(FM21) Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

January 2034

A massive turnaround in the cup in the first half of the Alki double header, which saw Geroskipou advance to the Semi Finals, was overshadowed by the league fixture, which saw Alki pump them 4-0. 2 wins from the next 3 saw confirmation of a top 6 finish, even if it should have been 3 from 3.

Spoiler

Transfer Business

One player joined during the winter window, Monchu. This was a signing Clive was keen to make to counter his previous youth signing policy, to see if an old head could help with the european push, given his fantastic mental and technical ability.

Table

APOEL returned to what the experts were calling their rightful place at the top of the table, and other results meant that Nea Salamina and Alki were both hot on the tail of Geroskipou. There was however a big gap opening up between 4th and 5th, meaning Geroskipou were 12 points safe in the european places.

Fixtures

The final game before the league split was away against Omonoia, who were guarenteed to finish in the bottom 6 of the league, so Clive was optimistic for a good result.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

February 2034

A total collapse occured, van Looy tried his best, knocking in another hattrick, but the defensive side of the team was still causing issues, as they shipped 5 goals against Omonoia.

Table

There was now a 5 point gap at the top of the table, but still a 12 point gap between Geroskipou and Anorthosi

Fixtures

With a top 6 place confirmed, this would be the difficult part of the season. The remaining fixtures in February were Nea Salamina and Alki, 2 sides right up Geroskipou's backside. Wins against both these sides would be vital in the early stages of the split.

[Sizeman21]

Nail biting stuff here Clive!

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

February 2034

The end of the month was just as shambolic as the start. First, a 0-0 draw against Nea Salamina, where they had a man sent off in the 38th minute, but they still managed 2 offside goals and created more than Geroskipou, even with the disadvantage.

Next came Alki, where Geroskipou were winning 3-2 in until the 90th minute, when Ochoa popped in the equaliser, and then the winner 2 minutes later to leave Geroskipou winless for the month for the first time in a while.

Spoiler

Table

The solitary point from February saw Geroskipou slip down into 4th place, now out of touch with APOEL, but still in the hunt for european places. The gap was now only 9 points though.

Fixtures

It would look like the winless streak would continue, as a trip to APOEL opened up the month. Clive took note of the fact that the month finished with yet another league and cup double header, this time against Nea Salamina. A win against Anorthosi would also be crucial if the european dream was on the cards.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

March 2034

During March, Clive was looking over the Cypriot Football Gazette looking for transfer rumours, and he saw the article about his 500 games for Geroskipou.

In the games however, Geroskipou showed signs of a total collapse of a football club, they were knocked out of the cup at the final hurdle, where despite the second leg not going their way, Clive was confident in his men to win in a shootout, but a last gasp goal for Nea Salamina denied this ever happening.

In the league, 3 straight losses compounded the feeling of dread. The fact they lost to Anorthosi left the gap between the two sides now at 4 points.

Spoiler

Fixtures

Clive hoped that a win against Apol. Limassol would be able to kick start some kind of recovery in form, even if it was a brief one beore welcoming APOEL on the last game of the season.

[Sizeman21]

Wow...that is........not great Clive  Nea Salamina have your number this season it seems. Since you have been promoted, what has your teams record facing the big 4 vs the rest like? 

[ChaosClive]

38 minutes ago, Sizeman21 said:

Wow...that is........not great Clive  Nea Salamina have your number this season it seems. Since you have been promoted, what has your teams record facing the big 4 vs the rest like? 

Definitely of late, but we started the season really well against them, I think the cup matches may not have made it look so though.

In terms of the league, I think that it is a very divided league, the usual 6 sides will make up the top 6, apart from this year where Omonoia have had a bad season. I am more concerned that Alki have our number this season though, as they are the only side we have not managed to win against yet, and there has been a massive swing in our goal difference between 32/33 and 33/34.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

April 2034

And as if by magic, Geroskipou were taught how to win again. As Clive had predicted, an easy 4-1 win against Apol. Limassol was followed up by a 9-0 friendly win to boost morale. A late Iosifidis header was enough to salvage a 2-2 draw and a point away against Alki. A second friendly of the month was played, with Geroskipou winning 11-0 to get the creative juices flowing for APOEL's visit.

As expected, Geroskipou were under the cosh for the majority of the match, and were on their way to earning a credible 2-2 draw. But after all the stoppage time goals that they had conceeded throughout the season, karma finally gave the men in red some payback. Devin van Looy popped up with goals in the 91st and 94th minute and the match ended in a 4-2 victory for Geroskipou!

Spoiler

Table

The massive win against APOEL saw Geroskipou hold onto 4th place, 6 points clear of Anorthosi with 2 games to go, and only 3 points behind 2nd place.

Fixtures

Clive went into the first league match of the season against Anorthosi knowing that as long as his side could pick up a draw or a win, then a european spot would be secured, as Nea Salamina and APOEL both were in the final of the Cypriot Cup. If they lost, they would need to go to Limassol and win there instead, but the aim was to finish the job off at home infront of the Geroskipou faithful.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

Match Day 31 - Anorthosi (H)

A new record for best placed league finish was on the line, but more importantly, a european qualification place. All Geroskipou had to do was to not lose against Anorthosi.

First Half

Early on in the game, Geroskipou showed dominance, which eventually frustrated the Anorthosi defense to a point of fury, and lashing out in the box leading to a penatly in the 19th minute. Jerbic cooly slotted away to make the score 1-0 Geroskipou. In the 26th min, Jerbic had another chance to double the lead with another penatly. But he missed, and the score remained the same. Just before half time, Carvalho got on the end of a deep cross to put Clive's mind at ease.

A 2 goal advantage going into the break was good, Clive was about to make his way down the tunnel, when he heard the ref's whistle. Penatly to Geroskipou. Jerbic delivered a hammerblow to Anorthosi's hopes by converting and he was now 2/3 on the day. Somehow there was time after the ensuing kick off for Abreu to find space behind the Geroskipou back 4, have a ball played over the top to him, and slot home to at least keep the game alive.

Half Time

APOP Geroskipou 3 - 1 Anorthosi

Second Half

The game quitened in the first half of the second half, with a few half chances sailing over the bar. This was until the 71st minute, when a long ball found Mariano, who left his marker in the mud and scored to make the score a now unasailable 4-1 with 20 minutes to go. In typical Abreu style though, he scored again, 4-2. Just to seal the deal, van Looy, a club legend in Clive's eyes, rounded out the rout.

Full Time

APOP Geroskipou 5 - 2 Anorthosi

This result sealed a european adventure next season, even if was only going to be 2 games and back home for tea.

Edited April 11 by ChaosClive

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

May 2034

After the Anorthosi game, it was only a higher place in the league to play for, so naturally, Clive sent out his strongest side to play. A Mariano hattrick along with a Monchu free kick helped ease a 4-1 final day of the season win.

Final Table

Due to both Alki and Nea Salamina both dropping points in their games in May, Geroskipou managed to sneak past both and finish the season in 2nd place.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

2033/34 Season Review

A second place finish was definately a bigger step in the right direction that Clive, and the board had hoped for. The next goal would be consistency in getting into the european qualifiers, but if they made it to the group stage, Clive knew that fixture congestion could be a real problem in realising this goal. But that was next seasons problem. For now, all Clive was willing to do was to go to T T Bar for the first time in a while with his players and enjoy the summer.

Another record broken by van Looy, this time the First Division scoring record, taking over from his strike partner Mariano with 25 goals.

Season Revenue

Clive's Cuttings

van Looy and Mariano getting a combined 51 goals in all comps was mighty impressive. Also Carvalho's 16 assists, bringing him into the fold as the all time assist leader for the club

It was obvious that the club was bleeding money, despite the board pouring money in. A run into the Conference League group stage was becoming more and more needed.

van Looy's efforts this season saw him increase his lead in the all time goal record and also saw him top the all time apps record.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

A European Adventure - Conference League 2nd Qualifying Round

Geroskipou's first foray into Europe could not have been more difficult. Midtylland were a 3.5 star side, whereas Geroskipou were just about a 2 star team.

First Leg

Midtylland came out massively underestimating Geroskipou, playing a second string side, and very narrow. Clive made some tweak so push his wingers very wide, giving them acres of room to roam, and it paid off, with Carvalho scoring first, and from there, it was all Geroskipou. Mariano scored a hattrick, with van Looy grabbing a brace. Final score, a MASSIVE 7-0 to Geroskipou.

Second Leg

With progression into the next round almost certain, Clive made some wholesale changes to the side, including Eiriksson in for van Looy, and the change worked almost immediately, as before the 1st minute was over, he had scored an impressive solo goal. After another Mariano goal, Midtylland decided to turn it on, scoring quickly after, and piling on the pressure, but Geroskipou's defense held strong, and finished the game out 2-1 winners (9-1 on aggregate)

Despite £70k looking like a lot of paper, but in the grand scheme of Geroskipou's debts, it was nothing.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

Conference League - 3rd Qualifying Round

Luckily, the draw for the 3rd qualifying was nice to Geroskipou, giving them Radnik Bijeljina from Bosnia and Herzegovina. This was the easiest tie in the round in Clive's eyes, and the team was brimming with confidence after the previous round.

First Leg

Again, Geroskipou's opposition underestimated them, and played a rotated side with very basic roles. Geroskipou took full advantage of this, putting their opponents to the sword, and despite 2 missed penalties and and a disallowed goal, they went into the break 3-1 up. After Mariano rounded off another hattrick in the 56th minute, the game went quiet until the final 5 minutes, Jajalo made the game a bit tighter on 87 minutes at 4-2, but van Looy, Mariano, and Jerbic all scored before full time and the first leg finished 7-2.

Second Leg

Radnik sent out their strongest side, with their regular tactic, and Clive made some changes. Both sides created some good chances, but an 84th minute goal from Mariano was the only thing that seperated the two sides by full time. With the aggregate score 8-2 Geroskipou.

Another gate reciept record broken, this would not be the last time, as there would be another conference league game at the home of Geroskipou.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

Conference League - Qualifier Playoff

There were now only 2 matches to determine if Geroskipou would be in the group stage of the conference league. The draw had pitted them against Rosenborg BK from Norway.

First Leg

Rosenborg had taken the time to scout out Geroskipou and their previous matches. As a result, they sent out a full strength side for the home leg. Despite out xg-ing their opponents, Geroskipou could not find a way through until the 91st minute, when a van Looy strike was ruled out to bring the heartbreak back to Cyprus.

Second Leg

Going into the second leg, Clive was feeling hopeful, as he knew his team where always stronger at home. He told him team to take revenge, and within 60 seconds of the first whistle, Mariano had drawn the tie level. The hope was back in the team. Just after the half hour mark, van Looy popped in a straightforward chance to flip the tie on its head. Just before half time, the Dutchman scored again to make the score 3-0 on the night, and 3-1 on aggregate.

On 77 minutes, van Looy completed his hattrick, to make it 4-0 on the night and saw Geroskipou qualify for the conference league group stage!

The money from the group stage managed to flip the finances of the club on its head too.

Group Stage Draw

A very tough looking group, including Wolves, and AEK Athens. Clive was confident in getting a result or two against AGF though.

 

[Sizeman21]

Wow, this European campaign might be your saving grace this season. Holy moly, I did not see you slaying Midtylland, Radnik Bijeljina, or Rosenborg so handedly. Impressive from Mariano, Van Looy and co so far, keep this up Clive and you are most definitely receiving a heroes welcome back on the island!

[ChaosClive]

1 hour ago, Sizeman21 said:

Wow, this European campaign might be your saving grace this season. Holy moly, I did not see you slaying Midtylland, Radnik Bijeljina, or Rosenborg so handedly. Impressive from Mariano, Van Looy and co so far, keep this up Clive and you are most definitely receiving a heroes welcome back on the island!

Neither did I! I think that the best team of all of them was Midtylland, but we the fact we managed to avoid teams like Napoli and Villarreal in the 4th Qualifying round was massive. van Looy and Mariano certainly forming a great bond up top.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

2034/35 Pre-Season

Fully funded by conference league money, Clive went straight to the board asking for training facilities improvements, these were immediately accepted, meaning just like the youth improvements before, the First Division side would not have to change for training in a dingy, moudly coat room.

Also coming from Geroskipou's success was a EPL yo-yo side Fulham. Clive used to be a Fulham fan growing up, but his allegiance was now changed.

Another bump in the finances with some much needed TV money.

Transfers

Some impressive names coming in. Foucart to challenge for the GK spot. Casson in on loan from Bournemouth to provide a starting option at DL. Matijevic and Ivanovic as a backup at ML and MR respectively. Xabier Bilbao being the pick of the bunch, who was a star player at BWM.

Just the one player left permanently, Bozicic got the hump as he was not a starter.

Results

The regular tune up games, along with a friendly against AEK to see how Geroskipou weighed up against their conference league opponents.

League odds

Despite finishing 2nd place last season, the bookmakers still had Geroskipou down to finish in the bottom 6. It was now up to Clive and his team to prove that they were not a one season wonder.

Fixtures

The season would kick off with a very winnable game against Othellos, this would be the perfect way to get a positive start and build some early season momentum.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

September 2034

A good win against Othellos was followed up by a win in the cup, taking Geroskipou through to the 2nd round 5-2 on aggregate. A tight loss against APOEL in the league followed, but a 3-2 loss was an improvement on the heavy defeats the previous seasons. The rest of the results in the league were very positive, with Mariano finishing the month off with 8 goals in the league, and taking his tally so far in the season to 20, and November was not even here.

In the conference league, goals from Iosifidis and Mariano helped Geroskipou hold on to a credible 2-2 draw against AEK for their first points in Europe.

Table

The solitary loss in the league was the only thing seperating Geroskipou and APOEL at the top.

Other News

Clive thought that it was about time that he applied to join onto the course to get his continental pro licence, and the Chairman agreed that the club was to fund the course, given that Clive was only earning £700 p/w, it was the least that they could do.

Some massive club improvements were also able to happen. Clive was speculative about upgrading the youth facilities, but soon regretted it after seeing the massive price tag that came along with it. Nearly half of the prize money for getting into the conference league was now gone on upgrades, but by now, Clive was the master of managing a tight budget.

Fixtures

A massively difficult was on the horizon, starting the month off with trips to Wolves and Alki, before the easiest game of the month in Ermis Aradippou was sandwiched in, before the game against AGF, and 3 days after needing to travel to Omonoia in the league.

Edited April 13 by ChaosClive

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

October 2034

The month started positively despite losing to Wolves 1-0, as Geroskipou's defence really came into its own, and for the first time in a while, their attack could not muster up much. Clive didn't see this as worrying however, as in the grand scheme of things, Wolves were such a level above any Cypriot side.

In the league, Alki were beaten 2-1, and a heavily rotated side beat Ermis Aradippou. The AGF game was one of the most frustrating games Clive had been a part of. Not only did Geroskipou put them to the sword and still lost, but had 2 goals disallowed and effectively threw the game away in a 10 minute period. This frustration was compunded 3 days later when Omonoia humped them 5-1.

Table

Geroskipou were 2 points off top spot, but 8 away from 5th place in the early stage of the season.

Fixtures

Some easy cup games loomed, but fixture congestion in the early half of the month was looking crippling.

 

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

November 2034

Due to the fixture congestion, Clive was forced to play a fully rotated side in the first leg of the cup, and his players did not look match sharp, falling to a shock 4-2 loss, which despite a 3-2 win in the second leg saw Geroskipou crash out of the cup in the 2nd round.

The league however went as good as it could do, winning all 3 games in convincing fashion, beating Anorthosi 3-1 in the first game, Monchu grabbing 3 goals including 2 penalties in a 4-1 win over Apol. Limassol, and 4 seperate goalscorers in a 4-0 romping of Ypsonas.

In the conference leauge, it was more disapointment, losing to AGF 2-1 away from home and 2-0 against AEK, securing Geroskipou's elimination and last placed finish in the group.

Table

With APOEL drawing one of their games, Geroskipou were now level on points and had a massive 14 point gap between them and 5th place.

Fixtures

A massive game was coming up just a few days after the AEK game, where Geroskipou could potentially leapfrog APEOL at the 12 game mark. There was also a revenge match against Othellos a week later. Wolves would come to Cyprus to finish out the group stage of the conference league, and then December was scheduled to be closed out by 3 important but difficult games against AEL, Nea Salamina and Alki.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

December 2034

A woeful month for Geroskipou, after narrowly losing to APOEL 1-0, the team was showing a lack of confidence, and it showed in their next match against relegation threatened Othellos, only beating them 1-0. Then Wolves came in to town, helping to tank the changing room confidence, which Clive could not do anything about going into play AEL, and shockingly losing 3-0.

Geroskipou had scored once in 5 games. Clive was understandably both shocked and worried this. Luckily enough, the goals starting flowing in the next game, beating Nea Salamina 2-1. They continued flowing in the next game too, but from both ends of the pitch, and Alki battered the boys in red 5-2. 

After the run of form, Clive was shocked that West Brom were sniffing around looking for an interview.

Tables

With the last game in the conference league against Wolves ending in defeat, it solidified a bottom place finish, with only 1 point picked up. Apart from the obvious disappointment of this, the money from the group stage had helped massively in boosting the infrastructure of the club.

In the league, the cushion that Geroskipou had built up was holding strong, although the slim hopes of the league title were fading away with every APOEL win.

Fixtures

Going into 2035, Clive was hoping for at least 3 wins (Ermis/AEK/Apol. Limassol). If Geroskipou could pinch a result from Omonoia, it would certainly ease some pressure.

 

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

January 2035

The month kicked off in perfect fashion, Clive was amazed when his side blew through Ermis Aradippou 7-3 in the first game of the new year. He though that this could be the turning point of the recent run of bad form. It became obvious soon into the AEK game that this was just a flash in the pan however, as they lost 3-1. This trend continued into the final 2 games of the month, losing 3-2 to Omonoia, who were now catching up in the table. The final game against Limassol did not go well either, drawing 2-2 with some good chances going begging.

Table

Clive nearly lost it, as the 7 point gap that stood between 2nd and 3rd just 9 games previously was obliterated and now there was only a 1 point gap between 3rd and 4th. 

Fixtures

There were 2 matches before the league split. Clive knew that teams need form in the final stage, or the first half of a season could be ruined. 

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

February 2035 - Pre-Split

Clive's fears of the mid-season slump continuing were put to rest early into the first 20 minutes against Ypsonas, where 2 goals from Mariano helped Geroskipou race out to an early lead, which they never looked like giving up. A 3rd from van Looy helped Geroskipou register only their 4th win of the calendar year. In the final game before the league split, a late-ish Mariano penalty was enough to seperate Geroskipou from Anorthosi to help boost spirits.

Table

Due to Omonoia losing both games and Nea Salamina also only winning one, Geroskipou climbed back into 2nd place, kicking and screaming. At the 22 game mark, there was a bigger gap between 1st and 2nd than 2nd and 6th, so Clive had already discounted a league win, but thought he would be damned if Geroskipou would give up another European berth.

Fixtures

There was only one league fixture left in the shortened month, Nea Salamina were coming to try and cut down the newly formed gap between the two sides. It would be the next few games that would tell Clive if the recent uptick in form was just a coincedence or not.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

February 2035 - Post Split

After a 6-0 win in a friendly, Nea Salamina travelled to Geroskipou looking to close the gap between the two sides. It was a tight encounter, and despite not deserving to win, a van Looy goal and some good goalkeeping resulted in another win for Geroskipou.

Table

The win meant that the gap between 2nd and 3rd was now 7 points with 9 games to go.

Fixtures

The next month would be a huge run of tough games, starting out against Omonoia, who were out of form but were a threat. It was then champions elect APOEL, followed by Alki and the final game against Nea Salamina.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

March 2035

Looking over the form, it is a tale of two halves. The Omonoia game was a big shock win, a massive 5-2 win after being up 3-0 with 8 minutes played. Next up, Alki were put to the sword in a 4-2 win after another early bright start for the side. The APOEL game were when the tides turned, despite outplaying the league leaders with an impressive xG of 2.06 to 0.50, Clive's men were not able to get the job done, they lost 2-1. The half chances that APOEL converted really showed Clive that there was that clinical edge missing in the team. The next game, things went to pot and it was a Nea Salamina's turn to start well early on. The final score was 4-1, bringing the gap back down to 1 point.

Table

It would now be a straight shootout for 2nd place, with only 1 point seperating Geroskipou and Nea Salamina with 5 games to go. Luckily for Clive, he knew that he would not have to go through another 90 minutes of Nea Salamina, who definately had the edge this season over them.

Fixtures

Geroskipou were pegged to face the 2 out of form sides in Omonoia, who had lost their last 6 games and Anorthosi who had only picked up 3 points since the league split.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

April 2035

Another thrashing of Omonoia opened the 2 game month up with a win. Next up Anorthosi came into town, and despite Geroskipou finishing the 1st half with a 2-0 lead after 2 goals within a minute of each other, they could not hold out the game and ended up drawing in a desmond. 

The final point in the month was a crucial one though. Another European adventure was confirmed with 3 games left to play.

Table

3 games to go, 4 points ahead of Nea Salamina who were in 3rd place.

Fixtures

A visit to APOEL would open up the month, Clive was hoping that they would be playing a second team in order to scrape a result to help with his aim of a 2nd place finish. The season would be concluded with games against 5th and 6th, who were only battling to for 5th place.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

May 2035

APOEL fielded a slightly rotated squad, which Geroskipou took advantage of, drawing with them 1-1, although they were still only slightly outplayed. After a friendly during the week off, Alki were once again put to the sword in a 5-0 demolition, as Nea Salamina could only pick up a draw however, a 2nd place finish was assured. With nothing to play for in the final game of the season, a rotated side battled against Anorthosi, and it took a last gasp Eiriksson goal for Geroskipou to win 3-2 and finish out the season in style. 

Final Table

A second 2nd place finish in as many years was a positive, but as in years gone by, Clive was still extremely worried about his teams lack of defensive awareness, as they shipped 53 goals, which was more than relegated Ypsonas.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

2034/35 Season Review

After a successful 2nd place finish, Clive received his playing budget for the next season. £44,000 p/w would do him!

Just after the budgets came through, some extra, and unexpected money came in from the conference league.

As there was more than 1 club getting into a group stage, Cypriot football was finally on the up. From next season, if Clive could lead his side to at least a 2nd place finish, Geroskipou would be in with a shot of Champions League football!

Also with with the growth of the club, the board had now allowed scouting worldwide. Clive had heard of these 'South American wonderkids' but had not seen one, but he now had a chance to.

Team of the Season

Another massive season for Mariano and van Looy, who bagged 44 and 29 goals in all comps respectively. Carvalho getting 17 assists and Leiva getting 16. Keeping these 4 players at the club would be a massive boost for next season's goals.

Clive's Cuttings

Facility boosts all round, with Geroskipou also almost selling out their games on a consistent basis.

No changes in the all time leaders, but everyone increasing their leads at the top.

 

Edited April 16 by ChaosClive

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

Conference League - 2nd Qualifying Round

The draw had not been kind to Geroskipou, pitting them against Portugese side Vit. Guimaraes. Clive did have last year in the back of his mind, but surely teams would have cottoned on the fact they can go with basic tactics and weak sides against the new boys from Cyprus.

Just before all the first leg of the tie, star midfielder Leiva went down in training, and the doc looked worried when he told Clive that he would miss the first 3 months of the season. Quite right too, as without Leiva, Geroskipou were without one of their best creators. With nobody near his quality to back him up either, Clive knew that they may be in for a tough ride.

First Leg

The first leg went as well as Clive could have hoped for. A 1-0 win away from home, with an early Mariano penatly proving to be the difference. Clive also could not think of a time where 100% of his teams shots had been on target. He just hoped that the slim advantage would hold back in Cyprus.

Second Leg

Despite the stats not being in Geroskipou's favour, they did have 2 goals from van Looy ruled out narrowly for offside in the second half, so the match remained tense. It was only in the 93rd minute of the game that everyone wearing a red shirt could breath a sigh of relief, when finally the deadlock was broken by the Portugese loanee Mariano and their was no way back for the club from his land.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

Conference League - 3rd Qualifying Round

Again, the draw had not been kind to Geroskipou, this round matching them up against Danish powerhouse Brondby. Clive was quietly confident though, as he reckoned that they were a slightly weaker opposition to Vit. Guimaraes. He didn't take into consideration that he would still be without Leiva though.

First Leg

The away tie was first up as in the previous round. The lack of away support seemed to have an effect on his team, as Bredahl struck in the opening 12 minutes in a tie that was going all Brondby's way. After some gentle encouragement to his side, Carvalho popped in a chance to give Geroskipou an away goal and level up the match. The pendulum was now swinging, and van Looy got on the end of a long ball to slide past the Brondby goalkeeper and put Geroskipou up 2-1 on the night. Despite some more good oppertunities from both sides, no further goals were scored and Geroskipou had won yet again in Europe.

Second Leg

Everyone was nervous inside the stadium for the return leg. Just like in the first leg, there was not much away support, and this seemed to really hamper Brondby, who were immediately put under the cosh. van Looy scored in the opening 4 minutes, and Geroskipou looked on top of the match. Bredahl struck once again for the Danes to make the tie 3-2 on aggregate, but a tap in from Carvalho at the far post after a well delivered cross from Petrovic sealed the tie and another victory for Geroskipou.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

Conference League - 4th Qualifying Round

The 4th Qualifying Round draw was in theory the kindest round so far, with Greek outfit Panetolikos. The 1st leg would be the first time this campaign that Geroskipou would have home field advantage first.

First Leg

Geroskipou were definately the better side on the night, but succumbed to a 2-1 loss to the Greeks. Mariano grabbing the equaliser just a minute after Arilson had put Panetolikos ahead in the 48th minute. Despite the constant pressure from Geroskipou, a lapse in concentration just before the final whistle allowed Cayli to tuck in a shot and send his side back to Greece with a slight advantage.

Second Leg

In what was a boring match for spectators, Clive's heart rate was at an all time high. There was roughly around £3 million on this game and his side being able to turn the tie around. When Mariano scored in the 7th minute, Clive thought that it would be a walkover win and they would be back in the Conference League. All of that thinking meant that he missed the offside flag go up in the far corner of the pitch and the match remained deadlocked. Despite creating over 1.3 xG nobody seemed to be able to put away a chance, and when the final whistle went, Clive was beside himself with a mixture of disapointment and anger.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

2035/36 Pre-Season

On one hand of the coin, it was bitterly disapointing that Geroskipou did not make it into the group stages of the Conference League for the second straight year. On the other hand was there was still some money floating around the club, so Clive decided to go and ask for some more upgrades to the infastructure of the club. The board took some convincing, but after some strongly worded emails, there was finally some confirmations that came through.

Transfers

In came the usual loan army, but 4 players came in permanently, namely a 42 year old Harry Maguire. At this point, his knees were shot to bits, but his technical and mental abilities were still very much top of the class, and it wouldn't hurt if the club gained a cult following in England thanks to his arrival.

Some other players to come in were Pikkuhookana, a young 17 year old from Finland, who was bought in from the lower leagues of Italy. Ambler, who would slot into DC, and Karlsen, a Dane who was highly touted as a prospect.

Results

In a pre-season mainly dominated by European games, Clive still found some time to batter some lower league teams for morale.

As Geroskipou had finished 2nd the previous season and APOEL had done the domestic treble, they qualified to play in the Super Cup, which offered no prize money but as it was sandwiched inbetween European games, both teams were forced into playing backups and rotational players which it was not the focus of attention. The game was akin to a reserves game, with not many big chances coming. It was not good for either manager when the game went into extra time then, but APOEL decided it was then to start playing, as they scored early in the half. On 107 minutes, Ivanovic slotted home to make it 1-1. Onto penalties.

Schatzle was the hero in the shootout, saving 2 penalties, including the match winning one after Eiriksson had missed the 4th spot kick for Geroskipou.

Odds

Despite another 2nd place finish, the bookmakers still only had Geroskipou placing 8th. Clive told his family to stick a tenner on his side though at 100/1, just in case.

Fixtures

A trip to Alki opened up the league season, before Pafos came to try and overturn a 3-0 first leg deficit. AEL, Omonoia, Anorthosi and Othellos were the other fixtures in September.

 

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

September 2035

With a slightly less congested month, Clive was happy with his sides performances, minus the two losses, neither of which were deserved. Geroskipou dominated all 6 matches, and came away with progression in the cup and 9 points to show for it.

Spoiler

After years of studying, it was finally time for Clive to put his pens and pencils down, and focus on managing. Luckily enough as he was not an accountant, there was no CPD in management.

Table

Geroskipou sat 4 points off leaders Omonoia, who were fuelled by their lucky win against the men in red.

Fixtures

An easy month laid in store for Geroskipou, playing against 3 teams all out of form, so Clive naturally expected 9 points from the next month of games.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

October 2035

Geroskipou were on fire in October, keeping up the form of last month and some. A welcome return to form for van Looy, who scored a brace against Aris Limassol in a 6-1 win and then 4 against ASIL in a 5-1 victory to register his first goal in 8 games. The final game of the month saw Apol. Limassol get cut apart in a 3-0 win for Geroskipou.

Table

After adding 9 points to their total, Geroskipou were now only 2 points away from Omonoia in 3rd place.

Fixtures

A tough league month coming up for Geroskipou, who first had to travel to APOEL. Then a cup draw against ASIL were sandwiched inbetween a visit from Nea Salamina before the month was rounded out by a game against Alki.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

November 2035

A massive loss to APOEL on the first game of the month clearly hurt the team. After just scraping by ASIL in the cup, they came back with a vengance and beat Nea Salamina 2-0 at home to exact their revenge. In the reverse leg against ASIL, Geroskipou fell apart, losing 4-3 on the night but winning in the ensuing shootout. As if things were not bad enough, a flurry of injuries hit the camp, and Geroskipou were down 7 players in and around the first team squad that missed out the Alki fixture in the league. The match started well with a brace from Mariano putting Geroskipou up 2-0, but then yet another short collapse saw them conceed 3 goals and Alki would not give up the lead.

Table

The slump in form sees the gap between Geroskipou and APOEL at 7 points.

Fixtures

Omonoia were going to be the toughest match in December.

Edited April 19 by ChaosClive

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

December 2035

December was a poor month for Geroskipou despite the 60% win record. There felt like there was something missing from the team, a fact that Clive was sure that other managers could attest to. Some narrow wins against AEK and Anorthosi were overshadowed by a poor showing against AEL in the 1-1 draw before getting spanked 5-2 by Omonoia, with both of van Looy's goals being against the run of play. The month did end in a positive note however, as Othellos were smashed 5-1.

Everton were knocking on the door for Clive's signature.

Table

The gap between Geroskipou and 1st place was still 7 points. The chances of a first league title felt like it was becoming more and more out of sight.

Fixtures

In the cup, a nice draw against Doxa Katokopias from the Second Division awaited, and in Clive's hopes, at least 9 more league points.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

January 2036

Another almost perfect month for Geroskipou, only drawing twice, once against Doxa with a fully rotated squad and against APOEL in the league. The only thing that worried Clive was it took a 91st minute winner from van Looy to get into the cup semi final.

600 up in management for Clive

Table

The gap was now only 5, with the gap between 2nd and 3rd now only a point.

Fixtures

Just 2 fixtures before the league split, Nea Salamina and AEK.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

February 2036 - Pre-Split

Another collapse against a top half team opened up the month, a game where his side were 2-0 should not have finished 3-2 to Nea Salamina. There was some revenge in the next match, where AEK were beaten 3-0 in the last match before the split.

Table

Nea Salamina were creeping up on Geroskipou, and APOEL were getting further away.

Fixtures

The remaining fixture in February was Nea Salamina, who Geroskipou had played 2 games previously, and who Clive desperately wanted to win against.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

February 2036 - Post Split

Just the one match post split, and Geroskipou exacted revenge on Nea Salamina for their win earlier in the month with an emphatic 3-1 win, with Mariano grabbing a brace and Carvalho adding insult to injury in the second half.

Table

The gap was now back down to 5 points at the top.

Fixtures

No easy matches lay ahead for Geroskipou, first playing Omonoia, then APOEL twice in quick succession before a trip to Alki. Then it was APOEL again in the second leg of the cup, before finishing the month off with the final meeting against Nea Salamina for the season.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

March 2036

The opening 2 games of the month were extremely promising, beating Omonoia 4-0, before a massive 1-0 win against APOEL in the league saw the sides equal on points.

Then it all fell apart.

A slightly rotated side fell to a 3-1 defeat in the first leg of the semi, before Geroskipou were outplayed against Alki and lost 2-1. A 1-1 draw in the second leg of the cup was not enough to see Geroskipou through to their first final. Despite a 6 day break before the Nea Salamina game, Geroskipou were still outplayed again, this time losing 3-0 to their opponents.

Despite the wobbly form, Geroskipou were still in the title race, despite APOEL having 2 games in hand and Omonoia, who topped the table, having a game over Clive's side.

Finally, a decent youth prospect came through the youth academy, although with Clive's ambitions, Kyriakou Y36 probably would not feature much in the future.

Table

Fixtures

A final chance to steal 3 points off Omonoia in the title race loomed. Clive was also hopeful of a win against 5th placed Anorthosi.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

April 2036

Two massive performances helped Geroskipou win 2 games from 2 in the league, with Carvalho grabbing 3 in the span, Eiriksson grabbing 2 and Mariano getting involved in the goalscoring.

Table

The gap at the top was now 4 points, and with 3 games to go, Geroskipou had qualified for at least the Conference League for next season.

Fixtures

The final run in started with a must win game against APOEL. A win and the gap would be 1 point with only 5th and 6th placed Alki and Anorthosi left to play. Mathematically, Geroskipou would also only need 6 points to clinch their first ever Champions League spot.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

May 2036

In Geroskipou's do or die match against APOEL, they were slow out of the blocks. They went behind 1-0 before a goal from Eiriksson just before half time revitalised the spirits. On 47 minutes, APOEL pulled back in front to make it 2-1 before Geroskipou had pegged them back for the second time, this time it was Leiva pulling a free kick into the top corner. Emotions were high, and both teams were pushing for another goal. Then, in the 76th minute, APOEL scored to make it 3-2 with what would be the winning goal. The win saw APOEL crowned champions yet again, and Clive was in tatters.

There was still 2nd place to play for though. Omonoia beat APOEL in the early kick offs on matchday 31, meaning they were just 2 points from Geroskipou. Clive prepped his boys, and they emphatically beat Alki 2-0, not allowing the opposition a shot on target all game and the Alki goalkeeper pulling a world class performance from nowhere. The result secured 2nd place with 1 game remaining, and gave Geroskipou their first ever attempt at reaching the Champions League group stages though.

The last game therefore was a dead rubber. Clive still sent his strongest side out to bring home the bacon, and Anorthosi were battered 5-2 at their own ground, with a brace from centre half Iosifidis and a hattrick from Mariano.

Final Table

Clive blamed nobody else but himself for another 2nd place finish. As great of an accomplishment as it was, if the APOEL game had remained 2-2, then it would have been Geroskipou crowned champions, and not APOEL.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

2035/36 Season Review

Just to add insult to injury on an already dejected Clive, the news article below came flying onto his desk.

A massive boost in the wage budget for 36/37 was available for the team, up to £59,000 p/w from £44,000 p/w.

The good news kept on coming. The board announced in a press conference that the club was finally looking to build its own stadium after nearly selling out every home match in the previous season.

It was now more important than ever that Clive try to lead his side to the First Division title if he wanted multiple Champions League seasons on his resume.

Clive's Cuttings

A lot of red across the revenue board, obviously not playing in Europe affected this a lot. Next season should be an improvement.

Another standout year from Mariano, topping the goalscoring charts and almost getting most assists also. The 4 striker system that Clive had employed worked well, with all 4 getting double digits for goals, but the cruel truth of time was slowing van Looy up, this being the first time in a long time that he had not managed at least 20 goals in a season. Creatively, Leiva was still bossing the midfield, along with his partner in the middle of the park Bilbao, who got 9 assists.

207 goals in 250 games for van Looy made him the first player in club history to hit 200 goals and 250 appearances.

A massive uptick in season ticket sales was healthy for the clubs finances. Clive was hoping that an easy draw in the qualifiers could see Geroskipou get some life changing money.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

Champions League - 2nd Qualifying Round

Geroskipou's first ever Champions League qualifying game was to be AIK from Sweeden. Geroksipou were the home side, and would be playing at Pafos' ground, Stelios Kyriakidis.

Just before the match, Clive was given a fluff piece in the local paper, with the first leg being his 600th game of his Geroskipou career.

First Leg

Geroskipou dominated the first leg, with the breakthrough only coming in the 75th minute through a goal from Eiriksson. He doubled both his own personal tally and Geroskipou's lead 9 minutes later, and Clive was left hoping that a 2 goal lead going into the second leg would be enough, knowing that his side left a goal or two out on the pitch in Cyprus.

Just to add insult to injury, just like the previous season, Leiva was injured in training in between the two legs, meaning that Karlsen would have to set up into the creative role for the rest of the campaign.

Second Leg

Despite the result on the night going AIK's way, Clive knew that his side deserved at least a draw. The only goal came from a penalty in the 77th minute that, in his humble opinion, was awarded despite a clear dive from the AIK winger. Geroskipou managed to hold on to the result, meaning that they would go through on aggregate 2-1.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

Champions League - 3rd Qualifying Round

The draw had not been kind. Benfica were one of the teams that Clive was hoping to avoid, but his team had to go out and try and cause a massive upset.

First Leg

The first leg was a mixture of emotions for all involved on the Geroskipou sideline. First thing first, a massive 3-0 win over a much stronger side on paper, which Clive and his team could not believe. The second emotion was shock, due to the Benfica goalkeeper Paulo stopping the game becoming 7 or 8 nil. Just on xG, Geroskipou should have scored more than 4 goals, but Paulo made 16 saves in a Tim Howard in the World Cup esc perfomance and getting the Man of the Match award despite conceeding 3.

Second Leg

Going into the second leg, Clive was riding high on confidence, but his side barely tested out Paulo in the Benfica net to see if he could play like he did in the first leg. On the night Geroskipou were dominated, and it was a gritty performance to stop the tie from swinging. As Benfica scored their 2nd in the 89th minute, Geroskipou went full defensive, playing a back 4 and then their midfield almost on top of them in the lowest block anyone had ever witnessed.

In the end, the score remained, and Geroskipou advanced 3-2 on aggregate. Surely with this scalp, nobody left in the qualifiers could beat them.

 

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

Champions League - Playoff Qualifying Round

Geroskipou had drawn Olympiakos from their neighbours Greece for the final round of qualifying. On paper, a lot weaker than Benfica, but stronger than AIK. Just like in the previous rounds, Geroskipou had home advantage in the first leg.

First Leg

In the first Leg, Geroskipou started well early on, getting the better of the Greek side. It was midway through the first half that they finally got the breakthrough, Carvalho popping in a tight shot at the far post. 5 minutes later, it was Mariano's turn to get in on the goalscoring, this time from a counter attack from an Olympiakos corner. The match settled down for the next hour, when the Greeks took advantage of some poor defensive positioning, and poked home a crucial away goal.

The final score was 2-1 to Geroskipou, and Clive was happy enough with a win.

Second Leg

The second leg started as well as any Geroskipou fan could have hoped for, with the Greek's picking up a yellow card in the first minute, a midfielder getting injured, but most importantly, no goals. The first half concluded with the score at 0-0, and Geroskipou on track to reach the group stages of the Champions League.

The trend carried on into the second half, but just after the hour mark, things fell apart for Clive. A goal for Olympiakos threatened to derail the whole tie. Geroskipou pushed forward to try and get the goal that would see them through, but created nothing but 2 more goals for the Greeks. The match finished 3-0 on the night, 4-2 on aggregate. Geroskipou had fallen at the final hurdle.

On the plus side, losing in the playoff round meant that Geroskipou qualified for the Europa League group stage. This also bought over £2.5m into the club's bank account, giving Clive some more money to wiggle with for the upcoming season.