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

[Stuniverse]

3 hours ago, Punch said:

We find ourselves in 9th place, although a slight gap has opened up to the play off spots.

Not a massive gap... but you won't close it based on your current form.

Are you happy with the season so far?

Good luck for the rest of the season!

[Punch]

23 minutes ago, Blarney said:

The last few months of last season were as Jeckyll and Hyde as they come... it's almost like you'd win one month, then lose the next, then win again, then lose.  But you stayed up and that's all that's important.  Here's to being a bit more competitive this year.  It's baby steps at this level.

Yes, you are correct. We have been very inconsistent again this season, but a lot has to do with struggling to put the same team on the park two games in a row as I try to manage fatigue among a very young squad.

We are showing improvement though, we are a lot closer to the promotion play off fight than the relegation fight this season, so that’s a good sign.

[Punch]

21 minutes ago, Stuniverse said:

Not a massive gap... but you won't close it based on your current form.

Are you happy with the season so far?

Good luck for the rest of the season!

We seem to struggle to beat the top teams, but we have not been done any favours in the schedule, as a lot of times we have faced them on short rest, meaning heavy rotation. But as I said in the previous post, despite the inconsistency, we are showing improvement.

Yes and no. Not happy with the inconsistency we are showing, but happy that overall, we continue to show signs that there is improvement. 

Thank you.

[Punch]

 

FEB 2038

We started the month like a house on fire, blasting 6 past Blackpool, and winning two in a row, before going the next four matches without a win.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

A blistering performance as we run riot at Blackpool.

Five different scorers got on the score sheet as we dominated the hosts all over the park.

A clean sheet was an impressive performance as well.

 

Another quality away performance as we collect back to back wins, putting a goal in each half past Reading.

A dominant performance as we also keep back to back clean sheets.

 

We somehow managed to lose one of the craziest games of the season, as we managed to score three goals, but gave up four in the second half, including three in the space of seven minutes.

The stats show it was a pretty close game, although we put a massive 9 shots on target, while they scored four goals, from four shots on target.

A crazy game, and a disappointing result.

 

We dominate the game, but couldn't get the ball in the net, and in the end, were probably lucky to get away with a draw as we are held at home by WBA.

The xG suggests we should have scored two goals, and it probably should have been four, but between the woodwork, and their keeper, we scored none.

 

In a game that will long be remembered for the goal of the season contender from Zachariou, hitting a screaming volley from 30 meters out which curled into the top corner.

Unfortunately, that was about the only highlight for us, as Sunderland had the best of the rest of the match, and we were probably lucky again to escape with a point.

 

A disappointing result as we dominate Watford, but had another day where the ball would not go into the net.

A massive 11 shots on target, and we only score one goal, while they manage two goals on three on target.

A dominant performance, yet we walk away with no points.

 

 

A great start to the month had us in the play off places, but the poor finish to the month dropped us all the way out of the top 10.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

 

Back to a big loss this month.

 

Just four League games coming up next month, while we host our first TV game in the new stadium.

[Stuniverse]

On 25/12/2023 at 12:14, Punch said:

A great start to the month had us in the play off places, but the poor finish to the month dropped us all the way out of the top 10.

It’s very tight, just five points separating 5th and 12th.

[Punch]

9 hours ago, Stuniverse said:

It’s very tight, just five points separating 5th and 12th.

It’s a very tight League in the middle. Plenty of teams there or abouts who can challenge for a play off spot if they get on a run.

Two wins rooks us from 10th to 6th, but then four games without a win, and we fell back to 11th…it’s a crazy table.

[Punch]

 

MAR 2038

We started the month with a great win, before a scratchy draw, then played poorly in an upset loss, before finishing the month snatching a late winner.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

A complete domination as we run riot over Oxford.

We only managed a single goal in the first half, but the flood gates opened under our constant pressure and we run away with comprehensive win.

A clean sheet was also a pleasing result.

 

A crazy game where we created a mass of chances, clattered the woodwork a few times, and were denied by several great saves from their keeper.

To top it all off, we conceded an equaliser deep into injury time, to have to settle for a share of the points.

 

Possibly our worst performance of the season as we get rolled by Ipswich.

While we played a heavily rotated squad, it was no excuse as they gave us nothing, and we produced even less.

One to forget and move on in a hurry.

 

While we dominated the majority of this match, it was a pretty tight affair.

WBA almost snatched the points, smashing one against the bar late, before we stole all three points in the shadow of full time.

Another clean sheet was pleasing to go along with the win as well.

 

 

We found our way back to 8th place, with 7 games to play, we can still finish anywhere between 2nd and 20th.

 

Internationals

We ended the month with plenty of players on International Duty.

 

The losses keep coming as our costs continue to increase.

 

With seven games remaining, we face five big matches next month.

[Punch]

 

MAR 2038 - Youth Intake

 

The preview made no great promises, I thought that as long as we managed to get one or two players with good potential we can keep moving forward.

It appears as though we have two genuine brilliant prospects, and a few potential rotation players, but there are plenty who won't even get picked up in this lot.

 

The star system provides it's usual random unpredictability.

 

None of these are close to first team yet, but with time, there is potential.

 

The Best of them

Spoiler

An Irish Full Back with plenty of potential, and while still rough around the edges, this kid has plenty of room for improvement.

 

Another GK with massive potential, not sure where our HoYD keeps finding them, but we now have another to add to our stocks.

 

The best of the midfielders, another that appears a little rough, but has the potential to be polished into something special.

 

Another solid midfield option who has the potential to be a part of the rotation, if we can get his numbers up.

 

 

Plenty of dual citizens again, although not many players from Guernsey this year, and none that are likely to be picked up.

 

Not a lot to be excited about from this intake, but if we can add a defender, and Keeper to the rotation, then we are still improving, and moving in the right direction for the future.

[Punch]

 

APR 2038

We put together two great performances, along with three poor performances on our way to a mixed month, although not scoring a goal for two games in a row is a concern.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

We gave up two goals on two shots on target, and struggled to get the ball in the goal.

We dominated the second half, but got no reward for our efforts as we go down in a close one.

 

A solid performance as we take all the points in this one.

Two goals in six minutes in the first half was all it took to secure the win.

 

A massively dominant performance as we smash Wimbledon.

A hat-trick for exciting youngster Chambers was a highlight, along with a second straight clean sheet.

 

A really tight one as we go down to Wigan.

The only goal came from a penalty, although we also gave up a second penalty, which Arani managed to save.

 

A second straight scoreless game as we again struggle to convert our chances.

We can take positive from our defence, which not only secured another clean sheet, but didn't allow a single shot on target.

 

 

We find ourselves in 10th place, with two games to play, still achieving our ambitions of a top 10 finish this season.

We can still finish anywhere from 4th to 15th though.

 

We make another loss this month, which is pretty standard these days.

 

Two tough games to finish out the season if we want to complete our top 10 finish.

[Vakama2619]

Did Rochdale have a takeover of something, I swear you played them down in the National League, and now theres a chance they could beat you to the Prem

[Punch]

34 minutes ago, Vakama2619 said:

Did Rochdale have a takeover of something, I swear you played them down in the National League, and now theres a chance they could beat you to the Prem

 

They've had two take overs in the space of six years, a fans trust in 2029, and then a local businessman in 2035.

 

 

They had a fall from grace, spent some time in the VNL, and have then had a pretty quick rise up the Leagues, not too dissimilar to us.

 

 

And yep, we have met plenty of times since 2029.

We only didn't meet in our one season in League One. That was the year they won League Two, before getting promoted via the play offs after one season in League One, joining us in The Championship.

Edited December 27, 2023 by Punch

[BillHoudini24]

Loved reading this for the past two days! Props for the dedication, the patience and the level of detail.

A few questions:

Are you going attribute-less 100% and you just look at the stats?

How did you arrive at both tactics you used so far? (4-2-4 and 5-2-3) They work wonders for you, but I'm surprised you don't find them immersion breaking. 3 AFs and 2 volantes is hard to imagine irl at any level of football.

[Hootieleece]

Is your lack of Top of the table success due to your limited resources and recruiting base? Not that you are doing badly it just seems like you gotten to the limits of what you can achieve with Guernsey realistically.

[Punch]

7 hours ago, BillHoudini24 said:

Loved reading this for the past two days! Props for the dedication, the patience and the level of detail.

A few questions:

Are you going attribute-less 100% and you just look at the stats?

How did you arrive at both tactics you used so far? (4-2-4 and 5-2-3) They work wonders for you, but I'm surprised you don't find them immersion breaking. 3 AFs and 2 volantes is hard to imagine irl at any level of football.

Thanks for coming along for the ride.

I never really went completely attributeless, while I was using the Statman skin for a while, I still jumped to other skins to review attributes, and for other views as well. 
I am currently using the WTS skin, as it seems to give me the most complete information that I use, although I still switch to Flutskin for the points tables I post.

The 424 tactic was the one I used in my previous save with Isle of Man from FM21, and I just liked it’s all out attacking nature.

I wanted to try a different tactic, and always wanted to have a go with 5 at the back with attacking wing backs so I combined a couple of tactics that I had seen people using, while still keeping the positions simple. It seems much easier training wise to have the positions performing the same roles.

Edited December 27, 2023 by Punch

[Punch]

6 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

Is your lack of Top of the table success due to your limited resources and recruiting base? Not that you are doing badly it just seems like you gotten to the limits of what you can achieve with Guernsey realistically.

I don’t think we have reached our peak yet.

Remember this is only our second year in The Championship, and we only spent one year on League One. 
In the space of three seasons, since we won League Two, we have won League One, finished middle of The Championship, and are now pushing Top 10 in The Championship.

With the majority of the same squad, except those we have sold, that’s a pretty big step up in 3 years…remember it took us 7 years to get through the National League.

The improvement is still there, it’s just slowed as we reach the pointy end of the ladder.

[Punch]

 

MAY 2038

We start the month with out third straight game without scoring, before finishing the season in style, thumping Blackburn at home.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

Plenty of chances again but we struggle to find a way past Bristol's defence.

They scored the early goal, and hung on to the lead as we wasted chance after chance.

This is the match that pretty much summed up our season.

 

A brilliant finish to the season in front of our home crowd as we run riot.

Three goals in the space of 15 minutes before the break sent us on our way to securing the three points in front of a decent final home crowd.

 

 

We meet the Bookies expectations of a 10th place finish, by finishing in exactly 10th pace.

Oxford Reading and Wimbledon will be heading back down to League One, while Derby took the title comfortably, Portsmouth took the automatic promotion position comfortably, while Brighton upset the apple cart to take the final promotion spot from 6th place in the play offs.

 

A massive performance from Finnegan to take out the Championship Player of the Season award, knocking in 28 League goals, finishing 2nd in the Golden Boot as well, by a single goal.

 

Linked with the Newcastle job, it seems a lot of jobs are now EPL.

 

I went to the Board to look for more training facilities, and they approved another upgrade, without any argument.

I was not yet able to upgrade the Youth facilities.

 

Almost covers the wage bill for the year.

 

We turn a profit this month, despite the upgrade.

[Punch]

 

2037-2038 Season Review - Part 1

 

 

With our first season in our new stadium complete, we managed to set records for season tickets, average attendance, League attendance, and Cup attendance, and while I think I missed screen shotting it, I am pretty sure we also set a new gate record with that 6,559 crowd.

Now with a stable home base, without the distracting blue running track around the outside , we now have the foundations to support the advancement of this club, and the continued upcoming training facility upgrades, will only benefit that cause.

We were not able to repeat our dream Cup runs of last season, but we advanced to become a top 10 team in the Championship, while massively improving our financial stability, with the sale of a single player.

[Punch]

 

2037 - 2038 Season Review - Stats

 

Goalkeepers

After Mason went out on loan, Arani was the only keeper used this season, and while he did have the occasional struggles, he is still far and away the best number one we have.

There is some doubt as to if he will be here next season, as he shown no interest in extending his contract, although we still do have an optional extension which will keep him here for two more seasons.

The reality is, while we may lose him, we don't really have anyone good enough to replace him at this stage.

 

Defenders

A big change to the system this season as we started playing 5 at the back, which required a lot more rotation of the defensive line.

Thompson has proven himself to be one of the best players at the club, and one of the best defenders in the League, and while he has been attracting interest from EPL clubs, he seems happy to stay put for now.

Cooper forced his way into selection this season, becoming a regular first teamer.

There has been plenty to like about the defensive line, and if we can continue to build on the consistency, next season could make us a real contender for at the very least, play off spots.

 

Midfielders

The midfield also felt the upheaval of the new tactic, sitting slightly deeper, while still playing their attacking role.

Bridge took to the change like a duck to water, 13 assists, while the while midfield rotation scored more goals, and contributed more assists than they have done for some time.

 

Forwards

The forwards faced a more simplified role this season, three at the front, stay forward, put the ball in the net.

A massive season from Finnegan, being the Club and League Player of the Year, with 32 goals, 28 in the League, and 10 assists.

Garai was an able assistant, helping create a lot of space for Finnegan.

Balogun went off the boil a bit after being sold to Liverpool, he was never able to quite able to find the same form that made him a record sale for the club. Maybe the eye-watering £67k a week that he is being paid by Liverpool, compared to the £4k he was getting from us, has been a distraction.

Chambers has shown massive improvement, and is knocking down the door to be Balogun's regular replacement next season.

 

 

Easy to see why Finnegan was Player of the Season.

 

We don't have anyone close to breaking either of these records for some time yet.

[Punch]

 

2037-2038 Season Review - Attributes

 

That favourite time of year where we can review the growth, or not, of our players attribute averages, and see how we are improving, or not, as a club.

 

Goalkeepers

Arani is the best we have, but it's good to see the gap is closing.

Mason, Al-Habib, and Hamilton all spent time out on loan this season, so it is excellent to see continued improvement, with regular game time as well.

With continued improvement, hopefully we can see a genuine contender emerge for the number 1 shirt.

 

Defenders

A season of steady growth among the defensive line, with Thompson at the centre of everything in defence.

We now have a solid rotation of players to help him out, and hopefully we can continue to show improvement, and more importantly, consistency at the back.

 

Midfielders

Another season of steady improvement in the midfield.

Bridge and Pedreno are one of the most dangerous centre pairings in the League.

Zachariou continues to improve and will be a part of the rotation, while Kirk has been disappointing, and extremely inconsistent with his performances.

Plenty of handy players in this area should unavailability or form require rotation.

 

Forwards

With the departure of Balogun, Finnegan becomes our best forward, and has shown as much again this season.

With a cast of plenty to support him, the new tactic has been much less taxing on the fatigue of the forwards, so I have noticed a lot less rotation has been required.

 

Best Squad

 

Plenty to like about the options available, and still a very young team as well.

There is still plenty of improvement left in a lot of these kids yet.

 

Our Average age stays exactly the same, while our attribute average increase to almost 64.

 

A lot to look forward to in the new season, as we look to continue our push forward.

[Punch]

 

JUN 2038 - Off Season Things

 

Internationals

We had four players on duty at the World Cup.

 

Transfers

 

We have so far managed to avoid selling any players, although we have sent a few kids out on loan.

There has been plenty of interest in Garai, Pedreno, and Finnegan, but I am not interested in selling any of them.

We have made some money, however.

 

What I make from this is that because Doncaster had a sell on clause, and we had a 50% sell on when he went to Doncaster, we get 50% of Doncaster's 20%.

It's not much, but we are still making money off a player we sold 5 years ago.

 

We will receive £141k in total for Batchelor, although Cardiff take a loss, as we sold him to them for £350k.

 

Season Preview

 

Palace, Borough, and Norwich coming back down, Rotherham, Birmingham and Stoke coming up.

Looks like it's going to be another tough season in the Championship.

 

We face long time rival Rochdale in the season opener at home, before facing Ipswich away.

We face newly promoted Rotherham on match day 3.

 

An incredible view from the Bookies, as they have us listed at 2nd favourites for the Title, and that's before the newly relegated teams have shed most of their players from last season.

Nothing like a bit of pressure then.

 

Speaking of pressure, the Board are expecting a play off spot...so, the pressure to improve is really on.

 

We take a hit this month, as a big tax bill from last seasons profits hits hard, while early season ticket sales are strong again.

 

Every little bit helps.

 

A busy Friendly season is about to kick off, including welcoming Liverpool to Green Lions Den as a part of the sale of Balogun.

[Stuniverse]

1 hour ago, Punch said:

An incredible view from the Bookies, as they have us listed at 2nd favourites for the Title, and that's before the newly relegated teams have shed most of their players from last season.

Nothing like a bit of pressure then.

Are the bookmakers  or do they know what they are talking about?

Good luck  🍀⚽️🤞

Edited December 28, 2023 by Stuniverse

[Punch]

13 minutes ago, Stuniverse said:

Are the bookmakers  or do they know what they are talking about?

Good luck  🍀⚽️🤞

I have no idea, as there are some pretty big teams that have come back from the EPL, and even up from League One, so it's not going to be a walkover in this League this season, so while they have obviously come to the conclusion that we have improved...a lot

Will be interesting to see how they rate us before the season starts when the other teams have updated their rosters.

[shd34_216_42]

8 hours ago, Stuniverse said:

Are the bookmakers  or do they know what they are talking about?

Good luck  🍀⚽️🤞

I'm guessing that Guernsey has a lot of decent CA players compared to the other teams (that's what the odds in the season preview actually mean, and the board tends to base their season expectations on those odds).

If it worked like real life, Guernsey's odds would be a lot lower because the average public gambler tends to favor big names, which Guernsey would most definitely not be given the club's reputation.

[Punch]

 

JUL 2037 - Pre Season Things

 

A solid run of friendlies to get minutes in legs as we win 6 of 7 games, our only loss being to Liverpool, in front of a near capacity Green Lions Den stadium.

Between the gate, and match day takings, we pulled in nearly £150k for our efforts.

 

Hitting the Pick Best XI button gives us a squad looking like this, which will probably be pretty close to the opening day team sheet.

Chambers has edged out Hollis to be the third forward, replacing Balogun.

McDonald, Barker, and Alderson will probably share time in the center at the back.

Youngsters Zachariou and Tayler are both going to be pushing hard for time in the midfield.

An exciting season ahead.

 

We still show second, but the Bookies now have us listed as equal favourites for the title.

I have spent the off season upgrading and securing contracts, so our wage bill has sky rocketed again...to just over £7 million per year...but we are the only side in the top seven spending less than £40 million a year.

Most are spending on the £20-£30 million range, until you get down to the higher teens, Rochdale are again the lowest spenders at a bit over £4 million.

 

Transfers

 

We have had a few player sales, but only fringe players who wanted to move on for more regular first team football.

 

While Pellejo was a regular in the Phillipines International squad, he struggled to find a regular spot in our team.

He was more of a reserve rotation player, and to be honest, was probably even less likely to be used this season.

So we move him on for nearly half a million, plus some extras, which I think is a good deal for us, and hopefully he can find more game time.

 

York was a regular in the lower Leagues, but had fallen down the pecking order in recent seasons, and like Pellejo, was probably not going to feature a lot this season.

I normally wouldn't sell to a division rival, but the deal was too good, and I doubt that he is the type of player that is going to come back and haunt us when we meet Wigan.

Another good deal for us, and some add ons, and we wish him all the best down the line.

 

A massive start to the season financially, with season ticket sales, a few player sales, gate receipts from the Liverpool game all helping to make for a good month.

Making it a great month was another installment from Liverpool, from the sale of Balogun hitting our account, sending us above the £40 million mark for the first time.

 

Already and increase of around 50 season tickets on last seasons record number.

 

Our third season in the Championship, second season in our new home, and the Green Lions are ready to roar.

[Blarney]

22 hours ago, Punch said:

 

2037-2038 Season Review - Part 1

 

 

With our first season in our new stadium complete, we managed to set records for season tickets, average attendance, League attendance, and Cup attendance, and while I think I missed screen shotting it, I am pretty sure we also set a new gate record with that 6,559 crowd.

Now with a stable home base, without the distracting blue running track around the outside , we now have the foundations to support the advancement of this club, and the continued upcoming training facility upgrades, will only benefit that cause.

We were not able to repeat our dream Cup runs of last season, but we advanced to become a top 10 team in the Championship, while massively improving our financial stability, with the sale of a single player.

Really not that far off.  A couple of wins here or there instead of losses and you're right in it.  Great season.

[Punch]

34 minutes ago, Blarney said:

Really not that far off.  A couple of wins here or there instead of losses and you're right in it.  Great season.

Just got to filter out some of those inconsistent performances.

[Punch]

 

AUG 2038

Well...there goes any chance of flying under the radar this season...we are just flying.

We win all four League games, and both League Cup games, peeling off 24 goals, and conceding none.

While we have not played any of the bigger clubs yet, the defensive inconsistency from last season appears to be a thing of the past...for now at least.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

A tricky first up game against a Rochdale side on a high from their massive over achievement last season, but we strangled them completely out of the match.

We had nearly 70% possession, and did not allow them a single shot on goal, let alone on target. I think Arani was spotted doing The Times crossword during the second half.

We also managed to score three goals along the way, to secure a big three points to start the season.

 

Another dominant performance where we allowed the opposition no time on the ball.

Ipswich managed to get one shot on target, which hit the woodwork, but that means in 180 minutes, we have allowed only one shot on goal.

Two goals in the second half secured an away three points to keep our perfect start to the season.

 

Another dominant performance where we again give the opponents no time with the ball, as we march to our third straight win.

While Rotherham managed a few more shots on goal than our previous two matches, even getting one on target, our wall at the back kept another clean sheet.

A goal in each half secured the points, keeping us perfect through three games.

 

A stunning performance in front of a near capacity crowd as we smash the Baldes.

We dominate possession, running riot in attack, while our defence again completely dismantled their attack, allowing only one shot on goal.

Finnegan followed up his midweek hat-trick in the League Cup, with another to make for a very impressive few days.

Another brilliant all around performance as we remain perfect through three games.

 

This match did come at a cost though, as we lost one of our starting midfielders for a month.

 

We rotate the squad and kick off the League Cup campaign with a thumping win over the recently relegated Oxford.

The goals were shared around in a great attacking performance, while the defence continued it's brilliant performance, strangling the life out of the visitors attack.

 

A stunning result as Luton are blown off the park as we run riot, smashing home seven goals.

A hat-trick for Finnegan, and a brace for Clarke, along with a first senior goal for James send us through to the 3rd Round.

The defence continued it's strangling ways, allowing the Luton attack, no time to create any serious chances.

 

We host Southend in Round 3.

 

 

Four games, four wins, 12 goals scored, none conceded, and we top the table after the first month.

That's some statement to start the season.

Mind you, Birmingham have the same record, just having scored less goals.

 

Finnegan took out both Player of the Month awards, while we took out all three places in the Young Player of the Month section.

 

Our perfect start to the month lead me to the Manager of the Month for the first time in the Championship.

 

Transfers

 

We managed to get through the rest of the transfer window without selling any further players.

We received offers up to £36 million for Finnegan, but he was happy to stay at the club, as the majority of the offers were coming from overseas, and he wasn't interested.

We did send a lot of players out on loan to help continue their development, so we will be bringing in money in loan fees this season.

 

While our wages have increased, we are still second last, £360k behind the average.

 

The bank balance takes a it despite the good turn outs in the League Cup.

 

Some tougher matches next month while we face Southend in the League Cup 3rd Round.

Edited December 31, 2023 by Punch

[Blarney]

I don't think the start of the season could have gone any better.  I'm not sure how that would be possible.  Sparkling.

[Punch]

1 hour ago, Blarney said:

I don't think the start of the season could have gone any better.  I'm not sure how that would be possible.  Sparkling.

There will be no flying under the radar this season. Seems we have put the entire League on notice in the first month 

[Stuniverse]

Great start to the season, @Punch 

[Punch]

47 minutes ago, Stuniverse said:

Great start to the season, @Punch 

Thanks Stu!

We have started like a house on fire…now to make sure we don’t fall into a smouldering heap 

Edited December 30, 2023 by Punch

[Punch]

 

SEP 2038

A good start to the month as we continued our defensive run, not allowing a goal until our first loss of the season as Borough.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

We continued our impressive start to the season defensively, as we hold Cardiff to one shot on goal.

Two first half goals were enough to secure another three points.

 

A real tight tussle at Palace as neither side were able to produce any quality chances.

We pushed harder when the hosts had a player sent off in the second half, but we were not able to take advantage of the numerical advantage.

Our perfect run comes to an end, but we take a point, and still have not conceded a goal.

 

A lackluster performance as we finally concede a goal, and then conceded a second to register our first loss of the season.

We had our chances, but struggled to take them, as they were defensively much better than us in this game.

 

We didn't spend long in the losing circle as our attack clicked into high gear again, punching three past Blackpool, while they turned one in for us as well.

Back to dominating possession, which is where we play our best, and the result followed.

 

Plenty of rotation again as we send out a young squad against Southend, and they turned on some performance.

Domination in possession, and allowed very little in way of attack from the visitors, as we run away into the 4th Round.

 

 

We drop to 2nd place, as Birmingham continue their amazing start to the season, still not having conceded a goal, while we have allowed three now.

 

Before the loss to Borough, we broke the club record.

 

 Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

 

Internationals

We had a few players on International duty this month.

 

New Contract

The Board offered me, and I accepted a new contract, with a £2k per week pay bump.

Looks like you all get to see me rattling on about the Green Lions for another three seasons

 

Looks to be about the standard loss again this month.

 

Another big month ahead as we face seven games.

 

Edited December 31, 2023 by Punch

[Stuniverse]

12 minutes ago, Punch said:

Before the loss to Borough, we broke the club record.

12 minutes ago, Punch said:

Looks to be about the standard loss again this month.

Healthy bank balance though.

12 minutes ago, Punch said:

Another big month ahead as we face seven games.

That's the Championship for you. Relentless. Although you must be getting used to it by now, @Punch

[Punch]

Just now, Stuniverse said:

Healthy bank balance though.

The sale of Balogun made a huge difference.

 

1 minute ago, Stuniverse said:

That's the Championship for you. Relentless. Although you must be getting used to it by now

Haha yep, pretty much. At least there is no Papa Johns Trophy to deal with in this League.

[Punch]

 

OCT 2038

A cracking month as we continue our impressive defensive start to the season, giving up only one goal, in a draw, winning four League games, while advancing in the League Cup.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

A great start to the month as we put four past Peterborough, in an attacking master class, with only four shots on target.

The defence continued it's impressive form shutting down the hosts attack, and not allowing them on the ball.

 

A tight battle at Swansea as the hosts fought really hard, but ultimately the one goal we scored was enough to take all three points.

We created enough chances to score plenty of games, but it was a single goal in the second half, as their defence made us work hard for it.

 

Another cracking match as we were pushed all the way by Blackburn.

Finnegan buried an early penalty to give us the lead, and while we had chances, so did the visitors, and it was a tight battle all the way to the final whistle.

We managed to hang on though, securing another three points.

 

We would call this a disappointing result, as we created chance after chance after chance, but could only manage a share of the points.

11 shots on target, an xG of nearly 4, but we could only managed one goal, and it came back to bite us as Stoke hit back immediately, and we couldn't produce a winner.

 

Another tight battle at WBA, but we done enough to secure another three points.

We were again wasteful with a lot of chances, but luckily the defence held firm, and our two first half goals were enough to take the win.

 

A heavily rotated squad got the job done at Coventry, with a goal in each half enough to send us through.

We took enough chances, and were solid in defence, keeping another clean sheet on our way to advancing.

 

A tough draw as we travel to EPL Brentford in the Quarter Final.

 

Birmingham dropped points three times in a row, allowing us to take first place back.

Our defensive record has improved has also improved back to first place, conceding only four goals in 13 games.

 

Our impressive month lead me to a second Manager of the Month in three months.

 

Internationals

A few players on International Duty again this month, with Zachariou becoming our 5th goalscorer at Senior level.

 

We have completed the second upgrade to our Training Facilities in two years.

 

A pretty standard month.

 

We face some tough matches next month.

[Punch]

 

NOV 2038

After a brilliant month, we follow it up with a shocking month, seemingly forgetting how to score goals as we lost three games in a row at home, not scoring in any of them.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

An epic top of the table arm wrestle, but it was a classic tale of one team taking their chances, and one wasting them.

While there were very few chances created, we were unable to find a way past their defences.

Another match where we struggled if we didn't win the possession war.

 

This time we dominated the match and possession, but again were not able to find a way through their defences.

To add insult to injury, we then gave up an injury time goal to throw away all three points, losing back to back games at home for the first time in the new stadium.

 

The attack finally got it together, especially in the second half as we ran away with a dominant win over Charlton.

A cracking brace from young Chambers, who continues to impress, and a clean sheet make for a good day out.

 

We come from behind to secure a point at Preston.

It turned into a pretty tight tussle at Deepdale, with both sides putting in strong defensive performances.

We managed a point, despite being beaten in possession again.

 

Possibly our worst performance in some time as Bristol out played us all over the park.

We give up two goals, and despite creating more than enough chances, could not find the back of the net ourselves.

We have now lost three on the bounce at home, not scoring any goals in that span.

 

 

From top to 4th as we tumble hard after a poor month.

 

The top of the table clash against Birmingham represented my 900th game in charge at the Green Lions, and the tradition of losing milestone games continued.

 

EPL Wolves are apparently interested in my services, although if we keep playing like this month, that might change in a hurry.

 

Internationals

We had several players on International Duty during the early month break.

 

The FA Cup kicks off in January, and we are handed a tricky first up draw, hosting QPR.

 

Another standard month.

 

A monster month ahead as we face 8 matches.

[Stuniverse]

7 hours ago, Punch said:

After a brilliant month, we follow it up with a shocking month, seemingly forgetting how to score goals as we lost three games in a row at home, not scoring in any of them.

Oh no, @Punch.

Things were going so welll... what happened?

[Punch]

1 hour ago, Stuniverse said:

Oh no, @Punch.

Things were going so welll... what happened?

Not playing badly, we just apparently forgot that putting the ball in the net is what counts 

[Punch]

 

DEC 2038

We put up a mixed bag, starting the month with two solid wins, before putting together a run of five League games without a win, although we only lost one.

We also caused a massive upset, knocking EPL Brentford out of the League Cup on penalties, to advance to the Semi Final for the first time.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

A cracking result as we run riot at Burnley.

Despite giving up an early goal, wee were always in command as we fought back to put away three, while hitting the woodwork twice, we also had three goals ruled out.

A good result to turn around a poor month.

 

We made a cracking start to this one as Sunderland were put to the sword early.

Three quick goals allowed us to control the game, while we kept a clean sheet in a good all round performance.

 

We fell back into old ways as we struggled to put the ball in the net, despite creating plenty of chances.

We gave up an early goal, but managed to hit back pretty quickly.

Not being able to find a winner, we had to settle for a share of the points.

 

Back to back draws as our defence put in a great performance, shutting down the Tricky Trees.

However, we couldn't take advantage, again being unable to convert the chances we created.

 

Another tight battle where we had to come from behind to earn a point.

Plenty of chances, and another against the bar, but we were not able to find a winner.

 

A cracking game at the Green Lions Den, which had everything, except a goal.

Both sides created plenty of chances, but both keepers had blinders, not letting anything through.

 

One of our worst performances of the season as we allow Sunderland to overturn the result from earlier in the month.

We created plenty of chances but took none of them, while they managed to pull apart our defence putting goals away easily.

 

A brilliant game at Brentford where we put in one of our best defensive performances to hold a spirited Premier League side at bay.

It went to a shoot out where we managed to hold our nerve and put away all 5 shots, while one brilliant save from Mason was enough to send us through to the Semi Final.

 

Drawn against the Gunners, they will host the First Leg, while we will host them in the return leg.

 

 

We still hold 4th place.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

 

Youth Intake Preview

A very underwhelming preview, promising very little.

 

While still a loss, we suffer a lesser loss, due to transfer installments being received.

 

Another busy month coming up as we face seven games including two legs of the League Cup, and the FA Cup kicks off in between.

[Hootieleece]

At Least you are in the Playoff Places, you have a chance.

Your Birmingham is better than IRL!  Must be the Tom Brady effect!

 

 

[Punch]

7 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

At Least you are in the Playoff Places, you have a chance.

Your Birmingham is better than IRL!  Must be the Tom Brady effect!

 

 

We are still improving, despite the inconsistency.

I will have to check and see if they have recruited him 

[Hootieleece]

1 hour ago, Punch said:

I will have to check and see if they have recruited him 

He would be a director if he is in the game. He is a part owner IRL of Birmingham.

[Punch]

3 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

He would be a director if he is in the game. He is a part owner IRL of Birmingham.

Maybe he is throwing rockets from the midfield

[Punch]

 

JAN 2039

A real mixed bag this month, we started with a big win in the League, before Cup duties took over and we gave Arsenal a massive fright, holding them to a draw at the Emirates, before they took a tight win in the return leg at Guernsey Stadium. In between we advanced in the FA Cup, returning to League action with two draws and a loss, then rounding out the month with another FA Cup win.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

A brilliant start to the month, putting four past Blackpool.

The defence held well, although we did concede a late goal.

Back to dominating possession and winning games comfortably.

 

We lost the possession battle, but worse, didn't take our chances, and were made to pay.

We had plenty of opportunities to put this game away, but were made to pay for not taking them deep into injury time when we gave up an equaliser.

 

Swansea gave us a really tight battle at the Green Lions Den.

Chances were very limited for both sides, as both sets of defences were in top form.

A goal each before the break was all we could manage, so it was a point each in the end.

 

A massive case of not taking our chances as we throw away three points at Stoke.

An xG of over three, but we could only manage a single goal, in response to the hosts double.

A really disappointing performance.

 

We gave the Gunners a massive fright in the first leg.

After conceding through a sloppy own goal, we hit back with a penalty to be level at the break.

The hosts always looked the most likely to score, and finally did so after the break, but we caught them napping, hitting straight back with an equaliser.

 

We were always up against it, but we made them earn it the hard way, with just s single goal on the hour, settling the result.

A massive performance over the two legs, to push one of the better Premier League teams all the way.

 

A seven goal epic to kick off our FA Cup campaign.

A quality attacking display, but we went to sleep a few times in defence, giving up a couple of silly goals.

Enough done to get us through to teh next round though.

 

Another quality performance, and we were much tighter in defence this time around, meeting expectations in a dominant win.

First senior goal for Brown, and he followed it up by netting his second as well.

 

We travel to EPL Derby for the 5th Round.

 

 

Mixed form dropped us another spot to 5th.

We are still up there with one of the best defences in the League though.

 

The home Leg of the League Cup Semi Final was a sell out, and we broke our Gate Receipt record again.

 

Internationals

We had two players on duty at the Asia Cup, both representing Australia, who have gone undefeated through their Group Matches, before winning their Round of 16, and Quarter Final matches.

They face South Korea in the Semi Final early next month.

 

 

Transfers

 

We made it through the month with no player sales, despite plenty of interest in several of our players.

We did send some kids who were not playing out on loan.

 

I have still been upgrading several contracts so the wages have gone up again.

We have moved up a spot, but are still a long way behind the big boys, and even the League average.

 

We received another £5 million from Liverpool for their next installment for Balogun.

He has also been featuring in their first team, resulting in us being paid £200k per appearance.

He has made 9 appearances total, so if he plays one more, we will also be paid a further £5.5 million as a part of the deal.

 

Six League games to deal with next month, and there are plenty of tough games coming.

[Punch]

 

FEB 2039

We started off the month strong winning four straight, including three big wins, before we suffered a draw and defeat to round out the month.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

A brilliant performance to start the month, as a Finnegan hat-trick lead us to a big win.

An early goal before we gave up a quick equaliser, but we managed to score regularly, taking a two goal lead to the break.

The Finnegan show kicked into high gear in the second half, as he put two more in the net, but in reality, probably could have had four or five.

 

Another brilliant performance as two goals in each half send us on our way to another solid win.

The defensive line put in another great shift, shutting down the Blades offence almost completely, only allowing one shot on target.

A good day all round.

 

A tight scoreline, in a game we dominated, but only managed a single goal.

The defence done it's job to keep another clean sheet, but it was only the woodwork, which we managed to hit three times which kept the score line close.

 

Finnegan and Chambers run riot scoring a brace each as we put Boro to the sword.

Dominating possession, and our defence putting in another strong shift, keeping a clean sheet.

An excellent day all round.

 

We put in another dominant performance, but a combination of the woodwork, again, and some great saves from their keeper kept us scoreless.

The defence put in another good shift, keeping another clean sheet, but we were just not able to find a winner.

 

A pretty tight affair at Norwich, and despite taking an early lead, we had given it back by half time.

Another match where we were unable to find a winner, and then compounded it by giving up an injury time goal, to concede all three points at the death.

 

 

We had found our way back to the top of the table, but our last up loss dropped us back to second.

But with only 4 points, between the top 5 teams, it's a really tough League, and a tight finish to the season coming up.

 

Our form leads us to a couple of awards.

 

Internationals

Our two players representing Australia at the Asia Cup, went on to win the Semi and the Final, getting to lift the Trophy.

 

The clause we added into the sale of Balogun has paid off, as he now played for them 10 times, netting us a further £5.5 million.

We are also being paid £200k per game, which as also netted us a further £2 million.

That clause has another 40 matches to run, which will net us up to another £8 million, and we also still have the 50% sell on which may result in a big pay day down the track.

 

The Balogun deal continues to pay us, resulting in another profit this month.

 

We kick off next month with a trip to Premier League Derby for the FA Cup, before facing four League matches.

[Punch]

 

MAR 2039

Our original schedule of 5 League games, two ended up being moved due to our FA Cup games, and International call ups, but we ended up winning none of them.

We did upset Derby on penalties to advance in the FA Cup, before going down at Chelsea in the Quarter Final.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

A massive effort to fight back from two goals down, only to concede another goal late, and give up all three points at home.

We created enough chances to win the game, but conceded too many goals through lazy defending.

 

Another game where we came from behind, this time to take a lead, but couldn't hang on, conceding an injury time goal to share the points.

It was a pretty tight affair, and both sides had their chances to win, so a draw was probably a fair result.

 

One of our worst attacking performances of the season, as we failed to put the ball in the net, while giving up two goals.

We have now conceded seven goals in three games, which is a concern after having one of the best defensive records in the League before this month.

 

A tough battle at Pride Park as we push our Premier League opponents all the way, even probably having the better of the exchange.

We scored first, and it looked like we had done enough to win, especially when they had a player sent off.

We continued our recent trend of conceding late goals, and neither side could find a winner in extra time.

Arani picked up an injury in training, so it was left to Hamilton to come up with the big play, making the soot out save that sent us off to the Quarter Finals.

 

Drawn against Chelsea, we were up against it, but managed to give them a good fight.

We gave up a goal in each half, but it probably could have been a lot more.

We were well beaten, but not disgraced against a much better opposition.

 

 

We are in 5th, with a game in hand, but with only 6 points between 2nd and 8th, it's going to be a massive fight for the play off places.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

 

Internationals

Players on International Duty again this month, while Cooper became our 13th Senior International, earning his first Cap for Scotland.

 

A little over £1 million from our share of the gate at Chelsea help limit the loss this month.

 

Two rescheduled matches makes for a busy month coming up.

[Stuniverse]

15 minutes ago, Punch said:

Two rescheduled matches makes for a busy month coming up.

That four games in 12 days stretch will test the stamina of your squad.

All the best.

[Punch]

 

MAR 2039 - Youth Intake

 

The Intake Preview promised very little in the way to get excited about, but it turns out, there has been an exciting development.

 

The star system again provides very little to be excited about, but the name at the top of the list does.

 

The attributes don't provide for a lot of optimism, the top three at least provide for a bit of hope.

 

I have heard of people having sons come through the Youth Academy, but have never actually seen it in one of my saves.

This years top rated prospect shares my last name in game, which is a pretty unique name, so other than that, I am not sure if there is a way to tell if there is any familiar relation or not.

A rough around the edges midfielder, but he shows plenty of potential to be a quality midfielder if we can get his numbers up.

A future leader of the club if we can make that happen.

 

The other top prospects

Spoiler

Possibly the best finishing I have ever seen come out of the Academy, as we produce a highly rated Striker.

Needs plenty of work, but the potential is high with this one.

 

A quality looking defender, potential to be retrained as a Wing Back, as already has good pace.

Again, rough around the edges, but there is plenty of potential to work with.

 

Another potentially high quality defender, he gives us plenty to work with potential wise.

 

Speed kills! And this kid has it to burn.

An exciting looking forward if we can get a few of his other numbers up to match his potential.

 

 

Plenty of dual citizens again, but we welcome our first from Turkey, Sweeden, and Gibraltar.

 

There is not a lot to get excited about beyond the first 5, but they may have potential to earn us some money selling them to lower League clubs down the track, so I have signed a few of them.

It will be interesting to see how the top ones turn out though.

[Punch]

20 minutes ago, Stuniverse said:

That four games in 12 days stretch will test the stamina of your squad.

All the best.

Don't think it matters which way you carve up the games, it's going to be a rough month fatigue wise.

[Hootieleece]

1 hour ago, Punch said:

I am not sure if there is a way to tell if there is any familiar relation or not.

Look under information under the overview tab. There is a screen that will tell you who he supports, where he was born, and if you are his father.  It also has the information about who he is eligible for internationally , etc.

 

Here is the screen I am talking about: Information under the Overview Tab.

You would be listed as father under "Favored Personnel"

Edited January 4 by Hootieleece
added images , and wrote words