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

[Punch]

MAY 2039 - Match Day 37 - At Newcastle United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

It looked like we had done enough to take the win on a dreary day at St James Park, but an injury time equaliser gave the hosts a share of the points.

Aled Harden gave us the lead on 16 minutes volleying home a Obinna Tamara cross that went in off the post.

The weather didn't make for great football, but we created a few chances, and probably should have put the game away.

But it was Newcastle who would have the last laugh as they snatched a share of the points deep into injury time to finish at 1-1.

Disappointing that we couldn't put away a team in a fight for relegation, considering how free scoring we have been in the last month.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

With Champions League technically secured, although we could still finish 5th if we lose, and Norwich can over turn a 21 goal differential, it's more likely that we can still finish anywhere between 2nd and 4th.

With over £2 million on the line per place, there is an expensive reason to fight for that 2nd place.

Other than Man U as Champions, none of the European spots are confirmed yet.

Fulham are the 2nd team confirmed relegated, while Newcastle's injury time goal against us, gave them a lifeline for the final day, where they can still get out of the relegation zone.

 

 

Up next...a big finish to the season coming up, as we take on Aston Villa at The Isle, still seeking to confirm our place in the Champions League.

[Punch]

MAY 2039 - FA Cup Review

City have taken out the FA Cup, beating Spurs in the Final.

We were knocked out in the Semi Final by City.

[Punch]

MAY 2039 - Under 23's Win Again

Our Under 23's have taken out Division 3 again.

That goal difference...

 

Poor old Arsenal must be sick of the sight of The Ravens in the Final

[Sonic Youth]

Nice, ECL football secured. Come on second!

[Punch]

Just now, Sonic Youth said:

Nice, ECL football secured. Come on second!

Unless we lose...and Norwich win 22-0...

[Punch]

MAY 2039 - Match Day 38 - Vs Aston Villa

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Second place secured, and in some style, as Villa are thrashed on the final day in front of a full house at The Isle.

With Champions League qualification all but secured, we still wanted to finish the season with a strong result in front of our faithful home crowd to make sure of it.

Lewis Hoey got us of to the best possible start with a rocket from from the edge of the area on 17 minutes.

Gary Gowdy scored his customary goal on 34 minutes, to make it 2-0 by half time.

John Wright headed home our 3rd to make it 3-0 straight after half time.

We controlled the second half, cruising to victory, then on 90 minutes, Almamy Gakou smashed home our 4th to finish the match, and the season in style.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

The win confirms our 2nd place finish, and Champions League qualification.

Man City and Arsenal take out the other two Champions League places, while Norwich, Tottenham and Chelsea take out the remaining Euro places.

Newcastle pull off the great escape, after rescuing a point in injury time against us last week, they win in the final round, and Watford lose, sending Newcastle ahead on goal difference.

 

2nd place is our highest ever finish in the Premier League, beating our 3rd place finish last season.

 

Champions League qualification confirmed for another season.

 

 

Up next...end of season things, and reviews.

[Sonic Youth]

That’s a good way to end a season  

[Punch]

4 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

That’s a good way to end a season  

A solid end to a pretty consistent season I think.

[Punch]

MAY 2039

We finish the season off with a draw at Newcastle and a big win at home.

 

Our best ever finish in 2nd, and Champions League Qualification secured.

 

A big finish to the season has has turn a healthy profit again this year, without any major player sales.

 

A good portion of that profitability comes from TV Rights, but the prize money across the season is pretty helpful as well.

 

Mostly loan fees and a few small sell on clauses this season.

Man City, £171 million, and they tried to spend £180+ million on Gary Gowdy...

 

Still the best wage to turnover percentage.

 

And the big news, The Board have decided to max out the stadium. Even better news, we won't have to play away while it's being done.

Wonder how long before they decide that 37k isn't enough

[Sonic Youth]

A stadium upgrade to complete the season! I guess you’re stadium’s large enough to keep you at home 

[Punch]

1 hour ago, Sonic Youth said:

A stadium upgrade to complete the season! I guess you’re stadium’s large enough to keep you at home 

Just a reduced capacity to start the season while they upgrade one stand, and this will be the final upgrade as it is the maximum capacity available when I looked under the hood.

So more capacity would mean another new stadium.

Edited June 22, 2022 by Punch

[Punch]

2038-2039 Season Review

 

Best XI

 

 

 

No trophies this season, although we made the Quarter Final of the Champions League, the Semi Final of the FA Cup, the Final of the League Cup, and ran 2nd in the Premier League.

That's a pretty consistent season, and even though we didn't win anything, it shows that we are still heading on the right direction, and starting to push some of these massive clubs.

[Punch]

2038-2039 Season Review

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

Just the two keepers used this season, John Hodgson continued his brilliant form, being selected in the Premier League Team of the Year, he also broke the all time appearance record, and became the first player to pass 400 appearances for the club. Hard to believe he is still only 25.

Martin Jensen didn't get as many games this year, but continues to be a very able back up when called upon.

 

Defence

The defence had a tougher time this season, but still performed pretty well.

The big thing that stands out here is that all our defensive line are 24 or under, so there is still plenty of improvement to come from experience I believe.

 

Midfield

Hoey and Tamara are still our main players in the center, although both spent time on the sidelines injured this season.

Johnson is proving to be a very useful player, although most of his time was spent on the wings, he still is handy in the center.

Pat Millington has fallen down the pecking order, but still managed to get in 20 appearances this season.

 

Forwards

Lot's of rotation here as this is an area that I ask a lot physically of the players.

Gary Gowdy with 41 goals is an obvious standout. He won the Premier League Golden Boot, with 33 goals in 32 games. He was also named the Player of the Year, and selected in the Team of the Year.

There were a lot of goals shared around this season, although we had less hit double figures than previous seasons.

 

No season records broken this year, although Gowdy went close to the goal scoring record, but broke his own record for our Premier League era.

 

Jordan Williams record appearances lasted only one season as he was overtaken by John Hodgson.

Hodgson also became the first player to pass 400 appearances, being a keeper, and that he is only 25, and that he doesn't seem interested in leaving, I think that number may go very high, and may not be beaten.

Williams still holds the all time goals record, with Gary Gowdy 70 goals behind, a few more seasons like the last two and he could be pushing close to beating that.

Given that we are only getting 2-3 penalties a season, it's unlikely that Jordan Jack's record will ever be broken.

 

I might have to set a new category for since we joined the Premier League

[Punch]

2038-2039 Premier League Review

Man U took out their 3rd straight title, while we were the biggest over achievers, were involved in the best match, and had the top goal scorer, top assist provider, and highest rated player.

[Punch]

2038-2039 Season Review

 

Attributes

 

Goalkeepers

A bit of a surprise as Cusato overtakes Hodgson on attributes, but Hodgson still has a much higher CA, so will stay number 1.

 

Defenders

 

Center

Neil Forrest becomes the highest rated Center Back, slightly ahead of Keogh, with plenty of options available for the rotation.

 

Right

Kearney still the clear number one, with some improving youngsters making their way up.

 

Left

Smith still number one, but we have plenty of cover from the Center Backs.

 

Midfield

 

Ball Winning Midfielders

A few back up options here, but Tamara and Hoey from AP's tend to fill this role.

 

Advanced Play Makers

Tamara becomes our first ever 90+ rated player, and along with Hoey dominate our center midfield.

Plenty of back up options to fill in either position.

 

Attacking Right

Some really great options here now to rotate though as needed and support Harden.

 

Attacking Left

Plenty of options again on the left, with some good options coming through.

 

Forwards

Another area where we are strong, having plenty of support for Gowdy who is just boss up front at the moment.

 

Best XI

A quality looking line up, and with a bit more growth we can really start pushing those top clubs.

[Punch]

JUN 2039 - Internationals

 

About 30 players on Internationals Duty over the off season.

 

 

[Punch]

JUN 2039

We'll kick off our season with an away game to Leicester, before playing Villa at home.

 

The bookies only rate us for 8th, although that's the highest they have ever had us.

They really don't like Swansea

 

My first interview and job offer in France.

 

Interview number 52, job offer 22.

 

 

The TV money keeps the lights on.

 

Friendly season kicks off with a game against Angry Liverpool, before a trip to Singapore for the training camp.

[Punch]

JUL 2039

We were pretty trigger happy through the friendlies peeling off 54 goals in 6 games, while conceding only 2.

 

Winner of the last two Golden Boot's, Gary Gowdy has actually made to Bookies list this season, although listed 2nd.

 

They have him also listed at 6th to back up his Player of the Season award.

 

Obinna Tamara is our best chance of the Young Player award.

 

 

Those sell on clauses are still out there floating around, and send us some money occasionally. We will collect a total of £2.2 million from this one.

 

We've broken into the top 10 for Match Day Revenue.

 

Our final Youth Facility upgrade is now complete.

The Training upgrade will be complete in a few months.

 

Up next...Time to take flight for the Ravens 20th Season.

[Punch]

AUG 2039 - The rise and rise of Gary Gowdy

 

Gary Gowdy came to us from Dundonald in Northern Ireland, and graduated the Isle of Man academy as the not only the highest rated player in the Academy class of 2031, but he was at the time, the highest rated player to ever have graduated from our academy.

He made his club debut as a 16 year old in the Papa Johns Trophy against Stoke. Two months later he made his League debut against Fleetwood in League One, also scoring his first League goal in the same game. He would play a further two games that season, without adding to his goal tally.

He made a few appearances in our first season in The Championship, before becoming a regular starter in our Championship winning season, and first season in the Premier League.

But who then could have seen the shape of things to come. With a bullet right foot, and a pretty decent left as well, while being an excellent assist provider, he really struggled to score himself. For his first few seasons, his shots on target percentage was less than 10%.

He took a lot of shots, but he didn't score many goals because most of them were hitting someone in the face up in row 23.

But then it started to tick, scoring in the teens in his second and third years, before winning his first Golden Boot with 27, then backing it up with 33 and his second Golden Boot in our latest season.

His average rating has increased every season along with his goal output.

Gowdy became the sixth player to score 100 goals for the club, and the first to score 100 Premier League goals.

Making his Senior International debut at 18 for Northern Ireland against Armenia, scoring on debut, and he has since gone on to represent his country on 55 occasions, scoring 37 times.

Last season Gowdy scored 41 goals across all competitions, going within two of Andrew Earl's season record from our Championship winning season, although he has easily been the leading scorer since we joined the Premier League.

 

Gowdy has been a hug part of our success in the League, so with his continued rise, it's very exciting to see what he can produce for us this season.

 

[Punch]

AUG 2039 - Match Day 1 - At Leicester City FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A thumping start to the season as we put four past The Foxes.

Martin Challinor got us on the board early after stealing in on a defensive error.

David Kearney doubled the lead on 28 minutes striking a rocket from outside the area into the bottom corner.

We gave away a penalty before half time, which was converted to make it 2-1 at the break.

We dominated the second half, but it wasn't until nearly full time before we sealed the match.

On 85 minutes, Mark Walsh smashed home our third from the edge of the box.

Two minutes later, Gary Gowdy got off the mark for the season, getting on the end of a quick passing movement to make it 4-1.

A brilliant way to get our 20th season under way.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Man U picking up where they left off, putting 5 past newly promoted Everton.

 

 

Up next...we welcome Aston Villa to The Isle for our first home game of the season.

[Punch]

AUG 2039 - Match Day 2 - Vs Aston Villa FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Struggled to a draw as we had trouble taking the chances we created.

It took until the 74th minute for John Wright to come off the bench to put us in front, poking home a nice cross from fellow substitute Harry Bannigan.

We were unable to take any of our chances and get the second goal, and it came back to bite us as Villa scored, deep into injury time, to level the scores and take a share of the points.

Poor execution cost us, we didn't take our chances, and they did.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

A shock at the top as Man U were beaten by Spurs, and the draw drops us to 4th.

 

 

Up next...On the road again as we travel to Southampton.

[Punch]

AUG 2039 - Match Day 3 - At Southampton FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A dominant performance as The Saints are thumped at St Mary's.

Aled Harden thumped home a goal on 2 minutes to get us off to a flyer.

Gary Gowdy has been showing ominous early season form and volleyed home just before half time to send us to the break 2-0 up.

We dominated the second half but it was the hosts who scored next after a lapse from Kazalac, although it was hard to be too harsh on him, as he otherwise had a brilliant game defensively, and also provided assists for three of our four goals today.

Harden completed his brace restoring our two goal advantage on 80 minutes.

Gowdy completed his own brace in injury time, making the final result 4-1.

A second all round brilliant performance away from home, as our first two away games have netted 4-1 wins.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

City are the only perfect team after three games, while we jump to 2nd on goal difference.

 

 

Up next...we welcome Newcastle to The Isle to complete our comparatively friendly first month draw.

[Blarney]

I have so much to catch up to with this story but I'm overjoyed to see it continuing.

[Punch]

16 minutes ago, Blarney said:

I have so much to catch up to with this story but I'm overjoyed to see it continuing.

Thanks Blarney! Good to see you back, glad to hear everything is OK with the family. Hope you find your way back into a save you enjoy.

 

A lot has happened in this save. A lot continues to happen.

[Punch]

AUG 2039 - League Cup 3rd Round Draw

A tough draw as we host Chelsea.

As this competition is of no importance to The Board, it will be the rotated squad out again in this one.

 

We don't have a great record against them, but it is turning in our favour lately.

[Punch]

AUG 2039 - Champions League Group Stage Draw

Looking like a tough group as we get Porto, Bayarn, and Celtic.

Might need a lot of luck to go our way to advance beyond the group stage this year.

[Sonic Youth]

A good start to the season. Looks like Harden is having a better start to this season than last while in a new position. Gowdy looks like he picked up where he left off last season 

[Punch]

39 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

A good start to the season. Looks like Harden is having a better start to this season than last while in a new position. Gowdy looks like he picked up where he left off last season 

Yeah, he has been steadily improving as a striker and is almost on par with John Wright. Given Wright's struggle to score last season, but his ability to provide assists, I have been seeing how they go with Harden up front, and Wright on the left. That has also given me the chance to get Martin Challinor into the team on the Right wing.

Given we have plenty of players that will need to be rotated over a long season, there will be plenty of chances for both of them to play in both positions.

[Punch]

AUG 2039 - Match Day 4 - Vs Newcastle United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A dominant performance against the Magpies, as we leave it late to take the points.

A dominant first half gave us no rewards as we ended up at the break with a 0-0 scoreline.

Laurie Turton came off the bench to head us into the lead in the 73rd minute.

Gary Gowdy curled home a stunning effort from outside the box to double the lead 6 minutes later.

Another goal from the bench on the stroke of full time as Almamy Gakou smashed home a daisy cutter to give us three goals, and three points.

Three goals, three points, and a clean sheet to boot. A good day.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We didn't stay top for long as City won later in the day to stay perfect.

We stay 2nd, as one of 3 undefeated teams.

 

 

Up next...30 players on duty during the International break, before we head to the City Ground to take on Forest.

[Punch]

AUG 2039

Just an injury time equaliser by Aston Villa prevented a perfect month.

 

The Analyst is pretty happy with our performance to start the season.

 

Sit 2nd after the first month, behind the perfect City.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeeper

After becoming our all time appearances leader last season, John Hodgson equaled Jordan Jack's all time League appearance record.

 

Defence

 

Midfield

 

Forwards

 

Transfers

 

With the squad getting bloated, to was time to send some fringe players on their way.

 

We didn't break our individual record, but combined we broke our income record.

 

Player Sales and Champions League money help deliver a big profit this month.

 

 

Broken into the top 10 for Commercial Income.

 

Our wages have gone up, but we are still way behind the average.

 

A big month coming up as our Champions League campaign kicks off.

[Punch]

SEP 2039 - Internationals

 

30 Players on duty representing during this international break.

 

6 players on duty for England, a hat-trick for Gary Gowdy for Northern Ireland, and Archie Adams scored his first international goal. Then backed it up with his second in the next match.

 

Paddy Moore became our 25th Senior International.

Gary Gowdy now has 40 senior international goals, Aled Harden also took his tally to 32, while Mark Walsh makes a lethal combination with Gowdy, and he now has 19 goals in as many games.

[Punch]

SEP 2039 - Match Day 5 - At Nottingham Forest

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A solid team performance to take the points at The City Ground.

Gary Gowdy smashed home and early goal to allow us to control the game.

Just after the hour, Mark Walsh score the sealer to make it 2-0.

A solid defensive performance to keep a clean sheet as well.

 

The League appearances record falls as Hodgson passes Jack's 320 game mark.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

City's draw send us to the top of the tree on goal difference, but there is only one game between 1st and 7th.

 

We've been on a great run, back to the end of last season.

 

 

Up next...the fatigue management game starts to kick in as we begin our Champions League campaign, with a trip to Germany to face Bayern,

[Punch]

SEP 2039 - Group Stage Match 1 - At FC Bayern Munchen

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A game we could have won, but ultimately two lapses in concentration, and Bayern made us pay.

Some good lead up work for Obinna Tamara to find Aled Harden to slot home to put us up 1-0.

We were probably unlucky not to make it 2-0 with Gary Gowdy hitting the post.

But in the final ten minutes, a wayward pass allowed them to equalise, before a late corner and a slipped defender allowed them to take the points.

It may seem like a disappointing result, but we are really starting to push some of these bigger clubs all the way, and with a little more luck, we are not far from pushing over that last hurdle I think.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

A bit of an upset in the other match in the Group as Celtic knock over Porto.

 

We sit last in the Group, but plenty of chances for us to get back into it yet.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we host the newly promoted Swansea.

[Punch]

SEP 2039 - Match Day 6 - Vs Swansea City AFC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A tougher match than expected from newly promoted Swansea.

Swansea were heavily predicted to go straight back down this season, but they have been performing above expectations, and gave us a tough fight.

Gary Gowdy found some space to drive home a Dave Keogh cross after 14 minutes to score the only goal of the half, although he did have a second ruled out 5 minutes later.

Neither side were able to create a lot of chances in a game that turned into a bit of a midfield slog fest, but it would be the visitors who scored against the run of play on 71 minutes to level it up.

A few choice words from the sideline seemed to spark us into gear, and four minutes later, substitute Michael Pilkington found some space to slide a cross through to Mark Walsh who buried his shot to provide the winner.

A tough match, we didn't play our best, but we hung in there and got the points.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Still 1st on goal difference.

Our only slip this season was against Villa, who just knocked over Man U to stay equal 1st.

 

 

Up next...the rotated squad will be out as we host Chelsea in the League Cup 3rd Round.

[Punch]

SEP 2039 - League Cup 3rd Round - Vs Chelsea FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

With the Board placing no importance on this competition, I am using it for the rotated squad to give the fringe players some game time.

They didn't disappoint as they held the struggling Blues side scoreless, while Almamy Gakou score a hat-trick, sending us through to the next round.

 

 

Round 4 Draw

Spoiler

We host Barnsley in the 4th Round.

 

A mixed bag against them, but it's been over 5 years since we met.

 

 

Up next...League action as we travel to West Ham.

[Punch]

SEP 2039 - Match Day 7 - At West Ham United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Another tough match at London Stadium as The Hammers pushed us all the way, before we took the points in a tight affair.

Gary Gowdy just can't stop scoring, and he got us off the mark again on 18 minutes to allow us to control the match.

The hosts would hit back just after the hour mark with a headed corner leveling the scores.

On 75 minutes, Kyle Christian came off the bench to score the winner, seizing on a West Ham defensive error to slot home a 2-1 lead.

We were able to hang on for the remainder of the match to take another 3 points away from home.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Villa beaten by Liverpool means just us and City remain undefeated, and we hold top spot by 1 goal.

 

 

Up next...we welcome the Group leading Celtic to The Isle for game 2 of the Champions League Group Stage.

[Punch]

SEP 2039 - Group Stage 2nd Match - Vs Celtic FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

After conceding two late goals to lose at Bayern, a loss to Celtic would have put us in a vulnerable position after two games.

We came out and put them on the back foot from the first whistle, and were 3-0 up by 30 minutes.

Mark Walsh shot us into the lead on 8 minutes, before John Wright doubled it 8 minutes later.

Then came the Gary Gowdy show, scoring a stunning free kick into the top corner on 28 minutes, before putting the game beyond doubt after half time with his first ever penalty for the club on 50 minutes. (More on that in the next post)

A brilliant win, and a clean sheet, to get us back on track.

 

The money is always a nice boost too.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Bayern edged out Porto in a close match in the other game in the Group.

 

Making our win even more important as we would have been 6 point behind both Bayern and Celtic if we didn't win, instead, we find ourselves back in 2nd spot.

 

 

Up next...a monster top of the table clash at The Isle as the two remaining undefeated clubs go head to head as we welcome City.

[Punch]

Save update - The end...

 

...of the Goal Scoring Goalkeeper!

 

I made the decision at the beginning of the season to end the Goal Scoring Goalkeeper section of this save, simply, as I believed it was holding us back.

It was a bit of fun coming up through the low leagues, but now in the Premier League, I think it is taking away genuine goal scoring chances, especially with our GK's having such low scores in penalty and free kick taking.

While we only received two penalties last year, there are a lot of free kick chances that are wasted, as shown in the match against Celtic, Gary Gowdy scored a screamer, and he has a free kick taking score that is 10 points higher than John Hodgson. He also converted his first penalty chance.

So Jordan Jack's record of 101 Goal Keeper Goals, will remain in club history forever, as it would have taken a keeper 50 years to beat it at the last few seasons rate anyway

It also gives Gary Gowdy more chances to score goals, and that can never be a bad thing for the club.

 

Back to regular transmission...

[Punch]

SEP 2039 - The Ravens Nest is complete

We've come a long way since our 3,000 seat capacity at The Bowl.

This completes the final upgrade to our stadium as it has now reached it's maximum available capacity,

Originally opened as an 18,000 seat capacity, a series of capacity upgrades has now seen us almost triple that original planned capacity of 13,000.

 

 

Because I hate the 'coming soon' graphic, I always find a stadium to replace it with, so this becomes my background, one of my favourite stadiums to look at.

In reality, this is the 22,000 seat Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, home of LAFC of the MLS, but it's just a pretty stadium to look at.

 

So with the expansions complete, and while our capacity is not up there with the big clubs, it's pretty respectable.

 

 

[Punch]

SEP 2039

Only two late goals at Bayern stopped a perfect month, although we did win all three League games, and advanced in the League Cup.

 

A happy Analyst this month.

 

Equal 1st with City, but ahead on goal difference, and we meet in the next match.

 

Walsh won the Young Player of the Month, despite only playing in two games.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defence

 

Midfield

 

Forwards

We thought Gowdy was on fire last year...6 Player of the Match awards in 9 appearances

 

A loss this month, but in front overall on the season after the player sales.

 

We are now producing the most players for the England National team with 6, having overtaken Chelsea.

While that wasn't an aim of the save, it's a very cool achievement to have reached.

 

A monster start to the month, a trip to Porto, League Cup, and some very important League matches.

[Sonic Youth]

1 hour ago, Punch said:

SEP 2039 - The Ravens Nest is complete

We've come a long way since our 3,000 seat capacity at The Bowl.

This completes the final upgrade to our stadium as it has now reached it's maximum available capacity,

Originally opened as an 18,000 seat capacity, a series of capacity upgrades has now seen us almost triple that original planned capacity of 13,000.

 

 

Because I hate the 'coming soon' graphic, I always find a stadium to replace it with, so this becomes my background, one of my favourite stadiums to look at.

In reality, this is the 22,000 seat Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, home of LAFC of the MLS, but it's just a pretty stadium to look at.

 

So with the expansions complete, and while our capacity is not up there with the big clubs, it's pretty respectable.

 

 

And that stadiums the reason Bale move there 

The defense looks great this year, learning a lot, developing further 

The big months have started early 

Gowdy is awesome!

[Punch]

22 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

And that stadiums the reason Bale move there 

Could be, it's a very pretty stadium, brilliant weather, traffic is horrible though

 

23 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

The defense looks great this year, learning a lot, developing further

They have been playing well, although to be fair, we have not played any of the top sides, except Villa at this stage.

 

24 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

The big months have started early

This month is going to test us, playing both Manchester sides, and Porto in the Champions League

 

25 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

Gowdy is awesome!

And he keeps getting better. That's why Man City went stupid trying to buy him...and why I turned down £181 million to keep him

[Punch]

OCT 2039 - Match Day 8 - Vs Manchester City

 

Match Report

Spoiler

The top of the table clash between the two remaining undefeated teams, resulted in...two undefeated teams on top of the table.

It turned out to be an epic battle to welcome the upgraded FC Isle of Man Stadium, which was a sell out.

Mr can't stop scoring, Gary Gowdy again got us off the mark, smashing home a Kyle Christian cross on the half hour.

Both sides had few chances as the game became a battle in the midfield, how both sides kept 11 on the field is a mystery with the referee handing out yellow cards like they were business card, nine in total. Two for us and a whopping seven for them.

Both teams managed to rattle the posts, but it was the visitors who would level it up just after the hour mark.

Neither side could find a winner, so the points were shared in a tough hit out.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Situation same at the top of the table, but our draw with City did allow the chasing pack to make up ground.

 

 

Up next...a massive 41 players on International Duty, before we welcome Burnley to The Isle.

[Punch]

OCT 2039 - International Break

 

We had a total of 41 players called up for Senior and Youth International duty.

 

No new caps this time around, but we did have 6 on duty for England again.

[Punch]

OCT 2039 - Match Day 9 - Vs Burnley FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We created enough chances to score double figures, but in the end, one was enough to take the points.

Not our best performance as we struggled to execute, and nearly coughed up points against lowly Burnely.

A 13th minute cross from Aled Harden found Gary Gowdy to volley home and put us in front.

Not much to be happy about for the rest of the match, even though we dominated, we really struggled.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Our unbeaten run back to last season continues, now reaching 14 matches.

 

Man U continue to keep the pressure on us and City, while Villa dropped a place after losing.

 

 

Up next...we travel to Portugal to take on Porto in the 3rd match of the Champions League Group Stage.

[Blarney]

23 hours ago, Punch said:

 

We are now producing the most players for the England National team with 6, having overtaken Chelsea.

While that wasn't an aim of the save, it's a very cool achievement to have reached.

That is so cool and shows the commitment to grow the team.

Edited July 1, 2022 by Blarney

[Punch]

3 hours ago, Blarney said:

That is so cool and shows the commitment to grow the team.

We also have 3 in the Northern Ireland and Welsh teams, and 2 in the Scottish team.

14 players in those four teams.

[Punch]

OCT 2039 - Group Stage 3rd Match - At FC Porto

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A brilliant fight back to increase our chances of qualifying for the knock out stages.

We fell behind on three minutes, giving the winless Porto the possibility of staging a qualification come back.

On the half hour John Wright pulled us level, and it would stay 1-1 to half time.

In the second half we switched gears, and the hosts were merely hanging on.

On 55 minutes Gary Gowdy finally had one off the post go in our favour and hit the back of the net as we went 2-1 up.

Mark Walsh volleyed home our third just after the hour to secure the points.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Bayern won a tight game against Celtic in the other match of the Group.

 

We have a gap over Celtic now with three games to play, two of which will be at home.

 

 

Up next...the monster month continues as we travel to Old Trafford to take on 3rd place Man U.

[Punch]

OCT 2039 - Match Day 10 - At Manchester United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

An epic battle at The Theater of Dreams as we share the points with The Red Devils.

The hosts scored first on 17 minutes, and probably had the best of the first half.

Some great saves by Hodgson stopping us from going further behind.

It looked like it was going to stay that way until in the shadows of full time, Mark Walsh found some space to swing a cross towards the penalty area where he found Almamy Gakou, who volleyed home an equaliser, which was enough to secure us a share of the points.

Not our best performance, but we remain undefeated.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Still undefeated, but we lost top spot.

The chasing pack make up ground as well.

 

 

Up next...The rotated squad will be out for the League Cup 4th Round against Barnsley at The Isle.

[Punch]

OCT 2039 - League Cup 4th Round - Vs Barnsley FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A competition which the Board puts no importance on so the rotated squad got sent out for a run.

They turned in a great performance to run out 3-0 winners over Barnsley and secure themselves another game.

 

Our first Isle of Man native keeper made his professional debut, keeping a clean sheet in a solid performance.

 

 

Quarter Final Draw

Spoiler

We will renew hostilities with City in the Quarter Final, at The Isle.

A long history against City, they hold a slight edge.

 

 

Up next...Back to League action as we welcome Everton to The Isle.