- Popular Post
Sanno11
-
Posts
270 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
1
Content Type
Forums
Articles
FAQs
Online Manual
Support: Blocks
Support: Games
Bug Tracker
SIGames Manual (beta)
Profiles
Posts posted by Sanno11
-
-
- Popular Post
- Popular Post
Denbigh Town F.C - Season Summary 2033-2034
Squad | Finance | Transfers | Facilities
JD Cymru Premier
Well this season didn't exactly go to plan, but there is no real harm done. I think the goal difference demonstrates we were unlucky this season. I cannot put it down to anything in particular, we have been lucky in holding onto the best players in the squad so far. Just one of those seasons I suppose. Seeing TNS as strong as ever doesn't make me any more enthusiastic. I will admit, I considered stopping this season and finding a new challenge, but I am not quite ready to give up on the dream
Euro Cup II
I was really pleased with how we dispatched Partick Thistle, I have the Scottish leagues loaded so, they were fairly strong. Anderlecht were of course much too strong for us. But over the two legs, we created enough chances that the score line flatters them.
A really poor intake and the first one in years that gave me nobody that headed straight into the 1st team. This was a big part of the doom and gloom about continuing. We are desperate for some centre backs.
Club Overview
The money from last seasons appearance in the Euro II group stages got us another boost to our youth facilities and our junior coaching.
9 -
- Popular Post
- Popular Post
Denbigh Town F.C - Season Summary 2032-2033
Squad | Finance | Transfers | Facilities
JD Cymru Premier
I think I am confident now that we are in a league of our own when it comes to second place. This was another year where we comfortably held on to 2nd place. TNS appear to be getting stronger. we managed to inflict their only defeats this season, they didn't even draw a game. It is a little silly and is getting demoralising. I know what I signed up in going to Wales, but it feels like we are years and years away from an actual title challenge. We saw good performances from some of the new lads. Dion Goodridge (32a) had a good debut season, scoring 17 goals in all competitions, he is only 16, so I need to be realistic in how much expect from him. Lee Hughes (31a) had a brilliant season, scoring 26 and 10 assists, he is the star man of the team.
Euro Cup II
We actually managed to get top the group stage, on our 10th attempt. we made it. The money from just getting there is incredible. We are miles away from being competitive against teams like that, but a 2-1 home win against AZ in the opener got my hopes up. I don't expect us to make every year, but once every few would be enough for now.
Welsh Cup
This season saw us reach the final of the Welsh Cup and the Nathaniel MG memorial cup, TNS were the other finalist in both competitions and their fans will be pleased they managed the treble again. That makes it three runner up medals for the season.
I have to be pleased with the current ability of several of these players, their personalities are disappointing though. Levi Halliwell (33c) is my favourite of this bunch and he will be in the first team next season.
Club Overview
Even with more money than ever before, our board still dislike improving our junior coaching. They did however give into me when I insisted on upgrading our youth facilities and youth recruitment. We continue to get a little better each year and I can't complain about that.
9 -
- Popular Post
- Popular Post
Denbigh Town F.C - Season Summary 2031-2032
Squad | Finance | Transfers | Facilities
JD Cymru Premier
This was my 10th season in charge at Denbigh and it was a really strong showing in the league. We after 16 games we had a record of W14 D1 L1 and because of the games TNS had in hand we were clear at the top. Now, with the season over it was clear that TNS had complete control and there is still a long old way to go to even give them a scare. To have a 25 point gap between us and Cardiff Met Uni is brilliant and 71 points is our best performance yet.
Jacob Phelps our last remaining original finally said goodbye, he requested to leave for a new challenge and transferred to Newtown in January, he'll do well in the lower division I expect. We could still use him, but I had to sacrifice him to make way for younger players this year. Our new superstar Lee Hughes (31a) managed to score 21 goals in 33 starts (5 were penalties), which is a great start to his career. I feel like him and Harvey Ruscoe (29a) will be the first players to attract interest from teams in England.
Another positive is teams in the same division and one below, looking to loan players from us, so I now find it easier to manage the absence of my U19s team entry into a league. They are getting proper first team experience finally.
Euro Cup II
I was shocked to see Sevilla pop into this draw and of course we got them. The results were fair and of course we are no where near there level. It was no surprise that they won the whole competition. This was our 8th attempt at qualifying and still we've not made it. Wales fell a few spots in the qualifying places table, so we'll be back into round one of this draw after next season.
Welsh Cup
Not many words for the Welsh Cup this season, our defeat to lower division Cardiff Dracs was mainly due to me underestimating them and my backups playing poorly. A shame, but not too disappointing.
Another great intake. Bearing in mind the level that Denbigh play at, I think Dion Goodridge (32a) is going to be an absolute nightmare for most defences. I was initially disappointed to see another striker top the intake, but have a look at this lad. At 15 years old, he is 194 cm, has a jumping reach of 15 and strength of 15, with heading at 17. For our level, he also has a great first touch, passing and vision. I spent the rest of the season plotting how best I can build our tactical approach to use this lads talents. Even without amazing technical skills, he can be the centre point for my other attackers to work around.
I have deliberately skipped Lloyd Skimmings, he arrived with a lot of current ability, but with a casual personality and poor technical and mental ability, I have no real expectations he'll make it here.
Dion Goodridge (32a)
Louis Roche (32c) - Forgot to screenshot.
Club Overview
A good year in the league, but with no group stage in Europe we were unable to upgrade anything else. I am really hoping I get a favourable draw next season.
8 -
Denbigh Town F.C - Season Summary 2030-2031
Squad | Finance | Transfers | Facilities
JD Cymru Premier
This season was our first as a professional club and I was pleased we took back second place. We again started slowly, with the European hangover seeming to happen again. I know I need to keep building squad depth the help mitigate that. Connah's Quay were again challenging us all the way and actually managed to beat TNS on two occasions. In the end, with 4th place so far behind it was a relaxed end to the season and form was solid. We had a slightly different approach this season and it resulted in a much more solid defensive performance, with a lot of those 26 goals coming from the four TNS fixtures. The last five seasons league positions below, so we almost halved the goals conceded from last season.
The best thing about this season was to finally start seeing some players improving. This wasn't anything ground-breaking, but seeing those improvements got me motivated all over again. Below is our best prospect from a couple of seasons ago, who is going from strength to strength. Harvey Ruscoe (29a). With almost every player on a full time contract now, it is starting separate those who have a future from those that don't. Some club legends like Ryan P0well and Kai Hewitt (24b) are starting to lose their position in the squad to exciting 16-17 year olds and I think that shift may not be smooth, but in the long run we will be better off.
Euro Cup II
This was agonisingly close to the group stages, losing on penalties in the final qualifying round to Tobyl. We'd had a bit of luck to reach that far, but to win 2-1 away, I thought it was a certainty and was counting the money already. The Welsh league still has three entries into this competition, but we have risen high enough that we start in round two, which is a nice acknowledgment of the progress. It was fun having a massive win in the opening rounds though.
Welsh Cup
A great run to the final saw us face TNS again. This was the last game of the season and we had already finished runner up in the league and the other cup (Nathaniel MG). So I was determined to avoid defeat and give them a treble over us. The performance in the final was mixed, but we did enough to reach penalties and the Denbigh lads held their nerve.
This is the fourth intake in a row that has been really solid. I really should pay my HOYD more money, he has a model professional personality, which is a rare find in Wales with such limited choice. We didn't need a striker necessarily, but then having one with 4 star current ability is different. I have very high hopes with this young lad and believe this will make a huge difference. I love Rossi Graham (24a), but he is least mobile striker I've ever used before and I honestly think we lose a lot of threat because of it.
Lee Hughes (31a)
Club Overview
This season began with us turning professional and I managed to get our training facilities upgraded again (1.7 million). This left us with very little in the bank, so I'll wait until next year to ask for anything else. I now have the Continental Pro licence as well.
7 -
Overcoming TNS: Denbigh start to sense weakness.
This just happened and I had to share. In the penultimate game of the league season we faced TNS at home, and whilst we didn't win, we actually created more chances them for the first time ever. In previous victories, we were always lucky. In this game we lost, but we were unlucky and that is a huge positive.
19/04/2031
03/05/2031
Then two weeks later we faced them in the Welsh Cup Final. This was a game they largely controlled, but it was incredible to watch the 5-10 minute spell we had in the second half, that led to the equaliser. Then we held on for dear life until penalties. Our keeper was the hero saving two of TNS's penalties. With a squad of 16 for the final all products of the academy this was a great way to round off the first season as a professional club.
5 -
Denbigh Town F.C - Season Summary 2029-2030
Squad | Finance | Transfers | Facilities
JD Cymru Premier
This was a frustrating season. In my mind, our squad was firmly established as the number two in Wales and this season proves, I still have a way to get there. We started the season in the middle of the Euro II qualifying and lost the opening couple of games, which I put down to fatigue. But after 10 games, we had lost the same as the total from the previous season. It felt like the other teams around us had got more competitive. In this league if you can pick up a handy young, pacey striker that has been released from the English leagues, it can turn your fortune around (see Connah's Quay).
We managed to recover a little before the league split, finishing in fourth. The Championship stage wasn't much better in terms of consistency, but luckily for me, the other three teams in the top six kept exchanging results, so I actually claimed 3rd place without too much trouble. Reaching Europe is the only aim right now, so I should be more relaxed about it, 2nd or 3rd makes no difference in the bigger scheme of things.
Euro Cup II
We had a great run this season, getting to the fourth and final qualifying round. Beating Charleroi in the first leg, gave me a glimmer of hope, but they outclassed us in the return fixture. For us, this was game 7-8 in Europe for us and our best XI were tired and not good enough.
The amazing news, is this run got us to just over 1.3 million in the bank, the board approved my request to turn professional. Step one, of the plan to overthrow TNS as champion of Wales is complete.
Welsh Cup
With the league form being so poor, I gave our best eleven a rest and my back ups and U19s were unable to beat Bangor in the 3rd round. Saves me losing to TNS later on I suppose
I am really pleased with the last few intakes, we are now seeing quality and good personalities. Having a talented new keeper (Jefferies) is great, my existing keeper is solid, but has no competition at all. The players seem more well balanced now, and players like Davis (30b) and Nick Roberts (30c) can become part of the first team squad immediately. These lads will become professional footballers from next season, so they are lucky ones, who should have a better chance of developing.
Club Overview
This season one of the main objectives has been accomplished and we will become professional as on May 30th, making us the second club in Wales (with TNS of course). My board also approved a junior coaching improvement to my surprise, so that was a relief after years of asking. The U19s are still not in a league, which is annoying, but I just have to manage the situation with friendlies
7 -
- Popular Post
- Popular Post
Denbigh Town F.C - Season Summary 2028-2029
Squad | Finance | Transfers | Facilities
JD Cymru Premier
This season was another step forward for us. To finish 16 points of 3rd place Llanelli was a huge step forward. Bryan Challinor (28a) managed 13 goals and 17 assists in the 30 games he played, his unambitious personality seems to be hindering his development, but if he can return anywhere near those numbers next season, he's an asset.
It is slightly demoralising to see TNS get stronger and stronger, we actually managed to inflict their one defeat, a 1-0 away win, to my surprise. With everyone but TNS being semi-pro, the difference in squad quality is small, so I am pleased I've managed to be this consistent from season to season.
Euro Cup II
I thought this could be the season we made the group stages. I did not expect Triglav, to be as strong as they were and we had a disappointing exit.
Welsh Cup
This time round I did not prioritise the cup and we saw an early exit to Bangor, who took us to penalties after a 1-1 draw.
This was a second successive intake, with good personalities and a lot of ability. Ruscoe will be my starting right back immediately and I am really optimistic that our Portuguese-Welsh striker, SIlva could be something special, the first player we've had with a professional personality, so I have high hopes.
Club Overview
We did not go for any club improvements this season, I am officially trying for professional status now. I can approach bridging the gap with TNS is a couple of ways, but I think, if we become professional and our players develop better, then we could have the squad to make it into the group stages of Europe. It will take a while to be able to overcome TNS, but, our club keeps growing slowly, so we are on the right path.
The Welsh Premier's reputation keeps heading in the right direction, it's now up to 64th in the world. Wales is 32nd in the European qualification table, so a decent way to go before we start getting close to a second Champions league spot. I don't know what will happen first though, us toppling TNS or Wales reputation growing that much that second place becomes more valuable.
9 -
Denbigh Town F.C - Season Summary 2027-2028
Squad | Finance | Transfers | Facilities
JD Cymru Premier
This season felt like a step in the right direction. We were very efficient in the opening 22 league games before the league splits, only losing three times (TNS X 2 and a surprisingly good Llanelli). This set us up for the Championship phase, and whilst TNS were relentless, we continued to hold our own and secure 2nd place. The points total and goal difference are important markers on things improving. Rossi Graham (24a) led the way again with 23 goals. We are now starting most games with 10 of the 11 from our youth academy.
Euro Cup II
A tough set of games and to reach the 3rd qualifying round was a good effort. The 2nd leg against Hibernian, we took them to extra time, so I was happy with that.
Welsh Cup
A replay of last year's final, we were more competitive. but TNS still controlled the game. They are in another league to everyone. It is a double edged sword, their success helps the league, long term, but makes each season feel tougher to bridge the gap.
The highlight of the season is having a great intake. These four are easily good enough to improve our first team. I am changing our formation to fit Challinor into the starting line up in his favoured position. This could really improve our chances of progress for next season. He doesn't look like much, but it's relative to us and we have no genuine attacking midfielders .
Club overview
I spent our savings on training and youth facilities improvements. Annoyingly, the chairman has refused about 15 requests to improve our junior coaching, which seems odd in our position, it is stuck at fairly basic. Our U19's still aren't in a league, they were in the first season and then nothing since, not a deal breaker, but frustrating.
6 -
- Popular Post
- Popular Post
Denbigh Town F.C - Season Summary 2026-2027
Squad | Finance | Transfers | Facilities
JD Cymru Premier
This season felt a little like groundhog day, we almost replicated exactly what we achieved last season. With player development being very slow and a couple of average youth intakes, I suppose it is to be expected. Bridging the gap to TNS seems like years away, so competing for the top three is the aim each year. Getting into Europe again gives us a chance a nice amount of income next season to keep developing the club. The season did not have too many ups and downs, We went into the championship stage slightly ahead of where we were last year, but performed slightly worse against the top 6. We lost every game against TNS this season, but the games seem closer these days.
Rossi Graham (24a) had a good year, scoring 22 goals in all competitions. He's been our best player on paper for a few years and it's nice to see him start to fulfil his promise.
Euro Cup II
We matched our third round exact again this year. We actually did well to get through the first two rounds, but Teplice were just too good at home. It feels like unless we have an extremely fortuitous draw in all of the qualifying rounds, we are still along way from reaching the group stages. On the plus side for Wales in general, TNS managed to reach the group stages and qualify for the knockout stages, so I am hoping eventually Wales will have better seeding into these competitions.
Welsh Cup
A return to form for us in the Welsh Cup, we managed to make it all the way to the final. Unfortunately, so did TNS and they completed their treble at the expense of us. It wasn't even close, we lost 4-1.
With us still being semi-pro and with almost no youth development happening, a youth intake with very little current ability doesn't help us. The players here with the best personalities, may end up near the first team, but, they are just as likely to get lost in the mass of bodies I have in the U19s. If I had to say something positive, the personalities are better in this bunch, so that does give some of these a better chance.
Club overview
In an attempt to save up to become professional I did not spend any money on improvements this season. I am not sure if I will still with this plan. I released a lot of mediocre 18 year olds at the end of the season, after I took the screenshots, I recognise now, that it is very unlikely they will make it, so I am just delaying the inevitable by leaving them in the u19s. I am hoping by reducing the amount of work my coaches have to do, the players left have more opportunity to develop.
9 -
- Popular Post
- Popular Post
Denbigh Town F.C - Season Summary 2025-2026
Squad | Finance | Transfers | Facilities
JD Cymru Premier
It was great to follow up on last year's 3rd place finish, by going one better. In gaining 11 more points this year, it separates us from the rest of the pack a little. Bangor had a surprisingly good year and kept it interesting. I managed to get my first win against TNS, they had a player sent off in the 3rd minute, and we finally took advantage. Jacob Phelps was the key man again this season. We've settled on a best XI now, and can just rotate when needed, we are still strongest up front, so try to utilise that in our approach. We are still underdogs in all games and in comparisons our squad is weak, so I need to keep developing a depth of quality in the team.
Euro Cup II
This was one step further than last season and was a great run for us. Vikingur R was a big scalp for us, so I was pleased to win that tie without conceding. Getting drawn against AA Gent was tough and I knew we'd struggle. After this was over we had almost 1 million in the bank, so that really set's us up to improve our infrastructure.
Welsh Cup
As defending champions, I hoped for a decent show. A humbling 0-2 defeat at home to a lower division team ended that. I was disappointed, but ultimately, reaching Europe is the most important thing, so it isn't too disappointing.
This intake probably has the best depth and a better balance of personalities. Beattie is going straight into the first team, and only faces rotation as we are strong up front. I now have way too many young players and annoyingly, my I19 aren't entered into a league at the moment. Interestingly Everton poached a youngster, it's a shame, but I'll keep my eyes open to see if they were any good.
Club overview
I have joined the Kitbasher club and updated Denbigh's kits. I updated all the clubs in Wales and mine seem to be the plainest, but I'm OK with that. I got my continental B licence and saw upgrades to training and youth facilities after the European run boosted our finances.
8 -
Denbigh Town F.C - Season Summary 2024-2025
Squad | Finance | Transfers | Facilities
JD Cymru Premier
A brilliant second season in the JD Cymru Premier. We started with 6 wins out of 7 and looked good against any team but TNS. We maintained our form until the league split. In the Championship phase we held our own, winning enough games to defend our third place spot. This season the starting line up was much more settled, we just have rotation at LB and LW, where we are weakest. An original squad member Jacob Phelps was the key man this season, scoring 28 and assisting 10 in all competitions, he is tall and fast and at our level causes problems for most teams.
I hope to finish in the top 3 again next season. Our qualification for Europe again, should boost our finances again, we are not ready for the competition proper, but even one or two wins would be a great achievement for this squad.
Euro Cup II
We made our debut in Europe this season. We faced an unknown quantity from Armenia. In the first leg in Armenia, we managed to scrape a 4-4 draw, it was a chaotic game and I was relieved at the final whistle. The home leg was brilliant and had late drama. With them down to 9 men in extra time we stole a winner. We we drawn against a Romanian team in the next round, Rapid. They took care of us fairly easily. This brief adventure netted us 500k.
Welsh Cup
We had a charmed run to the final where we beat Llanelli 4-0. I won't pretend the early exit of TNS is what made this achievement possible. Still, it adds another trophy to the cabinet, the first Welsh Cup of the club's history I believe.
A relatively weak intake this season, but again still 10 players with potential. I'll give the tagged players a chance in the first team, the rest will have to train well and wait for a chance.
Club overview
The income from our Europe debut paid for 2 x youth recruitment improvements, along with youth and training facilities. Our reputation has grown and now we're considered the 4th biggest team in Wales, which is great this early in the challenge.
4 -
Denbigh Town F.C - Season Summary 2023-2024
JD Cymru Premier
I went into the season optimistically, and I am really pleased with the top 6 finish. I am very new to the league structure and to have the chance to playoff for Europe qualification was a surprise bonus we took advantage of. We performed well at home against most teams except the top 2. The only really bad run of form coming right at the end of the season, which saw us slip from a high of 3rd place to sixth. We had some luck in the playoff for Europe, we beat Caernarfon in the semi-final and then 7th placed Cefn Druids had reached the final, which led to a quite comfortable 2-1 win in the final.
Despite exceeding all of the expectations for the season, I am still struggling to find the best 11 each week. With so many players coming in the youth intake last season, that have the potential to feature, I kept swapping things around. I have around 7 players as guaranteed starters. Two players from last seasons intake had great seasons, Powell was solid in midfield, but the star was Aled Vaughan Boyes (23b) he finished the season with an average rating of 7.49 at centre back. He was immense at winning headers and picked up young player of the year.
This intake promised more in the preview and duly delivered. It is still difficult to know what 5 star potential means, but the star of this intake is Rossi Graham (24a), with his personality I think he will continue to get better as well. It's just a shame his physicals are so poor. Kai Hewitt should be very solid for us at centre mid, the big lad has a great jump on him and in this league that can be a decent weapon.
Club overview
There were no developments with our facilities this season, although we have had two stadium expansions rejected now. We only get to about 10% of the grounds capacity. so that isn't an issue yet. Finances and transfers have been quiet so far, which is fine with me. I am hoping that reaching Europe so soon, gives us a little reputation boost and maybe some money, but I don't expect to make it very far.
6 -
Denbigh Town F.C - Season Summary 2022-2023
Squad | Finance | Transfers | Facilities
JD Cymru North
The squad was small and slightly unbalanced, so the hopes were just survival in the first season. The one strength the team appeared to have was pace and using that to our advantage was the plan. After a good start, winning 5 in 9, we sat in a share of 3rd place and I was very pleased. I was content, but did think I was over complicating things. Managing a team this technically limited was a new experience, and I made a change to simplify our approach and go much more direct. This resulted in easily the best run I've ever experience in FM, we won 15 games in a row and established an 8 point lead at the top. We dropped some points in the last few weeks, but still ended up as Champions.
In this run of 15 wins, we managed to reach the Welsh Cup Final. We had a charmed run of home games, only facing higher division teams in the Semi Final and Final. The final against TNS was predictable, they were too strong. But, reaching half time at 0-0 gives me confidence and I know the war of attrition against TNS will take time, they have first blood.
We have two very strong right backs, and two competent strikers. The main man was Llifon Ashton who scored 34 goals in 39 appearances. All players were on non-contracts, with no option to offer P/T contracts until after the season end, but thankfully we did not lose anyone.
This was an exciting day, honestly, I could make a case for about 8 of these to feature in the first team. The tagged players all played in the last few games. It's too early to trust what the 5 star potential means right now, but any player with any ability is nearly first team ready. The star is our South Korean (very random) Yang, his pace is frustrating, but he's easily the most technically gifted in the team.
By the end of the season I had managed to get my second coaching badge and the board had approved an increase to our junior coaching budget. Financially, everything was very quiet and steady, next year with P/T wages I expect to see a change here, but I don't worry things will get out of control. All in all, one of the most enjoyable seasons I've ever experienced. I am optimistic of achieving more than just survival next year, but that is all I want.
7 -
After a save in England that spanned 12 months without completing the challenge, I am back for again for a new attempt. I am the new manager at Denbigh Town F.C in Wales. This is a club with a long history, founded in 1880, but without ever threating the record books. The starting squad has 14 players, which should be enough to give us a chance at survival.
Keep up the good work everyone else. Great stories so far.2 -
Nuneaton Borough Season Review 2040/2041
Competitions
EFL Championship - 9th position - (League table)
FA Cup - lost in 5th round
Carabao Cup - lost in 4th round
Our fourth season in the Championship went well and we continued to progress. The results were mixed for most of the season, with us losing just slightly more than we won. This pattern continued right through until around March, and with us only drawing a handful of games, we sat comfortably mid-table. We hit our worst form at this point and had lost four games in a row, the fourth being our exit in the 5th round of the FA Cup (our best performance to date). But, just as I prepared for a stressful run in, our form improved and we went on a run of 8 games unbeaten. Managing to win 6 of them. This catapulted us up the league, to a really pleasing 9th place. It was interesting watching how Leicester and Crystal Palace dominated the league, making like work of returning to the Premier league. Palace's striker got 47 league goals!
This season felt like the point where the quality in the squad is established and we can be competitive. Some really impressive development in our young centre backs and goalkeeper have made us much more solid at the back, the two centre backs being the only players achieving an average rating above 7 for the season. With the way Premier league teams swoop in for our best players, I expect these three lads are destined for bigger things, but they had a huge part to play in our performance. Michael O' Hara (38b) is our standout performer, this season he played in a more advanced position and performed really well, scoring 18 goals in all competitions.
This appears to be a brilliant intake, with talented players in positions we lack depth. Danny Doran (41c) is the stand out, he is still 15 years old but could get our bench already. He's an imposing striker and he could play a huge part in us reaching the Premier League.
Finances, Facilities and Transfers
We move into our new stadium in June 2041, so will start next year with hopefully 10,000 more fans at home games. Loads of interest in a few of our players, if I can navigate this and keep most of the best in the first team, I could see us finishing in the top half again, I can't imagine us getting into the playoffs though, I think that is beyond us.
2 -
Nuneaton Borough Season Review 2039/2040
Competitions
EFL Championship - 15th position - (messed up and only showing away record, oops)
FA Cup - lost in 4th round
Carabao Cup - lost in 4th round
This season was a lot more comfortable then the previous two in the Championship. We had really solid home form throughout the year, and judged only on that, we'd be nearer the playoffs. Our away form was equally consistent, but terrible, so that balanced out and we sat in the lower mid-table all season. It was a good opportunity to give a few youngsters a run in the first team and that has paid off, with a several options that will feature next season.
We were disappointing in the cups, but with a small squad, they were sacrificed.
One surprise from this season was just how well Matthew Conlon has developed, he became first choice at the end of last season and I just stuck with him. Premier League teams are now interested in him, which is a nightmare. My best young talent is in danger of being pinched by Premier League teams and I continue to try and hold on for as long as possible before selling.
I am still yet to have a striker with great finishing and make do with a couple of options that have 8 and 10 for this respectively. Having a reliable goal scorer is going to be key in us moving up the league.
This intake is frustrating for the poor personalities alone, but Leigh Carpenter could be interesting, with how much many positions he's a natural at, he's versatile at least.
Finances, Facilities and Transfers
The stadium arrives next season and in the meantime, our youth level is now at '2' and we have a training facilities upgrade to move us beyond 'average'.
3 -
Nuneaton Borough Season Review 2038/2039
Competitions
Well, that was a long hiatus from this game, 7 months or so. This season was a slog, hence the long break, I fell out of love with the team and the bleak situation. Upon resuming the save, I was able to guide Nuneaton to a 21st placed finish, our safety confirmed with two games to spare. I am moving quickly into next season, in the hope that I can make some progress.
EFL Championship - 21st position - League table
FA Cup - lost in 4th round
Carabao Cup - lost in 1st round
Finances, Facilities and Transfers
Some great news at the end of the season was the announcement of a new stadium, with a new capacity projected at 15,696. On a negative note we lost two key players Gavin Sawyer (35b) and Scott Cartwright (35d) for a combined 16 million. This leaves us significantly weaker.
2 -
Nuneaton Borough Season Review 2037/2038
Competitions
EFL Championship - 19th position - League table
FA Cup - lost in 3rd round
Carabao Cup - lost in 1st round
Well, we survived out first season in the Championship, so I have to be pleased with that. It was a struggle, but we were rarely totally outclassed. Our defensive record was respectable, but we struggled to match other teams goal scoring ability. We started the season with a great 1-0 win over Bournemouth who had just been relegated from the Premiership. That was a confidence boost, but after 10 games I had seen enough to know we'd be looking down all year. By this point the worst teams appeared to be settled at the bottom. We never really lost our form completely, we just grabbed wins where we could. Our finishing position might not show it, but with a 13 point cushion to the relegation zone, it wasn't too dramatic. I expect several years of slow progress in this division if we are lucky.
We have a well rounded team, but no real superstars at the moment. Our best two players, are Scott Cartwright and Gavin Sawyer, both are wanted by teams from the Premier League. We managed to keep hold of all out talent again this year, which means we at least stand a chance to build on surviving the first season in the Championship. One thing that has been consistent throughout the 17 years is not having a striker with good finishing. Now, more than ever we are desperate for someone clinical. Sawyer, an inside forward, is our current best with 10.
I am hoping next season I am able to get a U23 side to be able to keep the older rotation players match fitness better. Having 10-15 players out on loan each season is a little chaotic, and I lose the control I would like.
In terms of talent, I think the top 4-5 players would have a chance to make it, but the personalities are not ideal. The one stand out is Michael O'Hara (38b), this Jamaican midfielder already has 3 star CA and can go straight into the first team. We've got 4-5 very good midfielders to chose from now, so I can give this lad plenty of time to find his way.
Nick Lager (38a) - Great name alert!
Finances, Facilities and Transfers
With no new stadium, the 6,384 we get at each home game isn't enough to sustain us. As mentioned, there were no big transfer out either, so our finances keep sliding downwards. I won't worry too much about this, our facilities have been upgraded a couple of times recently and the mythical new stadium will hopefully happen in the near future.
6 -
- Popular Post
- Popular Post
Nuneaton Borough Season Review 2036/2037
Competitions
EFL League One - 2nd position - League table
FA Cup - lost in 3rd round (0 - 3 vs. Manchester City)
Papa John's Trophy - lost in group stage
Carabao Cup - lost in 1st round
We had really consistent form all year, the foundation was the lack of goals we conceded. Our keeper recorded 20 clean sheets for the year, which always helps. We started the season with an emphatic 6-1 win against AFC Wimbledon and carried on from there. We held our own in the top 6 for the whole season, it wasn't until there was only 10 games to go the picture became clearer. QPR were setting the pace and there is no doubt the deserved to go up as champions. Then there was us, Blackpool and Portsmouth fighting for the 2nd spot. Our run in, included home games against both and we managed to take advantage. Once we had got some breathing space to 3rd we maintained that, and with us having 3 games left to play, we were confirmed as promoted. I can't say we didn't deserve it, but it is still a surprise.
We managed to reach the 3rd round of the FA Cup for the 1st time and got lucky, drawing Man City away. They rolled over us 3-0 and it was humbling, but the money was great.
No, big transfer sagas this year. The team that started the year is still whole. Our Goalkeeper deserves a lot of credit Pat Kilcawley (untagged), with 20 clean sheets he gave us a great platform to build from. Our performance analysis put us in the 'Busy, Impenetrable' quad, so we faced plenty of shots, he was just very good.
Our two main talents going forward are Scott Cartwright and Gavin Sawyer (35b), both have the potential to be Championship talents. I feel like we are just about big enough to keep hold of these two, as hopefully, Premier League teams won't be interested. Sawyer was our top league scorer this year with 16 goals from AMR (inside forward).
Steveroy and Tash and still going strong, 2037 has seen Antigua in the final qualifying stage for the 2038 World Cup, nothing is decided yet.
Youth Intake
Please forgive the screenshot, I forgot again. A great intake with one talent who looks destined for bigger things. Trevor Housley (37b) has gone straight into the 1st team and will feature in rotation next year. Of the four I have tagged three play in very similar positions, so I need to figure out what I want from them. Matt Hall is the one I am least sure about in terms of position.
Finances, Facilities and Transfers
The 9 million we had in the bank has shrunk, but has been invested wisely. Our youth and training facilities were updated, and once the promotion was secured, another set of upgrades was approved. This has been complimented, with a youth level and youth recruitment upgrade. We've also had the mysterious new stadium announcement, with absolutely no details.
8 -
Had to share this after finishing the 2036/37 season. We've made it into the Championship
5 -
Good for Toni and great for Gainsborough. Enjoy spending that mate!
1 -
Nuneaton Borough Season Review 2035/2036
Competitions
EFL League One - 6th position - League table
FA Cup - lost in 2nd round
Papa John's Trophy - lost in group stage
Carabao Cup - lost in 1st round
I sound like a broken record in saying this, but this season was way above any expectations I had. In the off season, we of course lost our two star players (based on CA) Shields and Godden. I was hoping for consolidation and nothing more. We opened the season with a 2-0 and 4-0 victory and that instantly eased my fears. We performed like a team that has finished in the top half of League One for years. Winning the majority of our home games and being difficult to beat away from home. We stayed in the top 10 all season, often floating around 5-7th. Our form was consistent, and actually improved heading into the final 10 games of the season. We managed a run of 5 wins in a row to take up 6th place, and then we held onto it for dear life to reach the playoffs. Rochdale will feel unlucky as they were on a great run at the end of the season.
We were drawn against Coventry and despite both legs being close, their class shone. they deserved to go through. Ultimately, it was Sunderland who won the final though. Absolutely Ok with staying in League One for now.
The best moment of the season was when our young Welsh centre mid Ollie fon Williams, had to step up and start game due to injuries. He scored, to equalise away at Plymouth, making it 2-2, then in the 93 minute, smashed a free kick in. Those moments are what it's all about.
We really have a huge amount of talent lurking on the fringes of the 1st team, that is the best thing about the squad. There wasn't a superstar this year, so when injuries and suspensions inevitably happen, I have a replacement ready. I wanted to highlight the amazing record set by our centre back this season 25 yellow cards. The top scorer for the year only managed 12, which seems worrying, but we were 5th top scorers in the league, so there are goals, but very spread out. This is probably the last year Spencer Molyneux (23C) will feature, he's made 516 league appearances now and owes me nothing.
I'll mention more of this in the transfer section, but we had our first 'Premier League' potential rated player in Dan Al-Amin (34b), he has never become a key player for us, due to his short stay and injuries, but I am hopeful Southampton can turn him into something special.
Another great year, even after a fairly underwhelming preview. My favourite player from the intake is the untagged Brendan Walsh.
Finances, Facilities and Transfers (Transfers 2)
So, when the screenshots were taken, our finances were very modest. However, on June 9th the big transfers were completed. Dan Al-Amin was the big story with Southampton grabbing him for a cool 6 million. The deal was negotiated a lot, and completed at the end of the season. A player I have barely mentioned Sam Ekuban-Akoto was sold to Bristol City for 4 million. He was on loan while we won League Two and when I got reports he could be a Championship quality player, I planned to use him this year. 6 months later, he was sold. Both big losses, but neither had made a massive difference, so I hope to be OK without them. This new money trigger upgrades to our training facilities, youth level and youth recruitment.
5 -
- Popular Post
- Popular Post
Nuneaton Borough Season Review 2034/2035
Competitions
Sky Bet League Two - 1st position - League table
FA Cup - Lost in 3rd round
Papa John's Trophy - Lost in Semi-Final
Carabao Cup - Lost in 2n round
So it turns out, that the way we finished last season wasn't just a lucky run, we are quite good. We started this season winning 10 out of the first 11 games and had a goal difference of +26 already at that point. After our first loss (September 9th) we went on a run of 25 games unbeaten, finally losing to Stockport on Jan 1st. By the time that was over, we had established a healthy points gap to 2nd place, and an even more comfortable distance to 4th place. It was our title to lose at this point and automatic promotion seemed almost a certainty. January and February were horribly congested months and we had every key player fatigued and needing rests. But, we always managed to recover our form, the worst run was 4 games without a win. Right on the verge of automatic promotion, we lost 3 in a row, to make we a little nervous, but thankfully we sealed the promotion and then title with 4 back to back wins. In is nice to have a season in control like this, we scored the most goals and conceded the 3rd fewest, only losing 6 games all season. On to League One!
Our run in the Papa John's Trophy was unintentional, we just couldn't lose, I rested as many key players as I could each time, but we kept squeezing through, with a small first team, having those extra fixtures is just an inconvenience.
I should mention, that our U18s won their league as well, which was the icing on the cake.
In a season of success, it was the defence that led the way for us this season. No single player manager over 20 goals this year. When I look at the main players in the first team, I realise how good the 2031 youth intake was, and Luke Jupp (31b) had been overshadowed by the fast developing Mensah Shields and Adam Godden. However, Jupp stole the show this season, scoring 10 goals as a centre back and winning League Two player of the season. Our young Irish keeper Pat Kilcawley has firmly established himself as the number one, and made a big difference.
I wanted to just acknowledge our club legend Richie Ransome (24c), he was the main man for many years, but as other talents have developed around him, he has lost his standing in the 1st team a little. However, when we need him, he pops up with goals. This is his league record over the years.
This looks to be a solid intake, with a few stars for the future, I'm really pleased to see the number of positive personalities at the top end. I am really excited about the top three here, all attackers all showing good development already. (Please forgive the screenshot, I just realised now I never got it at the time, so this is just the signed players from the 2035 intake).
Finances, Facilities and Transfers
The finances are up and down a lot, but we ended the season, breaking even. The big drama for us this year, were transfers. We have now lost our two brightest talents, Mensah Shields (31a) and Adam Godden (31c). Shields has gone to Hull in a 1 million pound deal, it was agreed earlier in the season and he left in the summer. Godden, refused to sign a contract for the last 3 seasons and was my only part-time player still. He has gone to Peterborough for £300k, which I felt was good business, as the transfer completed at the end of the season, only 3 weeks before his contract ran out anyway, they both have 50% of next sale clauses on. These fees have funded our first Youth Facilities improvement.
10 -
Just finishing up the season, we are heading to League One!
5
The FM23 Youth Academy Challenge
in Challenges, Sign-Ups & Experiments
Posted · Edited by Sanno11
I have been enjoying reading all the progress made by everyone already, and the lure of trying this in England for the third time has caught me again. I have a history of disappearing after January, but I am ready to try again.
Morpeth were founded in 1909, so have a long history, which I find interesting. With it being based in the north east of England there will be plenty of rivalries along the way, ultimately Newcastle will be the Northern giant to compete with. The club is small, with an aging squad of 17 players and no facilities to speak of, so if we survive the first few years, perhaps we have a chance of progressing.
Keep up the good work everyone.