[FM21] Return of the Phoe Nix - Rise of the Raven. FC Isle of Man Youth Save.

[Punch]

MAR 2038

A brilliant month, going undefeated, and dropping points only against Chelsea. That absolutely insane match against Madrid will stand out for a long time.

 

The Analyst is happy, a whopping 17 goals on and xG of 11.

 

Still holding 3rd place, which would be our best ever finish.

 

Gowdy took out the Player of the Month.

 

We took out all three places in the Young Player of the Month, with Walsh getting the gong.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfield

 

Forwards

 

 

A great month financially on the back of the Champions League prize money.

 

The Gate from the record crowd helped as well. These records will not be broken at The Isle.

 

Three League games, Champions League Quarter Final, FA Cup Semi Final. A monster month coming up.

[Punch]

APR 2038 - Match Day 33 - At Sheffield Wednesday

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Rotated squad put on a good performance, but lacked execution as we struggled to a draw at Wednesday.

The Owls scored first through a 9th minute penalty.

Young Craig Hoston scored his first League goal to level the scores before the hour mark, yet despite creating a raft of chances, we couldn't put them away.

We share the points, but xG suggests we should have won comfortably.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Still holding 3rd, but we lost points to 2nd.

 

 

Up next...we're off to Germany for the Champions League Quarter Final 1st Leg against Bayer Leverkusen.

[Punch]

APR 2038 - Quarter Final 1st Leg - At Bayer Leverkusen

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A stunning result as the hosts were blitzed in the first half, as we went on the attack from the kick off, then just kept attacking.

Gary Gowdy got us off to a flyer in the third minute, before Aled Harden scored his second hat-trick in as many Champions League games.

Up 4-1 at half time, we kept at them, although we conceded a second, we score a 5th through Lewis Hoey.

30 shots on goal, 14 on target, an xG of almost 5, scored 5 goals and hit the posts twice, so the score could have ended up even better.

A dominant performance and 5 away goals.

In a weeks time we do it all again for a spot in the Semi Final.

 

 

Up next...we host the white hot Man United side who have won 6 in a row and 13 of their last 15 in what will probably be our last chance to make any ground on the top 2 in the League.

[Hootieleece]

Just reacquainting myself with your work. Great to see the Perseverance that got your team to the Premier League and Europe. 

Sharing Anfield? Nowhere is closer to the Isle of Man? Must be really hard on your local fans.

 

[Punch]

18 minutes ago, Hootieleece said:

Just reacquainting myself with your work. Great to see the Perseverance that got your team to the Premier League and Europe. 

Sharing Anfield? Nowhere is closer to the Isle of Man? Must be really hard on your local fans.

 

Thank you! We've come a long way since the little level 10 team at The Bowl.

 

Possibly nowhere closer that's big enough to house the crowds we have been getting. Although as suggested previously, I think we are possibly getting a lot of local traffic that see's the lights on and goes in to watch a game.

Although we did sell 25k season tickets.

[Punch]

APR 2038 - Match Day 34 - Vs Manchester United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

The worst of all scorelines as neither side could take any of their chances.

A tough battle, but we did end Man U's winning run by hold them to a draw, and sharing the points.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

With four games to play, 2nd place is probably gone, and we need to concentrate on holding third.

Both sides of Manchester have now qualified for Champions League, while Brighton are the first team relegated.

 

 

Up next...Bayer Leverkusen come to Anfield for the 2nd Leg of our Champions League Quarter FInal, with us holding a 5-2 lead.

[Punch]

APR 2038 - Quarter Final 2nd Leg - Vs Bayer Leverkusen

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Devastating!

With a 5-2 lead from the 1st Leg, we'd blown the visitors off the park by half time.

They completely capitulated in the 2nd Half, giving us a stunning 8-0 (13-2) win.

Gary Gowdy scored a hat-trick, and Aled Harden score his third consecutive Champions League hat-trick. I winder if that some kind of record?

John Wright and Michael Pilkington got themselves on the score sheet to complete the rout.

So we are off to the semi final in our debut year in the Champions League.

 

The prize money keeps rolling in, a bonus to our great run.

 

 

Semi Final Draw

Spoiler

A known foe as we get Manchester United in the Semi Final. They will host the 1st Leg.

 

A poor record that we will need to overcome.

 

 

Up next...we play Man U again as we travel to Old Trafford for the FA Cup Semi Final.

[Sonic Youth]

That’s a couple of crazy Leverkusen results!

Man Utd again?

Top youth intake 

Looks like third is almost sewn up.

[Punch]

20 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

That’s a couple of crazy Leverkusen results!

That second game was insane, we just kept scoring

And three hat-tricks in a row for one player

 

21 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

Man Utd again?

Like last season when we kept getting Man City

 

22 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

Top youth intake 

I nearly dropped my laptop when I seen that come up. Pretty sure we kicked in the doors to the Liverpool academy while we were here

 

31 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

Looks like third is almost sewn up

Leading 4th by 6, with 4 to play, we should be safe, but it's been a crazy season.

[Punch]

APR 2038 - FA Cup Semi Final - At Manchester United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Our FA Cup run is over!

After back to back titles, we go out in the Semi Final in the cruelest manner, falling in a penalty shoot out.

Harry Bannigan gave us the lead on 14 minutes, before the hosts equalised, making it 1-1 at the half.

We soaked up wave after wave of The Red Devils attacks in the second half, but John Hodgson had a blinder, and neither side could find a winner in regulation.

Extra time went the same way, with Man U looking the most likely, but not being able beat Hodgson.

So it would be penalties.

It didn't start well, and we always seemed to be chasing the game. Missing our first, third, and sixth shots, and while Hodgson managed to brilliantly save two penalties, it just wasn't our day, and our run is over.

 

More money for the kitty, and a big pay out for our share of the gate, but I'd give it all back for a shot at the third straight title.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we welcome Arsenal to Anfield.

[Punch]

APR 2038 - Match Day 35 - Vs Arsenal

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A disappointing result as we were outplayed, yet still created enough chances to win.

Michael Pilkington gave us the lead after half time, but despite the chances, we couldn't finish the game off.

Two late goals to the visitors sealed the match, and we suffered our first loss for some time.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

A result made worse as we could have made ground on City who were also beaten.

We are now just one game above 4th place Southampton, and 5 above Chelsea, with three games to play.

 

 

Up next...Champions League Semi Final 1st Leg, we head back to Old Trafford to take on Man U again.

[Punch]

APR 2038 - Semi Final 1st Leg - At Manchester United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

That didn't go to plan.

The Red Devils continued their white hot form as they ran over the top of us to take a 4-2 lead after the 1st Leg.

Mark Walsh gave us the lead after 18 minutes, but it didn't last long, and they had taken a 1-2 lead by the half.

Two more rapid fire goals just after the hour mark and they were nearly out of sight as 1-4.

Walsh pulled one back and we managed to limit the damage any further, giving us some hope in the return leg, in a weeks time.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we we welcome Forrest to Anfield.

[Punch]

APR 2038

What started out as a brilliant month, crashed and burned in a big hurry.

 

A positive, we broke the Champions League goal record, in our debut season.

 

The Analyst was still happy, despite the end of month wobble.

 

Three games to play, three points in front of 4th, 8 points from second.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defence

 

Midfield

 

Forwards

Six Goalscorers into double figures.

 

For some reason I didn't get a financial email this month, but we are still on the up. On track to beat last seasons profit.

 

We go alright as a money making venture, £50 million above the League average.

 

It all comes down to this. Three League games to secure another season in the Champions League, two goals down in the Champions League Semi Final, and no FA Cup final for only the second time in the last 5 years.

There is still a lot to play for this season.

[Punch]

MAY 2038 - Match Day 36 - Vs Nottingham Forest

 

Match Report

Spoiler

After a shaky end to April, it was good to see us start off May in fine attacking form.

After Forest scored early, we hit straight back through Gary Gowdy.

 

John Hodgson put us in the lead with just our 2nd penalty of the season.

Gowdy added his second on 16 minutes and it stayed 3-1 through to the break.

We controlled the game through the second half but it wasn't until the 85th minute before Lewis Hoey added to the score to make it 4-1.

A positive result after our last few matches.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

With two matches remaining, the top 7 have been decided, with just the finishing order to be decided.

Manchester United are confirmed as Champions, which is not really a surprise as they have just been on an insane run.

While at the other end of the table, Burnley become the second team relegated.

 

 

Up next...Man U come to Anfield for the 2nd Leg of our Champions League Semi Final. They hold a 4-2 lead, so we will need the performance or our lives to stay alive in this competition, against a United side who have just been confirmed as Champions in the League.

[Punch]

MAY 2038 - Semi Final 2nd Leg - Vs Manchester United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We won the battle, but lost the war!

A brutally tough game of football, with both sides throwing everything into the match, knowing what was on the line.

John Hodgson was immense in goal to keep us alive in the tie.

In the 81st minute, substitute Michael Pilkington made things very interesting when we got within one goal of qualifying on away goals.

We threw everything we had at them for the final ten minutes, but in reality we were gassed, and the quality was a bit lacking, as was the execution.

Man U were able to shut it down and qualify for the final, keeping their own dreams of a treble alive.

 

Our unlikely run to the Semi Final has netted us a lot in prize money this season.

 

A full house at Anfield for the first time, gives us two more records we can't break at the upgrade Isle.

 

The Board had expectations of reaching the First Knockout Round, which we far exceeded, and we performed brilliantly in our debut season in the Champions League, with nobody expecting us to reach this far. We can be very happy with the club continuing to make steady progress.

 

 

Up next...back to the League as we travel to last place Brighton, for the chance to secure 3rd place, and another season in the Champions League.

[Punch]

MAY 2038 - Match Day 37 - At Brighton & Hove Albion

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We follow up our Champions League exit with one of the most ridiculous games of football you'll ever see.

Both teams decided defence was the thing around the outside of the ground, and went on an absolute goal fest.

It was 1-1 after 6 minutes, and what happened over the next 90 minutes was borderline insanity, that would drive managers up the wall.

Both out strikers scored hat-tricks and had an assist each, Martin Challinor scored a goal and had 3 assists, and by the time the dust had settled, a 10 goal lunatic asylum-fest resulted in a 7-3 victory for us.

It wasn't pretty, but it was entertaining, if not a little heart attack inducing.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Southampton only managed a draw, meaning we secure 3rd place, our best ever finish, and qualify for another season in the Champions League.

The final day of matches will have will have a huge impact as 4 teams can still qualify for the last Champions League spot, while Everton are not safe and could fall into Sheffield Wednesdays relegation spot.

 

After our 4th place finish last season, we have moved our best up to 3rd, as we can not go any higher or lower, regardless of our result in the last match.

 

3rd place means we get another go in the Champions League.

 

A slight increase to both budgets for next season.

 

Our Euro II slot will go to the 7th place in the League, all of which will be decided on the final day, as four teams will fight over spots in three different European competitions.

 

 

Up next...Our final game of the season, as we travel away to Norwich. A dead rubber for both teams, although less so for Norwich as they will want to hold onto 8th place, so a few kids may find themselves being rewarded with a Premier League debut.

[Punch]

MAY 2038 - Under 18's

 

Our Under 18's continue on their winning ways, after taking out their Division 2 League again, they claim back to back Youth FA Cups.

 

 

Their 8th title in 9 years.

[Punch]

MAY 2038 - FA Cup Review

 

Manchester United complete their double, taking out Forest in the Final, and keeping their treble hopes alive, with the Champions League Final to come.

We were beaten in the Semi by Man U, with young Pilkington being the leading goal scorer.

[Punch]

MAY 2038 - Under 23's

 

After our Under 18's won the FA Youth Cup, our Under 23's added to the trophy cabinet.

 

 

Quite a ridiculous table when they won all 28 games, and that goal difference

 

They win their 4th straight title, although they finally beat someone else in the Final.

[Punch]

MAY 2038 - Match Day 38 - At Norwich City

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A fine end to a brilliant season!

A dead rubber game for us meant handing League debuts to several of the younger generation, and they performed very well, coming from behind twice, to finally take the win over a determined Norwich outfit.

Was great to see a lot of the younger kids take the opportunity to show what they can do, against a tough opposition.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

So we already had 3rd wrapped up, qualifying for the Champions League.

Tottenham took the last Champions League spot after Southampton were beaten, dropping the Saints to the Conference, while Chelsea, also beaten fell to Euro II.

Heat break at the bottom of the table as Everton fall to The Championship on the last day after defeat, and Wednesday won.

 

 

Up next...Reviews and other end of season things.

[Sonic Youth]

Do you think Liverpool will be glad to see the back of IoM? 

[Punch]

1 hour ago, Sonic Youth said:

Do you think Liverpool will be glad to see the back of IoM? 

Very possibly.

But we are still in Anfield until September.

[Punch]

MAY 2038 - Champions League Review

Manchester United completed an historic treble, after winning the League and FA Cup, they have knocked over Barcelona to win the Champions League.

We are the biggest over-achievers, with our fairy tale run to the Semi Final, beaten by the eventual Champions.

[Punch]

MAY 2038

We finish with a perfect month, even though our win wasn't enough in the Champions League, and wins to secure our best finish in the League.

 

We secured 3rd place, our highest finish, and another season in the Champions League.

Man U won back to back titles, while Everton, Burnley, and Brighton are relegated.

 

Gary Gowdy took out the EPL Player of the Month award.

 

The World Cup is about to kick off, and we have 11 players representing.

 

Our Youth Category has been upgraded to Category 1.

 

A massive month financially with Champions League and EPL prize money giving us a huge boost.

 

Our nest finish nets us a massive pay out.

 

We broke our attendance and gate records in the Champions League Semi Final, but we will not be able to break those out our upgraded ground.

 

One of the few clubs making a profit on player sales.

 

We still have the lowest wage to turnover ratio.

 

Up next...Season Reviews.

[Punch]

2037-2038 Season Review

 

Best XI - Season

 

Best XI - All Time

 

Where are they now? - Class of 2028

 

Up next...Season Stats.

Edited May 29, 2022 by Punch

[Punch]

2037-2038 Season Stats

 

Goalkeepers

Hodgson was brilliant all season, and Jensen was a very capable back up when required, although he may want to look further afield for more first team football soon.

Kearns made his senior debut in the final League game of the season, and performed well.

We received only two penalties all season, Hodgson scoring them both.

 

Defence

Very happy with the defensive unit this season, and it has been pleasing to see some of the younger kids stepping up when required in the rotation.

 

Midfield

An interesting development in the midfield this season with Millington and Adams no longer being first choice.

A rotation of players, including Lewis Hoey, Obinna Tamara, and Kyle Christian, along with Millington and Adams, have been employed.

 

Forwards

Gary Gowdy had over 50 goal involvements last season, and backed it up with 49 this season, on his way to winning the Premier League Golden Boot with 27 goals.

John Wright continues to go about his work quietly, surpassing 20 goals for the season again.

We had 7 players reach double figures this season.

 

No records broken this season, although Gowdy came within 5 goals of Earl's goal scoring record, and did break his own record for most since we joined the Premier League.

 

Jordan Williams breaks Jordan Jack's long standing appearances record, although I expect that will be over taken by John Hodgson next season.

Williams also extended his all time goals record.

Although he may have played his last game for the club, as he has now gone on the transfer list to get more regular game time.

 

Up next...Attribute reviews.

[Jtomsett11]

What a season! Okay, you fell down at the last hurdles in two of the cups, but to only just be beaten by united both times shows how close you are to being a top team on your day. I feel like you're not a million miles away from a league challenge too, perhaps a year or two?

Also, I can't remember if I commented on your intake,  but wow! Your academy is definitely doing the business! Definitely feels better than mine with Jersey as I don't think we've produced any 160 PA + players at all judging by attributes and scout ratings. However i don't know that for sure due to not being able to see PA/CA.

[Punch]

6 hours ago, Jtomsett11 said:

What a season! Okay, you fell down at the last hurdles in two of the cups, but to only just be beaten by united both times shows how close you are to being a top team on your day. I feel like you're not a million miles away from a league challenge too, perhaps a year or two?

We've had some close games against them, but they were just white hot all season, I am pretty sure they were unbeaten after Christmas, with the exception of the 1-0 game in our 2nd Leg, no one got close to them in the League. Will be interesting to see if we can get closer to them in that next season or two, as some of these newer kids are starting to push up.

 

6 hours ago, Jtomsett11 said:

Also, I can't remember if I commented on your intake,  but wow! Your academy is definitely doing the business! Definitely feels better than mine with Jersey as I don't think we've produced any 160 PA + players at all judging by attributes and scout ratings. However i don't know that for sure due to not being able to see PA/CA.

That intake was insane! After three seasons of pretty mediocre intake, I guess we were due some decent players, but that was pretty special. I am guessing it's just coincidence that it lines up with when we are at Anfield, as we would still be training the youth on The Isle, but it's just funny that it looks like we robbed Liverpool's nursery

I guess we wait and see what next season's looks like by comparison. Probably back to a few seasons of only taking a few players.

[Punch]

2037-2038 Season - Attribute Reviews

 

It's that time of year where we get to take a look at what has occurred to the players attributes.

 

Goalkeepers

Hodgson crosses the 80 point barrier, our first Keeper to reach that mark, and still our clear number one.

Cusato is developing nicely, and while 2nd on attributes, Jensen is still our back up on CA.

There are a few young keepers still coming along nicely.

 

Defence

 

Center

Dave Keogh still our clear number one in the center of defence, but he will have a new partner this season with the rise and rise of Neil Forrest.

Plenty of decent options to rotate as well.

 

Right

Kearney still the clear number 1, while some what surprisingly Kazalac stalled, as he seemed to be improving this season.

We are a bit light on options on this side so it's good that some of the center backs can fill in on the sides as well.

 

Left

While Smith is the number one, he may be a backup as the options from the center fill this role.

This is our weakest area on the pitch.

 

Midfield

 

Ball Winning Midfielders

Rhule struggles with the mental side of the game, while long serving Adams is starting to slip.

He will still be the back up, as some of the APs can fill this role adequately.

 

Advanced Play Makers

So many options.

Tamara and Hoey have formed a lethal combination in the centre, with the former usually playing the BWM role.

Captain Millington is still there abouts, but may be relegated to rotation and super sub roles.

Plenty of options to cover both areas of central midfield.

 

Attacking Right

Harden has been a superstar over the last two seasons and his Wing attributes have now overtaken his striker attributes.

Challinor is a very capable back up, and can also play striker.

A few good options available when rotation needed.

 

Attacking Left

Wes Heys has been the star, with Lea his back up, but a new star is emerging with young Senkoomi shooting up the ratings, he will be looking for more time soon.

Another area with plenty of options as a lot of our wingers and strikers are interchangeable.

 

Forwards

Gowdy and Wright have a lethal partnership, but young Gakou had a season to develop in The Championship and has come along nicely.

He will find himself pushing for time in the new season.

Plenty of options available, with young Craig Hoston being one to keep an eye on.

 

Best XI

 

Super excited with how the team has developed, and with the options I have available.

Left back looks a little weak, but with coverage from center and right, Crosby probably won't see a lot of game time anyway.

Our attribute average continues to rise nicely.

 

A very interested to see what these players can do in the next season, and if they can take it to the Manchester's who have been running riot over the last few years.

[Punch]

JUN 2038 - Internationals - World Cup

 

We had 11 players on duty at the World Cup, including 3 in the England line up.

While the Cup is still ongoing, all our players have returned home, with England the last to be eliminated in the 3rd Knockout Round.

 

[Punch]

JUN 2038

Newcastle come straight back up as Champions, scoring over 100 points, joined by Fulham, while Watford grabbed the last play off spot, and won their way through.

 

We start off the season away to the newly promoted Fulham, before welcoming City in a tough 2nd match up.

We will begin the season at Anfield, but are due to move back into The Isle in September.

 

We've made it into the top half for the first time in the Bookies eyes, which is strange as we've never finished lower than 8th in the Premier League.

Newly promoted Newcastle are even tipped above us.

 

We've improved our rank to 32nd, up a massive 35 places from last season.

Guessing our run to the Champions League Semi Final will have a lot to do with that.

 

Our Under 18's have been promoted to Division 1, so this should provide a tougher challenge for them.

 

An off season loss, to be expected.

 

This should help soften the blow a bit.

 

Transfer Offers

 

We have had a few big offers come in, for players I don't want to sell. I have rejected them for now, and given our financial position, the Board don't seem interested in getting involved.

 

This seems a crazy offer for a 20 year old who is not yet an established first team player.

But as he is very close, and an excellent backup, he is going nowhere at this stage.

 

Seems OM are just looking for a defender as they then went after Slack.

 

Then the big one...

Man City have been sniffing around Gowdy for two seasons, with reports that scouts and managers were attending our matches, with deals starting in the £50 million range, then the £60 million range, the last I seen was about £73 million.

The reports have also swung from 'Gowdy can't wait to leave' to 'Gowdy has no interest in leaving'.

They then walked in with an offer of £85 million, which would obliterate the £16 million record received for Ryan Lewis.

Gowdy wanted to speak to me about blocking it, but was then happy that I came to see him, and accepted that he wasn't leaving.

He signed a new 5 year contract at the beginning of the just completed season, so we have him for another 4 years, plus there is a further option in our favour for another year.

 

Oil money goes a long way.

Not to be denied, they came back at an eye watering £93 million at the end of the month, which was immediately rejected.

Gowdy had no issues this time.

I have no interest in selling a player who has become arguably the best striker in the League, to a League rival.

Especially not in our current financial situation. Just hoping the Board don't decide to get involved.

If they come back again, I might counter offer something ridiculous, like half a billion

Or maybe I will just keep rejecting them.

 

A stack of friendlies organised, and there will be a lot of rotation through them to get plenty of players fit, and give the fringe/rotation players a chance to impress.

[Sonic Youth]

Big offers!

What’s the largest transfers in the save?

[Punch]

25 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

Big offers!

What’s the largest transfers in the save?

 

 

There you go @Sonic Youth, Man U responsible for most of the big transfers every season, but looks like £146 Million is the record in 2036/2037.

Edited May 31, 2022 by Punch

[Sonic Youth]

Thanks 

Yes, Man Utd look to have the record.

Its Norwich that gets me in those transfers  

[Punch]

9 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

Thanks 

Yes, Man Utd look to have the record.

Its Norwich that gets me in those transfers  

They've had a pretty decent run since they got into the Premier League. A few European qualifications as well.

[Punch]

JUL 2038

A big month of friendlies, and we make a clean sweep.

Plenty of players used to get some running in the legs, a lot of goals scored.

Gary Gowdy looking in ominous form.

 

After the World Cup, Italy offered me a big pay packet to take over, but I am not interested in adding a nation to this save at this stage.

 

A solid month.

 

We've cracked the top 10 on this list as we continue to grow our stadium.

 

The Bookies like Gowdy's chances of backing up his goal scoring efforts from last season.

 

Transfer offers

A big offer for Hodgson, which again would have smashed our record, but not interest in selling him either, and he is a big chance of breaking our all time appearences record this season.

 

The Gary Gowdy Saga continues...

 

Strap in folks, things are going to get a little crazy here...

 

After turning down offers up to £93 million last month, Man City just kept coming...

 

This offer would have broken another record as well.

 

The fans are on my side at least.

 

And on it goes...

 

And up...

 

Than fans are still on my side...

 

We started at £83 million, and still going...

 

The fans still with me...

 

This would have broken the Premier League transfer record...

 

The majority of the fans are still with me, and some suggest we should sell him if we get a replacement.

How do we replace the most expensive striker in Premier League history

 

And still we go up...

 

Majority of fans still agree with me, but some think we should consider an improved offer...

 

Well they did make an improved offer...this is mind boggling money.

When you consider we started at £83 million, and they have now found another £98 million on top of that

 

Majority of the fans still with me.

To be honest, I am not sure the first comment is wrong, but we are a lot better with him, and I simply don't want to sell the best striker to a division rival.

And I fear the majority of the fans might burn down our upgraded stadium, before we even get to play there if I sold him

 

After that roller coaster, it's time to kick the season off.

[Jtomsett11]

9 hours ago, Punch said:

JUL 2038

A big month of friendlies, and we make a clean sweep.

Plenty of players used to get some running in the legs, a lot of goals scored.

Gary Gowdy looking in ominous form.

 

After the World Cup, Italy offered me a big pay packet to take over, but I am not interested in adding a nation to this save at this stage.

 

A solid month.

 

We've cracked the top 10 on this list as we continue to grow our stadium.

 

The Bookies like Gowdy's chances of backing up his goal scoring efforts from last season.

 

Transfer offers

A big offer for Hodgson, which again would have smashed our record, but not interest in selling him either, and he is a big chance of breaking our all time appearences record this season.

 

The Gary Gowdy Saga continues...

 

Strap in folks, things are going to get a little crazy here...

 

After turning down offers up to £93 million last month, Man City just kept coming...

 

This offer would have broken another record as well.

 

The fans are on my side at least.

 

And on it goes...

 

And up...

 

Than fans are still on my side...

 

We started at £83 million, and still going...

 

The fans still with me...

 

This would have broken the Premier League transfer record...

 

The majority of the fans are still with me, and some suggest we should sell him if we get a replacement.

How do we replace the most expensive striker in Premier League history

 

And still we go up...

 

Majority of fans still agree with me, but some think we should consider an improved offer...

 

Well they did make an improved offer...this is mind boggling money.

When you consider we started at £83 million, and they have now found another £98 million on top of that

 

Majority of the fans still with me.

To be honest, I am not sure the first comment is wrong, but we are a lot better with him, and I simply don't want to sell the best striker to a division rival.

And I fear the majority of the fans might burn down our upgraded stadium, before we even get to play there if I sold him

 

After that roller coaster, it's time to kick the season off.

I don't think I've ever seen so many consecutive bids on one player before, normally they turn to another target! Great that your board hasn't stepped in at all as even with your incredible bank balance most boards would be tempted!

[Sonic Youth]

Did not expect that after asking what transfer records were 

[Punch]

4 hours ago, Jtomsett11 said:

I don't think I've ever seen so many consecutive bids on one player before, normally they turn to another target! Great that your board hasn't stepped in at all as even with your incredible bank balance most boards would be tempted!

To be honest, I was half expecting the Board to step in, but I am guessing because we are so strong financially is why they have stayed out. I'd be gutted to sell a 25+ goal striker to a division rival and have him help them to a title and not us.

 

4 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

Did not expect that after asking what transfer records were

They tried to smash all records with those transfer offers, and considering our biggest received is only £16 million, would have been huge for us too, but I just don't want to sell him to a division rival.

[Punch]

AUG 2038 - Match Day 1 - At Fulham FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We kick off the season with an ugly win at Craven Cottage.

I am truly not sure how we only managed to win this 1-0 creating a stack of chances, and limiting them to none.

John Wright was on the spot to slot home a Martin Challinor cross just after halftime, for the only goal of the match.

The rest of the game was a foul-a-thon from Fulham, and I am not sure how they kept 11 on the field.

We take the points and move on.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

No huge shocks on the first weekend.

 

 

Up next...a big match as we take on City at Anfield after their massive off season attempts to poach our number one striker, I hope he scores a bag full against them

[Sonic Youth]

5 hours ago, Punch said:

Up next...a big match as we take on City at Anfield after their massive off season attempts to poach our number one striker, I hope he scores a bag full against them

 Going to be interesting 

[Punch]

44 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

Going to be interesting

Wonder how their players feel about the club offering so much money for one player...and also about him turning it down

[Sonic Youth]

Just now, Punch said:

Wonder how their players feel about the club offering so much money for one player...and also about him turning it down

Is this the Harry Kane transfer saga of the save?

[Punch]

1 minute ago, Sonic Youth said:

Is this the Harry Kane transfer saga of the save?

Haha maybe...although in fairness he hasn't been involved with the exception of me turning down their first offer. He hasn't come back to me since.

[Sonic Youth]

Just now, Punch said:

Haha maybe...although in fairness he hasn't been involved with the exception of me turning down their first offer. He hasn't come back to me since.

He’s a top player then, with a good head on him. I was going to say he needs a new contract except he just got one 

[Punch]

8 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

He’s a top player then, with a good head on him. I was going to say he needs a new contract except he just got one 

Yep, he re-signed at the beginning of last season, so we still have 4 years, plus an option in our favour.

[Punch]

AUG 2038 - Match Day 2 - Vs Manchester CIty

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A tough match against City at Anfield.

The visitors took the lead on 12 minutes.

You knew he'd have to be involved, 6 minutes later, Gary Gowdy was brought down in the box...

 

John Hodgson smashed home our first penalty of the season to level the scores.

We only got two penalties all last season.

Hodgson now has 33 career goals, made up of 24 from 25 penalties, and 9 free kicks.

 

The rest of the match was a tough slog for both sides, he could do nothing with the few chances that either side created.

So we share the points at Anfield, with only a few games left to play there, keen to get back to The Isle.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Arsenal put 8 goals past Leeds to go top, while we sit 6th.

 

 

Up next...we travel to Bramall Lane to take on Sheffield United.

[Punch]

AUG 2038 - Match Day 3 - At Sheffield United FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

The £181 million pound man fires as The Blades are put to the sword.

The hosts took the lead early, before our attacking unit kicked into over drive.

A first half double to John Wright, either side of Gary Gowdy's first goal took us to the break 3-1 up.

Gowdy completed his brace on 70 minutes, before The Blades struck again.

Obinna Tamara scored late to make it 5-2, to complete a dominant attacking display.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

The win jumps us to 4th.

 

 

Up next...a tough match up against 2nd place Tottenham at Anfield.

[Punch]

AUG 2038 - League Cup 3rd Round Draw

We draw Burton Albion in the 3rd Round.

This competition will be used for the rotated squad again this season.

 

Not a great record against them, but we did have some big wins in the last few games.

[Punch]

AUG 2038 - Champions League Group Stage Draw

An an interesting group. Dortmund will be tough, but we should be able to get a result against the other two.