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

[Punch]

OCT 2039 - Match Day 11 - Vs Everton

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A stunning start lead us to a thumping win over The Toffees.

Aled Harden and John Wright has both scored within the first two minutes in an amazing start to the game.

By 12 minutes, Wright had his second to put us 3 up, before Lewis Hoey volleyed home a 4th before half time.

We cruised through the second half, and while Everton pulled one back on 78 minutes, before Gary Gowdy restored the 4 goal lead a minute later.

A brilliant performance as we out on a great attacking display.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

No changes as the top four sides all won.

 

 

Up next...CHampions League 4th Group match as we welcome Porto to The Isle.

[Punch]

OCT 2039

An unbeaten month, but two draws in the League.

 

The Analyst is pretty happy with our performance this month.

 

We hold second on a pretty tight table.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defence

 

Midfield

 

Forwards

 

 

We are way out in front with Premier League player development.

 

A slight loss this month. Will be interesting to see if the bigger stadium increases our finances, especially of we can go deep into the Cups.

 

Another month of big matches, including the closest thing we have to a derby, against Liverpool.

[Punch]

NOV 2039 - Group Stage 4th Match - Vs FC Porto

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Gary Gowdy 3, FC Porto 0.

Gowdy got us off the mark with a penalty in the 33rd minute, sending us to the break 1-0 up.

He scored his second goal just after the break, before completing his hat-trick on 54 minutes.

A clean sheet and 3 points, a big step towards qualification for the next round.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Bayern done us a favour by thumping Celtic in the other match.

 

Bayern take the first qualification spot, and Celtic's loss means we need just one point from our final two games to confirm our own qualification to the knock out stage.

 

 

Up next...another big clash at The Isle as Tottenham pay us a visit.

[Punch]

NOV 2039 - Match Day 12 - Vs Tottenham Hotspur

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A dominant performance against Spurs in front of a full house at The Isle.

We started off the game in a very attacking manner, but it took until just before half time before Gary Gowdy broke the dead lock to send us to the break 1-0 up.

We continued our attacking way in the second half as Almamy Gakou scored two goals in 12 minutes to give us a well earned 3-0 win.

The clean sheet was an added bonus to a good all round performance.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Our unbeaten run reaches 18 games, back to last season.

 

That run keeps us in touch with City.

 

 

Up next...38 players in duty for the International break, before we have our derby match, away to Liverpool.

[Jtomsett11]

Just caught up having been away for a little while from FM due to workload, a very good season last year and potential title challenge so far this year! Excellent intakes too, exciting to see if they can all meet their potential now you've got so many decent prospects!

[Punch]

1 hour ago, Jtomsett11 said:

Just caught up having been away for a little while from FM due to workload, a very good season last year and potential title challenge so far this year! Excellent intakes too, exciting to see if they can all meet their potential now you've got so many decent prospects!

I reached the point at the beginning of this season where I needed to make a few tough choices and sell a few players that were not going to make it, and I get the feeling the next off season will be the same.

There are some pretty handy kids coming up through the ranks and starting to push for more playing time, even keeper Hodgson is starting to be pushed. I guess that's a good thing if there is plenty of competition for spots, although I guess eventually it's going to lead to some unhappy players somewhere.

BUt we are getting close to the point where we are challenging the big clubs, and eally starting to push them, just need that final step to take us over the top.

[Punch]

NOV 2039 - International Break

 

38 players on duty over Senior and Youth teams.

 

 

Gary Gowdy went passed 60 caps for Northern Ireland.

 

Up next...Derby day, as we face Liverpool at Anfield.

[Punch]

NOV 2039 - Match Day 13 - At Liverpool FC

 

Being on an island, we don't have any natural derby opponents.

Blackpool would be our nearest major city opponent on the mainland, 'as the crow flies', but are in League Two.

Liverpool is our nearest major city, with a direct transport link, making The Reds, and Everton, our closest EPL opponents.

 

So it's Derby Day...

The Irish Sea Derby?...have to work on that one.

 

Match Report

Spoiler

An epic battle at Anfield in front of a full house.

Obinna Tamara slid a great pass to Gary Gowdy who turned his way past several defenders, and buried his shot to give us a 12th minute lead.

Just before the hour mark, Mark Walsh picked out John Wright who smashed home his effort to put us 2-0 up.

To be honest, at 2-0, the scoreline flattered us somewhat, as the game was much closer than that.

The hosts would pull a goal back just before the final whistle, to make the last few minutes interesting, but we were able to hang on and collect the three points.

A derby victory!

 

 

Table

Spoiler

19 matches in a row unbeaten, although still some way short of our club record of 28 way back in the 9th tier, still an extraordinary effort in Premier League level.

 

We keep the pressure on City, while Arsenal and Man U drop points.

 

 

Up next...Champions League action at The Isle as we welcome Group leaders Bayern, for the 5th game of the Group Stage.

Edited July 4, 2022 by Punch

[Punch]

NOV 2039 - Group Stage 5th Match - Vs FC Bayern Munchen

 

Match Report

Spoiler

An important match as we looked to push for qualification to the next round, and we didn't live up to expectations.

The visitors scored twice in the first 18 minutes, and while we managed to shut them down for the rest of the match, their defence was just immense.

Our normally free flowing attack was blunted, and we were unable to breakdown their defence, once they decided to park the bus.

A disappointing result in front of a full house at The Isle.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

But in good news, Porto done us a huge favour by holding Celtic to a draw in the other Group match.

 

The Porto-Celtic result guarantees us 2nd place in the group, no matter what happens in our final match against Celtic in Scotland.

 

 

Up next...Another tough League match, this time away to 3rd place Arsenal.

[Punch]

NOV 2039 - Match Day 14 - At Arsenal

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A 7 goal shoot out at The Emirates as we down The Gunners.

Mark Walsh and Neil Forrest had us two up by 17 minutes.

The hosts pulled one back to make it 2-1 at half time.

A Gary Gowdy screamer from outside the area made it 3-1 on 51 minutes.

15 minutes later The Gunners pulled one back again, and were pressuring us hard for an equaliser.

But it would be Gowdy who would break their hearts and confirm the points by scoring a quick fire double, to complete his hat-trick, and send us home 5-2 winners.

Gowdy had some day out, scoring 3 and setting up 2 of our 5 goals.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Our unbeaten streak reaches 20 as CIty's draw send us to the top on goal difference.

 

 

Up next...we take on both Sheffield's in the space of four days. First up, United at home, followed up by Wednesday away.

[Punch]

NOV 2039 - FA Cup 3rd Round Draw

MK Dons will meet us at The Isle in the 3rd Round.

 

It's been a while since we met regularly, but we do have a good record against them.

[Punch]

NOV 2039 - Match Day 15 - Vs Sheffield United FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Blades blunt as Ravens soar.

A demolition job over United began with John Wright getting us on the board after 23 minutes.

Gary Gowdy made it 2-0 just eight minutes later, which it stayed to half time.

We continued on our merry way on the second half with a 3 minute brace to Mark Walsh, before Marcus Slack headed in a 5th close to full time.

A dominant display all over the park as the visitors were limited to just one shot on target.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Our merry march continues as we fly to our 5th straight win.

We've netted 5 goals in three of those wins.

 

City's loss give us our first outright lead at the top of the Premier League.

 

 

Up next...the second act of Sheffield week, this time away to Wednesday.

[Punch]

NOV 2039

A perfect month in the League, Gary Gowdy scoring in every game, while we had a loss in the Champions League, we still have done enough to qualify for the knockout stages.

 

A very happy Analyst this month.

 

After Man City lost to Villa, we take the outright lead in the Premier League, for the first time that I remember.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

Long time number two Jensen has found himself pushed to number 3 by local lad Cusato, who may soon be pushing Hodgson.

Although Hodgson is still soing good things in goal, so would be very difficult to replace him at the moment.

 

Defence

 

Midfield

Tamara and Hoey are still the boss combination in midfield.

Millington has asked for a loan move as he is not getting the playing time he wants, so I have added him to the loan list.

 

Forwards

This team just continues to rally around Gowdy. Get the ball to him and let him do what he does.

 

Our form this month lead me to the Manager of the Month award.

 

Gowdy has been on fire, winning the Player of the Month.

His Northern Ireland strike partner Walsh, taking 2nd place.

 

Which was good enough to have him take the Young Player of the Month.

 

A clean sweep of the awards for The Ravens this month.

 

We even managed to turn a profit this month.

 

We found our way into the top 10 of the production of talent on European top divisions.

At 55 players we are a long way off to top spot, but still good enough for 8th.

 

Another busy month coming up, with knockout qualification secured, and we can finish no higher or lower than second place, it might be a good time to get a few different players some Champions League experience at Celtic. The rotated squad will play the League Cup, and there are some important League games, finishing the month with tough matches at Norwich and home to Chelsea.

[TelcontarTargaryen]

I came back from my vacation in Greece to see some good news, Isle of Man challenging for the title. 

[Punch]

8 hours ago, TelcontarTargaryen said:

I came back from my vacation in Greece to see some good news, Isle of Man challenging for the title. 

Well there is a long way to go yet, but yeah, we are having a great season so far.

[Punch]

DEC 2039 - Match Day 16 - At Sheffield Wednesday

 

Match Report

Spoiler

See-saws at Hillsborough.

The Owls got off the a good start taking the lead on 11 minutes.

Gary Gowdy just keeps scoring, getting us back on level terms 2 minutes later.

Moses Senkoomi had a big game, putting us back in the lead on 36 minutes, and also provided two assists.

Just before half time, Almamy Gakou made it 3-1.

In the second half we continued our barrage on the hosts goal, but their keeper had a blinder and kept turning us away.

It nearly came back to bite us, when they scored a second on 75 minutes to make for a tense last quarter hour.

We managed to hang on for the win and collect another three points.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

It was a strange round as City are held to a draw at 20th place Newcastle, Villa were beaten by 15th place Everton, and Man U were beaten by 14th place Southampton.

All of that results in us taking a 5 point lead at the top of the table.

 

 

Up next...Final Champions League group stage match, and we are off to Scotland to take on Celtic. It's a dead rubber though as we can only finish 2nd, and they can only finish 3rd, regardless of the result, so the youth prospects and fringe players will be sent out to give the first team a rest.

[Punch]

DEC 2039 - Group Stage 6th Match - At Celtic FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

The kids and fringe players put in a great shift at Celtic Park.

Almamy Gakou smashed home a Mark Walsh cross on 18 minutes to give us a 1-0 lead.

Just after the hour, Craig Hoston was brought down in the box, so he took the opportunity and converted the penalty to put us 2-0 up.

The hosts pulled one back on 82 minutes, but we managed to hang on for the win.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Bayern won a shoot out over Porto in the other match.

 

Bayern finish top undefeated, and we take 2nd, our two losses, both to Bayern.

 

The knockout rounds are drawn in a week.

 

 

Up next...back to The Isle as we take on 10th place Leeds.

[Punch]

DEC 2039 - Match Day 17 - Vs Leeds United FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Chaos from whistle to whistle in a crazy game at The Isle.

Both team threw caution to the wind and went out with attacking intent in the first half, but without creating many real chances.

The visitors would be gifted the best opportunity when awarded a penalty just after the half hour mark, but John Hodgson would be the hero, saving the shot and keeping the scores level to the break.

This was particularly satisfying for me, as there has been a big push recently for Hodgson to be dropped in favour of up and coming youngster Andy Cusato. While he is an IoM native and I want him in the team, he needs to wait his turn, and it's hard to drop the keeper from an unbeaten team.

The second half continued to be chaotic, both teams hit the posts, Leeds then had a player sent off on 70 minutes, and that seemed to relax our players, perhaps too much, as we conceded the first goal of the game through some lazy defending as they were able to find an unmarked player in the box.

Just when it looked like our unbeaten run was over, Obinna Tamara found Michael Pilkington in space who smashed home a viscous shot to give us an injury time equaliser.

The points are shared, and the unbeaten run continues.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

The unbeaten run reaches 23, still short of our club record of 28.

 

City win to cut the lead back to 3 points.

 

 

Up next...The rotated squad will be out again for the League Cup Quarter Final as we host Man City.

[Sonic Youth]

Reaching the half way point of the season on top and unbeaten, qualifying for the knockout rounds of the UCL, and still in cups. Going well 

Edited July 8, 2022 by Sonic Youth
On

[Punch]

5 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

Reaching the half way point of the season on top and unbeaten, qualifying for the knockout rounds of the UCL, and still in cups. Going well 

 

Thanks! It's been a great start.

Want to know something scary...I still don't think we are playing as well as we can

[Punch]

 DEC 2039 - Management Milestone

Our League Cup tie against Man City see me bring up 1,100 games as Manager.

My 20th season, 15 Cups wins, 8 League wins, 9 promotions, and we've come a long way since that club that started in Division 10.

[Punch]

DEC 2039 - First Knockout Round Draw

We draw Atletico Madrid, and as we qualified second from our group, they will have home advantage in the 2nd Leg.

 

We met at the same stage two seasons ago, and we scored a come from behind win in a goalfest over the two legs.

[Punch]

DEC 2039 - Youth Intake Preview

The possibility of fullbacks and strikers is always welcome.

We have been warned not to expect much from this intake, and that's probably fair enough considering the last two have been super.

But if we can manage to sneak out a player or two that might make it into the rotation, then it will still be called a successful intake.

[Punch]

DEC 2039 - League Cup Quarter Final - Vs Manchester City

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A brilliant comeback before the hosts score a late winner.

City took the lead early before scoring a second just before half time to take a 2-0 lead to the break.

After a half time bake, the boys come out with a more positive attitude in the second half.

15 minutes in, Mark Walsh got us back into it with a brilliant goal to bring it back to 2-1.

Racing towards full time Craig Hoston scored the equaliser to bring us all the way back.

 But we switched off and it cost us, with City scoring a winner just a minute later to take the win.

A tough loss, but a big lesson for the kids.

 

So our League Cup campaign comes to an end in the Quarter Final, which is actually our worst finish in the last 5 seasons.

 

 

Up next...another tough League match as we travel to Norwich to take on the 9th place Canaries.

[Punch]

DEC 2039 - Match Day 18 - At Norwich City

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A solid performance against The Canaries as we stay undefeated.

Gary Gowdy smashed home a goal before half the crowd had found their seats.

Almamy Gakou made it 2-0 just after half time with a thumping header.

We kept the pressure on without scoring until injury time, when the game came alive again.

Craig Hoston lobbed the keeper to make it 3-0 in the first minute of injury time, before deep into injury time the hosts pulled one back.

The ref finally blew the whistle before the carnage could continue any further.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Wins all around for the top 4, so nothing changes.

 

 

Up next...we welcome the struggling Chelsea to The Isle.

[Punch]

DEC 2039

 

The push for change...

 

When it comes time to pick my team before each game I generally just hit auto pick, which I believe is the Assistant Manager picking the team, and then make adjustments as needed/wanted.

For the last 9 seasons, since Jordan Jack was ousted as our number 1, John Hodgson has been the automatic pick as our best goalkeeper, and has gone on to become our all time appearances leader, has also become the England keeper, earning over 50 caps, and also taken out numerous personal awards, including the Premier League Player of the Year.

However, in the last few months, there is a push from the Assistant Manager that the time might have come for a change. Young Isle of Man native, Andy Cusato, who came out of the Class of 2036 as the 2nd highest rated player, has been rapidly improving, and is now starting to come up as the auto pick selection.

Cusato has spent the last two seasons out on loan, firstly with League One Walsall, and last season in The Championship with Portsmouth, putting in some eye catching performances along the way, and his improvement has been so rapid, the 19 year old has now displaced long time back up Martin Jensen in the number 2 slot.

So much so that Jensen may find himself on the Loan or even Transfer list in the upcoming window. We have a few good young keepers coming through still, so it's probably not worth keeping three first team keepers on the books together.

 

The Players

 

The comparison

They are very similar in height and build. Hodgson holds only slight advantages in Position and Mental attribute averages, Cusato on the Physical side.

But looking at the goalkeeping, Hodgson's average is boosted by being much more eccentric than Cusato, and excluding that stat, would put Cusato well in front.

 

It's impossible to justify dropping a keeper from an unbeaten team, so Cusato has been biding his time on the bench, playing Cup games, a couple of games in Europe, and did make his Premier League debut a few weeks ago, when Hodgson was rested on a short turn around.

But then, fate intervenes...

 

The world finds a way...

My resistance to dropping Hodgson has been taken out of my hands, as a training mishap means Cusato will now have an entire month unchallenged as the number one keeper to show what he can do.

While it will be great to have an IoM local in the team, there could be some very interesting decisions to be made in 4-5 weeks time.

 

Up next...the Cusato era begins against the struggling Chelsea at The Isle.

[Punch]

DEC 2039 - Match Day 19 - Vs Chelsea FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A stunning result as Chelsea are rocked at The Isle.

The Blues have really been struggling this season, finding themselves in the bottom half of the table, but Mark Walsh had a day out at their expense.

By 15 minutes the scoreline already read Walsh 2 - Chelsea 0 as he got us off to a great start.

Gary Gowdy made it 3-0 before half time with a cracking free kick into the top corner. Even on an off day, he can still give the opposing keepers nightmares.

Walsh completed his hat-trick just after half time to make it 4-0.

Obinna Tamara peeled off a 5 minute brace to take us out to 6-0.

Walsh would go on to score his 4th of the game, and complete the 7-0 thrashing just before full time.

Andy Cusato didn't have a huge amount to do, but performed well, kept a clean sheet, and did make a stunning save, tipping a goal bound shot onto the bar to preserve the nil scoreline.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

A draw to both Manchester sides see us reach the half way point of the season with a 5 point lead, still undefeated.

 

Our unbeaten run has now stretched to 25 games, 3 short of the club record 28 games from back in our Northern Football League Division One Title winning season, way back in 2021/2022.

 

 

Up next...A monster clash away to 7th place Villa.

Edited July 10, 2022 by Punch

[Sonic Youth]

1 hour ago, Punch said:

Up next...A monster clash away to 3rd place Villa.

If it’s third next, then that is Arsenal according to the table above.

7 nil against Chelsea with Walsh getting 4 is a crazy top result!

Going to be interesting to see who is first team keeper after Hodgson recovers, and at the end of the season.

[Punch]

2 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

If it’s third next, then that is Arsenal according to the table above.

Nice catch! Seems I got carried away and promoted them a few spots

 

2 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

7 nil against Chelsea with Walsh getting 4 is a crazy top result!

A very impressive performance, but in fairness, Chelsea have been pretty ordinary this season.

 

2 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

Going to be interesting to see who is first team keeper after Hodgson recovers, and at the end of the season.

Going to be a very tough choice to be made soon I think.

[Punch]

DEC 2039

The final month of the decade ends with a bang as we put 7 past Chelsea. A League draw against Leeds and a League Cup exit spoil a good month.

 

A happy Analyst on both sides of the coin this month.

 

Undefeated at the halfway point of the season, but City are still circling just behind.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

Cusato will spend the next month in goal for the injured Hodgson, then there will be an interesting decision to be made.

Most of Cusato's games have been played out on loan.

 

Defence

 

Midfield

 

Forwards

 

Yearly World Awards - The rise and rise of Gary Gowdy

It was Gary Gowdy's night at the World Footballer of the Year awards, winning every award he could, and being named in the Team of the Year.

This is why Man City offered us £181 million for him, and why we turned it down.

 

A loss this month, but still in front for the year, and there may be some money to be made in the upcoming transfer window.

 

A very busy month League wise, and the FA Cup campaign kicks off.

[Sonic Youth]

8 hours ago, Punch said:

Yearly World Awards - The rise and rise of Gary Gowdy

It was Gary Gowdy's night at the World Footballer of the Year awards, winning every award he could, and being named in the Team of the Year.

This is why Man City offered us £181 million for him, and why we turned it down.

 

Recognition!  

[Punch]

3 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

Recognition!  

He was amazing last year...and he's been even better this season,

[Punch]

JAN 2040 - Match Day 20 - At Aston Villa

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We were brilliant for the first 50 minutes, then took our foot off the gas.

Mark Walsh got us on the board early before Gary Gowdy scored two in 5 minutes, and our Northern Ireland strike partnership had us 3-0 up after 18 minutes.

Walsh completed his own brace just after half time to make it 4-0, and we were cruising.

Unfortunately we cruised a little too much and allowed the hosts to hit back twice before we finally shut the game down.

We kick off the new decade with a win, and the unbeaten run continues, now stretching to 26 League games.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We keep City 5 back, but Arsenal fall further away, meaning we could be down to a two horse race to the finish.

Still a long way to go in this one though.

 

 

Up next...MK Dons travel to The Isle for the FA Cup 3rd Round.

Edited July 11, 2022 by Punch

[TelcontarTargaryen]

Do you have the link or know where I can find the DB you are using. I found some, but I can't pick Isle of Man as a team in them. Also, does that DB include the badge for the club, or how did you added that one (i know how to add them, but my graphic pack doesn't include this one.)

[Punch]

3 minutes ago, TelcontarTargaryen said:

Do you have the link or know where I can find the DB you are using. I found some, but I can't pick Isle of Man as a team in them. Also, does that DB include the badge for the club, or how did you added that one (i know how to add them, but my graphic pack doesn't include this one.)

The database is just one I downloaded. I am pretty sure I just Googled FM21 English Lower League database, or something like that. The one I have goes down to about Level 13, but there are plenty available. Most common ones go down to level 10 which should still be able to find the League the IoM started in - Northwest Counties League Division One South.

 

The badge is from the Polished Steel pack off sortitoutsi. Be warned there is a lot of them and they can take a while to downlaod, unless you know the specific pack that the badge you want is in. I didn't, and downloaded them all anyway lol

[Punch]

JAN 2040 - FA Cup 3rd Round - Vs Milton Keynes Dons

 

Match Report

Spoiler

MK Dons have been playing well in League One this season, but were no match for The Ravens firepower.

Five different goal scorers got on the board, and it was effectively over at 3-0 by half time.

The squad was rotated slightly to rest some legs, but Gary Gowdy couldn't help himself and got another goal off the bench.

A late consolation to the visitors, but a comprehensive 5-1 win flies us to the 4th Round.

 

 

Round 4 Draw

Spoiler

We travel to Newcastle for the 4th Round.

The Ravens and The Magpies do battle once more.

A long history against the Magpies, but we have a good record.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we host 8th place Leicester.

[Jtomsett11]

Incredible season so far! Gowdy just goes from strength to strength,  its great you've been able to hold on to him.  If I remember correctly you've got a few more years + option on his current deal?

[Punch]

13 hours ago, Jtomsett11 said:

Incredible season so far! Gowdy just goes from strength to strength,  its great you've been able to hold on to him.  If I remember correctly you've got a few more years + option on his current deal?

28 goals and 5 assists in 24+1 games across all competitions...yeah, that's some season

Oh, and 28 goals on an xG of 17

Shot accuracy over 60%. His first few seasons it was 5%-10%. He was more likely to kill someone in row 23 than force a save.

That's why he scores so many goals now, because he hits the target so often.

 

We have another three seasons, plus a further year option in our favour, so he is ours for a while yet.

While he is our highest paid player, I would not be surprised if his manager hits us up for another pay rise in the next year or so.

 

He needs another 16 goals, in all competitions, to beat the single season club record, and 13 to beat the single season club League record, although they are both from a lower League.

I would not bet against him to beat those records at some point.

He is about 40 goals short of our all time scoring record, and a bit over 30 from the League scoring record.

Edited July 12, 2022 by Punch

[Punch]

JAN 2040 - Match Day 21 - Vs Leicester City FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We were give a tough battle by The Foxes, and at the end of the day, we couldn't be separated.

Mark Walsh's second half strike was cancelled out 10 minutes later.

A pretty even contest, but we probably should have made more of our chances.

 

Young left back Reid had become a bit of a regular, but is now out for a month.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

The unbeaten run now just one match shy of equaling our club record of 28.

 

A costly drop of points as City win to narrow the gap back to one game.

 

 

Up next...a chance to equal our club record unbeaten run as we welcome 18th place Southampton to The Isle.

[Punch]

JAN 2040 - Match Day 22 - Vs Southampton FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Six of the best as The Saints are hammered.

Gary Gowdy continued his fine form with a hat-trick and an assist.

Mark Walsh, Craig Hoston, and John Wright all scored to complete an even half dozen.

The visitors did pull one back late, but a good day in front of a full house at The Isle.

 

We did equal our club record of 28 games unbeaten.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Wins all round for the top 4, so everything stays the same.

 

 

Up next...back to back games in three days at St James Park, to take on the winless Magpies. First up in the League, a chance to break our unbeaten record, followed by our FA Cup 4th Round tie.

Edited July 13, 2022 by Punch

[Punch]

JAN 2040 - Match Day 23 - At Newcastle United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

The undefeated 1st place team, against the winless last place team, and on this match, you would not be bale to tell which team was which.

We had a goal ruled out early, and another chance off the post, but the less said about this game the better.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

City's win cuts the lead to a single point.

 

 

Up next...the second half of our St James Park double act as the same teams do it all over again, this time, in the FA Cup 4th Round.

[Punch]

JAN 2040 - FA Cup 4th Round - At Newcastle United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

The second half of the St James Park double act, and I decided I needed to rest some weary legs, so a fairly different team took on the Magpies after the midweek League performance, that was a very tired showing.

The move worked as a Martin Challinor brace inside half hour, had us off to a great start.

Lewis Hoey added the late icing on the cake, and with a great defensive performance, we're off to the 5th Round.

 

 

 

Round 5 Draw

Spoiler

Drawn away to Bristol for the 5th Round.

 

Not a huge history between these clubs, but we have a good record.

 

 

Up next...League action back at The Isle as we welcome 12th place Forest.

[Punch]

JAN 2040 - Match Day 24 - Vs Nottingham Forest

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A disappointing result we we are held to a draw by the Tricky Trees.

Mark Walsh scored on 11 minutes with a goal that took a few deflections before going in.

The visitors hit back on 23 minutes, making it 1-1 at the break.

We scored two goals in the second half, both were overturned, and we could not break down their defences to get a winner.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Man City's continuing their winning run takes them back to top spot, relegating us to 2nd.

 

 

Up next...we travel to 19th place Swansea.

[Punch]

JAN 2040

While we went undefeated for the month, we dropped points in three games, which cost us 1st place.

 

The Analyst was pretty happy with both sides of the equation this month.

 

All those draws, along with City's good form cost us top spot, even though we are still undefeated.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

Andy Cusato has still been playing well, and while Hodgson has recovered from his ankle injury, he has had back to back soft tissue issues so is still on the injured list.

 

Defence

 

Midfield

 

Forwards

Gary Gowdy racked up his 300th all time appearance.

 

Walsh and Gowdy swapped places this month.

 

Walsh also collected the Young Player of the Month.

 

January Transfer Window

 

We have too many players, and too many fringe players, so the clean out that started during the off season has continued.

 

We sent a young Goalkeeper on his way, as we have plenty, and he was one of the lowest potential rated, so we made some money, and a potential future add on if he turns into a good player.

 

Schulz was a solid player but only played bit parts, 35 appearances over 8 years says it all, so we sent him on his way for a decent fee.

 

This one hurt a little, selling an IoM player, but he is too good to be a rotation player, and with the rise of the Tamara/Hoey partnership, there was just no place for him.

Our former Club captain who made over 300 appearances, but has spent most of the last two seasons playing bit part roles, and he wanted to move on for a new challenge.

A fantastic servant for the Club, who got to lift both The FA Cup, and The Europa League trophies, we send him on his way with our blessing.

 

Then came the monster deal as we sold Smith for a Club record fee.

One of the highest rated left backs at the club, but ultimately, it was his lack of versatility counted against him as we have several central defenders who are more capable to play the left back role as well.

He was ready to move on as well, so when when Sampdoria came knocking, he was keen, and while there are no add ons, we did get a large fee.

 

The Smith deal smashed the club record for transfer fee received.

 

We also smashed our single season record for transfer fee's received, and I am pretty sure this was before the Walsh and Schulz transfers, so we were closer to £79 million for the season.

A lot of players have been moved on this season, and it might be a similar story next season.

 

Some of the ones we rejected...

 

Yeah, nice try guys...we didn't take £181 million, you're not even close.

 

They also tried it on for our best midfielder, but zero interest in selling him.

 

Man U also had a crack offering up to  £98 million, but if he's not going to a club in another League, we are certainly not selling him to a League rival.

 

 

Player sales made for a very profitable month, and we have had a very big profit this season.

 

We moved up to 17th on the wages list, and probably would have been higher before selling Smith and Millington.

 

A small League month, but some important matches, along with the FA Cup 5th Round, and the Champions League is back, with the 1st Leg of the Knockout Rounds starting.

[Punch]

FEB 2040 - Match Day 25 - At Swansea City AFC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

After a sleepy first hour, the match exploded with action when 3 goals came in as many minutes.

Neil Forrest headed us into the lead, before the hosts hit straight back to level.

Craig Hoston came off the bench to steal a wayward pass and smash a shot past the out of position keeper to put us back in the lead.

Gary Gowdy finally put the game away on 79 minutes, converting a penalty after he was brought down in the box.

While 3-1 looks comfortable, we really struggled to make may inroads for the first hour against a team that has spent most of the season in the relegation zone.

Considering we couldn't score in our previous League match against the team coming dead last, without a win, we need to pick our form up a bit.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Man City didn't play today so we jumped back to first, however, City's game in hand is against Southampton, which they should win comfortably.

 

 

Up next...what should be a tougher match as we face West Ham at The Isle.

[Punch]

FEB 2040 - Match Day 26 - Vs West Ham United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A brilliant result as The Hammers are slain at The Isle.

Gary Gowdy smashed home a penalty to get us off the mark, before his strike partner Mark Walsh doubled the lead 3 minutes later.

Walsh completed his brace on 23 minutes, before John Wright scored before half time to have us 4-0 up at the break.

We continued to dominate the second half, and just after the hour mark, Gowdy completed his own brace to finish a 5 star performance.

A brilliant defensive display was also pleasing.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We extend our lead but City didn't play again, so we are now two games ahead, and their two make up games will be against lower placed teams.

 

 

Up next...we travel to Bristol for FA Cup 5th Round action.

[Punch]

FEB 2040 - FA Cup 5th Round - At Bristol City

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A cracking game at Ashton Gate sees The Ravens sneak through after a strong performance by both teams.

Despite dominating the early exchanges we went behind just before the half hour mark with a stunning volley from a free kick the slammed into the top of the net.

Just 4 minutes later we were on level terms after a great series of passes allowed Kyle Christian to pick out Aled Harden who smashed his shot low across the keeper and into the bottom corner to have us go to the break at 1-1.

The winning goal came just after half time, and was a pretty special effort as well.

Gary Gowdy smashed this curling monster around the wall an into the top corner to give us a lead we would not relinquish.

Just another way he can give opposing defence's nightmares.

 

This game also seen the return of keeper John Hodgson, who has missed almost two months since injuring his ankle in a training mishap, and then suffered a couple of soft tissue setbacks which delayed his return even further. Andy Cusato has deputised brilliantly in his absence, so there will be some tough calls need to be made shortly with three first team keepers now available.

 

 

Quarter Final Draw

Spoiler

A monster Quarter Final clash at Old Trafford as we are drawn against the red side of Manchester.

 

We have an historically poor records against The Red Devils, and will need to put that behind us if we want to continue in this seasons Cup.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we travel to 15th place Burnley.

[Punch]

FEB 2040 - Match Day 27 - At Burnley FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A disappointing result at Turf Moor as we have to come from behind three times to earn a point.

I played a rotated squad with only three days to the First Leg of the Champions League First Round Knockout.

Wes Heys scored after a half hour, but we still found ourselves 1-2 down at the break.

Martin Challinor got us back on level terms after the hour mark.

We fell behind again on 78 minutes, but Craig Hoston got us back on level terms almost immediately.

We struggled getting forward and couldn't find a winner, so the points were shared.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

The unbeaten run reaches 33.

 

Holding first on goal difference, though City still have one game in hand.

 

 

Up next...Champions League First Round Knockout as Atletico Madrid come to The Isle for the 1st Leg.

[Punch]

FEB 2040 - First Knockout Round 1st Leg - Vs Atletico Madrid

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A full house at The Isle as we put ourselves in a brilliant position to advance to the next round.

Early Goals to Mark Walsh and Obinna Tamara had us two up by 20 minutes.

Frome there the match settled down into and arm wrestle, and if anything it was the visitors who were playing better.

We managed to hold them out to keep our 2-0 lead at the break.

After half time we regained control, as the Gary Gowdy show kicked into  full force.

By the hour mark Gowdy had scored a brace to blow the tie open and give us a massive advantage heading into the return leg in 3 weeks time.

 

 

Up next...A monster clash as we welcome Manchester United to The Isle for League action.

[Sonic Youth]

The big games keep on coming! Go Ravens