[FM23] Another Island Life - Green Lion Pride - A Guernsey FC Youth Story

[Punch]

3 hours ago, Jtomsett11 said:

I wonder if this could be the year for promotion or a play off finish. Obviously so tough with only 1 automatic promotion place! 

While Crewe seem to be running away with it at the moment, there are still some tough teams around us to try an beat to the play off spots, let alone get through them.

[Punch]

 

DEC 2031

A good run to start the month as we stretched our unbeaten run to ten matches, before dropping back to back games in the middle of the month.

After belting South Shields to get our Trophy defence underway, we got back on track, rounding out the month with solid wins.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

The Analyst is still exceptionally happy, despite the mid-month wobble.

 

We reached as high as 2nd, but the two losses has seen us settle in 3rd place at the moment.

 

We are slightly above the xG which suggests we should be 4th.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

Plenty of rotation still occurring as the crazy schedule continues to wreak havoc with player fatigue.

 

It's been a while since I was linked to other jobs, but the media has come up with two this month, making the Board very happy when I shut them both down.

 

The Board still upset about not getting Loan fees, but an A+ from both them and the Fans means we must be doing something right.

 

A decent month as we turn a profit.

 

Similar to last years intake preview, promises very little.

We turned out one decent players from last year, so lets hope that can happen again this year.

 

The schedule continues to be pretty full on as we face another 7 games next month, rotation will be key again.

[Hootieleece]

Are you aiming for a Promotion Challenge this season?

Youth Development in the Academy is always a "crap shoot"!

[Punch]

9 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

Are you aiming for a Promotion Challenge this season?

Youth Development in the Academy is always a "crap shoot"!

I thought we might be a chance of challenging for the lower play off places, but didn’t think we’d be a chance of sitting out the first round.

Still plenty of matches left before we think about that too much though.

If we can continue to produce at least one player a year that can make the first team, then I guess we are going ok.

[Punch]

 

JAN 2032

A mixed bag this month, two draws, two wins, two losses, before we got it back together with a hard fought win to end the month.

The FA Trophy three-peat is still alive as we come from behind to belt Sutton in the 4th Round.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

 

 

 

The Analyst is generally happy, although would like to see us win more tackles and passes.

 

We hold 4th place, although there is only 2 points separating four teams.

 

The xG suggest we should be 5th, but it's so tight between those teams, that one win or loss could mean the difference between three or four places.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

Rotation continued to be the key through another heavy month, as we struggled with fatigue. Thankfully most of our injuries have been minor.

 

After taking over less than a year ago, our Chairman is set to wind down his career. Does this mean we could be looking for our second new owner in as many seasons?

 

Records are made to be broken, and Club Captain Joe Docherty has overtaken the all time League appearances mark.

He is still about 140 goals short of the all time goals record though.

 

A small loss this month, but still in a healthy financial position.

 

Mercifully, the schedule is much nicer next month, almost grinding to a halt, as we face only three League games, and our hunt for a third consecutive FA Trophy continues against Boreham.

[Punch]

 

JAN 2032 - Player focus

 

The Analyst pointed out the much improved performances of our long serving Goalkeeper, Jeton Sejdini.

 

 

After a rough first couple of seasons in the National League, where his form and numbers were well down on what we had come to expect, he has really bounced back this season.

In a season where there were rumblings from the back room staff about possibly replacing him as our Number 1, his numbers have not only increased, but are comparable, or better, than most keepers in the League.

Conceding less than a goal a game for the first time in three seasons, he already has four more clean sheets than last season, in 15 less games, and unless we concede 40 goals in those remaining 15 games, he will be on track for our best defensive performance in three seasons.

His average rating also continues to steadily improve over that time.

While less goals could also be contributed to a stronger defensive line, Sejdini at least gets a lot of credit for marshaling the troops at the back and keeping them in line.

With a high save percentage, it's also worth noting his passing stats, with the number and accuracy both high, he quite often gets our defence turned into attack.

A sure reason why we have gone from a mid-table team, to a play-off contender in three seasons.

[Punch]

 

FEB 2032

A strange month as we start by keeping our prefect TV game record alive with an upset win over Notts at Meadow Lane.

We were then bundled out of the FA Trophy with a poor showing against Boreham, before a tight win over Gillingham, in front of a season high League crowd.

We then lost our second game in a row to Boreham, with another poor showing in a game we really struggled to get going.

 

The in over Notts came at a big cost though, as we lose our best defender for a month.

I said last month we had been lucky with only minor injuries, but with fatigue still playing a big part, I hope this isn't the start of players dropping like flies.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

 

 

 

Despite the mixed results, the Analyst is still happy, and we still seem to be over achieving.

 

We drop to 5th spot, although the gaps are starting to open up a bit.

 

The xG suggests we should be 6th, but there is a lot of movement among other clubs.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

Still plenty of rotation required, even in a four game month, as some players are still feeling the effects of the November-January run and are struggling to play back to back games.

 

With not many games, we take a hit to the bank this month.

 

The schedule while getting less congested, is still playing games. Two games in three days to start the month, then an 11 day break, then three games in 9 days to end the month.

Now with only the League to focus on, we can look to consolidate our place in the play offs.

Edited August 16, 2023 by Punch

[rmcf2017]

You should look at going professional, that will also accelerate your player growth and it will probably propel you up a division or two quite quickly

[Punch]

13 hours ago, rmcf2017 said:

You should look at going professional, that will also accelerate your player growth and it will probably propel you up a division or two quite quickly

It’s something I have been considering, also weighing up against the financial burden it would add.

We are getting very close to that point though.

[Hootieleece]

Just catching up. Good work so far. Going Professional is the next logical step, but I might wait until you either have more money in the bank or in League2.

Reasoning: The players start asking for exorbitant amounts of money and you need a cushion just in case you don't win Promotion or have a good Cup Run.

[Punch]

On 23/08/2023 at 04:37, Hootieleece said:

Just catching up. Good work so far. Going Professional is the next logical step, but I might wait until you either have more money in the bank or in League2.

Reasoning: The players start asking for exorbitant amounts of money and you need a cushion just in case you don't win Promotion or have a good Cup Run.

Thank you!

Yeah I am holding fire on the going pro at the moment, mostly as I don’t see us getting promoted, even if we do make the play offs this season. There are just too many strong clubs around us.

[Punch]

 

 MAR 2032

 

I am going to be some what condensing the monthly reports for a while.

As I am now full time traveling for the moment, the holy trinity of game time, power, and reliable internet are not always available at the same time.

 

A boring game against Gateshead, where neither team got anything going. We should have belted Marine, and were lucky to get away with a win, which we followed up with one of our worst performances of the season. We had 65% of possession against South Shields, and they had two shots on goal

We should have belted Basford, and like Marine, we were lucky to get away with a late win.

Rounding out the month with a heart attack inducing comeback against Weymouth, as we come from 0-2, and 1-3 down, to secure a dramatic late winner and collect three points, and ten for the month.

 

We stay in 5th, with 5 games to play, we are almost assured of a play off spot.

 

With finishes of 13th, and then 11th in our first two National League seasons, we will better those, but we are still aiming to secure play off football.

 

Internationals

Kallon earned his 7th cap, having a tough game in a thrashing from Nigeria.

 

New Owner

After reporting last month that our already new owner, maybe looking to step aside, it all happened in a flash as Cunneen, who had owned the club for less than a year has already moved on.

New owner Lewis Hickson, a former Director under Cunneen, is in, and it will be interesting to see which direction he wants to take the club, and how open he will be to upgrades when the time comes.

 

About the normal out of Cup times.

 

Four of our five remaining games next month.

All against teams below us, two of them against teams in the relegation fight.

This next few weeks may make or break our season.

[Punch]

 

MAR 2032 - Youth Intake

 

The next batch of victims...I mean potential stars has arrived, and with the preview promising very little, lets see what arrived.

 

It delivered very little as well.

While there is one to get excited about, and a couple of maybes, there is not a lot else that is exciting in this intake.

 

Always exciting to see a 50 point player at intake...and then you look further into him and realise you got your hopes up for no reason.

Pearce has a few solid attributes, but in reality his mentals are poor, and after a season in the 18's, he will probably be, and stay a 40-45 point player, as there is little room for development.

I am almost disappointed that the GK for this intake is so poor. I almost want to keep him just for the awesome name

 

We almost reached our 100th Guernsey born player to come through the Academy.

 

 

The One

I have always beleived that if we can keep churning out at least one player per season that is exciting, then we can continue to advance. I give you, this years one.

An Irish attacked that can play on either side, high determination, and some good looking abilities already.

This kid, along with massive potential, also shows leadership skills that could take him to the leadership of this club in the not to distant future.

Already close to first team level, I expect to see big things from this kid, very quickly.

 

The best of the rest

Seems a solid central mid, who while not likely to be a superstar, could perform a role for us when required.

 

Another forward, who while he doesn't have the outright skills of Faherty, could still perform a role when required.

 

These two will require plenty of work if they are to reach their potential.

 

Of the rest, a few of them will be picked up to fill out the 18's squad, but most of them won't make it, and a few of them have not even been picked up out of the Academy.

All in all a disappointing intake, so it might be time to think about hitting up the new Owner and feeling out his thoughts on upgrades.

[Punch]

 

APR 2032

A smashing start to the month as we hammered Oldham, in what was one of our most complete performances of the season. This win also confirmed out play off placing for the first time in the National League.

We then relaxed and it came back to bite us in the next two games that we dominated, and should have won. We lost one, and were very lucky not to lose the other.

We then finished the month with a come from behind win as we got it back together against Accrington.

 

We finish the month in 4th place, but with one game to go, can still finish anywhere from 3rd to 5th.

A 3rd place finish would mean we miss the first play off round and have a home semi final, but we need Boreham to lose and us to win for that to happen.

 

Player Focus

 

Nick Kirkpatrick - Mr Consistency

 

Kirkpatrick just keeps popping up in the right places and turning the ball into the net.

Our back room staff don't even consider him on of the better forwards at the club, but he just keeps performing the role, whenever he is picked, and putting in solid performances.

 

Just to highlight the Mr Consistency tag, taking out the 27/28 season, where he played a lot of AMC, he just keeps churning out the goals.

He has pocketed more than 15 goals in each of our three seasons in the National League.

He also finds himself only 20 or so League goals behind active leader, Joe Docherty, and he has played 50 less games.

 

One League game remains, as we take on Radcliffe at The Lane, with our final play off position to be decided.

[Punch]

 

MAY 2032 - Part 1

Needing a win for a chance to avoid the 1st Round of the Play Offs, we failed, giving up an injury time equaliser, in a game we should have won easily.

 

In the end it mattered nil, as Boreham Wood won anyway.

We finish 4th, our best ever finish in the National League, while Wycombe dumped Gateshead out of the play off zone on the final day.

 

We will host Wycombe in the 1st Play Off Round, who have never beaten us in the League. Their lone victory coming in a Friendly, nearly 8 years ago.

 

For the winner of our match, Boreham Wood awaits in the Semi.

While on the other side of the tree, Eastleigh host Notts for a shot at Rochdale.

 

Our first appearance in the National League Play Offs is just four days away.

[Punch]

 

MAY 2032 Part 2 - The Play offs - 1st Round

They were hanging from the rafters at Footes Lane as we somehow managed to squeeze a full house of five thousand in the see a stunning match in our first ever National League Play Off.

After taking the lead through an early penalty, we had fallen behind by half time.

On the hour mark, Pepe brought the house down with a stunning free kick to level the scores.

No winner could be found so we went to penalties.

Pepe will get the plaudits, but Sejdini was the man of the hour, saving two penalties as we stunned Wycombe, to advance to the Semi Final.

 

Thankfully, the injury to Kallon is only minor, and he may be available for the semi final, even if off the bench.

 

Our attendance and gate records are smashed, as we had our first ever full house at The Lane.

To be honest, I would be surprised if you could truly get 5,000 in, but whatever, we'll take it

 

So we will travel to Boreham Wood for the Semi Final, who we have a pretty poor record against.

We haven't beaten them in our last four meetings, and they also ended our FA Trophy run this season.

 

Eastleigh accounted for Notts, and will face Rochdale on the other side of the tree.

 

Just three days until the Semi Final, not much time to rest.

[Punch]

 

MAY 2032 - Play Off Semi Final

Our improbable run is all over as Boreham Wood are too strong for us, booking their place at Wembley.

They pressured us into too many mistakes, and at 0-3 down by half time, the contest was effectively over.

We showed some positive glimpses in the second half, pulling one goal back, but we were dominated out of the game in the end.

 

On the other side of the tree, Rochdale accounted for Eastleigh, and then went on to win promotion back to the EFL, easily beating Boreham Wood in the final.

 

So our season comes to an end with an unexpected play offs berth, and an even more unexpected semi final berth, but I think there are changes to be made for next season.

There are some players who are simply not fitting in, and some who have been surpassed, so may find themselves on the outer, so next season could be very interesting, as there may be some players with their noses out of joint, when they are no longer getting the playing time they expected.

Edited August 27, 2023 by Punch

[Punch]

 

MAY 2032

We finish an unlikely high season one game away from Wembley, 90 minutes short of a place in the Football League.

While it may seem a disappointing end, it has been an excellent season.

 

Well the new owner seems to like our Youth Policy, as off his own bat, he came to me wanting to upgrade our Youth Rating.

I happily accepted his offer to get this in motion.

 

The press linked me with the vacant Derby post, though no offer has yet arrived.

The Board were happy I shut it down though.

 

Then the bombshell arrived. Our best midfielder wants to move to a bigger club.

I seem to have suppressed the issue for the moment, telling him there was no one interested, but I would consider if an offer came, which has satisfied him for the moment.

We have another season, plus a one year option on his contract, so he is not leaving cheaply, if someone does want him.

 

A monster turn out for our home play off match helped us turn a profit to end the season.

 

Up next...time to review the season that was.

[Punch]

 

2031-2032 Season Review

 

[Punch]

 

2031-2032 Season Review - Stats

 

Goalkeepers

Sejdini has been number 1 all season, but Arani is edging closer, and there is another challenger for his role who has been out on loan all season.

 

Defenders

A good mix of players for the rotation, though for a team that improved so much defensively, there seem to be some low ratings.

Batchelor was the stand out improver, while young Russo is continuing to push for inclusion.

 

Midfielders

Geall and Kallon are one of the most formidable center pairings in the League, with Alexandrou an ever reliable back up.

Sampson continues to improve and do a job when called upon.

 

Forwards

A massive rotation of players through the front four.

Kirkpatrick is our player of the year, while Joe Lewis has continued to surprise me, after nearly being sacked early in the season for poor attitude, his performances, and attitude have improved immensely.

A few of these players may find their playing time changed next season.

 

No real surprises here, Kirkpatrick and Pepe dominate, despite Pepe's up and down form.

 

Finally a record is broken as Docherty breaks Ross Allen's League appearance record.

He will be unlikely to ever break his goal scoring record though.

[Punch]

 

2031-2032 Season Review - Attributes

 

That all important time of the year to review the attribute changes of our players.

 

Goalkeepers

There maybe a change for our starting goalkeeper next season, as a season on loan has made a massive improvement in Jackson Thomas, knocking Sejdini down a peg.

Arani is still hanging around pushing for time, while that is a massive improvement from Tom Webber.

Four 50 point goal keepers at the club. Now there is a fight for positions.

 

Defenders

THere is beginning to be some interest in Alan Kelly's services, and not surprising, as with a season of massive improvement, he is now our best defender.

Showing plenty of great options for the rotation as well.

 

Midfilders

Geall becomes our first ever 60 point player, not sure how much longer we will be able to keep him, especially if we don't get promoted soon.

Kallon almost became the second to 60, while Sampson and Jones are close behind, giving us good choices to rotate when needed.

 

Forwards

Harry Reid was not even in the first team at the beginning of the season, but forced his way in to the rotation, and is now showing as one of our best forwards.

Continued improvement from Lewis and Cass, while young Rainey is not far from contention as well.

With the usual suspects, we now have a depth of options available to rotate as needed.

 

Best Squad

Our Best Squad average continues to climb, now reaching it's highest point at almost 53.

The average age has also peaked it's head back above 20.

 

Overall, another season of continued improvement, which is sure to throw up some selection headaches come match day 1 next season.

[Punch]

 

JUN 2032 - Off season things

 

Internationals

Kallon added to his senior international cap count, racking up two more during the month.

 

Jobs for days as half the vacant positions were offered to me.

Huddersfield I believe are the first team in The Championship to come after me.

 

As everyone else was offering me a job, the new owner decided he would as well.

Signing on for another two seasons, with a small pay bump.

The new owner is making things happen...speaking of.

 

New owner - making a mark

 

After upgrading the Youth Rating last month, he came to me this month wanting to increase the wages for a few staff positions, which I agreed to to keep him happy.

Then the big one came...

 

After all my back and forth about if I should go professional or not, the decision was made for me.

There was no discussion, the new owner pulled the trigger and made it happen.

He seems keen to make a mark and get things happening.

Just hoping this doesn't come back to bite us financially.

 

Strong season ticket sales, but extra costs in the youth set up. On top of going professional, this could be a very interesting year financially.

 

Umm...we shall try not to spend it all at once

 

A couple of tough teams come down from the Football League, while some tough teams come up from the North/South as well.

This could be another tough year in the National League.

 

We start away to the newly promoted Dulwich, before coming home to face the newly relegated Swindon.

An interesting start to the season.

 

The highest the Bookies have ever had us, while the relegated teams are favourite to go straight back up.

 

With going professional, and full time training available, I have decided to try the pre-season Saturday/Sunday Cups idea that a few others have been running with.

One squad to play the Saturday game, a completely different squad to play the Sunday game.

Let's see how this goes.

[Hootieleece]

I usually play a match on Wednesday and Saturday during the Preseason. Squad A(starters) plays Sixty minutes or so on Saturday. Squad B (backups) play final 30 minutes. Wednesday matches roles reversed.

I try to have roughly the same schedule as whatever league I am in for two in a week matches and play that for a month and have a week off from matches for Physical Conditioning before first match. Last Friendly is played like a real match with only 3 or 5 substitutes.

 

Glad to see you made it to the Professional ranks. It will really help the development of young backup players if given game time.

[Punch]

Will be interesting to see how the Cup idea goes, playing two different squads on the Saturday and Sunday.

Especially when mixed in with the extra training slots now available to us.

I am aiming for big things this season.

[Punch]

 

JUL 2032 - Pre-season things

The Cup idea was a huge success, and got a lot of minutes into a lot of legs, and while it wasn't the most important part, the results were very impressive as well.

While the opposition wasn't the strongest, we did finish with an impressive win over League Two opposition.

 

Training

Full time training will have come as a big shock to the players, as for the first two weeks, I beat the living tripe out of them.

The complaints about training were astronomical in the first week, as they hardly touch a football, except for in matches.

By week two, the complaints had more than halved.

By week three, when more ball work was being introduced, the complaints had almost stopped completely.

The end result now being that the squad is the fittest, fastest, and strongest that I think it has ever been.

 

Professional Club - Professional Attitude - Professional Ambitions

With the new fitness levels, comes a new season, and new ambitions.

We were ecstatic just to make the play offs last season, let alone make the semi final.

This season I want to set even loftier targets.

I don't want to be happy just making up the numbers in the top 7...I want us to take it to these bigger clubs. I want us to scare the crap out of them.

There are players who are going to struggle with this change, and some who will certainly get their nose out of joint at their change in playing time as a result.

 

Just before I wrote this post, I took an interesting look at the squad...

I pressed the select Best XI button, which from memory, picks the players in each position with the best CA.

What was a huge surprise was that Keeper - Sejdini, and Forwards - Docherty, Kirkpatrick, & Pepe, are not only not in the starting team, they don't even rate a place on the bench.

While this probably won't be our opening day XI, it does show that there are some potentially seriously large changes incoming to the squad, which are going to rock a few players ego's.

 

Stay tuned...this could be an exciting season...or the end of my career

 

A monster month as the cash from a huge season ticket sales drive kicks in. We sold 1,400 last season, and the number crunchers are estimating 1,800 this season.

 

A newly promoted team away, followed by a newly relegated team at home, makes for an unknown start to the season.

[Hootieleece]

Gotta love a Center Back named Phill Jones!

 

[rmcf2017]

On 29/08/2023 at 15:10, Punch said:

After all my back and forth about if I should go professional or not, the decision was made for me.

There was no discussion, the new owner pulled the trigger and made it happen.

Now i expect you to snowball until championship

[Punch]

8 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

Gotta love a Center Back named Phill Jones!

 

Pretty handy player we have too 

 

8 hours ago, rmcf2017 said:

Now i expect you to snowball until championship

Still a pretty tough National League to get out of first 

[Jtomsett11]

Just catching up - so close last season but with the development of your players and turning pro I think you'll be up there again this season!!

[Jtomsett11]

On 29/08/2023 at 22:15, Hootieleece said:

I usually play a match on Wednesday and Saturday during the Preseason. Squad A(starters) plays Sixty minutes or so on Saturday. Squad B (backups) play final 30 minutes. Wednesday matches roles reversed.

I try to have roughly the same schedule as whatever league I am in for two in a week matches and play that for a month and have a week off from matches for Physical Conditioning before first match. Last Friendly is played like a real match with only 3 or 5 substitutes.

 

Glad to see you made it to the Professional ranks. It will really help the development of young backup players if given game time.

The idea with the two cups is to maximise playing time and training. Usually after a game there's very little training,  so a Wednesday/ Saturday approach would leave most people with 2 rest days and 2 match days so just 3 days of training. Some of those players then fully rest after very little game time.  The cup games mean 2 match days and 1 day of rest giving you 1 extra training day per week. 

I always used to use wed/ sat but have been converted this year!

[Punch]

6 hours ago, Jtomsett11 said:

Just catching up - so close last season but with the development of your players and turning pro I think you'll be up there again this season!!

It’s going to be a tough season on some players, as a few regulars are going to find themselves not getting a lot of minutes this season.

 

6 hours ago, Jtomsett11 said:

The idea with the two cups is to maximise playing time and training. Usually after a game there's very little training,  so a Wednesday/ Saturday approach would leave most people with 2 rest days and 2 match days so just 3 days of training. Some of those players then fully rest after very little game time.  The cup games mean 2 match days and 1 day of rest giving you 1 extra training day per week. 

I always used to use wed/ sat but have been converted this year!

Reading your thread was the first time I had seen the idea, so mixed with turning pro, I thought it was an ideal chance to give it a try, and boy it seems to have worked wonders.

The players hated it to start with, but they got on board pretty quick.

[Hootieleece]

16 hours ago, Jtomsett11 said:

The idea with the two cups is to maximise playing time and training. Usually after a game there's very little training,  so a Wednesday/ Saturday approach would leave most people with 2 rest days and 2 match days so just 3 days of training. Some of those players then fully rest after very little game time.  The cup games mean 2 match days and 1 day of rest giving you 1 extra training day per week. 

I always used to use wed/ sat but have been converted this year!

I may use the idea next Preseason or During the Christmas break in Germany.

 

[Jtomsett11]

5 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

I may use the idea next Preseason or During the Christmas break in Germany.

 

I should add,  you play the first 11 for 90 minutes on the Saturday and then the second 11 for 90 on the Sunday, with any extra players being subs on both days so they get a few minutes in both if players are injured/ knackered to the point they must come off. The total game time then adds up and the players are used to playing 90. I'll link the article here in a second and of course credit @danielgear who wrote it. 

Edited September 7, 2023 by Jtomsett11
Adding link

[danielgear]

3 hours ago, Jtomsett11 said:

I should add,  you play the first 11 for 90 minutes on the Saturday and then the second 11 for 90 on the Sunday, with any extra players being subs on both days so they get a few minutes in both if players are injured/ knackered to the point they must come off. The total game time then adds up and the players are used to playing 90. I'll link the article here in a second and of course credit @danielgear who wrote it. 

Thanks bud

[Punch]

11 hours ago, Jtomsett11 said:

you play the first 11 for 90 minutes on the Saturday and then the second 11 for 90 on the Sunday,

 

7 hours ago, danielgear said:

Thanks bud

This is exactly what I did as well, and the results were amazing.

[danielgear]

54 minutes ago, Punch said:

 

This is exactly what I did as well, and the results were amazing.

[Punch]

 

AUG 2032

BANG! What a start to the season!

I said I wanted us to scare the crap out of these bigger clubs...well there is no flying under the radar now. The Green Lions have roared. The message has been sent!

 

No one was sure what to make of the newly promoted Hamlet, but they were hopelessly out of their depth in a nervous start.

The combinations worked well, we could have scored 8, we probably should have scored 6, but 3 points, and a big away win is a great start to the season.

 

From the newly promoted, to the newly relegated. Swindon were predicted runaway favourites for the season, but have struggled in their two games.

We just bossed them out of the match, giving them no possession, and no time when they did have the ball.

Two games, two wins, seven scored, none conceded.

Message sent.

 

It came at a cost though as we lost our young striker for a month. He had been making good progress and good combinations up front, so I hope this doesn't cost us.

 

Gateshead have always been a bit of a bogey team for us, and they gave us our toughest assignment of the season so far.

Everything was pretty close, it was just a tough slog for both teams.

A cracking late free kick sealed the win and the three points.

3 from 3, with 2 away wins.

 

Another tough one against Barrow, although we just dominated possession, but couldn't do much with it.

It was looking like a draw, but two late goals sealed it as they seemed to tire in the final 10.

4 from 4 to start the season, and we have conceded only one goal.

That's some message sent to the rest of the League.

 

Unbeaten in 10 matches at Foote's Lane. The Green Lions Den is becoming a fortress.

 

The only perfect team after four games, 11 goals for, and only 1 conceded.

While it's still early days, thats some message we have sent to our rivals.

 

Our impressive form to start the season leads me to the Manager of the Month award.

 

The Goalkeeper debate keeps raging

 

Jeton Sejdini has been a faithful servant to the club for many years now, but the back room staff have been pushing for some time now for class of 29 graduate, Jackson Thomas to be elevated to our number 1.

I ignored the staff and selected Sejdini to start the season, but the cries for Thomas got louder and louder.

It was difficult to drop a player when we had won three on the bounce, conceding only one goal, but for the final match of the month, I accepted that there may be a new custodian ready to take over.

 

...and he turned in a brilliant performance.

A clean sheet, a string of wonderful saves, and was awarded the Player of the Match, all on debut.

It was a tough choice to make a change, but the reality is, Sejdini is no longer the best keeper at the club, and to be honest, he his not even the second best.

I did say there was going to be some tough choices this season, and this was yet another.

 

It is also worth noting that in our 4 games this season, regular forwards Joe Docherty, and Nick Kirkpatrick have not played a single minute.

The kids just keep stepping up and performing.

 

A big loss this month as the reality of full time wages starts to kick in, and also the Youth Setup is costing us over £60k a month as well.

 

Can we keep our early season form, or will we come back to the pack?

[Hootieleece]

Great Start! It is tough moving on from fan favorites and great servants of the club. You get a little attached.

 

[Punch]

10 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

Great Start! It is tough moving on from fan favorites and great servants of the club. You get a little attached.

 

Sure has been, I think the extra training available has made so much difference, especially to the players who were on the fringe last season. The former regulars have really struggled with it though, which is why there has been a lot of change up front.

Yeah it was tough to drop a winning keeper, but it was simply time to face the fact that he isn’t the best option any more. And those changes need to be made if we want to get out of this League.

[Punch]

 

SEP 2032

All good things must end, but what a cracking start to the season as we pushed our winning run to 8 games, before falling in a heap at the end of the month.

 

 

We continued to bully teams out of possession. If they don't have the ball, they can't score

We start the season with 5 wins on the trot, and the media are still talking us up for a bottom half finish.

 

We continued our dominant ways, easily accounting for Aldershot.

A late goal was only a consolation for them, but a dominant performance all round for us.

 

We made it 7 on the tot with a hard fought win at Wycombe.

The kids just keep finding a way to win, as we come from behind in this one, and then stole the three points with a late winner.

 

We continued our dominant start with an absolute belting of Torquay.

8 Wins on the trot, and the media still consider us a bottom half club.

 

With a performance like this, they may be right.

Had most of the ball, but we done nothing with it, the first time we have been kept scoreless all season.

Having a player sent of with 25 to go didn't help our cause.

 

We hold on to top spot by a single point over Eastleigh, who now remain the only undefeated team in the League.

 

Matt Cass has taken over the mantle up front. Supposed to be out for a month, he missed two games, before coming back to be our leading goalscorer.

His partnership with Harry Reid up front has been lethal, while the midfield and defence just bully teams out of possession, and out of the game.

 

The Goalkeeper debate rages on, as both have turned out some great numbers.

Youngster Thomas made an amazing debut, but has shown there is still a lot to learn, as his save % is well down on expected.

Both players are continuing to see game time.

 

Internationals

Kallon cracked double figures with his 10th & 11th Caps.

Solid performances in two losing battles.

 

The Youth Set up with continue to be a drain on our finances.

 

I had the Goalkeepers complaining that they were not getting enough attention in training, so hit the Board up for more coaches.

They agreed, and I have now added another Keeping coach to help carry the load.

Hopefully that makes them happier.

 

As the season ramps up, so does the match count. This will change when the FA Cup is drawn, with the Boreham Wood match sure to be moved.

Game of Fatigue Manager incoming.

[Punch]

 

 

OCT 2032

A monster month as we face 8 games, winning 4, drawing 2, and losing 1 of our 7 League games, while we advanced in some style in the FA Cup.

Conceding too many goals for my liking though this month.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

A near total dominance of Yeovil, with just a late falling asleep allowing them a consolation goal.

 

Down 0-2 early we really fought hard to chase the game back in an early season top of the table blockbuster.

We couldn't hang on though, conceding a late goal to go down in this one. Probably a fair result to be honest.

 

We lead early before allowing them to level by half time.

A total domination of the second half allowed us to run away with a comfortable victory.

 

A real arm wrestle against Boreham, which unfortunately lead to a boring draw.

This one could have went either way, but we will settle for an away point.

 

A really disappointing collapse, as we were cruising at 2-0 to the good, before falling asleep at the wheel, conceding two late goals to throw away two points.

A poor result against a team in the relegation fight.

 

After the last match disappointment, there would be no such result against another team in the relegation fight.

After weathering their early onslaught, we controlled the remainder of the match, and in the end, ran out comfortable winners.

 

We finished the month with a really tough battle against The Magpies, and while they did level, we were in control and suffocated them out of the match.

A crucial three points, and showing our improvement, as this was a game that we would have drawn, or even lost last season.

 

A smashing performance to send us into the 1st Round proper.

3-0 up by the break, and we just never let them into the game.

 

We will travel to Manchester to take on the little guys in the 1st Round.

 

 

We currently sit 2nd, just a point off the top, showing how costly it was to throw away points against Leyton Orient.

 

 Stats

Matt Cass was heavily marked and had a quiet month, but that allowed more space for Harry Reid, who blazed through the month becoming our second double digit goal scorer.

Young John Rainey has been a regular on the wing, chipping in with 8 assists, and 4 goals of his own.

The defenders are noticeably lower on the average rating list, owing to us having conceded so many goals this month.

An area we really need to improve.

 

The Goalkeeper debate continues to rage, with both keepers getting game time. Thomas continues to show glimpses on brilliance, then lets himself down, his save % is well down.

I gave Arani the start in the FA Cup game, and while he didn't have a lot to do, he did it well, keeping a clean sheet along the way.

 

Internationals

We had a few players representing at Youth level this month, but Kallon is still our only senior international, earning his 12th & 13th Caps off the bench in two solid wins.

 

The cost of the Youth Set up continues to bite.

 

The Board were happy that we have completed an objective, although they seemed to be aiming a little low considering we have been regulars in the 2nd and 3rd round.

 

A not so crazy November, but some very important games coming up, particularly York and Chester.

 

[Punch]

 

NOV 2032

WHAT! A! MONTH!

A perfect month, after tough battle to get over York, we ran riot through the next few games, but we just kept finding ways to win.

A lot of these games were the type we dropped points in last season, so to see it all clicking into gear this season has been a monumental improvement.

Two good FA Cup wins also send us through to the 3rd Round.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

An epic battle to hold off a tough York team who have been much improved this season.

This was another one of those games that we would have drawn, or even lost last season, so even though they came hard at us in the second half, it was good to see us hold on.

 

It took us a while to get going, but once we did, we ran riot over Dover, only a clumsy penalty at the death blemishing an otherwise excellent performance.

We lost a key defender out of this one though, but hopefully the rotation can take one missing player.

 

Chester had the best defensive record at the beginning of the month, and we hanging around the promotion places. They have since gone on a 6 game losing streak.

We ran riot over them, but in the end, it was a single goal the difference as they gave us a hard time in defence.

Again, another game that we could have coughed up points last season.

 

Another dominant performance, although we switched off midway through the second half.

We managed to pull it back together and keep the winning run going.

 

We had to come from behind in this one, as we just keep finding ways to win.

A bit of fatigue was setting in late in the month, but we battled hard and hung on to the three points.

Footes Lane continues to be a graveyard for opposition teams, as the Green Lions Den has now reached an unbeaten run of 20 League games.

 

An absolute smash up job against FC.

Even though we were snatching at chances in the first half, told the boys to settle down, and the goals will come.

They continued their dominance in the second half, and when the goals finally came, they came in a hurry.

 

Given a tough draw against division rival Boreham in the 2nd Round, we dominated and ran riot through them, as they had no answer.

Even though it was level at the break, three quick goals in the second half and it was all over.

Off to the 3rd Round we go.

 

Where we get the massive job against Liverpool at Anfield.

Let's be honest, we will probably get flogged...but the experience of playing on Anfield will be something these kids will never forget.

 

 

The Analyst rates us the best attacking team in the League this month, not an unfair appraisal given the run of results.

 

Coinciding with us going on an unbeaten run, the teams around us fell apart.

We not only jumped to 1st place, but also opened up a 6 point lead.

 

 Stats

Much more rotation required this month, as the hectic schedule, and a few injuries took their toll.

The rotation policy is clearly working though, given the dream run of results.

Cass and Reid are still throwing in goals for fun, while Rainey continues to put them on a platter.

A much improved defensive display this month as well.

 

Thomas still has a lot to learn, but he is improving every game.

We were spoiled by Sejdini's penalty saving, with a career save rate of 60%, insane at this level, Thomas has so far saved none of the three he has faced.

 

Our perfect month won me another award, making the Board happy.

 

Linked with a League 1 role, the Board were happy I shut that down as well.

 

Prize money and gate receipts lead us to a healthy profit this month.

 

Another monster month coming up, some important games as well.

[Hootieleece]

Great Work with the winning streak!

 

[Punch]

2 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

Great Work with the winning streak!

 

That hard work and full time training is really starting to show its benefits.

 

[Punch]

 

Speaking of Training...

 

Since turning professional I have been paying much closer attention to training, in terms of who is putting in, and who isn't.

I have also been using this method to determine who plays when I need to rotate, because of fatigue, suspension, or injuries etc.

 

This is the team that is seeing a lot of game time:

 

The training ratings are through the roof - 8, 9, and even a heap of 10's.

When it comes time to pick rotation players, if I am choosing between two, I will generally pick the player putting in more effort in training.

This method also seems to be helping the results on the field, given our current run of form.

 

These are the players being overlooked:

Players who were regulars over the last few seasons, just haven't got it under the new training full time.

Training ratings of 6 and 7 are not going to get picked.

It's interesting that the younger kids are keen, and getting stuck into the new full time training, where the older players have struggled to adapt.

 

What ever the process, the methods seem to be working well for us at the moment.

[Punch]

 

DEC 2032

While it wasn't as comprehensive as last month, we remain undefeated through December, winning four, and drawing three of our seven League matches.

I threw out a heavily rotated squad in the FA Trophy, and we nearly got caught out, scoring a late equaliser and then winning on penalties.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

A tough battle against Weymouth to start the month, in one that could have went either way.

Both teams had their chances, but in the end, a draw was probably a fair result.

Our winning run ends, but we remain undefeated.

 

This is a math that shows our improvement. Last season, this would probably have been a loss, or a draw.

The boys stuck at it, and were rewarded with an injury time winner.

 

An absolute smash up job against Boston, we gave them no chance.

We eased off a bit in the second half, but a clean sheet and a big win made for a good day.

 

Hamlet have been struggling all season, and to be honest, we could have scored anything in this one.

But another win, and another clean sheet, along with a new club record undefeated streak, and we are really setting this National League alight.

 

A disappointing collapse as we give up a 2-0 lead to only come away with a point.

Another clumsy penalty late, denied us the three points, but to be fair, they could have scored a winner as well.

 

Gateshead have been a bit of a bogey side for us over the last few seasons, but we gave them nothing in this won as we shut them out.

Thomas continues to improve, with his third clean sheet in four games, while our unbeaten home run reaches 20.

 

We rounded out the month with a dominant performance at Barrow, but we just could not get the ball in the net.

Despite dominating the game, we miss points in this one.

 

I needed to rest players so sent a rotated squad out in the Trophy, and it nearly came back to bite us as we had to come from behind deep in injury time to rescue the win.

We advance to the 4th Round on penalties, but I think I will continue to send a rotated squad out in this one, to concentrate on the League.

 

I think this is a regional Premier Division team, but we will not be sending a full strength squad regardless.

 

 

We have opened up an 11 point lead at the top as Eastleigh continue to stumble.

 

A first Award for Matt Cass as he blazed 4 goals in 5 games this month.

 

The Youth Set Up continues to hurt the bank balance.

 

Big Signing news

At the start of the season, Allan Kelly was being looked at by other clubs, and hinted that he wanted to leave for a bigger club.

We have managed to sign him to a long term deal, making him our highest paid player, but he is also our best defender.

It comes with some catches though, such as if we don't get promoted this season, it activates a release clause. I managed to negotiate up the value, so hopefully that may deter some clubs.

We knew we were going to struggle to hold on to him beyond this season, at least now we have a fighting chance I guess.

 

Some big League games, and the monster day at Anfield on the horizon.

 

Edited September 24, 2023 by Punch

[Punch]

 

DEC 2032 - Youth Intake Preview

 

The previous few years intakes have promised very little, so lets see what this years says.

 

A promising looking defender, and a decent goalkeeper, otherwise nothing to get excited about.

While it will be interesting to see what turns up, another solid defender would be welcome.

[Punch]

 

DEC 2032 - Mid-season player review

 

I have been taking a little look through the player stats, and found surprising not only the regular players from last season that are no longer involved, but also how much improvement we have seen from some unexpected younger players this season.

 

Goalkeepers

We have used three keepers this season, but in reality, Sejdini is done. Thomas continues to show improvement, and if he falters, Arani is jogging on the spot to step in his place.

 

The best of them

Spoiler

The young Aussie displaced Sejdini as our regular number one early this season, and while he had a rough start, that save percentage is on the rise, and so is the expected goals prevented.

He is attracting a lot of interest, especially from a few Australian clubs, so it will make it interesting if he stays, especially with Arani waiting in the wings.

 

Our long time custodian, was displaced earlier this season, while his performances have been solid when he does play, he simply is no longer the best keeper at the club.

He may still have a role to play, but I can see that he may look for a move elsewhere to get more playing time.

 

Arani continues to improve, and has gone passed Sejdini as our number two, and is also putting major pressure on Thomas.

He has made just three appearances so far this season, but has kept clean sheets in two of them.

He has also shown himself to be a better penalty stopper than Thomas, so there is major competition between these two looming.

 

 

Defenders

The first thin you notice, we don't get many goals out of our defenders

But we do get a high percentage of tackles and headers won, a lot of pressures, interceptions, and possession won, and a lot of passes to get us going forward out of defence, and into attack.

These guys don't always get the glory stats, but they are putting in the hard yards that have helped turn us from a play off contender, into a Championship favourite.

 

The best of them

Spoiler

The best defender at the club, we were looking like we might struggle to keep him beyond this season. He has just signed a new contract, but it contains a non-promotion release clause.

Despite the early season distractions, he has continued to help lead the defensive line, with an authority the makes it hard to believe that he is still only 18.

If we can keep him beyond this season, there is big things to come for this kid.

 

The only defender that has scored this season

Another youngster who has stepped up an embraced the professional training style, and benefited from it greatly.

With plenty of room for further improvement, this is another one to expect big things from.

 

The complete surprise packet of the defensive line.

Only considered maybe a rotation player at the beginning of the season, he is another that has embraced the full time training, and shown massive improvement to the point he is now a regular starter.

He is currently out injured for a few more weeks, but I expect him to be pack, pushing for a starting spot as soon as he is ready to go.

 

Another youngster who has pushed his way into the line up with hard work.

Not a flashy player, but opposition players learn quickly that he won't be pushed around either, as he is not afraid to put his body on the line.

He was expected to be a part of the rotation, but has pushed his way into a regular starting spot.

 

One of the surprise packets, but for the wrong reasons.

One of the leaders of the pack last season, he has leveled off this season, having taken longer to adapt to the full time training.

While he is still seeing plenty of minutes, and making solid contributions, the likes of Russo and Everitt have overtaken him in the pecking order.

 

Like Jones, another regular who has seen his place in the order overtaken.

Still gets the job done, but has also taken time to adapt to the full time changes.

 

 

Midfielders

Like the defenders, these guys don't always get the glory stats, but the link they provide from the defence, into attack is vital, while also breaking up opposition attacking raids.

 

The best of them

Spoiler

Geall is probably the best player at the club, and at the beginning of the season, he wanted to leave for a bigger club.

That stance has now softened, so I may make an approach soon to see if we can get him on a long term contract, as we only have one more year left.

Despite the distractions, his performances have remained at an exceptional level, regardless of who he is partnered with.

 

Another surprise packet, as he was considered a rotation player at the beginning of the season, but has pushed Kallon out of the starting line up when our best team is available.

Getting involved in everything, and making a good partnership with Geall, which has gone a long way towards our massive leaps forward this season.

 

While still a solid player when called on, he has found himself overtaken by Sampson as the number two choice in midfield.

Still our only senior international, with 13 Caps for Sierra Leone, his time away from the squad may also have hindered his progression.

 

Our long time star in the midfield, he reached his level very quickly, and there was no room for improvement.

Still puts in a solid performance when called on, but his place has been overtaken, and will only continue to do so as more kids progress.

 

The best of the rest, one of those kids that has taken the place of Alexandrou, Michaels is an up and coming midfielder, who is finding his way into the line up more often.

His continued improvement has taken the pressure of the others, and gives me another genuine option when we need to rotate.

 

 

Forwards

The glory stat hunters Goals and assists everywhere.

The first thing to notice, all time appearances leader, active goal scoring leader, and club captain, Joe Docherty has not played a single minute this season. Also, player of the season from the last two years, Nick Kirkpatrick, has also not played a minute this season. Both have struggled to adapt to the full time training, and have been pushed down the pecking order.

Cass and Reid have formed a lethal partnership up front, while Rainey has been one of the surprises of the season.

 

The best of them

Spoiler

Even though his shooting is poor, Cass has turned into one of the National League's leading scorers by being in the right place at the right time.

His partnership with Reid has become lethal, as they play off each other, making space for each other, while Rainey keeps teeing them up.

Has improved immensely this season, now considered the best forward at the club.

 

If Cass is the best, Reid is not far behind, and their partnership has gone a long way to our improvement this season.

When one is heavily marked, or having a bad game, the other seems to be able to step up and take the chances.

 

The biggest surprise packet, and most improved player at the club.

Big things were always expected of Rainey, but not for a few seasons. His performances this season have been incredible for a 17 year old.

He has been putting them on a platter for the front two, and if we could just get him a bit more accurate in scoring them himself, he has the potential to be one of the most lethal players in the front line.

 

Another surprise packet who has pushed his way into the line up with continued hard work.

Wasn't even expected to be a part of the rotation at the start of the season, but has pushed players out of his way to demand minutes.

 

Vita is a solid performer, who without too much flair or complaint, gets in and gets the job done.

A woeful shooting accuracy means he misses a lot of chances, but if we can get improvement there, he will help to build solid partnerships in the front four.

 

Like Vita, Walsh is another solid performer who gets in and does the hard work without complaint when called on.

A regular in the rotation, who provides good attacking options.

 

Another surprise packet in that he was expected to be the regular partner for Cass, but has stagnated a bit, and been surpassed by others.

Still puts in when called on, and has almost hit double figures in goals, but has just not improved as much as others.

 

 

All in all, I am exceptionally happy with the advances we have made as a club this season.

The change to full time training has given the club the kick it needed to spark a massive improvement in so many players.

It is really exciting to see how far we can push these kids this season.

[Adonalsium]

Great save! I really enjoy these sorts of games the most. I'm surprised there haven't been any players yet picked up by bigger clubs for big money. 

I rarely have the patience for long youth saves myself, but usually when I try them, I try them with some sort of tactic I try to make unique. It kind of naturally pairs with a long term youth save to try to also build some very elaborate tactic that takes a long time to bed into the club culture.

Edited September 25, 2023 by Adonalsium

[Punch]

6 hours ago, Adonalsium said:

Great save! I really enjoy these sorts of games the most. I'm surprised there haven't been any players yet picked up by bigger clubs for big money. 

I rarely have the patience for long youth saves myself, but usually when I try them, I try them with some sort of tactic I try to make unique. It kind of naturally pairs with a long term youth save to try to also build some very elaborate tactic that takes a long time to bed into the club culture.

Thank you!

We are starting to get some bigger clubs sniffing around, and given the costs of running the club are starting to go up, selling players will soon become necessary. We had been self supporting, and got lucky this season with a good FA Cup run.

But I am also not going to give away players. Stoke recently came offering for Rainey, but with an offer of less than 40k, I thought it was insulting. So I replied with an equally insulting over offer of close to 400k, naturally they declined to take it any further, which upset Rainey, as he told me he needed to be playing in The Championship. I almost laughed, but reminded him he would see no first team games at Stoke, and that made him happy for now.

I have been able to keep my best players, for now, using similar methods, but I may not be able to keep doing that much longer.