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

[Punch]

 

FEB 2037

A rough month as we have flip flopped from seven games unbeaten, to now eight without a win.

Not sure if the player sales from last month have unsettled the team, although there does not appear to be any unhappiness about it, or if it is just a poor run of form.

We also managed to lose our first League TV game.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

We took the lead against Derby, but they ran over the top of us.

An attacking game from both sides, but they were just more clinical in their finishing, while we were wayward with our shooting, which cost us dearly in the end.

 

A really disappointing result as we played all over The Blades, however, we again were all over the place in attack.

We managed to level the scores, but then gave up the lead almost immediately, and were unable to run them down again.

 

Another highly attacking game, where we bolted out of the gates, two up by 10 minutes.

We then fell apart around half time, giving up three goals on just over 10 minutes.

We thought we had stolen an equaliser at the death, but the goal was ruled out.

 

Our first points of the month, as we showed some serious fight, coming from behind twice to steal a point at Peterborough.

This time it was the hosts who squandered many chances, as we rode our luck, and hung on for dear life, ending our losing streak at three.

 

Another massive fight back, as we come from two goals down to take a point off Wigan.

We continue our worrying recent trend of giving up early leads, but a penalty just before the break seemed to steady us.

We came out in the second half looking the better team, and while we found the equaliser, we were unable to secure the win.

 

A pretty epic battle at Deepdale as we again fight back twice to find a late equaliser.

Both sides played a pretty entertaining game and while we failed to get the win, we showed some positive signs.

 

 

We fall a couple of places this month, while still in the mid table, in fact, we are exactly equal points between the relegation zone and the play off places.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

Transfer Clauses

Clapton went straight into the first team at Forest, and we are already half way to another £1 million dollar payment.

We are also receiving £200k per appearance, so will collect another £2 million when the 10 games are complete.

All these extra clauses continue to help the clubs financial situation.

 

A small loss this month, as the payments for Clapton playing for Forest off set a lot of the costs.

 

March kicks off against Clapton's Forest, and as he never played for us in the FA Cup this season, we will probably go up against him.

We also have four tough League games to come, and the next Youth Intake will arrive.

[Punch]

 

MAR 2037

A cracking month for the club, although the schedule was changed up a bit due to our advancing in the FA Cup, and International call ups.

We won two of our three League games, and also advanced thrashing in the FA Cup, before we pulled off the biggest upset in the clubs history, knocking Liverpool out of the FA Cup, advancing to Wembley for the Semi Final.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

QPR got off to a blazing start, and we were barely hanging on, but on the half hour the tide started to turn as we scored on the break.

That seemed to rattle the visitors, and we were able to take advantage, and ended up running away with the match, as for a change, we were able to make the most of their missed chances.

 

Another cracking result as we dominated Reading, suffocating their attack out of the match.

It was nice to keep a clean sheet for the first time in a while as well.

 

A really tight fight at Oxford as we go down, with the hosts scoring the only goal of the match.

Both teams created only a few chances, with very few hitting the target.

 

A full house at Plainmoor as we smash Forest on our way to our best ever result in the FA Cup.

Finnegan's hat-trick was a highlight, along with a clean sheet, sending us through to the Quarter Final for the first time.

 

We then provided the biggest upset in the history of our club, as we stage a massive comeback to stun Liverpool at Anfield.

We held the hosts off until deep in the second half before they finally broke through, scoring two quick goals.

They seemed to relax after that, thinking the job was done, before we sent them into complete panic, blazing three goals in three minutes to silence the Anfield faithful, booking our spot in the Semi Final.

 

We are off to Wembley where we will face Brentford for a spot in the Final.

 

 

We gain a spot to 12th place, still holding our mid table spot, still in between the relegation and play off zones.

 

Balogun takes out the Young Player of the Month award, which was impressive as he only played two games.

 

Internationals

We had several players on International Duty this month, Zachariou becoming our 10th International.

 

Our full house set the gate record again.

 

Clapton has played his 10th game for Forest, earning us another £1 million, and we were also paid £200k per game, giving us another £3 million from his transfer.

 

Extra transfer fees, gate receipts, and prize money made for a tidy profit, giving us a very healthy bank balance.

 

A monster month coming up as we face six League games, and the biggest game in the clubs history, as we are 90 minutes from the FA Cup Final.

[Punch]

 

MAR 2037 - Youth Intake

 

The class of 2037 has arrived, with the preview promising a number of promising players, in important positions.

 

I've never really been convinced by the star system, but this one is all over the place.

The PA stars are a mixed bag compared to the PA numbers.

 

A mixed bag in the attribute average as well, but with plenty of room for growth, I am looking forward to seeing how far these kids can go.

 

The Best of them

Spoiler

An exciting prospect in the midfield, with massive room for growth.

While still some way off first team level, with time, I think he could be a future star in the center of the park for us.

 

An exciting prospect who can play anywhere in the forward line, with pace to burn and solid numbers in other places.

I am looking forward to seeing this kid terrorising opposition defences for years to come.

 

The best defender in the bunch, this one is a little rough around the edges, but I like the potential for growth in this kid.

He will take some time, but there is a future part of the Green Lion defensive wall in the making here.

 

Another exciting midfield prospect, with the potential to form a great partnership with Liddell.

That would be an exciting duo running our midfield in a few years.

 

Another exciting GK, standing over 190cm, I have no idea where our HoYD keeps finding them, but the production line keeps churning them out.

This is the first English GK we have produced for a while, but another one who has the potential to be a super star in the future.

 

 

We had plenty of players from England, with dual citizenship again, but only two from Guernsey this time around.

We welcomed our first players from Barbados, Greece, Ecuador, and Anguilla.

 

Overall, another exciting intake, with plenty of room for growth, and while there are no standouts that will walk straight into the first team, in time, I think more than a few of them have a chance to make it.

[TheNapalmNerd]

You've gotten very far and I can honestly say that I'm rooting for you and hoping there's an update on your save every time I get in here. I like your format and all the details you keep trail of.

 

With All the money you now have, and the ability to finally keep a hold of your best players it shouldn't be long before you challenge for promotion.

 

Great job 😃👍

Edited December 5, 2023 by TheNapalmNerd

[Punch]

22 hours ago, TheNapalmNerd said:

You've gotten very far and I can honestly say that I'm rooting for you and hoping there's an update on your save every time I get in here. I like your format and all the details you keep trail of.

 

With All the money you now have, and the ability to finally keep a hold of your best players it shouldn't be long before you challenge for promotion.

 

Great job 😃👍

Thank you! Glad to have you along for the ride.

The last transfer window done wonders for our bank account, so now I am going to hit the Board up to improve the training and youth facilities. Hopefully they will be more open to the idea now that we are in a better place financially.

Promotion might still be a while away, given there are some really tough teams in this League. However, if we can keep the improvements coming, who knows where it could lead.

We are also just a few months away from returning to Guernsey full time, as our new stadium will be open.

Exciting times to come.

[Punch]

 

APR 2037

A shocking month in the League as we lose four of our six games, although we met a lot of teams at the top end of the table.

We did however, end the month with a stunning performance in the FA Cup Semi Final, causing a massive upset as we bundled out our second Premier League opposition in a row.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

A tough loss as we just about matched Portsmouth, but they were more clinical in front of goal.

We did get the ball in the net twice, but had them both ruled out.

 

Then top of the table Bournemouth hammered us, and a one goal difference probably flattered us.

They created many, many chances, only wayward shooting keeping us in the game.

It wasn't enough to help us though, as we went down.

 

Our first points of the month, and it could probably be considered a massive upset over the play off bound Palace.

We didn't create a lot of chances, but took the ones we did, while managing to strangle their attack, for a good win, and an important three points.

 

A poor performance in a game we were expected to do well in.

The hosts got an early goal, which knocked us off our game, and we never really recovered.

A late sealer for the hosts ended a miserable day.

 

We hammered away at the Sunderland goal, but were unable to beat their keeper who had a day out.

Neither side was able to find the back of the net, so we had to settle for a share of the points.

 

We gave top of the table Norwich a tough match, but we spent so much time defending, we were not able to create much in attack.

They got an early goal, and that proved enough to take all the points.

 

A massive upset as we go to Wembley and blow the highly favoured Brentford off the park.

Two early goals stunned them, and while they thought they had one back, it was ruled out.

After the break they came hard at us, and finally pulled one back.

Rather than go into our shell and let them run over the top of us, we doubled down our attacking efforts and were rewarded with two more goals.

A massive result that also brings in over £2 million from gate and prize money.

 

The Green Lions are off to the big dance in the FA Cup, where we will face Tottenham.

They will be massive favourites, as we face our third straight Premier League team.

 

 

We have fallen to 14th, and while we are now out of the running for the play off spots, we are also safe from relegation.

With two games to play, we can still finish anywhere between 12th and 19th.

 

Improvements time

 

With the club in a better financial state, I decided it was time to hit the Board up for improvements.

With Youth Recruitment and Training maxed out, it's time for better training facilities.

 

 

With an investment of nearly £3.5 million, I managed to get the Board to agree to upgrade both Senior and Youth Training Facilities.

I had to press the issue, as they initially knocked back both requests, but came around to my side of the argument pretty quickly, and gave approvals for both.

Ready in time just after the opening of our new stadium, the club is heading for exciting times.

 

The FA Cup result ate up a lot of the losses from our upgrades, although we still had a decent loss for the month.

 

With two League games to play early in the month, and the FA Cup Final not until June, I may throw a few friendlies into the end of May to keep up the match fitness.

[Hootieleece]

Still doing well I see an established Championship side. Are you planning on getting promoted in your new stadium?

[Punch]

20 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

Still doing well I see an established Championship side. Are you planning on getting promoted in your new stadium?

Would be a nice way to celebrate the new stadium next season wouldn’t it…I don’t think we will be ready for that next season though.

[Punch]

 

MAY 2037

We finished the season in some style as we belted Charlton, before scoring three late goals to rescue a point in the final game of the season.

We threw in a few friendlies to keep the boys match fit in preparation for the upcoming FA Cup Final.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

We only scored one in the first half, but we really ran away with it in the second half as we thump Charlton in our final away game of the season.

While it was a good attacking performance, the defence was immense as well, shutting down the hosts attack completely.

 

We came from two down to level the scores, smashing home two in two minutes, before giving up a clumsy penalty, looking like we had thrown away a point.

However, the boys kept pressing and were rewarded with our own penalty, deep into injury time, with Finnegan smashing home the equaliser, to finish the season in style.

 

 

We finish the season in 14th spot, meeting our expectations of a mid table finish. Well clear of the relegation zone, but some way behind the play off spots as well.

Norwich took the title, with Bournemouth securing the automatic promotion spot.

Crystal Palace smashed Forest, and then had to fight through extra time to secure the final promotion spot into the Premier League.

 

Our first year in the Championship was always going to be our record high, but now we have set the benchmark for where we want to improve next season.

 

A massive effort from Finnegan to be recognised as the Championship Young Player of the Season.

24 goal involvements, showing why he has been attracting a lot of interest from EPL clubs.

 

A nearly £15 million profit so far this season, so I expect to be hammered by a tax bill next season.

 

And then there was one, and the biggest game in our clubs history as we head to a packed Wembley to face Spurs in the FA Cup Final.

[Punch]

 

JUN 2037 - FA Cup Final Preview

 

We are massive underdogs for this one with Spurs expected to win in a canter.

Our task is not made easier by missing two players who would be in the first team, as Garai is on International Duty, and Mitchell is on loan from Spurs, so is not able to play against them.

 

The Green Lions are just 26 years old, and appearing on the FA Cup Final, which is a massive achievement.

While there is no expectations on us, it will be good to give Spurs a hell of a fight along the way.

 

We have met just once before, with a comprehensive victory for Spurs some six years ago in the same competition.

[Punch]

 

JUN 2037 - FA Cup Final

 

 

A brave effort by our kids to give Spurs a run for their money.

They had the lead at the break, before we stunned them by scoring a great team goal in the second half.

Their quality showed through though as they scored two quick goals after the hour to wrap up the win, and lift the Trophy.

Considering they spend more a week on wages, than we do in the entire season, this was still a very impressive effort.

Beaten, but not embarrassed, as we are able to hold our heads high after this performance.

 

We also receive a bit over £1.1 million for our share of the gate from the full house, making it a very profitable day for the club.

 

Runners Up and biggest over achievers, in a very impressive Cup run.

[TheNapalmNerd]

Yeah... I really did post in the wrong page...

Edited December 9, 2023 by TheNapalmNerd

[Punch]

15 minutes ago, TheNapalmNerd said:

UEFA Super Cup: Inter (N)

Another win in the Super Cup and a great start to the season. We absolutely dominated the opposition.

Slow start but in the end we got the result we wanted, after a match where they had no highlights in attack. We bought in Sven Slor as a future Left Winger option alongside Muhittin Yoldas at the start of this summer and they both contributed in their first match.

Slor came in for 106M and Yoldas is a former Loan Farm player, who we bought in for seasons ago for 20M. Fine players today. If Only Slor was taller he would have been a nice option up front. on a regular basis.

Haha I think you posted in the wrong thread @TheNapalmNerd

[TheNapalmNerd]

23 minutes ago, Punch said:

Haha I think you posted in the wrong thread @TheNapalmNerd

[Punch]

6 minutes ago, TheNapalmNerd said:

[Punch]

 

2036-2037 Season Review

 

[Punch]

 

2036-2037 Season Review - Stats

 

Goalkeepers

Just the two keepers used this season, and while Arani had his highlights, the save % is down again.

While probably not all his fault, there were some frailties in our defensive line, he did also contribute some errors.

 

Defenders

Our defensive line which was a brick wall in the last two seasons, had some struggles this year.

I am looking into making some tactical changes for next season, so it will be interesting to see how they adapt, and if it improves our defensive struggles.

 

Midfielders

Another area where we were not as strong this season.

While they had their moments, the upcoming tactical changes will affect the midfielders as well.

 

Forwards

We scored plenty of goals, but had trouble stopping them.

Our forwards were probably the our best area this season, however, we did get left open at the back.

The tactical change will also have an affect on the forwards, hopefully giving them more space to be creative, while plugging some holes in the defensive areas.

 

No improvements on our all time records this season.

[Punch]

 

2036-2037 Season Review - Attributes

 

That time of year where we get to check out how the players have improved, or not.

 

Goalkeepers

A slight regression from Arani this season, while there are plenty of improvements among the others.

 

Defenders

This will become a common theme among this seasons review, there seems to be some regression among the first teamers, while the younger players have showed solid improvement.

 

Midfielders

One area where there was some reasonable growth across most of the players.

Sampson being the standout in reverse, as he falls down the order.

 

Forwards

Another mixed bag among the forwards, as Balogun becomes our best rated forward.

 

Best Squad

 

Our overall age increases slightly, as does the overall rating average, although, it was a lot lower increase than previous years.

We still have a solid looking squad, but hopefully the training set up improvements, along with some training changes will return us to better improvements.

 

[Punch]

 

JUN 2037 - Off Season things

 

Internationals

Plenty of players on International duty this month and Manuel becomes our 11th senior rep, earning a Cap for New Zealand.

 

Way out of left field this one, with my first actual offer for a while.

 

Six players on their way, including our two active leading scorers in Cass & Mbugua, as they have all fallen way down the order over the last season or two.

 

Some tough sides coming down, some impressive sides coming up.

This will not be any easier.

 

We kick off at home against Portsmouth, although the match will be played at our new home, not at Plainmoor.

 

The Bookies have us in the Top 10 this season, which would be improvement, so hopefully we can make this happen.

 

A new era for the club as we will officially move into our new home, the all new Guernsey Stadium.

The new Green Lions Den hold just shy of 11k supporters, all seated, with an expansion capacity of just over 32k, it has the potential to be a very impressive stadium now, and into the future.

 

With the new stadium, and soon to be completed new training facilities, it's time for a tactical change.

I have always wanted to play a 5 at the back tactic, and to be honest, I am sick of looking at the 424 that I have been playing on the last two saves, and I have seen a few others using similar tactics.

Plus, I am hoping that this will plug some of the defensive frailties that we showed last season, while still allowing our attacking instincts to cause havoc among the opposition defensive lines.

My wing backs were already getting forward a lot, so now I can have them do so, with an extra defender in the line, along with a more defensive midfield, while the three forwards will have more room to run amok in the forward areas.

Lets see how this goes, although I may yet make some tweaks along the way.

 

We start the season in a great place financially, which has allowed me to continue rejecting transfer offers for our best players.

 

A massive increase to the wage budget, although we are still spending well below that amount.

 

The bill I expected has arrived, just something else to pay for.

 

This does not even cover our tax bill

 

Plenty of friendlies to get minutes in legs, and players used to the new tactic, while we head to Portugal for our pre-season training camp.

[Stuniverse]

On 09/12/2023 at 08:30, Punch said:

We finish the season in 14th spot, meeting our expectations of a mid table finish. Well clear of the relegation zone, but some way behind the play off spots as well.

That's as mid-table as it gets, @Punch.

Well done.

What are your expectations for next season? Play-offs... or too soon for that?

[Punch]

4 minutes ago, Stuniverse said:

That's as mid-table as it gets, @Punch.

Well done.

What are your expectations for next season? Play-offs... or too soon for that?

Haha yep, bang on...but we stayed out of the relegation fight, and while we did go up the table occasionally, we were never really a threat to the play off places.

Thanks!

As long as we see improvement, than that is my aim. I think it may be too soon to seriously consider a play off push, especially when throwing them in the deep end with a new tactic as well. If we improve into the top half of the table, then I will call that mission accomplished. Anything more than that would just be a bonus.

With the new stadium open, and new training facilities following soon behind, there is plenty to be excited about this season though.

[Punch]

 

JUL 2037 - Pre-Season things

 

A stunning run of results as the new tactic has been working wonders.

We welcome a new era at Guernsey Stadium, with over 10k packing in for our first game in the new Green Lions Den, as we provide the answer to the future trivia question, with Julian Garai taking 4 minutes to smash home the first goal.

The extra defence has been working wonders, while the extra space up front has allowed out forwards to get behind and burn opposition defences with pace, creating havoc among their defensive lines.

 

 Transfers

Our Club Captain has found himself fallen down the order in recent seasons, and wanted to go out on loan.

We have granted his request, and he has gone to Dundee, with the possibility of a future transfer fee on the cards as well.

 

Michaels has never really found his feet and was always a back up player.

He was not interested in a new contract, and we decided it was time to send him on his way.

We get a fee for more than he's worth, and the future fee included.

 

A monster start to the season as fans snap up season tickets in the new stadium, leading us to a tidy profit this month.

 

Over 5k season tickets, smashing last seasons total of just over 4.5k.

 

We kick off the new season in our new home, before hosting Cardiff in the League Cup.

Plenty of tough matches to start the season.

[TelcontarTargaryen]

Did you qualify for the European competition after that FA cup final appearance?

I guess probably not, unless you mentioned it and I did not see it.. it would probably be a strain on a schedule, but the financial benefit and opportunity to rotate and give a lot of players games...

[Punch]

53 minutes ago, TelcontarTargaryen said:

Did you qualify for the European competition after that FA cup final appearance?

I guess probably not, unless you mentioned it and I did not see it.. it would probably be a strain on a schedule, but the financial benefit and opportunity to rotate and give a lot of players games...

No, they stopped that qualification quite a while ago. (I had the same scenario in my FM21 save)

As Spurs already qualified by finishing 3rd in the EPL, the FA Cup spot goes to the next highest not qualified team in the Premier League.

I guess to stop situations like this, where a 2nd division team, who didn’t actually win anything, from taking a European spot.

[TelcontarTargaryen]

Ah that is too bad. I remember going into Europe in CM01/02 but I think I actually won the League Cup... 

[Punch]

7 minutes ago, TelcontarTargaryen said:

Ah that is too bad. I remember going into Europe in CM01/02 but I think I actually won the League Cup... 

It's probably for the best, as we would be cannon fodder in Europe anyway, which could be soul destroying for our League campaign.

Best we can focus our energy domestically, and keep looking to making improvements.

[Punch]

 

AUG 2037

A new era indeed, with St Peter Port rocking, as we welcome our new stadium in winning fashion, in front of a sell out crowd.

We advanced twice in the League Cup, wrapped around two hard fought League losses, before rounding out the month with a solid home win.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

A full house sign out at our new home as we have a winning start to the season, and our new home.

An early goal, with Garai continuing to be the answer to the future trivia question, by scoring the first competitive goal in the new stadium.

The visitors hit back quickly, and it was a tight tussle, but we secured the three points with a winner on the hour.

 

Another tight battle as we go down to Brighton in a heart breaker, deep into injury time.

Neither side were able to create much in the first hour, before the hosts hit the lead.

Stroud came off the bench to put us level, and it looked like we had done enough to secure an away point, but we failed to clear a late corner, and they headed in a latest of late winner.

 

Our first loss in our new home as we go down in a tight one to Wimbledon.

Our offence stuttered, spurning many chances, before the visitors secured the win, with there only shot on target.

 

A better result as we come from behind, shaking off a rough start to have the lead back, and be two goal up by the break.

The match stayed that way as we took a confidence boosting win.

 

A blazing performance as we demolish Cardiff to kick off our League Cup campaign.

A hat-trick for Finnegan, and a brace for Garai as we march on to the second round in some style.

 

A really tight battle as we win a close one over Swansea.

Clarke scored the only goal just after the break, to send us through to Round 3.

 

We travel to Birmingham for the 3rd Round.

 

 

Two wins two losses and we sit in the middle of the pack.

Looks like it's going to be another tough battle at the top end of the ladder.

 

Our opening game in the new stadium smashes our attendance record, although the 6,200 was at our temporary home at Plainmoor.

Our record League attendance at Footes Lane was 3,889 for a regular League match, and we had 5,000 in for our Promotion Play Off match from the National League.

 

While there is plenty of money in the bank at the moment we are still losing money.

It has enabled us to reject all the transfer offers for our top players, including bids of up to £22 million for Julius Balogun.

Thankfully the Board is staying out of the transfer process at the moment.

 

Another tough month coming up.

[Stuniverse]

6 hours ago, Punch said:

Another tough month coming up.

Looking at who’s in the. Championship, they’re all tough.

A solid start to the campaign though.

Edited December 11, 2023 by Stuniverse

[Punch]

3 minutes ago, Stuniverse said:

Looking at who’s in the. Championship, they’re all tough.

A solid start to the campaign though.

Sure is, not going to be an easy League to get out of. Very competitive with a lot of teams capable of making it to the Premier League.

[Jtomsett11]

Great season and an FA Cup final appearance - sensational! 

A question regarding youth intake, I can see you name them 32a,b,c etc but I'm not sure what you're basing that on as you haven't sorted by potential stars to do it as I've seen most people use?

[shd34_216_42]

I'm guessing the relatively low attendance is because of the team reputation being at roughly League One level.

Good news is that you won't need stadium expansion in the short term, bad news is that you probably will in a couple of years which means more loans.

[Punch]

8 hours ago, Jtomsett11 said:

Great season and an FA Cup final appearance - sensational! 

A question regarding youth intake, I can see you name them 32a,b,c etc but I'm not sure what you're basing that on as you haven't sorted by potential stars to do it as I've seen most people use?

Thank you! It was a massive effort.

So I am basing it on the PA still, I am just not showing it as I was not aware in my previous save that you are not supposed to show hidden CA/PA etc.

This is why I find the star system very confusing, as it very rarely matches up to what the PA shows.../shrug.

 

4 hours ago, shd34_216_42 said:

I'm guessing the relatively low attendance is because of the team reputation being at roughly League One level.

Good news is that you won't need stadium expansion in the short term, bad news is that you probably will in a couple of years which means more loans.

We sold out the new stadium on game one, and have had over 8k to the next two home games. So I don't think we are doing too badly at the moment.

Also bear in mind, there are less than 70k people on the island, only about 20k of which live in St Peter Port, so we are getting more than 10% of the population of Guernsey, and nearly half the population of St Peter Port turn up to matches...that's some pretty impressive numbers.

But you are correct, I am guessing there will need to be upgrades in the future (EPL min is 12.5k).

[Stuniverse]

8 hours ago, shd34_216_42 said:

I'm guessing the relatively low attendance is because of the team reputation being at roughly League One level.

I would agree this is probably the case.

[shd34_216_42]

9 hours ago, Punch said:

We sold out the new stadium on game one, and have had over 8k to the next two home games. So I don't think we are doing too badly at the moment.

Also bear in mind, there are less than 70k people on the island, only about 20k of which live in St Peter Port, so we are getting more than 10% of the population of Guernsey, and nearly half the population of St Peter Port turn up to matches...that's some pretty impressive numbers.

But you are correct, I am guessing there will need to be upgrades in the future (EPL min is 12.5k).

There's typically an attendance bump in the first game of a new stadium.

I guess I should check your Isle of Man save for reference, although I believe the stadium situation was similar.

The issue with 8k attendance is maintaining Championship-level wages, because your players are probably wanting new contracts constantly unless they recently signed new ones.

[Jtomsett11]

On 12/12/2023 at 05:18, Punch said:

Thank you! It was a massive effort.

So I am basing it on the PA still, I am just not showing it as I was not aware in my previous save that you are not supposed to show hidden CA/PA etc.

This is why I find the star system very confusing, as it very rarely matches up to what the PA shows.../shrug.

 

We sold out the new stadium on game one, and have had over 8k to the next two home games. So I don't think we are doing too badly at the moment.

Also bear in mind, there are less than 70k people on the island, only about 20k of which live in St Peter Port, so we are getting more than 10% of the population of Guernsey, and nearly half the population of St Peter Port turn up to matches...that's some pretty impressive numbers.

But you are correct, I am guessing there will need to be upgrades in the future (EPL min is 12.5k).

Right,  I get you! I think with newgens you're allowed to do whatever,  it's just with real players you should put any CA/PA in spoilers in case people don't want to see. Amazing how wrong the scouts get it isn't it! I would be very interested to see your full squad by PA to see the sort of potential you're producing as a club still only just in the championship!

[Punch]

17 hours ago, shd34_216_42 said:

There's typically an attendance bump in the first game of a new stadium.

I guess I should check your Isle of Man save for reference, although I believe the stadium situation was similar.

The issue with 8k attendance is maintaining Championship-level wages, because your players are probably wanting new contracts constantly unless they recently signed new ones.

It’s a massive improvement on what we were having, but I am guessing that as our reputation improves, the crowds will continue to grow.

 

37 minutes ago, Jtomsett11 said:

Right,  I get you! I think with newgens you're allowed to do whatever,  it's just with real players you should put any CA/PA in spoilers in case people don't want to see. Amazing how wrong the scouts get it isn't it! I would be very interested to see your full squad by PA to see the sort of potential you're producing as a club still only just in the championship!

Ah ok, I may have misunderstood that part.

I will see if I can rustle up a report next time I post, I am pretty sure we are producing a few with 150+ PA each season now. If they get there or not is another story 

[Punch]

 

SEP 2037

A rough month as we faced 5 straight away games.

Back to back losses including a crazy 9 goal epic at WBA, before we finally righted the ship, advancing in the League Cup, and our first League win of the month at Forest.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

A hard fought draw as we secured a point in injury time, in a game we were second best for most of the game.

A good battle and we showed some real character to hang in, when not at our best.

 

A tough loss as we come from behind to take a lead, but then gave up two late goals to fall to defeat.

Two goals in two minutes gave us a lead at the break, but we were unable to hang on as the hosts over ran us to claim all three points.

 

A crazy game at The Hawthorns as we lead twice, but end up going down in a 9 goal thriller.

It was a great attacking performance, but we let ourselves down defensively, conceding 5 was a pretty poor effort.

 

A much better performance defensively as we hold forest to just two shots on target, and keep our first clean sheet for a while.

Two second half goals completed a good day out, and we collected all the points.

 

A solid performance from a rotated squad as we advance to the 4th Round.

A goal in each half to youngster Chambers made for an impressive result.

 

A massive date ahead as we head to The Emirates to face the Gunners in the 4th Round.

 

 

We fell as low as 21st at one point, but a win in the final game of the month moved us back up to 17th, although it's still a pretty tight table each way.

 

Internationals

Plenty of players on International Duty this month, made for a lot of fatigue management.

 

Upgrades

After opening our new stadium, we have now opened new Training and Youth Facilities to go along with it.

Our first upgrades in this area for some time, and it might not be the last as they have fallen behind a bit.

 Hopefully this will provide a kick we need to keep moving forward.

 

We made it through the transfer window without anymore player sales, and while we are no longer the lowest paying team, but still a long way behind the big clubs.

 

Faherty spent the rest of the season on loan with us, before spending two years out on loan, but he has now made his EPL debut, netting us £500k as part of the transfer deal, we also received £100k per match for his first 10 matches.

 

The transfer clause lessens the blow, but we still make a decent loss.

 

A busy month coming up as we face 6 League games, and travel to Arsenal for the League Cup 4th Round.

 

@Jtomsett11, a special addition just for you...

Spoiler

I hit the 'Best XI' option, which I believe picks the player with the highest CA in each position.

It's a pretty impressive line up, with a few players still having room for improvement.

 

 

[Punch]

 

OCT 2037

A much better minth as we went undefeated in the League, with three wins and two draws, but we exited the League Cup at Arsenal.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

A cracking fight back against Charlton, after conceding two goals, they had a player sent off just before the break.

We fought back hard after the break, causing somewhat of an upset as we take a point of the 3rd place Charlton.

 

We back it up with another upset, beating the then 1st place Peterborough.

A big thanks to two penalties, both smashed home by Finnegan, before Garai scored the sealer, even though we conceded a late consolation.

 

 

 

A really solid performance against the struggling Blades, as we put together back to back wins.

Finnegan scored another double, while Garai also got another, but the clean sheet was the most pleasing aspect, as the defence is coming together.

 

A massive result as we go to Burnley and put together our second straight 3-0 win.

The goals were shared around, while we keep another clean sheet to continue our run up the table.

After a rough September, we are now 5 League games unbeaten.

 

Missed chances hurt us in this one as Finnegan had a rare bad day in front of goal.

Although we keep another clean sheet, and keep accumulating points.

 

Unable to repeat our Quarter Final heroics from last season, we bow out in the 4th Round, but gave the Gunners a massive fright along the way.

A winner deep into injury time sent them through, but not before we gave them a solid run for their money.

Speaking of money, we earned about £850k out of this one for our troubles.

 

 

We continued our climb up the table, making it to 11th with a game in hand.

 

Good goal scoring form sees Finnegan take out the Youth Player of the Month, while Balogun came in 3rd.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

Internationals

Plenty of players on duty this month.

 

The Arsenal game helped subsidise some of the losses from this month.

 

Just the League to concentrate on next month, but the big games keep coming.

[TelcontarTargaryen]

Romario Finnegan must be the best newgen player name I have seen in any CM/FM....

[Punch]

14 hours ago, TelcontarTargaryen said:

Romario Finnegan must be the best newgen player name I have seen in any CM/FM....

Haha there are a few good names in there.

[Punch]

 

NOV 2037

An undefeated month, but we only win one of our 5 matches this month.

Conceding too many goals though.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

We come from behind to take a lead, but couldn't hang on as the visitors score late to take a point.

 

A good crowd in as we almost had a win over Watford, but they score a really late goal to steal another point.

 

Our attack really clicked into gear and we managed to not conceded silly goals and secure a great away win.

 

We again took a lead and couldn't hang on as Cardiff come from behind to share the points.

We have now made it 10 in a row without loss, but we have not won many of them.

 

An exciting draw as we come from two goals down to level, before conceding a third.

Just when it looked like our undefeated run was coming to an end, we found a way to score another equaliser to secure our 11th game undefeated, and fourth draw of the month.

 

 

We find our way up to 8th place, but it is a very tight table.

 

Despite a lack of wins, our good form leads three of our players to be included in the Young Player of the Month awards.

 

Internationals

We had plenty on duty this month, and Adam Hamilton became our 12th International, scoring his first Caps for Australia.

 

A big hit to the bank account this month.

 

A monster month coming up as we face seven League matches.

[Stuniverse]

Becoming draw specialists, @Punch... but heading in the right direction up the league table.

[Stuniverse]

3 hours ago, Punch said:

A monster month coming up as we face seven League matches.

And you play the top two... in fact, you play the 2nd placed team twice in a month!

[Punch]

1 hour ago, Stuniverse said:

Becoming draw specialists, @Punch... but heading in the right direction up the league table.

Seems that way, although at least we are still collecting points.

 

1 hour ago, Stuniverse said:

And you play the top two... in fact, you play the 2nd placed team twice in a month!

Yep, A tough run to the end of the year.

[BML]

Rochdale putting you to shame this season! Incredible an AI managed team paying nothing in wages is well up the league in November.

[Punch]

15 minutes ago, BML said:

Rochdale putting you to shame this season! Incredible an AI managed team paying nothing in wages is well up the league in November.

While they are going well, they are only 4 points in front of us, lets not get too carried away

[Stuniverse]

4 minutes ago, Punch said:

While they are going well, they are only 4 points in front of us, lets not get too carried away

And I’ve not even mentioned how well Derby County are doing.

Well… not until now any way.

😂⚽️🤣

[Punch]

 

DEC 2037

A mixed bag as we combine three wins, with three losses and a draw, including two losses to Derby.

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A solid win to extend our unbeaten run to 12 with a comfortable performance.

A first half goal allowed us to control the tempo, and while we should have scored more, we did manage an injury time sealer.

 

Our unbeaten run ends as we go down in a tight one at Derby.

They had the best of the match, but we had managed to hold them out, until a heart breaker deep into injury time sealed the three points for the hosts.

 

We backed up with a second consecutive loss, another tight one against a top two side.

We created enough chances, but a lone goal to the visitors was enough to send us to another defeat.

 

Another heart breaker as we somehow manage to not win, despite a mass of chances, we struggled to get the sealer as their GK pulled off some stunning saves.

We then shot ourselves in the foot with some slack defending from a late corner to concede an equaliser at the death.

 

We put our best 45 minutes together, blasting Rochdale off the park, putting us 4 goals up at the break.

We were able to cruise through the second half, although we did concede a consolation goal.

 

Another flying start and perfect half, with Finnegan smashing in a hat-trick within the first 11 minutes.

We managed to keep a clean sheet, while scoring a 5th goal, to complete an impressive victory.

 

Our second loss to Derby in the month as we somehow manage to not win a game we dominated.

Despite conceding an early goal, it always looked inevitable that we would score.

We did score three, which were all ruled out, we hit the bar another three times, and their keeper made some impressive saves to deny us in a frustrating result.

 

 

The mixed bag month sees us in 10th place.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

 

My first job interview for a while, although I think it is the second time they have approached me.

 

Another big loss this month.

With the transfer window about to open, it will be interesting to see if I can keep our squad together again.

 

Youth Intake Preview

Not much to get excited about in the intake this year.

Hopefully we can polish up one or two rough stones to keep the club moving forward.

 

Thankfully a less hectic schedule next month, while we also kick off our FA Cup campaign.

[Punch]

 

JAN 2038

A win, a loss and two draws from our four League games, while we advanced to the 4th Round of the FA Cup, but were unable to repeat our Final heroics last season, as we exit at Preston.

 

Match Reports

Spoiler

A free flowing game in attack as both sides created plenty.

We took a lead but ended up having to come from behind to secure a point in this one.

 

An attacking master class against the lowly Blades as we run riot.

A clean sheet as well to make for a great day out.

 

A tough beat as we concede an early goal, but could not get back to get anything out of this one.

We created plenty of chances, but their keeper kept us out.

 

We dominated this one with a massive 71% of possession, but another game where we just could not find a way past their keeper.

We created plenty, and on another day, could have scored plenty, but it wasn't to be, so we share the points.

 

A solid win to kick off our FA Cup campaign.

A goal in each half enough to send us through to the 4th Round.

 

We faced a tough draw, away to Preston, and it proved a step too far as we went down, despite the late pressure.

After reaching the Final last year, a bit disappointing to exit in Round 4 this year.

 

 

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

 

Another Premier League club after my services.

 

Transfer Window

 

We had a player sale this month, and it was a huge one, in terms of the player sold, the value of the deal, the add ons, and the future payments, which will have a massive impact on the club for some time to come.

 

Balogun has been pushing for a move to an EPL club for some time, and when Liverpool came knocking, I knew it was only a matter of time before he would be on his way.

Their original offer of £19 million was rejected outright (he has a value of around £25 million), which made the player furious.

I tried to placate him by reminding him he probably wouldn't get any playing time, which he didn't care about, so I advised him I would revisit the issue of they came back with another offer, which seemed to keep him happy.

We didn't have to wait long, as the next day they came back with an offer of around the £22 million mark, so I kept going back and forward, adding more and more ridiculous figures...and they finally agreed.

We will receive almost £20 million straight up, another £10 million over the next 12 months, and if he makes the first team, we stand to earn another £15 million on the deal, as they will be making payments for some time to come, each game he plays, and after he plays 10 games.

We also managed to keep him for the rest of the season, 50% of his next sale, and we will play a Friendly against the Reds next season.

While I didn't really want to sell him, and the fans are very unhappy about it, the player wanted to go, the deal was too good to refuse, and it set's up the club financially for years to come.

 

He immediately becomes worth a massive value.

 

The deal smashes our Transfer Fee Record.

 

The deal alone also smashes our season record.

 

We are still second last in terms of wages, still £400k behind even the League average.

 

A massive month that sees the bank balance sky rocket, and the Balogun deal will keep us financially stable for some time to come.

 

We now have only the League to concentrate on, and we face six games next month.

 

 

 

[Blarney]

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.