robterrace

Eep. That was over with pretty quickly, as the takeover fell through, although, theres still rumours going on about more happening. Coming up to the first week of the season, I lost Viktor Dukanovic for a few games due to a groin strain, and circumstances meant that the only real attacking midfield option I had in my squad was Alex Mowatt, who, whilst being a solid central midfielder, didn't really fit into the attacking midfield, as it meant I would lose his work ethic in the centre of the pitch. Having sold a couple of fringe players for small fees, and sent other youngsters out on loan (Jordan Morrison and young striker Graham Dodds had gone to Portsmouth, who fitted our requirements well), we had a couple of squad spaces, should we need to strengthen. The priority was finding a second attacking midfield option, and the shortlists the scouting team had returned gave a few options. Top of that list was James McAtee. Finding himself in Belgium, playing for the tycoon backed Royal Antwerp, he had submitted a transfer request, wanting a new challenge. The 22 year old was available for £11m, and, whilst he wasn't a world beater, he was exactly what we wanted, and, being home grown, also helped us in that criteria. What I wasn't really prepared for, was Antwerps next move. They'd been sniffing round winger/attacking midfielder Ben McNamee since the start of the season, and I'd set his transfer price to a ridiculous amount to try and discourage them. However. It didn't. It would mean a massive club record fee incoming, but, for a fee that would hit £60m, he departs. I couldn't really turn that money down, as it would allow us a lot of room to manoeuvre, both recruitment wise, and in general improvements. To be continued....

Another signing came in, this time from North of the border, and to be honest, I have no idea why he was transfer listed at Celtic with the attributes he has. For £450k, Jordan Morrison joins, mainly to provide depth for the attacking midfield role.. Another player sale happened as well, with Cedric Kipre agreeing a move to Maccabi Haifa for £9.25m, the deciding factor was European football for him, something which would probably see me lose players over the coming seasons until I qualify for those comps. Dara O'Shea was also the subject of a lot of interest from Bournemouth, who offered in excess of £10m for him, however, he rejected the move and stated his intention to stay with us. After Kipre and Ajayi departing, I felt that we needed a replacement, as the young Columbian and Spanish players signed in January were still developing as I wanted. We found that in Scotland, where former Manchester City youngster Taylor Harwood-Bellis was with Celtic, and, a fee of £8m, spread over 4 years was agreed. The final defensive signing I wanted to make was to strengthen the right back slot. Fabiano Souza, who had been first choice in the Championship had been caught out a few times in aerial challenges, and was a bit lacking in some technical areas. Our scouting lists came in handy again, this time, highlighting Bart van Rooij, who, at 24, was just outside our perfect target player, but was better in a lot of the areas we needed to improve in, especially aerially, even though he was the same height as Fabiano. For £4.2m, from N.E.C., he joins on a 5 year deal, and will become the first choice going forward.

One from my West Brom save.

With the Premier League season approaching, reinforcements arrived in those previously mentioned. Tom Bayliss was the subject of a £9.7m offer from Everton, which was above what we wanted for him, and he left for Bramley Moore Dock on a 4 year deal. Alejandro Garnacho extended his loan for another season, the 20 year old looking to push on this season. On the other flank, after the departure of Bayliss, we were left with Ivan Cavaleiro. The trickery he offers is good, but, I have doubts as to whether or not he has the stamina/fitness to keep up with the quick transitions we want in the top flight. It would be more likely that he would back up Garnacho on the left flank. Luckily for me, the flanks was an area I'd focussed on over the second half of the season, as I knew it would need attention. We'd got a young winger in the U23s who'd spent the season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday in League One, who would make the step up to first team football this season. Ben McNamee was still raw, but, was excellent with the ball at his feet, and possessed the fitness and pace to get up and down all match. To back him up, and provide a slightly different option, we paid £6.5m to Basel for their Italian U21 winger, Francesco Sanna. The 19 year old of diminutive build, will play wider and not cut in as much, using his pace to get outside the fullbacks, whereas, McNamee will cut in far more often. Sanna is also comfortable on the left flank, which is something I may explore from time to time.

Before I go through the end of the season stuff, I've got a couple of signings that are coming in, basically to cover spots that I need. With Thompson departing at the end of the window, I didn't have chance to get a replacement reserve left back in. with Conor Townsend also leaving in the summer and not being up to standard, but, with a list of about 10 to look through, and a couple of scouts I could send out, it gave me the option to look around. One of them was in Croatia, where the target had been playing regularly in a Dinamo Zagreb side that was underperforming in the league, albeit, still within touching distance of the top. A reasonable £850k fee was agreed, and, Filip Brekalo agreed to move to The Hawthorns. Another move for a young player was also agreed, with 18 year old Welsh goalkeeper, Alun Roche agreeing a move from Port Vale for £325k. He'll go back to Vale Park on loan, but, will be developed with the aim of replacing Agirrezabala in a few seasons. Another two signings were agreed at the end of the season, with young Serbian midfielder, Zoran Simic signing for £2.4m from FK Cukaricki in his homeland. There were a couple of attributes that stood out massively for me, and, he'll slot in well to the team. The next signing involved returning to Cheltenham to pick up one of their talented young players. Luke O'Neil had impressed me when he came through the youth setup there, and, the 18 year old had spent time on loan at MK Dons, as well as making appearances for Cheltenham when he returned. The big centre back will return on loan to Whaddon Road for the next season. --------- The NxGn list appeared, and West Brom were represented with Felix Carrillo, our January signing from Envigado. He'd slowly been exposed to first team football, and was flourishing in his role. Although, I am more intrigued by the 'Israeli Suarez'. Back to the football. When I came in from Cheltenham, we sat 14th, having played 14 matches, winning 4 of them, drawing 6, and losing 4, which, for a team that the board wanted to be in promotion contention, obviously wasn't good enough. In order to make up the points behind that we were, there would have to be a culture change, something which I enjoy, as it means I get to move on the players who don't fit, and get players in that do. I've already mentioned the January transfer window, as this was the first real opportunity, however, there were still a few players who didn't fit my criteria, and I'd look to move these on in the summer. ----- So. 32 games later. 68 more points at an average of 2 per game. We lost a few, drew too many, and won games we shouldn't have, but, playoff football once again for the management team. This time, with a big added prize at the end. ---------- Barnsley provide a difficult opponent. They were in the top two for a lot of the season, until their manager departed to Stoke, then shortly afterwards appointed the Peterborough manager, who managed to guide them to 6th. The first leg at Oakwell went as well as we wanted it, with Dara O'Shea and Tom Bayliss scoring to take the advantage back to Birmingham. Dane Scarlett was absent, recovering from a groin strain he sustained with 3 games remaining of the season. For the second leg, we welcomed back Dane Scarlett. Although he wasn't 100% fit, he would give us 60 minutes or so before we withdrew him. His inclusion took all of 5 minutes to pay dividends, as he latched onto Emeka Okeke's through ball and placed his shot past Brad Collins. Mads Andersen and Carlton Morris scored for Barnsley, with an Alejandro Garnacho goal in the middle, and we held out for a 4-2 aggregate victory. ------- Onto Wembley again. This time, Blackburn stood between us and promotion. They'd beaten us in the last 4 meetings, including a disappointing performance less than 2 months previously where we'd failed to beat 10 men and they scored with 20 minutes to go. Semi Ajayi made his last appearance for us at Wembley, the 31 year old asked for a move in March, and he goes to Alaves for £4.5m. In the match, Viktor Dukanovic opened the scoring, before Dane Scarlett had a goal disallowed for offside. Blackburn had a lot of shots, but nothing really troubled Julen Agirrezabala. With 2 minutes left, Noah Holm scored a penalty, after Ivan Cavaleiro was fouled, securing the victory, and taking us to the Premier League. Man of the match went to Semi Ajayi. ----

After Dukanovic, there was a loan signing came in. As we were a bit short down the flanks after Diangana left, and I didn't really want to spend a great deal of money, the chance to sign Manchester United youngster, Alejandro Garnacho came up. A loan until the end of the season was in everyones interests, and he was given the number 11 shirt. It left us just under half of the window to deal with, and, although there were a couple of injuries in and around the first team, our first attempt at strengthening the squad appeared to be OK. Another departure went out on Deadline Day, with Kyle Bartley heading to Blackpool for £350k. The majority of the fee was spent on a centre back that fitted our system, and this was young Ecuadorian, Diego Almeda, who for £325k, looked to be a bargain. In the match vs Preston, a couple of days before the deadline, we lost Callum Robinson to a hip injury that is likely to end his season. This meant that a quick loan move had to be made in order to strengthen, and, Dane Scarlett of Spurs was available. There was also potential interest in Daryl Dike, so, that would also cover that move, as Daniel Beasant was out for a month with a broken arm that he sustained prior to his move. The move for Dike didn't materialise, however, Callum Morton, who, since my arrival had scored 7 goals in as many games, was the subject of an £11m offer from Southampton, who had the financial might of parachute payments to bolster their wealth. His replacement came from the Norwegian leagues, where Rosenborg striker Noah Holm had been scouted as an option for Morton. He was slightly bigger in build, and his strength would be an asset, he was also pretty quick, so that was a bonus. For £3m, he signed a 3 year contract. Holm was the last deal of the day, and, with that, our dealings completed.

The other issue its caused is that its put us very close to FFP boundaries, however, I'm trying to move a few players out in order to give us a bit of leeway. Another new signing came in, this one heading back out on loan. He was familiar with Felix Carrillo, having been teammates at Envigado, and he heads back to Columbia for a period in order to gain more experience. In probably the last inbound move of the window (unless something special comes up), Montenegrin attacking midfielder, Viktor Dukanovic. At 20, he fits well within our transfer targets, and, he already has 23 caps for his country, as well as over 100 league appearances. As mentioned earlier, FFP boundaries were close. The first player to depart, was Grady Diangana, who heads to Lyon for £7m, its not a fantastic amount, but, it clears most of the issues. Also departing, was Dominic Thompson. He didn't react well to the potential of his match time dropping with the signing of Javi Lopez, so, he was offered out, and West Ham were negotiated to his release fee of £7.5m, which allows us to give some of his profit to Brentford as per the deal that signed him. The remainder pushes us just under FFP regulations, but, highlights that if we do not get promoted this season, the need to rebuild the team gets more important.

So. West Bromwich Albion. 13th place in the Championship when I join, only a place above Cheltenham, but, thats about as close as you can get. Light years of difference between Cheltenham and them, however, West Brom were guilty of poor recruitment over the last couple of seasons, and the team was very lopsided. Management wanted the average age of the squad bringing down, which, would take time, however, there was a telling lack of depth up front, with Robinson, Dike and Morton being the strikers. Something which was compounded when Dike tore his groin in a match, and would be out for 2 months, meaning that Morton would be the go to for the foreseeable future. ---- One positive, was that most of my scouting team came with me from Cheltenham, so, a lot of work had been done looking at targets, but, with being at a bigger club, we could look slightly further than before, and attract better players. To make space, though, we would look to move older fringe players on, the first of those, was Romaine Sawyers, the 33 year old being an experienced head in the squad, however, he was beginning to decline physically, and, in the way I wanted to play tactically, a lack of pace would expose us in midfield. He would depart to Barnsley for £500k, having made over 130 league appearances for us. ------- Other areas we needed to improve in, were defensively, and in goal. Our centre halves were somewhat slow, and whilst good in the air and pretty solid, we need quick centre backs in order to be able to fit to the attacking style we're adopting. In Benji Siegrist and Josh Griffiths, there were two dependable goalkeepers, however, they would both be lacking in the Premier League when we get there. -------- Onto the recruitment stuff... I'd been looking through clubs in South America and Africa, for potential young player signings when I was at Cheltenham, so, now there was a bit more money in play, it would be possible to make a move for some of them. Firstly, in goal. Benji Siegrist had agreed a move to Grenada in Spain, freeing up a squad spot for a replacement keeper. Coming in, for £2.9m, was Julen Agirrezabala. The Spaniard had been backup to Unai Simon at San Mames, and moved for first team football. Also arriving, in defence, from Celta Vigo, was Spanish full back, Javi Lopez. The 22 year old had represented his country at U20, and also moved for first team action. The first of my youth scouting players joined next, as Columbian Félix Carrillo joined from Envigado, where he had made 67 appearances. The centre back would be a ball player for me. Next in was dual national Emeka Okeke, who arrives from Nigerian giants, Enyimba. The central midfielder holds English and Nigerian nationality, and will immediately fit into the first team setup. Also arriving, from League Two frontrunners, Colchester, was striker, Daniel Beasant. The 19 year old had scored at a goal every 3 games for his former club, and the scouting team rated him highly.

Had a bit of an interesting offer.. I think I'm going to take it, and see where I end up.

With the move to the Championship, we were short in midfield expertise. Lots of the squad were young and a bit inexperienced. We had to break our transfer record to bolster this, with Ethan Galbraith arriving from Linfield for a fee of £325k. With 12 caps for Northern Ireland, he adds international experience as well. We also didn't have a dedicated ball winner for the base of midfield. This was solved in Spain, where Huesca midfielder Cristian Salvador was transfer listed. A £300k fee was agreed, and he joined on a 3 year deal. Two more players left, with Ellis Chapman heading to Birmingham, and Charlie Raglan going to Bradford.

The run to the end of August saw us play a couple of the relegated teams in our first few games. Bournemouth were far too good for us, however, Sheffield United spoiled our first home game in the second tier, with a last minute equalizer. Shortly before our third match of the season, against Coventry, a face who spent time on loan with us in League One joined on a permanent deal, costing £40000 from Rangers. We also attracted attention for Isaac Mabaya, who had developed into a good little player at right back. Leicester were at the front of the queue, and a fee of £2m was negotiated, which would break the clubs transfer fee received record. This included a hefty sell on clause for if he progressed further. At the same time, this cropped up.. The sale of Mabaya went through on the day of the Derby match. From the £2m fee, £300k had to be paid to Liverpool as the sell on clause, but, even then, the remainder would keep us ticking over for the season.

Another new signing to come in, was former Manchester United youngster, Zidane Iqbal. He agreed to come in as a squad player for his first season, which allows me to fit him into the squad alongside Stephen Kelly, who he matches well in attributes, although, he is a little more of a flair based player than the Scot. The media put us as favourites to go back down, and say we'll finish 24th. I'll happily take 20th and stay up, especially given the teams in the Championship. Our total transfer outlay this summer is £-15k, and of that, £15k was spent on a player going back out on loan for the season.

@warlock congrats on the promotion. ------------------- Preparations for Championship football continue. The previous signings all sorted and ready to try and help us remain in the Championship, although, starting the season away at Bournemouth, fresh off their relegation from the Premier League, is a tough way to start things. First up, changes to the backroom staff. Former Slovenian international Robert Koren comes in as U18s manager. The former West Brom and Hull midfielder has a wealth of experience in the player development side of things. In the new U23 setup, former French striker Benjamin Psaume is the manager. Having just retired from playing, his personality trait of Perfectionist will help development. His assistant is former Guingamp player and reserves manager, Claude Michel. Again, like Psaume, he has a decent personality trait (Model Citizen), so will hopefully bring through some decent players. -------------------- One outgoing transfer of note, was goalkeeper Will Norris. He was courted by 3 Premier League teams, despite being not all that good for me, and left for Arsenal for £40k. I'm guessing they're using him for homegrown quota. A signing I actually paid money for, was for young forward, Chris Saunders, from Boston. He'd scored 21 goals last season as they missed out on promotion, as well as providing 7 more for teammates. He'd fit into the first team rotation. July 1st rolls round, which is the start of preseason, as well as being the day that new free transfers arrive from other clubs. Sikou Niakate - Free signing from Arminia Bielefeld, the Malian will play on the left side of the defence, and has the physicality to stand up to the sort of strikers you get in the Championship. Jarrel Quansah - Liverpool academy product, now representing Ghana. Another centre half, although, he is one for a couple of years down the line. Will Fish - Manchester United academy product. Well developed physically and mentally. Will be in the first team squad, and get game time, Jacob Salmon - Young Gibraltan full back, made appearances in the U21s and senior side. Very raw, but, a prospect well worth developing for the future. Jack Henry-Francis - Central midfielder joining from Arsenal. Not afraid to put a boot in, nor cover the ground. Will be used as a backup to Shaw a lot of the time. -------------------- There are a couple more offers in for players, but, most of the movement is for new staff coming in, as well as young players for the U23 setup.

Thanks. It wasn't how I wanted to do it, and I'm sure I've got a little bit of work to do to strengthen some areas, but, I'm up for the challenge. ------------- With promotion sealed, the work begins to fill a few holes in the squad. The aim is to finish just outside the relegation places, but, have a cup run, as that will bring us more money than our 7000 capacity stadium will bring us. Since the Playoff final, plenty of offers have been made to players, with several accepting, as well as the previously mentioned Niakate and Shaw. So, 9th June rolls around, and the following join. Goalkeepers James Ferris - 17 year old Irish U19 goalkeeper, came through at Hamilton. Future prospect, and something to work on. Tom Ritchie - 21 year old Scottish keeper, well thought of by the scouting team, will be 2nd choice. Defenders Mohamed Grayaa - 18 year old on a free from Liverpool. Massive, and will try to develop as a ball playing CB in coming seasons. James Moss - Free transfer from Manchester United. Needs some work on his technique, but, the makings of a decent player. Guillermo Enrique - 24 year old right back, signed on loan from Gimnasia y Esgrima. Well rounded technically, and his physical side will allow him to go up and down the flank all day. Midfielders Patrick Abdulazeez - Diminutive midfielder, joining from Arsenal. Will try to develop into an attacking midfielder so he doesn't have to rely on his lack of strength as much. Jamie Kennedy - 17 year old signed from Glenavon. Needs work technically, but his fitness and agility will help massively. Liam Shaw - As previously mentioned, joins from Celtic on a 4 year deal. Provides height and a bit of physicality to the midfield. Mirko Nikolasevic - Loan signing from Red Star in Serbia. Another really highly rated youngster. Attackers Endri Miftari - 18 year old joining from Chelsea. Has great potential, but needs to work hard to achieve it.w

Rolling on to the end of the season, we got stronger after the signing of O'Hara and the Argentinians. The presence of a strong goalkeeper added some steel to the back line, and with Charlie McNeill winning top scorer in the division, we always presented a threat going forward. As with all teams, there will be a few changes at the end of the season. However, as with all of that, we have the playoffs to contend with first. We staggered in on the last day, with a 3-0 win against Bristol Rovers, with Charlton collapsing, although, our form since the middle of January when O'Hara joined is remarkable. Played 20, won 11, drawn 7 and lost 2, scoring 38 goals, conceding 15, and keeping 9 clean sheets in that time. A disappointment was that Ellis Chapman, one of my promising players (hes been with the club since before I joined) wanted a new contract, and turned down several offers, before wanting over £6.5k a week (something which would have blown my pay scale out of the water. However, that was tempered with Charlie McNeill agreeing to another season on loan with us. The 20 year old leading the league with 22 goals in 40 this season, giving him 37 in 78 in total at the club, something which I hope he'll improve next season. Along with the previously mentioned Niakate, we also moved to strengthen the midfield, as Vlaeminch will return to Argentina, and our options are a little limited, despite Stephen Kelly and Scott Robertson having good seasons, they'll be outmuscled by most midfielders in the division. The way to strengthen the midfield was found in Scotland, reaching the end of his contract at Celtic. At 23 years old, former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Liam Shaw fits our criteria of player, and was more than happy to sign a deal to return to England. His development had stagnated over the last 18 months with very few competitive appearances, but, this allows us to bring him in. As well as Shaw, several players were picked up from Premier League sides at the end of their contracts, mainly to drop into the U18 setup and develop. ------------------- In qualifying for the playoffs, the club achieved its highest ever league position, something which hit the targets set by the board. Of course, taking advantage of the board was also something to do, as the formation of an U23 team was agreed, which, would give the fringe players a great way of remaining fit, as well as developing the youth in the setup even further. ------------------- Before we could focus on the new season, we had two games against Luton Town to deal with. With us being the lowest ranked team, we host the first game. The first leg went far better than expected, running out 3-1 winners, despite Admiral Muskwe pegging us back immediately after taking the lead in the first half. Even Lucas Rebecchi hitting the post 3 times didn't prevent him from scoring and providing an assist. Changing formation mid second half (from a 4-3-1-2 to a 4-3-2-1) actually helped tie down Luton, and we created far more than expected. The second leg was bound to be a different affair, but, Charlie McNeill scored in the 87th minute after Luton went 2-0 up in the first half, to send us to Wembley. The only downside was Franco Deboli spraining his ankle, which means he is likely to miss the final against Millwall. -------- Between the second leg and the final, Ben Chrisene confirmed another season (his 3rd) on loan from Aston Villa. The 20 year old full back would be first choice on the left of the defence whilst we developed the next in line. Chrisene has been one of the more consistent players in the division this year, and has shown a marked improvement over the last 2 years. ---------- The final was against a Millwall team that had been outstanding all season, and we'd both won a game each. The only major player missing was Deboli, but, Lucas Rebecchi moved up front to fill that space. Both of us saw goals disallowed for offside, with Dale Taylors effort in the 113th minute being harshly called back (in my opinion, and the game went to penalties. Shaun Hutchinson missed Millwalls second penalty, and every one of our penalties was scored, with Ellis Chapman scoring the all important winner. I feel theres a lot of preparation to do, but, I'll be aiming to try and stay up. Now. Wheres my list of signings to make?

An area that did need improving was in goal. Will Norris was dependable, however, he wasn't all that great distribution wise, as he was very one footed. A replacement was found in League One, bench warming at league leaders Derby. At 27, he is 3 years younger than Norris, and has definite potential to improve, as well as having a couple of international caps. For a fee of £28000 (the most I've paid for a player so far on this save), Kieran O Hara joins on a 3 year deal. The temptation to shell out lots more money is there, however, we have building blocks in place, and a signing agreed for June that hopefully will help us move forward and to the next level. He was that determined to move away from his current club, that he takes a near £3k pay cut, and will join on a 3 year deal.

Definitely. It may end up becoming my hunting ground once I get settled in the Championship. Pick up players for a decent fee, and move them on afterwards. I see it in a similar way to the Roberto Martinez revolution that happened when he signed for Wigan all those years ago. We were set to make a 4th signing from South America as well, with forward Lucas Rebecchi leaving Vélez to head to the UK.

One of the things that comes up with my backroom staff now (Macedonian Chief scout, as well as a Spanish scout with decent South American knowledge), is the opportunity to find players in areas I wouldn't normally. Some of these were Argentinian, and, even without being able to scout them properly, I was able to see that some of the players available would be more than good enough for League One football, and, the standard of league in Argentina (especially if they were playing in the top flight), would be more than enough to get them a work permit to allow them to play in England. Before I go into recruitment, there was an outgoing player to sort out. Young midfielder Warren O'Leary had come through the youth setup, and made the best part of 50 league and cup appearances for the club. At the beginning of November, he began to attract the attention of Premier League clubs, and after Newcastle and Everton made bids, the 18 year old decided that Goodison Park was his preferred option, and agreed a deal to move there. A fee of £1m, rising to £1.5m, with a friendly and sell on agreed, so a more than profitable agreement there. Defensively, we were short of a centre back, and a left back, which, despite our performances, would leave us short from time to time. One of those issues was solved from our new found knowledge of South America. 22 year old centre back, Yago De Vito will join on a free Jan 1st from Véléz. Whilst not a strong player, he possesses the ball carrying skills that will help me in the middle of the defence. Another signing was made, again, for the January window, after Dale Taylor tore his calf muscle, and would miss a large portion of the season. This would mean that he would return to Nottingham Forest in the window. This time, it was Colón that was looked at, and 23 year old striker, Franco Déboli joining on a free transfer. A slightly more physical presence than I already have in the side, he is good in the air, and I'll look to use him as a hold up for McNeill and Eppiah. Covering for the loss of O'Leary, 20 year old midfielder Enzo Vlaeminch will arrive on loan from Argentinos Juniors until the end of the season. He has decent work rate and passing ability, and combined with his first touch and marking, will be a great disruptor in midfield.

Thats a bonus. At least you get a fair amount in the bank now, even if you're not going to spend a great deal. How do their ambitions look though?

Going back to your comment about a sale of a prospect every couple of seasons, thats how Scunthorpe operated under Wharton (the owner before Swann), basically, aim for the 3rd round of the FA Cup, and sell a prospect every couple of seasons. They did that with Keogh, Sharp, Hooper, Martin Paterson, as well as a few other lesser known players. That kept them in the Championship/League One fight in that time.

Had a week off the save, been pretty unwell and am slowly getting over it. I know @Jogo Bonito loves my policy really. Its not been as radical as other saves I've done, and a lot of it is just trying to stay within financial constraints, whilst improving the team (which is why I'm pushing the loans as hard as I can). Since I've taken over, we've raised £250k in incoming fees, whilst spending £27.5k, making a healthy budgetary margin, allowing us to push our expenditure slightly further. Once again, we're looking for mid table mediocrity, maybe even have a shot at the Play Offs. A cup run would be nice, especially making it to the 3rd Round of the FA Cup away at one of the bigger grounds, so we can have a decent share of receipts. Another departure, for financial purposes, was second choice right back, Sean Long. He was happy being a backup at the club, however, an offer of £100k from Derby for him, as he entered the last year of his contract was a big win for us. Next up, club captain Will Boyle was the subject of an offer from Dundee. He said that he wanted to leave, as Dundee were playing in the SPL. A fee reaching £160k was agreed, and off he went, adding more money to the coffers. The SPL side also came in for wing back, Ben Williams. The 24 year old departing for just over £100k. With Darikwa able to play on both sides, we were slightly short at full back, however, theres a list of things that will be getting looked at, and if a signing isn't able to be made by the end of the window, we'll be OK.

As preparation for the season continues, another signing for the defence comes in, this time, experienced full back, Tendayi Darikwa. Also coming in, forward Jake Scrimshaw arrives on a free after leaving Bournemouth. Also arriving, from Watford on a free. Striker, JJ McKiernan. The Northern Irish forward on a 1 year deal so he can develop alongside my forwards.

A 9th place finish in League One, was the highest the club had ever finished in the League pyramid. It gave us a target to improve on. A couple more free signings were made ready for the new season. Kelly would drop into first team contention, and Mabaya would retrain as a winger/full back. There was a need for another Striker, as well as wing backs and a sitting midfielder, so, the end of contract and loan markets were there for exploring. With the left back and striker option, I chose to renew the loan deals for Ben Chrisene and Charlie McNeill. Both were familiar with the setup I played, and as well as that, they were keen to extend terms. As part of my scouting range includes France and Germany, I've been keeping an eye on those areas for any potential deals. My minimal budget was going to limit me to free transfers and loans for the foreseeable future A second striker loan to come in, was that of Dale Taylor, from Nottingham Forest. The young Northern Irish striker is really well thought of at The City Ground, and as such, should fit in well alongside McNeill. Also arriving was Man City defensive midfielder, Mahamadou Susoho. The Spanish midfielder looking to move his development on. On a free transfer, Opi Edwards joins from rivals Forest Green. He'll be training as a full back.

The first business of the window for us, was an outgoing one. Goalkeeper Owen Evans had attracted SPL and Championship attention with his performances, and it was to the Championship he went, with Sheffield United paying £120k for the 26 year old. We had a replacement available in Dimitar Mitov, but, I wanted to test the water and see if there was a better goalkeeper available for the rest of the season, as Mitov had missed 4 months due to a broken leg he suffered in a friendly, only returning to the squad at Christmas. For a goalkeeper, I wasn't going to stick to my unofficial rule of buying players 25 and under, as a player with more experience is definitely what I want behind my young defence. With that in mind, Will Norris was signed for a nominal fee from Burnley, the 29 year old having wanted a new challenge away from Turf Moor. Also coming in, for a fee of £20k, was attacker, Josh Eppiah, a 24 year old who leaves Leicester to come to us. The aim of these signings is to slowly increase the standard of the squad, whilst not weakening it in the short term. Appiah is definitely a signing that does that.

In the run up to the Christmas period, with the focus being on the World Cup for Championship and Premier League teams, we had a mini injury crisis. Firstly, Charlie McNeill twisted his ankle in a match in early November, and will be out until January. Lazar Stojsavljevic suffered his second pulled groin in as many months, and misses a month this time out, and Akin Famewo pulled his back and will miss a month. With my defence thinning due to these injuries, a few scout reports were looked at for players on a free (specifically focussing on not needing work permits). Of those, former Chelsea defender, Jake Clarke-Salter stood out. A large proportion of his recent match experience was in the Championship, and this would come in handy for the next few months, especially if I was going to have a few fitness problems in the back 4. We also made our first precontract signing for the end of the season, with Scott Robertson agreeing a deal to move from Celtic. The diminutive midfielder agreeing a 3 year deal. So. January rolls round, we're in 9th place in the league, and just about to play Aston Villa in the FA Cup. Thats going to make us a bit of money to keep things going well.