[FM23] Roots Bloody Roots

[kingjericho]

"Roots Bloody Roots"

This save will follow the quest of Wingplay Crossicho.

Perhaps a long lost relative of @kingjericho, this man is an enthusiast of the classic English wingplay style. For some he is a man who stopped in time, for others he is a traditionalist, keeping alive the spirit of "kick and rush" and the classic "big man / small man" combination of strikers in the mandatory 4-4-2.

With all divisions in England loaded, WC begins his journey unemployed, badgeless and devoid of any relevant footballing experience. but his beliefs in the classic 90s style of play will quickly gather clubs interested in his services... hopefully.

As a man of principles but also with a duty to put food on the table, Crossicho will look to move clubs, always looking for a better job. He is not in a rush to reach the top of the ladder, though, so he will try to move clubs progressively. In other words he'll aim to move to clubs with higher reputation but one star at a time.

Old fashioned English wideplay lives!

Career overview

Season     Club                      Division                          Position    Achievements
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2022/23    Kidderminster Harriers    Vanarama National League North    7th
2023/24    Kidderminster Harriers    Vanarama National League North    5th
2024/25    Kidderminster Harriers    Vanarama National League North    1st         Promotion
2025/26    Kidderminster Harriers    Vanarama National League          1st         Promotion
2026/27    Kidderminster Harriers    Sky Bet League Two
           Colchester                Sky Bet League Two                6th
2027/28    Colchester                Sky Bet League Two                1st         Promotion, EFL Trophy winners
2028/29    Luton Town                Sky Bet League One                1st         Promotion
2029/30    Luton Town                Sky Bet Championship              1st         Promotion
2030/31    West Ham                  Premier League                    3rd
2031/32    West Ham                  Premier League                    4th         EFL Cup winners
2032/33    West Ham                  Premier League                    4th         EFL Cup winners
2033/34    West Ham                  Premier League                    1st

 

Edited April 11, 2023 by kingjericho

[kingjericho]

First step: Kidderminster, Vanarama National League North. Chippenham also approached me but Kidderminster has a bigger wage budget and is not already half-doomed to relegation so the choice was easy from a realistic point of view.

Beautiful away kit.

Media prediction is 6th but board expectation is just top half. I have roughly two thirds of the season to assess the squad's capacity and make a plan for the future.

[kingjericho]

A quick first assessment of the squad brings me to this base XI. Right winger is the weakest position which should be the first concern in the player searches. There are few stand out players which means the squad is balanced but also possibly lacking someone who can decide games on his own.

As a backup the team will either park the bus to hold on to a lead, or push forward to try and grab a winning goal.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // November 2022

Mixed results after a month in charge. The debut match was on fire until the very end with a winning goal on the 94th minute.

One place up from a month ago but still lots to play.

Edited November 14, 2022 by kingjericho

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // December 2022

An excellent month that is a morale boost to the squad; tactics are starting to gel and the team was able to hold on to precious leads, even knocking out of the FA Trophy upper tier's Wrexham.

Mathematically on the top half of the table. Every point is important in this division and it's up to the team to maintain the good form as long as possible.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // January 2023

A second consecutive undefeated month, including a win at Alfreton who play in the division above, and away at leaders Spennymoor.

The good form on the turn of the year means a rise to the playoff zone which is more in line with the board and the fans' expectations.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // February 2023

The first match of the month was a great win over 2nd placed Scarborough but after that it was all downhill, with the team feeling the effects of the tight schedule.

Only 3 points in 12 possible this month is an inevitable drop to mid-table.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // March 2023

A mixed bag of results, but the difficulty scoring goals and the amount of goals conceded (even with two clean sheets) is a bit worrying.

I'd say down to 14th place everyone has a chance at the playoffs so that's what the team needs to do until the end of the season, keep pushing for these places.

Connor Jennings is the first signing by the new manager, he arrived on the deadline day and will compete for a spot on the supporting striker role.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // April 2023

A month where the attacking production improved a lot, helped by the impact of new signing Connor Jennings, with 3G + 2A in 4 matches.

Either Chester or Darlington had to lose the last match to free a playoff spot, which the latter did.

As expected the playoff draw is very hard with away fixtures.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // May 2023 + end of season

The first round saw the two underdogs advance, but on the semi final Spennymoor were superior - even if their first goal came near half time with a scorcher from distance after an uneventful first half. Also two regular starters sustained injuries between the two matches which made the starting XI a bit weaker. Anyway Spennymoor ended up winning promotion.

Stats wise, the team performed acceptably. Goals were mainly by a loanee which will be a question to address in the next transfer period. Other loanees who had important roles will probably not continue at the club so there is some work to be done regarding new faces.

Edited November 19, 2022 by kingjericho

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // 2023-24 pre-season + transfers

My approach to pre-season is always to schedule as many matches as possible to try to get everyone match fit. Results are secondary but morale helps so I play against smaller clubs.

We're predicted 3rd by the media, and internal expectations are to finish in the playoff places. With that in mind the transfer window has been busy, with many new signings. I renewed basically the base XI from last season and the rest are new, better faces.

Adam Lovatt - M C

Charlie Wellens - M RC

Danny Whitehead - M C

Grant Horton - D C

James Hardy - M R

Jayden Smith - ST

Luke Burke - D R

Tyler Denton - D L

Will Goodwin - ST

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // August 2023

Not a fantastic start especially losing points at home.

There's already one match in hand due to a waterlogged pitch (in August...) so that will be one more to fill up September.

Also in August a new winger arrived to be a starter.

[Deisler26]

Sorry, I cant read anymore without posting this lol

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // September 2023

A disappointing month with several underwhelming results, including near elimination from the FA Cup to a lower league club.

3 wins in 10 is not going to be enough for a team expected to be well within the playoff zone.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // October 2023

There was some improvement from last month. The draw and the loss were matches where the opposition were more effective even if less dangerous.

The club is back to square one when I signed. The defense is leaky and that is hurting several results.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // November 2023

Good performances in the league and also in the FA Cup, where the replay fixture generated €40k in TV revenue.

Slowly but surely better performances are starting to materialize in more wins and nearer to the top half of the table.

Edited November 17, 2022 by kingjericho

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // December 2023

A frustrating month because it could have been a perfect record if not for points lost against the 18th and 19th placed, both at home.

Top 3 seems a separate battle between them but all other spots are within reach.

Louis John signs to be option to the other three CBs because the fixture congestion is very heavy at the moment. He's moderately good but he also only has contract until the end of the season so it isn't a big risk.

Edited November 18, 2022 by kingjericho

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // January 2024

What a month! Undefeated in a hectic calendar like this is already an achievement by itself. Good results built on a prolific attack and composure to keep wins in the final minutes. Also, a cup replay match avoided with a goal on extra time playing with 10 men only.

The league table is the reflection of the good performances. 2nd best attack and unbeaten in the last 9 (7W 2D).

Alex Gilliead joins from free agency and what a satisfying signing. Great CA/PA, much lower wages than the scout report indicated, excellent pros/cons. In particular consistency/injuries/big matches are such important factors not only at this level but for any scouting report.

[Hootieleece]

Pretty good signings. Louis John Captained a team for me a couple of FM's ago. Pretty good for this level.

Where are planning on playing Gillead?

[kingjericho]

@Hootieleece Gilliead is expected to be the starting B2B, although he can also do BWM but he's more needed as a B2B due to the quality of the other options. He can also play on the right when the team is parking the bus near the end.

Louis John is the third best CD currently. He's not bad at anything and doesn't have worrying traits in the scout report so he's a viable option at anytime, even for next season.

Edited November 18, 2022 by kingjericho

[Deisler26]

Gilliead is too good for that level. Monsterous DLP

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // February 2024

After a heavy but deserved loss against the league leaders, the rest of the month was completed with wins, including knocking higher division Bromley out of the FA Trophy.

The top 3 is now starting to become a top 4, something unlikely until some weeks ago, but the squad is in great form.

Another new face joins the squad. Dickenson has a dangerous injury history but he can play as full back and winger and since joining has 3G+1A in 3 matches played.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // March 2024

The leaky defense has consequences again. I just wish the dips in form weren't so extreme.

Everything is leading to a playoff finish at this point. Top 2 seems out of reach and 8th place is also, apparently, far enough not to be a real danger.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // April 2024

A 5 match winless streak was finally broken but the return to fledging for still is not totally convincing.

The title decision will be until the last second but not for Kidderminster, already locked in 5th place.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // May 2024 + end of season

One final meaningless match before the playoffs. In the first round Boston were 0-2 up within 25 minutes but there was strength for a big comeback. King's Lynn were also 2-0 up after 25 minutes but this time proved harder and only 1 goal wasn't enough to turn the match around.

King's Lynn are promoted, fairly I must say, after losing the title on the last matchday.

Scarborough had a great final stretch and were able to disrupt the top 3 that was set for so many weeks. Peterborough Sports were a joke.

Interesting stats for a handful of players. But above everyone else Will Goodwin should win every award available because he scored 60 goals in 51 apps and was absolutely decisive in the squad's campaign and rise up the table after a weak start last summer. The best players have one more year on their contract so there is a base to continue from, hopefully attracting the interest of some quality free agents at the end of June.

[Sahaj Oberoi]

60 GOALS? For Will Goodwin? He should be snapped up by a Championship side.

[kingjericho]

On 20/11/2022 at 11:06, Sahajpal Oberoi said:

60 GOALS? For Will Goodwin? He should be snapped up by a Championship side.

He's already announced he will leave on a free at the end of the season and I can just enjoy the time I have left with him as he's been too good for this level.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // 2024/25 pre-season + transfers

As many matches as possible to get the players fit while frantically looking for new players to sign.

Ben Blythe - D C

Billy Fewster - M C

Bobby Kamwa - M C

Jovan Malcolm - ST

Kamarni Ryan - M R

Nick Townsend - GK

Zehn Mohammed - D R

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // August 2024

Goals bonanza!

A good start to the campaign, already with a win over 3rd place Gloucester.

Edited November 21, 2022 by kingjericho

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // September 2024

The first loss of the season comes at the result of a disastrous defensive performance, as it has been the norm.

A good record and top of the table, but I'm very worried about goals leaking everywhere.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // October 2024

The premature FA Cup elimination left some players, the board, and myself very unhappy about it.

The win over Spennymoor left them a bit further away but Oxford City are as close as they can be.

Edited November 22, 2022 by kingjericho

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // November 2024

Not too bad, I can accept the odd undeserving loss. Worse than that is the elimination from the FA Trophy. The less said about cup performances this season the better.

A small advantage on top gives confidence but not any guarantees.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // December 2024

A typically congested month was very light because there is only the league left to play. 1 goal conceded makes me happy for once.

The teams in the playoff zone are neck to neck and the leaders try to widen the gap.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // January 2025

Many goals scored and not so good results away at 4th and 5th placed.

10 points is a good gap to have from the playoff zone, let's keep the scoring streak going and remain with this lead.

James Brown signs to be the starting right back. He debuted with a goal from distance!

Both sides of the full back position were the weak spots of the squad so McFayden is another option for the left side.

Bellis signed earlier in the month to be backup to the starting strikers. Will Goodwin was injured for 6 weeks during this period so he signed a 6-month contract to start with.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // February 2025

A sea of green and averaging over 3 goals a match.

The chasing teams are losing points, whilst the leaders aren't. I reckon the Harriers have one hand on the title.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // March 2025

The match against Guiseley was an off day for everyone, very poor exhibition. Fortunately it was a one time only as the rest of the month was completed with wins.

I don't think I was ever champions with 7 matches left. The team in is super form and the gap to the other contenders was increasing continuously for the past months so the title was just a matter of time. Even though the defensive record has been mediocre all season long the team scores so much that it doesn't make a difference.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // April 2025

A few slips but with the league already won it's normal to have some complacency.

Almost 30 more goals scored than the second best is impressive.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League North // May 2025 + end of season

One single match to wrap up the season and with a perfectly fitting result: many goals scored and unable to keep a clean sheet.

Monstrous performance. Only 5 draws and 5 losses in a 46 match league is insane, even if we take into account the rest from the premature eliminations in both cups. New records were set for most wins, most goals scored, and most points.

 

Stats wise the squad and more balanced numbers. There wasn't such a big dependence on Will Goodwin, who was still top club scorer with 29 (and missed around two months of competition with injuries), but also two other strikers scored 26 (Malcolm) and 18 (Smith). More players with 10+ assists as well.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League // 2025/26 pre-season + transfers

As we head into a new division, I set up an avalanche of matches to gel the new players and get everyone fit.

Benicio Baker-Boaitey - ML

Billy Heaps - MC

Delano McCoy-Splatt - MC

Layton Stewart - ST

Will Fish - DC

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League // August 2025

A good start, even though the only draw was, on paper, the easiest match.

The media prediction is 6th and I believe a good VNN/S team can aim for a back-to-back promotion because the quality difference between these two levels is not very big, so let's see how the season unfolds until January.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League // September 2025

Away at co-leaders Oldham the team went down to 10 men in the 50th minute and couldn't hold on to a 1-2 lead.

Top of the league averaging 3 goals per match.

[Deisler26]

Nice work!

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League // October 2025

A poor start of month losing to bottom table Chesterfield. Then we started scoring goals and finished the month with a home loss again as a result of a direct red card after 20 minutes where we were dominant.

The red cards have already cost 6 points at home.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League // November 2025

I'm seriously upset about the FA Cup loss because I fielded the best XI and wanted to go far this season to get that big money match, and instead we lost at home to a team in our league.

With the game in hand we can get Oldham but our main striker Layton Stewart (26 goals in 21 apps) will miss all of December with a sprained ankle so I predict a difficult month.

[Emozil]

Loved this so far. Great work in going up.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League // December 2025

Great performances throughout the month, scoring many goals and also solid in defense. It was unfortunate that a perfect winning record was denied by Solihull Moors who played defensively but effectively.

Things are contested up and down and on the bottom too. As the year turns can the promoted VNN champions continue to impress?

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League // January 2026

Performance!

No other team in even near in terms of goals scored, and when the defense is steady there's no stopping this avalanche of attacking football.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League // February 2026

The FA Trophy matches took a toll on the team physically. The first match went to ET and then a replay was needed 4 days later. Despite that the team managed to scrape some important wins.

It's better to have a 5 point lead than a 5 point deficit, but with 12 matches left it means nothing, and the difference between automatic promotion and playoffs is massive.

[deltablue]

Still looking good in the league.

[kingjericho]

Kidderminster Harriers // Vanarama National League // March 2026

Only 3 wins out of 6 this month. I was satisfied with the draw at Forest Green because they played well and are a strong team. Harrogate had already thrashed us last month was this wasn't much different, they were 3-0 up at halftime. Hartlepool was the worst of the three because they scored 2 in the last 10 minutes.

Notts County and Altrincham also lost points, but still closed the gap a little. Playoffs are already guaranteed but, the way the season's been going, I admit finishing in a playoff position would be a disappointment.

Appiah-Forson signed on the last day of this seemingly never-ending transfer window. He comes in to fill the gap of Billy Heaps who broke his ankle and will be out 7 months. He isn't very strong physically but he has ridiculous mentals for this level.