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

[Punch]

18 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

The big games keep on coming! Go Ravens 

Wait until you see next month

[Punch]

FEB 2040 - League Cup Review

City continue their good form to take out the first Trophy of the season, beating Arsenal in the final.

We were knocked out by City in the Quarter Final.

[Punch]

FEB 2040

We keep our undefeated run going, but the high scoring draw against Burnley has cost us top spot.

 

The Analyst is happy with the attack, but the defence has slipped some this month.

 

City had a win and a draw in their make up games, putting them in 1st place by a single point.

 

Mark Walsh takes out the Young Player of the Month award for the second straight month, and we took all three spots.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

Hodgson had some injury setbacks which kept him out for longer, which has allowed Andy Cusato to establish himself in goal.

Cusato's performances in Hodgson's absence have been excellent, but it's also noticeable that our defence hasn't been as steady.

Hodgson is still the the better organiser, but Cusato's performances are getting harder to ignore.

 

Defence

 

Midfield

 

Forwards

Mark Walsh's performances would look spectacular in any other team, but Gowdy is just on another scale.

 

We said goodbye to our all time leading international player, with Suk-Kuen heading to the MLS.

Ironically he had played more games for South Korea than he had for us, so he heads off for a small fee, and our best wishes.

 

A decent loss this month, and not many home games to subsidies the cash flow.

 

Wow! A massive month upcoming, and a lot of time on the road. This will be a season defining month.

Four huge League games, as we take on both sides of Manchester, a derby against Everton, then finish with a tough match against Spurs.

The City match could almost be title deciding, even this far out.

We hold a 4-0 lead over Madrid in the Champions League, and will face the Red side of Manchester a second time in the month in the FA Cup.

This month is going to be huge!

Edited July 18, 2022 by Punch

[Sonic Youth]

1 hour ago, Punch said:

This month is going to be huge!

You weren’t kidding! 

[Punch]

2 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

You weren’t kidding! 

...and 5 straight away games

[Punch]

MAR 2040 - Match Day 28 - Vs Manchester United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

An epic battle at The Isle, but the points were shared.

Gary Gowdy smashed home his 28th League goal of the season, giving us an early lead after meeting a John Wright cross with a brilliant volley.

Just after the half hour mark, the visitors hit back, heading home a corner to leave it 1-1 at the break.

It was all The Ravens in the second half as out attacking unit ran riot, with the visitors having no answers, but we came up against a huge road block.

The United keeper had an absolute blinder, making a string of fine saves to deny us at every turn.

Somehow we failed to score, despite the xG suggesting we should have won comfortably, the points were shared.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Still unbeaten as the run reaches 34 League matches.

 

We didn't stay at the top for long as City's win took them 3 points clear.

 

 

Up next...it's almost like a Grand Final for us as we travel to the blue side of Manchester for our make up game against City.

A win will send us top on goal difference, a draw keeps the gap at 3 points, while a loss would send them 6 points clear with 9 to play, which would require a catastrophic stumble for us to catch them.

The biggest game of the season has arrived.

[Punch]

MAR 2040 - Match Day 29 - At Manchester City

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Our most important game of the season and we put in one of our worst performances since we joined the Premier League.

The host took the lead on 11 minutes, before the game settled down into a bit of an arm wrestle, but we couldn't break through and it stayed 0-1 at the break.

After the break, it was all City, they shut down our attack completely, and their attack run riot.

We managed to hang on until 70 minutes, but then the flood gates opened as they scored twice in seven minutes to make the final score 3-0.

It seems strange, but telling at the same time, that we got thrashed, but our keeper Hodgson, was still our best player.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Our unbeaten run ends at 34, but it's a tough loss as we now fall 6 points behind City.

With 9 games to play, it's going to be a big ask to catch them.

 

 

Up next...Derby day as we travel to 15th place Everton.

[Punch]

MAR 2040 - Match Day 30 - At Everton

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A derby day thrashing as we bounce back from our first loss in some style.

It was another Gary Gowdy show as the Ravens played a game of get the ball to Gary and let him do his thing. And do his thing he did.

The hosts took the lead after a defensive mistake, but from there on, it was all one way traffic.

Gowdy scored his first with a rocket from the edge of the box, before an own goal had us back in the lead by half time.

We dominated the second half without being able to break the game open. The game had started to drift slightly, before back to back saves from Hodgson woke us up.

Gowdy scored his second with a stunning free kick, before completing his hat-trick 5 minutes later, smashing home a Marcus Slack cross.

It was a tired looking performance in patches, but brilliant in others, but a good result against a struggling team, and a good way to bounce back from a loss.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

A late injury time goal to Spurs held City to a draw, so we clawed back some of City's lead immediately.

Four points the difference, eight games to play.

 

 

Up next...we travel to Madrid for the 2nd Leg of the First Knockout Round of the Champions League against Atletico. We hold a solid 4-0 lead, so should be looking to make the next round comfortably.

[Sonic Youth]

A win after the Man City loss. Pity about not taking your chances against Man Utd, though that was I think your best recent performance against them. It’s up to who holds their nerves in the last 8 games now 

[Punch]

2 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

A win after the Man City loss. Pity about not taking your chances against Man Utd, though that was I think your best recent performance against them. It’s up to who holds their nerves in the last 8 games now 

As one Manchester side finally give everyone a chance, the other one steps up to make everyone's life hell

[Punch]

MAR 2040 - First Knockout Round 2nd Leg - At Atletico Madrid

 

Match Report

Spoiler

With a 4-0 lead from the 1st Leg, and and FA Cup Quarter Final in a few days, I took the gamble to rest a lot of players, and we done enough to get by.

A pretty tight match, if anything the hosts were slightly unlucky to end up even at the break.

Craig Hoston killed off the tie, and put us in the lead with a cracking strike.

The hosts pulled one back late in the game, to make it 1-1 (5-1) when the final whistle went.

 

A nice little boost for the bank balance as well.

 

 

Quarter Final Draw

Spoiler

We draw Barcelona in the Quarter Final, and will host the 1st Leg.

 

 

Up next...A massive clash at Old Trafford as we take on Manchester United in the FA Cup Quarter Final.

[Punch]

MAR 2040 - FA Cup Quarter Final - At Manchester United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

At first glance, a 3-0 victory looks like a bit of a thumping, but in reality, this was an incredibly tight match.

Neither side could assert any dominance or take any of their chances, and it was only as extra time loomed, that the match exploded in injury time.

Obinna Tamara finally broke the dead lock in the 90th minute with a cracking strike that took everyone by surprise.

The the flood gates opened as Man U's fight ran out, allowing Martin Challinor to steal in to slot home a second just a minute later.

Then deep into injury time, Mark Walsh made it three with a curling shot from the edge of the box, to put the icing on the cake.

 

Collecting well over £1 million from the gate made it a very productive day.

 

 

Semi Final Draw

Spoiler

We are drawn away again for the Semi Final, this time at West Brom.

 

We have a good record against them, and should be looking at this as a must win.

 

 

Up next...after a successful Champions League and FA Cup run, we now face an international break where more than 40 players have been picked to represent their respective nations, before we return to League action, with a massive clash, away to Spurs.

[Punch]

MAR 2040 - Youth Intake

 

Our first intake of the new decade arrives.

The preview did not give high hopes, so lets see what has arrived...

 

The stars give us a mixed bag, not to mention a confusing display.

 

The attribute check shows a mixed bag as well, with two genuine first team potential players, a few more that are a chance of becoming part of the rotation.

There are a few others that we might be able to train up and make some money off future sales.

While it's not a horrible intake, compared to the last few years, it is a bit underwhelming.

Only two Isle of Man natives this year.

 

The Best 3

Spoiler

A winger come striker with pace to burn. He has some pretty impressive skills and if we can get his finishing up, a very handy striker in the making.

 

A solid defender with good pace, strong, and if we get those defensive numbers up to potential, a very decent looking prospect.

 

This one could go either way, but there is plenty of room for potential here. An IoM native to boot.

 

 

This marks our 20th Youth Intake, so in honor of that, I've borrowed @shaunvamos's spread sheet for tracking where youth come from.

 

 

It's been interesting to watch the change in percentage of IoM natives.

For the first 5 years, it was about 80% IoM kids. From 5-10 years that number had dropped to 60-70%.

In the 10-15 year stretch it gradually dropped down through the 50% range to the high 40's.

From 15-20 years it dropped even further through the 40's, now at less than 40%.

During that time the percentage from England has steadily increased.

They have come from far and wide, representing a lot of countries.

Although I am very concerned about Rhyl in Wales, as it seems over the last 20 years we have taken an entire generation of kids from the town

[Punch]

MAR 2040 - International Break

 

43 players called up for youth and senior duty this month.

 

We welcomed out 26th Senior International as Ryan Malone becomes another Northern Ireland representative.

[Punch]

MAR 2040 - Match Day 31 - At Tottenham Hotspur

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We dominated this match and somehow not only managed to not win, it took a late goal from Gary Gowdy to even rescue a point.

We dominated the first half but Spurs defence held strong, and they took the lead against the run of play to go to the break with the lead.

We kept pushing in the second half, and in the end it took an 80th minute special from Gowdy, doing it all on his own and then unleashing a curling shot.

A point rescued, but in reality, probably two points lost.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We are assured of a top 7 finish, so we will play in Europe again next season, but our Title hopes took a dive as City extended their lead to 6.

Seven games to play, and we will push City as long as we can, but there is also still Champions League to make sure we qualify for.

 

 

Up next...Champions League Quarter Final 1st Leg, as we welcome Barcelona to The Isle.

[Punch]

MAR 2040

A tough month as we went from unbeaten title contenders to struggling to stay in touch as we win only one of four League games.

We did advance in the Champions League and FA Cup, which is nice.

 

The Analyst is happy with out attack, but the defence has slipped again.

 

We've only lost one game, but we have fallen 6 points behind City, with seven to play.

 

We are guaranteed Europe next year, being able to finish no lower than 7th, but we would be disappointed if we finished that low.

 

Gowdy's continued brilliant form leads him to win the EPL Player of the Month.

 

Mark Walsh was awarded the International Young Player of the Year award.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defence

 

Midfield

 

Forwards

 

 

Champions League prize money leads us to a profit for the month.

 

We begin the month with the Champions League Quarter Final, wedged between a trip to Sheffield, and FA Cup Semi Final, then the local derby against Liverpool, then a rapid fire succession of matches to finish the month.

[Sonic Youth]

Another packed month. I bet it’s getting hard to find a time to rest players. Barcelona is exciting 

[Punch]

15 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

Another packed month. I bet it’s getting hard to find a time to rest players. Barcelona is exciting 

Yeah, although I am lucky in a way that I have a pretty big squad and there are some Wonderkids on the bench.

We've never played them, so this should be an interesting clash.

[Sonic Youth]

Mark Walsh’s award is one I’m not familiar with.

[Punch]

1 minute ago, Sonic Youth said:

Mark Walsh’s award is one I’m not familiar with.

Not one I have seen before either, but just seems to be a European award.

[Jtomsett11]

I still think this season could be your year, you've had a lot of draws but if they turn into wins over final 7 games and city have a blip (which they're probably due) then you could still do it! Have you played city twice already? Either way fantastic progress this year! 

Youth intake not as good but still pretty solid with some options there. 

[Sonic Youth]

10 minutes ago, Punch said:

Yeah, although I am lucky in a way that I have a pretty big squad and there are some Wonderkids on the bench.

What’s then going on with the defence to make it start slipping from the good form of the beginning of the season? Or is Man Citie’s D just that good this season?

I meant to mention that Leeds must be excruciating for their fans to support at the moment, no matter the position on the table. Norwich fans are slightly better off 

[Punch]

APR 2040 - Quarter Final 1st Leg - Vs FC Barcelona

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A stunning come from behind result, especially with the gamble to leave our star Gowdy on the bench.

This was a tough old battle with not many chances created.

The visitors would break the deadlock on half time, before scoring a second just after the break.

After the second goal, I threw Michael Pilkington into the mix, and he didn't disappoint, thumping home a header to breathe life back into the match.

We were still struggling to make chances, but looked the more likely, and on 74 minutes our pressure on their defence paid off as Martin Challinor jumped all over a mistake to smash home an equaliser. Game on!

It looked to be headed for a draw, before an injury time combination of two bench players collided to give us a winner. A brilliant through ball from Billy Johnson found Moses Senkoomi in space and he was able to beat the keeper with a well directed shot to give us a win that looked extremely unlikely just after half time.

Two goals off the bench, and no Gary Gowdy used, so it was pleasing to see the other players step up when I need to rest him.

 

We head to Spain in a weeks time to do it all over again for a shot at a Champions League Semi Final.

While we hold a slim lead, they hold two away goals (which is still in play in this version of FM), so nothing is decided yet.

 

 

Up next...League action as we travel to Sheffield, to take on the United half of town.

[Punch]

11 minutes ago, Jtomsett11 said:

I still think this season could be your year, you've had a lot of draws but if they turn into wins over final 7 games and city have a blip (which they're probably due) then you could still do it! Have you played city twice already? Either way fantastic progress this year! 

Youth intake not as good but still pretty solid with some options there. 

It's going to be tough unless they have a monumental collapse. We are two games behind, so we need them to lose at least 3 of their last 7, and hope we don't have any stumbles...and I just don't see that being likely from a team that has only lost once all season.

We have played twice, a 1-1 early in the season, and they thumped us 3-0 last month. (Our only loss for the season so far)

 

It probably shows how good the last few intakes have been that this years looks disappointing. But there is still a few genuine prospects in there is they develop to potential.

[Punch]

16 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

What’s then going on with the defence to make it start slipping from the good form of the beginning of the season? Or is Man Citie’s D just that good this season?

I meant to mention that Leeds must be excruciating for their fans to support at the moment, no matter the position on the table. Norwich fans are slightly better off 

Not sure. A bit of rotation has been necessary, which can sometimes upset the rhythm, but I have also been changing Goalkeepers, which I am beginning to wonder is having an effect as well. I think I am just going for experience and sticking with Hodgson for the rest of the season, and then I may see where the chips fall at the beginning of next season.

 

Southampton must be dizzying for their fans, after playing in Europe last season, to not even qualifying for Europe after having lead the comp for a while last season, to now being likely relegated this season.

[Punch]

APR 2040

 

A very silly mistake

 

This caught my attention from our last game...

 

 

62 meters and beat the keeper?!?!?!

 

I had to watch the replay 3 times to find out what happened.

So it turns out, when I took my keepers off free kick duties, I had previously set up free kick routines, so instead of defaulting the keeper back into goal, it placed him in a random position in the attacking line.

So when our free kick bounced off their wall, and then fell to their only forward player, he hoofed it up the field into an open goal, where our keeper was nowhere to be seen.

In fact he was found basically shaking hands with the opposing keeper...

That was a stupid mistake on my part

 

Oh well, we live and learn

[Punch]

APR 2040 - Match Day 32 - At Sheffield United FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

The Blades made it hard for us, but we produced a solid win to keep pressure on City.

A tight battle in the first half before the deadlock was broken by a Gary Gowdy special, curling a free kick to give us a 1-0 lead at the break.

The second half continued to be a battle, but we finally killed off the game when Martin Challinor smashed home a second with 10 to go.

5 minutes later, young IoM native, Stewart Kearney scored his first goal for the club, to put the icing on the cake.

A good result from a tough match.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

City win as well to keep the gap at 6, with 6 to play.

 

 

Up next...we travel to Spain to take on Barcelona in the 2nd Leg of the Champions League Quarter Final, with us holding a 3-2 lead.

[Sonic Youth]

3 hours ago, Punch said:

APR 2040

 

A very silly mistake

 

This caught my attention from our last game...

 

 

62 meters and beat the keeper?!?!?!

 

I had to watch the replay 3 times to find out what happened.

So it turns out, when I took my keepers off free kick duties, I had previously set up free kick routines, so instead of defaulting the keeper back into goal, it placed him in a random position in the attacking line.

So when our free kick bounced off their wall, and then fell to their only forward player, he hoofed it up the field into an open goal, where our keeper was nowhere to be seen.

In fact he was found basically shaking hands with the opposing keeper...

That was a stupid mistake on my part

 

Oh well, we live and learn

I noticed that as well. Wondered what your keeper was doing. Bit too early to swap shirts!  

[Punch]

24 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

I noticed that as well. Wondered what your keeper was doing. Bit too early to swap shirts!  

 

Needless to say I have now corrected that error

[Punch]

APR 2040 - Quarter Final 2nd Leg - At FC Barcelona

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A massive boil over at Camp Nou in front of over 99,000 fans as we march into the Semi Final over the heavily favoured Barcelona.

After falling behind 2-0 early in the 1st leg, our come from behind fight to hold a 3-2 lead proved to be a massive bonus.

On 26 minutes Obinna Tamara linked up with John Wright to put us up 1-0 (4-2).

The hosts hit back almost immediately making it 1-1 (4-3), which put us in a vulnerable position, as if they scored again, they would be ahead on away goals.

The match continued to be a tight fight in the second half, with both side very aware of what the next goal would probably mean.

Just before the hour mark, a huge moment came when keeper Hodgson made a spectacular save, and his parried effort fell to the feet of a Barcelona player who could only fumble it over the line for a goal kick.

Instead of wasting time, Hodgson launched a quick goal kick, catching everyone by surprise, finding Gary Gowdy who was racing down field, racing away from the out of position defenders, and with amazing composure, picked his moment, picked his spot, and buried his shot, putting us 2-1 (5-3) up, breaking the hearts of nearly 100 thousand people.

Knowing the needed to score three goals, the hosts fight was over, and we held our lead to the end of the match.

 

A nice pay day to boot.

 

 

Semi Final Draw

Spoiler

We draw the defending Champions in our Semi Final, and we will host the first leg.

This will be a very tough match.

 

Three English teams in the final four, as the other Semi Final will be a Manchester Derby.

 

 

Up next...we travel to West Brom for our FA Cup Semi Final.

[Sonic Youth]

Congratulations on making the semi’s, and avoiding the Manchester teams 

Hopefully that will supply you with Cities dropped points 

[Punch]

3 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

Congratulations on making the semi’s, and avoiding the Manchester teams 

Hopefully that will supply you with Cities dropped points 

Thank you! Tough ask going against the Champions though. There were no easy match ups in that last four.

 

Can only hope, and then hope that we don't drop points at the same time

[Punch]

APR 2040 - FA Cup Semi Final - At West Bromwich Albion

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Mission accomplished at The Hawthorns.

Heavy favourites, we rotated the squad slightly after the trip to Spain, and they done waht was expected.

Four first half goals let us cruise through the second half and into the Final.

 

Another nice addition to the bank balance.

 

 

Final Draw

Spoiler

West Ham caused a boil over knocking over Manchester City in the other Semi Final.

 

We have good record against The Hammers, so we should be favourites for the Final.

 

 

Up next...Derby day as we welcome Liverpool to The Isle.

[Punch]

APR 2040 - Derby Day

 

I said previously I was trying to come up with a name for our derby against Liverpool.

Being an island, we don't have too many local teams, and while as the crow flies, Blackpool is probably the closest major town, but it's been a long time since we played in the same division.

This makes Liverpool our closest neighbour in the Premier League, and as such, our biggest derby.

 

So while looking for a name for our local derby...

 

I saw a boat...

 

The HSC Manannan is the main ferry service between Douglas Harbour, Isle of Man, and Liverpool in England.

A 96 meter catamaran, built in Australia, the Manannan has served as a ferry in Australia, and New Zealand, before being acquired by the US Navy, and had a spell as a military vessel. After being struck off the Naval Vessel Register, The Manannan was acquired by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, undergoing a retrofit for services between Douglas and Liverpool, among a few other ports. Until recently, The Manannan was the largest ferry on the Irish Sea.

 

So I give you...The Manannan Derby.

 

 

While it may not have the history of the Merseyside derby, this match will have particular importance as we will both be looking for Euroepan qualifications.

 

The bookies have us slight favourites for the match.

 

ITS DERBY DAY!!!!

Edited July 24, 2022 by Punch

[Punch]

APR 2040 - Match Day 33 - Vs Liverpool FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Manannan Derby day in front of a full house at The Isle, and while 4-0 looks like a thrashing, it was a lot closer than the scoreline suggests.

The first half was a pretty even battle as neither side gave an inch, and we went to the break 0-0.

Four minutes after the break, we would break the dead lock with Obinna Tamara chipping in with a goal from the midfield to get us on the board.

The match continued to remain a tight fight, although we looked the more likely, and the sealer came with 10 to go as Mark Walsh buried our second to make it comfortable.

In the dying moments of the game, the Gary Gowdy show kicked into overdrive scoring a two minute brace which blew out the scoreline to 4-0.

It was probably a harsh result for the visitors, who didn't like like a team that should have been on the end of a 0-4 scoreline...but we'll take it, and the three points.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Champions League confirmed, as we secure qualification.

The gap to City still 6, with 5 to play.

 

 

Up next...Sheffield Wednesday travel to The Isle.

[Punch]

APR 2040 - Title Race

The title race is on. 6 points the difference with 5 games to play.

This should be a cake walk for City, while they have a Manchester derby, three in fact as they also meet twice in the Champions League Semi Final, three of their final five games are against teams in the bottom five of the competition, including last, and second last.

While four of our five games are against top 10 teams, and the one that isn't in the top 10, is 11th.

 

[Punch]

APR 2040 - The rise and rise of Gary Gowdy

 

Premier League Record Breaker

After falling one goal short last season, his double against Liverpool, his 34th and 35th League goals of the season, equaled, and then took him past the Premier League individual goal scoring record of 34, previously shared by Allan Shearer and Andy Cole.

While the all time top flight record (60, by Everton's Dixie Dean in 1927/28) is unlikely to ever be beaten, this is another massive achievement from a player who continues to go from strength to strength every season.

And we still have 5 games remaining, so he could possibly get to the club record for a season, 40, set by Andrew Earl in the year we won The Championship.

[Punch]

APR 2040 - Match Day 34 - Vs Sheffield Wednesday

 

Match Report

Spoiler

With the Champions League Semi Final 1st Leg in a few days, I rested a lot of players in preparation.

Craig Hoston and Aled Harden had both scored before 10 minutes, which allowed us to cruise through the rest of the match.

A clean sheet and three points to keep the pressure on City.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

City won as well to keep the gap at 6 points, with 4 games to play, the title race is almost over.

At the other end, Newcastle are the first team to make the drop.

 

 

Up next...Italian giants Inter Milan arrive at The Isle for the Champions League Semi Final 1st Leg.

[Punch]

APR 2040 - Semi Final 1st Leg - Vs FC Internazionale Milano

 

Match Report

Spoiler

The Isle was packed to the rafters as Inter Milan came to town.

The visitors were a class above, even though we created more chances, they were far more clinical in taking them.

We were 0-2 down by 24 minutes, before we finally settled down and started to work our way back into the match.

We went to the break still two goals down.

It took a piece of John Wright brilliance to beat several defenders before picking the perfect cross in front of Mark Walsh, who smashed home his shot to breathe some life back into the tie.

We couldn't find an equaliser, so we head to Italy in a weeks time, with Inter holding a one goal advantage, but having two away goals.

 

 

Up next...A tough League match up as we travel to 8th place Leeds.

[Punch]

APR 2040 - Match Day 35 - At Leeds United FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A tough result that effectively ends our title hopes, as we rescue a late draw at Elland Road.

With short turn arounds to the Champions League Semi Final Legs, I made 10 changes to the team for this match, but we didn't play very well.

The hosts had the best of it throughout most of the match, but we still had the chance to take the lead, unfortunately with Gowdy rested, Almamy Gakou seen his penalty saved, and it stayed 0-0 at the break.

The second half continued in the same vein, with the host looking more likely, and it finally came on 78 minutes.

Credit to our boys as they didn;t drop their heads, and hit back almost immediately, with David Kearney smashing home the equaliser.

Neither side could find a winner in the final 10, so the points were shared.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

City now 8 clear with three to play, meaning we need them to lose all three of those, and us to win all three.

Effectively game over.

Swansea become the second team relegated, while Southampton, who played in Europe last season, are hanging by a thread.

 

 

Up next...we travel to Italy for the 2nd Leg of our Champions League Semi Final against Inter. Trailing 1-2, it's going to take something special to advance.

[Punch]

APR 2040

A brilliant start to the month advancing in the Champions League and FA Cup, but finishing with a loss in the Semi 1st Leg, and a draw in the League, which pretty much ended our title chances.

 

The Analyst a lot happier with our defensive efforts this month while the attack has been immense.

 

We qualified for the Champions League again, but require City to lose all three games to take the title, which isn't going to happen.

 

An IoM native wins the Young Player of the Month, which is more impressive as most of his time comes off the bench.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

Hodgson and Cusato are still fighting it out for the number one spot, while I think Jensen might be moved on during the summer.

 

Defence

 

Midfield

 

Forwards

 

 

A unique little milestone as we keep the Board happy.

 

Rising up there as one of the most profitable clubs in the League.

 

May is pretty rough too, with a lot of football to be played early. Champions League final spot on the line, and and FA Cup Final, and three important League games.

[Punch]

MAY 2040 - Semi Final 2nd Leg - At FC Internazionale Milano

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Heartbreak in Milan, as we win the game, but lose the war.

A brilliant defensive performance kept the host scoreless, and on another night, Gary Gowdy could have had a brace after smashing the post twice.

Lewis Hoey got us on the board in the 77th minute, to put some hope of forcing extra time.

But from there, Inter used their class to shut the game down, and knowing we still needed two goals to win, our boys ran out of steam, as the game wound to a close.

 

We get a healthy pay day for making the final four, but can't help feel we are so close to taking that next step.

 

City beat United to win the Manchester Derby in the other Semi Final, so they are still a chance at a treble, with the League almost secured, and previously winning the League Cup, while Inter will have a shot at winning back to back Champions League titles.

 

 

Up next...pretty much a full rotation of the squad as there is only one day before our League match against Arsenal at The Isle.

[Jtomsett11]

Really unlucky there! Hate it when a season peters out despite it actually being a truly excellent season all round! Won't be long now until you win the title!

[Punch]

7 hours ago, Jtomsett11 said:

Really unlucky there! Hate it when a season peters out despite it actually being a truly excellent season all round! Won't be long now until you win the title!

Thanks mate!

Although to be fair, Inter are just a class above at the moment. Over the two legs I think we had more chances on target, they were just much more clinical than us in making them count.

But I agree, we are getting very close to taking that next step.

[Punch]

MAY 2040 - Match Day 36 - Vs Arsenal

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A full rotation required after just one days rest from the failed Italian Job.

The rotated squad put in an excellent shift, with our goal keeper being player of the match in a 2-0 win.

First half goals for Moses Senkoomi, and Craig Hoston were enough to get the job done, with defender David Kearney providing both assists.

It was a massive defensive performance, shutting down The Gunners attack time and again, with young keeper Andy Cusato putting in a great shift between the sticks, to keep a clean sheet.

A brilliant performance from our effective second team, against an Arsenal side, just one position below us.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Ours was the only game today so while it looks like we made up ground, City still have three to play, and winning any of them, guarantees them the title.

The win did confirm that we can finish no lower than second, regardless of what happens in the last two games.

 

 

Up next...We are away to the still struggling Chelsea for our penultimate League match of the season.

[Punch]

MAY 2040 - Match Day 37 - At Chelsea FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

With Man City winning yesterday, the title race was officially over, even though we knew it a few weeks ago, so we could go into this one relaxed.

THe Blues have been struggling this season, and we were able to cruise to a comfortable victory.

Craig Hoston continued his knack of scoring important goals, getting us on the board on the half hour.

Gary Gowdy smashed home his 36th League goal of the year before half time sending us to the break 2-0 to the good.

The second half was a bit of a snooze fest with both teams seemingly happy to go through the motions.

A solid performance, another clean sheet, and three more points in the bag.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

The title now officially staying in Manchester, just switching to the blue side, while we can only finish second.

Southampton become the final team relegated, a season after playing in Europe.

 

 

Up next...Wembley calling as we head to London to take on West Ham in the FA Cup final.

[Sonic Youth]

Good effort in the Champions League, almost taking Inter off-guard 

The league has been unfortunate to come across a hot Man City this season, as your form is excellent. A few draws to wins is the difference and that’s fine margins. Your also performing to the end of the season, making City earn that title 

[Punch]

52 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

Good effort in the Champions League, almost taking Inter off-guard 

The league has been unfortunate to come across a hot Man City this season, as your form is excellent. A few draws to wins is the difference and that’s fine margins. Your also performing to the end of the season, making City earn that title 

If we both win our final games, we will have lost one game all season...and still lost the title by 8 points...

[deltablue]

Chelsea seem to be struggling a bit.

[Punch]

1 hour ago, deltablue said:

Chelsea seem to be struggling a bit.

Since they won the League 5 years ago, they have been on a downward spiral, The last two years they have struggled to 7th spot, barely making it to Europe.

This season, they are probably not even going to make top 10.