[FM23] Chapter Two: Schalke04, Rebuilding in Royal Blue with a budget of $5 dollars a day

karanhsingh · June 11, 2023

Congratulations on promotion! Playoffs definitely the most exciting way to do it!

SixPointer · June 11, 2023

Congratulations on promotion! Preston back to the big time.

Hootieleece · June 11, 2023

Welcome to the Premier League Boys!

We couldn't have gotten a much worse schedule to get acclimated to the Premier league.

I will probably do my Preseason write up probably tomorrow (6/12) evening my time.

karanhsingh · June 12, 2023

Ouch! Rough start

13th Man · June 12, 2023

Definitely a brutal start. On the bright side, if you can find a way to just keep morale up, you might be able to get in decent form once the fixtures get easier.

Hootieleece · June 12, 2023

June 2027: Offseason

The off season was finally here and Jester sent the boys off with the notion he would let them fight for their place in the Premier League.

An Internal Takeover was in the works but the team's Promotion ended any serious talk of it happening.

Some of the biggest news was that the Deepdale Stadium would now have undersoil heating!

The Finances were in better shape and would get much better once the team joined the Premier League officially.

The Board also met with Jester and Confirmed his objectives for the upcoming Season.

Those were objectives that Jester was comfortable with because he wasn't sure the team was ready for the step up in quality the Premier League represented. Yes, they had beaten Teams in the FA Cup, but they were often rotated sides. Whenever a top team played their stars we lost!

2026-2027 Review

Jester was shocked that we weren't the Overachievers. Since we finished 6th instead of 19th and were promoted.

Nico O'Reilly was the signing of the season on a FREE TRANSFER! from Man City. (And to think I saw him IRL get a hug from Pep after UEFA Final on Saturday)

Jester knows the bills will be paid this season.

The Premier League TV Money made the takeover untenable for the internal director.

to be continued:

Sheriff7 · June 12, 2023

Good luck against big boys! :thup:

Hootieleece · June 12, 2023

1 hour ago, Sheriff7 said:

Good luck against big boys!

Thanks were going to need it.

Hootieleece · June 12, 2023

July 2027: Preseason

Manager's Thoughts

The team came back from their short Break and began preparing for the campaign ahead of them. Jester decided to continue with the transfer policy that had worked so far, Free Transfers of Talented Young Players. This created a log jam in the midfield that will take some shaking out. Jester also decided NOT to change his formation or Tactical Philosophy for this season. The team would either stay up or go down playing "Jester Ball".

The Preseason itself had a few better teams on paper than Preston but in all it was the fact that the team won most of its friendly's even against teams like AS Monaco that reinforced Jester's belief that he had made the right decision tactically.

The team was the youngest and least capable in the Premier League but never say never!

Schedule

Transfers

The Team

Goalkeepers

Sharman-Lowe is the starter, Graczyk is Backup. Jonck is third keeper but will probably split time with Graczyk as he is South Africa's GK after starting for Bromley on loan last season!

Defenders

Cassanova RWB, Dorrington, Fagan-Walcott, Mbete, Beck LWB are the starters.

Midfield

Whiteman and McCann are the starters.

Attacking Midfield and Strikers

O'Neill is the Striker with O'Reilly and Cross-Adair as the Attacking Midfielders.

Last Season's Hero Dele-Bashiru will be used as a utility player all over the field except defense and goalie.

Comparison Info

Youngest and least experienced team in the Premier League!

We are really good at Jumping!

Decent defensively but that won't make up for the lack of anything else.

We will try to take advantage of Set-Pieces with our Cornerkicks and Heading!

Starting Lineup

Teddy Sharman-Lowe SK-D

Alfie Dorrington RCB

Malachi Fagan-Walcott BPD-C

Nico O'Reilly Trequarista-A

Mikey O'Neill Striker/DLF-S

Season Preview

The media started putting out lists and Preview not surprisingly there were no Preston players on the lists.

This Shows that the team is shown to 1000-1 to reach the title in the Premier League that is better odds than Leicester in 2015!

Time for the Fellowship to be renewed and head for Mount Doom.

Hootieleece · June 13, 2023

August 2027: Regular Season "Welcome to the Premier League"

Manager's Thoughts

Jester knew there was going to be a step up in quality once we joined the Premier League and the First Month didn't dispel that notion. Armed with the youngest team with the smallest payroll in the League PNE has an uphill climb to survive. In fact, many of the signings were free transfers thinking of when we are probably back in the Championship next season. While we are here though we will play every match and try are best NOT to get relegated. There have been moments where if we just had a little luck, we might have won one of the draws because we hit woodwork against both Liverpool and Norwich.

Schedule

Highlights

The first match of the season came, and it was a trip to Brighton. Jester thought that the team had a chance in this match.

We scored early on a corner kick and then tried to get a second before half but were denied time and again by Danny Ward. In the second half Brighton was a different team and we were on our heels defensively. They scored twice on World Class Goals from ball movement and shot making.

The second half really made Jester think that Preston was in over its head....and the next match wouldn't dispel that notion.

The Next match was versus Manchester City!

They were now managed by Pochettino, but they were all World Class players.

We had several former Man City players in the Lineup including Luke Mbete, and Attacking Midfielders Mich Hamilton and Nico O'Reilly.

We played well even though we were defending for our lives. Every pass we made every dribble Man City's players had an answer for and Jester was happy to leave the Etihad only losing by two.

After the defeat at the Etihad it didn't get much better except we would be home to host League Champion Liverpool FC.

Even though it would be against a top club, Jester decided to play on the front foot as much as possible. Playing "Jester Ball" versus "Heavy Metal Football"

The team played well. Mikey O'Neill scored a beauty to give us the lead early in the match and we defended like we did against Man City. Like the Brighton match we had chances, but Allison stifled them after the first. In the second half Liverpool stepped up the possession pressure and decided to break us down with Set Pieces it worked, but we only gave up the one goal getting a draw and our first point in the Premier League.

If that wasn't enough the next team on our Dance Card was Tottenham and Harry Kane.

Again we played well but were simply outclassed and lucky to get the draw.

After that match was a match versus League One Tranmere in the Carabao Cup. The Backups won the match 1-0.

The Final match was versus Norwich City at the Carrow Road.

Both teams were equal and it turned into a 2-2 stalemate because we just couldn't hold them back.

Financial Report

As one can see our Financial problems are over for now since the TV Money alone pays the bills and allows us to bank a nice profit. We are able to do this because we ARE the smallest payroll in the League. Even though we doubled the payroll over the summer from what we were spending in the Championship!

to be continued:

Hootieleece · June 13, 2023

September 2027: Regular Season "Showing we belong"

Manager's Thoughts

The team started the month on International Break, and it gave the team and management time to reflect on the step up in quality that we had seen and also understand that we could play at this level. Yes, our margin for error was miniscule, but against other relegation fight teams especially at home we could and should win victories. The one thing that Jester had learned from the first month was that playing defensively from the first whistle was self-defeating because it allowed our opponents too much space to camp out in our half of the pitch. So especially at home Jester would continue with the Positive Mentality "Jester Ball" to start but often change to a more defensive mentality AFTER the team had gotten a lead to see out the match. This strategy worked two out of three times this month. The only time it didn't was when Wolverhampton got on the board first.

Schedule

Highlights

The month began with Deadline day and an International Break. Jester and PNE did no business on Deadline Day except to loan out a few U-21 players.

The International Break was uneventful and most of the team was in Preston working on their Set Pieces.

The first match of the month was at Deepdale stadium and Jester thought the team had a chance against Wolvehampton.

Wolverhampton pressed us hard and Bereton Diaz played more like a Pressing Forward than a CF stealing the ball from our defenders and midfielders deep in their own half. He accounted for both of their goals with an assist and a goal of his own. Mikey O'Neill got on the board late as the team kept up the fight.

After the loss to Wolverhampton, West Ham were coming to town and they had started almost as badly as we had and this would be a match where who wanted it more!

Jester DID NOT hold a meeting and did not rotate the players as he still had faith that he had chosen his best XI.

And he was rewarded with is patience and it was a famous First Victory in the Premier League.

As one can see it was an even contest that could have gone either way, but Mikey O'Neill's goal early in the match settled the team down and then Jester went into "Match Manager" mode in the second half.

West Ham tried pressing us like the other teams but we had a lot of success on their right flank and that is where the assist on O'Neill's goal came from.

The Media made a big deal about our first victory of the Premier League Season. Jester hoped it wouldn't be the last.

The Next match was a Carabao Cup Match against old adversaries Middlesborough from the Championship. Jester fully rotated the squad giving the heroes of the West Ham match the night off.

Middlesborough scored first from an early set-piece but that was the only time they really threatened our goal. Their defense was tough, but the boys battled back after a halftime "Hair Dryer" from Jester.

As a reward we will play Man United!

The Final match of the month saw the team travel to fellow strugglers Southhampton. The now rested Starting XI were raring to go and put on a show for the traveling supporters.

This victory seals what was a good month for Preston North End in the Premier League.

Victory Brought to you by the Playoff Final Hero O'Reilly!

League Table

Player of the Month

This Analysis was why Jester Chose the New Signing as Player of the Month over O'Neill and O'Reilly.

Financial Report

Looking Forward:

A tough month upcoming....Leeds is leading the League!

to be continued:

karanhsingh · June 14, 2023

Some absolutely vital wins there. Against possible relegation rivals as well, if it comes to that. Well done :thup:

13th Man · June 14, 2023

Fantastic start to life in the Premier League! Those first two losses were to be expected but a draw against Liverpool is excellent, and a few wins in September bodes well for their chances!

Hootieleece · June 14, 2023

14 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Some absolutely vital wins there. Against possible relegation rivals as well, if it comes to that. Well done

All wins and points are vital this season. This is the toughest relegation fight I have ever had, but this is the first time I have truly jumped from the Championship to Premier League. Most of my other relegation fights in the Premier League were after a manager was fired and I came recommended from another league. I have young players who may be capable of being Premier League players, but we are really missing experienced Premier League Players. McCann at 26 is probably our best player and is a Northern Ireland International. Our old heads are/were career lower league and Championship players. Also I am finding more of my players fear "Big Matches" as well. Except Nico O'Reilly......but he had been at Man City under Pep.

2 hours ago, 13th Man said:

Fantastic start to life in the Premier League! Those first two losses were to be expected but a draw against Liverpool is excellent, and a few wins in September bodes well for their chances!

Until you see us play in October....but then again, we were playing the top 6 except for Bournemouth (Spoiler)

Hootieleece · June 14, 2023

October 2027: Regular Season "Do We really belong here?"

Manager's Thoughts

Jester knew that October would be a murderer's row of fixtures. He was only really hoping to win against Bournemouth. His fears came true as the team was consistently outclassed by the top teams. Yes, individuals and on the whole the team played well even in the losses. Jester was beginning to question some of his players "Bottle" and was beginning to think some of them didn't like big matches. Unfortunately for them every match in the Premier League is a "Big Match". The only player that Jester didn't worry about was Nico O'Reilly who was trying to carry the team on his young shoulders. So the team got 1 out of 9 possible points but was still outside of the Relegation Zone so there was that. Hopefully the team will be able to win a few of the "Six-Pointers" in the future.

Schedule

Highlights (Lowlights)

The Lilywhites would start off the "Month of Death" hosting League leading Leeds United at the Deepdale Stadium.

Jester decided not to give in to his impulse to "Park the Bus" that was suggested at the Press Conference. So the team went out in the 5-2-2-1 and tried to play keep away.

It wasn't effective in the first half and Leeds press led to two goals and added another just before the half. At halftime Jester decided to go more direct and that got us going. We scored late to but they kept all three points.

After another close loss to a top team Jester decided he just didn't have the quality in the team and started looking for players to help during the stretch run.

The young Bulgarian will replace the Captain as Backup DM-D and give competition to McCann.

Also of interest is that PNE might be for sale....

The next match would see the team travel to Old Trafford and take on Manchester United now managed by Luis Enrique.

Another player was bought this time to replace Storey on the backline.

another Tottenham lad.

The trip to the "Theater of Dreams" was uneventful and for about 70 minutes our players played well and then Marcus Rashford and Man United turned on another gear!

We ended the match shell-shocked from the Blitzkrieg!

Without much time to recover mentally from the loss in Manchester the team was required to host Diego Simeone's Arsenal.

The real reason for all the Domestic Talent is our Scouting and Work Permit Rules. The team can't afford the Foreigners that would get Work Permits!

It looks like the takeover is likely.....

The Day finally came and we played hard but again didn't have enough to win.....

Arsenal played a foul heavy game that through us off our stride but in many ways, we had better chances at goal.

As one can see the match was relatively close.

Jester tried to spin things and not call out any players......

The Carabao Cup was up next and Jester decided to play a rotated team for this match. Since he didn't figure to win after their last meeting and was resting the starters for the trip to Bournemouth at the end of the month.

The Backups played well and held Man U to a scoreless draw that went to penalties. Former PNE goalie Freddie Woodman was the star of the match. Wolly Jonck our young South African Keeper had a good debut also keeping a clean sheet himself.

This is our Backup GK, South Africa's new #1.

The last match of the month would be against Bournemouth one of our rivals in the Relegation Battle. So a refreshed starting XI started on the South Coast.

Nico O'Reilly Scored early, but we were not able to score another and were under a lot of pressure as well. We defended gallantly but in the 90th minute one got by Sharman-Lowe.

Jester was unhappy dropping points but at least it wasn't a loss in a campaign where points would be precious!

Bournemouth was the better team, but we got a point!

League Table

Player of the Month

Nico O'Reilly

He is the star of our team cementing his place with every performance!

Financial Report

Looking Ahead

to be continued:

karanhsingh · June 15, 2023

Honestly, you're doing well to stay out of the relegation places with these guys!

Hootieleece · June 15, 2023

4 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Honestly, you're doing well to stay out of the relegation places with these guys!

I know. I know.

4 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Honestly, you're doing well to stay out of the relegation places with these guys!

Hootieleece · June 15, 2023

November 2027: Regular Season "A Brief Reprieve"

Manager's Thoughts

Jester knew that the short month of November would be decisive in learning if the team had a chance of surviving the Premier League. Two of the three matches were Six-Pointers in the emerging Relegation Battle. Jester thought the team was overall playing near the best of their abilities and with a little luck could put together a strong run this month. In fact, he was targeting the Leicester and Brentford matches to be wins even though they were away matches. This is because for some reason this season we play better on the road. In all Jester and PNE were able to collect 7 of 9 possible points in a great month.

Schedule

Highlights

Even though he has been a mediocre manager Graham Potter remains Chelsea's manager and they came to visit Preston in the first match of the month of November.

Our Defensive Discipline kept Chelsea from finding Calvert-Lewin until late in the First half just before halftime. Jester fired up the Boys and they almost immediately scored after halftime then it became a match of the team most afraid of making a mistake. Jester was happy with the point.

Like all of our matches we are under pressure, but defensive positioning is one of our strengths.

The media is trying to apply pressure to see if we will break and fall into the relegation zone.....

Preston is in Takeover talks again......hopefully they are over before the window opens.

The next match would take the team to the King Power Stadium and Leicester City FC.

This looks like a team we could beat, and this IS a relegation fight Six-Pointer!

This was a tough hard fought match that was decided at the end in extra-time! This time it was subs Kallum Cesay and Finlay Cross-Adair being the heroes!

It was an even match and Jester is delighted in getting the 3 points!

The final match of the month was another Six-Pointer this time a trip to Brentford.

It started out a tough even match then Mikey O'Neill scored and after that the match seemed to go PNE's way. After Ben Whiteman scored the penalty shot. Jester played defensively as Brentford went more direct chasing the match and the team won another 3 points from a Six-Pointer!

Jester told his Assman what to say in the Press Conference.....

Another even match that could have gone the other way.

League Table

Player of the Month

Financial Report

to be continued:

13th Man · June 15, 2023

Ups and downs, but any promoted team will struggle here and there. 7 points clear of the drop after 15 matches seems like a good place to be though, and you’re not often losing by 2+ even against the big sides.

Hootieleece · June 15, 2023

December 2027: Regular Season

Manager's Thoughts

Jester and PNE came into this month on a high note after last month's unbeaten series. This month would be tougher in that there were more fixtures and better opponents. As always Jester and PNE would play hard in every match. Jester was realistic and knew that his team only had a real chance in some of the matches. The trick was to keep the morale up so they would still play well against their rivals in the relegation fight after bad losses to top teams. Luckily most of the team was young enough to not know any better and still responded to Rah Rah encouragement.

If you had told Jester 9 points above relegation after 22 matches before the season, he would have bitten your arm off!

Schedule

Highlights

Sean Dyche is still with Everton.

Again we were under trememdous pressure and fell to a player having their best day of their career......

Next the team took on Watford with the backups playing and Jester was happy with the 0-0 Draw.

Up next was table propping Aston Villa. Jester had the Starting XI raring to go for what he considered an important match. The match started well with Nico O'Reilly scoring ten minutes in and that put us on the front foot about half way through the second half Helm was taken down in the box and White despatched the penalty. 2-0!

The Defense played well even if Aston Villa was toothless.

Up next would be a big test for the team a trip to Anfield.

This is a world class team, and We will have a tough time.....it has no weaknesses.

and we were humiliated our defense looked like schoolboys and Julian Alvarez took advantage for FOUR goals!

Our Humiliation was all over Skysports......

Julian Alvarez had a day.......

In better news the Junior Coaching Staff put together their report on the soon to be graduates who might join the U-18's

We might get 3-5 first team players about 5 years from now......not bad.

The players were so distraught about the loss in Liverpool that they refunded the fans for their support.

After the Liverpool debacle the team then headed to the Northeast and took on Newcastle. Again we started well but couldn't see out the result giving up a late goal to Alexander Isak!

Southhampton was coming to town and Jester thought it was a match that we had to win.

Just before the match the team went through a takeover.....and Jester was asked about it.

Jester was delighted to get the win and O'Reilly is quickly becoming the face of this team.

As one can see it was a relatively even match, but we had the better of it and won!

The next match would see us play West Ham United once again. Jester was hoping for a repeat performance, but West Ham 's form had gotten better and were on a bit of a tear.

West Ham were the favorites, Could Preston pull off an upset?

West Ham played direct and we had no answer for it. Long balls over the top of the press to marauding wingers even after we dropped the defensive line. It was almost as discouraging as the Liverpool match except Jester decided to give them back some of their own and we scored twice to make it respectable.

It was not as close as the scoreline suggests.

League Table

Player of the Month

Financial Report

Looking Ahead

to be continued:

karanhsingh · June 16, 2023

Building up a nice gap to the bottom 3 there.

SixPointer · June 16, 2023

Closing in on safety! Solid season in the top flight for the lily whites

Hootieleece · June 16, 2023

10 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Building up a nice gap to the bottom 3 there.

Yes, that is because we are targeting the 6 pointers for wins. Any other points are welcome though.

2 hours ago, SixPointer said:

Closing in on safety! Solid season in the top flight for the lily whites

We still have half a season to go. We are a young team for the most part and that actually helps in keeping morale up. (team bonding sessions) but we must win ALL of our Six-Pointers!

SixPointer · June 16, 2023

3 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

Yes, that is because we are targeting the 6 pointers for wins. Any other points are welcome though.

We still have half a season to go. We are a young team for the most part and that actually helps in keeping morale up. (team bonding sessions) but we must win ALL of our Six-Pointers!

SixPointers you say :brock:

Hootieleece · June 16, 2023

2 hours ago, SixPointer said:

SixPointers you say

Yes. I did my best NOT to put you in my updates using the @ function of the forum.

And still you made it.

I have played January already and we look to be in good shape I hope to get the 10 or so points needed before April if possible. (spoiler)

I am also trying to improve the team without breaking the bank......just in case.

13th Man · June 17, 2023

As others have said, you’ve dropped down the standings but still have a good gap between you and the relegation zone. Baring the Liverpool result you seem to be in matches as well!

Hootieleece · June 17, 2023

28 minutes ago, 13th Man said:

As others have said, you’ve dropped down the standings but still have a good gap between you and the relegation zone. Baring the Liverpool result you seem to be in matches as well!

The Gap is nice but it also reminds me that I really need to win the Six-Pointers! I'm not really caring about where we are as long as we are outside the relegation zone.

The Liverpool result was just one of those matches where nothing went right. I had another against another liverpool side.....

I am having trouble with 4-4-2's that press high and play direct.....(Spoiler)

Hootieleece · June 17, 2023

January 2028: Regular Season

Manager's Thoughts

The team came into the new year in a good place. The Man U results can be ignored due to sheer difference in quality of the starting XI's. More Concerning was our play against 4-4-2's that High Press and play direct. We were lucky to get two draws and a win playing against them. The win and One of the Draws were versus lower league Rotherham United and the only reason they were in the game was that Jester played a rotated squad. Our win in the FA Cup rematch was because of better quality players. Jester decided now that the team looks to be on course for remaining in the Premier League. He loosened the purse strings a little and added a new LWB and more importantly upgraded the Training facilities. Also The Team will be getting an exciting new #9 for next season in the Premier League. (hopefully)

Schedule

Highlights

The month of January started the list of matches with PNE hosting Man United at Deepdale Stadium.

The team also added some backup players and signings for the Future.

Jester was not expecting victory but his 3-1 defeat late at Old Trafford made him think the team might be able to get a draw.

He was mistaken. Man United took us seriously this time and were on the front foot from the opening whistle and easily won 5-2.

The next match was the FA Cup and this would take us on a trip to Rotherham. Jester decided to play the backups including the newly acquired Dorfler and Stoychev.

Rotherham played a 4-4-2 that pressed high and direct.

That gave them an early lead. Some halftime adjustments having PNE play more direct helped but it was the introduction of Star Nico O'Reilly that let us escape with a draw.

After the near disaster in Rotherham the team then had to play Leeds United. Another theam that played a High Pressing 4-4-2

This time Jester was ready and made his more direct adjustments from the beginning as well as playing with the Starters. Unfortunately we couldn't breakdown their "Bus" after they went down to ten men!

We didn't play badly but our finishing was suspect.

Even though they were down to ten men they still created chances with their Direct play. They probably should have won....

The rematch against Rotherham came next at Deepdale Stadium.

Jester played a half Rotated side and watched the Dele-Bashiru Show!

Former PNE player Calum Kavanagh scored late for Rotherham.

Since the team had been taken over and the team was flush with cash Jester went to the Board of Directors about some Long-term projects

After some convincing the Board agreed to upgrade the Training Facilities of BOTH the First Team and the Youth Teams over the Summer.

After that exciting news the team had to prepare for Newcastle visiting Preston.

Another half Rotated team played and we scored an important victory in our quest to remain in the Premier League.

Jester decided that the team needed to be upgraded if possible and Hector Bueno was listed for only $700k by the Wolves.

He will immediately slot into the team as the LWB replacing Owen Beck.

After that signing the team hosted Brighton at the Deepdale stadium

Bueno made immediate impact in a 3-0 shellacking of Brighton.

according to the stats it was anyone's match, but we were incisive with our finishing!

We now have a 15-point cushion over the relegation teams.

The Final Day of the Transfer Window came and the team sold some of the U-21's that would never make the First Team even if they had made appearances in the past. Jester was also looking for the player to take us over the top. He was looking for a true #9. O'Neill was serviceable but was more of an Attacking Midfielder.

This players agent came to us near the close of the window.....

This player looks like a difference maker. We weren't able to get it over the line for the transfer window, but we kept working the phones and he will join this summer becoming our new #9!

League Table

Player of the Month

Also, Special mention has to go out to Mbete in our Defensive backline.

Financial Report

Looking Ahead

to be continued:

karanhsingh · June 17, 2023

Well done! Can safely say you have secured Premier League for another season now.

Hootieleece · June 18, 2023

20 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Well done! Can safely say you have secured Premier League for another season now.

It isn't "official" until April, but we did well and were operating on the assumption we would not get relegated starting in January. I have some more updates to add.

13th Man · June 18, 2023

Looking very good overall! Survival not ensured mathematically, but I’d feel safe betting on it at this point.

Against those pesky, direct sides I found pushing the LOE will help. I normally like the LOE one lower than the DL (if DL is higher, I prefer standard LOE) but against direct sides that bypass the midfield it can sometimes help to get in the defense’s faces and force them into hoofing rather than be able to pick a pass…

Hootieleece · June 18, 2023

1 minute ago, 13th Man said:

Looking very good overall! Survival not ensured mathematically, but I’d feel safe betting on it at this point.

Against those pesky, direct sides I found pushing the LOE will help. I normally like the LOE one lower than the DL (if DL is higher, I prefer standard LOE) but against direct sides that bypass the midfield it can sometimes help to get in the defense’s faces and force them into hoofing rather than be able to pick a pass…

I will take that into consideration when I play against Direct side in the future. My immediate response has been to "Park the Bus" and hope for a draw. I want to be more proactive in the future.

I am about to add another update. (February) After that I will watch the Nations League Final and add March as well. I am now playing in April and yes, we are safe for this season.

Hootieleece · June 18, 2023

February 2028: Regular Season

Manager's Thoughts

The team is playing well in the league especially against our direct rivals in the relegation battle. The month started out with a trip to Derby for the FA Cup and Jester played a rotated squad. That was a mistake, Jester should have known with us now being a Premier League Club this would be like a "Final" or to use an Americanism "Their Super Bowl" this season. After the loss the team returned to playing direct rivals in the relegation battle and getting results slowly but surely leading to safety. The real problem is the teams inabliity to defend against Direct sides. Everton was the last match of the month, and it was ugly even though we "Parked the Bus". I think some of it is to do with several members of the Starting XI not having the "Bottle" for Big Matches. This is something that Jester will look to rectify over the summer.

Schedule

Highlights

The month began with a trip to Derby for the Fourth Round of the FA Cup. Jester played a Half Rotated Squad and that was a mistake.

It was just a bad day all around and subbing in the Starters late didn't rectify things and we still lost.

This would be a job I would be interested in Normally, but Jester has unfinished business in Preston.

Roberts is the kind of #9 that Jester has "Wet Dreams" about and he will join the team officially this summer. Hopefully Mikey O'Neill will take a demotion in stride.

The Next match was a massive Six-Pointer in the Relegation Battle Aston Villa table proppers for most of the season would be hosting us in Birmingham.

The Starters began on the Front Foot led by Nico O'Reilly's two goals. Aston Villa got one before Jester closed up shop to see the game out.

We were lucky yet again in that both of our shots on target hit the back of the net!

Of Course, Jester will do everything to keep our star man in Lilywhite!

We will be missing the man that makes space for O'Reilly's brilliance.

Watford was up next on the Dance Card. Bookies and the Media were stating to make us favorites for some reason.....no way do we want to let them down!

Another Interview offer and another Hell No especially since Jester doesn't admire Lazio's Fascist Political leanings.

The matchday came and the team pulled out a professional victory that almost looked like business as usual.

Another Half-Rotated Side won the victory!

Quietly we had been on a good run that would enhance our chances of surviving the Relegation Battle.

With the chances that we would be back in the Premier League, Jester negotiated with several of our players who wanted new deals.

Jester has retrospectively decided this was a bad deal in that he will look for an GK this summer because he just found out he dreads "Big Games". Otherwise He isn't bad and almost worth his salary.

Of Course O'Reilly got one just to up the price if someone was going to come for him! 18 goals in the Premier League isn't bad for an Attacking Midfielder!

Man City wins the Carabao Cup after our rather pedestrian showing.

The Final match of the month was against Sean Dyche's Everton. Another Side that plays a Direct 4-4-2.

This trip to Liverpool wasn't expected to be fun almost as bad as the trip to Anfield earlier this season.

Diego Simeone's son single-handedly broke down our Bus.....

We played defensive and conservative, and it went right into Sean's hands.....

That ended our run....

League Table

Nico O'Reilly has as many goals as Haaland....

Player of the Month

Financial Report

Looking Ahead

to be continued:

Hootieleece · June 18, 2023

March 2028: Regular Season

Manager's Thoughts

The team came into the short month of March on a downturn on form the match against Everton took something out of the team and it took the whole terrible month of March to find ourselves again. Luckily we didn't really lose any ground in our quest for relegation safety. The Direct 4-4-2 is becoming our Nemesis. Jester parked the bus and made our TI's more direct and almost won on the counterattack but it wasn't enough, but it helped give us confidence for the end of the season and our chances at Premier League safety.

Schedule

Highlights

The team returned from the trip to Everton chastised and wanting to do better and another Direct Rival in the Relegation Battle was visiting Deepdale Stadium. Brentford.

Preston was considered the favorite, but something was off.....

The game started well when Josh Dede (in for O'Neill) scored a worldy goal from about 30 yards. After the shock of that goal wore off Brentford slowly took control of the match and scored just before half. Jester didn't really change anything at half as he didn't want to play defensively until he had a lead.

Unfortunately it was Brentford that would get the goal the Lilywhites were searching for.....in the 88th minute.

The pass map shows that we wre making progress against their Right Flank, but O'Reilly was marked and kept from making his marauding runs.

After this latest loss the team had to head to London and play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Jester was going to play it conservative and "Park the Bus" to hopefully help arrest the slide in form.

It didn't work, We had no defensive answer to Hudson-Odoi!

Overall though we played well.

It could have been worse by stats.

The final match of the month because of International Break would be against Bournemouth. Another Relegation Rival. Unfortunately they were another Direct 4-4-2 team.

Knowing that we struggle with Direct play the Bookies and Media had Bournemouth as favorites.

In a sound bite to as much to convince himself and his team Jester said we have a chance!

Matchday came and PNE "Parked the Bus" and got a draw. It wasn't pretty but it worked. 1 more point closer to safety!

The Defense played a spendid match.

We just couldn't finish our counterattacks with goals!

After the player went on International Break the new Academy Players were brought in:

Maybe 2-3 players at best.

These were the players signed for the U-18's

These Two players were the best of the bunch, but Jester doesn't have any faith they will be wearing a PNE shirt in 5 years.

Not a bad shotstopper, but terrible distribution skills.

too short to be a CB. Will retrain as a DM-D

But it must be said that our U-18's are pretty good.

Jester's Favorite list but he isn't looking for potential starters on it anymore!

League Table

Player of the Month

Financial Report

Looking Ahead:

to be continued:

Hootieleece · June 18, 2023

April 2028: Regular Season "Safety assured"

Manager's Thoughts

The team was able to stave off defeat on Jester's Birthday and assure safety the next week at home against Relegation Rivals Leicester. With Safety assured, the team then took on a couple of heavyweights and the gulf in Class showed and got Jester to thinking about next season. Especially when it showed that the midfield will need an upgrade since we already have one coming up front. He will be looking for a better playmaker (DM) but might already have one in Dele-Bashiru but he is reticent because he thinks he wants a more Defensive player even though Dele-Bashiru has performed well as the DM-DLP on Spot duty. Also, the team might look for a better Goalkeeper as well.

So that maybe we can keep up our momentum and not be regarded as relegation fodder.

Schedule

Highlights

Jason Dede subbing for O'Neill due to injury hit a worldly from about 30 yards to win Premier League goal of the month.

The team then had to return to London for a match versus League Leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

It was Jester's Birthday (April Fool's Day) and the team was able to escape with a draw because we parked the bus.

We were lucky to escape with the Draw.

Bueno and Mbete had some success on their Right Flank. The reason for this is most teams most attacking Full/Wing Back is usually on this side.

In another game that day Liverpool lost 7-4 to 4-4-2 Direct Bournemouth with the following squad.

So we aren't the only team with problems with Direct Pressing Teams.

Preston has made a profit of $32M without really selling a big player this season. Tje Directors are loving the Premier League TV money that pays the bills on its own!

The next match was versus Relegation Rivals Leicester City FC, if PNE win the match safety is assured. Jester Hoped his players wouldn't pay attention to the details and just play the game.

PNE was considered the Favorites due to home advantage.

Mikey O'Neill came back from injury to fire us into the Premier League Next Season!

The team as a whole played well.

Helm our Dead ball Specialist had a treat day in open play assisting on O'Neill's Goals.

Again we keep attacking the Right Flank which is funny because the RWB in our setup like everyone else is the Attacking one.

Man United is 30 matches unbeaten at home and still 12 points behind Arsenal!

The team had to return to London to take on Tottenham. Jester decided to try the "Park the Bus" Routine.

It failed after two early Tottenham goals, PNE had nothing to lose and played their usual way and got one back. The second half was a battle that could have gone either way except for the referee that kept giving Tottenham Free Kicks and they finally scored one late on.

Three days later the team was hosting Man City who was halfheartedly battling for the title versus Arsenal.

Jester tried his Park the Bus again fearing Haaland! Except Halland wasn't playing and then he decided to go toe to toe with them.....

A wide open game that Neutrals would have loved for the scoring and playmaking was a terrible result for PNE.

League Table

Player of the Month

Looking Ahead

to be continued:

SixPointer · June 19, 2023

Have you started to identify targets for next season in the EPL? Or you wanting to see how much money you will be handed in the budget?

I think it’s safe to say Preston are here for the long run now.

Hootieleece · June 19, 2023

1 hour ago, SixPointer said:

Have you started to identify targets for next season in the EPL? Or you wanting to see how much money you will be handed in the budget?

I think it’s safe to say Preston are here for the long run now.

I have the new #9 signed already. I am currently scouting GK's and am looking at CB's. Dorrington the rock at the Center of our Back Line wants to leave. (Asking $45M) I will sell when I have a CB lined up to replace. The hard one is going to be DM-DLP.

Stoychev is a good DM but not quite ready in my opinion.

My Wage budget is $43.5M and Transfer of $58.5M.

karanhsingh · June 19, 2023

Well done man! I think its time to change the thread title

Hootieleece · June 19, 2023

9 minutes ago, karanhsingh said:

Well done man! I think its time to change the thread title

Not Yet. Maybe after a successful sophomore season in the Premier League.

13th Man · June 19, 2023

7 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

Not Yet. Maybe after a successful sophomore season in the Premier League.

Ha! Still, very good progress and comfortably safe in the end. Some reinforcements with all that Premier League cash and you’ll be on your way! Seems like midfield might be key, as you mentioned, to press and screen the backline so the direct sides can’t just launch it forward all the time.

Hootieleece · June 19, 2023

3 hours ago, 13th Man said:

Ha! Still, very good progress and comfortably safe in the end. Some reinforcements with all that Premier League cash and you’ll be on your way! Seems like midfield might be key, as you mentioned, to press and screen the backline so the direct sides can’t just launch it forward all the time.

That is the plan, but Jester is still not going to splash the cash on just one player, and he is still inclined to sign Free Transfers with Potential.

Hootieleece · June 19, 2023

May 2028: Regular Season Ends

Manager's Thoughts

The team went through the last two matches of the season like a team with safety assured. The first was terrible against Wolves. The second wasn't much better but at least it was a win in front of the home fans. For now, he was looking for upgrades at 4-5 positions especially defensive midfield to improve the team. The transformation is just beginning. League Table

Highlights

The month only had two matches and with safety assured the team could be a little looser but Jester wanted to finish as high as possible.

The First thing that happened was that even though we are now a Premier League Club our Youth still get poached.

These players are joining the U-18's. Jester doesn't really expect fireworks from this bunch.

The penultimate match of the season would see the team head to Wolverhampton to take on the Wolves.

It was a less than inspiring showing by the team against one that Jester considered a possible equal.

After the loss at Wolverhampton the Final match at home versus relegation threatened Norwich couldn't come fast enough.

The home team was favored, and Jester intended to play his strongest team to give the home crowd something to Cheer.

David Wagner started Mind Games to give his team belief they could survive.....

Jester didn't respond because he didn't want to give them "Bulletin Board Material"

We didn't make a profit from our Transfer Dealings even with Jester's penny pinching....

but with all the Premier League Cash rolling in the team is making a profit anyway.

Getting back to the Norwich Match the Final day came and Jester hoped to win and win big.

I didn't happen but he was still happy to send the fans home with a final day win to fondly remember the season.

Wagner doesn't want to give up on it.....even though he was lucky not to get relegated, because of the Leeds vs Southhampton Draw on the final day.

Preston received $15M in Prize Money just Three years ago that was the total payroll of the playing staff!

and the board shelled out $775K in bonuses......greedy bastards!

We couldn't have done it without Nico O'Reilly who chipped in 18 goals and came in a respectable third after two #9's!

Initial Budgets.....already spending $43M will have to move some transfer money to the payroll to bring in the needed players and reward the deserving. Jester thinks he will need about a $54M/p/a payroll to really compete and stay away from the sophomore slump.

The Team

As you can tell we didn't have a lot of rotation and we were relatively lucky to have few injuries.

We were definitely a "One Man Show", and Jester will be looking to remedy that in the offseason.

Jester wants to try to return to his homeland.

This is a good thing we will need a good Youth program if we are going to the top of the Premier League and the World in the Future.

Brentford won the FA Cup!

No wonder the Board was so scroogy with bonuses.....they knew what was coming from His Majesty's Government.

The season of success allowed us to add some local sponsorships but the real winner was our Prize Money account!

Even though we are now in the Premier League Jester has decided to try and just work the "Backyard" for talent and try for the British Steel Achievement. Yes, we have players from other nations in the lineup but most have British second nationalities because they come from the Big Six Youth Academies.

Jester is happy to announce that our LCB will be around a little longer....He deserved a raise!

Jester continued to bring in depth for his backline......

He is slotting in as Mbete's backup.

Whiteman the Vice-Captain and team leader didn't really deserve a raise but Jester thought it would be a good way to reduce his playing time to Squad in the future.

This is the player that Jester is bringing in to upgrade the DM-DLP-SU spot taking Whiteman's spot.

McClelland is nothing but a Squad Player and Backup MCB but he is a LEADER and the Teacher's Pet. He IS the next Captain!

I really thought when I originally signed him, he would be the Rock of Gibraltar in our defense instead he is a leading "Locker Room Atmosphere" Player. Just as important as on the field play.

Management Report

Financial Report

to be continued:

karanhsingh · June 20, 2023

O'Reilly has done a great job to be in such exalted company!

Also, Patino seems like a top signing.

SixPointer · June 20, 2023

Good season all round. Are you happy with the budgets? Or do you feel you need more to improve on this season?

Hootieleece · June 20, 2023

4 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

O'Reilly has done a great job to be in such exalted company!

Also, Patino seems like a top signing.

I think Patino is an O'Reilly except from Arsenal and a Midfield playmaker. O'Reilly is playing as Trequarista, but is more of a shadow striker with 19 goals overall and no assists.

2 hours ago, SixPointer said:

Good season all round. Are you happy with the budgets? Or do you feel you need more to improve on this season?

I had to borrow from the Transfer Budget, and I ended up "Splashing the Cash" and now the Payroll Budget is slightly in the red at $61M.

I have to stay up this season or my contract probably won't be renewed.

Hootieleece · June 20, 2023

June 2028: The Offseason "The Silly Season"

Manager's Thoughts

The Offseason finally came and Jester continued working the phones and Board to improve the squad. He had made most of his moves already, but he decided that the team needed a new Goalkeeper and relegated Southhampton had Ireland's #1 on the Transfer list. Yes, He had said he was going to be careful with the money, but He also realized that the team needed improvement that only money could buy. In fact, he was betting his job on this allowing for another midtable run in the Premier League. Because his contract was up at the end of the '28-'29 season.

Highlights

The month began with the Youth Facilities being upgraded which will hopefully help us in the future.

In an interview Jester let out a sound bite he almost instantly regretted.

as shown by this.....

and it wouldn't stop there as Jester secured the players already on the team and a few to join them.

Findley Roberts is the Centerpiece of Jester's Squad Makeover as a true #9.

and during the Roberts press conference He was asked what other position could use help....he thought for a moment and said GoalKeeper.

Patino will be our new midfield General taking over for Whiteman. He had been on our radar for some time and in fact we tried to lure him from London at the beginning of last season!

Our rivals Everton giving contracts to players on our U-18's They must think he is going to be the next Donnarumma! Of course we offered him a contract as well.

This is the player in question, and he just joined from our Academy.

We added another CB ro add depth to our defense and to help with the impending loss of Dorrington.

He had been on the Books at West Ham but was on loan at our rivals Burnley. We decided to overlook that at brought him into the fold.

Still spending and not done yet!

In comes our new #1 Goalkeeper.

This is the end of the spending we are now looking to off load a player or two for the right price.

Stanton signed on with us for an extravagant contract.

Now that we are back in the Top Division!

Mostly thanks to our overachievement Premier League!

Even after Spalshing the cash this offseason the books should be balanced!

Management Report

Financial Report

to be continued:

karanhsingh · June 20, 2023

Bazunu looks like a quality signing

Hootieleece · June 20, 2023

14 minutes ago, karanhsingh said:

Bazunu looks like a quality signing

I think so and even better former #1 took his downgrade to Cup keeper in stride.

Funniest thing is that my third keeper is South Africa's #1 at 19. He is loaned out to a League2 team for the season.

Hootieleece · June 21, 2023

July 2028: Preseason Training

Manager's Thoughts

Jester was happy with the offseason acquisitions and was excited to see them play and get used to our system. The Friendlies were many because Jester believed Match training was the best way to get ready for a season. There were several losses in the bunch. The one against Barrow is unforgiveable and the one versus Borussia Dortmund can be given to just one of those days. The team overall played well and began to create the cohesion needed to make them what Jester hoped was a Mid-table Premier League team. He is especially excited by new number nine Findley Roberts. The young Welsh star looks like another Haaland (Big Fast and can Score). He didn't score many in the Preseason, but he hit the woodwork a lot!

The Bookies and Media are still counting us out, but Jester understand why because of analytics.

Schedule

Highlights

The team came back from their Summer vacation and began training for the season. Jester is a big believer in match training so NINE Friendlies were scheduled. Most were against Lower Level opposition.

The best opposition were matches against Celtic and the Home Match versus Borussia Dortmund.

The Friendlies started as always with a match against the U-21's. The next match versus Bristol Rovers was a cakewalk.

The surprise came when we played Barrow on our way to training camp in Scotland.

Barrow was the winner they played their Hearts out in what is probably the "Match of the Season".

We should have won by the statistics, but it also came at a time that Jester used as "Learning Moment"!

Afterwards the team played well in Scotland and returned to Euxton Training Center to get ready for the match with Borussia Dortmund

We couldn't shoot and buy a goal in this contest.....

Again the statistics say we should have won!

We are one of the smallest teams in Ticket and Matchday income. We are relying on the TV Money.

The last Friendly came and it was a win for us, but we also suffered a loss.

Our Star Player will miss the first month of the Season!

Season Preview

The Team

Team Attribute's

we are good jumping and still a little slow.

Mentally we are best with composure and positioning which will help in the upcoming season,

We are great at Heading, yet we are terrible at Corners....

Premier League Preview

At least we aren't the worse team. Jester believes we can replicate last season and finish Mid-table.

All the usual suspects!

Only Lizardo is newgen, more of the usual suspects.

No Preston Player makes the list.....

Management Report

Financial Report

Looking Ahead

to be continued:

Hootieleece · June 22, 2023

August 2028: Regular Season

Schedule

Highlights

The Premier League season would begin with a visit from Newcastle United to Deepdale Stadium.

Newcastle being one of the Big Seven was favored even though PNE was at home reflecting the Preseason rankings.

We scored first on a corner and then shut them down defensively, especially after Perr Schuurs got frustrated and sent off with a second yellow turned red.

After the Victory the board brought Jester to a meeting to remind him of this season's objectives.

The number of season ticket holders are slowly increasing.....we will need Champions league Football to really add to the numbers now.

A trip to the Etihad Stadium was next on our itinerary and this is how the scouts said that Man City would setup.

Man City was expected to blow us out of the Stadium.....

We drew the match, but we were embarrassed not to take advantage of a Rodri Red Card. But actually, it was Bazunu our Goalie that kept us in the match because Man City didn't stop attacking when they went down a man.

The next match was another tough one with Liverpool coming to town.

Liverpool were the definite favorites with the bookies and Media.

Klopp playing mind games!

Jester wasn't sure he needed to play them....

After the Liverpool defeat the team started preparing for the next match.....

Also the Board had agreed to find a local affiliate to send players on loan to....and Jester chose:

AFC Fylde of the Vanarama League.

The team then headed to London for a match at Craven Cottage.

Fulham was a classic yo-yo team who just got promoted from the Championship as Champions and they were considered a "safe" mid-table team during the season preview, Looking at the analytics before and after Jester thought the match was a missed opportunity.

After the match in London the team had to head to Ipswich for the Carabao Cup. Jester intended to play the Backup at this early stage versus lower league opposition and to give his starters a rest.