Posted October 14, 2021 (edited) What the hell is going on I think the Qatari WC has bugged out your game. Fun idea to play as a "mercenary" but it might not come in handy if you have a good project going on - the Fulham squad you've built is looking nice - and a big team comes to snap you on a big wage. Edited October 14, 2021 by noikeee Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 14, 2021 Author Share Posted October 14, 2021 That a horrible run of fixtures to be fair....we need to regain some momentum sooner rather than later!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 14, 2021 Author Share Posted October 14, 2021 Just now, noikeee said: What the hell is going on I think the Qatari WC has bugged out your game. You could be right! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 14, 2021 Author Share Posted October 14, 2021 When things just aren't going your way... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 14, 2021 Author Share Posted October 14, 2021 Always good to attend an interview for the club who are your next opponent 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 14, 2021 Author Share Posted October 14, 2021 Marseille are a prestigious club to manage, but not for less than half Anelka's current wage!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 14, 2021 Author Share Posted October 14, 2021 Finally, a WIN!! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 14, 2021 Author Share Posted October 14, 2021 Well, Nic won't be sulking in the toon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 15, 2021 Author Share Posted October 15, 2021 Up until January deadline day it's been a quiet transfer window. Just one out, one in. Our 2nd choice keeper Kolar leaves and is replaced by Kelleher whose contract was up in the summer and available on the cheap. Ever in favourite of a big name signing oozing quality, in comes Pulisic to provide competition in the wide areas. Just a loan, but it could become permanent if he impresses. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 15, 2021 Author Share Posted October 15, 2021 £10m up front and £20m over the next 48 months, Stengs comes in as an option across the whole of the midfield. I think his most suited role in the system will be as a roaming playmaker. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
deltablue Posted October 15, 2021 Share Posted October 15, 2021 Your transfer business looks good. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punch Posted October 15, 2021 Share Posted October 15, 2021 ^I agree, building a very solid squad Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 15, 2021 Author Share Posted October 15, 2021 24 minutes ago, deltablue said: Your transfer business looks good. 20 minutes ago, Punch said: ^I agree, building a very solid squad Cheers, just need it to get going properly on the pitch. Always a bit tricky when you're shunning defensive duties Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 15, 2021 Author Share Posted October 15, 2021 January - February 2023 Update Results Urgh, what a mixed bag. 3 wins, 4 draws, 6 losses. League Table As midtable as it gets! Tactic The wide players have been dragged back a little in order to make us a little more compact, that's about as tactical as it gets defensively for Super Nic / Le Sulk! With Batshuayi and Geubbels out injured we're lacking a bit of pace up top, a wide player may be put there if needed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 15, 2021 Author Share Posted October 15, 2021 Several interviews this season, none of them successful. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
karanhsingh Posted October 15, 2021 Share Posted October 15, 2021 That's a very attacking midfield indeed! And with two CWBs. Defending is overrated Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 15, 2021 Author Share Posted October 15, 2021 23 hours ago, noikeee said: Fun idea to play as a "mercenary" but it might not come in handy if you have a good project going on - the Fulham squad you've built is looking nice - and a big team comes to snap you on a big wage. As someone who usually plays one club saves with a youth focus, this is a real change in approach! Everything needs to be about the here and now. If something better (financially or if level financially has better prospects) then I will need to be ready to jump ship. No time to build and develop a team of youngsters. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 15, 2021 Author Share Posted October 15, 2021 9 hours ago, karanhsingh said: That's a very attacking midfield indeed! And with two CWBs. Defending is overrated Judging by our season it actually may not be overrated. 424, 433, 442, 4231, 41212 have been messed around with over the last few games and come full circle back to 424. Playing without any kind of holding midfield and with bombing wing backs isn't for the faint hearted Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 15, 2021 Author Share Posted October 15, 2021 2022-23 Season Review Latest Results That run of games in April was just depressing. We are hopeless against the big sides, they just pick us off. Anelka tinkered with different formations and roles within the playing philosophy but to no avail. Back to 4-2-4, this time utilising an advanced forward, we romped to a 5-2 win over Palace. I think that'll be the way forward. Other shapes proved to be impotent despite the heavy attacking approach. League Table A slight improvement on last season, 5 more points and 1 place higher. A bit drab though, really. Player Stats The positives - Pickford, Adarabioyo and of course Podence. Mitrovic also managed to bag 18 Premier League goals too. The negatives - Dahoud, Moreno, Stengs and Pulisic. Even Smith Rowe compared to the previous season. Batshuayi being inconsistent then injured had a big impact on our cutting edge too. Despite not getting the best ratings, Geubbels and Todibo are joining on free transfers to add depth to next seasons squad. I think a new out-and-out striker is needed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 15, 2021 Author Share Posted October 15, 2021 Smith Rowe, despite an average season, re-signs again on loan. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
noikeee Posted October 16, 2021 Share Posted October 16, 2021 Given your previous careers it's a bit strange to not see you go straight to the European places or a title challenge but I guess this makes the career a bit more unpredictable and interesting. It looks like you're conceding a goal in almost every game, so beefing up the defence looks like a priority, maybe adding up a DM? Or would this be too out of character for Anelka? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 16, 2021 Author Share Posted October 16, 2021 1 hour ago, noikeee said: Given your previous careers it's a bit strange to not see you go straight to the European places or a title challenge but I guess this makes the career a bit more unpredictable and interesting. It looks like you're conceding a goal in almost every game, so beefing up the defence looks like a priority, maybe adding up a DM? Or would this be too out of character for Anelka? It's a little frustrating at times knowing I could just plug in a tactic that would do very well with this side, but the fun of the save is staying in character and I'm enjoying the (slight) struggle. A proper holding midfielder? We may experiment with a deeper playmaker who can double up as someone who can actually defend, and maybe make one full back a little less attacking. But the principles of attack first will remain the same. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 16, 2021 Author Share Posted October 16, 2021 This will be the approach we'll start with next season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 16, 2021 Author Share Posted October 16, 2021 You'd think they're used to it by now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 16, 2021 Author Share Posted October 16, 2021 Two quality players sign ahead of the new season. Adeyimi is a player who can stretch the defence with his pace and movement. He's not a pure finisher but he's young and can work on that. Thiago is one of the best deep playmakers in world football and he's not too bad defensively either. Lost his way at Liverpool, at 32 this will be one of his last chances to prove himself as a world star. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 16, 2021 Author Share Posted October 16, 2021 A Licence gained, Anelka is looking like a very capable coach now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 16, 2021 Author Share Posted October 16, 2021 4 young players join, all on frees (£3m compensation for Chong) to add depth to the squad. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 16, 2021 Author Share Posted October 16, 2021 A big sale, Petkovic ticked all the boxes for creativity and technical ability but lacked the pace to be an effective Premier League striker. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 16, 2021 Author Share Posted October 16, 2021 (edited) A new contract signed making Anelka the 4th highest earning manager in the PL after Klopp, Solsjkaer and Amorim (Chelsea). Edit: now 5th, Zidane joined Man City Edited October 16, 2021 by smp20 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
noikeee Posted October 16, 2021 Share Posted October 16, 2021 Really good signings, Adeyemi is always an absolute beast in FM, Chong was quite decent for me at Porto, and Todibo is always good. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 16, 2021 Author Share Posted October 16, 2021 3 minutes ago, noikeee said: Really good signings, Adeyemi is always an absolute beast in FM, Chong was quite decent for me at Porto, and Todibo is always good. Yeah I hope they'll do well. Other than Adeyemi and Thiago they will be cover players for now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 16, 2021 Author Share Posted October 16, 2021 A lucrative offer from Japan means Anelka takes on a dual-role with club and international football! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 16, 2021 Author Share Posted October 16, 2021 Vinagre comes in on loan to provide competition for Alberto Moreno at left back. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 16, 2021 Author Share Posted October 16, 2021 Key Japan International player Kamada joins Fulham to unite with Anelka on two fronts. He can play as a creative complete forward or as a roaming playmaker. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted October 16, 2021 Author Share Posted October 16, 2021 Great advice that Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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