[FM23] One Last Journey, man...

[Constantine]

As you can figure out from the title, this is planned to be one last ride with FM 23. You can't predict the future but I wish this will last me till Winter Update for FM 24 drops, which is when I'll most likely make the switch.

General idea for the save is basically to do whatever the hell I want. Get to the top however I can and then pick my projects. Sleeping giants and underachievers are my weakness so you can definitively expect some of that but I might just take some of the biggest jobs in the world (if opportunity arrives, of course) just for the sake of it, for a year or two, until I get bored.

Anyhow, one club will be my endgame. Sometimes, down the line, when everything's said and done, when I feel the save is near the end, I'd like to take over my local side (Jedinstvo Ub) and make them into the best club in Serbia. Hopefully, they'll be available. Playable, in Serbian second tier...

Or I'll manage them along the way, jump around and then return for a requiem. I don't know. That is the beauty of games like these.

My profile, for the record. No badges, no proper football experience. Stuff as usual.

Alright. Let's go.

[Deisler26]

Good luck with this, buddy!

[Constantine]

Thanks. Hopefully, it'll be an enjoyable adventure...

Cheers.

[Constantine]

Brackley Town

 

Took them a while to come back with an offer but ultimately they did and that's what's important. I've successfully negotiated my salary up to 800 euros per week before signing the deed.

So... My journey start at the lowest tier of English football.

As their name suggest, they're from Brackley, a small market town in, from what I understand, East Midlands. A semi pro side, they're Vanarama North residents since 2012, always close to getting up the ranks but never quite cracking it. The Saints were runners up last year and they actually had some success in recent years, having won the FA Trophy in 2018.

 

General :: Facilities :: Finances

As that one quote from that one TV show goes, it's not great, not terrible either. Already being in red and it's barely October sucks but hopefully we'll manage. There's some space in wage budget, should I wish to sign someone but let's reassess the squad first.

 

Fixtures :: League Table

Already out of the FA Cup. That's a shame. As for the league, this team was predicted to come 4th. They fought for promotion in last couple of seasons. They can do better, surely...

 

Squad

At the first glance, these fellas are rather good footballers.

Danny Lewis, our number 1, oldie but a goldie.

George Carline, love the name, close enough, is an exceptional right back.

Jordan Cullinane-Liburd, Ciaren Jones and Gareth Dean, neither without faults but either pair should be great for this level.

Riccardo Calder, far from the worst LB I've managed at this tier.

Our midfield is loaded, with players like James Armson and Martin Woods being the cream of the crop.

Though not exactly the type of player I'd go for, you can't tell me Adam Rooney is bad. Cosmos Matwasa looks like a fun one too.

 

I'm excited. Let's see what I can do with this squad. Loving the looks of them.

Boston Utd and Bradford PA are our first opponents. I'm confident. We can take them.

Bring it on!

[Constantine]

Brackley Town

 

Few things that I forgot to mention in Brackley OP/ things that have happened in two days since I signed with them, leading up to my debut versus Boston Utd.

 

Club Vision & Supporters Profile

So expectations from both the board and supporters are that we finish up in the middle of the table. Easily achievable, if players perform how I believe they can.

Supporters are expecting that we end up above Banbury and Leamington and considering they're both fellow relegation contenders, I think their wish should come true.

Board expectations for FA Cup has bugged out since The Saints were out way before they got me but SI's gonna SI.

 

Squad wise, captain and his deputy, I won't be touching into that for now. No changes.

Code of Conduct has been set and it's the one that's been working for me ever since they introduced it as a feature. I'll go easy on you first time but fool me again and you're in trouble.

Tactics... It's the setup that served me great in the past, as well in an online save I played with a mate. Some roles and lines of engagements are prone to change depending on an opponent and how well my players can handle their roles but this is the base.

 

 

 

Edited October 1, 2023 by Constantine

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - November 2022

 

Vanarama National League North

*Boston Utd and Bradford (PA) games were supposed to go in a separate update but when I went to post them this morning, forum was offline.

Anyhow, we had a great start. Nearly flawless. Of course, we had to bottle it against Blyth Spartans, who have lost their previous six games before facing us but that's just football, right...?

Lads are still getting used to new way of playing, some of them aren't really comfortable with it yet, some physically struggle with it and that often leave huge gaps which are easily exploitable by our opponents. Most of those will be fixed in time.

All that aside, results wise, we look really great. Escaped the drop zone and we're cruising toward midtable safety. Nice cushion distance from the bottom four but it's way to early for us to relax.

 

Isuzu FA Trophy

It was tough, King's Lynn were incredibly hard to break but, at the end of the day, we're through and we'll be facing against Hemel Hempstead in Third Round.

 

Transfers

Couple of things have happened in relatively short amount of time. Let's get the bad new outta way first.

I had one player retire on me, one important player, just two or so weeks into my tenure. James Armson, around whom I planned to build a team around, have suffered a season (and in this case, career) ending injury during our match against Southport. He was on the verge, I wasn't sure what to expect but couple of days later he decided to hang up his boots and that was it.

Luckily, we were able to sort out his replacement quickly. I was looking into similar type of players already, making a contingency for when Martin Woods decide it's his time for retirement, we had the money, drove the two trucks of trialists in and decided to keep two of them.

Will Collar's my first signing for Brackley. Not exactly the perfect fit as Armson was for the role I had him in but I really liked the looks of him. Great personality, great PPM's, I hope he'll do great things for us.

Nya Kirby was the second one. Tottenham's academy graduate, spent lots of time at Selhurst Park, has some L2 and L1 experience under his belt and he'll add even more competitiveness to our already stacked midfield.

Sam Smart had his loan terminated. Sam wasn't playing for us, he was on huge wages and I did what I thought was best for all parties and sent him back to Halifax.

I've saved the best for the last... Meet Joe Adams, a young Welshman who was the centerpiece of my Dulwich Hamlet team, a crown jewel and one player I signed the moment I saw he was interested. You beautiful, beautiful man...

 

Other

I've took my first steps toward getting my Pro License.

Edited October 2, 2023 by Constantine

[steff91]

decent start,what speed u play your games? extended or key highlights?

[Constantine]

On 03/10/2023 at 00:33, steff91 said:

decent start,what speed u play your games? extended or key highlights?

Late for reply, sorry about that. Work and a rabbit hole that is Crusader Kings got in the way...

To answer your question, extended highlights, two clicks from the right.

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - December 2022

 

Vanarama National League North

Adam Rooney kicked it into fifth gear and had us flying. Flawless performances, flawless month as we caught up to other play off contenders.

 

Isuzu FA Trophy

Oldham awaits in the Fourth Round.

 

 

Transfers

Three in, two out. With two more on their way out. We're slowly but surely reshaping the squad.

 

Joe Maguire, former Liverpool academy graduate, going to fight it out with Calder for the starting gig.

James Horsfield is really tidy player who can cover multiple positions. Brought in as a replacement for Glenn Walker, who left us for Met Police.

Ollie Younger played for Sunderland in L1 just one short year ago. Absolutely massive signing for us.

And I think that will be it for us on the transfer market. I don't see us going for anyone unless someone leave first. Core is there, the team is set and I'm really happy with the boys.

 

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - January 2023

 

Vanarama National League North

Broke in the play off zone in this month of two halves. We hit a rough patch, which coincides with one sale we made (more on that later) and it might be crazy to say that we really struggled with finishing our chances when we scored nine goals in five league games but, man, we really struggled with finishing our chances this last couple of weeks. We are controlling our games but one or two defensive lapses, fullback caught out of position or midfielder missing a (should be) easy header and all hell breaks loose. I'm hoping those quirks gets ironed out as boys play more games together...

 

Isuzu FA Trophy

I rotated heavily for this game and, yes, we were heavily outclassed but somehow we took Oldham to penalties. We lost but the lads have nothing to be ashamed about...

 

Transfers

Six players out, three players in.

We lost helluva lot of experience here. Martin Woods and Alfie Bates (who decided to go to Finland for some godforsaken reason), those two were already arranged, we had our replacements sorted out and I thought that was it for our window. We won't be bringing anyone in.

Obviously, I was wrong.

Tranmere came for Gareth Dean, our easily best defender. And, for realism sake, I just couldn't say no. Money was **** poor, we're already in red, this doesn't help us that much either way but how can I say no to a player who never played above Vanarama Nat level when two L2 clubs came in for him.

It helped that we had Ciaren Jones, whom I really wanted to feature more in the first team. But for some reason, he kicked up a fuss about wanting to join Needham Market, a non league side so... Off he goes, I guess.

Luca Murphy is who we signed as replacement for two lost defenders. Few obvious flaws in his game but with our high line and style of play, I don't think it'll be much of an issue...

One that hurt the most... Adam Rooney. Man, he was sensational for us. He played in form of his life, scored pretty much for fun. But one club from his home country came knocking, top tier side nonetheless and pretty much the same as with Woods, I guess he wanted to end his career at home. Wildbore was signed when it was obvious Rooney will be leaving us, really young, still raw but he scored on his debut. Big boots to fill, kid...

George, we got just because. He got recommended to us, I liked his skill set, he didn't ask for much. Frak it, why not...

 

 

Edited October 26, 2023 by Constantine

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - February 2023

 

Vanarama National League North

Rather happy with this. With our play, to be more precise. We're becoming more fluid more time passes. Still having occasional scare in defense but as long as we keep scoring one goal more than the opposition, I'm fine with it.

Chorley played us off the pitch, it was one of those bad days at the office for the whole team. Bounced up brilliantly, though, with two perfectly executed wins.

Losing at Kettering away... I made an oops. Don't know about you guys but I have made saved team selections which I use to rotate sides without clicking into oblivion. And ahead of that match, I was doing something in background, misclicked and without realizing it, started the game with fully backup side on the pitch.

Oh, well, at least our first teamers were happy. They got their overdue rest...

 

Transfers

One more player out. We're down to 22. Any further outgoings, we're gonna have to go back to the market...

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - March 2023

 

Vanarama National League North

What are those weird yellow circle thingies? Oh, right, those are for draws. It feels like forever since we had one of those. And one of them is a goalless one.

Anyhow, we're up to the third place, four points off from the cut off line for the play offs. Double that off the top. Our schedule is mixed, we're facing Fylde and Alfreton with Hereford and Buxton also in the mix.

I think we're staying in the zone but one never knows for sure with the football. That's why we love this game so much...

Edited October 31, 2023 by Constantine

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - April 2023

 

Vanarama National League North

Unbeaten for two months straight! We've caught fire right on time, for the play offs.

And our historic victory v Alfreton caused them to concede the top spot to Fylde, right there at eleventh hour, in the final round. I know I would be mad had that happened to me. I would be carrying some grudges...

I'm pleased. To rise up to 3rd, after the start they had, to close the gap from the league winners to just three points... These guys are special.

Bring on the play offs. We're ready.

And, whatever happens, I'll be here next year. Board offered me a contract extension, which I gladly accepted. And they funded another coaching course for me.

What can I say, these people are really supportive.

 

[Constantine]

We'll be facing Chorley... We won in our first encounter but they did beat us back in rematch at our place so...

Our form is encouraging but this is just one game. Anything can happen in one game.

[Constantine]

Heartbreak! It turns out history do repeats...

We took the lead, looked like the better team... We had all the statistical parameters on our side, except for one that matters the most, goals scored.

This sucks... This hurts...

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - Preseason 2023/24

 

News and Stuff

Our finances are sorted out. We were slightly in the red near the end of the last season. Nothing scary but our employer injected lots of money (for our level, that is), sorted out couple of sponsorships and we actually had transfer budget!!

It wasn't that much, 19k but it's better than not having any...

Some of that money got rerouted toward Junior Coaching and Youth Recruitment. Still at borderline basic level but I'll keep funding it. Always love having at least one academy prospect in the first team.

Our reputation took bit of a hit in the last year. We'll sort that out...

Oh, right... Chorley got promoted... I'm still bit sour about that... Hopefully, they'll wait for us in Vanarama National.

 

Squad

Couple of changes here and there but the core team from last season is there. Most of the players renewed their contracts. I think we released just three players. Plus our 40 years Model Citizen goalkeeper, who decided to retire. Rest of the lads are still here.

 

Two players got released, two left (Fabio, who you can see here, and Flanagan). Our number 1 suddenly decided to retire and we're chasing another keeper.

So that's five players that I had to replace. Number six, loanee, was brought in as a stop gap measure, after both Dowling and Kirby got injured in the same match, one week ahead of season' start and... We needed another body in there.

Media predict us to finish in Play off zone (3rd). That lines up with what the board is expecting from us.

Personally, I want us to win this bloody thing. I think we're more than capable of doing that. We have great group of players. See for yourself.

I've bolded names of the guys we signed in this window. Just so we can differentiate them from the ones who were already here last year.

 

GK

Roco Rees, Aaron Bott

 

DF

George Carline, James Horsfield, Ollie Younger, Luca Murphy, Jordan Cullinane-Liburd, Josh Tobin, Joe Maguire, Riccardo Calder

 

MD

Nya Kirby, Shepherd Murombedzi, Jordan Richards, George Dowling, Gene Kennedy, Elliot Thorpe, Will Collar

 

ATT

Cosmos Matwasa, Kobei Moore, Joe Adams, Callum Stead, Levi Amantchi, Jaylan Wildbore

 

Preseason fixtures doesn't mean anything to me. I have a habit of arranging matches only against lowly opposition. The goal is to build up fitness and morale. We'll have enough hard games this year.

 

Let's see what we can do...

 

 

Edited October 31, 2023 by Constantine

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - August til December 2023

 

Vanarama National League North

It might be the high from all these green goodies and victories speaking but it seems like I've got my FM bug back. I knew I should stop and report back here couple times til now but I just wanted to keep playing.

What can I say, we're spectacular. Cruising the league, despite having few difficulties in first two months due to fixture congestion. But when we're fresh off our feet, we're just blowing everyone off the pitch.

Which is a good thing. Because I could easily end up in trouble and have a mutiny at my hands should we fail to deliver... Luckily, we're all in sync and pulling in the same direction.

Though I really should consider not making that many promises. This is Morale Manager 23, after all and even one small thing could snowball into something disastrous...

 

Emirates FA Cup

We did well to go past the qualifiers but Lady Luck wasn't our friend at the first round draw and, while we did put up a good fight, Lincoln was simply way too much for us at this point.

And one thing I forgot to mention, they snapped a player, a really, really good player from us. We actually had Ben Cottrell at trial. Rather tidy player. No one apparently wanted to touch him. But as soon as we put our offer forward, all hell broke loose, dozen upon dozen other clubs sent theirs and... I knew he was never gonna choose us but I was nice to dream that he might. He would be a game changer, player to build around.

 

Isuzu FA Trophy

I was hoping for another cup run but Spenny cut those hopes short...

Only the league to focus on. It's ours to lose...

 

News and Stuff

Nya Kirby is leaving us for Burton Albion. One day, literally the same day, he and Will Collar just woke up and jumped me with notes that they'll be exploring their options as their contracts run down. Since both were expiring at this season's end, I thought it would be best to try and offer them out. Collar had no takers but Nya did. There were some negotiating, they offered us insignificant amount of money but I thought it would be best to sell him for nothing, keep him til the end of the season and maybe make some money down the line, as we have 50% of profit from his next transfer.

Junior Coaching and Youth Recruitment have had another upgrade. Had to fight the board a bit for Recruitment but they conceded at the end.

And I've extended my stay at St. James Park for another year. I'm rather easy to please, give me Youth Recruitment, pay for my studies and I'm yours, 100%.

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - January & February 2024

 

Vanarama National League North

Yeah, we're running away with it. My boys even stopped bothering with defense. We were never exactly Atletico Madrid when it comes to it but these last two months we kinda don't bother with it. Score two or three, let one in, score another, let one in, rinse, repeat. Personally, I don't mind it for now, since we're winning easily and breaking records left and right but it might become a worry when we get into higher tier.

 

Transfers

Kirby out, Kirby in.

Now, in February, we had some development. It won't kick in till June but...

Adams is out.

Arguably, our best player, same as Kirby and Collar, kicked up a fuss about exploring his options. We had him for another year and a half but Preston and Sunderland started an all out war for his signature which resulted in what will be, I assume, record transfer for our club. That's two year's running budget for Brackley. No way board will be rejecting that. Or let me reject that.

 

In other news, I've refreshed our coaching staff a bit. Got even a famous name in. New HoYD, since we had some improvement done with recruitment.

And another badge for myself. Man, I couldn't wished for a better board for my personal development. They've got my back every time...

Edited November 3, 2023 by Constantine

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - March, April & May 2024

 

Vanarama National League North

Confirmed as champions way back in final days of March, which made a lot of people happy. Such a stupendous season for us, we were Man City of Vanarama North.

Best team in division, it wasn't even close, which became even more clear when new season's expectations popped in. We're to aim for the play offs as newly promoted side. Ballsy...

 

Transfers

Our backup's GK backup finally left the club. Alaistar had quite few clubs asking for his services, he rejected all of their advances until Nuneaton came knocking.

On the other hand, incomings... Since we knew Adams, Kirby and Collar will be leaving us, we decided it was the right time to sort out succession business.

And we basically formed our team for next season. Before this one even ended.

 

Ryan Stirk is our Kirby replacement. Nya has an edge, he's physically better but I really like Ryan as an all around player. He played in six matches for us, had one goal, one assist and can only be better next year.

Sonny Hilton will slot in for Will Colllar. Will is obviously much better player but Sonny is brimming with potential. He's bit of a set piece maestro in the making, having already scored an absolute stunner from a FK versus Merthyr.

Ronan Curtis is our new left inside forward. Irishman already played five games, scored three goals and I think he'll make rather lovely successor for Adams.

Ali Koiki will fight it out with Maguire and Calder for LB position while Demeaco Duhaney seems poised  to start on the opposite end. Carline is getting older, he's slowly losing his legs and having recently torn his hamstrings, signing Duhaney seemed like a no brainer.

 

I'd love to sign another CB, if possible and that's about it. I'm really happy with this squad.

It's got rather big... But it'll be trimmed soon. Adams is leaving for Preston, Collar for Solihull Moors. Kobei Moore signed with Torquay. He had rather nice first season with us and I wanted to resign him but he asked to be Important player. I didn't think he was there yet, Cosmos has been ridiculous for us down the right and I wasn't ready to drop him for Moore.

For the same reason, we will be letting out top scorer go. We didn't see eye to eye during contract negotiations. I like Levi, he scored plenty while Wildbore was injured but between those two, I'll always pick Jaylan.

I thought about hitting the market again to sign backups for Cosmos and Wildbore but... We found solutions close to home.

Youth Intake.

Luis Silva. Joaquim Santos. Niklas Kendlbacher. Jacub Dyche. Haydn Flitton. Bailey Walker.

Rather nice crop of players. Silva is obvious standout and together with the Austrian fella will get the nod and quite few minutes of football off the bench.

 

Financially, we're really stable. We have transfer budget, some maneuvering space where wage budget is concerned. Chairperson pumped some money into club after stadium expansion was announced and we're still waiting on Adams money.

We'll be fine...

Bring on next season. I'm excited!!

 

 

Edited November 4, 2023 by Constantine

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - Preseason 2024/25

 

News and Stuff

In hindsight, our signings during last season's end were the best thing we could do. Since we got embroiled in takeover talks. And those, of course, brought upon us transfer embargo. We were the target of a fan takeover. And while they pushed it through... So far, I can't say I'm a fan. In theory, fans buying their own club is a wonderful thing. In this case, that's just making things worse for me, personally.

I had fantastic relationship with previous chairperson. Whatever I asked for, he provided. Sure, we had our push-pull moments but I could make him see reason.

So far, I'm really disliking this new board. They've rejected my approaches for coaching, recruitment, training facilities using obvious bs as an excuse (we have zero debt). They wouldn't even let me take another course because they fear someone would snap me up. What kind of backward nonsense is that?! If anything, it'll only push me away from the club.

Mr. Oliver, please come back...

 

Transfers

I assumed correctly, Adams leaving did broke club's transfer record. And by some margin...

What I didn't expect was Middlesbrough coming for Tobin. Negotiated it up to 35k + 50% of next sale whilst Boro themselves offered us Tobin back on loan.

Still, we brought in another defender. Ben Blythe. Tall, left footed, former Swansea player will take Josh's place in starting XI and star alongside Ollie Younger.

That's about the only change we made this summer. Squad is looking rather nice.

 

Silva and Ken(dlbacher) got promoted from u18 side and will get their debuts soon enough.

We've had decent preseason. Fitness levels are up, morale's good, no one got injured. It's a win in my book.

Now, let's see what we can do in matches that matter...

Last board was tad more ambitious, asking us to get into play off. This new one expect mid table finish. It seems like the bookies agree too...

Have I made a mistake, not strengthening this side during the summer break?

Oh, well... We'll see soon enough...

Edited November 4, 2023 by Constantine

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - August, September & October 2024

 

Vanarama National League

As it turns out, I was worried for no reason at all... We're at our level, finally. We're not dismantling everyone left and right, au contraire, we've got quite few punches in the face ourselves. It's more fun this way. Couple of those games were proper squeaky bum time...

Currently at the top but we're not guaranteed to remain there. Haven't been in Vanarama Prem in a while so I'm genuinely surprised to see some of the teams in here. Rochdale, Southend, Oldham, Scunthorpe, they don't belong, man...

 

Emirates FA Cup

Made it harder for ourselves than it had to be but we went through. Only to find out that Lady Luck still don't fancy us in these Cup draws.

We'll be facing Wigan in Round 1. Bummer...

 

News and Stuff

Luca Murphy went out on loan to Maidenhead. Too many mouth to feed and sadly, he's the one to pay the price.

Our finest prospect from last years intake made rather impactful first impression, having become our youngest player ever, as well as Vanarama Prem's youngest to score.

I've got an offer for a contract extension in late September. I was still kinda conflicted about it, considering new board's noncooperation so I've rejected it.

I'd like to think that my rejection moved some needles around here since they were much nicer when we met at later time, approving upgrades to junior coaching, recruitment and finally letting me take another course. Not without fight but they did cave in at the end...

One last thing, we've met a nice milestone. First of many, I hope...

Edited November 5, 2023 by Constantine

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - November & December 2024

 

Vanarama National League

Couple of mixed results as fixture congestion and injuries caught up with us. Slipped down the table but we have every intention of getting back up.

We were without striker for a good chunk of November, Wildbore got injured and Ken got called up for Austrian u19 NT. Yeah, that happened...

Fortunately for us, Sonny Hilton stepped up and gave me bit of a headache. He played really, really well and when they're all healthy, I have tough choice ahead of me.

 

Emirates FA Cup

Forced Wigan into a replay. Pushed them all the way through. I know it's an empty phrase at this point but there's really not an ounce of shame in this defeat. We were marvelous.

 

Isuzu FA Trophy

Sailed past Kettering. Kidderminster's next...

 

News and Stuff

Calder's out. He wanted more playtime and I obliged.

Intake preview seems promising.

I've got a call for an interview at L2 club, Northampton. While I am conflicted about staying here, unless I really like the club approaching me, I'd rather wait for an offseason to make a move.

 

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - January & February 2025

 

Vanarama National League

Currently looking Rochdale in the back but we have one game in hand to play. Waterlogged pitch at St. James Park really messed with our schedule during these last two months.

We're doing great, what can I say. Goals are coming from everywhere, I'm happy with our defending... Except in the Bromley game. That one was shambolic, reminded me of our last year's shenanigans.

 

Isuzu FA Trophy

One of those matches, man... They had three shots, one on target and they've scored two. We were just so damn wasteful in the final third.

 

News and Stuff

We've sold another player, this time to Millwall. Peanuts, sure, but we have 30% of his next transfer. And we've brought in, I'd argue, even better replacement. More experienced, at least.

Other than that, it was pretty uneventful transfer window for us. We're doing scouting for the next season but no approaches were made.

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - March, April & May 2025

 

Vanarama National League

We were confirmed as champions after our away trip to Bath (and apparently were still drunk from festivities since we bottled while celebrating it at home next game). Middle of April. I thought championship race would be more exciting but, as it turns out, it's enough to fully rotate your whole team once after every two games and you're cruising while your opponents struggle with fitness and barely run after half time kicks in. It became really noticeable at this tier, where fitness levels of players isn't exactly the highest. Many of those games we've won because we had fresher legs on the pitch. Fixture congestion was nightmare but we navigated it much better than opposing managers.

I've got two new deals, first one after clinching the title, as I've decided that I want to remain here at least one more year and second one, fully identical, after we've turned professional.

We've got a decent budget for the coming season but I'm sure it'll be slashed once payments for our new stadium kick in. I thought it was unnecessary but the board went ahead with it anyway.

 

Youth Intake

Another great one. Five players signed.

Bell. Scott. Faye. Due. Nurudeen.

Also, I'm loving the fact we're getting lots of international players in these...

 

Transfers

Two players out, three players in.

For now.

As usual, those newbies are just replacements for our first team regulars who left/ are leaving us.

Thierry Nevers's coming in place of Callum Stead. He'll start on the right wing while our dear Cosmos assume more of a backup role.

Keenan Forson, with Nevers, another former West Ham players we signed, is a better version of Murombedzi. As with Cosmos, youngster will get to star while veteran moves back a little bit and helps from the shadows.

Sam Sherring, coming from Lewes is straight replacement for Tobin, whose loan's ending. He might push Blythe our of starting XI. I don't know yet. We'll see. I really like Younger/Blythe partnership so far...

 

Squad

It looks little bloated but it'll sort itself out once contracts expire and loans end. We tied up all of our most important players down, some more easily than others (I'm looking at you, Duhaney).

Except for Carline. I really wanted to give him one season in L2 but he was stubborn, not willing to loosens his playing time requirements. Wanted to be a regular starter and I don't think we'll be able to rotate as much at this level and I don't want all that baggage that broken promises brings, especially from someone highly respected in our locker room so... I'm sorry, Georgie boy, you have to leave.

Luca Murphy is another one to leave. He never quite kicked off with us, despite being regular one season ago. Ali Koiki also requested to be regular starter so he's gone too.

Also, couple of kids got promoted, they'll train with first team and jump in as needed. Silva and Ken had great debut seasons so they'll stay in rotation as backups, we won't sign anyone in their place.

I wanted to bring in another fullback or two but ultimately decided against it. Frak it, we're giving those minutes to our own kids. Scott and Nurudeen, you're up, boys.

 

Finances are alright. For now. We have a loan to pay for. Stadium to build.

No new facilities improvements are made. No new coaching courses approved.

We're going to have a word about that, chairperson...

 

 

 

Edited November 8, 2023 by Constantine

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - August 2025

 

Sky Bet League Two

Our League Two debut went rather smooth, considering we haven't had any new squad additions aside from ones I've already shown you. It was a conscious decision to go with our youth and if it blows up in our faces, I only have myself to blame.

Seems to work alright so far...

 

Carabao Cup

Did well against our league rivals but, as expected, struggled away at higher tier side. We still scored, had our chances to tie the game but...

It's football.

 

Squad

Everyone but our third keeper played in at least one game. Usual suspects are playing well though we still wait for Thorpe to kicks in.

Really happy for Cosmos and Murombedzi, they showed that they can still have some impact for us, despite maybe being out of their depth (attributes wise).

Jaylan has great start to the season. I was surprised to see him on this list, as our players haven't got on bookies radar even once before this so I guess I'm happy he's proving them right.

Bell displaced Silva as our youngest player ever. I've finally convinced the board to let me study some more.

Other than that, it's been rather boring summer for us... Nothing much happened.

Oh, right, one thing happened. My hometown club sacked their manager. I've considered applying and, considering my reputation within the game and competition I would face, I would be certain #1 pick for the role.

If only I haven't signed new contract with Brackley two weeks prior. Yes, I could've done it, could've easily resigned but it didn't sit right with me.

I guess it wasn't the right time...

 

 

Edited November 9, 2023 by Constantine

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - September 2025

 

Sky Bet League Two

Here at Brackley, we had sort of a clean sweep going on. Flawless performances in the league, four wins out of four. Wildbore got himself both Player of the Month award (ahead of his teammate) and Young Player of the Month while I've got it for the Manager of the Month though it is more accurate to say that I shared an award with Crewe's manager, who had same brilliant record as us.

It wasn't without the cost... Two horrific injuries to two of our players. Nurudeen was first to go as he suffered shin splits during our first match of the month. Second one was unlucky, as our newcomer, who just started to work his way into our starting lineup, sustained a lower back stress fracture and will be out for two months. Two players, whom will we be without for two whole months. I thought about going back to the market but we'll have to go way over our wage budget to sign anyone decent so I guess this means more playtime for Faye and Cullinane-Liburd.

 

Papa John's Trophy

Hopefully we'll get a decent result in our next game vs Newport. Otherwise, we're done...

[Deisler26]

Great start to the season. Should hold on to a playoff spot at minimum

[Constantine]

6 hours ago, Deisler26 said:

Great start to the season. Should hold on to a playoff spot at minimum

Thanks. I'd be rather happy with that. Still going strong but injuries are starting to pile up...

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - October 2025

 

Sky Bet League Two

Pretty decent haul, I'd say, considering all the injuries plaguing us. You can add Thorpe and Cosmos to our long term injury list as they'll be MIA for at least month and a half. It's a bummer but it's also a chance for someone else to pop off.

One such is Luis Silva, who used Cosmos' and Nevers' injuries, played his heart out and got himself a Young Player of the Month award.

 

Papa John's Trophy

Thoroughly professional job done v Newport. Sadly, Wolves haven't exactly done us a favor and we'll have to beat them to get past Plymouth and go to the next stage.

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - November & December 2025

 

Sky Bet League Two

Some struggles in November only to turn it around and have a nearly perfect send off to year 2025. I don't know how we pulled that off, injuries and tough schedule kicked our ass but the boys kept on going and picking up point after point.

Luis Silva was simply mesmerizing, Nevers picked up long term-ish injury and he once again responded masterfully, earning once more a YPotM award.

 

Papa John's Trophy

Sneaked past Plymouth thanks to Newport, who did us big favor. We were facing Exeter next and...

You wouldn't believe it but, statistically, we were the better team. But we were way too wasteful and they were... Well, the opposite of that.

It's a shame but we'll have our chance for a rematch soon enough.

 

Emirates FA Cup

Finally we've had some luck at the draws for the FA Cup. Dispatched Carlisle with relative ease and haven't had that much of a hardship at home versus league rivals.

I hoped for a big PL away day in 3rd Round but instead we've got, once again, an away day at Exeter.

And we're itching to set the record straight.

 

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - January & February 2026

 

Sky Bet League Two

This was first time of the year where we had our entire starting eleven healthy, playing together.

And it shows, they were unstoppable. Wildbore became top scorer in Brackley history, he's very close to breaking Levi Amantchi's record for most goals scored in a season and he was best young player of League 2 in January.

Just how good we were at the turn of the year? Two of our players contended for best player award. Ahead of a guy from Salford who scored 4 and had two assists. Nevers won it.

 

Emirates FA Cup

Sadly, we aren't there yet... It was a close game once again and they edged us on experience.

 

News and Stuff

We actually haven't signed anybody. Had couple of offers for our players from few L1 and Championships sides (West Brom was particularly annoying on deadline day) but, to my surprise, no one was interested in leaving so I just rejected those approaches without a care in the world.

Mansfield came to me for a coaching gig but I wasn't keen on moving there. Bolton sacked their manager and I would honestly entertain their offer (because I have soft spot for them) but one never came.

Speaking of leaving... If we get promoted, which seems like a real possibility, I think that's it for me at Brackley. We achieved so much and then some. If I stay here, I'd have to do another rebuild and... I'm not sure I can. This group has been together for two, three years now. I don't want to rip them apart.

I'd love to leave on a high.

Edited November 14, 2023 by Constantine

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - March & April 2026

 

Sky Bet League Two

Perfect in March, fell apart during April for no apparent reason at all.

And yet, one victory away from League Two title, having already sealed our promotion to L1, along with Salford.

Next season's budget is announced and, considering our debt, it isn't that big. Still solid, though. My successor will have enough to bring couple players in.

 

Youth Intake

Another decent one. Three players signed.

Rebollo. Grayson. Besant.

[Constantine]

Brackley Town - May 2026

 

Sky Bet League Two

Came back to our senses and won the league! Had one helluva game as our last one ever at St. James Park as Brackley will be moving places next season and host their games at newly built Brackley Stadium.

Got bit more than half a mill for competing in League Two which finally put us back in the black. This is really bothersome, all that for just thousand more seats...

Bolton's going to Vanarama National. Their downfall is just... Sad.

Back on the bright side, Wildbore capped his fantastic season by winning a Golden Boot. Three of our players ended up in Team of the Year whilst I've got Manager of the Year award.

How's that for going out on a high...

 

Squad

I've finally fulfilled my promise to Jordan Cullinane-Liburd and sold him to Hayes & Yeading. He's been after a new challenge, there were no takers for him until United showed up. That makes him our one and only piece of transfer business we've done this year.

Squad's in good shape, I'd say. Nice mixture of youngsters and established, more mature players. Every single one of them got their moment in the sun, even our third goalie. And as you've seen on our finances tab, new manager will have more than enough money to put his stamp on this team.

It's been one fun ride, Saints... I couldn't have wished for a better starting club. I've improved so much, I grew so much... Thank you for giving me this opportunity.

 

And finally...

Wish you all the best, Brackley Town. May your rise continue and we meet once more sometimes down the line.

Now, let's take a little break... Go for a vacation or two.

And then we'll see where I'll end up next...

Edited November 15, 2023 by Constantine

[Deisler26]

Great work at Brackley! I look forward to where you end up next!

[Constantine]

Blackburn Rovers

According to a job board, I could've got into Premier League's Leicester and Southampton, for some reason. That seemed tad unrealistic to me but struggling Championship side... Yeah, I can see them going after me.

Blackburn is a team brimming with history and that's why they appealed to me. One of the founders of The Football League, former English League and Premier League champions and they had one of the best footballers England ever had in Alan Shearer.

But those are days long past... Today, Rovers are just a midtable mediocrity in English Second tier, finishing between 8th and 15th place (more of the latter) for the last eight years. I'd like to change that...

General :: Facilities :: Finances

The club is in decent enough shape. Squad is bit too bloated for my taste, finances seems fine but are bit of a mess when you consider debt we have to repay. Board isn't all that ambitious, at least considering this season's objectives.

Fixtures :: League Table

That was an awful start to the season. Some really winnable games from which they've got nothing.

Looking at the schedule ahead... I'm in for a rocky start to life in Lancashire.

 

Squad

It seems... Fine. I guess.

Goalkeeper Kaminski is class but he isn't getting any younger. I reckon there's another two, three good years in him but we would be wise to look for alternative.

Brittain is our best right back while on the opposite side we don't have much of a choice, Pickering will have to do. Phillips is our finest CD and he's still young, with lots of room for growth.

Midfield might lack depth but what we currently have is great, with Travis and Buckley being obvious standouts.

Our final third... Ummm... Isn't that great. Far from terrible but I think that contending team might look for some better options than what we have in Maina and Dolan.

IRL I have some sympathies toward Wood and McBurnie, I used to like both of them and while they could still do the job for us, they're past their prime.

Overall, there's some good bones in this group of players. But there's also couple of overpaid oldies, some who don't fit my mold and some who just aren't cut for this level.

We'll be doing some wheeling and dealing soon enough...

 

Edited November 17, 2023 by Constantine

[King Costly]

What a great job you did at Brackley - I wonder if they'll be able to survive in League One with what will presumably be a very small budget for that level.

Blackburn is a good move - quite the jump in club size!

[Sizeman21]

Wow, big jump there! Hopefully you can right the ship in Blackburn and steer them into some kind of winning direction. Let's see how it goes!