FM24: Rotherham United. We need a rebuild!

[warlock]

You're making this game look too easy 

[SpillBlood]

2 hours ago, warlock said:

You're making this game look too easy 

I feel like it's a massive overachieve due to AI teams not doing aswell as they should be.  None of the top teams are showing why they're supposed to be the best clubs in the world, I'm 3 points right now behind City who are 1st, 6 points ahead of Liverpool who are current holders.  Most players the top clubs are bringing in are squad players, they're not bringing in the best players to win them titles/cups.

62million valued, 140k a week Star Player David Raya doing this for example.

https://gyazo.com/06b250d2e0f96a2a485a29d88569d933

My 850k striker is currently outscoring Haaland .

I do have City, United, Chelsea, Spurs, Liverpool and Arsenal to play again.  I still think I'll finish bottom half of the table.

Edited January 7 by SpillBlood

[SpillBlood]

February



Some good wins, a bad loss and game we were better but mistakes cost us!

Brilliant against Brentford, we should have scored more and they didn't manage a shot on target.  Berge put us ahead as Raya gave him a goal(see above post) and Berge set up van Hooijdonk to make it 2.

Bournemouth were just better than us, I even tried the tactic that beat them in the cup with 3 uptop but we just lacked quality.

Quality against Brighton was something we didn't lack, another team who didn't manage a shot on target against us.  Irving being set up by Bramall after 19 minutes saw us take the win.

Ah!  We were the better side against Man Utd but we lost!  van Hooijdonk gave us the lead after just 1 minute.  Antony equalised after a huge error from Watson.  McKenna scored a quality goal in the 43rd minute, his first Rotherham goal but Toney equalised just before the break.  Hojlund came off the bench to score as Man Utd capatalized on van Hooijdonks mistake to take home all 3 points.  van Hooijdonk also missed what was basically an open goal earlier in the game, hitting the bar instead, not his best game.

Still doing very well!





FA Cup



2 - 0 down I made some big changes including 2 CBs and 3 strikers in my wingback system but, it worked, we won.



Ederson has been out for pretty much all season, they haven't replaced and have been using backup Stefan Ortega insted, for their FA cup game, they put an 18 year old in net, it was too easy for our strikers.  Best goal came from the GK kicking it out to Doyle, Tietz stole it off Doyle and hit it in, I was like, oh dear ,  Oh and Viktor was amazing against Haaland who hit the woodwork aswell, he finished on the same rating as a GK who conceded 5.

Their GK looks pretty decent for an 18 year old tbf.



Home draw .

A wanted manager.



I turned it down, I'm a one club save and I would not go down the road .

Next Month



The FA Cup game is the most important for me next month, feel we have a chance of winning it.

Edited January 7 by SpillBlood

[SpillBlood]

March



Brilliant month .

The finishing was the difference at Fulham.  They had a great chance to take the lead but they hit wide.  Holm put us ahead after 22 minutes, Tietz doubled after 51 and Welsh our third after 55.  Finishing was the difference.

My tactic worked against Arsenal .  I have David Waston, 19 long throws.  Rotherham in the past few years have had some alright long ball throwers so I've developed Waston to possess a long flat throw.  Our first goal came from a long throw and Fohrenbach heading in after 42 minutes to give us the lead at half time and our 2nd goal came from a long throw, Tietz flicked it on and Mendes head in after 90 minutes.  Rice did play through Raphinha in to pull one back after 91 but we held on .

I played some friendly matches as we had two weeks without games and I don't have many internationals.

We might be able to get Champs League and we finally have a team who's breaking off at the top.








FA Cup



That puts us on 19 goals in 5 goals and we now have the record of the most goals in an FA Cup run.



Really tough games next tough, really tough.

Contract Extended



Dai came to ask me if I wanted an extension, well, of course I do .

Next Month



That is a very difficult month of games.  It'll be hard to not have a red month.

[SpillBlood]

April



Solid enough month.

I struggle against Everton, we were lucky it was only 3 thanks to Viktor.  We actually took the lead after Holm found van Hooijdonk after 9 minutes.  Tapia equalised after 15 and I'm shouting at my monitor as Nathan Patterson just dribbles through everyone.  "CLOSE HIM DOWN".  He squares a simple ball to Beto to give Everton the lead after 36 minutes.  A mistake in the Everton backline gave van Hooijdonk an empty net to hit in after 48 minutes it was Beto again in the 61st minute who gave Everton the win.

We're much better at home and it was Holm again to gave us the lead after 28 minutes through a quality ball from Waston.  Watson was the assister again as Fohrenbach headed in a long throw just before the break.  Isak pulled one back for Newcastle, their only shot on target after a long ball over from Tripper found Isak and he smashed it in, pretty good goal after 48 minutes.  Berge scored in the 93rd minute to give us the win.

City battered us, they were a class apart.  Haaland gave them the lead after we missed a sitter!  Davis equalised after 56 minutes.  Haaland put City ahead again the 83rd minute and scored from the spot in the 88th minute.  City could of had more, they were class.

FA Cup revenge against City.  They took the lead through Gallagher after 11 minutes and I'm thinking oh is it happening again.  Watson found Holm again who equalised after 30 minutes.  Fohrenhbach doubled via a Watson assist that wasn't a long throw!  Just found him on the edge of the box and he smashed it in.  Watson found Kapic this time who hit in another quality strike to give us the win.  Some very good Rotherham goals.



4 games left, we could be in the Champs League, Europa or nothing.





Watson has won both awards, he was brilliant this month.




FA Cup



1 - 1 at "full time".  Key players didn't play well, subs played worse but they were class in ET, the quality they could bring in vs our tired players, we tried.

Youth intake



We do have a MC!



A Rathbone/Berge sort of player, could he make it?  Potentially!

Next Month



Massive month to see where we finish, Spurs away is going to be difficult as they're chasing a league title vs Chelsea.  We need to beat Liverpool if we want Champs League.  West Ham won't be easy but neither will Wolves, we just have home advantage.

Give it our best shot.

[SpillBlood]

End of Season







We beat Liverpool and Wolves but lost to Spurs and West Ham meaning we finished 6th, amazing season though.













He did it!



After he missed a hat trick of chances against Liverpool I thought he may have blown it but that's brill .





Need to sell before we can buy and we REALLY need better CBs, if I even keep this formation.



Meaning...



I need to keep getting in better players but this season I really need to bring in English, we're going to lose some HG players and I need to find replacements.

Added:

Overachievers

And best signing two years in a row

Edited January 9 by SpillBlood

[SpillBlood]

Wait, what .



The what? The Gary Lineker stadium in SHEFFIELD!?

[SpillBlood]

Season 4 - 2026/2027



As norm, I let my assistant take charge of friendlys as I was busy making transfers.

The squad:

Alot of changes, more quality and 1 more player still to join.



It looks like I sold players and made money but.. I'd already made deals in June

In:



Out:



Burke was needed, been trying to sell him for a season.
Mendes wasn't needed, I can get better.
Viktor is not worth 22mil so I cashed in.  I'll miss him, love that guy.
Welsh wasn't good enough.
Rathbone was in his last year of contract and isn't good enough.
Siersleben had dropped off and I could get better.
Fohrenbach was the same.
Is no world is Davis worth 17.5mil, he missed some SITTERS last season, last straw was his miss against Liverpool.  No idea how a Championship side has afforded that.
Adams wasn't good enough, been trying to sell for a season.
I wasn't a fan of McKenna.
Humphreys is not a prem player.

With the player inc, that's 13 new players.

So who are they all

Gray is class, will be here years to come hopefully.




Greaves is my LCB and now club captain.



I do like my Swedish players and Ekdal looks solid.



Iversen is an ex-loanee who's come to play backup.



Bright is a CB for the future who rejected me last year, will get some game time and he's HG.



Davis is my backup LB who can take a corner.



Matej replaces Viktor as #1.  Also HG.



I've been trying to buy Harrison since January, he'll be getting some game time and one for the future.



Good striker needed, Weiper fit it.



Brilliant scoring record in Paraguay, can hopefully get some goals here.



My other new starting CB, looks class, especially for 23.

Bruno looks quality, those physical stats!  He's my new LWB.



The one incoming, 3.5mil, he's versatile and it's needed.



Backroom:



We've had some staff poached, i've brought in some new faces, looking decent enough considering we only have 7 coaches + 1 set piece.

Season Start


 

Hopefully can get 6 points on the board.

 

I do think it's going to be a different season, alot of transfers, alot of manager changes.  Arsenal, City and Liverpool all have new managers.  I don't think it'll be as tight as last season, our aim is simply to avoid a relegation battle.

[SpillBlood]

August

Perfect.  Can already see the quality difference, especially in net.

We were all over West Ham, a ball over the top from Targett found Colombo who put West Ham ahead after 27 minutes.  Greaves headed in a debut goal after 38 minutes and van Hooijdonk gave us the win after 58 minutes.  West Ham had a couple of chances but Kovar was immense in net, I honestly didn't expect the GK replacement to show that much in one game.  I felt bad aswell, I brought Gonzalez on for his debut and a few minutes later he's out for 2 - 3 weeks with concussion, poor bugger .

We went away from home and controlled the game, that was a new experience against Fulham.  We could of scored more, a van Hooijdonk brace and Berge scored our goals but we were class.

We actually beat Everton!!!  We played so well and even though Kovar only saved the one shot he had at him, he has the same rating as Tietz who scored and assisted and van Hooijdonk got himself a brace.  Heck, maybe the GK really did need improving,  It was going to be a position I wasn't going to bother with but Viktors value was OTT.

Another away win!  At Spurs!  They had most of the ball, the better chances but Berge hit a good strike from the edge of the box that gave us the win after 17 minutes!

Only team who have won all 4 games!





Waston wins, Gray 3rd.  POTM we had van Hooijdonk 2nd and Berge 3rd, we're doing things right.






He still rejected my transfer budget and wage increase ask though when we have money in the bank .

Europa League



Okay, this is a total new format for me but I think we should be able to beat the majority of these teams.  Only PSV and Sporting may be a challenge and Sporting is at home.

Carabao Cup



Nice draw for us .

New Stadium bringing in money






Shame we're only expanding to a 20k stadium.

Next Month



Deadline day the same day as the Carabao Cup but there won't be any more business from us.  We have no budget left and I don't want to sell anyone as I don't have enough budget to replace.

Difficult month in the leagye, hopefully we can pick up 4 points and we'll test the water in the Europa League.

[SpillBlood]

Deadline Day







Yes we spent, but we have an amazing squad and let's be honest, I did earn it .



Still only 19th in wage table!  That seems mad!

[SpillBlood]

September



Cups, brilliant.  League, poor.

I was saying how good Kovar had been in August but he was down to 5.7 against City.  He scored an own goal, low cross he's somehow hit into his own net and a poor kick out that City have countered from and scored.  He did pull off some great saves get his rating back up to 6.2 but still.  We did pull one back against City as they messed up at the back, Walter slotting in after 86 minutes but it wasn't good enough.

I watched Brightons LB bomb it down the pitch and cross home for Ferguson to head in after 2 minutes and I'm just shouting, CLOSE HIM DOWN.  Holm hasn't been the best in the past few league games.  Mitoma put Brighton 2 ahead after 45 minutes.  Stjepnavoc pulled one back after 72 minutes and the momentum was with Rotherham, we won a penalty which was saved.  Could of drawn but van Hooijdonks pen really was dross.

We didn't make it easy for ourselves against Forest either.  Walter put us ahead after 2 minutes but Cirkin with a low cross found Don to equalise after 10.  Riedel scored but was ruled offside by a few cms, should have been better by him.  We found the winner in the 58th minute as Onyemeachi found Greaves at the back post to slot in after 58 minutes.

Still early days.




It's a good job Bramall is still about as our backup LB is out for a bit.



Carabao Cup



Easy win.



Easy draw.

Europa League





Tietz is making Europa look far too easy.  6 goals in 2 games.

More records broken





Next Month



Playing the friendly games due to it being 23 days between Forest and Bournemouth and I have a few players not on international duty.  Need to pick up league form.

 

[SpillBlood]

October



Brilliant month.

Clinical finishing was the difference against Bournemouth.  Greaves put us ahead after 5 minutes, heading in Onyemaechis freekick.  Gray doubled after 71 after he stole the ball, played a one-two with Weiper and hit in.  Kapic hit in after 90 to make it 3, nice.

Tommy Doyle gave Wolves the lead.  I'm shouting, close him down!  We didn't, he smashed it in after 5 minutes,  Holm equalised after 10 but Ogbu heaed in to give Wolves the lead after 21 minutes.  Holm popped up again to equalise and share the spoils.  In reality, it was a very even game.

Newcastle took the lead out of nothing, Isak with a brilliant solo goal which earnt him goal of the month (Grays goal vs Aston Villa was better!) gave Newcastle the lead just before the break.  I gave the lads a yelling at during half time and we played much better, van Hoojidonk equalised, Krafth gave us the lead and Tietz scored out 3, all within 5 minutes of each other, much better.

What an insane game against Villa!  Both teams offered much attacking quality, Kovar has a brilliant game compared to Martinez in the Villa goal.  Our xG was 2.76, Villas was 3.67 but we did hit the woodwork 3 times.  Tietz gave us the lead after just 1 minute and great pressing from van Hooijdonk, he stole the ball and doubled our lead after 10.  Piquerez pulled one back for Villa and Douglas Luiz in the 2nd half equalised.  Onyemaechi gave us the lead after 57 minutes and Gray hit a 35 yard curling shot after 60 to make it 4, it was a special goal.  Watkins pulled one back after 92 to make it a nervy finish and I'm regretting my sub choices.  Gray found van Hooijdonks run in the 97th minute where he slotted in for his brace.



We're currently in a title race.










Carabao Cup



I had 17 year old youngsters on for their debuts and my backup players on, my first team were too tired so I'm happy we won.



Now that's an interesting draw!  We haven't played Sheff Utd yet in this save!

Europa League



Still 100% win rate.

Next Month



A more relaxing month and I'm looking at young players to bring in.  Currently have an Irish goalkeeper and potentially a Peruvian LB.

[SpillBlood]

November



Frustrating.

We weren't very good against Palace but ping pong in the box found Tietz at the back post to knock in for the win.

We were 2 - 0 up against Brentford.  Tietz put us ahead after 37 minutes and Weuper doubled after 72.  Mbeumo was having a shocker for Brentford but his corner found Collins to pull one back after 74 minutes.  It was his run also and low pass into the box which found Macias to equalise after 88 minutes.  Was an even game but frustrating to draw after being 2 - 0 up.

Top of the league battle is heating up.





FA Cup



A home draw would have been better but we should be able to win.

Europa League



2 clear cut chances, hit the woodwork 3 times.  I can't believe what I witnessed but we were so poor at the back!



Atleast back to winning ways.

Current top 8:



Next Month



How many games .  Look at that run at the end of the month!  Chelsea into Liverpool, City, Arsenal and United? My word.

[SpillBlood]

December



Brilliant month.  The City have should have been a win but still, brilliant!

We battered Hull, 24 shots vs 3.  Greaves headed in Watsons corner after 54 minutes to give us the win.

Brilliant game of football against Sheffield United.  Hamer gave Sheff utd the lead after 14 minutes but van Hooijdonk equalised after 19.  It was a very even game and both teams were cancelling the other out, I switched to 2 DMs and 3 uptop.  Krafth on a sub found Weiper to head in after 84 minutes for the win.  Massive win.

Talking about massive win, what a win against Chelsea!  I feel like I had a double agent, before we signed Kovar, I was in for Chelsea keeper Tim Ronning and he had a stinker, he faced 5 shots, 1 of them a penalty and all 5 shots went in.  Tietz hat-trick and a Berge brace.  Chelsea played the same shape as we do but much worse, they must have a different manager as last seasons shape saw them be alot more dangerous.



We were much better than Liverpool, Tietz hit in after 4 minutes to give us the lead and we were in control, had to make subs due to congestion and Leif Davis gave away a penalty in the 81st minute that Szoboszlai put past Kovar, I was raging as we were in control.  Leif Davis made up for it though as he assisted Greaves via a corner in the 87th minute and found Wiper in the 91st to make it 3 - 1 to us.

So Dave Watson was ROBBED, his 27th minute strike against City should be goal of the season, it was utter class.  30 yard screamer off the bar and in.  Watson turned assister as he found van Hooijdonk to put us 2 - 0 up.  Rodri pulled one back with a brilliant long range shot of his own and Neiper should have made it 3 to us, it was an absolute sitter in the 90th minute.  A deflected ball found Haaland to poke in after 96 minutes!  I felt robbed!!!

Defence and keeping was poor against Arsenal, but so was van Hooijdonks finishing, he should of had a brace in 3 minutes of football but missed both chances.  Our xG was 2.93 and Arsenals was 0.89, it was just not our day.  Jesus putting Arsenal ahead after 13 minutes, Martinelli with a quality top corner finish put them 2 up after 24.  Odegaard with a good strike of his own made it 3 after 47.  Tietz scored from the spot but that was that.  12 undefeated over, a new run stats.

Brilliant win against Manchester United.  We went ahead after 8 minutes as Stjepanovic scored an absolute beauty, trying for his own goal of the month.  Graves headed in Leifs corner after 41 minutes to make it 2 going into the break.  Weiper made it 3 and van Hooijdonk made it 4 from the spot.  United were dross but Kovar did have a good game with what shots they did have.

8 points clear .



Ah yeah, Haaland scored 12 goals in 6 games including 6 against Sheff Utd so I think he's going to get the golden boot .



Dave being class again.



Carabao Cup



Brilliant win, had to rotate.

Sheff Utd games bring records









We can beat Liverpool, we just have.  Tough but we can do it.

Europa League





Job Interview



No thanks .

Youth intake



Also the reason I've just brought in 4 18 year olds, need HG players.

Players In



Cheap, has potential, needs to improve those mental stats.



Bags of potential, training at LWB, does lack height.  Brilliant mental stats!



Another that lacks height but looks classy, has room to improve and already looks like he can play around the first team.



Pace to burn, worth a punt.




Next Month



Keep the games going!  I'm not looking to do any more deals this window, depends if we get bids for a couple of wanted players.

 

Edited January 12 by SpillBlood

[SpillBlood]

January



What an absolutely amazing month!



Our xG against Fulham was 3.48 with 3 CCC but we did not make it easy for ourselves.  Stjepanovic on a sub crossed the ball in low, Juliao on his debut looked to tackle the ball in Fulhams box which then set up Stejpanvoci in a one-two to hit in after 88 minutes to give us the win, was so bizzare to watch .

We were 1 - 0 down after 8 minutes against West Ham after a Lucas Paqueta long shot was weakly saved into Kovars own net.  Greaves headed in just before the break to make things ever.  I made some subs and it was like a different team, we were brilliant.  Greaves this time the creator, setting up Wiper in the 62nd minute.  Stejpanovic set up Gray in the 82nd and then Weiper set up Stjepanovic in the 85th to make it 4.  Brilliant.

The Spurs game was stressful, Berge set up Weiper in the 39th minute and Walter doubled after 43.  Orkun Kokcu pulled one back after 72 minutes and we were holding on, the board went up +7, from where!?  The game ended in the 101st minute for a huge victory!

An early goal against Brighton gave us the win, Gray with a deflected cross found van Hoiijdonk to hit in after 8 minutes.   That was that.

We're still flying high at the top!



What on earth is going on at Everton, top 3 yellow cards are Everton players



Some monthly awards.

All 3 young players are Millers







Carabao Cup



We struggled, I changed formation to try and hit Liverpool on the break and it worked.

See what happens when we're at home.

FA Cup



I had youth players on as we needed to rest players so a win is a win.



Same again, 18 year old Samson giving us a vital goal off the bench.



Away draw at Spurs, boo.

Europa League




0 - 0 for ages, nothing was happening, some subs happened including Walter and we were clinical.





Strange how much this one was hyped.  My back 3 for this game was 2 squad players and a DM and then brought on an 18 year old DM to play CB at half time and we chilled, easy game.



Let's see who we face next!

Deadline Day





I did bring in 1 more player, I asked my board to buy him as it'll show we mean business and they actually did. 

Gamal can fill in at RWB and DM and heck, I've even had him at CB.



Even after a mad season with purchases, we're only 19th in wage table!



Next Month


 

Hopefully keep the good times rolling as we've been good away recently but I know we're not the best away team and we're away 4 times in Feb.

[SpillBlood]

It's Carabao Cup Final Day

A Yorkshire Derby at Wembley




Championship Leeds United vs Premiership Rotherham United.

It's my second attempt at lifting the trophy as in 2024/2025 we got mauled by Spurs.

The line ups:

That's a very strong side for a Championship squad!  Will be a tough game.

First half:

1st minute: Waston swings in a corner, Tietz heads it but a strong save from Meslier, Greaves pounds on the loose ball, passes it to Tietz to hit in!  2nd minute lead!

3rd minute: Leeds corner, we head out and it's a long shot that's well wide.

7th minute:  Greaves down the left, back to Bruno, great ball into the box to Berge who plays it to van Hooijdonk, he passes out to Watson who forces Meslier into a great save.  Watson takes the corner but Leeds collect and try to counter but we hold close them down.

26th minute: Watson long throw to Berge, Berge takes it past his man, crosses and it finds Tietz, he heads it and it's a goal!  2 - 0 to Rotherham United!!!

35th minute: Leeds freekick, it's played low to Wober, he shoots but Kovar saves!  Leeds have a corner, Harrison swings it in but we win the header and get rid.

39th minute: Harrison takes a freekick but we clear, he drives into the box and a good save from Kovar.  Harrison takes the corner and we head out back to him, a low cross is put in but Kovar collects.

41st minute: We're passing round the back and Greaves finds Watson, through to Gray and Meslier makes a good save.  Watson with the corner, Leeds clear for another corner.  Watson trys again and Meslier collects.

It's half time!

We're looking good!



Second half:

49th minute: van Hooijdonk tries a long range freekick but it hits the wall and we have a corner.  Watson swings it in but it's headed out, van Hooijdonk swings it back in but Tietz is offside.

50th minute: Leeds have the ball and are passing around well, van Hooijdonk closes down Justin but he wins it back, Leeds can't find a way through and it's Ekdal that intercepts, the ball is with Tietz and it's a lovely chip over to van Hooijdonk, Meslier comes for it but van Hooijdonk hits the post!  The ball bounces back nicely to him to hit in!  It's 3 - 0 to Rotherham United!

58th minute:  We steal the ball, Gray out to Bruno who crosses low, van Hooijdonk doesn't get his foot on it as Porozo intercepts but Tietz does and that's 4 - 0 and his hat-trick!!!

66th minute: Holm hits in a freekick that van Hooijdonk heads, it's saved by Meslier.

68th minute: It's Rotherham on the attack, Tietz tries a long shot but it's well wide.

70th minute: Watson takes the corner but it's headed out, van Hooijdonk goes for a strike from outside the box but it's wide.

73rd minute and making all 5 subs: Holm, Bruno, Greaves, Gray and Waston off.  Arrey-Mbi, Gamal, Stejpanovic, Becerra and Juliao on.

74th minute: Gamal has a freekick down the right, he passes to Juliao who shoots and forces a corner out of Meslier.  Berge takes the corner but it's headed out.

90+4: Berge swings in the corner but Riedel head just over.  Meslier kicks out but that's it.

WE'VE WON THE CARABAO CUP AND MY FIRST WIN IN 3 FINALS.

Two Carabao and Championship Play-Off finals.








 

Edited January 13 by SpillBlood

[SpillBlood]

February



We rode our luck but came out with our heads high.

I had my defenders to thank against Nottingham Forest.  Ekdal gave us an 11 minute lead after a good strike in the box and Becerra scored his first Rotherham United goal in the 52nd minute with a good strike from outside the box.  Edouard pulled one back for Forest in the 74th minute but we were comfortable.

Our winning streak ended against Everton.  They just talked through us with Talisca giving the lead and de la Vega doubling.  Berge pulled one back after the 77th minute and Tietz had a huge change at the end to equalise but missed to give Everton all 3 points.

Very tight game against Wolves, we had lot more chances but they had two clear cut chances.  Greaves headed in after 31 minutes after Holms freekick was headed back in by Ridel.  Wolves got lucky, Neto cut inside, Ekdal got his foot in but the balls bounced straight back for Neto to hit in after 46 minutes.  Wolves had a big chance as a cross found their attacker and he headed onto the bar, they only had 2 shots and 1 on target, we had 16, 6 on target and were lucky to win.  Stejpanovic on a sub hitting a brilliant strike in the 88th minute to give us the win.

2 games in hand and still nicely at the summit.






Carabao Cup





See above post .

FA Cup



Such a mad game.  We cancelled each other out until we took the lead, we were the better team and Maddison scored a deflection after 94 to take it to ET.  I subbed on Iversen as Kovar had a knock, they went ahead, we equliased and Iversen on a sub was the penalty shoot out hero!



Home draw, gives us a chance.

Europa League



I have no idea what to expect against Roma.  Just hope we can progress.

Next Month



A game every 3 days, this is going to be very tough and I'm going to save my first teamer players for cup games if I can.

[SpillBlood]

March



Not good enough in the league against teams down the bottom, missed out on 4 big points.  Great in cups.  We have had Gray out all month, Holm injured and now we're without Berge. 

van Hooijdonk put us ahead just before the break against Villa and they equalised just after the break.  They hit a ball over the top that seem to just land in acres of space, Yuri Alberto picked it up and hit in and I'm like.. surely he's a country mile offside, nope, goal stands.  Walter should have put us ahead but fluffed his chance, he did get the winning goal, heading in Brunos cross to give us the win.

Boring game against Palace but Walter played in van Hooijdonk, 1 on 1, well wide.   Big chance missed.

Newcastle were clinical, 3 shots, 3 goals.  Joelinton scoring a 22 yard strike which was class.  We actually took the lead with Rohl having to fill in at RWB as we had injuries and internationals scoring his first Rotherham goal but after that, Newcastle were too good infront of goal.

HUGE POINTS DROPPED.  We were 1 - 0 up and comfortable, ball passed back to Kovar who's hit it at Calvert-Lewin for their only "shot on goal" to equalise!  93rd mintue we win a pen, Tietz had come off but van Hooijdonk was still on who's a strong penalty taker, saved.  He's been so bad at pens recently .

We're still top by 7 but we have a very tough end to the season and playing in other competitions is taking its toll on our squad.




FA Cup



They sold Sterling in the January window and brought in Elye Wahi who scored a hat-trick against me for RC Lens.  He hadn't adapted to Chelseas play style at all, Tietz was the difference.



Tough draw next.

Europa League





After Dybala scored I thought it was over but thanks to Weiper we took it all the way to pens where Kovar was the hero.



We have another Italian opponent.



I think we can beat Fiorentina.

Top 50 Wonderkids



We have two now and I have scouts out looking at some of these players.  I'm pretty sure the "Egyptian Kimmich" is actually Gamal aswell.

Next Month



We really need to win against Bournemouth, Hull and Sheff Utd but then I also want to win those cup games.  Atleast we've had a break after the Brentford game for some players to be sent on holiday or have a few days off to be fresh for our April run.

We're without Watson and Berge so I may end up playing my 2 DM 3 ST tactic.

Edited January 14 by SpillBlood

[SpillBlood]

So a newgen in the game that's come through Stokes academy.

Look at him at 16 years old!  The next Rooney-esque?

I've just got my budget through as we've qualified for Champions League.



May see how much Stoke want. 

Edit:  I tried, he doesn't want to leave Stoke .  One to try and get, for sure.

Edited January 15 by SpillBlood

[SpillBlood]

April





Good month, we're out of the FA Cup but we're 1 point away from the Premiership title and we're leading in the Europa League Semi Final.

I feelwe got lucky against Bournemouth, it was 1 - 1 and we got a soft penalty which Tietz put away, we'll take those three points.

We took the lead after again Hull through van Hooijdonk but they equalised after 40 minutes through Connolly.  It seemed to fire the team up as we went ahead through Greaves 2 minutes later and Tietz put us 3 up 2 minutes after that.  Quality finishing as the difference.

We battered Sheffield United.  Rohl scored an absolute beauty of a goal after 6 minutes and van Hooijdonk doubled after 12.  Game over.

We had the chances to atleast equalise against Chelsea but Datro Fofanas goal was the difference.

We need 1 point. We have Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United left.  There is a chance we get nothing.

FA Cup



Tight game but we just don't have a forward close to Haalands quality to score out of nothing.  Juliao scored a wordly though for his first Rotherham goal.

Europa League


 

Huge mistake at the back saw us leave Florence behind



But we were brilliant at home.  Tietz loves Europa.



Next up is Sevilla.



Tietz scoring and assisting, he really does love Europa .

This was after the Fiorentina game.



Youth intake



Poor and I need to replace some of the youth coaches with balanced personality as we're getting some unambitious youngtsers.

Facilities

We're back in the updated 20k NYS and I asked for some upgrades.





They had no interest in upgrading the youth facilities though.



Next Month



We still have a chance of the Prem title, it'd be mental if we didn't win it when we only need one point from 3 games.  We have a great chance to make it to the Europa League final where we'd face either RB Leipzig or Arsenal.

[SpillBlood]

CHAMPIONS!!!







Now on to the Sevilla game to see if we can get into another final.  Can we make it a treble?

 

[warlock]

11 hours ago, SpillBlood said:

CHAMPIONS

Remarkable! As for the Europa League, I wouldn't bet against you 

[SpillBlood]

2 hours ago, warlock said:

Remarkable! As for the Europa League, I wouldn't bet against you 

We drew with Sevilla in the 2nd leg and we've drawn Arsenal in the final, they're favourites for sure.

[SpillBlood]

End of Prem Season

We still have Europa League Final

[SpillBlood]

Europa League Final

May the best team win.

It's a big ask for us to go to the Netherlands and try and win a trophy.

Arsenal sacked their manager in January and their U21 manager Mehmet Ali is still intermin.

The line ups:



1st half.

We kick off.

2nd minute:  Holm bombs it down the right, he loses the ball via a bad pass but we win it back.  Holm charges into the area and forces a save out of Ramsdale.  It's a corner, Bruno takes and it's headed clear.  Bruno again, we're passing round but Holm is offside, that's poor.

10th minute: Waston throw in to Tietz, we're passing round, out to Holm, back to Berge who loses the ball, Arsenal are passing round the back, it's with Havertz who strikes from distance and Kovar saves for a corner, it's swung in but we clear.

40th minute: Odegaard swings in the corner but Riedel heads clear,  Zinchenko strikes but Kovar saves!  Another corner, we clear again.

42nd minute: Watson long throw, Tietz hits it but it's blocked over.  Watson takes the corner and Arsenal clear, we hit it back in and it's another corner.  Watson again, swung in and cleared back to Watson, Burno into the box, crosses and Ramsdale takes.

Half time and it's very even and both teams seem nervy.



2nd half:

Arsenal kick off.

54th minute: Ekdal has it, Holm through to Berge.. wait!  It's in!!! 1 - 0 to Rotherham!  Questions will be asked of Ramsdale there!!!  HE'S BEEN MEGGED!!!

(Here's a link to the meg https://gyazo.com/62872346d1833aab04af13444f8a1ffc )

63rd minute:  Holm strikes a long shot but it's way over.

74th minute:  Rice has it, plays it out wide.  Back in the middle, Bruno intercepts, back to Kovar!  MISTAKE BY KOVAR and he's luckily got the ball back.  That should have been a goal to Arsenal. 

10 minutes left or so and I'm gonna bring some fresh legs on.

Juliao, van Hooijdonk and Gonzalez replace Weiper, Tietz and Gray.

84th minute:  Martinelli takes the corner, we head out, what a strike by Joao Neves but it's got too much curl and hits the post and we clear.

Nerves setting in.

88th minute:  Long ball by Greaves and it finds van Hooijdonk, he's hits it and he's onside!  It's a goal!!!! 2 - 0 to Rotherham!!!!

90+5:  We make 2 changes and that's it.

ROTHERHAM UNITED HAVE WON THE EUROPA LEAGUE!!!!









Europa Awards:

Edited January 15 by SpillBlood

[SpillBlood]

End of Season













Stjepanvoic over Watson?







Overachievers.



First season I haven't got the signing of the season!



Broke our attendance record and then moved back to a stadium that has 20k max



Tietz upfront with our new striker should be deadly.  If Tietz stays, he has some interest.



He's now decided he wants to improve the youth facilities, good 'cause I've spent some time changing alot of staff.

Edited January 16 by SpillBlood

[warlock]

46 minutes ago, SpillBlood said:

ROTHERHAM UNITED HAVE WON THE EUROPA LEAGUE!

Told you 

Well played 

[SpillBlood]

Champions?





It seems we've just won a cup in pre-season I've never heard of .

One for the trophy cabinet.

[SpillBlood]

Season 5 - 2027/2028



Solid pre-season that my assistant took control of as norm, I played the El Nacional game which saw us win a trophy I'd never heard of but a really good summer.  I've made huge changes to the backroom staff and we've brought in some quality players to bolster the squad.

The Squad:




I need to take two screenshots now we're got proper depth .

The ins and outs:

Also in:



Also out:



Leif didn't have the best time with us, he was out injured alot and Becerra took his spot.
Irving wasn't need anymore, Juliao had replaced him in Jan.
Onyemachi was replaced by a HG LB and I can't turn down that sort of money for him.
Stjepanovic was always a buy now, play, sell more player.  Cost us 1.5mil, sold for 17mil, job done.
Rohl was only here to cover for a season.

So, the in players!

McAtee cost no money, isn't on high wages, HG and happy to play back up.



Gyokeres uptop



Chida is a rapid striker, one for the future.  Lack of good talent coming through I could find, Chida was the best.



Miley and Gray in midfield for years to come, proper happy with this one.



New LB



Kossounou had just been relegated with Hull but my scouts alerted me about him and he does look very good.  We'll see if he can play better here.



There could be more in and outs before the window is over.





I thought this was pretty cool for our new signing



Matchday revenue



We're growing as a club, biggest club in Yorkshire .  Good to see.

Super Cup



Well, that's going to be a difficult game .

Youth improvement



Interview offered



No thanks .

Backroom changes.



I didn't make many changes to the first team staff and I can't attract staff to increase 4* to 4.5 or 5.

I do have a couple more spaces if I can find staff to improve our backroom coaching staff.  I do have a fitness coach due in and a couple more scouts.



U21s:

We have the best set up in our divison and we have a couple more coaches due in.





U18:

Trying my best to improve our youth facilities, network and staff.

Solskjaer is manager

One more coach is due in and our HYOD isn't here yet.





HYOD incoming:



Hopefully we can start bringing in our own youngsters over the next few seasons.

This is currently our facilities with them all being upgraded.



Season Start



Difficult start to the season but atleast we're at home to Newcastle, small chance we can add a trophy to the cabinet but I'm not expecting that UEFA Super Cup at all.  I'm not ruling out any transfers either, I'd love another striker as good as Gyokeres.  I'd need to sell first though.  Holm and Watson both have interest and have insane price tags that I'd probably have to cash in for.

[warlock]

Amazing how far you've come in four years 

[SpillBlood]

Community Shield

It's our first attempt at trying to win this "competition".

The lineups:



Do our best to keep Haaland quiet.

First half:

City kick off.

1st minute: Haaland kicks off and it's miss hit, Gyokeres steals, we're playing to down the left, Greaves hits a ball over the top that's straight to Ederson.

12th minute: Tietz lines up the freekick, it hits the woodwork and we have a corner thanks to Ederton.  It's swung in and cleared, out to Brown but he's tackled.

14th minute: Watson throws it in to Brown but it's a poor pass, it's with Foden but Brown steals.  We're passing around the back, Ekdal goes foward, to Holm, Holm crosses and Gyokeres hits in!  1 - 0 to Rotherham!

20th minute: City take a short corner, it's Foden to Nunes, he crosses but Dias heads over.

22nd minute: Another corner to City, Roony drives into the box, it's with Foden and he hits wide, he could have equalised.

31st minute: Another City corner, short, crossed in and Haaland hits the bar!  We clear for another corner, Nunes hits it in this time and we clear, Tietz with the ball and we win a throw in.

34th minute: Ekdal takes the freekick but passes it straight to Haaland??? .  City attack but we block.  What on earth was that pass Ekdal.

40th minute:  We have a freekick on the edge of the box, Gray passes it to Gyokeres who's free to his left.  He crosses and Brown heads in!!! Is it onside though!? VAR says YES!  It's 2 - 0!!!

44th minute: Another City corner, short again, Foden in and Torres heads but Kovar takes. 

45th minute: Another corner, Foden  overhits but City have the ball, it's in, hit and woodwork!  We were lucky!!!

47th minute: Waston corner in, it's cleared, back in and it evades everyone, Gyokeres with the ball out wide, to Brown he plays in Gyokeres who's offside!

We're ahead but this is a TIGHT GAME.



Feels like we've taken our chances and City haven't



2nd half and we kick off.

45th minute:  We kick off and Brown is attacking but Roony tackles him.

48th minute: Brown throws in, Kovar has, with Ekdal, awful awful pass, Haaland wins the ball and Kovar makes a huge save.  That's Ekdal coming off, two big mistakes.

Riedel replaces Ekdal, Gamal replaces Watson.

58th minute: Gvardiol throws in, Foden has it, Rodgrio, Nunes and we force a corner.  Nunes in, Haaland heads over.

62nd minute: Lewis throws in, Tietz steals, down to Browm, to Tietz, he hits in and what a save from Ederson.  Berge with the corner, Dias heads out, Berge in, Brown heads and Ederson saves.

65th minute:  We have a freekick in a very dangerous position, Gamal hits and the wall does its job.  It's a corner.  Berge hits it in, it's headed clear.

WHAT A MISTAKE AND WHAT A MISS.  WATCH THIS.  HOW WASN'T THAT A 3RD GOAL.

https://gyazo.com/50ec89a43f653cf79e5cb8b6e66b1343

Gyokeres misses an absolute sitter!!!

71st minute:  Lewis attacking down the right for City, back to Debast, Rodrigo, Dias, Lewis, Nunes, Roony, crossed in and Haaland heads home.  2 - 1.

Bringing Juliao, McAtee and van Hooijdonk on for Berge, Gray and Tietz.

78th minute: Brown throws in, City win the ball and counter, with Roony, he plays it back, City are happy to pass it round the midfield trying to force space.  Lewis takes a long shot and it's a corner.  Nunes hits in, Riedel beats Haaland, it's out and we win a freekick with Gvardiol being booked.

88th minute: Lewis throws in to Alvarez, to Rodri over to Foden.  He curls a shot and that's a BIG save.  Corner to City it's in and cleared.  Lewis throws in low cross and Haaland scores!  He's made it 2- 2!  Kovar could have maybe done better!

94th minute:  McAtee hits in the freekick, Kossounou is beating, it's back in, Gyokeres hits!  Saves!  Corner in by Gamal, it's clear and pens!

Gyokeres if we lose this, it's kinda on you for that miss .  Then again, my key players haven't really done much, I don't think I mentioned Gray all game.

Rotherham take first.

van Hooijdonk takes, in!

Haaland for City, it's in!

Gyokeres for Rotherham!  In!

Alvarez for City!  Good pen, in!

Juliao for Rotherham!  Crackin' hit, in!

Foden for City!  Bottom corner, in!

McAtee for Rotherham!  Saves.  He did look nervous before hand.

Thuram for City!  In.

It's all down to these two pens.

Gamal for Rotherham!  It's in! 

Can Kovar save!

Lewis takes the pen and....

SAVED!!!! KOVAR!

Riedel steps up and... it's in!

Will City score!?

Kovar vs Debast....

good pen, it's in.

Kossounou for Rotherham.. whacks it in!!!

COME ON KOVAR.  He faces Phillips.

He takes and... in.

Brown steps up for Rotherham... proper pen! in!

COME ON AGAIN KOVAR.

Gvardiol steps up... proper pen aswell, in.

Holm for Rotherham!  Good pen! 

KOVAR COME ON.  He faces Rodrigo.

He steps and KOVAR!!!!

WE WIN THE COMMUNITY SHIELD ON PENS.





A "double" .









 

[SpillBlood]

European Super Cup

Let's just try and get a few shots on target .  The squad ability difference is huge.

The line ups:



Give it our best try.

First half.

Real kick off.

1st minute:  Real kick off and pass around, Vini Jr out left, crosses in but Kovar collects.

25th minute:  Dedic out wide, crosses in, Ekdal heads out, back in, Vini shoots, big save from Kovar!  Real have a corner, Rodyrgo swings in, and Brown clears.

29th minute: Camavinga to Vini, back to Camavinga, Bellingham, Valverde goes for a long shot and blocked.

31st minute: Throw in to Bellingham, he drives in, Vini shoots, blocked and out.

35th minute: Good passing out wide by Real, Rodyrgo plays in Valverde, he drives into the box and shoots.  1 - 0 to Real.  We're getting battered.

36th minute:  Good passing and play from Rotherham, Gray is in and Courtois saves!  Corner to Rotherham, Miley swings in and it's headed out, back to Miley, in and Brown heads wide.  We managed a shot on target!

Half time and Greaves has a knock.

Gamal is replacing Watson and Arrey-Mbi is replacing Greaves.

I forgot to take a picture of the half time stats!

Second half.

Rotherham kick off.

52nd mintue:  Rotherham have a freekick, Gamal to Gray, he plays through to Kossounou, is he onside? HE IS.  Kossounou hits past Courtois!  1 - 1!!!

61st minute: Holm back to Ekdal, to Gamal in the middle.  He plays it back, it's out wide with Brown, back again, Gray long shot and it's over.

Weiper is replacing Tietz and Juliao is on for Miley after 68 mins.

Final change after 79 minutes.  van Hooijdonk is replacing Gyokeres.

79th minute: Rodyrgo hits a brilliant freekick that Kovar has to save for a corner.  They play the corner outside the box and it's a great strike and great save from Kovar.  Another corner to Real, Bellingham hits in and it's headed out by Brown.  Back in, Vini puts in a cross but no one is there!

84th minute:  Holm has a freekick out wide of the box, he hits in and Real head out, back in, it's blocked and Juliao shoots over.

88th minute: Arrey-Mbi to Juliao, back to Kossonou and back to Kovar, to Ekdal, Holm, Ekdal again.  We keep going furhter back with the ball.  It's now up to Weiper, to Holm, out to Brown and it's a good block to deny.  Gamal hits in the corner, but it's heaed out to Vini, we block and Gamal has, it's in but it's to no one and cleared.

90th minute: Brown throws the ball to Arrey-Mbi, he hits a ball over to van Hooidjonk and forces a save!  We have a corner, Gamal hits in and Arrey-Mbi heads over.

92nd minute: Courtois hits the goal kick to Walker-Peters, he hits up and we steal, Brown has it , it's in but no one is there.  Vini has it, Real are passing around the back, back to Vini, they're passing patiently, it's hit outwide into space to Vini, great tackle by Gamal, we're on the counter.  Real win the throw.



It's to ET.

Real kick off.

102nd minute:  Brown throws it to van Hooijdonk, back to Kovar, Gamal has it, back again, to Holm, back again.  Great patient passing, it's to Brown out left who manages to get on not the best pass from van Hooijdonk, he plays it low to van Hooijdonk and it's past Courtois!  2 - 1!!!  What a great team goal!!!

104th minute: Real kick off and are attacking, Walker-Peters has it but Brown tackles, Walker-Peters takes it back, crosses low and it hits Arrey-Mbi!  Kovar manages to stop the own goal!  Gray clears and Weiper heads on! 

Second half.

Rotherham kick off and we play it back.

106th minute: Poor ball from Gamal and it's back to Walker-Peters, he goes for a long shot and way over.

119th minute: Walker-Peters throws it in to Nico, Bellinghams ball deflects and we steal and clear.  Morato is driving is down the flank, he crosses and we head out.  Walker-Peters has it, Nico in the box, we clear and break.  van Hooijdonk plays it back, Real win the ball but Gamal wins back.  Brown has it out left, back to Kovar, we're playing round the back, Holm to Wiper, Weiper runs down the right and loses it, poor pass and Kossounou has it.  It's over.

WE BEAT REAL MARID!!!!

Oh my word, what a game. 

"Treble"

[SpillBlood]

What on earth is this bid

I bought Holm for 6mil from Spezia in Seria B in 2025/2026, he's been a key player at RWB, especially with his physical stats to our success.  He's improved alot.

It's very much, offer me 50mil upfront or do one .

Edited January 17 by SpillBlood

[SpillBlood]

September



Brilliant start to the season.

Redhot against Newcastle.  Gray scored within the first minute of the new season to put us ahead but Isak pulled one back after 9.  Gyokeres went from assister to scorer as he finishes Holms cross.  Gyokeres got a brace later on as he scored from the penalty spot.  Gamal made it 4 with a driving run from the right and a good finish after the 95th minute.  Isak scored in the 96th after Mendys low cross to make it 4 - 2.  Good game.

We had so many chances to score against Bournemouth.  Adams scored a long shot in the 22nd minute to put them ahead and Weiper with a good finish equalised a minute later.  2 CCCs, 5 half chances, 1 - 1, not good enough.

I thought the Brentford game was going the same way.  We were dominating and Brown finally put us ahead just before half time heading in Mileys corner.  Macias was played through by Damsgaard to make it 1 - 1, we'd dominated and it was their only shot for the whole game and they equalised.  Kossounou put us ahead after 67 minutes, heading in Mileys corner and Tietz finishing the scoring, Brown threw in a long throw, Tietz turned, dribbled, goal.  It was some nice football from Tietz to make it 3 after 83 minutes, better finishing.

Same against Leeds, 2.95 xG vs 0.28 and it was a superb strike by Gray to give us the win, Meslier finishing on an 8.0 rating he pulled of that many saves!

We gotta finish our chances!

Still, it's a very good start to the season.







Carabao Cup

Good win, with Chida scoring a debut goal.



That's a very tough draw and we'll do well to get through.

Champions League Draw



That'll see what we're made off, some tough games.

Deadline Day



I sold Walter for 5mil as I didn't need him at all and was in his last year of contract.  I brought in a youth player for 1.1mil.

He has a long way to go but he has some potential.

We gotta compete somehow .  We're only about 30mil net and I kinda deserve to spend that with the success we've had.

Plus we're making more money, even if it's only 10% of what Man Utd are making, it's alot more than we did.



And somehow, the league holders are again bottom of the wage table.





Next Month



Very tough month, see what we're made of.  We have a very strong first 11 and a good squad.

Edited January 18 by SpillBlood

[SpillBlood]

September

(I have some friendly games lined up as it's 20+ days from the Spurs match to the Fulham match and I don't have that many international players)

Good month, the month of red cards.

Aston Villa took with their first shot as Yuri Alberto finished Cash's through ball after 27 minutes.  Brown equalised just 4 minutes after following up a save from his own header.  McGinn was sent off after 62 minutes for a second yellow and it was just a matter of time before we scored, Greaves with a quality ball found Gyokeres to fire home after 68 minutes and that was that.

Liverpool were absolutely awful, they were without Alisson but still, Nunez finished on 6.2.  We were in control but it was a deflected shot from Weiper that saw us take all 3 points.

A mistake from van de Ven saw us take the lead against Spurs as Holm stole the ball and squared it to a free Gykoreres to hit in after 18 minutes.  Bentancur equalised after 21 and it was all Spurs after Gyokeres saw himself get sent off for a bad tackle on Emerson Royal after 33 minutes.  We did really well to hold on.

We're unbeaten!




Champions League



We were a bit lucky here, AEK missed some good chances.



Lucky again here.  Not sure we'd of beat 11 men Shakhtar but van Hooijdonk came on in the second half and assisted both second half goals.

Next Month



Like I said, we don't have many international players so I have some friendly matches in place to keep fitness up.  Very difficult month.  Real, City and then Chelsea!  Just try our best.

[SpillBlood]

October



Good enough month I guess.  We have had injuries, suspensions and tired players.

Tietz gave us the lead against Fulham after a brilliant run from Edkal who squared it to find Tietz after 28 minutes.  Fulham equalised  through Toklomati after 57 minutes and that was that, it was a very even game, even with us at home.

It was an absolute bore draw against Man City, a game to forget.

A much better game against Wolves as my left back Brown and CM Miley got a brace each.





We're top and undefeated.  Just 4 draws in 10 games is a bit too many .






Watson Scores



Carabao Cup



We're out of the Carabao Cup, we had to rotate, they played their first team and we just could not match them.

Champions League




Bore draw, I'll take that!

Next Month



That's such a tough month, we need to keep picking up points in the Champions League but can't drop points in the league, we have to play through tiredness.  Guess I'll try my best.

[SpillBlood]

November



Not the best month.

We were lucky against Everton, our LB who's out top scorer in the league in Archie Brown headed home the only game of the game to take home all 3 points.

A good draw against Arsenal but we were the better side and hit the woodwork twice!  Ramsdale was MOTM.

Chelsea were the better side but it was an outside the box strike that gave them the lead.  A real good hit by Endo Fernandez.  We had a good chance to equalise at the end bu Gyokeres hit over.  Chelsea deserved their win, we had to sub our RWB, LWB and LCB through injury throughout the game and thanks to AFCON we had no Gamal or Kossounou, we struggled.  Kovar was brilliant.

Our first loss and I'll be very happy if we make Champs League this season.  My strikers are struggling.





FA Cup Draw



Champions League



Cracking win, van Hooijdonk was great.



Not the best at the back.  Can tell when we have to rotate.

International Debut



Played for Colombia before he played for us .

Next Month



That's a mental month!  We have injuries, a key CB away at AFCON, my rotating DM/RWB away at AFCON.  We're gonna struggle.

Edited January 19 by SpillBlood

[SpillBlood]

December



What a month!  Beating United and then the character we've shown after the Brighton loss!

It was such a close game against Manchester United but considering I'd started with my youth RB and 2 of my squad rotation CBs, it was a huge win.  Miley put us ahead after 25 minutes after heading in a brilliant curled cross from Juliao and van Hooijdonk played through Tietz, who still had alot to do, dribbling towards goal and putting us 2 ahead after 42 minutes.  It got nervy at the end where Hojlund, who always seem to create or score against us late on played a brillian tball through to Schlager to pull one back but we held on!

Brighton took the lead after just 4 minutes after Vanderson played through Buoanaotte who span and slotted home.  Greaves equalised after 50 minutes heading in a corner but then it all fell apart.  A huge huge mistake from Brown saw Brighton counter and Karabec put them 2 up after 53 minutes, Holbjerg scored a "long range placed shot" according to the article after, he scored an absolutely HUGE deflection, not along Kovar could do after 79 minutes but Brighton scored a good team goal through Mazilu after 95 minutes.

After the Anderlecht game where we had so much of the ball, so many chances but struggled to score I changed a couple of roles and it worked against West Ham, 24 shots, 11 on target.  Gyokeres put us ahead after 14 minutes and Juliao doubled after 61, much better.

Easy against Villa, the team who were flying high at the start, picked up 1 point in December.  Miley scoring after 9 minutes and Tietz scoring a brace.

Leicester were brilliant, it was such a tough game but we created better chances in the end.  Greaves put us ahead after 38 minutes, dribbling into the box and placing low, proper nice goal from a CB!  Dina Ebimbe equalised just after the break with a good long shot.  Tietz had the chance to put us ahead but his penalty was well saved, van Hooijdonk came on and changed the game, scoring himself and setting up Juliao to give us a 3 - 1 lead after 82 minutes.  A lucky deflection saw Daka in space to hit in after 84 minutes to give Leicester a chance but we held on for another win!

We were absolutely brilliant against Forest.  Gray gave us the lead after 34 minutes and Greaves doubled before the break.  van Hooijdonk had set Gray up earlier in the game, this time Gray set up van Hooijdonk to make it 3 after 83 minutes.  Great win.



We battered Southampton in the first half, we were 3 - 0 up and they'd had no shots.  Gyokeres scoring a brace and Miley getting on the scoresheet.  They came out the second half looking much better, Maehle hit a good strike to pull one back and Ortiz was found by a quality long ball from Bednarek down the right where hes beating the charging out Kovar to make it 2.  van Hooijdonk scored to make it 4 to Rotherham and seal the victory.

It's a 2 man race at the moment for top spot.








And I've offered Miley more money to get rid of his 49mil min. fee which he's accepted.  Miley and Gray will win us the Champions League at some point .




Not sure why it says 100% win?  Guess it means from the last 5?

Champions League



Glad we finally got our deserved goal.  Vyver was brilliant until his mistake.

Youth intake



Hopefully the wingers can play as wingbacks but the DM sounds good! Could be interesting.

Facilities Upgrade





Dai Yongge has the clubs best interest in my save atleast. 

Next Month



Keep the good times going, we're playing some fantastic football.  I have alot of Saudi clubs interested in my players, I would cash in on some, I'd love to cash in on one of my players but sadly no one wants him .

[SpillBlood]

January



Considering the injuries, suspensions(we'll get to that in a minute) and tiredness, this is an amazing month.  We've had 6 players out at once put, Kovar is currently out after fracturing his arm against Atletico, it's been a proper fighting spirit.

Brilliant against Bournemouth, Tietz put us ahead after 22 minutes but Cook equalised just a minute later.  A van Hooijdonk brace and Tietz getting his hat-trick, we were lethal.



A very tight game against Newcastle came down to Tietz heading in Browns cross just before the break.

So we lost to bottom of the league, we got 2 red cards, Juliao after 4 minutes and van Hooijdonk just before the break and 3 injuries during the game.  After all the pressure, Calvert-Lewis scored the winner after the 81st minute.

A great win against leads considering Tietz also went off injured just minutes in and I've had to play some of my 18 year olds.  Gray scored against his old club for all 3 points.

Tired players, I set up to defend and try and steal a goal.  Watson scored a beauty after 50 minutes for all 3 points.  Iversen was solid in net.

At the summit after 2 hard months.




Miley is class.




FA Cup



Played some youngsters and it didn't work out very well, glad we got the victory in the end after making some subs.



Solid.



Nice draw for us to go further in the competition.

Champions League



Amazing win!



So glad we only needed a draw.  Their equaliser came from an absolute dross freekick from Greaves.  I can't believe what I watched.



Deadline Day

We had bids and I replaced with better players.

Weiper I just wasn't the biggest fan of, Riedel had a mistake in him and Murray-Campbell wasn't good enough.

In:



Out:

The new faces.

Replaces Murray-Campbell.  van den Berg is homegrown and a solid rotation player, he's done well so far.



Schuurs fits my squad, can fill in at DM but he's very much my type of player, when I saw him listed I went in.



Had Lopez scouted for some time and I wasn't sure because he's not a fan of big matches but he's a good finisher, good in the air, consistent performer, good scoring record in Brazil and is now an interntional.  For 16mil he should be a great purchase, especially for the "next level" player I'd need to spend 50mil+ which we do not have.



My scouts told me about Boxall but when I saw on deadline day teams like Man Utd had interest, I paid his min. fee and let him play for Reading for the rest of the season as he's played all but 1 game for them.  Future Mezzala-Attack for me.



Next Month



Hopefully keep this brilliant form going.

Edited January 21 by SpillBlood

[AlfieLucas]

Just caught up with your save. AMAZING stuff, can't quite believe how you've managed to conquer the Premier League in such a short space of time. And surprised Dai Yongge is helping the club, he's not helping Reading atm. KUTGW!

[SpillBlood]

3 hours ago, AlfieLucas said:

Just caught up with your save. AMAZING stuff, can't quite believe how you've managed to conquer the Premier League in such a short space of time. And surprised Dai Yongge is helping the club, he's not helping Reading atm. KUTGW!

Thank you for reading .  Yeah   when I saw my potential take over wanting to put millions into the club I was like, nice!  Then I saw that he'd pulled out and Dai had taken over and was like, oh dear is it going to work?  Thankfully it's a game and he's been brilliant . 

Edited January 21 by SpillBlood

[SpillBlood]

February



Another great month!

Greaves gave us the lead against Spurs after just 6 minutes with a brilliant strike, he loves popping up with a good goal.  Kossounou headed in Mileys corner to make it 2 after 30 minutes and that was it.  Spurs were very poor, they had a 0.26xG.

We were all over Fulham but they defended very well, the breakthrough came through Holm, we swung in the corner and it's headed out, quick passing round and Holm smashes in, a good team goal after 52 minutes.  I thought we were gonna draw, we had a 2.55xG but Fulham were very good at the back.

Another bore draw against City, we love 'em.   Foden gave them the lead through a curling shot after 12 minutes, Gyokeres finished Mileys through ball after 13 minutes and that was that.  Good point.

Miley gave us the lead against Wolves after just 15 minutes with a good volley but with Wolves' pretty much only good chance of the game when Guedes crossed for Silva we saw the scores level after 30 minutes.  Holm was just onside after the ball found him at the back post after 54 minutes and Holm set up Miley for his brace after 36 minutes.



Still at the summit and we're playing very well.




Of course it's Miley, he's brilliant.




FA Cup



I put a good enough side out but we could not break them down and get ourselves the lead, Chida came off the bench and later scored a very very good strike.  We should have done better with the team that were out.



I do like a home draw!  Think we can win this.

Champions League



I have no clue how this one will go, hopefully we can win over the two legs.

Next Month



Let's keep the run going!

[SpillBlood]

Champions League Quality Goals

Well, this one wasn't, Greaves lost the ball, they shoot, it hits the post, into Kovars back and in .  I thought I was gonna lose after that.



Neither was this!  We equalised through a huge mistake at the back from Ajax.



To finish off our 3 - 1 victory (Lopez headed in to make it 2).  Juliao did score an absolutely brilliant strike.  Pure quality.

Edited January 21 by SpillBlood

[SpillBlood]

March



Keep rollin' rollin' rollin' rollin'.

Love beating Everton, they're very competitive against us.  Over the years we've played 9 times, we've won 5 and they've won 4.  So to win 4 - 1 was brilliant.  van Hooijdonk scored a good long shot into an open net after a mistake at the back to give us the lead after 18 minutes and a brilliant strike, Evertons only shot on target from de la Vega, saw them equalise before the break.  After it was all up, Miley scoring, then setting up Juliao and to finish Lopez headed in his first Rotherham league goal to make it 4 after 87 minutes.

We were 2 - 0 down to Arsenal, Lopez and Gyokeres have honestly felt like poor signings and Tietz and van Hooijdonk still do a beter job as they came on, Tietz scored from a Watson long throw after 80 minutes and van Hooijdonk was set up by a brilliant bit of play in the 84th minute to pull it back to 2 - 2.

7 clear with 7 to go.





Miley only played one game due to injury but his fourth young player of the month in a row and his sixth of the season.



FA Cup



Tight game but the home advantage seemed to be the difference.



We know we can beat Liverpool.

Champions League





Much better at home, some of the goals are in the post above.



That's a very very hard draw .

NxGN





Shame I haven't been keeping an eye on my mentoring group as Gamal has dropped determination slightly but he looks like a heck of a player.  I bring him on to play RWB or DM, depending on what I need.



Youth intake



A Pressing Forward!? .  Love we have a player called "Ash Ash" .



Looks very good!  We need to work on his work rate!

International Duty




Samson is playing for Nigeria and I've barely give him time here.

He popped up with a goal on his 2nd cap.





Juliao I do play so it's nice to see him capped.



My FA Cup scorer got his first for Japan.

Next Month



Alot of games, difficult games.  See what us Millers can do!

[SpillBlood]

Surely we can't mess this up?

[SpillBlood]

April



Champions!!!

We had the best chances against Chelsea but Ronning was superb in net, he once conceded 6 goals in 6 shots against us, this time he was MOTM with an 8.1 rating.

We were 2 - 0 up against Manchester United thanks to a Juliao brace until a fluke own goal from van den Berg saw them pull one back before the break.  Wan-Bissaka then equalised after 66 minutes after scoring a shot from outside the box.  Tietz came on and headed home Lopez's corner to make it 3 - 2!   Big win!

Schuurs scored his first Rotherham goal against Brighton.  A free kick has come on from Brown, someone has got the better of Juliao but it's just meant the balls rolled nicely to Schuurs to hit in and that was game over.

West Ham were really good, Zouma gave them the lead, heading home Ward-Prowse's corner after 36 minutes but it was a second half brace from Gyokeres that saw us take all 3 points home.

Leicester iirc just came on this season and they look class, Brown scored within the first minute but a solo goal from their left back Luke Thomas saw them equalise after 11.  Both teams were fighting for it and had chances but it was super sub Juliao being played through by another sub Tietz that saw us take the lead.  To win us the prem, van Hooijdonk hit in an 88 minutes freekick that came crashing off the bar!



"Quadruple"



Two in a row!




Miley hasn't had the best month but Juliao has been solid.



FA Cup



I thought we'd won it being 2 - 0 up but Liverpool never stopped!

Watch this goal from Juliao!!!



What a volley!

We face Chelsea in the final

Champions League



We were well beaten, Berge didn't make it any better and Schuurs came on to replace Ekdal as he was having a shocker and then Sterling outdid him to make it 3.  The best team i've played on this save by a mile.



They had 1 shot on target but Kovar couldn't do much to save it.  We had chances but Inter are solid.

Can't complain, getting to the quarter final of the Champions League in my first attempt is great and Inter were class.

Initial Budget



I guess I can improve at RCB and DM but the idea of spending 50+mil on a player is not my style .

Next Month



It's all about that FA Cup, a second I played in 2023/2024 but lost to Manchester City.

Edited January 22 by SpillBlood

[SpillBlood]

FA Cup Final

Attempt #2



Greaves and Ekdal both have knocks and are on the bench.  Last time we played Chelsea it was a Tim Ronning masterclass on how to be a goalkeeper.  Can we find a way through?  Can I win my FA Cup on my 2nd attempt in a final?

The plus, Gyokeres and Lopez have been on fire this month, hope they can continue their form into this game.  The minus, Greaves is our captain and Ekdal is our vice and neither are on the pitch.

Chelsea kick off.

1st minute: Ferguson kicks off to Gallagher, he plays it out wide and Brown clear.

9th minute:  Arrey-Mbi to Gray, out to Holm who plays it back to Gray, Chelsea have numbers in the box so it's back out to Watson, DEFLECTION AND A HALF, WE'RE 1 - 0 UP.  WHAT.  Watson hit a shot, it's got a deflection and confused Ronning!!!

12th minute: Schuurs goes for the early cross but Ronning collects, he throws out to Hincapie to Gallagher who is robbed.  It's with Gyokeres, back to Holm, back to Gyokeres, across but it's tight and Lopez heads over.

16th minute: Brown, back to Arrey-Mbi, we're passing around the back.  It's Holm, Gray, Schuurs, Watson long shot and what a save from Ronning!  We have a corner, Miley in, headed out, Miley again and we play it back and keep possession.

21st minute: We have it round the back, Holm tries a chipped pass but Enzo heads it down, Watson steals it, plays to Miley who threads through to Gray!  It's in but I think he's JUST offside.  Is he?  Yep, still 1 - 0.

Half time, Watson is the difference.



Second half.

We kick off

Chelsea are making a number of subs between the 50 - 60th mark.  Can Wahi make a difference?

64th minute:  Lopez swings in the corner, it's headed out, we still have, Arrey-Mbi with the strike and that's a cracking save!  Another corner, it's headed at goal and saved.

70th minute: Good passing from Chelsea, Wahi is through but it hits it over!  That probably should have been the equaliser!

72nd minute: Chelsea corner, it's in and Fofana does equalise.  We need to make some subs.

The old guard in Tietz and van Hooijdonk are coming on, Berge and Juliao are also coming on.

75th minute:  James freekick and it forces a save from Kovar, it's a corner, it's swung in but we head out and clear.

81st minute: Van Hooijdonk hits a freekick straight at the wall, Berge has it, down the right but it's cut out, Holm now, he goes the same, back to Schuurs and we have a throw in.

84th minute: Brown hits in the freekick but Chelsea clear back to Brown.  He dribbles down the left and crosses but Juliao who is not the right person to be crossing too is trying to get on the end of it, it drops, there's confusion and he hits it but it's the post!  Chelsea clear for a Rotherham throw.

86th minute:  Kossounou massively underhits a freekick and James steals, thankfully Kossounou deals with the ball in and Kovar takes.  We have it down the right, Holm, Berge, blocked for a corner.  Watson hits the corner in, Tietz flicks it and Ronning catches.

Gamal is replacing Holm, he's too tired now.

It's going to ET.  Becerra is coming on for Brown.



First half HT. 

Chelsea kick off.

90th minute:  Passing round the back, Chelsea hit it long, Wahl has it but van Hooijdonk presses and wins it back.

95th minute:  What the heck was that.  van Hooijdonk has a freekick on edge of the box, he passes it to Watson, Watson passes it 40 yards back to Gamal from their penalty area.  Gamal down the right, back, Juliao shoots, forces a corner.  Watson in, headed out, Berge, to Schuurs, Juliao piledriver and it's a good save from Ronning.  Watson corner, flicked on, headed out, back in, headed out, throw in.  Watson takes, with Berge, Arrey-Mbi shoots, saved.

97th minute: From that Ronning kicks it long, we have it back, it's passing quick, van Hooijdonk shoots and it's another corner.  We have to make this pressure pay!  Watson takes, headed out, back in, out again and Chelsea are on the break, Gamal stops them.

103rd minute: James throws it in, passed back, crosses and Kovar takes, he kicks it long, they had out, Watson has it, back to Schuurs, out left with Beccara, he shoots, another corner.  Watson in, flicked on, headed out for a corner, Watson again, we win the throw in. 

It's half time in ET.



Surely we deserve that goal!

We kick off. 

105th minute:  We're passing round, Gamal breaks down the right and we win the throw.  Watson in, Schuurs, Watson, Becerra hits, it's blocked, Gamal in, corner.  COME ON MILLERS.  LET'S WIN THAT FA CUP.

111th minute: James throws in to Lavia, in and Gamal clears, Tietz collects, loses out to Renatdo Sanches, plays it down the left to Cucurella, he crosses, we head out and break.  Juliao to Berge.  Chelsea deny van Hooijdonk, long ball over and Wahi is onside!  Kovar denies him easily though.

It's pens.  We're very good in a shootout but I'm nervy.

Chelsea take the first pen which I'd rather be doing.

Enzo steps up.... cooly hit in.

van Hooijdonk steps up... saved.  That was so so so poor!

Wahi steps up... nice pen.

Tietz this time... in! 

James for Chelsea... sends keeper the wrong way.

Berge for Rotherham... smashes it in!  That's a pen!

Sanches for Chelsea... good pen, keeper couldn't get.

It's down to Juliao to keep it alive... it's in!

Kovar or Caicdeo.... do Chelsea win on pens.... they do....

0/2 for FA Cups finals now .






 

[SpillBlood]

End of Season





























Brilliant season overall.  Shame about the FA Cup final and the Champions League exit though Inter are in the final against Real. 

Keep is going, brilliant League campaign, couple of areas we could strengthen but it's hard to say let's bring in a DM when Watson has played all 38 games for us.  I reckon we could bring in better CBs, we'll see.  I do have a 20 year old English striker coming in as I plan to ship out the two youngsters I've brought in as they don't fit my playing style.

It's hard to bring in CBs to fit the mould when we've done this.









Miley was robbed!

Edited January 22 by SpillBlood

[warlock]

9 hours ago, SpillBlood said:

Brilliant season overall

Indeed! 

As for improvements, when you're at that level it's probably a question of marginal upgrades, and even then you'll need a bit of luck. Hope you can find it 

[SpillBlood]

12 hours ago, warlock said:

Indeed! 

As for improvements, when you're at that level it's probably a question of marginal upgrades, and even then you'll need a bit of luck. Hope you can find it 

I'm very much if I sell a player, then I can buy a player for around same money.  Sometimes I'll treat myself to a good player which I have done this season but I prefer to bring in youth, I have my scouts out looking but it's been a quiet window in reality compared to the last couple of seasons.

There's a pretty good CB listed, £61mil, no thanks.  I did offer Kimminch 250k a week to come play for us but he chose Chelsea .