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

[Punch]

DEC 2035 - Match Day 19 - Vs Liverpool FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

The Reds were just far too strong for us as they ran out 0-2 winners.

We were not able to create many chances, as their defence kept our normally very attacking forward line in check, and while they didn't create a huge amount of chances themselves, they were much more clinical in their performance.

Something we need to aim for.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Four games without a win sees us tumble down to 9th, at the halfway point of the season.

The bad news for us is that same four game stretch, is what we will have to face in the final four games of the season.

 

 

Up next...the second half of the season begins, and our tough run continues, away to 1st place Chelsea.

[Punch]

DEC 2035 - Match Day 20 - At Chelsea FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

In one of the more ridiculous football games I've managed, we twice came from 3 goals down to steal a point off the reigning champions, and League leaders, in front of a full house at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues got an early goal and were dominating possession, and by the half hour mark, they were up 0-3.

Earl, who got the start in front of the rested Gowdy, pulled a goal back to send us to the break down 1-3, and to be honest, we were lucky to be that close.

Just after half time and the hosts restored their 3 goal lead, going ahead 1-4, and it looked like it might be a long afternoon for The Ravens.

On the hour mark, our captain Millington stepped up and delivered an absolute rocket from outside the area to bring the score back to 2-4, and while it looked like it may just have added some respectability to the score line, all of a sudden the momentum shifted.

Our boys seemed to shake off the hesitation of playing against one of the big 6, and were attacking and pressing.

Four minutes later, Earl stole the ball of a Chelsea defender and rounded two others before drilling a shot into the bottom corner to bring the score back to 3-4.

In the next 30 minutes we continued to play with a new found freedom, and looked the more likely, as both Earl and Wright, coming off the bench, hit shots against the goal.

Just when it looked like our brave fight back would run out of time, deep into injury time, a well worked corner found Millington on the edge of the box who cleverly curled a shot around everyone to tie the game up at 4-4.

For the first 60 minutes, we were not in the game, and were getting rightly belted. But for the last half an hour or so, we took it to the best team in the League, and run them down in their own house. While conceding four goals is concerning, the fight back we showed was very pleasing, and one of our best performances against a big six club in our season and a half in the top flight.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Our draw, and a loss for Arsenal, sent us above them into 9th place.

 

 

Up next...a new years day clash with West Brom at DW Stadium.

[Punch]

DEC 2035

A real mixed bag of a month, with just the one win in the League, from 7 matches.

We managed to rescue it from complete disaster with come from behind draws against Tottenham and Chelsea, which was just as well, as after the Leeds loss, a really tough run of games meant we were staring down the barrel of potentially 5 straight losses.

Our record against the Big Six is horrible, and that's where we need to improve if we want to take our selves to the next level.

 

The Analyst was pretty unimpressed with our month, and he is right, we conceded a lot of goals.

 

We find ourselves 8th in the League, which is probably pretty impressive to still be that high after a month like that.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

A rough month for the team defensively, but even with the number of goals conceded, Hodgson keeps his numbers impressively high. He is also clsing in on 200 League appearances, which is impressive for a 22 year old.

 

Defence

The defenders copped a bit of a hammering this month, but they continue to put up some pretty decent numbers for such an inexperienced and young squad.

 

Midfield

Millington is really starting to heat up, while Adams had a rough month, but they still represent our best combination in the center.

Young Rudden is starting to make an impression when ever he is called upon.

 

Forwards

Wright becomes the first to double figures this season, while the goals are still being shared around.

Earl might have broken his slump scoring a brace in our last game against Chelsea.

 

Another great result financially this month, holding us in good stead for the future.

 

Wow! December was rough, January is not going to be a lot better with a massive amount of games to get through.

I think there will be a lot of rotation this month.

In a scheduling quirk, we will meet Southampton three times this month, as we play them in the League, and also a home and away tie in the League Cup Semi Final.

We also kick off our FA Cup campaign.

Going to need a lot of players to step up and help out this month.

[Sonic Youth]

Ouch, rough month!

I think you ended the month with the third worst form after the bottom two 

[Punch]

36 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

Ouch, rough month!

I think you ended the month with the third worst form after the bottom two 

Yep, it was not pretty. The two unexpected draws were the only thing that saved it from complete disaster.

January is going to be rough as well, as we have so many games jammed in that fatigue is going to be an enormous factor.

[Punch]

DEC 2035 - Player Focus

 

We kicked off last month with our captain, so I thought it would be a good follow on to go with our vice-captain this month

 

 

John Hodgson came out of our academy with the class of 2030, and while he wasn't highly rated in his class, he was one of the highest rated goal keepers we had ever produced from the academy.

 

Playing in the Under 18's in 29/30 and 30/31 he developed quickly into an exciting prospect, to the point that by the end of the 2030/31 season, he had risen to be our third ranked keeper.

At the start of the 2031/32 season, our second in League one, there was a genuine three way fight between Jordan Jack, our long time custodian, Reece Foggarty, his long time deputy, and Hodgson himself. After a pre=season that included a large number of friendlies, Hodgson leap frogged them both to install himself as the number one keeper at the club, a position he has maintained, and improved through a fine debut League One season, two seasons in The Championship, and now a season and a half in the Premier League.

At only 22 he is fast closing in on 200 League appearances, and also has 15 League goals, and 19 overall. He has established himself as a dominant player from the back, a keeper who has saved a lot of games, and marshaled our defence to become a huge part of our rapid promotion of the last few seasons.

 

He was the first goal keeper to come out of the academy with a 50+ attribute rating, and has continued to get better and better over the seasons, so much so that he is nearly 10 attribute score points, and 20 CA points better than our next best option.

While his CA indicates that he has now reached his maximum potential, he is a world class keeper, who has established himself as one of the best keepers in the Premier League.

 

He is having another brilliant season, with his performances keeping us in, and helping us take a lot of points. A fine leader for the defensive unit.

 

He represented England in Youth Internationals on 15 occasions after making his debut in 2030. He has since gone on to become the England senior team number one, and has now made 12 senior international appearances, since making his debut in 2034.

Originally from Chester, about 240 kilometers away from the Isle, he has become a crowd favourite, and was a natural choice to become vice-captain, appointed at the same time Millington was made captain.

He has also been a regular target of interest from many clubs, both here and abroad, with offers in excess of £40 million being received for his services, but I have been quick to reject them, and he is happy to stay, recently signing a long term contract to keep him at The Isle until at least 2040.

 

 

[Punch]

JAN 2036 - Match Day 21 - Vs West Bromwich Albion

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A disappointing draw as we failed to get anything going against The Baggies.

A Wes Heys shot against the bar was as close as we got, but on a slightly positive note, our defence held firm and limited the visitors to only two shots on target.

One thing I have noticed, we really dislike this stadium. Our home form has been pretty ordinary in this temporary stadium. We can't get back to The Isle soon enough.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We drop back to 9th after Arsenal win.

 

 

Up next...20th place Blackburn travel to DW Stadium.

[Punch]

JAN 2036 - Match Day 22 - Vs Blackburn Rovers FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A strange game against the last placed Rovers, as we finally end a 6 game winless streak.

Ever reliable Jordan Williams got the start for rested Gowdy, and got us into the lead with an early strike.

The visitors hit back, and we went to the break 1-1.

On 67 minutes, Williams fired us into the lead again, and it looked like we had not played our best, but done enough to get the job done.

What happened next was a crazy sequence of events that started with us leading 2-1 when we entered injury time, and ended with us winning 4-2 in the space of three minutes.

A brace from substitute Rudden got us out to 4-1, before the Rovers pulled one back with the last kick of the game.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Our first win in seven games keeps us in 9th, and above the chasing pack.

 

 

 

Up next...The League Cup Semi Final 1st Leg as we travel to Southampton.

[Jtomsett11]

A really tough month in December both in terms of fixture congestion and the actual fixtures. I feel as though any top 10 finish is remarkable and if you're still there after poor form that's a good sign. 

What I really like about Hodgson is his attribute distribution,  he is very good in most areas with no real weakness. His CA of 154 could have either given you a very good keeper as he is, or could have given you an imbalanced one who excelled in some areas but not others.  Surely he will end up your record appearance holder? 

[Sonic Youth]

1 minute ago, Jtomsett11 said:

What I really like about Hodgson is his attribute distribution,  he is very good in most areas with no real weakness. His CA of 154 could have either given you a very good keeper as he is, or could have given you an imbalanced one who excelled in some areas but not others.  Surely he will end up your record appearance holder? 

What I was curious about Hodgson is whether he was poached 

[Punch]

7 hours ago, Jtomsett11 said:

A really tough month in December both in terms of fixture congestion and the actual fixtures. I feel as though any top 10 finish is remarkable and if you're still there after poor form that's a good sign.

Although we tumbled down the table a bit, we are still hanging in there. It will also make for a very tough end to the season.

 

7 hours ago, Jtomsett11 said:

What I really like about Hodgson is his attribute distribution,  he is very good in most areas with no real weakness. His CA of 154 could have either given you a very good keeper as he is, or could have given you an imbalanced one who excelled in some areas but not others.  Surely he will end up your record appearance holder? 

He has had Championship and Premier League clubs chasing him since he debuted in League One. When we made the Championship, he had EPL clubs chasing him, and since we made the EPL, there have still been clubs looking at him, both here and from some of the other top leagues. He has turned into such a good player, so the interest is not surprising. Just glad that he doesn't seem interested in leaving, as I am pretty sure he is a big part of the reason our defence gets better every year.

 

7 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

What I was curious about Hodgson is whether he was poached 

Nah, he is one of ours.

[Punch]

JAN 2036 - League Cup Semi Final 1st Leg - At Southampton FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A stunning result as it clicked up and down the field to take a thumping win away.

Gowdy got us off to a flyer putting us one up after 11 minutes.

His forward partner Wright then doubled the lead just before half time, to send us to the break 2-0 up.

We continued pressing after the break and just before the hour were rewarded with a third goal when Harden struck to put it beyond doubt.

Just before full time, Rudden came off the bench to score a fourth, and give The Saints a massive mountain to climb in the return fixture.

 

City are looking the goods on the other side of the draw, after the first leg.

 

 

Up next...Our FA Cup campaign kicks off as we take on Swindon at DW Stadium.

[Punch]

JAN 2036 - FA Cup 3rd Round - Vs Swindon Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Sent out the rotated squad and they done enough to get us through to the next round.

First half goals to Williams and Suk-Kuen, along with a solid defensive performance, that didn't allow a shot on target, made for a good result.

 

 

 

Round 4 Draw

Spoiler

We will host QPR for the 4th Round.

 

We have an excellent record against them from our two years in The Championship.

 

It has resulted in a change to our January schedule, with the Leicester game pushed back to February.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we travel away to Wolves.

Edited April 10, 2022 by Punch

[Punch]

JAN 2036 - Match Day 23 - At Wolverhampton Wanderers

 

Match Report

Spoiler

An excellent performance as we down Wolves at Molineux.

Gowdy got us off to a flyer scoring in the 10th minute, before he and Heys scored back to back goals in the space of two minutes to put us three up by half time.

The hosts pulled one back just after the hour, before Heys completed his brace just before full time to give us a thumping win.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Showing how close the mid table area is, after our horrible December, two wins in a row has sent us back into the top 7.

 

 

Up next...the second of out three games against Southampton this month as we travel away to play them in a League fixture.

[Punch]

JAN 2036 - Match Day 24 - Vs Southampton FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Our second of three games against The Saints this month, and it didn't go as well as the last one, as we were thumped.

Despite the xG suggesting we should have won, creating plenty of opportunities, we couldn't find the net, and the defence had a rare off day not being able to prevent theirs.

They were already 0-3 up before Wright scored a late brace to make the game look closer than it really was, but they had pretty much switched to cruise control after running us around in circles all match.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We drop out of the top 7 as City's win takes them above us.

 

 

Up next...a two day gap before we welcome 9th place Arsenal to DW Stadium.

[Punch]

JAN 2036 - Match Day 25 - Vs Arsenal

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Another disappointing result as we struggled to take chances, going down at home to The Gunners.

The visitors scored an early headed goal, and from then on, the game went back and forth with neither side being able to make anything of the chances they created.

Another game where we created plenty, but lacked the execution to get a good result.

And we can't get out of this stadium soon enough...our record here is terrible.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We drop another spot losing to a team around us, and while we are probably almost safe from the relegation discussions, with knowing how tough our run home is, we need to start making more of our chances.

 

 

Up next...FA Cup 4th Round as we welcome QPR to DW Stadium.

[Punch]

JAN 2036 - FA Cup 4th Round - Vs Queens Park Rangers

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Not our best performance, but we done enough to get us through to the next round.

Rudden put us up on 38 minutes, against the run of play as QPR had looked the more likely up to that point.

Half time seemed to come at the perfect time, as QPR seemed to go into their shell a bit, and didn't seem to chase the game. Which enabled us to finally apply some more pressure, and were rewarded with a second goal just after half time as Wright put us 2-0 up.

They pulled on back with just over 10 to go, but we seemed in control from there, before Gowdy put the sealer away in injury time to send us to the 5th Round.

 

 

 

Round 5 Draw

Spoiler

After eliminating Swansea in the Quarter Final of the League Cup this season, we will now face off again in the FA Cup 5th Round.

 

A good record, including the before mentioned recent meeting.

 

 

Up next...we take a 4-0 lead into the 2nd Leg of the League Cup Semi Final against Southampton. With a League match against Man U coming up a few days after, the rotated squad might be sent our to hang on against The Saints.

[Punch]

JAN 2036 - League Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg - Vs Southampton

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A 4-0 thumping in the first leg meant that we could afford to rest some players and save them for the League, and we came from behind twice to collect a draw.

Ever reliable Jordan Williams managed to score both goals, one in each half, to give us a 6-2 victory over the two legs.

 

We're off to Wembley for our first ever League Cup Final.

 

 

Final Draw

Spoiler

We will face the blue side of Manchester as they thumped Leicester 7-2 over their two legs.

 

We have a pretty ordinary record only managing 1 point in four games against them.

 

 

Up next...a tough match away to 3rd place Manchester United.

[Punch]

JAN 2036

A monster month of games with the League broken up by 4 Cup games. After starting with a draw, we won back to back games, before losing back to back games in the League, but we also won through to the League Cup Final, and the FA Cup 5th Round.

A real mixed bag this month.

 

The mixed bag continued on the Analyst report as the defence slipped into the Leaky side, while the attack is still wasteful.

 

We have slipped to 9th place, although our Cup schedule has meant we are now a game behind in the League.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

Hodgson still putting up good numbers, despite our up and down form. TO be fair, I think we would be in a lot worse position without him.

Jensen played two Cup games this month, and performed well.

 

Defence

These last two months have required a lot of rotation, especially in defence, but the numbers are still pretty solid.

 

Midfield

I don't know what was in Millington's Christmas lunch, but his performances this month have been a huge improvement on his early season form.

Adams is still putting up solid performances, just Mr. Consistency in the center.

Kyle Christian is one to watch for the future. A couple of Cup games and made his debut in the League to test the waters, and didn't look out of place, even at the young age of 18.

 

Forwards

A massive amount of rotation through the front and wings and the last few months has been punishing.

Wright is still performing brilliantly for a 19 year old, while Gowdy, like Millington, must have had a great Christmas lunch, because he has really stepped it up since the year rolled over.

Bringing a smile to my face is Jordan Williams. One of the oldest players at the club at 26, his star rating suggests he isn't good enough to play at this level, but whenever he is asked to step in, he puts his head down and does the work, and has landed 6 goals in as many games.

 

Transfers

This transfer window seen quite a few players leave us, as we were a bit bloated in player numbers still, and we have a lot of players who were just generally no chance of making it to the first team.

 

So we said goodbye to six players in this window for varying amounts of money.

Most of these were either not going to make it to first team, or had been overtaken by up and coming kids, and were being wasted in 23's or on the bench.

Ryan Lewis was probably the hardest one, but for the same reason that as good as he still was, there are better coming through that have pushed him down the order, and he wanted to move on for a new challenge.

 

...and it was hard to turn down that much money for a second or third string player, especially when it smashed our record transfer fee.

 

A monster month financially as we made a huge profit with TV Revenue on top of player sales.

 

We also smashed the gate record in the League Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg. Just a shame it wasn't at out own ground.

 

Not a lot has changed. Still more than £6 million behind Man U, and more than £2.5 million behind the League average.

 

I almost thought the schedule view was broken, seeing this after the last two months.

Guessing there will be another FA Cup game in there if we can get past Swansea.

[Punch]

JAN 2036 - Player Focus

 

From the keeper at the back, this month we go all the way to the front to take a look at young gun, Gary Gowdy.

 

Gowdy graduated our academy as the best prospect from the class of 2031, and was at the time the highest rated PA to have ever graduated from the academy.

 

With pace to burn he quickly became a nightmare for defences to deal with, but he wasn't a prolific goal scoring threat.

He played a few games in League One, and our first year in The Championship, but it wasn't until our second year in the Championship that he really established himself as a first team regular. He spent a lot of games playing on the wing, which may not have helped his goal scoring record, but he quickly turned provider, getting a lot of assists, and being involved in a lot of lead up play to goals.

This season he has stepped up again, going from a 1 goal in 4-5 games, to 1 in 3, and I still think he has improvement in him in that regard as well.

At just 20 years of age, and closing in on 100 League games, he still has plenty to provide this club for some time to come yet.

 

While his initial attribute rating wasn't that high, which is common for strikers, the massive PA was there. He has quickly grown into the potential, especially in the last two seasons, and with his improvement this season, I think he will be fast approaching that PA mark by the end of season review.

While he is not particularly tall, and has poor jumping reach, what he lacks in potentially headed goals, he makes up for in raw pace, which team mates look to exploit by getting balls over the top to him. This can result in defences hanging back, and providing opportunities for other players to create chances as well.

 

His improvement has been continual, and has really stepped up this season, as he has grown more confident in his role of leading the attack in a Premier League team.

 

Born in Dundonald, Northern Ireland, he was called up for the youth team, making his international debut in 2031, going on to make 20 appearances, and racking up 12 goals. In 2034 he was selected to make his senior international debut, and has since earned 19 caps, scoring on 14 occasions.

Maybe I need to tell him that Premier League games count as internationals and see if he scores at that strike rate

He has also been the target of Premier League and overseas clubs, with offers in excess of £40 million, but he is one player I have no interest in selling, and for the moment at least, he has no interest in leaving, along with the core of our squad, he was one of the players that re-signed long term when we secured our stay in the Premier League last season.

At a current estimated value of £61 million, he is the most valuable player at our club, and if he can keep improving his goal scoring record, that number is only going up.

[Punch]

FEB 2036 - Match Day 26 - At Manchester United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A stunning result in front of the Old Trafford crowd as we record our first ever League win over The Red Devils. This was also only the second time we had beaten them in 9 meetings across all competitions.

Wright got us on the board early to set the hosts on the back foot, before Heys doubled the lead just after half hour mark.

The second goal seemed to sting Man U into action and they launched a series of attacking raids, pulling one goal back, and forcing a series of great saves from Hodgson to keep us in front at the break.

The break seemed to do more for us than them, as we were able to settle into a rhythm, and they seemed to be unsettled and lost their attacking edge somewhat.

The game was settled on 80 minutes, when Harden found himself unmarked with a loose ball from a corner and drilled it into the net to put us 3-1 up, and that was the ball game.

 

A 3-1 win and it was our keeper who was player of the match. He made a lot of those saves in the last 15 minutes of the first half when Man U tried to over run us with waves of attack, but he and the defence held strong to keep us in front.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Still holding 9th place. We have, however, reached the magical 40 number, with 12 games to play, so that should see us safe for a third season in the Premier League.

 

 

Up next...after eliminating Swansea from the League Cup, we now face them in the FA Cup, as they travel to DW Stadium for the 5th Round.

[Sonic Youth]

That’s the way to kick of a month, and end of season run! And having a say in the title race  

[Punch]

FEB 2036 - FA Cup 5th Round - Vs Swansea City AFC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A thumping win as we eliminate Swansea from a second Cup competition this season.

The match was all over as a contest after 15 minutes as we bolted out of the blocks to a 3-0 lead.

Williams, Lea, and Suk-Kuen had all netted by the quarter hour mark, which is how the score stayed until half time.

Swansea pulled one back soon after half time, but it was as close as they got, as our defence shut them down, allowing only two shots on target, before Rudden and Gowdy netted in the second half to give us a 5-1 win, and send us to the Quarter Final.

 

 

 

Quarter Final Draw

Spoiler

Drawn away to Wolves for the Quarter Final

 

We don't have a great record against them, but it has been improving, including winning our last meeting.

 

 

Up next...a short break before we travel away to 13th place Leicester.

[Punch]

4 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

That’s the way to kick of a month, and end of season run! And having a say in the title race  

Given our up and down form lately, we picked a great time to get our first win against them.

[Punch]

FEB 2036 - FA Youth Cup

Our winning run of lifting the FA Youth Cup comes to an end at 6, as the kids are knocked out, ironically in the 6th Round, after a 1-2 loss to Norwich.

An amazing record, regardless.

[Punch]

FEB 2036 - Match Day 27 - At Leicester City FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We came up against a Leicester team who have been struggling this season, and the match turned into a tight tussle, ending scoreless at half time.

We came out with more intent in the second half, and rewarded with Wright scoring putting us 1-0 5 minutes into the second half.

Another half an hour of tight tussle, and then it looked like we;d let the win slip away as The Foxes equalised with 10 minutes to go.

But our captain Millington was having none of that, putting us back in front with a well taken shot.

Into injury time, Gowdy put the icing on the cake with another well struck effort that sent us to a 3-1 away win.

Continuing our record of being better away from home this season.

We can't get back to The Isle soon enough.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

The win jumps us all the way to 7th, with a game still in hand because of the Cups affecting out schedule.

 

 

Up next...we welcome Norwich to DW Stadium.

[Punch]

FEB 2036 - Injury News

We have lost one of our main central defenders for a few weeks after he got injured during the Leicester game.

Unfortunately it rules him out for the League Cup Final in early March as well.

[Punch]

FEB 2036 - Match Day 28 - Vs Norwich City

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A great performance as we finally got a home win after seeming to not like playing here.

Gowdy continued his improving run of form, getting the early goal before young winger Lea put us two up on the half hour.

It stayed the way until half time, with The Canaries pulling one back on the hour, but we held firm, before Wright put the icing on the cake in injury time, for another 3-1 win.

 

Table

Spoiler

Three wins on the trot have sent us up to 5th place.

 

 

Up next...Our first ever League Cup Final as we head to Wembley to take on Man City.

[Punch]

FEB 2036

A brilliant month as we won all three League games 3-1, including the massive upset against Man U. We also won through to the Quarter Final of the FA Cup.

 

The Analyst much happier this month as the defence slid back to the good side, while the attack was much less wasteful.

 

We currently sit in 6th place with games in hand due to our Cup runs playing havoc with the Schedule.

 

Gowdy's cracker against Norwich won him the goal of the month award.

 

Our unbeaten month allowed me to collect the Premier League Manager of the Month for the first time.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

Hodgson continues to do what he does best. Another brilliant month, leading from the back.

 

Defence

Some rotation was still required this month due to some niggles and suspensions for card accumulations, but whoever was asked to step up, got the job done.

Young Taylor Reid is starting to show some real promise.

 

Midfield

Captain Pat getting better as the season goes on, while Adams has been a bit up and down lately, and Swindell is struggling for consistency.

 

Forwards

The Wright and Gowdy combination has racked up 30 goals for the season, continuing to be a lethal pairing.

Heys has been the main man on the left, while Harden has been on the right, both putting up good numbers and playing very well.

Then there is the cast of support players that step up when required, and help to get the job done.

I continue to be impressed by the role Jordan Williams can play for us, as I was thinking that his time at the club might be coming to an end last season, but he continues to fill in where ever needed and puts in solid performances.

 

Another great month financially as we make a near £5 million profit.

 

We sold another player, with the money too good to turn down for a non-first team player.

Taylor was a highly rated prospect from our 2030 class, but he just never got going, and was never a regular part of the first team, limited to mostly Cup games, and a few appearances off the bench.

He has been overtaken by some of the newer kids, so it was time for him to take on a new challenge, so he is off to the MLS to give the US a crack.

 

Four League games this month, bookended by a League Cup final, and an FA Cup Quarter Final.

[Punch]

FEB 2036 - Player Focus

 

From the forward last month, to the defence this month...

 

Dave Keogh graduated our academy as the best prospect form the class of 32.

A pacy defender with good pace and technique, but also the versatility to play in all defensive positions.

 

Keogh spent two years in the Under 18's before making his first team debut, late in the season of our title winning Championship run.

He quickly made an impression and showed he wasn't intimidated by bigger and more experienced attackers running at him.

He cemented his spot in the first team, becoming an automatic selection in our two seasons in the Premier League, and at just 20 years old, has already racked up over 60 League appearances for the club.

 

At the time he was the highest rated PA defender to come out of our academy, and he is also an Isle of Man native to boot.

Two years in the Premier League have given him massive attribute and CA boosts, and by the end of this season, I wouldn't be surprised to see him close to his PA, and attributes over 80.

 

He is having a very good season, rating very highly among headers and tackles won, and forming part of a very solid defensive line that is a big part of us having our best ever season.

 

An Isle of Man native, Keogh was called up for his first youth international for England in 2032, while he was still in our U18's squad. He has since earned 24 youth caps, scoring 1 goal.

I believe there is a very good chance he ends up going on to represent England at a senior level as well.

 

Despite his Wonderkid status, there has been surprisingly little interest in his services, and while his estimated £10.25 million value might put some buyers off such a young defender, that value is sure to rise in the coming seasons, as he establishes himself as one of the most consistent performers in our defensive line.

Another player who signed a long term contract after retaining our Premier League status last season, Keogh will be with us until at least 2040.

Always good to have an IoM native in the line up.

[Punch]

MAR 2036 - League Cup Final - Preview

The excitement is building for another trip to Wembley, and while we have been there a few times, this will be our first League Cup Final, in front of an expected sell out.

 

City are heavy favourites to lift the Cup, but once we are on the pitch, everything thats happened before means nothing.

 

While this is our first Final, City have lifted the Cup on 10 occasions.

[Punch]

MAR 2036 - League Cup Final - Vs Manchester City

 

Match Report

Spoiler

So near, yet so far...

With the stats suggesting that City should have won this match comfortably, the fact that we held on for so long is a credit to our performance.

Wes Heys headed us into the lead early which stung the Citizens into action, and seven minutes later they got their reply.

The next hour was a pretty tough slog for both teams, as neither gave an inch.

On 70 minutes, City hit the lead with what most thought would be the winner, but they didn't count on the fighting spirit of the young Ravens team, who never dropped their heads and went in search of an equaliser.

With City almost ready to lift the Cup, John Wright volleyed home a spectacular equaliser to send the game to extra time.

Neither side could find an advantage in the extra periods, so off the penalties to decide the Cup.

Both sides held their nerve to bury 8 shots in a row, but unfortunately for us, we blinked first, as our 9th was saved, and City were finally able to lift the Cup.

A big effort from our young side to push City all the way, disappointed at the final result, but proud of the way they played.

 

Can't be tough on him as shoot outs are a lotto draw, anything can happen.

 

Even better, we collected about £1.6 million from our share of the gate.

 

 

Review

Spoiler

While I know some clubs don't take this Cup too seriously, as they want to qualify for Europe in other ways, I have used as both a chance to give the fringe players some time in the earlier rounds, and then a chance to give players a chance at more experience against the bigger clubs in the later rounds.

We were the biggest over achievers for our run to the Final.

Again, disappointed to lose on penalties, but proud of the effort the boys put in throughout the competition.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as Wednesday come to DW Stadium.

[Punch]

MAR 2036 - Match Day 29 - Vs Sheffield Wednesday

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Our nightmare at DW Stadium returns, as we give up a 4-1 lead, with 3 goals in the final 15 minutes, to manage only a draw in a game we dominated.

We were probably just the better side in the first half, but went into the sheds down 0-1 after they score on the half hour.

We came out with attacking intent in the second half, scoring four goals in a 20 minute stretch, including a 2 minute brace to Harden.

But in the last 15 minutes, the tide turned, and we were unable to prevent and epic Wednesday comeback, with them scoring three goals in succession to level the scores at 4-4.

Gowdy almost stole it back at the death, with an injury time speculator slamming against the woodwork.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We currently sit 7th, with a game in hand over those above us.

 

 

Up next...15th place Everton travel to DW Stadium.

[Punch]

MAR 2036 - Match Day 30 - Vs Everton

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A solid performance as our up and down season at DW Stadium continues.

An early goal to Wright set us on our way before Gowdy scored on the half hour to send us to the break up 2-0.

Wright completed his brace just before the hour mark, to seal the match before Everton pulled back a late consolation goal near full time.

 

Five games unbeaten, and we seem to be in love with a 3-1 win at the moment.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We still hold 7th with a game in hand, and a tight pack chasing us.

 

 

Up next...we travel to last place Brighton.

[Jtomsett11]

Another really good season on the cards here and potential for European football. If I remember correctly you've got a horrendous run in? Fingers crossed for next 3-4 games to give you enough points for 7th at the least! 

[Punch]

13 minutes ago, Jtomsett11 said:

Another really good season on the cards here and potential for European football. If I remember correctly you've got a horrendous run in? Fingers crossed for next 3-4 games to give you enough points for 7th at the least! 

That's our last three games

[Punch]

MAR 2036 - Match Day 31 - At Brighton & Hove Albion

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We broke our run of 3-1 wins, but managed to get the job done against the bottom place Seagulls.

Early goals to Lea and Suk-Kuen has us 2 up after 10 minutes, and from that point the game was pretty even, with the hosts probably having the better of the chances, but our defence managed to hold firm and keep them out.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We jumped into contention for Europe, while Brighton are the first team confirmed relegated.

 

 

Up next...a short turn around to a tricky match up away to Aston Villa.

[Punch]

MAR 2036 - Match Day 32 - At Aston Villa FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A disappointing result as we couldn't take advantage of our catch up game against Villa.

After getting us on the board in the first minute with a cracking goal from Swindell, we then made nothing of our opportunities for the remainder of the match, and it came back to bite us.

Second half goals on 50 and 60 minutes was enough for Villa to take the points in a close fought encounter, but we really should have made more of it.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We stay 6th, but now tied with two other teams, as we were unable to take advantage of our game in hand.

 

 

Up next...FA Cup Quarter Final away to Wolves.

[Punch]

MAR 2036 - Youth Intake

 

The class of 2036 has arrived, and it's a strange one. There is a bit to unpack here.

 

On stars alone, it seems we have a really good potential striker and goal keeper, and a winger/striker with some potential, but stars alone don't tell the whole story.

 

Ranked by PA

 

Ranked by Attribute Score

 

This is a really strange looking intake.

We have a central midfielder who only rates 2 stars, but has a PA over 150, a really low CA, but his attribute score is pretty decent out of the academy.

We produced four players out of the academy this season over 150 PA, a further one with 120+, and then nothing much else to get excited about. There is even one as low as 61.

We produced two players out of the academy with attribute score of 60+, which is brilliant, but one has a PA of 162, and the other 71

After having no Isle of Man born kids in the last two years, and only 3 in the last four years, this year we have five.

 

I think this is possibly one of the most bizarre intake we have ever produced.

There are four potential Premier League players, one further possible one, and a stack who will not even be offered contracts.

Is it possible that this is the best, and the worst intake, all in the same year?

 

The Top 5

Spoiler

The St George's, England striker, with massive potential, looks a genuinely exciting prospect.

 

One of the highest rated prospective goal keepers out of the academy, and an IoM native to boot. Very happy about this one.

 

This is the strange one. Low star rating, even the attribute score above shows low potential ability, but he has a high PA, and another IoM native.

This will be an interesting one to watch.

 

A pacy winger with good potential, always a welcome addition to the squad. From memory, our first graduate from Slovenia as well.

 

This one is the long shot to make the first team, but if he reaches potential, he could become part of the squad rotation.

Another interesting one to follow and see if he can make it.

 

 

Really not sure what to make of this years intake. It's both very exciting, and very disappointing at the same time.

I guess we are going to have to expect a much bigger spread of player talent now.

[Punch]

MAR 2036 - FA Cup Quarter Final - At Wolverhampton Wanderers

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A solid defensive performance, and a goal in each half sent us on our way to the semi final, downing Wolves 2-0.

John Wright got us on the board after 20 minutes, while Wes Heys sealed the deal just after the hour mark.

Wolves attack had no answers to our defensive display, barely registering a shot in anger.

 

We also took home a bit over £500k from our share of the gate.

 

 

Semi Final Draw

Spoiler

We draw The Magpies at home in the Semi Final.

 

A close history between us, although we have had the better of the recent exchanges.

 

 

Up next...an international break, before we take on Newcastle, this time in the League.

[Punch]

MAR 2036

We started the month with out first League Cup Final, where we pushed City all the way to go down in a shoot out.

We started the League month with a crazy 4-4 game, followed by two solid wins, before ending with a disappointing loss to Villa.

We finished the month on a positive, winning through to the FA Cup semi final.

 

The Analyst was very happy with both our attack, and defence on the good side at the same time, for the first time this season.

 

Swindell won the Goal of the Month for his effort against Villa.

 

We are still in with a shot of European qualification, but a tight table and a tough finish to the season might have plenty to say about that yet.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

Hodgson, still brilliant, and hard to believe still only 22. If he stays with us long term, it's hard to see anyone would catch the games record he will eventually set.

 

Defence

Such a young defensive unit that gel together to form a rotation that plays well beyond their years.

 

Midfield

Before Christmas, Millington was rating high 6.4 to low 6.5, since then, he has been one of our most consistent performers, and really stepped up.

Adams continues to just be solid, linking the defence to the attack.

 

Forwards

Gowdy and Wright have formed a lethal combination.

Heys becomes our third player to double figures, while Harden is almost there as well.

A lot of rotation, especially into the wings, with players steeping up and putting in when they are required.

 

Another solid month financially as the TV Revenue keeps the profits up.

 

Six games to go as the run home begins. With a nightmare three games to finish in May, we need to try and make something happen this month.

An FA Cup Semi Final also in there.

[Punch]

MAR 2036 - Player Focus

 

A look this month, at one of the younger kids that has burst onto the scene just this season.

 

John Wright graduated our academy with big wraps, as the second highest rated player from the class of 2032.

A pacy striker with an eye for goal, big things were expected of this kid.

 

However, he took a while to make an impact, not featuring in any matches in our time in The Championship.

Even last season, after making a few appearances late in the EPL season, he wasn't exactly setting the world alight, and some began to wonder if he could make it at the top.

This season, after a solid preseason with the first team, and the loss of form of Andrew Earl, Wright got his shot, and grabbed it with both hands, never giving Early another look in.

Our leading goal scorer in the League, and with more than 20 goals across all competitions, he and Gary Gowdy have formed a lethal pairing up front, that drive defences mad.

 

He came out of the academy with big potential, and a high attribute score for a striker, and even though he has shown continual improvement, it really took him a while to find his feet.

It's easy to forget he is still only 19 years old, and still has plenty of potential improvement, so if he can reach it, there is a possible world class striker for years to come.

 

After taking over from Early, he has had a brilliant season, topping our goal scoring chart, and in combination with Gowdy, creating plenty of chances.

 

Originally hailing from Bolton, England, he has quickly become a fan favourite on The Isle, and has signed a deal to keep him a Raven long term.

He was called up to England's youth set up, and made his international debut last year, since scoring twice in his current 3 youth internationals. I see a lot more international football in his future.

Edited April 15, 2022 by Punch

[Punch]

MAR 2036 - Internationals

 

Up to 28 players were on international duty during March

 

We welcomed 3 new Youth Internationals. We've now had 78 through our short history.

 

Harry Bannigan became our 11th Senior International.

Kim Suk-Kuen has now played 43 senior internationals, and Gary Gowdy now has 16 goals.

[Punch]

APR 2036 - Papa Johns Trophy Final

Our U23's lifting trophies again, winning the Pizza Cup.

 

Back to back titles for our U23's

 

Every little helps.

[Punch]

APR 2036 - Match Day 33 - At Newcastle United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

An absolutely crazy game at St James Park.

Newcastle came racing out of the blocks and by 34 minutes, they had taken a 0-3 lead.

After giving the boys an absolute rocket at half time, they came out a different team in the second half.

Within five minutes after the break, we'd pulled back two goals, and were sending wave after wave of attacks looking for an equaliser.

It finally came in the 77th minute, and we had come all the way back from 0-3 down to level the scores.

As both sides looked for a winner, it was unfortunate that one of our best players in keeper John Hodgson made the error which led to Newcastle getting their 4th goal, and we were unable to to find another equaliser.

It was a fittingly crazy end, to a completely crazy game.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We have fallen to 8th place, but still a close race.

 

 

Up next...18th place West Ham travel to DW Stadium.

 

Edited April 15, 2022 by Punch

[Sonic Youth]

Another u23 title/cup 

It was a reasonable last month. This month though is now critical to putting pressure on the clubs around you and for making another cup final! Let’s not think about May until it comes around 

John Wright has had decent progress, though surprisingly not so much in the technique skill. Looking forward to his progress in the next few seasons 

[Sonic Youth]

1 minute ago, Punch said:

APR 2036 - Match Day 33 - At Newcastle United

 

Match Report

  Hide contents

An absolutely crazy game at St James Park.

Newcastle came racing out of the blocks and by 34 minutes, they had taken a 0-3 lead.

After giving the boys an absolute rocket at half time, they came out a different team in the second half.

Within five minutes after the break, we'd pulled back two goals, and were sending wave after wave of attacks looking for an equaliser.

It finally came in the 77th minute, and we had come all the way back from 0-3 down to level the scores.

As both sides looked for a winner, it was unfortunate that one of our best players in keeper John Hodgson made the error which led to Newcastle getting their 4th goal, and we were unable to to find another equaliser.

It was a fittingly crazy end, to a completely crazy game.

 

 

Up next...18th place West Ham travel to DW Stadium.

And you slip that in 

[Punch]

Just now, Sonic Youth said:

It was a reasonable last month. This month though is now critical to putting pressure on the clubs around you and for making another cup final! Let’s not think about May until it comes around

It didn't start well

 

1 minute ago, Sonic Youth said:

John Wright has had decent progress, though surprisingly not so much in the technique skill. Looking forward to his progress in the next few seasons

Yes, he has really come along in leaps and bounds this season. Considering he's holding Earl out of the team, who scored 70+ goals in the last 3 seasons.

[Punch]

APR 2036 - Match Day 34 - Vs West Ham United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We has another shocker at DW Stadium, as we couldn't get a result against relegation likely West Ham.

West Ham flew out of the blocks, taking a 0-2 lead by the 13th minute. It was their only two shots on target.

It took two second half goals from Gary Gowdy to rescue us from complete calamity, as we pressed hard in the second half, but could only manage a draw.

We need to leave this stadium as soon as possible...

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Despite the poor result, we jumped a place after Villa lost, but we have a tough four matches to get home.

 

 

Up next...FA Cup Semi Final time as Newcastle come to DW Stadium.

[Sonic Youth]

It looks like you’re limping home